A/N: Another chapter tonight! Fortunately I had the time. This is the second of three chapters that will be solely about Yelena. Expect the Avengers around chapter 4. Love you guys!

Read, Review, Smile Always!


Yelena pulled her shirt down in an effort to feel more presentable as she stood outside the office of Ivan Petrovitch Bezukhov, the head of the Red Room. Or 2R, as it was nicknamed. She was awaiting her first assignment.

"You can come in now."

Yelena walked in, trying to feel confident. As she stood before the desk of a upper-middle aged man in a suit with a monocle, her confidence wavered.

"Agent Belova, you have been issued Black Widow status. From now on, you will be assigned to the United States as a sleeper agent. Your new identity is Irina Galinova. You are a twenty-five year old Russian exchange student who takes classes online with Yale University. You live in Chicago, Illinois. The rest of your profile is here," Yelena was handed an electronic pad with information on her new identity, "Your first mission is a simple one. You are to eliminate a public train in your city of Chicago. This is a terrorist ploy, pure and simple. We want the United States damaged psychologically. You must have this mission completed within three weeks."

"Yes sir," Yelena nodded.

"You depart tonight. Your equipment has already been packed. You will make contact with one of our liaisons in Chicago to get access to the explosives and arms."

"Yes sir."

"Dismissed," he nodded, "And, good luck Little Spider."

Yelena smirked and left the room with a slight head-bow. She navigated the way through the corridors back to her room to pack her small amount of personal effects and items. This time tomorrow she would be in Chicago. No longer would she be Yelena Belova, instead she would be Irina Galinova. She would be bringing glory to her country. Glory to the Red Room.

Yelena hummed a tune she recalled from her childhood, Tonkaya Ryabina. It was a slow, sweet, somewhat melancholy tune, but it meant a lot to her. Her mother used to sing it to her before bed as a lullaby. It always helped Yelena when she was feeling nervous.

Yelena went around her sparse room, and eventually she came to her photograph. She gave a little smile as she picked it up, blowing on it to get some of the dust off.

"I hope you are proud, mama," she whispered, "I hope you are proud of me, wherever you are."

With a sigh, she pushed the picture frame into her suitcase and zipped it up. She was ready to leave. All she had left to do was wait.

And so she decided to seek out her friend, mentor, advisor.

"Computer, locate Bucky Barnes," she asked.

A male voice replied, "Winter Soldier is in the mess."

Gathering up her stuff and placing it on her bed, Yelena walked out of the room. She'd changed into a white button down blouse and a khaki skirt with black heels, hoping to look like a business professional when she boarded the plane later that day. Making her way to the mess hall, she was lost in thought.

Finally she spotted Bucky at a table, eating lunch. Grabbing her own food, some cheese pizza and a soda, she slid into the table across from Bucky.

"Hey Lena," he grinned, "I heard you finally reached Widow status!"

"Ya, I've got my first assignment. A strike against a civilian train in Chicago, United States."

"Very good," he nodded, "I don't miss America. We were wrong. We were so wrong."

Yelena nodded, "Yes, this is true. America is evil, and it must be torn down. Russia must rise again."

"Mother Russia certainly is more deserving of world power," Bucky agreed with her, "So, have you any idea who your contact is in the states?"

"No," she shook her head, "I was told it would be made obvious to me. I only have the passcodes."

"The Red Room is very serious about security stuff," he observed, "but I'm sure you'll do wonderful as a full Widow agent. I trained you, after all."

"And you did a wonderful job," she grinned, "I just hope I do you proud."

"You will," he nodded, "Not like that сука, Romanova."

She sneered, "That сука deserves to rot in hell for her betrayal."

"One day, she will pay for her crimes against the Red Room, do not worry Little Spider."

She huffed, but nodded, "And I will gladly be the one to make her pay for her mistakes. I wish only for a chance to prove how much better than her I am. For we know that I am better. It is only a matter of demonstrating it."

"As long as you stay focused, clear your mind, and stay on task, you will eclipse her. Romanova is but a SHIELD puppet, easily beaten."

Yelena smiled, "The puppet will die a puppet's death."

"And I will do my best to make sure you are the one to grant her that," Bucky grinned.

"That is all I ask, товарищ**," Yelena nodded, placing her hand on his in sincerity, "For I cannot thank you enough for your help all these years, training me and believing in me when no one else would."

"I saw a greatness in you, Lena, which the others did not. And I still see that in you. You will do great things, before long. I can feel it."

"I wish only to do it to bring glory to the Red Room, and to Russia," Yelena insisted, "I seek nothing for myself."

"That is what all of us wish," Bucky nodded, "But it is alright to take a little credit for oneself, as well."

"I'd certainly never say no to a glass of vodka every now and then," Yelena laughed lightly.

"What time do you leave for America?"

"1900 hours."

"Before you leave, you must grant me a final drink," Bucky declared, sitting back.

"Of course," Yelena smiled, "Who knows how long it will be until we drink together again."

"Who can say," Bucky shrugged, "but I look forward to it. But I know you will be busy in America, busy doing tremendous things for the Red Room and Mother Russia. And I would never want you to remain here merely to learn more from me. I doubt there is more I could teach you!"

"Quit being so modest," Yelena insisted, "There is plenty for me still to learn."

"But you know enough to complete your mission. And that is all we can wish for."

"Ya," she agreed, "and for that, I have you to thank."


* сука (pronounced soo' ka) - bitch/traitor/whore

** товарищ (pronounced tah var' isch) - friend