Zoey Reeves knew the odds were slim. In fact, she considered it a success just making it to the final four. However, it did hurt, knowing she had come so close and still getting cut right at the end. Part of her wondered if maybe it would have been better to have been cut first.

No. She shook her head. She didn't come to Grid Battleforce to be a Ranger – although that was the goal. Her plan, when she applied, was to do anything she could to help make a difference. Grid Battleforce was a project she admired. It saw a problem with the world and rather than sit around, discussing the many things that could be done to solve it, did something. Zoey admired that in people and in business and wanted to be better at solving problems herself.

She wasn't going to let something as simple as getting cut from the Ranger team be the end.

"Commander Shaw," she called out as the Rangers gathered up their things for the tour of the upper floors, where they would be training and watching over the city. Commander Shaw turned around.

"Ms. Reeves, you were a fine candidate but, in the end,, you just didn't have what it takes."

"I get that, and I fully support your decision," Zoey assured the Commander with a bright smile. "You had the pick the absolute best team and if that wasn't me, then it's not me."

"I'm very glad you understand," Commander Shaw said, and she was about to turn around, when Zoey called her again.

"It's just… Commander, I can't just go home. I love this place. I love what it stands for. I can't walk away from that."

"Unfortunately, we have no openings," Commander Shaw shook her head. "As far as the Ranger project is concerned, we have everyone we need."

"I know. And Commander, that confidentiality agreement I signed, I'll keep. My whole life, I won't tell anyone what happened."

"I'm glad."

"But I'll do anything. It doesn't have to be related to the Ranger project at all. I'll serve food in the cafeteria, or pick up garbage or clean toilets. I just want to help, Commander."

Commander Shaw was about to turn her down. There were simply no open positions. However, it occurred to her that this might just be an opportunity both for Zoey and for Grid Battleforce. While Commander Shaw had selected Blaze for the final spot, Sarah's suggestion hadn't fallen on deaf ears. Commander Shaw didn't think that Zoey was ready to be a Ranger now, but maybe in the future she would prove herself.

Commander Shaw knew the risks being a Ranger posed. She had to seriously consider them when her own son told her he would try out for the position. The risk was high, and while she would do anything and everything in her power to ensure the safety of the three candidates, some things were out of her control. If anything happened to Blaze, Roxy, or god-forbid Ravi, Commander Shaw would need someone who could step in their place. Keeping Zoey close might just be what the Rangers needed.

"There has been a backlog in the laundry department," Commander Shaw said and to her surprise, Zoey's eyes lit up. It was a terrible job. She would have to collect, clean, fold and return everyone's work clothes, and Commander Shaw had seen and smelled a few good messes in her time. However, Zoey was sincere in her desire to help and would take anything.

"You can count on me, Commander," Zoey said excitedly. "I'll get a laundry system up and ready to go that'll be so efficient, you'll never wonder about the laundry again."

"You can start by finding and cleaning your own uniform," Commander Shaw said. "There should be some old coveralls in the basement."

"On it!" Zoey said as she raced down to start her first day on the job. Commander Shaw chuckled as she watched the young woman go, and then turned to her Ranger candidates who were waiting for her. She saw Blaze shaking his head.

"Some people are just desperate," he said.

"I don't even do my own laundry," Ravi agreed with a chuckle. "You couldn't pay me to do other people's laundry."

"Lighten up, you two. A job's a job," Roxy told the boys. Commander Shaw examined her team. Her decision was made, and though she was still sure this was the team that was most fit for battle, she had a nagging thought in her head. Blaze and Ravi were both already looking down on people while Zoey, having just been rejected, still wanted to do anything she could to help.

"Follow me, you three. We'll discuss your expectations after the tour."