Beginnings

Chapter 1: the end of the road.

Pairing: Kim Possible x Shego.

This story contains descriptions of a lesbian relationship. If you don't like, don't read it.

Kim is seated by the computer in her room, the monitor in front of her showing a webpage with plain purple background with the legend of 'KIM POSSIBLE - SHE CAN DO ANYTHING' splashed across it in large black letters.

'Something wrong, Kimmie?'

Kim turns around, as she hears the voice behind her. She had been so engrossed in her thoughts that she had not heard anyone approaching behind her. 'Huh? Oh, mum. No, not wrong. Well, not exactly. I was just thinking.'

Seeing the conflict in her daughter's eyes, Anne takes a seat on her bed, smiling at her comfortingly. 'About what, honey?'

Kim points at the screen, without looking at it, 'My website. I've been thinking about it, and I don't see how I can keep it running.'

'Why not?' Anne asks, genuinely confused.

'Mum, do you really think I can keep flying off around the world to who knows where whenever I get a call for help and keep up with my studies? I don't. I know that.' Kim says, her tone suddenly melancholy.

'So, this is about you going to University.' Anne replies softly. 'Are you sure that's what you want to do with your life?'

Kim sighs, resting her chin on her hands, 'What else can I do? You and Dad worked hard at school and college to get where you are. Can I do any less?'

'Kimmie, you know that studying is only one path through life. It's the one we chose, but you don't have to. You know we'd be proud of you no matter what you do. But you mustn't try to pour yourself into our mold, okay? You have to be yourself, no matter what else you do.'

'That's just it. Is that all I can be? I started the website just to help people by doing odd jobs for them. Then I got that first call for help on the site and now I'm this globetrotting hero. I became something more than I was. But is that my limit? Maybe I can do more good to help people by using my talents like you do. Studying, learning. Using what I have to discover or develop things that could help people around the world.' Kim pauses, looking down at her lap for a few seconds, before she continues. 'Mum, do you remember what we talked about after my first mission? You said that I had a responsibility to use my talents to help people, right? Well, isn't this the same? Shouldn't I use my mind and knowledge to help people, just like I use my physical skills? Plus, I'm going to have to get a job at some point if I want to support myself, right? And I'm not going to start charging for what I do. So, yes. I think I have to do this. It hurts, but it is what I have to do.

Anne pulls her daughter into a hug, ruffling her hair. 'Kimmie, sometimes the hard decisions are the right ones. And I think you've made the right decision. Have you told Wade yet?'

'Not yet. I can't think how I'm going to break it to him.' Kim says with a sigh.

'Break what to me?' the familiar voice of her friend asks, emerging from the speaker of her Kimmunicator which she had left lying on the bed.

'Hey Wade. What's the sitch?' Kim asks, using the familiar question to buy herself a bit of time before answering his.

'Well, I've got a message from Dr Director. She wants to talk to you and Shego.' he replies, his voice sounding a little cautious as if he is not sure how she will react to hearing this.

'What about?' Shego asks coolly, making Wade's concern seem well founded as she strolls into the bedroom, wiping at her still damp hair with the towel draped over her shoulders.

He doesn't seem concerned by her reaction though, possibly because it is not directed at him. 'She didn't say. She just mentioned something about a proposition for you two and asked if I could patch her through.'

'Okay, Wade.' Kim says as she glances at Shego, seeing her shrug in a noncommittal way. 'Go ahead and connect her, but could you stay on the line? You both might as well hear this at the same time.'

'Alright. Hang on.' Wade says, the confusion in his voice echoed in his eyes. Still he puts that aside as he connects the call, causing his image to shrink to a tiny window in the top left corner of the screen, overlaid on top of the image of Dr Director, who smiles as she sees the faces of the two women.

'Ah, Ms. Possible, Shego. I have..' Dr Director starts to say as she sees the image of the two women.

'Sorry, Dr Director.' Kim says, cutting across her abruptly. 'I know this is important, but can I say something first?' Seeing her nod, Kim takes a deep breath before she continues. 'Right. I don't know how to really say this, but I can't help you. You see, I'm closing down my website. I'm..'

