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

challenge, started timing

long

his watch, "Two minutes

just over two

a newfound treasure.

head

did you

five? Or... six? Sorry, it's been so long,

"That's it?" he

do something else?"

Stoddard sighed, feeling outmatched.

to join

learning speed math

How about wek

turned

in agreement, "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

bit. Loser buys dinner for everyone. How about it?" Sammy rolled up his

gentle, couldn't help but smile at the challenge. "Sounds good. But it looks