Chapter 15
Sarah slept hard tonight, but she withdrew from her dreams once a heavy form climbed into bed behind her. She sensed that it was her younger friend, and she rolled into her back. She looked over her shoulder at the terminator, whose metal body briefly shined from the nightlight. She waited until the terminator eased into the bed and became comfortable.
"Was patrol quiet?"
"Yes." Cameron dimmed her eyes so they wouldn't be bothersome. She then started internally cooling her endoskeleton because the bed sheets created heat around her. She preferred the way her skin sheath naturally regulated her endoskeleton's temperature better than having to do it on a constant basis.
"That's good," Sarah murmured in a sleepy voice. She gave off a low sigh then got onto her left side.
"How was your evening?" the terminator inquired.
Sarah peered through slits and silence briefly settled between them. She hadn't expected her friend's consideration about her night. She also didn't want to lie yet she promised older Cameron that the truth about the future wouldn't find its way to younger Cameron. In some fashion, Sarah rationalized that she wasn't breaking any rules because otherwise a lot could be jeopardized.
"It was quiet too." Sarah soon realized for the rest of her days she had to carry a secret about Cameron's fate. She couldn't tell younger John or younger Cameron about it because it may change the future. She actually worried that such a secret would anger Cameron in later years once it came out. But if older Cameron wasn't angry with her now then it had to be okay. It was all she had to go on now.
Cameron could tell the human was still tired. "You should rest more, Sarah."
"Mmmm." Sarah was in full agreement. She settled back down under the covers and snuggled her shoulder up against the pillow. She released a low sigh and hoped sleep would find her again. But it seemed harder than earlier because she continued thinking about last night's talk with older Cameron. She couldn't shake how she was fooled into thinking Blue was a human.
The terminator detected Sarah's stirs and stated, "You must stop thinking so much."
"I can't get comfortable," Sarah complained and tried her back again. She huffed a few minutes later because she still wasn't dozing back off.
Cameron glanced at the unsettled human. "You prefer to sleep on your stomach."
Sarah met the terminator's gaze and gave a sigh at the truth. Indeed Cameron was learning Sarah's little habits such as her favorite sleeping position in bed. "It's bad for my back though."
"You will not have back trouble any time soon," the terminator informed.
Sarah slowly revealed a grin then lost it. She peeked over at her friend. "You mind?"
Cameron at first wasn't sure why Sarah was asking then realized what exactly Sarah was actually asking her. She merely answered, "No." She soon found the human coming into her space, and they were snuggled together comfortably. She remained on her back while Sarah rested partially on her, like last time.
Sarah tucked her right hand under the terminator's opposite shoulder. She sensed a strong arm snaked across her lower back as she settled her front side against the terminator. She rested the side of her head on Cameron's pillow and was finally content in bed.
"The odds that we will initiate sexual relations are becoming much higher," Cameron mentioned in a factual tone.
Sarah rolled her eyes under her eyelids. She muttered, "What's the percentage now?"
There was a long pause while the terminator did an updated calculation. "It is currently at eighty-seven point three five percent chance that we will engage in sexual relations."
Sarah had flush cheeks at this news but noticed a slight difference to Cameron's wording. "The chances we'll have a relationship?"
Cameron was silent then turned her head towards Sarah. "I am unsure how to calculate such an obscure answer." She considered why this was and clarified, "Is there any defining moment or event that dictates that two beings have entered a romantic relationship? As of now, we share certain aspects of a romantic relationship and other aspects we do not."
Sarah let out a low groan. "That teaches me for asking." She knew that Cameron was waiting for an explanation so she just patted the terminator's shoulder. "You'll know it when and if it happens."
"How will I know?" Cameron still studied the human's profile.
Sarah grumbled this time and squeezed her friend's shoulder. "I'll let you know, alright?" She hoped that would stop the terminator's topic.
"How will you-"
"Cameron," Sarah fairly warned. "If you don't be quiet, I'm going to sleep back in my quarters."
The terminator finally relented and said nothing else about it. She instead worked on the percentage that she and Sarah would enter into a romantic relationship. However, she couldn't determine all the variables correctly and came up with various percentages. She ended up averaging it out to 81.15 percent. But she broke from her thoughts once her systems noted that Sarah was asleep again. Cameron minimized the inputs and outputs from her software, chassis, and hardware so that she could rest.
Sarah slept well and barely shifted until she started waking up about two hours later. She moved across the terminator's alloy body and gave a low groan. She adjusted her head's position then muttered, "What time is it?"
"It is eight fourteen," Cameron reported.
"Mmmm." Sarah gave a content sigh and let herself slowly wake up. She stretched her legs though, which felt quite nice. She truly didn't mind sleeping and waking up like this, but she knew it would be nearly impossible once they returned home. She brushed off such thoughts and focused on today's plans. She wasn't sure how Cameron's resheathing would work or how long either.
"I can hear your gears grinding," the terminator mildly joked.
Sarah silently repeated what her friend said then developed a small grin. However, she seriously inquired, "How long will it take for you to be resheathed?"
"Approximately eight hours if there are no errors or complications."
Sarah let out a low breath. "Damn." She hadn't realized it'd take all day. She held back a yawn then suggested, "We should get moving then. I can shower and eat later."
"I do not mind."
"I do." Sarah squeezed her friend's shoulder and mentioned, "It'll give me things to do while you're gone." Yet she didn't move right away and thought about Cameron's pending skin sheath. Very slowly an excited smile drew across her full lips. "Are you ready for it?"
Cameron detected a lightness in her friend's voice that was rarely, if ever, in it. "Yes." She drew her head back and caught Sarah's smile. "You are happy."
Sarah noticed how the terminator's statement was laced with confusion. "I'm happy..." She then softly added, "For you." She freed her right hand, patted Cameron's shoulder, and ordered, "Let's get moving." She rolled off the terminator and slid out of bed.
