Author's note: I claim no ownership over any intellectual property - characters or otherwise - owned by Disney. I do claim ownership of original characters, and plot. Reviews are appreciated. I hope you enjoy!

The Commander sat in her office, drenched in the dim blue glow of multiple computer monitors. Each screen displayed different information - news channels, scrolling text, and live feeds of remote locations all fought for her attention. Her focus, however, was on the much smaller screen of her communication device, resting on her desk. Fingers tangled in long, red hair, she rubbed her temples while she watched the hologram of a twenty one year old girl pacing back and forth before her.

"Ugh, these people are SO WEIRD." The girl's too-tired-for-her-years tone read clearly through the holo-call's audio. Despite its miniature size, the image was crisp, belying every ounce of frustration in her body language. Long brown hair, pulled into a ponytail, did nothing to conceal the tightness in her shoulders as she paced. The tank top she wore on missions exposed her arms - it had been an hour since she'd returned home, but every muscle was still flexed. She was the image of her pent up frustration.

"That doesn't discount the fact that they're dangerous, Val." It was a stern reminder, but the Commander was at wit's end. Unfortunately, so was her charge.

"Yeah frankly, I think they're getting in their own way with the gimmicks. Just throw the fucking grenade. Throw it." Exasperated, Val advised her absent opposition. "I can see where you're lining up to swing the fucking golf club. Like, it's actually not rocket science!"

The Commander raised an eyebrow. "So this one was too easy?"

Val caught herself. "No, I don't mean it's too easy. Don't take it the wrong way Kim, you're awesome and you've always been a total hero but like fuck, dude. Didn't you ever feel kinda - I don't know." She leveled her tone, asking in earnest. "Didn't you ever feel kinda fucking dumb taking some of these crackpots seriously? Like training and showing up in combats ready to go head to head with some fucking nutcase in a pink sweater with a rabid... bumblebear? I don't know."

Kim smirked, despite the insubordination. "Commander."

Val's pacing figure stopped moving abruptly. "Shit. Sorry. Commander."

"Listen, Valerie," Kim began, choosing her words carefully. "Yes. I was frustrated a lot of the time. In fact, I continue to be frustrated. But don't forget that these are genuine threats. They're brilliant and unstable, and the gimmicks are manifestations of dangerous, righteous anger. Let it distract them. Don't let it distract you. Got it?" In the hologram, Kim could see the tension in Val's shoulders ease. She took that as encouragement, and continued. "If you find a competitive edge against any of them, it's because you have talent. Keep your head down and focus, okay? This is practice. You'll get higher level assignments if you keep doing well."

Val had already worn herself out. "You're right Commander. I'm sorry. Thanks, a lot, for listening."

"No biggie, Val. I'm sure we'll be in touch soon."

"Yup." Val tapped her wrist and ended the call.

Kim sighed deeply and leaned back in her chair, staring at the now silent Kimmunicator on her desk. There wasn't much time to relax. The Kimmunicator rang, and Kim reflexively answered. A familiar face appeared on the screen. "Dr. Director. What's the sitch?"