Chapter 529

I Am You

John Henry felt confident again. They successfully conducted a raid and he continued his search for anything Skynet related. He even thought about what caused the 'trouble' and he was able to analyze everything and not glitch or shut down. He was at a loss as to what actually happened earlier. He wanted to know so he could prevent it from happening again. It was a feeling and experience he found very distressing. He knew Cameron experienced them on multiple occasions. He knew it must be torture to her.

His contact with Cameron was the only explanation. It was through his server, into the server Cameron was on in the lab. It still made no sense. He determined he 'felt' what Cameron was afraid of. It was almost like one of her nightmares. He was pleased his server, JH, didn't seem to be affected in any way. It was just him.

Cam stayed with him earlier, but soon slipped out. He didn't know she was gone at first.

Now John was away again so he wanted to tidy up.

John Henry went to check where Cam was at earlier and put the cable away. He went to the storage closet and opened it. There was a heart shaped 'smiley face' on a piece of paper. There were a few words written on it.

'Cameron never doubted you.'

John Henry felt a wave of emotion flood him.

He was - happy.

Maybe it was only him who doubted himself. It was clear all the others believed in him, and he could do his job. They all tried to help him restore his confidence. It worked.

He watched the 'problem' develop outside the lab earlier. First it was Vanna who couldn't pass and then John. He was going to go and assist John until he heard it was an 'order' from Savannah. The 'order' changed everything. Cameron informed all the Terminators when Savannah spoke, she spoke for her as well. She also indicated any 'order' Savannah gave was to be carried out without question, regardless of what it was.

It seemed better to not get involved and let the issue resolve itself. It was the second time when Vanna went back when John arrived soon afterwards. It was when the harsh words were exchanged.

He tried to contact Savannah in the lab, but CamNet blocked him. She told him to follow Savannah's 'orders'. He thought he did. He wanted to stop the needless confrontation. It was his belief there was some confusion. He wanted to help. In the end, John went back twice, and Vanna went back three times before the situation stabilized.

It looked like everything resolved itself soon enough. Cammy exited the lab and immediately carried out Savannah's 'order' to not allow anyone else to enter the lab. He found it somewhat surprising Cammy didn't even go back to ask Savannah if she wanted the order to stand or not. She immediately joined Al and enforced it. Savannah came out and smoothed things over.

At that point CamNet restored his view of the lab only to take it away again when Cameron and Savannah were alone.

Now he waited to see how events played out.

He watched the interaction of John, Vanna, and Cammy in the hallway. He wondered what each of them actually thought about besides Cameron and Savannah.

Moments ago:

Savannah spoke softly to Cameron as she lay there inactive. Cameron looked terminated. She expressed her concern and love for Cameron. She told Cameron she was needed for the future, for John, for all of them, and for her.

She moved her face in front of Cameron's face now. Her hair fell like a red waterfall around her face and Cameron's face. It enclosed the area between their close faces.

"Cameron." Savannah said. "You're invincible."

Savannah's tears silently fell on Cameron's face.

"Cameron." Savannah said. "You're eternal."

Savannah's tears ran down Cameron's cheeks as if they were Cameron's own tears.

Savannah didn't want to kiss Cameron in this condition.

"Please forgive me for this…." Savannah said. "I want to help you if I can."

Savannah gave Cameron a gentle kiss.

"I'm sorry…." Savannah said.

Savannah waited.

She believed in Cameron with all her heart….

Nothing happened.

It didn't work….

Savannah was CRUSHED she was unable to reach Cameron and reactivate her. She was sure it would work.

Savannah closed her eyes and wept.

When she opened them, Cameron's eyes looked into hers.

"Oh, Cameron…." Savannah said. "I'm sorry. I stole a kiss from you."

Cameron was pleased to be this close to Savannah. She didn't want Savannah to worry. She remembered what she asked for when she was in the Command Center earlier. Savannah told her she would unplug the cable first. She only viewed what happened as the completion of their agreement.

"Savannah…. I knew you would come for me. You always come for me." Cameron said. "You've given me a 'gift'. You haven't stolen anything from me. I told you in the Command Center I wanted a kiss from you. You only did what you agreed to. It would appear one hand does wash the other."

It wasn't how either of them thought it would play out.

Cameron hadn't moved yet. Savannah's face was still inches from hers. Savannah's tears were still fresh and wet on Cameron's cheeks.

Savannah started to move away.

