As the Hulk in Danny Phantom/DC/Young Justice

The morning crowd at Casper High bustled with unusual excitement. Permission slips waved in the air as students discussed the upcoming field trip to Axion Labs, one of Amity Park's premier research facilities.

"This is going to be amazing!" Tucker could barely contain himself, practically bouncing as he clutched his permission slip. "Their quantum processing division alone is worth the trip, and I heard they're working on new clean energy solutions that could revolutionize-"

"We know, Tuck," Danny interrupted, carefully stepping through a crowd of excited freshmen. "You've only mentioned it about twenty times since yesterday."

Samael walked beside them, his own permission slip crumpled slightly in his grip. The prospect of spending hours in a facility full of experimental technology, surrounded by classmates and potential ghost targets, made the familiar warmth pulse beneath his skin.

"Their new security system is supposedly ghost-proof," Jazz commented, joining them with her meticulously organized trip planner already in hand. "The grant from Wayne Enterprises really upgraded their containment capabilities."

"Because that always works out so well," Samael responded, remembering how many 'ghost-proof' systems they'd encountered since the portal accident. Each one had failed spectacularly, usually requiring either Danny's intervention or his own more... aggressive approach.

"At least we have some backup now," Danny whispered, nodding subtly toward where Paulina held court with her usual crowd. She caught their glance and gave an almost imperceptible nod - their newest ally already planning potential cover stories if needed.

"Mr. Lancer says it's mandatory," Tucker added, finally looking up from his PDA's latest facility schematics. "Part of the advanced science curriculum. Though I still don't understand why they're taking the whole grade instead of just the AP classes."

"Probably because half the school would fake their way out of regular classes to attend," Sam joined their group, her own permission slip notably unsigned. "My parents are still debating whether it's 'appropriate for their daughter to visit such a corporate establishment.'"

The first warning bell rang, sending students scurrying toward homeroom. As they walked, Samael noticed Mr. Lancer posting additional trip information on the bulletin board - including a detailed schedule of their upcoming tour.

"Six hours," he muttered, reading the itinerary. "Six hours in a building full of experimental tech, corporate secrets, and who knows what else that might attract unwanted attention."

"Look on the bright side," Danny offered as they headed to class. "Maybe we'll get through one field trip without any ghost-related incidents?"

The universe, as if hearing this challenge, chose that moment to trigger both their ghost senses simultaneously - Danny's cold mist and Samael's burning chest creating an odd contrast.

"You just had to say it, didn't you?" Samael growled, already scanning for the nearest exit as screams erupted from the direction of the cafeteria.

Another typical day at Casper High was about to begin.

"BEHOLD!" A metallic voice boomed from the cafeteria. "I, TECHNUS, MASTER OF ALL THINGS ELECTRONIC AND DIGITAL, HAVE RETURNED TO-"

"Does he ever shut up?" Samael muttered, watching as students fled past them.

"At least it's just Technus," Danny whispered, already ducking behind a row of lockers. "Better than Skulker showing up again."

The cafeteria's electronic equipment began floating, assembling into another of Technus's mechanical constructs. Screens displayed his face as he continued his monologue about technological supremacy.

"I'll handle this," Danny said, transforming after checking the hallway was clear. "You've got that chemistry test next period anyway."

"AND NOW, WITH ACCESS TO YOUR SCHOOL'S PRIMITIVE BUT FUNCTIONAL NETWORK," Technus continued, his form growing larger as he absorbed more technology, "I SHALL-"

A blast of ecto-energy cut him off as Danny flew in. "You know, for a technology ghost, you really need to upgrade your entrance speeches."

Samael stayed back, monitoring the situation while maintaining his control. This wasn't a situation that required his intervention. Not yet.

"Tucker," he called out quietly, "how's the containment looking?"

"Standard Technus pattern," Tucker replied, fingers flying over his PDA. "Though he seems more interested in the school's network than usual. Especially the- wait." His eyes widened. "He's accessing the field trip data. All the Axion Labs security protocols..."

"THE FOOL!" Technus laughed as screens displayed scrolling data. "YOUR UPCOMING EXCURSION TO THAT TECHNOLOGICAL PARADISE WILL BE-"

Another ecto-blast interrupted him. "Seriously?" Danny dodged a flying keyboard. "You're monologuing about future plans now?"

