Several of the rangers had managed to get the time that Matt was to have his interview out of Robin and made sure to hang around either outside, servicing snow mobiles or doing general upkeep on the building. It was more for show and curiosity than anything. Some of them had a bit of money riding on the outcome of this interview.

Ten minutes before the interview was supposed to start, an old Ford pickup from sometime in the 1960's pulled up. It had obviously been restored but it was equipped to be more utilitarian than show. It was painted a dark blue with the chrome having been restored. The engine purred as it entered the parking lot and came to a stop. A woman, one might possibly call handsome, stepped out of the truck and pulled out a briefcase with her. She was dressed in black wool slacks, fashionable boots but not to ostentatious. She wore a gray sweater under a wool jacket that matched the pants. Her hair was a reddish brown, thick and long and was held tightly into place in a braid that hung down her back. Her eyes were a gray blue as she scanned the area and nodded politely to those 'staring' back at her.

She entered the building and went over to the main desk. "Hello. I'm here to see Ranger Matt Hawke for a nine a.m. interview." She stated in an even but firm voice.

Robin stared up at her then stood, "You must be Crane Atheron?" she asked as she held out a hand to greet the woman.

The woman took her hand, "Gunnery Sergeant Crane Atheron." She corrected politely. "But I won't stand on formality very often. Please call me Crane." She said in general conversation with the woman.

Robin smiled brightly, "Wow…a Gunnery Sergeant. I'll let Matt know you're here." She said with a twinkle of mirth in her eyes.

She picked up the phone and got Matt on his office phone. "Matt, there's a Gunnery Sergeant Crane Atheron here to see you for your nine o'clock interview." She stated into the phone. She got confirmation and hung up the phone. "You can go on in. He's expecting you." She said, pointing to the office door.

Crane nodded and went over to the office door that Robin had indicated, opening it. She stepped through and closed the door behind her. Matt had his back to her as he was searching through a file for something. She waited quietly for him to turn around, her features composed and standing in a form of relaxed attention.

When Matt glanced over his shoulder, throwing a "…be with you in a moment..." before turning back to what he was doing, he jerked his head back around to look at her. He stood up and faced her, his face a little red, "Crane Atheron?" he asked in a way of verification.

She stepped forward and offered her hand, "Gunnery Sergeant Crane Atheron but please, call me Crane. I'll be retiring in a few weeks." She stated evenly.

Matt shook her hand in return. "Nice to meet you …Crane." He said as if trying to wrap his brain around the fact that the name on the resume made him think automatically of a man. But, he…was a she and apparently highly decorated if she had made Gunnery Sergeant, one thing she failed to mention on her resume. He motioned towards the seat across from the desk. This wasn't going to go well for him, he felt it in his gut and he got a sneaking suspicion that he'd just met his match.

--

The crew had assembled for an early lunch in the kitchen by the time the woman was preparing to leave. She turned back to face Matt outside of his office and offered her hand. "I look forward to hearing from you soon." She stated professionally.

Matt shook her hand and nodded, giving a careful smile. "I'll let you know within the next few days my decision."

She nodded, her eyes scanning the room as she headed towards the door, passing Robin with a polite nod before she pushed the door open and stepped outside. Matt had followed her as far as his wife's desk and then stood there, watching her out the window. The truck turned over and rumbled to life. He could tell just by the sound of it that it had power. He noted the license plate was from Wyoming as she pulled out of the parking lot and left. He looked down at his wife, only able to raise an eyebrow as silence reigned from the kitchen.

He entered the kitchen with Robin who had brought in the envelope with the bets from the night before. As Matt joined his brother at the table, looking at the other hooligans that sat around there, he motioned for Robin to read out the 'bets' to see who won.

One by one, they were eliminated until they got to the one from Cody. Robin opened it and then suddenly burst into laughter as she looked at her brother-in-law. "How did you know?" she asked him as everyone other than Cody scrambled to grab the paper from Robin who kept it out of their reach, giggling the whole time.

Izzy complained, "What's it say?" he asked.

Matt looked at his wife then at Cody, "Yes, what did brother dearest write?" he asked with growing suspicion he wouldn't like the answer.

Robin opened the piece of paper again, "It says, 'Crane is a woman and you're so screwed'." She looked at Cody, "So I'll ask again…how did you know?" she asked.

Every eye was on Cody as he chuckled, "I have my ways." He stated.

Izzy growled, "I think you slipped in the paper after you saw her."

Cody shrugged, "Nope. That's what I wrote last night."

Matt looked at him, "So how did you know last night and if you had your suspicions, why didn't you say something?" he said, looking like he was going to pounce on his brother.

Cody sighed, "I'll answer only if you promise to hire me. I'm at the end of my tenure at that position and I'm looking for something a little more permanent." He stated evenly.

Looks were exchanged across the table and Matt finely let out a false exasperated sigh, "Fine…you're hired. Now tell me…." He said, making 'choking hands' at his brother.

Cody smirked, "Who do you think brought me home last night." He stated as he got up and carried his sandwich out of the kitchen.

Four pairs of eyes stared after him in shock then looked at each other. How the hell he'd met her last night, he obviously was keeping to himself. Everyone sat at the table and stared at Matt now as if asking him to explain his brother. The rest of lunch was passed by asking Matt questions about her and convincing him that he would be stupid to pass up a chance of hiring her.