Kim was upset. Ron was leaving for Yamanouchi the next day, and would be gone for six months.
He had delayed going for as long as he could, but Yori was now insisting he come as soon as possible. But she refused to explain the urgency. Kim was secure in her relationship with Ron, and was no longer 'jelling' over Yori. She was going to miss him a lot, but understood the necessity of the training.
Ron had finally embraced the Mystical Monkey Power, and knew his destiny to be the Ultimate Monkey Master. But Lord Monty Fiske was still out there, and still wanted the power for himself. Their final encounter was yet to happen, and Ron wanted to be ready when it did.
She sighed. It couldn't be helped, but when he returned, Team Possible would be better than ever.
At least now she had backup. Tara and Bonnie had proven their fighting capabilities, and were learning to use the standard Team Possible equipment. Tara had made some suggestions about rearranging the items in the utility belt that improved their ease of use and accessability. It was nearly time for them to go into the field.
Tara was content to let Bonnie lead in training sessions, so Bonnie was made team leader.
Ron had given Tara training on being a distraction when needed, and she had taken to it,
as it meant she could generally avoid fighting. But she was fierce as a tiger when it came to defending Bonnie.
There was a knock on the door, and it opened to reveal the last person Kim expected to see;
Dr. Betty Director of Global Justice.
Kim and Ron had strengthened ties with the secret organization, and would work with them as needed. In addition, Wade now had access to satellites and other resources without having to resort to hacking.
"Dr. Director! Come in!" said Kim, "Welcome to Team Possible Headquarters!"
"Thanks, Kim," replied the older woman, clad in her standard GJ uniform, and sat down. "I see you've built a facility to be proud of."
Kim grinned. "Thanks! Want the Grand Tour?"
"Maybe later. We need to talk about some things," said Dr. Director.
"Okay, go ahead. What can I do for you?" asked Kim.
"First, I wanted to let you know the access tube to GJ Headquarters is finally finished.
I used it to get here," she said, "At the moment, only you and Ron can use it. I'll show you later."
Kim nodded.
"Now for a bit of unpleasantness. Could you get Wade on the line, please?" she asked.
Kim tapped keys on her computer, and Wade appeared on the monitor.
"Hi, Kim, Hello, Dr. Director," he said.
"Wade, this is very serious. I have evidence that, in the past, you've hacked our computers, and taken control of our satellites. Kim, it's usually been done at your orders, and I don't appreciate it," said Dr. Director.
"I always made sure whatever I borrowed wasn't in use at the time," said Wade, defensively.
"Doesn't matter. Why didn't you just ask first? I know what your activities are, and would have said yes," was the reply.
"Sorry," said Wade, flushing.
"Look, it's in the past, and I'm willing to let it go since you now have standing permission to access GJ equipment. But some of my deputies aren't. They want both of you brought up on charges of hacking and obstructing GJ operations," she said.
Kim was red faced as well. Dr. Director had them dead to rights. "It won't happen again," said Kim.
"It had better not. I will handle my deputies about past ...indiscretions, but next time I won't. And a conviction on each charge carries a ten-year sentence. Are we clear on this?" she said forcefully.
"Yes, ma'am," they answered, feeling like small children caught with their hands in the cookie jar.
"A trial would only add more fuel to the rumor that Team Possible is a shady operation"
she added.
"Wait a minute. Shady operation?" asked Kim.
Betty sighed. "Some of the other law-enforcement agencies are concerned about the source of the money you use."
Kim raised an eyebrow. "If it's any of their business, Shego left it to us."
"I know. I had it checked out, and it's all clean. What they are worrying about is that an international criminal is responsible for all this, and how that will reflect on them," she added.
"One, she's dead, and two, she's not wanted any more," said Kim.
"True, but she still has an evil reputation," was the reply. "It's the legacy she left."
Kim shook her head, and swept an arm around. "This is part of her legacy too. And one day her true legacy will be revealed."
Dr. Director outwardly showed no sign of it, but inside she wondered what on earth that statement could mean.
"We've never made a secret of where the money comes from, but we've never flaunted it either," continued Kim.
"That's right, and I think you've handled it correctly. But other agencies view you and Team Possible with suspicion now. It doesn't help that you have two felons on your payroll," said Dr. Director.
Kim shrugged. "That's their problem. If they don't want to work with us, fine. But if anyone brings it up again, refer them to me, and I'll set the record straight."
"Yes, I'm sure you would," said Dr. Director with a small smile. She looked at them. "I realize I've just put a strain on our relationship, so I'll pass on the grand tour for now. Kim, let me show you how to work the tubeway, and I'll go."
Wade signed off with a somber expression, and Kim stood to follow Dr. Director.
Outside Kim's office they ran into Bonnie and Tara, who were heading for the kitchen for lunch. Ron was cooking something that smelled wonderful.
"Bonnie Rockwaller, Tara Matthews, I want you to meet Dr. Director, head of Global Justice," said Kim.
"Wow," said Bonnie, shaking her hand, "Kim's told us about you, but I never expected to actually meet you."
"It's very nice to meet you both. You've joined a good team," said Dr. Director.
"We know. Kim's the best!" said Tara, shaking her hand in turn.
Kim and Dr. Director exchanged a look the other two missed.
"How did it go this morning?" asked Kim.
"Great! I barely jumped at all, this time," said Bonnie.
They had just returned from the Middleton Police Department's target range, where they were taking a firearms course. Team Possible used strictly non-lethal methods to achieve their goals, but that was no reason to be ignorant of such weapons and how to use them.
Surprisingly, it was Tara who took to the training. She seemed to have a natural talent for all aspects of weapons use, far outstripping Bonnie, who was still uncomfortable even holding a gun.
A minute later the new agents headed on for the kitchen, and Kim followed Dr. Director.
She led the way to a storage room near the back of the building. In the far corner a space had been cleared.
"There it is. You and Ron are the only ones cleared for it. All you have to do is stand on that spot for ten seconds, and you'll be identified and taken," said Dr. Director.
Kim nodded. "I understand. I'll show Ron later."
"One last thing. I wanted to offer you and your operatives access to GJ training and training facilities," said Dr. Director.
"We have our own style of training and way of doing things," said Kim.
"Yes, I know. It's an open offer," was the reply.
"Thank you," said Kim, "I'll keep it in mind."
Dr. Director turned to her. "Kim, I was harsh, but I don't apoligize. It was easier to overlook such things when you were freelancing and didn't have the resources, but now that you're officially 'in the game', I wanted to impress you both with the seriousness of what you're doing, and how your actions affect others."
"Don't worry. The message was received loud and clear," said Kim, "We're guilty, and very sorry. It won't happen again."
"Your apology and promise are accepted. But don't let this stop you if you need GJ help in the future," said Dr. Director.
"I won't," said Kim. They shook hands, and the head of Global Justice stood on the pad and was gone.
Kim returned to her office deep in thought.
As she rode the tube back to headquarters, Dr. Director sighed. She didn't like having to lie to Wade and Kim, but it was for the best.
In point of fact, nobody at GJ except herself and a few techs who wouldn't talk had any clue they had ever been hacked. Most thought it impossible. To keep it that way, she had purged the records of the hacking herself.
Team Possible was well respected throughout the world, but hiring Lurman and Rush had raised some eyebrows. Dr. Director understood why they had done so, and used her influence to quell the suspicions.
She liked Kim and Ron, and respected their record and abilities. She was determined to see Team Possible do well, and do well within the rules.