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."

her eyes, "A minute ago, you were too busy. Now

ignored the jab, focusing on the

sensing a challenge,

How long

"Two minutes and five

Roseanne had taken just over two

was a newfound treasure. "Have you ever

head awkwardly, "A

you learn

Sorry, it's been so long, I

hard. "That's it?"

I supposed to do something

Stoddard sighed, feeling outmatched.

join in, said,

learning speed math

about wek little contest,

eyes turned

see how you two measure up. We'll make it ten minutes to solve as many problems as possible, with

everyone. How about it?" Sammy rolled up his sleeves, "Bring it on! There's a free meal on the line.

gentle, couldn't help but smile at