Chapter Text
When Violet was called to Moonbase only a month before her scheduled decommissioning, she had honestly assumed the worst. In her defense, KND’s leadership department was in shambles, still reeling in the wake of Numbuh 274’s betrayal (alongside… other recent incidents), and with a new Supreme Leader in charge, a change in management style seemed inevitable, if not imminent. That being said, if Violet had learned anything from her time as a high ranking officer, it was that when things go belly up, the first department to be screwed over is always communications.
So, as Head Dispatcher of Moonbase, she was more or less bracing herself for a demotion. Might as well, right? She was on her way out anyway, and surely Supreme Leader 362 had a younger, more promising candidate just itching to fill her shoes. It would be sad to lose her ranking, her private office, and her extra ice cream rations, but she was determined to take whatever Global Command dealt her with the utmost grace.
Considering this line of thinking, one can imagine her shock when the newly appointed Supreme Leader, Numbuh 362, shook her hand and offered her a spot in the Teens Next Door— an organization that, previous to that very moment, Violet had believed to be a conspiracy formulated by delusional operatives that refused to face the reality of turning thirteen.
“You’ll have to fake your decommissioning, of course,” 362 said as Violet stared at her dumbly. “But 86 is more than experienced in those kinds of dupes. So, what do you say? Wanna keep fighting adult tyranny, Numbuh 81?”
“Sir, I’m a dispatch officer,” Violet said, bewildered. “I haven’t been a field agent in years. What good would I be as a teen spy?” As alluring as the offer was, she couldn’t help but feel skeptical. It all seemed too good to be true.
Rachel waved her off dismissively. “Give yourself some credit, Violet. If it weren’t for you manning our communication systems like a pro, we wouldn’t be nearly as organized as we are. You’re good at what you do. You’ve kept hundreds of operatives safe by routing our calls and sending in reinforcements.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
Rachel continued, “Your skills as a dispatch officer are desperately needed in the Teen branch. They’re a lot less populated than the KND, and communication is difficult with operatives spread so far out. Your role will be more management based, so don’t worry too much about the spy part. Besides, you passed cadet field training with flying colors! Just because you’re a darn good Moonbase operator doesn’t mean you couldn’t also be a valuable field agent if needed.”
Violet stared down at her hands. A teen operative. This was an opportunity awarded to only a select few. She would be stupid to pass up the ability to keep fighting adult tyranny, even if just for a few more years. No matter how unfit she might feel, she couldn’t say no. Not if she could keep doing good.
Her hands tightened into determined fists. She knew what she needed to do. “Okay. I’m in.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” 362 said with a grin. “We’ll have someone at TND Varsity Command send you further details.”
“I guess this means I won’t be around moonbase much once I’m, uh, decommissioned then, right?”
Rachel shook her head. “I’m afraid not, Soldier. Don’t worry though, a relocation on Earth is unlikely. We have a few sources telling us your future high school may have some important figureheads in the country-wide Teen Ninja organization.”
Violet nodded. For the past four years, she had spent more time on Moonbase than in her own home. Losing her space here was like losing a part of herself. She would have to make the most of her remaining time here. She needed to make sure she gave Bartie a proper goodbye as well.
Things were about to change.