Idk if you've seen Oban Star-Racers, but I really like the dynamic between the characters specifically Molly and Jordan. Molly is the pilot, she flies the craft, while Jordan serves as the gunner, managing the weapons. Maybe you could take a similar approach by making Val more focused on maneuverability, and the second character more centered on firepower. If you choose Val as the main pilot, the second character will provide radio support focused on weapons and combat strategy. But if you choose the second pilot to take the controls, Val will offer guidance on navigation, maneuvering around structures, and avoiding unnecessary destruction.
Val: "That’s another building down! You do know you could try maneuvering instead of plowing through everything, right? They’re not paying us if there’s nothing left to save."
Gunner: "Shut up and let me kill these things."
Val: "Great. Now half the town looks like Swiss cheese." Something like this? I’m not sure. Inspired by PetalCourt