'What?' Wade exclaims, shock easily detectable in both his voice and expression. 'Kim, when did you decide this?'

'Just now, really. But I'd been thinking about it for a while. Please Wade.' she adds, seeing the objection forming on his lips, 'Please, let me explain. This was never something I thought I could do for the rest of my life. Of course, I'd want to. But I do have other things to think about, like making a career. As much as I want to, I don't think I can both keep the website running and hold down a job.'

'I agree.' Dr Director says softly. 'To be honest, I'm amazed you managed to juggle both school and your extra-curricular activities at the same time. But, you're right, you can't do that while working, not if you want to make a career out of it.'

'What?' Wade asks, incredulous. 'How can you say that? Don't you realize how important Kim's site is? How many people are depending on it? On her?'

'Hey.' Shego says hotly, 'Don't you think this is hard enough on Kim without you saying that?'

'I do realize how important both Kim's services and talents are.' Dr Director says evenly, 'Just as I know that she cannot split her attention between her website and her future. Because that is what you are thinking about, isn't it? Providing for yourself, maybe someday making a family?'

Kim is sure that Dr Director's eye flicked to Shego as she said this. 'Well, yeah.' Kim says, unconsciously sliding an arm around Shego's waist.

'Well, I think I have a proposal that might be the solution to your problem.' Dr Director continued, her gaze moving back to Kim. 'I don't really want to discuss it on an open channel. So would it be okay if we talk in person?'

'Sure. I can have Wade set me up with a ride, or..' Kim starts to say, before Dr Director interrupts her.

'Actually, if it is convenient, I would come to you.' Dr Director says smoothly.

'What? Here? As in, at my house?' Kim says, caught off guard by the question.

Dr Director's doesn't seem the least bit phased by her surprise. 'Yes. If you don't mind.'

'Err, sure.' Kim says, hesitantly, 'I guess it's okay.

'Perfect. I'll be there in an hour. Until then, Ms. Possible, Shego.' she says with a curt nod of her head to both of them before her image vanishes, Wade's face returning to occupy all of the screen.

'I'm sorry.' Kim says softly, 'I know this is kinda sudden, but I didn't plan to tell you like that.'

'No, that's okay.' Wade replies apologetically, 'I mean, it's a bit of a shock, but what you say makes sense. I just don't know what I'm going to do.'

'Huh?' Kim says, genuinely confused. 'What do you mean?'

'Well, I guess you won't need my help anymore.'

'Wade.' Kim says soothingly, 'There's no one whose advice I value more. Whatever happens, that is not going to change.'

'Thanks, Kim.' Wade says.

'No prob. I'll call you back to let you know what Dr Director says.' Kim says, before Wade cuts the link. Turning her gaze away from the Kimmunicator's screen, to look up at Shego.

'Are you okay with this?

'What? With Dr Director coming here? Like I care.' Shego says curtly. 'Let her do what she wants. Seems like a lot of trouble to go to just to make a proposal to you though.'

'I don't think she's doing it for me. I think she's doing it for you.' Kim says softly.

'Huh? For me?' Shego asks, a little confused.

'Yeah. I think she feels you would be more comfortable here than at a Global Justice facility.'

'Well, it couldn't hurt.' Shego mutters. 'So, the great Dr Director is coming to Middleton, huh? That's convenient, I suppose. Saves me going all the way to her just to say 'no' to whatever she wants.'

'Shego!' Kim admonishes lightly, 'Whatever she wants to ask, it's probably important. Shouldn't we hear her out?'

'Isn't what I want important? Like having nothing to do with Global Justice anymore?' Shego asks, crossing her arms in front of her.

'Shego, wait.' Kim says, standing and resting a hand on her shoulder. 'That's not what I meant. Of course what you want is important to me. But Dr Director is a friend, sort of. I won't just ignore her. Just listen to what she wants, then we will discuss it together. Okay? That's what we promised each other, remember? That we would make decisions together.'