Cameron would later analyze the human's happiness and words. She instead prepared for her long day that would hopefully end with good results. She decided on a fast wash down in the shower to deal with any thick grime from last night's patrol. She was drying off just after Sarah finished getting dressed. She set aside her towel then waited until Sarah was ready to leave.
Sarah tamed her wild curls with a brush then left the bathroom. She grabbed her leather jacket, which had the time traveler's armband on it. She shrugged on the jacket and darted out of the room with her friend in tow. Her stride was wide, and she was obviously in a rush.
Cameron easily matched the human's pace. She thought about how it'd feel to be back in her skin sheath by this afternoon.
Sarah glanced at her friend, who had a noticeable pep in her step and this made Sarah bite back her smirk. She too couldn't ignore how it knotted her stomach in excitement. Soon enough, she'd see those amber eyes again and petite, slim figure that she'd come to relate to Cameron Phillips.
Shortly, the pair arrived at the labs and found the one selected for Cameron's resheathing. At the lab's lobby, there were a few chairs next to the swinging doors, which had a yellow warning that the lab was a clean room. Sarah knew not to enter and folded her arms when Kate Connor came in from the hallway door.
"Good morning." Kate warmly smiled at the pair, who seemed rather upbeat.
"How are you, Kate?" Sarah eased her weight onto her right foot.
Kate nodded. "Good. You?" She gave a smile.
Sarah slightly narrowed her eyes at Kate's knowing-smile that made her suspicious. "Just about a hundred percent again."
Kate was glad to hear it and nodded again. She focused on the terminator though. "Lauren and Nico are getting the clean room prepared. John and I have the tank refilled, which is where we need to start."
"Acceptable," Cameron agreed.
"There'll be a few nurses helping too," Kate ticked off. She considered her mental list. "We already have the organs, blood, and the cellular generator here." She took a deep breath then focused back on Sarah. "It's going to take several hours to do all the work. And tomorrow, we have to run tests to make sure that her organic and cybernetic systems are agreeing."
Sarah just moved her head in agreement, but she checked, "Cameron seemed to think it'd take eight hours or so."
Kate glanced at the terminator then back at Sarah. "I'd say that's a fair guestimate." She put her hands into her white robe's pockets. "We better get started too."
"We'll follow you," Sarah agreed.
Kate guided the pair into a neighboring lab where the same tank was already prepared again. She pulled Cameron aside and discussed today's resheathing so that she was fully aware of it.
Sarah had a few quiet minutes with her son after she gave him a warm hug. She noticed that John pointedly mentioned that he was glad Sarah's evening last night was good. She sensed that it was his way of saying that he knew that she and older Cameron had talked last night. She could also tell he was relieved that the truth was out there between them.
John then promised that Cameron was in good hands for the day. He walked his mother to the lab's doors and apologized that he'd be busy with Cameron's resheathing all day. He typically didn't handle them all the way through but planned to for Cameron. He surprisingly received a hug from his mother before she departed the lab, and she whispered to him a thank you. John watched her go and had a wistful smile. He then returned to his wife and young friend.
Sarah Connor started into the hall, but she braked fast at hearing a distinct voice. She turned to find the terminator outside the lab doors.
"I did not get a chance to say goodbye," Cameron fought.
Sarah quickly approached the unsheathed terminator and gave a half smile. "Why?" She shrugged and casually argued, "You'll see me soon."
Cameron regarded the small human and took a step closer. "You will be here when I am done?"
Sarah tilted her head and grinned. "Oh yeah and with bells on." She caught Cameron's serious consideration so she held up a hand. "It's just a saying... to mean I'm excited." She lowered her hand.
"Thank you for..." The terminator fell short on her old saying. "Thanks."
Sarah chuckled but signaled the lab's door. "You better get in there." And this time, she moved in for a hug without feeling so awkward. She softly hummed at the warmth in the hug and murmured, "I'll see you soon, tiger." She withdrew, smiled, and turned on her heels. She strolled off before she became anymore worried about the resheathing.
Cameron watched the human for a beat then slipped back into the lab. She suspected that Sarah would eat, shower, and perhaps go for a walk outside.
Sarah eventually made it back to the shared quarters. She removed her leather jacket, tossed it on the desk, and did a few circles in the room. She felt wired to the core and wasn't sure how she'd let her anxiety get to her. She was worried for Cameron's resheathing and whether it would go correctly. She didn't know much about the process and wanted to know more about it, yet she knew everybody was too busy. She could only have faith that it'd go well.
Sarah nervously worked her fingers through her hair then cursed at her own apprehension. She finally decided the best way to burn off energy was by working out. It'd also get her back up to par after being lazy for so many days. Her previously injured shoulder probably wasn't so bad now or so she hoped, not that it would stop her.
For nearly two hours, Sarah performed various exercise routines in the quarters that included push-ups, crunches, jumping jacks, and sit-ups. She found that doing one-armed press ups with her injured shoulder was too painful. She let it go and instead performed several yoga poses to keep her flexibility as well as cool down from the workout.
After a successful exercise, Sarah was relieved to go into the bathroom for a cool shower. She found that between the workout, yoga, and shower that her jumpy nerves had settled down. She still couldn't help but wonder how the resheathing was going so she decided she'd just go down after eating lunch and find out. She turned on the television while she dressed and listened to a music channel that had classic eighties songs.
Sarah pulled on a clean, black polo and straightened out the collar. She went to the desk for her boots but heard a low knock at the door. She hesitated but grabbed her leather belt and looped it through her jeans on her stroll to the door. She worked the buckle correctly then drew open the door after a louder set of knocks.
"Good morning, Sarah."
Sarah eased a smile in greeting at her visitor. "Mornin', Cameron."
The AI terminator, Cameron Connor, dipped her head then returned the warm smile. She noted the human's freshly showered appearance by the damp locks. "You must not have had lunch yet."
"Good call," the human agreed. She pulled the door open wider. "Come in. I'm just about dressed."
