Work Text:
Yelena Belova
[ Street Address Redacted ]
New York, NY
February 1, 2028
Director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine
[ Street Address Redacted ]
New York, NY
To Whom It May Concern, but Probably Valentina:
It is with great enthusiasm that I write this official letter of recommendation for Katherine Elizabeth Bishop, casually known as Kate and professionally known as Hawkeye. (The new and improved variety, not the retired old man who sort of looks like a Muppet.) I've fought known Kate Bishop in a professional capacity for over a year, and I officially endorse her candidacy as my teammate in the New Avengers. Mostly because she's extremely jealous and whiny and if she doesn't become an Avenger soon I might throw her off a building without a wire.
Last Christmas, I engaged with Kate Bishop twice in hand-to-hand combat. As you are aware, keeping up with a Black Widow in any regard is a commendable achievement, particularly in the field with fighting involved. Kate not only left an impressive bruise on my body during not one but two separate encounters, but she also extended an offer of drinks during the latter, demonstrating her willingness to utilize multiple techniques to subdue and distract her enemies. (Not that I am an enemy of Kate Bishop--we are casual acquaintances. I would not be recommending an actual enemy for this position. Kate and I have dined on boxed macaroni and cheese together, for example. We are very much respectable contemporaries even if I continue to question her collection of cutlery, or lack thereof.)
Kate's signature fighting style when not in close quarters involves a bow and arrow, which is why she received training from Clint Barton. Make no mistake that Clint Barton was a proficient mentor, but Kate Bishop far surpasses Clint Barton with a wider skill set. Like Barton, she is able to craft her own trick arrows and adapt on the fly, a skill we both know is essential as an Avenger. Yet Kate is far more personable, positive, and collaborative than Clint Barton--attributes our current team could absolutely use a boost in, as our morale and collective disposition and temperament, quite frankly, sucks. Seriously, the only thing Kate Bishop lacks compared to Clint Barton is a hot wife, and there is no doubt in my mind she will eventually procure one (if she so desires) with her charming, if a bit chaotic, personality.
My final point and another excellent one is--it wouldn't be very Girl Power of you, Valentina, to put forth a new team with a greater man to woman ratio. Of course Ava and I are more than competent to keep up with the guys (and we look far better doing our job, let's be real), but it would look bad for you if you did not include at least one more female presenting Avenger. No doubt your own credibility and popularity as a woman in charge would be questioned if you kept this imbalance for much longer. Despite my tone this is not a threat, simply a fact.
Regards,
Yelena Belova
P.S. - Do you think I would waste my time writing this letter if I didn't think Kate would be a worthy addition to our team? For the love of God, please hire her. I will never know peace if you don't.