'Okay, Kimmie. But I reserve the right to chuck her out on her butt if I don't like it. Deal?'

'Deal.' Kim says, her face mock serious, playing along with the joke. Then she glances over at her mother, 'Well, Mum, it looks like we are having company.'

A figure dressed in a blue leather jacket over black cotton trousers steps out of the car she had rented upon arriving in Middleton. Closing the door of the nondescript, average black estate behind her, she moves at a steady, unhurried pace towards the house she had pulled up in front of, her hand raised ready to press the buzzer as she crosses the last few feet to the front door.

The silence of the street is broken by the shrill tone of the buzzer, then quickly returns as she removes her finger from the button. As she waits, she can hear someone approaching on the other side of the door, unlatching and opening it.

'Hello, Miss Possible, Shego.' she says, meeting the gaze of the two women; one curious, the other suspicious, even hostile. Of course, she had been expecting that reaction and is not exactly surprised by it.

'Dr Director?' Kim asks a little uncertainly, her eyes moving over the clothes she is wearing; the jacket, and even darker blue trousers looking so out of place on her, that she has to take a close look at her face to be sure it is her, even though she is still wearing her distinctive eye patch.

'Are you expecting someone else?' she asks, wryly.

'Well, no. Sorry. It's just you look different without your uniform.'

'I know. But you have to admit it would stand out a bit here. As would arriving in a Global Justice craft.' With a slight smile, she points back over to the car she arrived in, 'Plus, I'm flying under the radar a bit here, so the less attention I attract the better.'

Kim nods understandingly, 'Come on in. The living room is just through here.'

As Kim escorts Dr Director inside, Shego shuts the door before following them, her eyes never breaking contact with her. 'Okay.' Shego says bluntly, as she catches up with the pair, 'So, what's this all about?'

Dr Director takes the chair that Kim offered her, easing herself down onto the sofa. 'Straight to the point as ever, Shego.' she says, just a touch of humor in her voice. 'Okay. In a nutshell, I'm here to offer you a job.'

Kim can only stare at her as she hears this, temporarily unable to speak as she processes this information. Shego doesn't seem to be suffering from the same affliction, leaning forward across the table, fixing Dr Director with an even stare. 'A job? You want Kim to work for you?.'

Dr Director nods slowly. 'That's correct. But I didn't just mean Kim. I meant both of you.'

'What? Me? What kind of job are we talking about here?' Shego asks incredulously.

'Field agents. Basically it would be what you and Kim do already, only with the resources of Global Justice at your disposal. As I said, I understand how valuable Ms. Possible's skills and experience are. Few of my agents have the experience at dealing with the kind of threats we are dealing with more frequently. Even with Dr Drakken in prison, most of your foes are still on the loose, and there are others that you are unaware of that can prove equally problematic for us.'

Seeing that Kim is considering her words, Dr Director continues, directing her next sentence towards her. 'Kim, this a chance to keep doing what you want to do, help people that desperately need your help, and secure a future for you and Shego.'

'Okay. Say I agree. What about my website? Will I still be able to assist anyone that places a call for help on it?'

'Within reason, yes. Any communication that comes through your website will have to be assessed and weighed against any current case you may be working on. If you are unavailable, the case will be assigned to another agent.'

'Alright. What would I have to do?'

Dr Director is about to answer, when Shego cuts across her, the tone of her voice a little more sharp than she intended. 'Hold on. Kimmie, you aren't thinking about going for this, are you?'

'Yeah, I am.' Kim says softly, 'Shego, I can't turn my back on all the people that are depending on me. And I'm going to need to get a job somewhere. And this is the best way I can see to do both. Plus.' she pauses, looking to Dr Director for conformation, 'I'm guessing it will pay better than working part time while doing my studies.'

Dr Director nods, 'An exact figure would have to be worked out, but you could easily expect to receive around $40,000 dollars a year. Also, Global Justice has some excellent scholarship schemes. We would pay your university fees in exchange for a number of years' service, especially if those studies would help us.'

'So, what would be in it for me?' Shego asks.

