Bug’s voice betrayed his tears. February stood
motionless beside the airlock panel, and Up suddenly
understood what was happening.
“I know the truth now, everybody. I – I’m not a Starship
Ranger. I’m a bug. But we’ve got a saying on Bug World,
huh? The needs of the many bugs outweigh the needs of the
few bugs.” He tapped his chest, and his voice broke. “Or
the one bug. I never really understood that until now.”
“Bug,” said Up, and he felt Taz look up at him. “You
may be a damn bug, but you are the finest Starship Ranger
that I have ever seen.” Taz raised her hand in a salute, and
he joined her. “It’s been an honour to be your commander,
Bug.”
Bug composed himself, and returned the salute.
“Thanks, Up. It’s been a ride.” He turned then to the
woman still standing motionless, to the barrier between
them. “February, I want you to know that even though I lied
about being a bug, I meant everything else. You are the
most beautiful, the funniest and – and the smartest girl I’ve
ever met.” He seemed to steady himself. “Do it now.”
They stared at each other for a long moment, and as they
did, Up felt Taz’s small, gloved hand slip into his.
February’s voice, when she spoke, was not quite steady.
“Goodbye, Bug.”
Taz didn’t like funerals, but she had attended many over
her career. She watched as Tootsie and Specs lowered the
box with Bug’s remains – those they had been able to find –
onto the Bug World soil and stood with her fists clenched as
Up came to stand beside her.
“Ten-hut!”
All four of the Rangers – and the one Megagirl unit –
under Up’s command stood at attention. Krayonder was
alive and well, though sporting a rather nasty head wound.