Chapter 961

Say Her Name

Cameron went back to Riley's room.

Derek and Riley were both tired and tried to sleep. Vanna, Allison and Claire took Precious to the next room.

Vanna looked at Claire and Allison. They could get some rest or hook up with the other girls.

"You two can go back to bed." Vanna said. "I have this."

Allison wanted to stay with Vanna. Her mother could go elsewhere. There was another adventure waiting for her in Vanna's room.

"I'll remain with you, Vanna." Allison said. "Mom, maybe you can go 'rest' in our room…."

That sounded exciting to Claire. She didn't want to impose, even if she did.

"You two don't mind?" Claire asked.

Claire was aware of who was already there. Cameron told them what was occurring there.

"We share everything." Vanna said. "It brings us closer together."

Claire wanted to make sure this was OK, especially with the underlying circumstances. Everything seemed to be under control now. She checked with Cameron who silently nodded. She checked Precious herself one more time. She looked at Cameron, Vanna and Allison. She smiled and left.

Exactly two hours after Cameron told Samantha to report for duty, she was there. She came in through the room Allison and Vanna were in. They were supposed to be taking turns sleeping. Vanna didn't wake Allison for her turn. She decided to take it instead and let Allison rest. She wanted Derek and Riley to rest also.

Cameron met Samantha in the other room. She wanted to make sure they weren't going to be any problems.

"Are you updated on everything?" Cameron asked.

Samantha was pleased that she wasn't going to be deactivated. She was given a new assignment to watch over Precious and Riley.

"I am. Thank you." Samantha said. "I mean for 'everything' too."

Cameron smiled at her. She was afraid this would be a big intrusion on Derek and Riley's life. It shouldn't be a problem that Samantha was a Terminator. Samantha contained parts of her program from the Metal girls they all dealt with every day. She was a combination of all of them but not a copy of any of them. She certainly didn't want another Terminator based on her program. Cammy was a painful reminder of what it was like to be 'her'.

"I don't know what will happen here or how you'll be accepted." Cameron said. "This is a 'test'."

Samantha understood the magnitude of having an additional person suddenly thrust into the middle of someone's life.

"I understand." Samantha said. "This is a big direction change in their lives. I don't want it to be an intrusion."

Cameron didn't want any unnecessary issues to develop. Derek and Riley experienced a very strained relationship for the last few months of Riley's pregnancy. It wasn't much better now. Derek and Riley both may try to become involved with Samantha if she was there all the time. It would be the natural path for all of them to follow. If they were all in close contact and association with each other, it would make things easier to happen with the three of them. Precious came first. She wanted Samantha to be treated with a 'hands off' policy by everyone. It seemed like the best course of action. She wanted to make everything perfectly clear to Samantha.

"You have very strict boundaries." Cameron said. "If you violate any of them, you'll be deactivated."

Cameron went over all of them. There were a lot of things Samantha wouldn't be doing. That's why Cameron allowed the 'extra time' for Samantha to share with Cam, Holly and Gail. Claire was a bonus that happened at the last minute.

After what she'd just experienced tonight, Samantha thought that was a hard sell. The clencher was her being able to be around Precious and help tend to her. What it all came down to was that either she followed Cameron's rules or she ended up deactivated.

"I accept my assignment." Samantha said. "I'll remain celibate during this mission. Precious comes first."

Cameron smiled. Maybe once things settled down and Derek and Riley got everything back together things could change for Samantha. She knew Anna was dissatisfied with her lack of 'sharing'. In Anna's case, Cameron couldn't help but think about how much it was like Savannah felt when she'd told her that she needed somebody. That somebody quickly became Young Jesse. It was followed immediately by Cammy and shortly after that by everyone else. She smiled to herself with that thought. She wanted Savannah to experience as much love as possible. She never wanted Savannah to feel like she did.

She was still worried about the problem they encountered with Isabel's sheath. Through some type of facial recognition program, Skynet was able to identify 'Isabel'. They took a bold and desperate attempt to get her back or destroy her. That led to a very serious encounter with Claire, Young Allison and Isabel-Cameron.