"Good." Cameron entered the familiar quarters that she had old but beautiful memories of. She turned to the petite human. "Perhaps I can interest you in lunch with me."
"I think you can," Sarah teased back. She sat down and put on her socks and boots. "I could use the distraction."
Cameron was near the made bed and leaned against the mattress some. "You shouldn't be worried about the resheathing." She crossed her arms and had a casual demeanor. "It will be successful."
"Yeah... but you just never know," Sarah muttered. She was hunched forward and lacing her boots. She glanced across to the terminator. "You know my illogical worries."
Cameron instantly grinned and playful replied, "It always made you so attractive to me."
Sarah snorted at the smart remark. She stood up after adjusting her pant legs. "I bet." She toyed with the armband on her jacket and removed it. She curiously studied the aged terminator, who just seemed impossibly human in so many ways. "I thought you'd be down there too."
"No." The terminator pushed off the bed and approached the human. "They don't require my assistance plus it would be risky. My younger-self finds it questionable enough how Nico knows so much about my unique chassis."
"Let alone having a seeming stranger, who knows even more and helping out." Sarah couldn't fight with that reasoning.
"Mmhmmm." Cameron opened the door. "Besides, I concluded it would give us time together." She allowed Sarah to leave first then she followed and shut the door behind her. "I did pass by before I came down here and everything is on schedule."
Sarah carefully listened and was glad to hear it. "Will there be any complications later?"
Blue shook her head and fell into step next to Sarah with such familiarity. "There are occasions where organic systems reject a chassis. However, my chassis was so well designed to work with and promote an organic system that it'd be nearly impossible for any rejection."
Sarah thought about it and concluded, "Then the organs and such would have to be sick ahead of time."
"Yes." Cameron shook her head though. "But the likely hood is slim because the organs are grown in the hospital."
Sarah furrowed her eyebrows. "How's that work anyway?"
Cameron gave a low sigh and explained, "My younger-self is based off of Allison Young." She caught Sarah's silent agreement. "Allison Young's particular skin sheath is cataloged as TOK715. On file, the hospital has her DNA data, and with it, we can accurately produce her organs and replicate all her physical attributes to precision."
"I take it then that Skynet uses much of the same system," Sarah theorized.
"Yes," Blue replied. "You recall the barcodes on prisoners' arms?"
"Like Derek's," Sarah agreed.
"When a barcode is burned into their skin, Skynet also obtains the human's DNA data and catalogs it. The designated serial numbers are associated with each entry into the catalog. However, if the DNA entry is actually put into production at any point then it is given a production number."
"Which would be the TOK715," Sarah concluded.
"Exactly." Blue stood in the elevator lobby with the human. "The Resistance has a cellular generator that is coded with TOK715 and will produce the physical, skin level attributes."
Sarah shook her head and mentioned, "I'm not sure how many more details I want." She peered up at the tall, dark terminator. "I may lose interest in lunch."
Cameron revealed a small grin. "Yes, it's not exactly the best lunch topic." She stepped into the open elevator. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, actually." Sarah considered this because indeed it was true. She had a lot on her mind before she fell asleep, but she still had slept decently than most nights. This then made her consider more about last night and younger Cameron. Her steps slowed until she paused a few yards from the cafeteria's doors.
Blue stepped aside because two humans were coming past. She curiously regarded Sarah, who had a worried look.
"Do you..." Sarah faltered and bit her bottom lip, but she peered up at the aged terminator. She gathered herself after a deep breath and finally asked, "Are you ever angry at me for hiding from you about your future?"
Over the years, the terminator had developed keens skills on detecting and understanding Sarah Connor's moods and emotions. She edged closer so she could speaker in a lower voice. "No... never."
Sarah searched the sky blue eyes above her and saw it was true. She realized with a slurred heartbeat that this Cameron was indeed alive from the inside out. She could feel life in those sapphire eyes.
"It's just..." Sarah stumbled again with her words, but Cameron's calm features helped her. "Last night, I wanted to tell you but I promised you I wouldn't tell you..." She shook her head because she sounded ridiculous to her own ears. She had a hard time with separating younger and older Cameron. "Do you get the hang of this?"
Gradually a smooth grin formed on the terminator's full lips. "Sometimes."
"Sometimes not," Sarah muttered. She sighed and shook her head.
Cameron took one last step closer and bowed her head near Sarah. "My younger-self will never suspect what has happened here in 2028, and it must remain that way."
"That's only because we're blessed by a terminator's pursuit for the mission."
Blue silently agreed too. If her younger-self wasn't so absorbed in the mission to protect younger John Connor then her younger-self would discover her own fate. She focused back on the original issue for Sarah. "Do not feel guilty. Do not think about it as hiding the truth from me but as protecting me."
Sarah inhaled deeply then slowly let out her breath as she tried taking that attitude. "Alright." She nodded once.
Cameron was confident that Sarah was okay with it now. She stepped backwards towards the entrance. "We should eat." She sensed the human right behind her then at her side.
Sarah observed the Resistance members in the busy cafeteria. She unknowingly remained close to Blue as they went to the various food lines. She and Cameron shortly had full plates and met at a two-person table with drinks too. Sarah curiously considered why Cameron was eating with her.
The terminator had a plate full but first drank some of her water. She grabbed her fork and inspected the vegetable medley. She peered across at the human and joked, "I hate lima beans."
Sarah had her cup tilted back and nearly choked on her water. She pulled the cup away and coughed a few times. She covered her achy chest for a beat and stared in awe at the terminator.
Cameron held up a forked lima bean in display. "Nasty little things." She saw the human's shock and grinned, a bit devilishly.
Sarah shook her head and focused on eating her meal. She still hadn't wrapped her head around the fact that seated across her was Cameron Phillips. Well, actually her proper name was Cameron Connor, which was another surprise. Sarah couldn't imagine how different her own attitude about the terminator changed in later years for her to pass on her last name to Cameron. But everything must change, for the better.
