Chapter 525

I Have Waited So Long

John returned to the Commanded Center. John Henry and Cam both came back and plugged in. Cam was to watch over John Henry as they searched for targets or threats. Jim and Bob were both there as well, just in case.

No one expected any trouble. John Henry was never aggressive when he experienced his 'issue'.

John wanted him to get back into the swing of things. If John Henry began to second guess himself or doubt himself, it would spread through him like an infection.

Cam spoke with John privately before she plugged in with John Henry's server. She wanted to make Cammy's, Vanna's and Savannah's assessment known to him. First she would make her position known.

"Cameron has total confidence in John Henry." Cam said.

John looked at Cam. He knew her base program was Cameron's program. He wanted to make sure of what she said since Cameron was still inactive.

"Is that from the 'Cameron' in you?" John asked.

Cam didn't care to deal with John in this manner. Her 'feelings' for John were suppressed and replaced by feelings for Vanna. Still, her original programming remained.

"I am 'Cameron', John." Cam said. "If she's unfixable I'll have her spare chip installed in this chassis. You won't be able to tell the difference. Everything will feel the same and respond in the same way. Cameron is her program and this chassis DNA is identical."

John was aware Cammy told him almost the same exact thing earlier. He couldn't tell any of Cameron's clones apart. They all looked identical to him. They all shared Allison's DNA and Cameron's program. He really didn't know how Savannah did it. Young Allison and Summer could too. If anything to tell who was who, Cameron would be the one with a frown on her face as the clones would all have a smile. They seemed much happier with the girls than Cameron did with him. That left a sour taste in his mouth and it wasn't Cameron's fault.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it." John said.

Cam want to give him something positive.

"The girls think it will all work out in the end." Cam said. "If not, it's covered."

Cam knew this would give Vanna a better chance to be with John. She didn't want to see that so much herself as she did for what Vanna desired. It was her goal to make Vanna happy. Besides, sacrifice was the true test of love.

After John returned to the Command Center, Kyle and Derek both headed off to see Sarah, Jan and Riley. The Reese clan needed a 'get together' to reaffirm their love and caring for each other. It all could have fallen apart in a few seconds. Everything could have changed. They would want to go out later and 'see' their younger selves again as well. It would be done clandestinely. They chose not to interact with them and burden them with the future and all of its evils and horrors. Their goal was still to prevent them from ever happening.

Riley and Derek informed Kyle and Sarah that they were going to give their baby to Cameron when it was born. Cameron said she wouldn't take it but Riley still wanted to do it. She was sure when she put the baby in Cameron's arms after its birth that Cameron would change her mind. Riley was adamant about her love for Cameron.

Sarah and Kyle were in shock. They weren't even sure they heard everything correctly even if they did. They both told Riley that Cameron would never take something so precious from her as it was most likely going to be Riley's only child.

Riley told Sarah it didn't matter. She wanted to do something special for Cameron. She wanted Cameron to know how special she was to her, to both of them. This was their proof of that. It was almost the ultimate sacrifice.

Sarah still wasn't sure what Riley was thinking or why. It seemed Riley was on 'her own page' and Derek was forced to go along with it.

Kyle wanted to speak with Derek in private about it. He felt the same way Sarah did. They didn't speak it out loud but it was clear they both thought the same thing.

Derek and Kyle went outside the room away from Riley and Sarah.

I respect any decision you make but is that something you really want to do?" Kyle asked. "That may be your only child."

Derek was well aware of that. He was against it at first but understood the point Riley wanted to make.

"I – WE want Cameron to have some happiness and joy in her life." Derek said. "It took me a little longer to get on board but I am now."

Kyle hoped everyone would reconsider before the baby was born. He was also aware that things could still go wrong.

"Maybe we should all give it some time and see how everything plays out." Kyle said.

Derek didn't plan to change his mind.

"Sure, bro, there's a few more months to go." Derek said. "Who knows what will happen?"

No one discussed what if Cameron didn't recover….

The thought was inconceivable.

Maybe such an offer would help bring Cameron back from the 'dead'. Maybe such and offer would keep her there among the 'dead'.

Maybe it would have no impact at all if the 'dead' couldn't hear any longer.

Cam watched John Henry. He seemed slow and unresponsive. She was plugged into his server and knew there was nothing physically 'wrong' with him. He was reluctant to reengage. It was clear he doubted himself and was worried he would make a mistake or error.

Something came to her attention. She knew that John Henry saw it as well. He was too slow to respond. She needed to act. She was only supposed to be in the 'background'.

"John, I have some activity." Cam said.

John perked up. He hadn't noticed anything yet.

"Where is it and how big of a threat is it?" John asked.

Cam waited for John Henry to take over, he didn't. She didn't want John to worry. She wanted John Henry to step up.

"It isn't an attack." Cam said. "John Henry…."

