Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

In the lab-

Jen called out, "Hey, Stoddard, you're a human calculator. Crunch these numbers for me, will ya? It's urgent!"

Stoddard was swamped, barely looking up as he said, "Use the computer, I'm tied up right now..."

"Come on, it's really important, and it'll only take a sec!" Jen pleaded.

Stoddard gestured towards the workbench across the room, "Ask Roseanne, she can help."

After the last error-checking session, everyone had seen what Roseanne could do.

Only Liz still thought it was a fluke, like a blind squirrel finding a nut.

"What's up, Jen? Need a hand?" Roseanne offered proactively.

Jen perked up instantly, "Yes, please, can you take a look at this..."

Two minutes later, Roseanne said, "Done. I sent you the results through the intranet."

Jen was stunned. That fast?!

Stoddard paused his work, curiosity piqued. He reached out for the data and said, "Let me see."

rolled her eyes, "A minute ago, you were too busy. Now you want to double-check? Make up your

Stoddard ignored the jab, focusing on

challenge, started

How long was

watch, "Two minutes and

taken just

was a newfound treasure. "Have you

her head awkwardly,

you learn

five? Or... six? Sorry, it's

swallowed hard. "That's it?"

I supposed to do something else?" Roseanne looked

Stoddard sighed, feeling outmatched.

join in, said,

learning speed

How about wek little contest, Roseanne?"

turned to

"Good idea, Sammy's been studying with me for over six months. Let's see how you two measure up. We'll make it ten minutes to solve as many problems as possible, with the least time taken to win.

let's spice it up a bit. Loser buys dinner for everyone. How about it?" Sammy

smile at