"So," Sarah started but silence passed between them. She looked up from her food and saw the terminator's perfectly arched eyebrow in waiting patience. She slightly grinned yet became serious again. "This whole time travel..." She shook her head. "I guess it bothers me how in 1999 we jumped into the future, but it's not like we overlap with our younger-selves."
Blue easily followed the human's thinking and nodded. "I understand." She was cutting her grilled chicken into small pieces. "It does seem strange how my younger and older self can coexist at the same time."
"Mmmm." Sarah nodded and shot a look at the terminator. "It is a little weird."
Cameron flashed a grin and argued, "Weirder than terminators then?"
Sarah huffed and returned the grin. "You have me there."
Blue ate a piece of chicken and put her thoughts together about Sarah's observation. She then explained, "We have debated this topic too." She pierced another tidbit of chicken but waited a beat. "There is an overlap... a coexistence because this is history."
Sarah puckered her lips in thought then summarized, "You two can coexist because everything is happening the way it should be."
"Exactly," Cameron replied. She brought the chicken piece to her lips but muttered, "Fate is on course." She popped the chicken into her mouth.
"So if something went off course then the older version of you wouldn't exist." Sarah shook her head because it made sense to a point. She still had a hard time.
"If there is a change in fate then it will create a rift," Cameron explained. She and John had made a hefty study on the topic. "One tiny change can completely alter fate... most likely create an entire new universe. Are you aware of the butterfly effect?"
"A theory that one change can have consequences on all other things?" Sarah nodded once. "It's sort of a ripple effect."
"Yes," Cameron agreed. She briefly considered old memories but set aside those because this Sarah hadn't experienced that history, yet. "Destiny will always be but it can change faces." She saw the human's confusion. "It is destined for technology to evolve into a species. If it is not Skynet's face then it would be another's face, but it will happen." She then shoveled some vegetable medley. "Fate can be altered but destiny will happen in one form or another."
Sarah seriously thought about it then more on the concept that a new universe could be created by a change in fate. "Can a rift be fixed?"
The aged terminator was quiet but finally answered, "Yes." She moved her fork through her white rice. "It can be difficult to pinpoint the original point of a butterfly effect. But if you can pinpoint it and mend it then most likely it will close the rift then fate returns to the prior place it was last set at."
Sarah ate silently while this went through her head. But she posed, "Then how do we know that this fate, here and now, was the original one? It's possible that it's already been altered and this universe is not the right one."
"How do you know it's not right?" Blue fought. She half shrugged and agreed, "We have no real way to determine what fate was the original one. It is highly possible we're currently in an altered fate universe." She then stated, "Or perhaps there is no original one... no beginning or end to this."
"Infinite possibilities," Sarah muttered in understanding.
Blue dipped her head in agreement. She ate more of her chicken that had a pleasant herb flavor to it.
"So how do we know we're on the right track then?" Sarah fought.
Cameron looked up from her plate and coolly answered, "We don't."
Sarah absorbed Cameron's blunt response and shook her head. "Other than indicators like your older and younger self coexisting," Sarah decided aloud. She then sighed and mumbled, "How do we even know if we've changed universes? We wouldn't know it."
"You would," the terminator fought. She grabbed her glass of water. "It could be subtle as somebody seeming to lose their memories but in reality, they don't remember because it never happened that way for them. Or you know what the future should bring, and that future does not arrive as it should."
Sarah took a deep breath and concluded, "There's no exact science."
"Fate is fickle," Cameron agreed. "But destiny is unstoppable."
Sarah took a deep breath as it soaked into her head. There was no simple answer, and she could tell the Resistance didn't have it down pat. But they obviously knew enough to be worried it could be changed either on purpose or accidentally. It explained why they were paranoid about sending people through time and dealing with those travelers from the past. She decided it just would give her a headache to think about time travelers coming from the past, like 2028, and going to the future.
"It is nearly endless like space travel," Cameron mildly joked.
Sarah felt caught on her line of thinking, and she spotted Cameron's playful glance. "It's not something to think about while in bed."
The terminator gave a low chuckle and nodded. "I concur." She then shifted topics so that Sarah wouldn't think about it anymore. She and Sarah soon finished up their meals, but Sarah mentioned she wanted to go to the bathroom before they left. Cameron just nodded and waited. From her seat, her cool blue eyes followed the human's receding figure through the cafeteria.
Sarah passed the restroom's open entrance and went around the corner. She brushed past two women and caught their sideway glances. She ignored them and searched for an empty stall.
Cameron Connor glanced down at her empty plate then stared at Sarah's own empty plate. She broke away from her processes after a few seconds and drank the last of her iced water. She set her glass down and looked across at the restrooms. She watched a familiar human dart into the restrooms, and Cameron's skin crawled, automatically.
Sarah Connor stepped out of the stall and went to the row of sinks. She washed her hands then dried them on a hand towel nearby. She found this and the bar of soap different, but she suspected it was from the lack of mass manufacturing in the future. She started towards the exit, yet a fast woman sharply came around and bumped into her.
"Excuse me," Sarah offered. She noted how the stranger glanced at her time traveler band on her arm.
The woman, Lisa, locked her cold stare on the time traveler. "You're Sarah Connor."
Sarah had taken a step back and a chill skittered down her spine. She subconsciously went for her gun but pulled up short because it wasn't there. She mentally cursed at being weaponless, especially after so many incidents and in uncertain conditions.
Lisa copied the time traveler's movements, but she brandished a plasma handgun.
Sarah saw murder in Lisa's eyes, and she reacted quickly to the pending gunfire. She went for the younger woman's gun and grappled Lisa's stretching arm just in time. Her ears rang from the plasma hit on the wall behind her. She broke Lisa's grip on the gun, which clattered on the tiled floor.
Lisa finally caught up with Sarah's fight and slammed Sarah back against the sink counter. She was fairly tall and loomed over Sarah. She gripped Sarah's throat with one hand and used her left arm to force Sarah harder against the sink.
