2.06

The protagonist, going by “Bug,” arrives at a prearranged meeting with the Undersiders, a group of young villains she encountered the previous night. She’s in costume, even though Tattletale, Grue, and Regent are not, having opted for the safety of her armor over social niceties. Using her power to control bugs, she scouts the area and confirms their identities, finding them unmasked and casually dressed, reinforcing Tattletale’s claim of a truce.

Tattletale, with her distinctive grin and green eyes, wins a bet with Regent regarding Bug’s arrival in costume. Regent, a pretty-faced young man, scowls as he hands over the winnings. Grue, the apparent leader, is a tall, muscular figure with a deep voice that belies his youthful appearance. He introduces himself as Brian and extends a hand in a gesture of trust.

Bug expresses her surprise at their willingness to reveal their identities, and Brian explains it as a “token show of trust.” Lisa (Tattletale) presents Bug with a lunchbox containing $2,000, an initial offer with two options: a thank-you for helping them against Lung, or the first installment of her monthly allowance as a member of the Undersiders.

Bug is taken aback by the offer. Brian clarifies that the $2,000 is just their base pay for staying active, and they make considerably more from their activities. They mention a “boss” who funds them, piquing Bug’s curiosity.

The team explains that they voted to recruit Bug, with Bitch (Rachel) being the sole dissenting vote due to concerns about splitting their earnings. They reveal their previous failed recruitment attempts, including Spitfire, who joined Faultline’s Crew, and Circus, who prefers to work solo.

Brian outlines the current power vacuum in Brockton Bay’s underworld following Lung’s incapacitation and the ABB’s decline. They anticipate a struggle for territory and influence among various factions, including themselves, Faultline’s Crew, the remaining ABB, Empire Eighty-Eight, solo villains, and potentially out-of-town groups. They want Bug’s firepower, admitting that despite their success, they’re bound to face a fight they can’t win eventually.

Bug questions why they want her, as her powers aren’t effective against high-level heroes. Lisa counters that Bug incapacitated Lung, a feat many teams have failed to achieve. Bug downplays her role, attributing their success to the Undersiders’ intervention. Lisa then reveals a startling truth: Bug’s insect venom, administered repeatedly in sensitive areas, caused severe tissue damage to Lung, nearly killing him and leaving him with lasting consequences.

Bug is horrified, realizing the unintended severity of her actions. Lisa assures her that Lung is recovering but will need months to regain his full capabilities. Alec morbidly jokes about Lung’s potential desire for revenge.

Bug asks how Lisa knows so much about Lung’s condition and other seemingly private information. Lisa remains cryptic, hinting that her powers and their mysterious boss are key factors in their success. She emphasizes their group’s track record, lack of a grand agenda, and the potential for fun and profit.

Bug, despite lingering questions, accepts the offer, intrigued by the opportunity and the resources at her disposal. She figures it’s not a binding commitment and that she stands to gain valuable experience and information.