Gifts
�Chamber session commenced,� the main computer says in a tone that is a mix between mother, child and android. �Mutants present are Kismet, Ruse, Renegade, Genesis and Serenity. Other occupants� hawk, designated Garret and human female, Ace.�
Once I give the signal to start I sit back to watch the team, my team. I am James Anderson, better known as Cell, the leader of the Guardians. Recent history has never seen a team such as us; I fear they never will again. We are the last stand for good, and without us humanity is surly doomed. Sometimes I think we are doomed either way.
So why bother? We bother because we instill hope into those who wish protected from monsters, we bring mutants a choice and someday we may even bring them peace. Yet, my team doesn�t see things the same way. My team� sometimes I wonder if it wise of Sampson to put me in charge. After all, what do I have to offer? Serenity and Kai told me that I give the team confidence in themselves and a sense of security in the field. If it�s true then I�m glad to have given them that although it pales in comparison to all that they have given me.
Kai has given me the key to who I am. She�s the one who allowed me to see past the imprisonment of my powers to what they can so for the world. She was the first to know me as the mutant that I am, she always believed in me. She gave me hope.
Genesis showed me that there are other ways to win a fight than with weapons and powers. He taught me the power of words and compassion. I can always count on him to offer me wisdom and knowledge. And when Kai�s knowledge failed I know that Simon�s won�t.
And then there is Hope. She gave me someone to protect. By doing this she allowed me to realize just how much what we do means to those who can�t protect themselves. She showed me the innocence that still is in the world and what, exactly, I am trying to save and retain for humanity.
Ruse only reinforced that. But he was the only one who ever thanked me and appreciated what I did for him so much. He was the first person that I truly saved. And by doing that, on some level, he saved me too.
Yet it was Renegade who taught me to take care in what challenges I do accept. I mean in matters of strength, looks, muscle, and stamina who can compete with the perfect guy?
Out of all the team I think, on some level, it was Ace who gave me the most. She gave me my first glimpse at real, raw power; but more importantly she gave me her trust, something she has very little of. I haven�t figured out why that is, but her trust is something that I�ll never misplace.
I owe all I am to these people and in some way I hope to pay them back.