Shattered Perceptions
Chapter Twenty-One
by Tim Francovich
"The portal is open," Major Domo announced, "if you are certain about this."
Cable grinned. "Talk to your ally about it," he replied, thumbing at the Rebel. "All right, X-Force, let's go!"
Sam stepped up to the Rebel and put out his hand. "It was good to see you, sir... again." The old man shook his hand firmly, a characteristic smile on his face.
Sam turned to Lepton. "Thanks for all your help," he offered. "Ah appreciate..."
"You're welcome already," Lepton growled. "You gonna leave or what?"
Sam chuckled and stepped up to the portal, followed closely by Boomer. Warpath and Siryn said short farewells and followed the others. Rictor hesitated a moment, shrugged and stepped through the portal, leaving only Cable and Shatterstar.
Shatterstar drew his sword and gave a formal salute to the Rebel who nodded in acknowledgement. Replacing the sword, he turned to Windsong. "In many ways, I wish you were coming with me," he stated.
"I wish the same," she replied. "But I must help the rebellion continue Until you return to lead us."
"I know," he said, nodding. "Farewell, Windsong. We will meet again."
"Farewell, Shatterstar. I will be waiting for that moment."
Cable looked at the Rebel. "Maybe what we need to teach Star is how to relate to women," he observed.
"He is making significant progress already," the Rebel responded, gesturing.
Cable looked back and was pleasantly surprised to see Star and Windsong's final farewell.
Shatterstar stepped away from her and approached the portal. He turned back before taking the final step and, drawing his sword again, looked one last time at Windsong's face. "Farewell, my world!" he cried, waving his sword in a wide sweep, but his eyes were on Windsong. Then he turned and stepped away.
As Cable and Shatterstar disappeared into the portal, the Rebel nodded and smiled. "Farewell, my son," he whispered. "We will meet again, as well."
Shatterstar's voice speaking to Cable drifted back to them before the portal closed. "I have much to learn. Please teach me. As fast as you can."
THE END (for now)