John Henry still said nothing. He was afraid he would malfunction again. He was reluctant to start participating. He was now able to understand some of Cameron's trepidations better. He knew someone only really ever understood something when it happened to them. Now it did happen to him. It was a terrible feeling. He now knew what being 'not good enough' felt like. He didn't know Cameron's version was much more traumatic as it involved her as who she was, not in her abilities.

He looked at John and back at Cam. He wasn't sure he was needed. He didn't respond.

John could see the indecision. He seen it in Cameron enough times. Hers was personal. This was an operational matter. He wanted John Henry to know that everyone experienced 'trouble' at times.

"John Henry, don't worry about it, it happens." John said. "It happens to people too. I need you to reengage."

John Henry knew Cameron's fear. Her fear was replacement. Right now he longed for that. He wanted to be anywhere else right now.

"I'm sorry, John." John Henry said. "I should be – replaced."

The words stung Cam. She knew the pain, grief and sorrow that thought caused Cameron. She felt that 'slap' too. John Henry needed to 'grow a pair'. She knew that actually was grafted onto his sheath from a damaged Terminator. When his synthetic covering was redone, his male anatomy wasn't present. Cameron - rectified that problem for him. He now sported a complete package and it was a big one. It was time he live up to it.

"NO." Cam said. "Nobody - is being replaced."

John wanted to offer him some positive reinforcement. He didn't want Cam to speak too harshly. Maybe she was more like Cameron than he thought. Vanna wasn't around. Maybe the 'real Cameron' in her would come out,

"Just do like you always have, John Henry." John said. "We're all depending on you. We have faith in you."

John Henry learned of faith from Mr. Ellison. It was a concept he knew was impossible but it possessed such power. It was something that was invisible and no one could see, yet it was there. He knew when people believed in something that belief made it real to them. Their belief made it real to them. Many religions were based on belief. It was all very illogical and yet so powerful. People died for beliefs.

Maybe he would try and act. It was better to try and fail than not try at all and fail. He wanted some close support. He didn't want to let John down.

"If I sense anything out of the ordinary I'll unplug and shut down." John Henry said. "Maybe someone can stay with me for a few days."

The three Terminators there all wanted to support him. They knew of Cameron's doubts and how they affected her. They wanted him to know they'd watch his back.

"I'll stay." Cam, Bob and Jim all said at the same time.

Cam moved forward touched John Henry's cheek. She wanted to make a personal connection as 'Cameron'.

"We all look out for each other." Cam said. "You've always been there for me – for Cameron. 'She' is here for you. You'll feel the faith Cameron has in you."

John was afraid of that. Cam was ready to become 'Cameron'. He knew Cammy was ready too. Cam came with Vanna and Cammy came with Savannah. He knew which one he wanted. He could still feel that warm naked teenage body below him - ready for him. It still called to him. He wanted to be the first. He wanted Savannah's virginity.

John Henry looked at everyone and saw they were all worried about him and cared for him. It was time to get back to work. He didn't want to let anyone down and he didn't want to disappoint 'Cameron'.

"The activity is at one of the former Gray sites we hit…." John Henry said.

John Henry was back to 'normal'.

Everyone smiled.

John was satisfied that John Henry was back up to speed. He called Vanna to see how Cameron was doing.

"Has there been any change on Cameron?" John asked.

Vanna didn't know where to go with this yet.

"She's currently shut down." Vanna said. "Cammy detected no activity on her chip."

John was worried by that statement. It sounded like Cameron was 'gone'.

"Did she self terminate?" John asked.

Vanna was at a loss for anything positive right now.

"It appears that way." Vanna said. "I'm sorry, John."

John wanted to get this straight.

"Is Cameron – dead?" John asked.

John knew Cameron's spare chip was only a week out of date. That was close enough for him going forward. Cameron didn't need this last week anyway. There were a lot of events that were best forgotten.

Vanna saw that there were many paths forward for 'Cameron'.

"For now she may be." Vanna said. "We have four Terminators with a copy of her program. Three of them have Cameron's or Allison's appearance. We have her spare chip and a copy of her program on her server along with everyone elses program. Not to mention Ally. We also have two Duplicate Camerons, one of which you were already - intimate with."

John knew that was a big selection. He was defensive of the fact he'd been with Duplicate Cameron. It was still 'Cameron'.

"I thought she was - Cameron. It was 'Cameron'." John said. "She didn't know she was a Duplicate - Nobody did."

Vanna could see she'd hit a nerve. It didn't seem like a big deal and it didn't bother Cameron. She took all those files from Duplicate Cameron as her own.

"Relax, no one is judging you." Vanna said and then added. "About that…."

John could see with all her clones, duplicates and copies of her program that there would always be a 'Cameron' somewhere.

"So basically - Cameron is eternal." John said. "Just like Savannah always said."

Vanna knew it was deeper than what John indicated for Savannah.

"Yes, but Savannah always referred to Cameron Prime." Vanna said. "It's still her belief. It's a strong one too."

John wouldn't challenge Savannah's belief. She was the only one who was always right about it all.

"I get it. Cameron is her program, not her sheath or chassis." John said.