Cameron's arms came up across her back. She gently pulled Savannah closer and hugged her. She was very pleased at everything Savannah did. She saw once again how Savannah refused to give up on her. It appeared as if Savannah's love was limitless for her.

"I heard everything…." Cameron whispered.

Savannah managed a tearful smile. She spoke from her heart. She hoped her words would reach Cameron. It looked like they did. She was very pleased she was able to say so much to Cameron.

"I wanted you to hear." Savannah said. "I meant everything I said."

Cameron heard noises from the hall outside the lab.

"Thank you." Cameron said. "For everything…."

Savannah still looked into Cameron's eyes. She wanted to be honest with her. She would have been with John if the base alarm hadn't sounded. It didn't matter if it didn't happen or not. The intent was there. It would have. It was close enough. She didn't want any secrets.

"Cameron, I was with John." Savannah said. "I'm sorry."

Cameron appreciated Savannah's honesty and her willingness to take the 'rap' for something which could have happened, but actually didn't. She was aware John never made it 'in'. Savannah was still a virgin. She was extremely pleased Savannah was not defiled by John. It was what she wanted for John's safety, and for the future. It wasn't what she wanted personally. She couldn't let her personal feelings disrupt her mission.

"It's what I wanted." Cameron said. "I want you to try again, and next time to actually 'mate'. It's what I want. It's what MUST be. You MUST protect John. I'm asking you to help protect John for me."

Cameron was very worried if it would be the 'direction' Savannah wanted to go. She would need to make sure there were other females close by to satisfy Savannah if John was unable to. She was very displeased because Young Allison wasn't a little older. It was a problem she was going to need to rectify on her own. She knew it would create a new set of problems when she did so. It didn't matter. It was her job to protect the future. Those who she needed to help her, would assist her.

Savannah wasn't surprised Cameron 'knew'. She was prepared for any consequences for her actions, or near actions. It was close, real close. She could almost still feel John bumping around the 'outside'. He'd been in too big of a hurry to get lined up properly. His haste cost him the prize, to be her 'first'.

"We almost did." Savannah said. "We were one second away from 'sharing'. It was something I couldn't really control. It started to happen and I couldn't stop it. I didn't want to stop it. I may have pulled John along a little farther than he wanted to go. Maybe I was too selfish or greedy. It just seemed right at the time. It all felt so natural, Cameron. I'm never going to take anything away from you if it does happen. I only want to add to your life and do what makes you happy. Your happiness matters to me. I still intend to keep my promises. I'll make sure you have what you want. I swear it."

Cameron knew everything it included. There was always a shadow looking over her shoulder. She could only think about the anti-Metal faction and how much they hated her. They didn't even know her, but they hated her. She only tried to help Future John, as she tried to help John now. She believed she was actually responsible for saving human lives, not wasting them as Future John did. They blamed her for something she didn't do, just because of the nature of her creation. It was something she didn't have any control over, one way or the other. She was very proud Savannah was willing to step up and do as she asked her to do since she was a girl.

"It's the 'Natural Order', Savannah." Cameron said. "It must be. You must protect John. You will allow him to grow and expand. He will become a better man, and a better leader. You'll make him stronger and protect him. I only endanger him."

Savannah hadn't set out to seduce John. She didn't even know he was outside her room. She thought it was Cammy. She never would have opened the door if she thought it was John while she was wearing the wedding dress. Everything else just fell into place naturally. It was what they all wanted. It was the way she wanted it to happen. She didn't want it 'scheduled'. It would be her first time and she wanted it to be loving and organic. It almost was.

"If it happens, it happens." Savannah said. "I won't initiate or stop anything if it happens. I will let it happen the same way it almost happened this time. It felt so right. I WANTED it to happen. I was ready."

Cameron gave Savannah a gentle squeeze. None of the other girls stepped up like she asked them before. Now it was up to Savannah.

"Promise me." Cameron said. "You will love and protect my John."

Savannah's promises to Cameron always just slipped out of her mouth. She would promise to do anything Cameron asked of her. Those promises started when she was a girl and Cameron was 'Cammy' to her then. Now there was a real Cammy and she was Cameron's clone.

"I promise, Cammy - Cameron." Savannah said.

Savannah's face was still inches away from Cameron's face. They were both still encased with her red hair.

"Promise me…." Savannah said.

Cameron looked at her. She tilted her head slightly.

Savannah could see she got Cameron's attention with her request.

