Author's note: Hello! I accidently forgot to mention about Bill…yeah…he's a totally made up character, and my brother actually created him (if you can believe that)! So, I'm in affect, just barrowing him. Sorry, just had to mention. Hope you like so far. ;) oh, by the way, everyone belongs to Naughty Dog except Bill, and a few others to appear later on. Okay, that's it. Happy reading!

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Keira continued to pour over the papers she'd nicked from Torn, completely baffled by them. They just didn't seem to make any sense. The most she could get out of it was that the papers were written by the Baron, who was conversing with Errol. The little boy suddenly interrupted her thoughts.

"What is it, sweetie?" she asked, turning in her seat to look down at him.

He pointed to her comlink, which was lying on the jack.

"You want to see Torn again, don't you?"

The child nodded, smiling. Keira sighed, her shoulders sagging.

"Somebody will be here for you in a little bit, okay? Just hang in there."

The boy nodded again obediently. He returned to the makeshift game of checkers he played with Bill, using washers and bolts. The comlink crackled around six-thirty, just minutes after Keira's shift ended. Torn's gravelly voice sounded through the speaker.

"HQ to stadium; come in stadium."

Keira picked up the link almost reluctantly, pressing down the button.

"Stadium. Keira here."

She released the button. There was a short pause, then,

"It's time to bring the kid back to HQ. Ashelin's picking him up."

"I got it."

"HQ out."

He was still mad at her, and she could tell. Keira sighed, letting her arm fall heavily at her side.

"What did you do?" Bill asked.

Keira fixed him with a warning stare. Bill crossed his arms, saying,

"If you wanna be that guy's friend, you've gotta earn his respect."

"And how do I do that?! I already respect him! What's his problem?!"

Bill could sense he'd touched on a sensitive subject. He clapped her on the shoulder gently, smirking.

"Torn's been through more than you think, kiddo. He's had to prove himself his whole life. You just have to make it clear to him that you're going to be committed; that you'll give your all every day, prepared for anything."

Keira ran a hand through her hair, blowing bangs out of her eyes.

"Whatever…"

"I'm serious. Just earn his respect; that's it."

They heard the sound of someone entering the building, calling for Keira.

"Easier said than done," she huffed, bending down to pick up the kid. He yawned, rubbing his eyes. He waved to Bill over Keira's shoulder as they left the shop.

Ashelin was waiting at the stadium entrance, leaning against the wall. She raked her fingers through her dark red hair, green eyes scanning her surroundings. Ashelin was a Krimzon Guard, a top-ranking officer, which meant that she had tattoos crossing her face, neck and ears. Somehow, they did not take away from her apparent beauty. She wore dark slacks and red boots, along with a black leather jacket. Her hair was dreadlocked and fell to her shoulders; a pistol rested in the holster at her side. She smirked as Keira came into view carrying the child, who was falling asleep.

"What was he doing all day?" she asked.

"Playing around," Keira answered, "He had fun; didn't you?"

The boy nodded sleepily, his eyes beginning to close. Ashelin placed a hand on his head.

"Adorable…at least I don't have to put him to sleep."

She smiled again. Keira returned the gesture half-heartedly. Ashelin turned, walking down the staircase.

"Come on this way; we'll take him to the car."

Keira followed her to the vehicle, which was a Krimzon Guard cruiser, of course. It was painted in black and red, the Guard logo glaring out at anyone who happened to notice it. Keira gently placed the boy in the passenger's side, making sure he was safely buckled. By now, he had fallen completely asleep. She gently tousled his hair, straightening up.

"What did you say to Torn that upset him?" Ashelin wanted to know.

"He's upset?"

"I mean he's mad."

Keira laughed lightly, leaning against the cruiser, folding her arms.

"You wanted to get in the Underground, didn't you?"

"Why is it such a big deal?" Keira gasped, unable to control her frustration.

"It shouldn't be," replied Ashelin quietly, "I understand completely."

"Then wh-?"

"I can't make you a member. That's entirely up to Torn," Ashelin said. Keira appeared disappointed. "But I want to tell you that I think you wouldn't let us down."

Keira's eyes widened in surprise. "You mean that?"

Ashelin nodded. "Yeah, of course. Just talk to Torn; let him know how committed you are."

"…Everyone keeps saying that," Keira mumbled, "But what if he doesn't listen, like I know he won't?"

Ashelin sighed, burying her hands in her pockets.

"Listen. If he keeps you out, there's nothing I can do. Torn always has a reason for what he does, and you can bet he has my support either way. I might try to convince him one way sometimes, but usually his mind is made up."

Keira was downcast. Ashelin put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Keep your chin up, Keira. If things don't work out, you'll always be welcome to help me."

Keira couldn't help grinning. That had meant a lot to her.

"Thanks, Ashelin…"

"Forget it," she replied with a smirk, "See ya around."

Keira watched as Ashelin hopped into the driver's seat of her cruiser. The craft rose into the air and flew off in the direction of the slums, leaving Keira alone with her thoughts.