(A/N: More changes, mostly grammar errors in the next few)

"At least hear me out."

"And why should I do that Agent Romanov? I told Fury my answer." said Carmen.

"I thought you didn't read minds." said Natasha.

"I already knew why you were coming, but not who you were. But you don't know anything about me."

Carmen explained.

"I know what it is like to regret your past and want redemption."

Carmen turned to look at Natasha. "You don't get it. You couldn't imagine what it is to have power and lose control. You don't know what it's like to fear it."

Natasha was clearly determined, but spoke in a voice of reason. "I am learning to let go, and use what talents I have to help others. I have guidance. That is all you need."

Carmen laughed derisively. "And Nick Fury and his team can do that?"

"It could be. For me, it was someone else." shrugged Natasha.

"There is nothing anyone can do for me. If I want to control my fears and let go, that is my choice. Fury, and anyone else for that matter, cannot force me to change."

"I made my decision too, and someone else helped me see I needed help and because of that I made the choice. No one had offered me a choice before."

Carmen said nothing.

"Facing your fears makes you a better, stronger person Carmen."

Silence again.

"My fear is a reasonable one. If you saw what happened, you would be frightened by me. Or understand where I'm coming from." Carmen stated.

"I'm not afraid of you." said Natasha.

Carmen couldn't help but smirk.

"You would if I lost control. And I know you didn't allow backup but Fury still has people standing by. You had that with the last person you recruited and no problems. We are not so different. In other words, your claim is pointless."

"I felt different in this case. I knew Doctor Banner's story, but not your's. Despite the uncertainty I felt you might sense if I had chosen backup, our conversation would be more hostile. I cannot say for sure. I was trying hard not to assume the worse in any case. It's not right to judge things we don't understand."

"Well, you weren't entirely wrong in your assumption."

"Like I said though, I was uncertain. But as much as we would like you to help us, I want you to choose your answer. Like I did."

Carmen took a sip of tea, and her demeanor changed. Now she was uncertain.

"Do you think can be a good person? That I can wipe my slate clean?" Carmen asked.

"I think it's highly possible. I've seen it happen."

Carmen stared at Natasha. She sighed. "All right, tell Fury I'm in."