Planet X - Michael Jan Friedman [95]
“And?” said Colossus.
“Having studied your systems at a cellular level, I think I can adapt what the professor and I came up with to rid you of your mutant gene as well.”
Crusher watched the X-Men’s faces, as the significance of her announcement sank in.
“In other words … make us into normal humans?” Colossus asked.
Banshee’s eyes narrowed. “The same as the rest of society?”
“That’s right,” the doctor told them. “You wouldn’t be mutants anymore. You would be homo sapiens.”
Shadowcat stared at her. “But … we don’t want to be homo sapiens. I mean, don’t get me wrong, we don’t love the idea of being persecuted because of what we are. But that doesn’t mean we would trade it for anything else.”
“We’ve risked our lives to remain mutants.” Storm pointed out. “And to be accepted that way.”
“In fact,” Nightcrawler said slyly, “the only people who’ve offered to make us homo sapiens in the past are our enemies.”
Crusher smiled. “I had a feeling you’d say that. Still, I had to give you the choice.”
Picard nodded. “So you did, Doctor.” He looked around the table. “And that concludes our agenda. Thank you all for coming.”
Everyone got up and left the observation lounge. However, the captain lingered. So, he noticed, did Storm. She gazed out the window at the stars, as she had that time in his ready room.
“Commander Riker told me of your exploits in Verdeen,” he said. “They sounded rather colorful.”
“No more so than your adventure in the shuttle,” she replied.
Picard frowned. “May I ask you a question, Ororo?”
The mutant turned to him. “As you wish.”
“When you first came aboard,” he said, “we had a conversation. We were talking about the demands of leadership.”
She nodded. “Of course. I said that leaders seldom enjoy stable relationships—which is no more than the truth as I have observed it.”
“Yes,” said the captain. “But you also seemed on the verge of mentioning an exception to that rule. I cannot help but wonder …”
Storm gazed into his eyes. “Are you certain you want me to answer that question? To answer it even as I am leaving, most likely never to see you again?”
Picard considered the wisdom in what she was saying. He took a breath, then let it out.
“Perhaps not,” he said softly.
For a moment, silence reigned in the observation lounge. Then the mutant came over and took the captain’s arm. “Suddenly, I have an urge for some herbal tea.”
Picard smiled. “As you wish.”
Chapter Thirty-four
PICARD STOOD ON the periphery of Cargo Bay One, flanked by his first officer and his ship’s counselor. They watched as Geordi and Shadowcat conspired to set the coordinates on the last remaining timehook, surrounded by the other X-Men, Commander Worf, and a handful of Enterprise officers.
“And that’s it,” the chief engineer announced at last.
“It’s ready?” asked Wolverine.
“As ready as it’ll ever be,” said Shadowcat.
The X-Men looked at one another. Clearly, they were gladdened by the prospect of returning to their rightful timeline. However, it also meant leaving their newfound comrades behind—if not for the first time, quite possibly for the last.
Wolverine clapped Worf on the shoulder. “Don’t ever change, bub.”
The Klingon’s mouth pulled up at the corners. “Once again, it was an honor fighting beside you.”
Shadowcat hugged Lt. Sovar. “Take care of yourself,”she told him. “I mean, you’ll have to, now. You won’t have me to look after you anymore.”
The Xhaldian grinned. “I’ll do my best.”
“You sure you don’t want to stay?” Geordi asked Nightcrawler. “We can use a man who teleports on his own.”
The X-Man shook his blue head. “Your universe is too exhausting, mein freund. I prefer a place that’s nice and restful, where I just have to battle the odd villain from time to time.”
Dr. Crusher exchanged goodbyes with Archangel, Data with Colossus, and Banshee with Lt. Robinson and Lt. Rager. Storm, on the other hand, separated herself from the crowd and approached the captain’s smaller group.
“I will miss you,” she told them. “All of you.”
“And we you,” said Troi, smiling sadly.
“Next