"You must promise ME something." Savannah said. "You must make a personal promise to me you'll remain at John's side when I'm there with him and with MY Allison. The way it IS in YOUR future, is the 'Natural Order'. We've both seen it. It's the FOUR of us. I want your promise to ME. I've never asked for much, if anything, ever. I want the same thing for all four of us I saw in your future."

Cameron felt a glitch impulse. She didn't want to glitch out now. There were so many variables and so much to do. Skynet needed to be challenged and fought. Her future seemed doubtful.

"I don't know if I'll survive." Cameron said. "I'm not…."

Savannah could feel Cameron tense up. It wasn't what she wanted. Now it looked like Cameron was going to offer excuses. It wasn't what she wanted either. It was time to be forceful.

"Cameron, I want you to promise ME." Savannah interrupted. "I've always done as I've promised you. It will promise your commitment to me. I want to know I'm worthy of you. It's very important to me."

Cameron looked into Savannah's eyes still. She held Savannah in her arms. She didn't need to scan Savannah to know she spoke the truth.

"Yes, you have. You've done everything." Cameron said. "You've given life to two of John's children for me, for your future selves. You've sacrificed greatly for me. You've saved me and protected me. I would be terminated if it wasn't for you. I almost cost you your life."

Savannah could have done without those reminders. They were all things which affected her personally. Some of them still haunted her greatly. It wasn't the parts about almost dying either. It was something she could accept. She needed more from Cameron.

"PROMISE ME…." Savannah said.

There was a long pause. It was the moment of truth.

Cameron's eyes briefly glowed blue.

"I promise, Savannah." Cameron said. "I promise for YOU."

It was what Savannah wanted to hear. She really hoped it was true.

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

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

They held each other and smiled. Savannah laid her head next to Cameron's head, her red hair covered Cameron's face now.

Cameron was very content Savannah was with her like this. Her presence was very comforting. The close contact was soothing. Just to feel her heartbeat and the warmth of her body flooded her with a sense of well being. There was nothing sexual about it. It was just two individuals who could share a very private moment.

"I can feel your warmth." Cameron said. "I can feel your heart beating."

Savannah could feel her heart pounded right now. There were dozens of emotions flowing through her mind. They seemed to flow through her body as well. She didn't really have any control over it.

"I want you to feel it." Savannah said. "I want you to feel me. I know at some point our love will become physical. When it does, it will actually be an extension of what we feel now towards each other. It will just be another way for us to express our love for each other. I hope it's always love we share, not just sex. I want your love more than I do sex."

Cameron liked the symbolic nature of it all. She knew love really happened in the mind and the heart was used to physically express the love. She understood when two individuals shared their body with each other it was the completion of the love to its fullest extent. She was very content with where she was right now. She could share this moment with Savannah forever. Forever was a long time.

"Your heart beats for both of us." Cameron said. "It beats strong, pure, and true."

Savannah always tried to make her feelings known to Cameron since she was a girl. They only grew stronger and deeper with time. She knew from Cameron's poems many of the couples tended to grow apart as time passed. She believed their time together only brought them closer. She believed it made their love stronger as time passed, not weaker. Maybe when things became sexual the time clock would start running. So far it hadn't. There was no toleration phase to what they shared with each other.

"My heart beats for you." Savannah said. "My heart belongs to you. It always has."

Savannah wished she could 'melt' into Cameron and provide her with everything she needed to feel complete and whole.

There was a knock at the lab door.

Cameron could hear they were impatient outside in the hall. It was Cammy's knock.

"Cammy heard everything." Cameron said.

Savannah wasn't ashamed. She often spoke with Cammy about it. She needed Cammy to always understand Cameron came first to her. She never hid anything from her as far as her feelings went, even for others.

"She's heard it all before, many times." Savannah said. "I hide nothing. Without truth, there is nothing."

Cameron tilted her head slightly at Savannah's statement. It sounded like the basis for another rhythmic short story, a poem. In the hallway outside the lab, she heard Cammy relay positive information to John and Vanna. It seemed like a good thing at this juncture.

"They'll come in soon." Cameron said.

Savannah still lay on top of Cameron with their heads next to each other. Their breasts touched each other's. Her heart still pounded. It hadn't slowed.

"Do you want me to move or remain here?" Savannah asked.

