Chapter 1

Steve tensed as he entered his apartment. Something was off. He looked around ready to attack.

"Relax it's only me."

A light clicked on in the corner revealing Natasha Romanoff sitting in his arm chair. Steve breathed a sigh of relief.

"You could have called first." He said turning to close the door. "There's this new invention called the cell phone. I hear you can call anyone from anywhere."

Natasha grinned "Never thought I'd see the day when I got a lecture about technology from a dinosaur."

"Funny" Steve sat across from her. "I don't like surprises. Did you find Barton?"

Natasha nodded "He was apparently taking some me time at his farm. He didn't know anything was wrong until it was over." She put her feet on the coffee table. "He's working for Stark now."

Steve sighed "both him and Agent Hill? We might as well rename Stark Industries S.H.I.E.L.D."

Natasha tilted her head, "the cell phone joke was good, but that last one needs work."

"Feet off the table," Steve rolled his eyes.

"Aye aye Captain." Natasha gave a mock salute and put her feet back on the floor. "Any luck finding your friend?"

"No" Steve said "I've followed every lead you gave me; nothing. I'm chasing ghosts."

"I've got something which might be of use." Natasha tossed him a folder. "According to Maria there have been rumors of a team attempting to rebuild S.H.I.E.L.D. They work in the shadows neutralizing Hydra threats."

"Sounds like a fairy tale to me. I'm trying to find Bucky, not chase smoke."

"Your best friend, who you were certain died in WWII, turns out to have been alive and a Hydra super assassin and you somehow find it difficult to believe that there may be S.H.I.E.L.D. agents who are willing to carry on fighting, even though the organization no longer exists?"

Natasha raised one of her eyebrows "The battle against Hydra didn't end when you brought down those Helicarriers. It's on going and this team is leading the charge."

Steve leaned back. "Say I believe you, how will this help me find Bucky?"

"If you're going on a ghost hunt, it might be helpful to consult actual ghosts." Natasha smiled.

"Who's leading this team?" Steve took the folder and began flipping through it.

"Maria couldn't tell me. I think she knows more than she's letting on."

"S.H.I.E.L.D. may be dead, but it somehow still manages to keep secrets." Steve murmured as he looked through the intell. "Thanks for this Nat."

"You're welcome." Natasha got up "FYI if I were you, I'd start with the girl. She seems to be the key to discovering the new chain of command." She pointed to a picture in the folder, then left Steve's apartment.

Steve looked down at the picture in front of him.

"What kind of name is Skye?"