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."

"A minute ago, you were too

Stoddard ignored the jab, focusing on the

sensing a challenge, started

long

checked his watch, "Two

just over

she was a newfound treasure. "Have you ever done

head awkwardly,

did you learn

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

swallowed hard. "That's it?" he

to do something else?" Roseanne looked

Stoddard sighed, feeling outmatched.

eager to join

speed math

about wek little

eyes turned

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 sleeves, "Bring it on! There's a free meal on the line.

at the challenge. "Sounds good. But it