"You're not to leave this facility until your sheath is Resequenced." Cameron said. "I don't want a repeat of what almost happened before around Precious."

Samantha was aware of the incident and how some last second intervention by Cameron, John and Bob was able to end the threat.

"I understand." Samantha said.

Previously, Samantha asked Cameron about Resequencing her sheath. She wanted to be able to pick her own doppelganger. She told Samantha to think about it carefully and then let her know. She didn't want it to be based on her DNA either.

"Have you selected a female?" Cameron asked.

Samantha knew who she wanted to look like from the moment of her first repair. It was also the last person she touched sexually.

"I want to look like Claire." Samantha said.

Cameron didn't say anything at first. That wasn't the response she'd expected. She wondered about any complications going forward.

"Have you discussed this with her?" Cameron finally asked.

Samantha did talk it over with Claire. There were a few conditions that were set. She was also aware that there was an older 'Neural Interface' program that Claire had done. If everyone agreed to it, she would want an updated version of the 'Neural Interface' with Claire.

"Yes. I was with her earlier and for the last two hours." Samantha said. "She said I needed to get permission from all 'three' of her daughters."

Cameron would leave that up to them to figure out. She was a little worried where a Terminator in standby should be located in someone's quarters. She didn't want it to be overbearing or intimidating. She didn't want her kept in a closet either.

"You'll sit at the table by Vanna and go into standby." Cameron said.

Samantha thought it would be better if she was more out of the way.

"I can stand in the corner." Samantha said.

Cameron didn't think that that was a good idea. She wanted to make sure that all of Samantha's responsibilities were centered around Precious.

"That will disturb some people." Cameron said. "You will close your eyes and reactivate upon hearing your name. You will ignore all other conversations. If Precious cries for more than fifteen seconds you will activate and investigate. You will follow the instructions of Derek and Riley. If there is an attack or an alert, it is your function to protect Precious."

Samantha understood that statement to mean that Derek and Riley didn't come first. If she could assist them to escape she would, if not, she would take Precious and go. She was to fight only if it was necessary to remove Precious from the danger zone. It all seemed pretty straightforward to her.

"I will not fail." Samantha said. "I understand the importance of my assignment and my commitment to Precious."

Cameron wanted to get Samantha quickly established. She also looked forward to the outfits Samantha would wear if she was Resequenced with Claire's DNA. She wanted to make her look a little more provocative and sexy than Claire normally dressed.

"I'll have everyone donate some clothes to you until you're Resequenced. I'll go shopping with you then." Cameron said.

Samantha wanted to dress like Claire. She didn't know that Cameron had other plans for her.

"Can Claire come with us?" Samantha asked.

Cameron liked the idea of that. She would be able to entice Claire to dress a little more revealing and sexy if they went shopping together. She wanted to make sure John could clearly see what would be available to him if he were to 'share' with Claire.

"Yes." Cameron said. "If she wants to, I think that will work out nicely."

Samantha wanted to be as much like Claire as possible. The 'Neural Interface' file of Claire had been stripped down of a lot of components. She wasn't sure why.

"I want to do an updated 'Neural Interface' with Claire." Samantha said. "The file that was there from before was incomplete."

Cameron didn't want to discuss the 'Neural Interface' file that currently existed. She needed some basic components from it previously but she wasn't willing to discuss what for with anyone. She wanted to remind Samantha that everyone needed to be on board.

"It will be so." Cameron said. "That's if everyone agrees."

Samantha smiled.

Cameron wondered about the choice. It didn't need to be from their group. It could have been from anyone on the outside including a celebrity. Obtaining a DNA sample wouldn't be hard to do from any of them. Any of the female infiltration units could get close enough to interact with any other female and obtain what was necessary.

"Why did you ask Claire?" Cameron asked.

Samantha had been very pleased with the care and concern that Claire showed her as she'd stitched her up previously.

"She was my first 'hands on' human contact." Samantha said. "She fixed me up so I healed nicely. She also asked me."