"You're the cause behind this," Lisa hissed. She tightened her grip on Sarah's throat. "You're the devil to this Hell."
Sarah growled and struggled against her attacker. She saw the vengeance in Lisa's eyes for something Sarah didn't understand but knew what it could do to a person. She gasped for her last air then desperately slammed her right knee into the woman's gut.
Lisa was hit by pain and lost most of her control over Sarah. She took a solid punch to her face but then her feet were off the floor. She was airborne and thrown backwards until her back collided with a stall's metal pillar.
Sarah gulped for air and hunched forward, but she gazed up at Cameron Connor. She saw how the terminator's blue eyes were burning brightly by Cameron's endoskeleton eyes. She'd seen this before yet had no strength or desire to ease the terminator's anger.
Cameron quickly went to the slumped Resistance soldier on the floor. She lifted the hurt human off the floor by her throat. She returned Lisa's earlier choke hold.
Lisa focused on glowing blue eyes that pierced her. She gripped the terminator's wrist, but she was far weaker. "Do it, you terminator bitch." She kicked her feet some. "You only know... how to kill."
Cameron slightly lowered the choking human but slammed Lisa against the metal pillar. "You and any others do not come near Sarah Connor."
Lisa growled at the terminator's self control. "We won't stop 'til this is corrected."
Cameron narrowed her eyes, but she detected that soldiers were quickly approaching the restroom's entrance. Lisa's words encouraged several thoughts, but she firstly concluded that Lisa was trying to provoke her into killing Lisa. She leaned in and hotly whispered, "Any more threats towards my family, and I will do more than kill all of you." Her eyes were suddenly relit from her dark promise.
"Still murderous metal under that fake skin," Lisa snapped just as soldiers filed into the restrooms.
Sarah Connor stepped away from the sinks and studied the terminator's tense back. She saw that a soldier picked up the forgotten plasma gun.
Cameron leaned over the human and brought her lips close to Lisa's ear. She calmly informed, "Try for my family again then all the Resistance laws will not stop me from hunting down you and all your families. You will know what it is to be hunted by a terminator." She withdrew some and locked eyes with Lisa. "I promise you." She then straightened up and suddenly threw Lisa at the soldiers.
The soldiers caught Lisa, who tried going back at Cameron Connor. They subdued her after some struggle.
"She attacked Sarah Connor," Blue reported to the lieutenant. "She has conspired with others to kill Sarah Connor. She may also be responsible for the triple eight's malfunction the other day." She narrowed her eyes at Lisa, who had her arms zip wired behind her back. "Take her to a holding cell and inform Major Tarras."
The lieutenant dipped his head. "Of course, councilor." He then focused on the time traveler. "Do you need any assistance, Miss Connor? An escort to the hospital?"
Cameron tracked her eyes over to the Sarah, who had a red neck. She balled her hands at her side.
"No." Sarah shook her head and promised, "I'm alright but thank you."
The lieutenant relented and promised to take care of Sarah Connor's attacker. He and the soldiers escorted the traitor out of the restroom and to the holding cell in the lower levels.
Sarah let out a relieved breath then peered up at the terminator. She gathered her courage and offered, "Thank you."
Cameron approached the human, raised her hand, and pressed her fingertips into Sarah's throat out of old habit. She took Sarah's reading and was satisfied she was okay. "Lisa Jones has been a suspect for some time, but I did not expect her to be so bold." She visually studied the petite human. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm good," Sarah brushed off. She then softly admitted, "A gun would have been nice though."
The terminator slightly frowned at the confession, yet she understood the human's long-time habit. She inwardly sighed because she wasn't suppose to even consider the idea. However, she found that Sarah Connor was above the rules, always.
"Come with me," Cameron ordered. She guided the human out of the restrooms and through the cafeteria that went rather quiet. But she and Sarah ignored them and slipped out into the hallway. She found Sarah at her side on the trip to Cameron's home.
"Does that happen often?" Sarah inquired.
"Rarely," Cameron quietly replied. She was still edgy, but it wasn't noticeable to most.
"She said I'm the cause of this Hell." Sarah shook her head and concluded, "She's talking about now... here in 2028."
Blue remained quiet for awhile but carefully explained, "There are always critics." She and Sarah stopped in the elevator lobby. She hit the up button. "Most praise Sarah Connor."
"And some hate me for training a terminator to be a future leader," Sarah guessed. She combed her wild locks back and muttered, "I could understand."
Cameron regarded the human but said nothing back. She wasn't sure how to take Sarah's last statement.
Sarah heard the elevator's low ding. She passed through the opening entrance. "It's easier to just hate and blame than to break the cycle."
"But have you found breaking the cycle worth it?" The AI terminator watched the doors draw shut and her distorted image reflected against the mirror-like doors.
"It's hard... it takes time," Sarah softly replied. She then peered up at the terminator. "But yeah... it's damn well worth it."
Blue gave a soft smile at this, and it eased her worries. She led Sarah out of the elevator once they made it to their destination. She came to her home that she shared with Nico. She pushed open the door after it unlocked due to her approach. She brought Sarah into her warm home.
Sarah scanned the small yet comfortable atmosphere of the initial home, which was a living room. She glanced over at the kitchen then focused on the terminator. "You live here?"
"Nico and I," Cameron confirmed. She was hesitant to let Sarah any further into a home that she shared solely with Nico. "Wait here... I'll be back in a minute." She disappeared down a short hallway and went to her bedroom.
Sarah didn't object and stayed in the living room. She noted the flat screen television on the wall but the small glass shelf beside it caught her eye. She neared it after the realized there was a black frame photo that sat on it. She now studied a photo of Nico being held by Cameron from behind. Sarah could tell they were happy together and were a match. She folded her arms and slipped away from the photo after she heard Cameron's return.
The terminator approached the human and lifted her hands in offer.
Sarah was surprised to find an old Glock in one hand and a long magazine in the other. But she furrowed her brow once she noticed on the Glock's handle the two blue letters 'SC' were etched into it. She quickly peered up at Cameron.
