On the sub, in Jesse's future (past), she is on a mission setup by "John Connor" (who no one was allowed to see) to bring the box which contains the T-1001 (Catherine Weaver) to "John Connor" to setup peace between the resistance and a rebel faction of machines. Cameron was the one speaking in John Connor's place because she accidentally killed him. Cameron is loyal to John and continues his mission to bring peace. When the Jesse/sub mission with the T-1001 goes bad, that plan is ruined. Cameron has failed. Cameron decides to send herself back in time to protect John and make things right. "She" gets close to him, ensuring he falls in love with "her", thus ensuring his protection of "her" and "her" life. There is a self-aware desire to live. Cameron, in that sense, is independent and cross