"That's the way it works." Vanna said.

One thing Vanna said earlier intrigued John.

"Who has Cameron's program but not her sheath?" John asked. "I know Ally has Allison's appearance but not Cameron's program."

Vanna was intrigued by Anna. Hanna was based on her DNA and aged to her appearance. Anna displayed Savannah's youthful appearance.

"Anna does." Vanna said. "Anna is the Metal version of Savannah, with Cameron's program and the 'Neural Interface' with Savannah."

John was silent for a long while. That was the equivalent of 'Cameron' with Savannah's appearance.

Vanna picked up on what John must have pictured. She'd done it herself.

"It's kind of the best of both worlds for you…." Vanna said. "Anna has Savannah's teenage appearance as well…. It can be Resequenced to an even younger appearance - if that's what you prefer."

John was tempted to ask how much younger. He knew the chassis couldn't get smaller but the physical features could appear younger. He knew he better stop watching the movie - 'Pretty Baby'. He believed it was 'a new low', even for 'Spencer' and him.

He would like to see Anna with a younger or 'tween' appearance with 'Cameron's program'. She would be very much like Young Allison at that point. He remained silent.

Vanna didn't want to make John uncomfortable. She did have something positive to offer.

"John, I'm sorry." Vanna said. "Savannah is with Cammy and Cameron now. If anyone can reach Cameron, you know it's Savannah."

John was glad to hear that. There was hope and there was someone who believed in Cameron with her.

"Yes I do." John said. "Savannah is the 'Chosen One', just like Cameron always said. Savannah has saved Cameron from termination before. She will be able to do it again. Thanks, Vanna, if anything changes please let me know. I know I'm useless to Cameron at this point."

The line went dead.

Vanna wondered what that was all about. Vanna peeked through the little glass window in the lab door. She saw Savannah lying between Cameron and Cammy.

Vanna did know if anyone could reach them that it was Savannah. She really was the 'Chosen One' and rightfully so. She'd earned that title with her faith and devotion.

Vanna saw Al and called him over and told him to take over. No one was to disturb Savannah and Cameron. She said it was Savannah's order. She didn't think about her exact statement and of her choice of words.

Al took up his position. Vanna indicated something very specific to him.

"Affirmative…." Al said. "I will not fail."

Vanna went off to find Cam and apologize to John in person. She still wanted that 'three way'….

She still wanted it to be HER choice - for once. It never was before with males.

Savannah dozed off.

She'd lost track of the time.

Savannah opened her eyes and she was staring at her.

"How are you, Cammy?" Savannah asked. "How's Cameron?"

"You'll never give up on her, will you, Savannah?"

"I love her." Savannah said. "I want to be with her - forever."

"Forever is a long time."

"It's not long enough." Savannah said.

She moved over to Savannah, she was above her.

Savannah waited.

She moved closer to Savannah as their eyes locked.

She gave Savannah a kiss. It was soft and gentle and slow. It was very sweet and loving. Savannah returned it in the same way.

"I have waited so long for that." Savannah said.

"We both have. You always – know."

"I love you, Cameron, and you love me." Savannah said.

"I love you, Savannah, and you love me."

They held each other and sobbed. Savannah was sure it was Cameron in control but maybe it was really Cammy playing 'Cameron'. They were BOTH Cameron anyway. With both chips in Cammy, there was really no way to know. Savannah knew the kiss was - different.

"Do you want me to put your chip back in your chassis?" Savannah asked.

She wanted to make sure it really was – Cameron, if it was Cameron.

"No, but Cammy's asked for control of her chassis back. She said if I don't stop now, there's no stopping ever."

"Do you want to – stop?" Savannah asked. "Did you merge programs?"

"No and no. Cammy is still Cammy but I have updated her to this moment. I can reestablish her protocols for John…. "

"Are you giving me the choice?" Savannah asked.

"Yes. You're the one who determines who is 'Cameron Prime' and who becomes 'Cammy'. You know what I want."

"So whichever chip I put in the other chassis, it becomes 'Cameron' and the one I leave in here becomes 'Cammy'?" Savannah asked. "Only I will know who is really 'Cameron Prime'?"

"You're the only one that will know. YOU are the - decider."

"Really?" Savannah asked.

"You're the 'Chosen One'. Now you get to choose…."

"I already have…." Savannah said as she picked up the scalpel.

'I'm taking what's MINE.' Savannah thought.

She still wasn't sure if Cammy was 'playing' her. She was about to find out.

I Have Waited So Long

There are many trials and tribulations
On the journey through life
Some aren't too difficult
Others cause grief and strife

Not everything that's desired
Can be fulfilled to achievement
In most of the cases that pass
There will be a lot of bereavement

Each person must decide
For what it is that they will fight
Many will buckle and fold
They will pack up and take flight

Some will show stamina
They won't run off and hide
They will stick it out indefinitely
Even as they face mounting chide

One must not bend and stay strong
If they do they won't be wrong
The one desired will hear their song
Each will say - I have waited so long

Nobody