"This is completely against policy," Blue admitted. Yet she pushed them towards Sarah. "So if you use it and anybody asks, you tell them John gave it to you."
Sarah blinked once then caught Cameron's sly grin. She cracked her own smile once she realized it was a joke. "If it's going to get you into trouble-"
"I rather break policy than have you end up hurt or worse. My younger-self is there a lot, but even I can't be in three places at once," Cameron fought. She signaled the weapon. "Please."
Sarah let out a low sigh but nodded and took the loaded gun then spare magazine. She tucked the gun away in her waist band then pulled her shirt over it. It felt so good to have the cold steel against her backside again. She slipped the magazine in her front pocket. "I'll return it to you before I leave."
Blue parted her lips but faltered for a second. "Please do." She lifted her eyes and held Sarah's and conveyed the importance behind the gun.
Sarah didn't dare ask for history behind the Glock. But she knew enough that the two bold letters were her initials. Currently, she didn't have a Glock with her initials so she imagined this particular Glock would appear in her life later.
"Are you going to return to the lab?" Blue queried.
Sarah nodded once then confirmed, "Yes."
"I'll join you... it's on the way to my office." The terminator followed the human out the door, and they went back to the elevators.
Sarah considered the idea of the terminator having an office along with such things as paperwork like an everyday job. She had a hard time believing this. She hesitantly mentioned, "That soldier... he called you a councilor."
"I am on the council," Blue reminded.
"What exactly do you do on the council?" Sarah tempted.
The aged terminator considered all her various duties and summed it up to her basic purpose. "I wear two hats really. I represent the rogue terminators... as their leader."
Sarah couldn't believe that Cameron Phillips would someday lead, especially rogue terminators.
"But I'm still a Resistance soldier," Cameron explained. "John and I work together to integrate the rogue terminators and humans together."
"Is that why there are some terminators living here, among the Resistance?"
Blue gave a faint nod. "The Resistance offered them a chance to integrate and live in the city. It is select offer as we choose which rogue terminators were best suited for the testing. Those terminators that have freely chosen to live in the city understand the dangers... the threats."
"But they're still willing to take the risk all in the name of progress?"
"The advantages to finding peace with the Resistance are much higher than being hunted by Skynet," Cameron informed.
"Hunted," Sarah murmured. She walked closer to Cameron on their way to the lab after just getting off the elevator. "Wayne thought you..." She shook her head and corrected, "Younger you was a T-900 trying to destroy rogue terminators."
"Yes," Cameron recalled the old fight between herself and two T-888s in her mission to protect Sarah from them. "The 900 Series was designed to hunt and destroy rogue terminators. They are very hard to beat one on one. They also have the ability to alert HK planes for backup and often do use it."
Sarah bit her lower lip and thought about rogue terminators' position in this world. She imagined they felt truly alienated because they were enemies to Skynet and the Resistance, until now.
Cameron had glossy eyes and wistfully told, "I can recall many dark nights out there... hunted by a swarm of T-900s. You are hunted because you are an individual... because you are free." She sensed Sarah's curious eyes on her. "The worst is when you think you're safe, hidden underground with other rogue terminators, and then an airstrike begins over your head. But we're like rats in a sewer; we scatter without caring who survives it... only your survival matters."
Sarah came to a stop by the lab's closed doors. She had a worried expression at Cameron's dark features. She could tell Cameron was going through old memories that made little sense to Sarah. She inhaled deeply because she could relate to the emotions behind them.
Blue let the memories fade away, and she focused on Sarah again. "Some day... soon, very soon it will be Skynet who is the hunted."
Sarah softly sighed and gingerly touched the terminator's arm, which was covered by a leather jacket. "It's not about humans anymore, is it?"
"No," Cameron softly agreed. She took a deep breath and revealed, "It's about life and freedom." She then looked at the lab door. She started into the lab's small lobby that had the waiting room, which was void of any life. "Wait here. I'll see what I can find out." She slipped away into a side room without ever looking back.
Sarah took a seat and sunk into it. She slouched some and crossed her ankles. She thought about what Cameron said earlier, and it was heavy. She straightened up some when Blue returned.
The aged terminator knelt down near her former partner. She rested her arm on her knees and explained, "It will only be two more hours." She studied the human's hopeful expression. "There are no problems and shouldn't be any from here out." She tilted her head a bit. "There are three phases to a resheathing, and they're now on the third phase. They use the cellular generator to hasten the skin's development and stimulate the hair follicles."
Sarah loosely crossed her arms in her lap. "So, will she... I mean you..." She gave an annoyed sigh. "Will your younger-self come out looking exactly the same?"
"Yes... but with blue eyes," Cameron replied.
Sarah visibly stiffened and snapped, "What?" But she let out her breath when the terminator started chuckling.
"Gotcha," Blue murmured. She patted the human's knee and stood up. "John also wanted me to tell you that tonight we will all be having dinner to celebrate the resheathing." She shifted her weight onto her right foot and folded her muscular arms. "Kate will be doing burgers."
Sarah chuckled and muttered, "Naturally." She shook her head at the idea of having a family dinner consisting of burgers in 2028. She then frowned and peered up, "We as in all of us? You'll be there?"
"I am family," the terminator reminded, "And so is Nico."
Sarah shook her head. "It's not that. But your younger-self could detect you're not human."
Cameron revealed a smirk and informed, "I have a highly sophisticated cloaking program. Her scans will only tell her that I am human."
"Hmmm." Sarah had a thoughtful expression. She tilted her head back some. "Then we'll be there."
"I know," Cameron stated. She now slipped away and went to the exit. "I will see you this evening." Then she was gone.
"Bye," Sarah murmured to only herself. She toyed with her hair then slouched in her seat again. She thought about her day so far and would be glad for the next two hours to pass. She already conjured images of Cameron Phillips back in her skin sheath. It still bothered her that she didn't know exactly what was happening, but she felt better that she knew something.
