#awkward team dynamics

CW: The Disapproval of an Authority Figure

“So,” Mentor said, way too calmly. “Explain?”

The three heroes in training standing before Mentor’s desk exchanged mildly panicked looks. The telekinetic cleared their throat. “Well. Sir. TikTok is a social media platform focused on shared short videos-”

“I know what TikTok is!” Mentor rubbed their eyes. “HR explained it to me at great length this morning when they told me I had to come in on my Saturday off. Do you know how rarely I get a Saturday off?”

“No,” whispered the teleporter, staring at their shoes and already tearing up.

“Then here’s an easier question.” Mentor slammed their hands on the desk. All three trainees jumped. “What were you three idiots thinking!? Filming yourselves inside the training facility?”

The telepath raised a hand and tried for a big smile. “Sir, I would argue we were taking initiative! As per the public relations part of our training we are advised- nay, compelled! to present a friendly and approachable persona to better build trust for when our professional activities bring us in contact with the public!”

“Building trust in your professional activities?” Mentor repeated. They spun the computer screen around.

Once again, all four watched the 11 second clip of telepath squawking like a chicken as they backflipped 30 feet from the gymnasium scaffolding into the pool, from which the teleporter erupted, froggy kicking straight up into the air, while the telekinetic ran back and forth across the top of the water, howling like a banshee.

The video cut, leaving the office in silence.

“There are some where we participate in popular dance trends,” the telepath said brightly.

“Do you know how many villains have tried to get inside info on our programs? On our students?” Mentor yelled. “And here you three are broadcasting to the world!”

The teleporter overflowed with tears. “I wouldn’t say we were sharing actionable intelligence,” the telekinetic protested.

“Oh, I’m not seeing any intelligence at all.” Mentor spun their computer screen back around and started typing. “You three are on KP duty for a year. Two months for this little stunt. Ten months because now HR tells me I have to write a social media policy.”

The telepath raised a hand. “Perhaps - maybeinexchangeforlesskitchenduty - we could assist you with writing that policy, sir?”

“Yeah, sure!” the Mentor drawled. “Here’s what I got so far - whaddya think?”

They turned the screen again. It was a Word document that said, in 72 point font, DON’T. The telepath gulped.

“Now get out!”

The trainees scattered. Mentor waited until they heard the interior and exterior doors bang shut, all three fully clear. Only then did they pull the archived videos back up and sat back to watch them all again. The HR department was taking votes on the best ones, and the other teachers were arguing on their favorites.

“Kids,” Mentor chuckled. “Where do they come up with this stuff?”