'Besides the money, and helping Kim? Unless you plan to let her do this by herself, which I don't think you will. Besides, you still have a criminal record, remember? That would make it very difficult to do certain things. Like getting a job. I believe you are qualified to teach in both public and private schools, yes? Do you honestly think that a school would hire anyone with a record like yours? Middleton High aside, that it. Someone must have really dropped the ball the day they did background checks on you when you applied. We can't make that history just go away. But we can make it meaningless. I personally would back you to the hilt, no matter what you wanted to do.'

That point really hits home with Shego. She hadn't told Kim this, but that had been worrying her a bit. She sighs, deeply, clearly thinking about what Dr Director had said.

'So, what would we have to do?' she asked again, repeating her earlier question. 'I'm guessing there will be some training involved, yes?'

'Normally, yes. But given your skills and experience, I think that will not be necessary. You will have to undergo a probationary period, of course, under the supervision of an experienced agent. But just think of that as on the job training.

'And where will this training take place?' Shego asks, 'At your facility in Middleton?.'

Dr Director shakes her head. 'I'm afraid not.' she says apologetically. 'That facility is just a small monitoring and observation post. You would be assigned to the base that I oversee, which is.., well, I'm not actually at liberty to say where it is, but suffice to say it is a long way from here. Which does mean that you will have to move out of Middleton and take up accommodation at the base.'

'Oh.' Kim says, her face falling.

'What about my father?' Shego asks, her voice tinged with venom. 'He's still part of Global Justice, right? And you know he's not going to stop trying to control me again.'

'I can understand that. But it shouldn't be a problem. My division is a separate organization which I have complete control over hiring for, and he cannot easily interfere with that. And even if he does try, I have the support of some of the other Global Justice Heads in this matter, as well as a few affiliated parties, enough that we could block any attempt from him to have you removed or arrested.'

'Wait a minute. Others in Global Justice trust me enough to let me join?' Shego says, not sure she had understood what she said.

'Oh, yes. Hard as it may be for you to believe, Shego, not all of us take your fathers stance. I am not the only one that sees the potential for the good you could do, and the help you could provide, since your change of heart. We would have tried to recruit you from Team Go had it not been for your little falling out.'

'Oh.' is all Shego manages to say, a little taken aback by Dr Director's words.

'You don't have to decide now.' Dr Director says soothingly, seeing that she has given both women a lot to think about. 'Take as long as you like to think about it. You can have Wade contact me when you have made a decision. I'll show myself out. Good day, Ms. Possible, Shego.'

She has just made it to the door, when Shego speaks, the sound of her voice prompting Dr Director to turn to face her. 'Hang on a minute.' Shego says.

Kim doesn't look up as she speaks, staring down at her lap. She does when she feels Shego's hand rest gently on hers.

'You want to do this, don't you?' Shego asks softly.

'Yes, I do. Shego, think of what I could do if I agree, all the people I could help.'

'I am. But I'm thinking about you. And, no matter my feelings about Global Justice, I'm not going to let you do this by yourself. So, if you're in, so I am.'

'Thanks, Shego.' Kim says, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

'Very well.' Dr Director says thoughtfully, 'I will contact you tomorrow when I have arranged transportation to bring you to the training base. That should give you a few days to prepare. Will that be enough time?'

'Yes, I think so.' Kim replies, not even really looking at her. She doesn't react as Dr Director's leaves, silently closing the door behind her.

Then she looks around as she hears the door to the living room open again, raising her eyes to meet the gaze of her parents that are standing in the doorway.

'What's wrong, Kimmie?' Anne asks, seeing the concerned that has formed on her daughters face.

Kim sighs slowly before she replies, 'Mum, Dad.' she says equally slowly, her eyes moving between each of them, as she tries to work out what to say. 'I've..got something to tell you.'

Okay, there we go. The sequel to Graduation. And I'm sorry to those who were waiting for it that it took so long. But I wanted to get it right. And I had, well still have, so much on my plate. Anyway, I hope you like it. Any comments/reviews are as always much appreciated.

Thanks very much.