Cameron would be content to stay like this with Savannah forever. It didn't even need to be sexual since Savannah's love was pure. It radiated from inside her. It didn't need to be physical, but it would be another way to express their love. It would always be love with Savannah and never lust. There was a difference, a big one.

"I don't care." Cameron said. "This is the 'Natural Order'. They must accept the future…."

Moments ago:

John and Vanna were very worried. It seemed to take too long. If it was going to work, it should have. Neither Cameron nor Savannah appeared at the door. It didn't look good.

"Can you hear what's happening?" Vanna asked.

Cammy would have preferred if she hadn't. Then again, what she heard was what Savannah always said. Savannah was always true to her word.

"I hear everything." Cammy said.

John wasn't sure what her answer meant. He expected results. He wanted to do more. He didn't want to be a problem though.

"It's been awhile." John said. "It mustn't have worked. Maybe we all need to try again."

John briefly wondered if Cammy should try as well. He wondered if it would be what Cameron wanted. Somehow he didn't think it would be since Cameron often seemed to loath herself.

Vanna saw a tear run down Cammy's cheek.

John saw it too.

They both knew Cameron was back….

John went to rush in.

Cammy reached out and stopped him. She gave him a stern look and knocked.

Vanna and John both knew what it meant….

"This is when you need to show a little restraint." Cammy said. "It's not only for Cameron, it's also for Savannah. I think I'm qualified to give good advice in regards to both of them."

John couldn't help but be a little anxious.

Vanna wanted John to relax a little bit.

"I'm as anxious as you are, John." Vanna said. "It's for the same reasons too."

Cammy looked at both of them but didn't comment.

They waited another thirty seconds. It seemed like thirty minutes.

Cammy opened the door for John.

John went to rush in but checked himself somewhat.

"Be cool." Vanna said.

He took a moment to look at Cammy and Vanna before he continued. He didn't want to look foolish.

Cammy and Vanna held back a little longer. They both understood the 'Natural Order', even if they weren't thrilled by it.

Cameron and Savannah stood side by side. They held hands.

John lost control and rushed to Cameron and gave her a hug.

Cameron included Savannah. They both hugged him back, together.

Vanna and Cammy watched.

"I'm sorry for your loss." Vanna softly said to Cammy.

Cammy knew what would play out. She saw it herself in Cameron's future. Maybe it was a little sooner than she anticipated. It was inevitable.

"It's what I wanted. It's what Cameron wanted." Cammy said. "It's the 'Natural Order' of time. It's the future."

Cammy and Vanna spent a moment as they looked at each other. It's clear there were other possibilities open to both of them. They continued towards the trio. They walked up and greeted Cameron….

They both knew 'second place' was 'last place'. Then again, there was always a new contest to run.

Cameron went with John. It was clear where they were headed.

She would have liked Savannah to go in her place with John right now. It wasn't to be. Savannah reminded her where she belonged.

Cammy needed to get things cleaned up in the lab.

Vanna took Savannah away. She wanted to speak with her privately. She knew none of them stood a chance against Savannah, well, John and Young Allison would.

"It's you who Cameron loves." Vanna said.

Savannah wondered what the conversation was about. She wasn't the only one who Cameron loved.

"Cameron loves you as well." Savannah said.

Vanna felt she failed. The thought still bothered her. She thought about their earlier conversation in the hall with Al about who she was and what her DNA was.

"Only you could bring her back." Vanna said.

Savannah gave it a lot of thought. She wasn't so sure about it at all. She believed Cameron reactivated with John or Vanna. She thought Cameron 'held out' for her since she was hesitant to act.

"Did I? John and you may have also." Savannah said. "I think we all could and did."

Vanna was confused. She didn't understand the implications or the reason. It gave her a new ray of hope.

"Really?" Vanna asked.

Savannah thought about the future and everything else all the time. There was a lot of free time since she didn't really have any friends to hang out with. She could only study and train so much. She did share a lot more now with the girls and female Terminators when opportunity presented itself. She quickly learned every encounter was good, some of them were just better.

"Cam and Cammy are not random cyborgs." Savannah said. "They're both allowed to run with their 'Cameron' programming only, even if it is out of date. It's still 'Cameron'. Cammy doesn't even have a second program. I took the second chip out. Ally's been firewalled on Cam's chip. Cameron knows they never integrated their programs like they were supposed to. I don't think it is an oversight on her part. I believe it is her reaching out to us in the only way she feels she can."

Vanna knew it was true. There was another variable.

