Strange choice of days to make this announcement, I know.

[x-cable.livejournal.com]

But since everyone I needed to talk to about this has now stopped by the infirmary to see me, plus I don't have a tube in my chest anymore, I figured I might as well bat my eyes at Amelia and get my laptop back.

I'll just come out and say it, I guess - I'm retiring from active duty with the team. I think this has been a while in coming. I've taken a lot of punishment over the years, and the last few times, I haven't just not been bouncing back, I haven't been able to get all the way back. I won't whine about my aches and pains; suffice to say they're constant, even when I'm not lying flat on my back in the infirmary with my ribs in a few dozen pieces.

Beyond that, I think it's just time. It's thirty years since I was first put into the field by Mistra. That's a long, long time to be doing this kind of work. I've seen a lot of things I can't unsee and more than anyone should really have to see. I'm more tired than I usually like to let on.

And then there's the four year-old whose birthday I missed, again. I don't think I need to say anything more about that.

This isn't goodbye by any means, of course. I'm not going anywhere - Scott's convinced me to stay on as a reserve member. Plus, once I'm back on my feet, I've promised to take an active role on the training side of things. If nothing else, I can teach you all what not to do, right?

Comments

[x-wildchild.livejournal.com]

Wait, you're QUITTING?

[x-cable.livejournal.com]

I prefer 'retiring'. Less painful to my pride.

[x-wildchild.livejournal.com]

Okay, but I don't have to like it, right?

[x-cable.livejournal.com]

Given that I don't like it? Watch, the first time I have to stand here and watch the 'Bird take off without me, I'll start chasing it in my exoskeleton begging to come along.

[x-wildchild.livejournal.com]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxFYEmhkfIc

[x-cable.livejournal.com]

I mentioned the shattered ribs, right? Please don't make me laugh.

[x-roulette.livejournal.com]

Kyle, I know this is a serious post, but GOOD GOD WHAT HAVE I SAID ABOUT THAT HAT?

[x-wildchild.livejournal.com]

Uh. It looks like a chocolate pudding on my head and I should wear it always?

[x-roulette.livejournal.com]

I need to have a talk with your girlfriend about enabling you.

[x-wildchild.livejournal.com]

But it's an awesome hat. It looks like pudding!

[x-roulette.livejournal.com]

I'm sure it is. But right now I get the feeling that you do this to purposefully make me scream.

[x-wildchild.livejournal.com]

I like my hats.

[x-wasp.livejournal.com]

You know, not everyone can pull off wearing a hat like that, but I think Kyle can! :)

[x-cable.livejournal.com]

I like the hat. It has panache.

[x-blink.livejournal.com]

AWWWWW!!!!!!!!

I'm going to CRY!!!!

can we have a party to celebrate?

[x-cable.livejournal.com]

Well, we could, but I'm stuck in the infirmary for at least another few days until they're sure my lung's not going to collapse again.

[x-blink.livejournal.com]

We can wait. I need to buy stuff for the party anyways.

You cannot QUIT without a party though. Or watch. Scott needs to buy you a watch.

[x-cable.livejournal.com]

I'm not adverse to the idea of a party.

[x-blink.livejournal.com]

WOOHOO!!!! PARTY!!!!

I'm going to miss you like whoa though on teh field. It won't be the same without you...or your 'whatthefuckhasClaricedonenow' look.

[x-cable.livejournal.com]

Just think - when things blow up you all can't shout "Cable! What did you do now!" anymore.

[x-blink.livejournal.com]

or wonder if it's your brain leaking out onto the floor.

[x-roulette.livejournal.com]

I'll be sad not to see you in the field, Cochise, but I'm glad you're still with us.

...And taking steps to ensure that.

[x-cable.livejournal.com]

I'm getting old and sensible.

Moira did a jig. Seriously.

[x-forge.livejournal.com]

Oh good. Now I can pirate your decades of knowledge for all my tactical simulations without having to worry about upsetting the training schedule.

[x-cable.livejournal.com]

Scott promised me a free hand to be as sadistic as I wanted with the training gig. He knows just how to cheer up a convalescent.

[x-forge.livejournal.com]

Well, it's always good to have someone with historical knowledge around. In case we have to engage a bunch of Civil War re-enactors, we can rely on the experiences of someone who was actually there.

[x-cable.livejournal.com]

Wow, I'm already getting ideas for training scenarios. I just thought of one for you. I think you'll like it.

[x-roulette.livejournal.com]

Please tell me it involves a giant mallet.

[x-wallflower-.livejournal.com]

I had wondered what that strange chill was. You're going to be mean to us, aren't you? And crying doesn't work, does it?

[x-cable.livejournal.com]

There's no crying in the X-Men.

[x-wallflower-.livejournal.com]

Not even the bad guys? I'm pretty sure I could make the bad guys cry.

[x-wildchild.livejournal.com]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DNBBrkIPN8&feature=related

[x-wallflower-.livejournal.com]

*giggles* By the way, what is that on your face?

[x-lexington.livejournal.com]

Just as I'm getting to know you I found out you're leaving. Will you be able to run some DR scenarios with me? I need all the help I can get.

[x-cable.livejournal.com]

Not really leaving, like I said. Just not going to be throwing on the leathers and pretending I'm twenty-five anymore. Or thirty-five. It might be nice to be thirty-five again.

Seriously, though, once I'm back on my feet, expect to see my name all over the training schedule in the 'supervising' slot. As Scott pointed out, that's a contribution I can keep making. May as well put those "decades of knowledge" to work.

[x-lexington.livejournal.com]

Awesome. I look forward to it.

[x-foliate.livejournal.com]

Cheat code on all of Nathan's future training scenarios: hit it on the back of the head.

[x-cable.livejournal.com]

Oh, as if I'd ever be that obvious.

[x-foliate.livejournal.com]

You're right. I forgot to add "with a coat rack".