Arkle had yet to dive deep into the research project and had no idea what made this particular piece of equipment stand out. However, seeing the look of awe on Carlson's face made him take a few extra glances.
"...Dude, is it expensive?"
Carlson nodded, "Yeah, super expensive."
"How much are we talking?"
"Around a million or so."
"Whoa!"
It wasn't just the price tag that was shocking.
It was the fact that Roseanne and her crew could just decide to make such a pricey purchase.
Three people, a million bucks...
Arkle thought of his own parents, hardworking farmers, who, in their best year, could barely save up a few thousand dollars.
And here they were, talking about a piece of equipment worth millions...
Arkle was stunned.
Just then, Mamie's voice echoed down the hallway, signaling their return!
Carlson and Arkle slipped out the back door.
Before leaving, Carlson couldn't help but look back. In the sunlight, Roseanne, Mamie, and Scales were walking in, laughing and chatting.
Roseanne was holding a bottle of Voss water, pricey stuff.
Mamie had her arms full of snacks, mostly with packaging in English - imported and definitely not cheap.
Scales was sipping on a sports drink in packaging Carlson had never seen before, let alone tasted.
"Dude, what's on your mind?"
As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Arkle nudged Carlson, noticing his silence.
Carlson let out a sigh, "...It's just nice."
Arkle was reflective, "Yeah, the new equipment is cool, right?"
Carlson just smiled.
He wasn't just talking about the equipment.
He was thinking about their spirit to challenge, to argue, and the financial means to back it all up.
It was really something.
Meanwhile, back in the lab—
Roseanne said, "Here, have some water, folks."
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