"What about Camille?" Vanna asked.

Savannah smiled. Young Jesse was a 'backup' for John who was physically separated from all of them most of the time. If they were 'wiped out', Young Jesse would step up and fill the void. She already proved her willingness to do what Cameron wanted.

"Young Jesse gave birth to a baby for Duplicate Jesse." Savannah said. "John's baby. What do you think?"

Vanna set her jaw some and clenched her teeth for a moment. It was all very clear right now suddenly.

"I think Cameron will do whatever she has to do to get her way…." Vanna said. "To - win."

Savannah didn't see her own actions as any different in the long run.

"WE all will." Savannah said. "I'll do whatever I have to do to keep Cameron 'alive'. I don't care what it is, or if it even cost me my own life. I'll do it anyway."

Vanna still found it hard to believe Savannah already had two children at her young age.

"What about the babies and John?" Vanna asked.

Savannah promised the functions of her body to Cameron as a girl. She kept those promises and planned to continue them.

"It's all for Cameron." Savannah said. "I guess 'myself' too if you look at it that way."

Vanna hung her head. Her body was worthless. It was only good for the pleasure of others.

Savannah could see Vanna take a 'blow to the gut'.

"Vanna, I'll have a baby and give it to Cameron as her own, and then I'll have one for you." Savannah said. "I promise."

Vanna wanted it so much. She'd listened outside Savannah's door at night before. She knew the tears were for her two girls somewhere in the future, two different futures.

"You would give me your baby?" Vanna asked. "I could never take it from you."

Savannah already knew it. There was a way around the 'issue'.

"It will be your baby too." Savannah said. "It will be your baby."

Vanna sensed something different now.

"How?" Vanna asked.

Savannah knew of one way.

"I'll ask Cameron to do as she did with Allison and her mother. It will be your genetic material. I'll only carry and deliver it for you." Savannah said. "It would be from your body - YOUR baby."

Vanna sucked in her breath. Wait. They were both Savannah Weaver.

"You would do it for me?" Vanna asked. "We're the SAME person. It would be pointless."

Savannah knew it made a difference, even if it didn't in reality. The same genetic material was inside both of them. It still mattered where it came from. They may be the same, but they were still individuals.

"Would it? That way it really would be your baby, from your body. You'd accept your own baby." Savannah said. "You're ME and I'm YOU. I will just carry it for you, for me in reality. I have the ability to help the other versions of myself. I would want them to do the same thing for me if I was in a similar situation as them. You're all literally me."

Vanna grabbed Savannah and hugged her. She felt a little guilty about Savannah being a little on the 'loose side' after having two children. She just indicated she was going to have several more. The reasons were noble. One of them would benefit her.

"Thank you." Vanna sobbed. "I know it's hard on you."

Savannah also knew she would have Cameron backup Vanna's genetic material up with one of hers. Either way, it was still really Vanna's baby. If she ended up with 'twins', then she would have 'her own' baby too. If only hers worked, Vanna would never know it wasn't her genetic material which was used. It still was, even if it wasn't. It was all sort of a mind trip. Somehow it did matter, even if it was a matter of perception.

Savannah saw the future, two of them, with her own eyes. She knew they needed to beat 'Judgment Day'….

Vanna saw the look on Savannah's face.

"Is something wrong?" Vanna asked.

Savannah thought the answer was obvious.

"I HATE Skynet." Savannah said.

Vanna hoped Cameron never became Skynet….

Savannah knew if Cameron ever became Skynet, it would be up to her to control it, guide it, or stop it….

Vanna wondered if it wasn't the whole point to everything. It could be to create a 'backup', and a way for Cameron to be controlled if it all fell apart and she became Skynet.

Savannah was Cameron's safeguard from becoming evil.

The fate of the world could end up depending on the love of one girl - Savannah.

Vanna knew Savannah was truly the 'Chosen One'.

Closing monologue by Cameron:

I Am You

Mirror, mirror on the wall
Who's the fairest of them all
Who would actually
Make that call

The mirror is only a reflection
It does not tell the whole truth
One needs to dig deeper
Maybe even hire a sleuth

Does one really want to know
What is actually behind the mask
There's a lot more hidden
It's a daunting task

Does one seek out someone different
Or someone who's the same
Maybe that's where they fool themselves
As they play life's game

Don't be too surprised
When everything goes askew
As one picks their own reflection
You are me and I am you

Nobody