"Jazz," Samael turned to his sister, "we need to-"

"Already on it," she pulled out her phone. "I'll warn Axion Labs about potential 'system irregularities' during our visit. Maybe they can upgrade their security before-"

A crash from the cafeteria made them all wince. Danny had managed to separate Technus from most of his mechanical body, but the ghost was still downloading data.

"THE SECRETS OF AXION'S MAINFRAME ARE MINE!" Technus declared triumphantly. "SOON I SHALL-"

"Oh, just shut up already," Danny uncapped the Fenton Thermos, sucking the still-boasting ghost inside. Yet suddenly a mechanical construct hit him and Technus, without another word, with a smug look on his face got away.

"That's... not good," Tucker muttered, fingers flying across his PDA. "He definitely accessed something in the network, but I can't pinpoint exactly what."

"Can you trace where he went?" Danny asked, transforming back after ensuring the hallway was clear.

"Not exactly," Tucker frowned at his screen. "But based on the data patterns he was accessing... I'd say he was particularly interested in Axion's security protocols."

"Great," Samael crossed his arms, watching students cautiously return to the cafeteria. "So tomorrow's field trip just got more interesting."

"Mr. Fenton!" Mr. Lancer's voice carried down the hallway. "Would you care to explain why our cafeteria resembles a technological disaster zone?"

"Ghost attack," Samael stated simply, gesturing to the scattered equipment. "The usual."

Lancer pinched the bridge of his nose. "Of course. I don't suppose this will affect tomorrow's excursion?"

"No, sir," Jazz stepped forward smoothly. "Though perhaps we should discuss implementing better cybersecurity measures? I've been researching some fascinating protocols..."

As Jazz led their teacher away with her practiced distraction, Danny turned to the others. "We need a plan. Technus isn't going to wait long before using whatever information he stole."

"I'll send an anonymous tip to Axion," Tucker offered. "Make it look like standard corporate security concerns."

"And I'll have contingencies ready," Paulina added quietly as she passed, maintaining her perfect social facade. "Just in case things get... complicated."

The warning bell for next period rang, sending students hurrying to class despite the lingering chaos.

"Chemistry test," Sam reminded them. "We can plan more during free period."

As they headed to class, Samael couldn't shake the feeling that Technus's escape was more calculated than usual. The ghost's smug expression suggested he'd gotten exactly what he wanted - and tomorrow would reveal exactly what that was.

Two months of dealing with ghost attacks had at least taught them how to maintain focus during tests, regardless of looming threats.

--------------------------------

Chemistry class provided a welcome distraction, even with half the students still discussing tomorrow's field trip in hushed whispers. Mr. Patterson's test papers landed on their desks with practiced precision.

"Remember," he announced, adjusting his glasses, "this test covers our recent unit on molecular bonds. And please," he glanced pointedly at several students still whispering about Axion Labs, "focus on today's chemistry, not tomorrow's excursion."

Samael studied the first question, grateful for the mundane challenge of balancing chemical equations. Beside him, Tucker kept shooting worried glances at his powered-down PDA, clearly anxious about being disconnected from his monitoring systems.

A small crash from the back of the room made several students jump. Dash had knocked over his pencil case, earning a stern look from Patterson.

"Sorry," he muttered, though his whispered comment to Kwan carried clearly: "Bet Axion's labs have way cooler stuff than these basic chemistry sets."

"Mr. Baxter," Patterson warned, "your test requires your complete attention."

Danny, two rows ahead, tensed slightly as his ghost sense activated. But nothing appeared, suggesting whatever triggered it was passing by outside. These brief alerts had become common enough in the past two months that they'd learned to distinguish between immediate threats and distant activity.

Samael returned to his test, methodically working through each problem. The routine of schoolwork had become almost therapeutic - a reminder that despite everything that had changed, some things remained predictably normal.

"Ten minutes remaining," Patterson announced, breaking the concentrated silence.

Tucker finally stopped glancing at his PDA, focusing entirely on his remaining questions. Sam had already finished, sketching abstract designs in her notebook while waiting for the bell.

As Samael completed his final calculation, he noticed Paulina watching their group with careful attention. Her newfound role as secret-keeper had made her more observant of their subtle reactions to ghost activity, though she maintained her usual social queen persona perfectly.

The bell rang just as the last tests were collected. Students rushed to pack up, eager to discuss tomorrow's trip now that they were free to talk.