Cameron was curious as to why Claire would ask her. Many humans were repulsed by the idea of having a Terminator who looked like them. Maybe it was because they were afraid they would be replaced by that 'look alike' Terminator.

"Did she say why?" Cameron asked.

Samantha actually found the idea quite sobering per Claire's request.

"She wants me to be a 'mother' to Summer and her other daughters if she is terminated." Samantha said. "She wants to make sure that the girls are protected in a Skynet future."

Cameron understood Claire never wanted what happened to Vanna, Jesse and Allison to happen to Summer or Young Allison. Summer would still have her 'mother' and a Terminator for a protector. That would mean Summer would be with Derek, Riley and Precious too if they all survived.

"It will be so." Cameron said. "I'll accompany you when you speak to the three girls."

Samantha's mixed program told her that wasn't a good idea for an accurate result.

"I want to do it on my own." Samantha said.

Cameron tilted her head slightly. she quickly deduced what Samantha saw as a 'problem'.

"You think my presence will influence their decision." Cameron said.

Samantha was sure of it. Everyone wanted to please Cameron.

"Yes." Samantha said. "I want honest input and answers."

Cameron nodded in acknowledgement. It was an effective strategy.

"You're very wise." Cameron said.

Samantha felt she contained a wide selection of programming. Two of the Terminators she received information from were created as Restorators. Their way of thinking was very different from that of a reprogrammed Skynet Terminator.

"I have the best programming." Samantha said.

Cameron thought there could be an exception to the 'hands off rule.' The extra interaction would allow Samantha to become as much like Claire as possible. It would benefit Summer in the long run.

"Claire will be allowed to 'visit' you when it's appropriate." Cameron said. "Things will need to stabilize here first."

Samantha was pleased with that idea. With a current 'Neural Interface' program and repeated personal interaction with Claire, It would make her more like Claire in every way.

Vanna sat as she nursed Precious and listened to the entire exchange. She knew there was no coercion on Cameron's part.

Samantha looked over at Vanna. She wondered if there was going to be any problem.

Cameron anticipated Samantha's concern.

"I trust Vanna with my existence, my life." Cameron said. "She has always been there for me in times of need. She will always be there for me when I need her."

Vanna smiled at them.

Samantha understood that to mean that Vanna could be trusted completely for everything.

"Then I do as well." Samantha said. "She is based on the 'Chosen One'."

Cameron tilted her head slightly. Vanna was Savannah Weaver too. It was a logical assumption.

"I guess that's one way to look at it." Cameron said.

Samantha sat down and went into standby.

Vanna looked Samantha over for a few moments. She thought it was a shame that her sheath needed to be Resequenced. She was very beautiful on her own accord.

"So she will just sit there until her name is called or said?" Vanna asked.

Cameron hoped for a smooth transition but knew it wasn't guaranteed. There were bound to be some rough spots if not some awkward one's.

"Yes." Cameron said. "I need to work Derek and Riley into her 'presence' slowly. I'm afraid there will be some tension there at first. Maybe some other issues will develop."

Vanna caught the drift. She believed that she knew both Derek and Riley very well. She certainly knew Derek very well. He may not be the most refined individual but he was one of honor and respect. She was aware of where Riley's true desires resided. There'd been times when they'd almost shared. It was only because she didn't want to 'hurt' Cameron that it didn't happen on her part. She felt it was very unfair to Riley but she needed to help protect Cameron.

"Derek won't touch her but Riley may try at some point." Vanna said. "She still tries to hook up with the Metal girls at times."

Cameron provided Riley a 'mate' with Derek. That should be good enough for her, for them. Maybe it wasn't.

"I'm aware of Riley's 'encounters' and attempts with some of the other Metal girls. They have all been warned they will be deactivated if they are involved again." Cameron said.

Vanna didn't want to get anyone in trouble. She believed Riley's past encounter was very specific. She couldn't help but think that that was probably partly her fault. It was Hanna. Hanna had done the 'Neural Interface' with her. She personally had an insatiable appetite for all females. Hanna clearly picked up that trait as well.

