I need someplace simple where we could live, and something only you can give, and that's faith and trust and peace while we're alive, and the one poor child who saved this world, and there's 10 million more who probably could, if we all just stopped and said a prayer for them - Better Days, Goo Goo Dolls

Chapter Twenty Three

It's Your Choice

Papers were spread out across the bed as Mira studied each one carefully. Rinzler was more than happy to see her after being watched by Pepper Pots, AKA Tony's girlfriend.

The team had returned to Stark Tower once Cyrus was put in one of SHIELD's most secure prisons. Now Mira was left with the decision of joining SHIELD. The papers that were spread out seemed more intimidating than ever. Rinzler gave the folder a curious sniff before swatting it aside.

"I can't blame you for that," she laughed as he wrinkled his nose in disgust. Rinzler jumped onto the bed beside her, stretching out his back and gazing at her with large orange eyes. "I don't know what to do," she sighed after pushing away the papers.

What would Tron had said if she were joining such an organization? Would he be proud or angry? She almost wished that he was there to help her.

Rinzler jumped off of the bed and began scratching at the closed door. Mira held back a grin before standing up to open the door. She tried not to giggle when moments later, a yelp of surprise followed. She followed the source of noise and spotted Rinzler standing on Beck's chest, eyes glowing with triumph.

"Seriously? Every time!" Beck grinned before gently pushing the kitten off. Rinzler purred and licked the back of his paw.

"You know he can't resist," Mira replied. She folded her arms and leaned against the doorway. "I see you have your files out," she added after noticing the papers spread out across the desk.

"Yeah... I don't know whether or not I should trust these people," Beck muttered.

Mira looked down at the floor. Maybe that was why she was so reluctant to fill out the paperwork. Clint and Natasha were freelance agents. They worked on their own times, but they were still loyal to SHIELD.

"I suppose we have time to think about it," she sighed. After everything they had been through together, she wasn't sure if it felt right.

In the meantime, there was still the matter of finding out whether or not Quorra and Sam's project was finished.

"I don't understand why they want me to join." Mira followed him out of the room before they were caught. Since they had returned they had been avoiding each other. Mira just couldn't find the right words to say anything without making things more awkward between them.

"Director Fury believes that you would make an excellent mechanic." Rinzler jumped onto Mira's shoulder as they reached the living space. Natasha was sitting beside Clint while Steve had on the TV. Tony had grabbed a drink from the bar and was taking a sip when they approached.

"Speaking of mechanics, Sam's finally finished with that project of his," Tony added. "He sent me the file last night."

"Really?" Mira stared at Tony in disbelief. Judging from the sheepish look he gave her, he was telling the truth.

"Banner's in the lab right now, working out the kinks. Should be up and running by tonight."

Mira exchanged a startled look with Beck. That meant they could finally go back. If what Sam and Quorra had said was true, than the Grid had finally been restored.

"Will we get to go back?" Mira wasn't surprised that Beck had asked the question. If they went back, would SHIELD try going after them?

"That's up to you," Natasha replied after seeming to read Mira's thoughts. "The Grid isn't necessarily part of SHIELD's database."

And yet somehow they still had files on it, Mira thought angrily. She wondered if Flynn had ever known that SHIELD was aware of his work. Maybe that was why Alan had been so reluctant to give them a call. She had a feeling that he would know more about their interference than anyone else.

. . .

"I awake to find no peace of mind, I said, how do you live as a fugitive, down here where I cannot see so clear, I said, what do I know, show me the right way to go..."

Mira stared at the papers once more, still wishing there was an easier way around this. She had the volume on her iPod up to full blast, hoping it would help her concentrate more. Unfortunately, the song that played didn't help.

"And the spies came out of the water, but you're feeling so bad cause you know, but the spies hide out in every corner, but you can't touch them no, cause they're all spies , they're all spies..."

"Do you need help with those?" Mira dropped the pencil she was holding when Natasha stood at her doorway, arms folded.

"Actually, I do," Mira sighed after turning down the music. "I just don't know whether or not this is the right thing to do."

Was that an actual smirk that Mira noticed? She blinked to make sure her eyes weren't deceiving her. Natasha stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Joining SHIELD was a difficult decision for me," she explained. "But there are ways around it. Fury didn't bother explaining that there are different levels of agencies that run through SHIELD."

She looked at Natasha in surprise. She remembered hearing that agents Fitz and Simmons had trained in SHIELD Academy. But the training they received was for a different field.

"I awake to see that no one is free, we're all fugitives, Look at the way we live, down here I cannot sleep without fear, I said which way do I turn, I forget everything I learned..."

"So, in other words, I can join the same field as you?" Mira asked after focusing on the song.

"Not quite," Natasha murmured. "Due to your past experience, you're on the same level as Clint."

Mira raised an eyebrow and wondered what she meant by that. She looked back at the papers once more before taking the files that needed to be signed.

"Where do I start?"

AN: Rather short chapter, but I wanted to put in this one for reasons you'll find out later. Big thanks to 2theSky and PrincessKai317 for reviewing! You guys are awesome! :D

Lyrics come from the song Spies by Coldplay

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