"Remember," Patterson called out over the noise, "proper laboratory attire is required for tomorrow's visit. That means closed-toe shoes, long pants, and absolutely no unauthorized electronics." His gaze lingered on Tucker's PDA.

"But sir," Tucker protested, already checking his device for updates, "how am I supposed to document the quantum processing innovations?"

"The same way everyone else will, Mr. Foley - with the approved tour guides and recording equipment."

As they filed out of the classroom, Danny moved closer to their group. "Any word from Axion about that security tip?"

"Nothing direct," Tucker replied quietly, "but their firewall activity just spiked. They're definitely reinforcing something."

"Library," Jazz suggested, joining them in the hallway. "We need to plan, and we've got free period next."

They found a quiet corner in the library's reference section, away from other students still excited about tomorrow's trip.

"Okay," Jazz opened her notebook, ever the organizer, "what exactly are we dealing with?"

"Based on what I could salvage from his data breach," Tucker began, keeping his voice low, "Technus wasn't just after security protocols. He was accessing Axion's weapons development files."

"Weapons?" Sam leaned forward. "What kind of weapons is a research facility developing?"

"The kind designed to counter metahuman threats," Tucker showed them his screen. "Looks like they have a contract with the military. Some of this stuff..." he paused, looking troubled. "It could do serious damage, even to ghosts."

"Which explains Technus's interest," Danny muttered. "He's not just planning another 'technology will be mine' scheme. He's after actual military hardware."

Jazz made quick notes. "And with an entire grade of students present tomorrow..."

"Perfect hostages," Samael finished grimly. "Or human shields."

"He's gotten more calculating since our first encounters," Danny added. "Remember last week when he used those kindergarteners as bait? If Sam hadn't spotted the trap..."

"So what's our play?" Paulina asked quietly, having slipped into their corner unnoticed. "I can only redirect so much attention if things go wrong."

Tucker pulled up Axion's layout. "The facility has three main research wings. Based on the files Technus accessed, the weapons are stored in the secure testing area here," he pointed to a lower level. "Heavily shielded, minimal access points."

"Which means he'll need to draw security away," Jazz analyzed. "Create a distraction significant enough to clear his path."

"Like a school group having an emergency?" Sam suggested darkly.

Samael studied the facility plans. "We need containment options. Places Danny can fight without exposing himself, areas I can intervene if necessary without endangering students."

"The maintenance tunnels might work," Tucker highlighted several passages. "They run between all major sections. Limited camera coverage, strong structural support..."

"Good for ghost fights, better for Hulk-outs if needed," Danny nodded. "But what about the students? We can't just let them wander into a potential war zone."

"Leave the student management to me," Paulina offered. "I can orchestrate some social drama if we need a reason to split up groups or redirect attention."

"And I've got administrative clearance as a student aide," Jazz added. "I can help coordinate with the tour guides, maybe influence group assignments."

"It's not just Technus we need to worry about," Sam pointed out. "Other ghosts might take advantage of the chaos. They've been getting bolder, more strategic."

She was right. In the past two months, they'd noticed a disturbing evolution in ghost behavior. The random attacks had become calculated strikes. Even the Box Ghost had started using actual tactics, though his execution remained questionable.

"One more thing," Tucker looked up from his PDA. "Axion just upgraded their ghost detection systems. State-of-the-art ecto-signature scanners at every entrance."

"Can you bypass them?" Danny asked.

"Maybe, but it'll take time. And they might notice if their brand new security system suddenly glitches."

"So we need a way to get Danny and Samael through security, contain whatever Technus is planning, protect an entire grade of students, and maintain everyone's secrets," Jazz summarized. "While touring a high-security research facility."

"Just another day at Casper High," Sam said dryly.

"We've got until tomorrow morning to figure it out," Samael stood as the bell signaled the end of free period. "Tucker, see what else you can find about those weapons. Jazz, work on the group assignments. Everyone else, be ready for anything."

As they dispersed to their next classes, Samael couldn't shake the feeling that tomorrow would test more than just their ability to maintain secrets.

Technus had evolved from a boasting technophile into something more dangerous - a ghost willing to use human casualties as tactical advantages.

This wasn't a cartoon anymore, this was reality, and these creatures, were the dead who can't quite let go, maybe not till they drag others down with them.