Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Just tweak the data a bit to keep it consistent, no need to waste time verifying.' Even though Carlson had anticipated it, hearing it firsthand was still a shock.

"This is, academic, fraud!" He stressed every word.

Edna's face turned sour: "Carlson, you're a sensible guy. I trust you know what should and shouldn't be said. As your mentor, I'm just offering you a way to solve the problem. What to do with it, is up to you." Carlson looked up, locking eyes with Edna with an intensity she hadn't seen before.

"Professor, this isn't right."

It just wasn't right...

After Carlson left, Edna watched his departing back and snickered.

It's okay if he doesn't get it now. People grow.

Eventually, he'll understand that truth doesn't matter. What matters is how many papers you've published, how much academic output you've produced.

People say research is pure, but Edna scoffed at that.

Wherever there are people, there's a struggle - for resources, funding, status, titles... Aren't all these tied to output?

Only those who reach the summit have the right to talk about "purity". But first, you've got to reach the summit.

Edna took out her phone, "Call Hertha Sherwood over."

her time

almost a month now. How are you adjusting? How are the senior students treating you? No one's giving you a hard time, right?" Hertha was somewhat flattered: "No,

good to hear. I called you here because there's something related to the lab I need to

mean I can start getting involved in the

by me, of course, there's a spot for you in the research team. It's just that we've run into a bit of a snag... It might require some effort

going on? Just tell me, and I'll do whatever

by Madeleine next door bought the latest model of the CPRT analyzer with their own funds. Our team's budget is tight, so I

worry,

go unnoticed. I'll

of your contribution. When

high-priority projects or conference

come up, you'll be the first

long as your grades are solid,

them the moon. Whether they'll get it, who

for a degree; she wanted to achieve something, especially since... her mother placed such high value on education, it was almost

a second

all. A little sweet talk at

new CPRT analyzer for Edna's lab, the

happened to the budget being just over

costing over

half, and Hertha had to sell more than a dozen of her beloved designer bags