X-Force #19

Fabian Nicieza - writer
Greg Capullo - pencils

In the aftermath of The X-Cutioner's song, X-Force is still being held as leisurely captives at the X-mansion. Boomer tries her hand with the Shi'ar Clothes Synthesizer, to make herself a new uniform while she and Lila Cheney chat about Sam, and outside, Sunspot and Stevie Hunter, talk about his new problems and powers created by Gideon. Shatterstar, Feral, and Rictor practice in the Danger Room under Beast's supervision as Warpath and Siryn steal some important information from Cerebro to use for themselves. Meanwhile, Cannonball and Storm come to see the recovering professor in his study. Sam finally confronts Xavier on his abandonment of the team to Magneto, their imprisonment, and the differences between their ideals. In Norwell, MA, Tina Valentino knocks on the door of Vanessa Carlyle, who has been locked up in her room for weeks. On board the S.H.I.E.L.D. hellicarrier, G.W. Bridge is called in by Henry Peter Gyrich, to answer for the loss of equipment and men in the operation to capture X-Force. G.W. resents the inquisition and quits. Back at the mansion, Boomer makes new uniforms for the rest of the team and they all decide to confront the professor on their fate. The professor asks Sam if he will use "the closed fist" or "the open hand" in their future dealings. Cannonball demonstrates that they may have to use both, by nearly punching Chuck in the nose, then opening his hand to reveal a small mouse, safely resting. For this wisdom, Charles decides they can all leave freely. Lila creates a teleportation rift to transport them back to Camp Verde, AZ , as the professor gives his benediction . . . "Walk the path with care."