time," he said, his tone as rxed as the atmosphere of aid-back coffee shop on a Sunday afternoon.


    Owen leaned back against the cluttered workbench, casting a casual nce around theb that seemed more like a scene from a modern-day alchemist''s den. "Theb''s all yours whenever you need it. No need to clock in every day. Just swing by when you''ve got the Roseanne found herself neck-deep in a sea of papers and journals, all handed down by Ms. Payne, alongside keeping tabs on thetest buzz in their field. Now, with an official thesis topic on her te, she was busier than a New York subway at rush hour.


    Owen was well aware of her workload but he had confidence in her. With her knack for time management and proactive approach, he knew she was more than capable of handling the pressure.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    He went on to brief her about the nuts and bolts of working in theb. Eachb had its own quirks and vital points to remember. Roseanne paid keen attention, jotting down the essentials as Owen outlined them.


    "...Currently, it''s just my team using theb. Besides me, there are four others. I''ll introduce you when they''re around..." he trailed off as a figure emerged from the adjacent break room.


    The man, in his forties, was a towering presence with a physique that screamed ''linebacker'' rather than ''scientist''. Yet, the thermal mug in his hand, bobbing with a couple of blueberries and steaming gently, painted a picture that was more at home in a cozy, early morning kitchen scene than ab.


    "Hey? Owen, we''re bringing in new blood?" The man''s gazended on Roseanne, curious yet not intrusive, his demeanor walking that fine line between inquisitiveness and respect.


    "Let me introduce you. This is Stoddard, a colleague and one of the team. He teaches basic physics over at Kingswell University," Owen exined.


    "Pleasure to meet you," Stoddard said, extending a hand, his stern features melting into a warm, approachable smile.


    "I''m Roseanne," she responded, shaking his hand, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected friendliness.


    Stoddard raised an eyebrow, his nce bouncing between Owen and Roseanne. It wasn''t every day Owen brought friends to theb...


    "Don''t be so formal. No need for titles here; just call me Stoddard. We''re all friends," heughed, putting her at ease.


    Despite his reassurance, Roseanne continued to address him as "Mr. Stoddard," reflecting her meticulous nature.


    By nine o''clock, the rest of the team had trickled in Jen was the first, her casual attire belied her academic achievements and her role as a mother. Her life was a whirlwind of family, school, andb, with her only sce being the drama series she binge-watched while waiting for data to process.


    Sammy followed, still yawning from his data analysis marathon. Theb was his sanctuary, far removed from the less-than-ideal conditions of the shared facilities downstairs.


    V


    As Roseanne shook hands with Sammy, who couldn''t hide his initial surprise at the new addition to their


    team, the sound of high heels announced the arrival of thedast member of their group.