Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne didn't beat around the bush. "Carlson, did you check out Lab C122?"

"C122?" Carlson paused, clearly caught off guard.

Roseanne continued, "I've looked into your current project, and it doesn't seem like you need the CPRT Analyzer."

Carlson looked down for a moment, his initial surprise fading, replaced by calmness.

When he looked up again, any sign of confusion had vanished, leaving a serene expression. "Yeah, I checked it out."

Roseanne exchanged a glance with Scales.

"I needed it, so I took it. Is there a problem?"

Roseanne pressed, "Then why have I passed by several times and never seen you using it?"

Carlson replied, "I don't use it often, but I do need it occasionally."

This response made Mamie swallow back her ready accusation "You're hoarding resources maliciously." After all, he was using it, so they couldn't really accuse him of anything. Resources at the college were meant to be shared, first-come-first-served, and they couldn't fault him on that.

"So, how long do

"I'm not

it at that for now," Roseanne said calmly, nodding

expression not one of triumph

the lab to finish up his work before

door to Edna's office was ajar, and as he approached, he overheard a

for the higher

It was Sybil Moore.

handed out to anyone? You've been exceptionally granted a college scholarship, which, though not as high as the national one, won't draw much attention. You're new here and already making waves; better to

the national one... And

grades are top-notch. What about you?" Edna was clearly losing patience. Sybil was defiant, "I have publications

"Do I really need to spell out how you

closer in a coaxing manner, "Auntie

our family

give you bragging rights."

but let's not push it this year. Next year,

be careful with the auntie talk; it's

know, I know, I only say it when we're