A dispute

Valerie was a new recruit at the organization. Despite being earmarked for great things, her start had been rocky. Her habit of questioning everything rubbed her superiors the wrong way. After only a handful of missions in the field, she was in hot water with the leader of her mission team, Anya.

"I can't believe this.", said Anya. Both women were in her office, Valerie having been summoned after a particularly dangerous target slipped through her grasp. "You had him dead to rights. How on Earth did he escape?"

"There was a hostage situation. He had an accomplice, who had taken a woman hostage. I decided to prioritize saving her.", replied Valerie, her voice strained.

"That's the problem - YOU decided. Mission control decides what the priority is, not you. And now, because of your desire to be a hero, a dangerous fugitive is roaming free, his plans unknown to us."

"I captured the accomplice, ma'am. He will lead us to our target. This isn't over."

"This is over.", said Anya, visibly angry. "I'm taking you off the field. You're to return to training and learn how to follow orders."

Valerie was shocked. "This is unbelievable. I saved somebody's life instead of sacrificing it to complete the mission, and you're demoting me for it."

"I'm demoting you because you need to learn how to follow orders."

"Understood, ma'am.". Valerie's voice was seething with anger. She stood up, getting ready to leave. "Will that be all?"

"Actually, no. Do we have a problem?", said Anya, her temper flaring. "I've noticed you almost never follow my instructions. Is it because you think you know better?"

"Respectfully, ma'am, I think you're callous. All you care about is a mission advances your career, and you're perfectly happy with sacrificing people as long as the mission is complete. I can't respect that."

"That's enough! I've seen recruits like you before - you think you know everything. How about you put your money where your mouth is?", said Anya.

"What do you mean?"

"How about a contest, you versus me - if you win, you get put back in the field. Hell, I'll even throw in a promotion for you, years ahead of schedule.", said Anya, her mouth twisting into a smile.