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."

ago, you were too busy. Now you want to

jab,

a challenge, started timing

How long was

his watch, "Two minutes and five

just over two minutes as

if she was a newfound treasure. "Have you ever done speed

her head awkwardly, "A

you

Or... six? Sorry, it's been so long, I can't

"That's it?"

supposed to do something

Stoddard sighed, feeling outmatched.

eager to join

speed

about wek little contest,

turned to

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

up a bit. Loser buys dinner for everyone. How about it?" Sammy rolled up his sleeves, "Bring it on! There's

couldn't help but smile at the challenge. "Sounds