The department-wide email had just a few key words: “Free,” “device parts,” and “some valuable.” I bolted out of my cube towards the goods. I wasn’t alone.

As I made my way through cubeville, I saw engineer after engineer poke his head up and dart in the same direction. The horde converged on the table carrying the steaming mounds of junk. I had never seen so many engineers so giddy about things so worthless. Of course, I joined the fray.

After digging through box after unmarked box, I came across a couple of things worth salvaging: a spool of wire, a couple of old patient programmers, and a very small Allen wrench. Mmmm… stuff…