"I think it was only Hanna. I'm sure that actually falls back on me in that case. I apologize for that." Vanna said. "Riley was sweet on Holly and knew Hanna shared Holly's program…. It's clear that Hanna shared my personal desires."

That was a level of understanding and respect on Riley's part. It showed she understood the 'program' was the Terminator, not the chassis or the sheath. THAT seemed to be something John was unable to comprehend. Cameron decided she needed to do some chip swaps in front of John with some of the other Metal girls. That way he would know it was her program in a different chassis. That meant nothing was different and she was still the same. She would see if any of the male Terminators would like to participate as well…. She'd picked up on John's growing desire for a 'same sex' encounter. She wasn't really sure about what he was after in that regard.

"Riley understood it was still a version of Holly, even though they were now 'different' and their sheaths were different." Cameron said.

Vanna thought back on her first interaction with Cameron. She'd been trapped in a 'metal box' and separated from her chassis and heavily damaged sheath. It hadn't taken her long to fall in love with the 'program' she communicated with inside of the server. She recognized Cameron for the unique individual she was, even when she consisted only of electricity.

"We all understand your programs are what make each of you who you are, not your chassis or sheath." Vanna said. "You are who you are even if you are trapped in a server."

Cameron walked out without saying anything else.

Vanna wasn't sure if she'd said something wrong. She knew that had been a rough period for Cameron.

It wasn't what Vanna said that made Cameron upset. It was thinking about what everyone else knew and comprehended. Cameron was angry at John again for rejecting 'her program' when it was in a different sheath. She'd really wanted to be with him when she's been in Isabel's chassis. She was a little worried that she might have offended Vanna by leaving abruptly. She didn't want to leave on that note. Vanna hadn't done anything wrong.

Cameron popped back it and told Vanna she was off to see John and everything was fine.

Vanna doubled it but was glad it wasn't her or what she'd said that upset Cameron. There were still many demons Cameron needed to slay in her mind. She really wondered if Cameron would ever be able to do that. She strongly doubted it.

Vanna left the door open to Derek's room all night. She heard some noise and looked at the time. It was morning now. She may have dozed off a few times.

Allison woke up and wanted to know if it was time for her turn. Vanna told her it would be soon. She told her to go back to sleep. She hadn't noticed Samantha sitting at the table.

Derek popped his head in and Vanna smiled at him.

He noticed Samantha sitting there.

Vanna put Precious down in the crib that was in the room and went into Derek's room. She looked around but didn't spot Riley. She thought it was prudent to inquire.

"How's Riley?" Vanna asked.

Derek looked back towards the bedroom area.

"She's sleeping, finally." Derek said. "What's her story?"

Derek indicated Samantha sitting in the chair with her eyes closed.

Vanna hoped that Derek wouldn't be freaked out by. She was a Terminator after all.

"That's Samantha, she shares programming from Cameron, Cam, Holly and Gail." Vanna said. "She's to assist Riley and you. She's currently in standby. It takes her fifteen seconds for her to reboot when you need her."

Derek eyed Samantha's sheath. It was quite pleasant.

Vanna noticed. She didn't know exactly what the nature of Derek's and Riley's relationship currently was.

"She will assume a different appearance over time once she's Resequenced." Vanna said.

Derek's eyes lingered a little longer on Samantha's features.

"That's too bad, she's beautiful." Derek said.

Vanna wanted to keep Derek focused. She didn't want any trouble for Samantha either.

"So is Riley." Vanna said.

Vanna didn't want Derek to start out on the wrong path.

Derek knew he needed to get it together. This was someone to help Riley and Precious. This was a job for Samantha. He needed to remember Cameron did this to help them.

"How do we 'start' her?" Derek asked.

Vanna remembered what Cameron said. It seemed pretty straightforward to her.

"Say her name." Vanna said. "I think she will also activate if Precious cries for more than fifteen seconds. She will come to investigate or assist."

