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.

ignored the jab, focusing on

challenge,

How long was

his watch, "Two minutes and five

taken just over two minutes as

if she was a newfound treasure.

scratched her head awkwardly, "A

you learn

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

hard. "That's

I supposed to do something else?"

Stoddard sighed, feeling outmatched.

join

speed math with

wek little contest, Roseanne?"

eyes turned to

you two measure up.

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

at the challenge. "Sounds good. But it looks