Sarah stayed in the lobby for awhile before she drifted out into the hallway. She was antsy again so she decided on fresh air and a walk outside in the city. She made her way above ground and finally found the sunlight washing over her. She came to a brief stop on a sidewalk, closed her eyes, and soaked in the sun's warmth. She couldn't handle the constant underground lifestyle and was thankful it wasn't her life.
She continued her slow walk around the city and enjoyed the comfortable weather. She found it a bit warmer today but there still was a chill. She then heard somebody call her name, and she turned upon recognizing it as Andrew Marshal. She warmly smiled at him and petted Max too.
Andrew spent some time with Sarah and joined her on the walk around the city. He was surprised at Sarah's new knowledge about 2028 and suspected she was told by either John Connor or Cameron Connor. He sadly smiled at the thought of Cameron, his old friend, being briefly reunited with Sarah Connor. He'd have to catch up with her later and see how she was handling it.
Eventually, Sarah broke away from Andrew once she realized the time. She thanked him for spending time with her then she was on her way. She felt rushed to get back to the lab before Cameron completed the resheathing. She'd made a promise to be there and didn't plan on screwing it up either. She entered the lab's small lobby, which was still eerily quiet. She took a seat and started becoming nervous all over again. She unknowingly shook her right leg up and down while she waited for some kind of news.
After awhile, the side door was shoved open and John Connor smiled at his mother. He approached her while saying, "She's done her resheathing."
Sarah instantly stood up. "Can I..." She faltered at uncertainty.
John gave a tender smile and explained, "She's taking a shower to clean off from the resheathing. Then she'll get dressed and be out." He folded his arms and nodded at the side door. "Come on. You can wait for her in here. She just jumped in so it shouldn't take her too long."
"How'd it go?"
John glanced back at his mother and held the door open for her. "Really well, actually." He guided her down a short hallway then into control room that overlooked the clean room. He allowed his mother to see out of the windows down at the clean room. "Her chassis is so well designed. I wish all were like hers."
Sarah was studying the three people down in the clean room and presumed it was Kate, Nico, and Lauren by their characteristics. But she couldn't be totally sure since they were in white suites. She turned back to John. "How many have you done?"
John leaned against the control console. "It's about seven now." He decided not to get into the lengthy discussion about why and how the Resistance became apt at sheathing terminators. They weren't nearly as efficient at it as Skynet, but they were catching up. "Blue said you both went to lunch."
"Yes." Sarah eyed her son and mentioned, "She told me a lot last night."
The Resistance leader nodded a few times and carefully asked, "How do you feel about it?"
Sarah was quiet and put together her thoughts. She nodded once and honestly answered, "It's a real shock. But... there's hope now, isn't there?"
"Yes." John had a thin smile. "Before Cameron came back to the Resistance, we thought we'd never survive Skynet. But the growing relations between the Resistance and the rogue terminators gives us... all of us a chance to stop Skynet." He sighed though and seriously explained, "Mom, if you didn't give Cameron what she has today then we'd never stand a chance." He touched his chest. "I'm only half of the key."
Sarah leaned against the console and shook her head. "I teach her to lead... maybe even how to value life. But it sounds like Nico turns her around otherwise it'd all be lost."
"And Nico only managed because she reminded Cameron what you gave her years ago," John refuted. He gave a faint frown. "Cameron abandoned the Resistance after she felt her mission to protect me was complete. She disappeared years before Nico and Allison came to the area. We thought Cameron was killed by Skynet so we carried on without her."
Sarah let out a deep breath because she recalled such details from what Blue told her last night. She bowed her head and stared at her boot tips. "But do you think she would have come back without Nico's help?"
John shook his head and confessed, "I'm not sure."
"Once Cameron sets her mind to something, it's hard to change it until she'd damn well ready," Sarah reminded.
"You don't have to tell me." John huffed at countless memories about the stubborn terminator. He then glanced out of the control room's window. "I need to get back down there and help clean up." He pushed off the console. "You'll be at dinner tonight?"
"Yes." Sarah kept her eyes on her son on his trip to the door.
"Great." John warmly smiled at his mother then left the control room.
Sarah contently sighed then turned around to the window. She watched them clean up the room and wheeled away a table that had various surgical devices. She curiously studied a large machine that must have been the cellular generator that Blue mentioned on occasion. She saw they were done and flicked off the lights in the clean room, everything went black.
Sarah move away from the console now that she saw nothing. She scanned about the small room then took a seat on a small, wheeled stool. She brushed her hair away from her face and leaned forward. She wondered what was taking the young terminator, but she knew she was just being impatient. She considered whether or not Cameron even knew she was waiting in the control room.
But Sarah's thoughts were cut short by the door knob click then the door being pushed open. Sarah suddenly felt weak then her stomach knotted up tightly at seeing the familiar, delicate features she'd actually missed. She forced herself to stand up and only managed a step or two.
"Hello, Sarah."
Sarah Connor swallowed hard at hearing the same monotone that she'd learned to taste traces of emotions in it. She studied the earthy brown eyes that were solely locked on her. She blinked back the sting behind her eyes.
Cameron Phillips proudly stood despite she was slim and petite for most women. She had damp, long hair that framed her round cheeks, which were faintly flushed from the hot shower. She wore jeans that hugged her curves and a red polo that was form fitting. But overtop, she had on a black canvas jacket that was left unzipped.
"You're..." Sarah stumbled over her words yet took a step closer. She felt her cheeks warm at Cameron's raised eyebrow. "You're done the resheathing."
"I am," the terminator agreed. From her position, she detected the human's frantic heartbeat and raised body temperature. She noted her own organic heart had an elevated speed.
Sarah mentally groaned at the stupidity behind her own words. Why was she suddenly bashful in front of her friend? It wasn't as if she hadn't seen Cameron in her skin sheath. Hell that was how she knew Cameron best since the first day.