Derek wondered what the extent of her domestic function would actually be.

"So if I want her to fix breakfast for Riley, all I need to do is say her name?" Derek asked.

Vanna hadn't actually thought of it that way but it would work. The more rest Riley could get would to help her recover and get back to her old self, hopefully.

"Yes." Vanna said. "She's to take all the pressure off of Riley. She will attend to Precious when necessary. Jesse, Allison, Claire or I will come as well. Please call us before there's a problem. I can ask Samantha to notify us as well if she detects any 'problems'. She will go into standby whenever you tell her to do so. This is so she won't disrupt your life any more than necessary. Derek, she's here to help Riley and Precious. Cameron is trying to help all of you. She doesn't want Riley to have a complete breakdown. She feels it would be very hard for her to recover from that."

Derek did understand Cameron wanted to help Riley. He needed to agree with Cameron's assessment that if Riley had a big break down, it would be very difficult for her to recover from. He understood this was pre-emptive action on Cameron's part. He realized it was an effective strategy.

"It may take some getting used to." Derek said.

Vanna wanted Derek to remember what this was all about and that Samantha wasn't the only one there to help them.

"This is to help all three of you." Vanna said. "The same as we are going to do."

Derek hoped his earlier comments hadn't been rude.

"I already feel bad." Derek said.

Vanna wanted him to interact with Samantha. She wanted him to activate her.

"Call her." Vanna said. "Give it a try and let's see how it works."

Precious started to cry.

"Wait." Vanna said. "Let's see what happens. I haven't tried this part yet."

Vanna and Derek watched. In exactly fifteen seconds Samantha opened her eyes. She stood and went to Precious. She looked at her and made an evaluation. She carefully changed her. Precious soon fell asleep and Samantha sat down and went back into standby.

Derek could see how beneficial that would be at night. Not just for Riley but for any of the girls that were there to help.

"What if Precious is hungry?" Derek asked.

Vanna felt the protocol that was established was a good one.

"She will check with Riley. If Riley is unavailable for any reason, she will call Jesse or me." Vanna said. "We're all here to help Precious."

Derek looked over at Samantha who was in standby at the table.

"Thank You." Derek said. "I feel really bad about her just having to sit there."

Vanna was sure in a few days that they would develop a good working relationship with Samantha.

"You can integrate her into your lifestyle more as you both get more comfortable with her. She's really very nice." Vanna said. "Cameron warned her she will be deactivated if there is anything 'inappropriate' done."

Derek understood that meant if it was anything 'inappropriate' done by Riley or him. He knew it wasn't polite to look a gift horse in the mouth or anywhere else for that matter in this case.

John opened his eyes. He looked over and Cameron was in bed next to him. He reached over and touched her belly, it was flat. John let out a sigh of relief. He tried to think back on the events of last night.

Cameron wondered what that was all about. She felt he was checking for 'someone else'.

"Were you expecting someone different?" Cameron asked. "My sheath is currently undamaged and I don't have any scars."

John looked Cameron over in detail. He wanted to be positive it was really her.

"I wanted to make sure you weren't Young Allison." John said.

Cameron tilted her head slightly. She quickly reached up and cupped her breasts. They were still the same size.

"Young Allison and Savannah are both sleeping." Cameron said.

John thought about what Cameron just said for a few seconds. He wanted a little clarification.

"Do you mean with each other in the same bed?" John asked.

Cameron felt her statement was quite clear and accurate.

"Yes." Cameron said.

John started to pinch himself.

Cameron sat up a little as she watched him. She wasn't exactly sure what was going on.

She Doesn't

It seems every new day
Turns into some kind of struggle
You now have a choice
With who you choose to snuggle

I am here
You know why
Why is she here
Except to spout another lie

I already told you
She's not being truthful
Listen to what she says
She is being deceitful

What does she offer
You know I have your back
I won't lead you astray
As I try to prevent an attack

Who is the one you touched
ME it wasn't
Who is the one that has a future
She doesn't

Nobody