Disclaimer:  All Marvel characters featured in this story are trademarks
of Marvel Comics Group. This is an unauthorized work and no profit is
being made on this work.  This story is copyright Tim Frankovich 1995-96.

Shattered Perceptions, Chapter Twenty-One

"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 inacknowledgement.  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 Windsong 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)


******

Well, that's my first venture into the fan fiction realm.  What do you
think?  Would you like to see more?  Is there any other character you
would like me to focus on?  (Remember: I don't accept anything written
about X-Force since AOA.)  Let me know!  X-Force: Sins of the Future is in
the planning stage right now.  Look for Chapter 1 sometime soon.