A/N: If you read chapter one in June, you may want to reread it as I have changed it a bit since then. If you're new though, then this does not apply (the new version is better, I think. You didn't miss anything).

Now, on with the show!


Time: 04:39 hours

Location: Blüdhaven, NJ

Still First Mission: recruitment

~•~

Dick landed in the alleyway beside the bar he currently worked for near the Red Line South. The owner was out of town for the week, so the place was closed. The place had a patio which was made with wooden planks that created the walls around the entire width of it. These slats would give some privacy and thus he figured would make be a good place to talk. Dick quickly made his way into the outdoor structure followed closely by this Winter Solider.

"How do I know I'm talking to the real Winter Soldier and not some carbon copy? Plenty of clones, shape-shifters, and God knows what else out there." Dick asked as soon as they both stood within the four walls of the courtyard.

"If surrendering my arm didn't convince you," this Winter Soldier began. "then I don't know what will. My identity is public, and I'm sure you and Batman know pretty much everything there is to know about me, so I guess you're just going to have to trust me."

Nightwing eyes squinted so tight they nearly shut. "You're suppose to be dead. I assume you have an explanation for that?"

This Winter Solider seemed unfazed by his question. "The rumors of my demise were greatly exaggerated by Directer Furry for security purposes.

Just then, James thought of something. "By the way, I wanted to apologize once more for breaking your ribs the last time we saw each other before Cap's "funeral". SHIELD business. You know how it is."

"That's what he said-… But he- I…. Okay, so maybe he is the real mccoy." Dick thought.

"How'd you find me?" Nightwing asked, after being thoughtful for a while, the ire mostly gone from his voice.

"Since this is your city I assumed you would show up sooner or later. Once I spotted you, I simply followed you on your patrol; not for long mind you." The Winter Soldier replied.

"Why are you here?" Nightwing asked.

James looked the other man in the eye. "I need your help." Nightwing gave him a surprised look.

"You need my help?" Nightwing asked.

"Yes."

"Why not go to the Avengers? Or Captain America, or-"

"Because the other Avengers can't know that I'm alive, and Cap is away on a mission."

"And I can!? Besides, someone knows you're alive. Why not go to them?"

"Because they're not as well trained as you are."

"I'm flattered." Nightwing said.

James continued. "This is strictly off the record. No one knows I'm here, and no one'll know that I've revealed myself to you, not even SHIELD."

Nightwing hesitated for a moment then remarked, "This sounds an awful lot like ah, 'I'll tell ya, but I'll have ta kill ya' kind of deal."

James smiled despite the seriousness of the situation. "I promise you it's not."

Nightwing was pensive for a moment, then, with a deep sigh, nodded. "Fine. I'm listening."

With that James began; "Two months ago, Black Widow went on a mission to investigate a lead we got on a factory in Russia that was supposedly manufacturing and distributing chemical weapons to terrorist in the Middle East and North Korea. Per SHIELD protocol, she would check in with HQ at the end of each week, however, three weeks ago her calls stopped coming in. SHIELD's files say they sent out a task force to find her, and the mission report from that says they didn't find anything,"

"Let me guess, they actually did find something."

"No, they never sent a task force!" James took a breath as emotion began to seep into his voice. "I went to my superior about it; he said he'd look into the matter."

"What did he say?" Nightwing asked.

"Nothing so far, and I haven't been able to contact him since."

Nightwing's face contorted in a confused look. He began to pace back and forth. "It doesn't make sense!" He said finally. "I know how SHIELD works. They wouldn't leave one of their top agents in need of a rescue without even checking it out,"

"Not just a top agent, she's the top agent. Black Widow has a direct line to Fury, is his most trusted ally and most useful asset. We have to get her back ASAP!" James stopped a moment. He could see the doubt on the young man's face; whether in his identity, his story or something else James was unsure. "Look, I know our two organizations aren't exactly friends, or especially fond of sharing members, but if the secrets Black Widow holds are discovered by HYDRA, or anyone else, we're all in hot water!"

Dick knew The Winter Soldier was right. Natasha Romanova would never willing betray SHIELD, but in this day-n-age many organizations had ways of making someone talk without the need of their lips moving. If Black Widow had indeed been captured by Hydra then they were in a race against the clock. Dick knew what he had to do.

"I understand that," Nightwing took a deep breath. "Which is why, I don't think I'm the man you want. Not right now, at least. Maybe not ever." He said to himself. With that, he turned to leave.

James stood in the patio surprised to say the least. This did not seem like the young man he had been studying for the last few days. "That doesn't sound like the man that just took down half of Drew Flaconi's gang in one night."

Nightwing turned toward him his eyes narrowed once more. "You sure are determined."

"I always get my target."

"Not this time." Nightwing replied, starting to walk away. He stopped a moment. "For what it's worth, I am sorry. But I'm sure you'll find someone else." With that, Nightwing walked into the alley behind the pub.

James followed close behind; he was not going to give up so easily. "You know," he started as he entered the alley. Nightwing stopped. "I studied you - your work. You've fought meta-humans, and some of the worlds top assassins. You've lead several teams made up mostly of meta's, faced some of the worst criminals and most damaged minds this world has to offer, and you're still standing - thriving even."

"What's your point?" Nightwing asked.

"…I don't know. I guess I just thought you would be up to the challenge is all. Guess I made a mistake." With that Nightwing turned to leave.

James heard Nightwing fire his grapple to the nearest roof, and the zip of the rope as he swung away.

He blew out a puff of air from his chest. "D***it!" He thought as he turned back to watch the agile figure disappeared into the distance. "Looks like I'm out of options."


I hope you've enjoyed chapter two! Also, I've decided to make this fic my main focus right now, so chapter three should be up sooner than two was.

Please feel free to share your thoughts in a review if you would like, and thank you for reading!

~T. W. Quill