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."

eyes, "A minute ago, you were too

the jab, focusing on

sensing a challenge, started timing

How long was

his watch, "Two minutes and five

had taken just over two minutes

if she was a newfound treasure. "Have you

scratched her head

you learn

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

hard. "That's it?"

I supposed to do

Stoddard sighed, feeling outmatched.

to join

learning speed math

wek

turned to

with me for over six months. Let's see how you two measure up. We'll make it ten minutes to solve

How about it?" Sammy rolled up his sleeves, "Bring it on! There's a free

help but smile at the