Cameron recalled such awkward situations between them before. She tried handling it better this time than she had in the past. She neared the nervous human and mentioned, "It is good to be back in my skin sheath."
Sarah eased a smile and studied the terminator's soft features. She recalled how she couldn't wait to see that beauty mark back on Cameron's left brow. Part of her believed it wouldn't come back but indeed it was there like nothing ever changed about Cameron. She hesitated but reached up and ran her thumb down Cameron's brow until she touched the beauty mark.
Cameron stayed rather still and observed the human's bold move. They rarely touched until just recently, but Cameron was without her skin sheath. Now she carefully felt every sensation from Sarah's gentle touch. It made Cameron shut her eyes and recorded the new feelings it gave her.
"Nothing's different," Sarah murmured.
Slowly, Cameron opened her eyes and replied, "Nothing is different with my skin sheath." She paused but then softly added, "But everything else is different now."
Sarah lowered her hand and absorbed the truth behind her friend's perceptive findings. "Yes," she softly agreed. She had tender features that were usual but becoming of her. "And I made you a promise last night." She closed in the rest of the distance between them and slipped her arms around the terminator.
Cameron hadn't expected it but recovered by encircling Sarah, tightly. She heard Sarah's relieved exhale, and she closed her eyes as the feelings washed over her. She could completely feel Sarah's body pressed against hers in warm sensation.
Sarah had one arm around her friend's petite waist while she tangled her fingers into damp locks. She closed her eyes and leaned her head against Cameron's. She had her lips just near the terminator's crescent ear. She murmured, "It's good to have you back."
Cameron tightened her hold on Sarah once she realized it'd bring them even a bit closer. She softly argued, "I was never gone."
Sarah smiled at the truth. "Then it's good to have you whole again." She turned her head some and inhaled the gentle, sweet scent that was indeed Cameron Phillips. She'd never noticed it until now. She leaned her forehead against Cameron's temple.
"Sarah?" Cameron uttered.
Sarah detected the terminator's puzzled tone so she withdrew some but didn't break their contract. She focused on Cameron's rather serious features.
"I wish for you to understand something," Cameron started. She had processed this several times over until she was satisfied with the results. She knew they were accurate and wanted to share it with Sarah. She gathered her words after she translated it from ones and zeroes.
"Hey," Sarah murmured and touched her friend's flushed cheek. "What is it?"
Cameron inhaled deeply then stated, "I protect John because it is my mission."
Sarah kept still and wondered where this was headed with Cameron. She didn't let her immediate reaction to jump away take her. She let it float off and refocused on Cameron's talk.
"But I protect you because you are my human," Cameron revealed in a nearly hollow tone. But the conviction in her eyes was what gave away her hidden emotions. There was much more to Cameron than just skin and metal.
Sarah had her heart in her throat for an instant until it fell into her stomach. She couldn't ignore the burn it created in her stomach or how it weakened her knees. She was thankful that Cameron held her. She now knew it was too late for her to ever go back to the way things use to be between them. She should have lashed out, berated Cameron, and demonstrated how she didn't need protecting, especially by a terminator. But that was the old Sarah Connor, who was now dead. Instead, Sarah found safety in Cameron's promise that gave Sarah a different kind of strength.
Cameron had tense systems after stating her claims. She waited for Sarah to strike out both physically and verbally. She surely expected it and would surrender to it. She forgot to tell her organic systems to breathe, and she completely froze when Sarah leaned forward. She prepared for a volatile reaction and didn't initial believe it when Sarah's forehead met hers. Cameron suddenly inhaled once it was clear that Sarah was actually smiling. Then a gentle hand pressed into Cameron's left cheek. She followed Sarah's example and shut her eyes.
Sarah repeated Cameron's earlier deceleration and kept smiling. She smiled for many reasons than just Cameron's promise but above all that she was okay with it. She knew for a fact that she and Cameron could move forward now that Sarah's anger and hatred was dying. She indeed smiled at a new beginning, a new life.
Cameron reacted rather humanly to Sarah's unexpected happiness; she let out a heavy breath that shook her body. She readjusted her arms around Sarah's body and drew her back in again. She focused on their simple yet intimate moment, and she felt connected to Sarah as if they passed thoughts through their touching foreheads.
Sarah trailed her right hand down Cameron's cheek and cupped jaw. She followed what felt right as she turned her head slightly and brought her lips in. She grazed hers across Cameron's delicate, smooth lips.
Cameron remained still and let Sarah control the pace. But after a few heartbeats, she moved her lips against Sarah's in a light brushing.
Sarah softly moaned at how slow and gentle it was between them. She drew Cameron in closer with a tender pull to Cameron's jaw line. She soon had Cameron's sweet lips firmly pressed against hers. Sarah heard Cameron's own whimper, which excited Sarah to know Cameron was feeling the same way. She encouraged the kiss deeper by poking out her tongue.
Cameron felt Sarah's request and easily accepted Sarah's invite. Once her tongue met Sarah's, they both moaned together and were instantly taken by the rising heat between them. Cameron brushed her tongue across Sarah's several times before she gently sucked on Sarah's. She then started withdrawing but afterwards, she brought their lips together again in light kisses.
Sarah groaned at how amazing it'd felt to kiss Cameron. She pushed for a second kiss and danced her tongue with Cameron's in a beautiful moment. She pulled back but gathered Cameron's bottom lip between her teeth and gently nipped which brought out a gasp from Cameron. She grinned after the kiss and pressed her forehead against Cameron's.
The terminator had short breaths and kept her eyes closed as all the sensations, feelings, and tingles traveled through her organic systems. She studied them all and recorded them for better research later. Right now, she just wanted to live in them while she held her human.
Sarah softly hummed and continued smiling as she absorbed what'd just happened between them. She couldn't deny how it made her feel so good, not just for herself but also Cameron. She knew, without doubt, that Cameron was nearly as excited by what they just shared together. It was true that she and Cameron did deserve happiness, which they were finding together. Indeed Sarah felt like she was Cameron's human, now.