Truth

"Well, hey there, Kat," Jack smiles, leaning against the doorframe of Kat's lab.

"Jack, welcome back!" Kat offers her once–a–ranger a hug. "How have you been?"

"Pretty good, thanks," Jack laughs a bit. He has missed the motherly essence Kat carries with her naturally.

"How's Ally?" Kat raises her brows as she puts her digipad down.

"Good," Jack answers sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "We've helped a lot of people, and we're even getting stores in on the charity; they donate new clothes for the publicity, but a donation's a donation, huh?"

"Yes, that's true," Kat smiles warmly at Jack. She is glad to find out that he is doing well, and so happy. It's like seeing one of her kids flourish, and she didn't realize it for a while, but with B–Squad shifting onto larger things, she feels like her nest is emptying. "I'm glad you're happy, Jack, and doing well. I'm proud of you."

Jack blinks as tears sting his eyes. He takes Kat into another warm hug, feeling the whole family vibe. Kat was the closest thing to a mom he (and Z) ever had. "Thanks, Kat, for everything, and for being there for me."

"You're very welcome, sweetie," Kat smiles into his embrace. She has missed her kids. "Have you seen the others yet?"

"Not yet—came here first. Z is still overseas meeting the Sentai, anyway. Sky is with Cruger, at the new preparatory summit for Commanders," Jack notices Kat looking proud but sad. "Syd and Bridge are still here, though."

"Yeah," she smiles at him, though she's still saddened a bit. "I missed seeing you around, Jack—all of you. Just the way of things, though; my kids are growing up."

"Yeah, I guess we are," Jack shrugs. He never thought anyone would describe him as grown up. He remembers something: "I've been wondering, Kat...?"

"Yeah?" she looks at him curiously.

"I've heard, from Z, that, uh..." Jack sneaks closer to the woman who's like his mother and smiles slyly; "that you and Cruger have gotten, let's say, cozy."

"What, uh, do you mean?" Kat asks, knowing her slip has betrayed her. Plus, her cheeks are turning a light pink color.

"Come on, Kat," Jack urges, "the truth."

Kat sighs and smiles gently at her past red ranger. "We were just...seeing how it went. We kind of started – I guess dating is the word – after the final battle. We were just waiting for how things were going to go, and then they...worked. So, we, uh, we continued."

"And?" Jack smiles, seeing Kat begin to glow from within. The happiness in her makes him feel pure joy.

"And, we're getting married," Kat says, entirely unable to contain the pure happiness radiating from her core. Jack seems stunned, but happy. "We haven't told anyone yet, but Doggie proposed to me two days ago. We wanted to call everyone together to announce it, at the celebration dinner for the anniversary of the fall of the Troobians."

"Congratulations, Kat, I'm so happy for you," Jack hugs her again and gives her a gentle kiss on the cheek. "So, the old dog's been good to you?"

"Yes, Jack, he has been the very best," Kat assures the suddenly protective young man and ghosts her hand over his face affectionately. "That...is the truth."