Who: Natalia Romanova NPCs: Nick Fury When: 08/01/2012 Where: SHIELD Headquarters What: Natalia receives an unexpected assignment Rating: PG
The black leather chair was uncomfortable. Instead of the soft padded leather found in many of the conference rooms in the building, this was made of smooth hardened leather. Not exactly the most comfortable place to sit, especially given the time Natalia had spent in the seat. Even so, she made sure not to move an inch. A SHIELD agent, especially one in the dog house, took on any challenge given. Even if it was just sitting in the most uncomfortable chair known to man.
She was partially convinced this was another part of her punishment.
Before she could ponder that idea any longer, the door to the room opened abruptly. She stood up immediately, nodding in acknowledgement to the newcomer. "Director Fury."
"Agent Romanova," he said as he walked across the room, stopping only when he stood in front of the desk. Instead of sitting down as most would do, he leaned against it, letting the furniture stabilize his upright body. "I'll be blunt. There's been a request from the bigwigs. With the negative attention the Sentinel debacle created, they want more positive news from agents working with government offices. There's still a hell of a lot of fallout that needs to be dealt with. They want another superhero to be added to the Avengers."
"You're the best fit for the team, Romanova," he continued, making sure to meet her gaze firmly. "Your latest stunt with Red Room notwithstanding, your record is impeccable. You're one of our best agents. Your record is one of the strongest. And, I want you on that team."
Though inwardly shocked, her face showed nothing of it. "I would be honored by the assignment."
"Good. An agent will meet you tomorrow morning to take you over to the Avengers Headquarters to get a tour of the place. Don't be late."
He did not need to speak a dismissal for her to know it was time to leave. Nodding her thanks once more, she turned and headed towards the door of the office. Her head was spinning from the news. It was the best news she could have received, given the circumstances. While she was not the most comfortable in the public eye, the Avengers was not something that could be turned down. At least it would get her away from the paperwork.
"Oh, and Romanova?" Fury called as she exited the room. Turning to glance over at him, he added, "Don't forget to finish that paperwork. They'll be more waiting for you at the Avengers Headquarters."
He looked away once again, though Natalia could swear she saw the shadow of a smirk on his face. Dammit all to hell, the paperwork was going to follow her forever. At least there was more potential for action with the Avengers. And she still had her other SHIELD assignments to continue. It seemed she would be quite busy during the present. Just the way she liked it.