Everyone's lives hang in the balance after an earthquake rocks Whitney High and Los Angeles. Rated T for violence, language. Thanks to HD, Jo, Lauren, Claye and Ms B for beta'ing.

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It was a busy day at Whitney High, so busy that Ralph was between classes trying to take a break. He started off the day early with a long teacher's meeting, then classes.

To top off the craziness, he also had to stop a fight in the hallway. He did, but only after he received a punch to the jaw, briefly knocking him out. The school had a couple of paramedics check him out, but after explaining to them he had a glass jaw and was feeling fine otherwise, Ralph was allowed to finish the rest of the day. After the fight, he decided to put on the suit, just in case he had to referee another one...

"Mr. H, are you feeling all right," said a female voice. "Maybe you shoulda listened to the medics and gone home."

Ralph snapped out of his daydream and saw Rhonda. He shook his head and chuckled. "Yes, Rhonda I'm fine. It's been a long day, and that punch didn't help out any."

"Sure Mr. H, just take it easy is all. Last thing ya need to happen is to work too hard and pass out on us... again."

Ralph chuckled at the comment. "I'm sure I'm fine. Save the fight, this is fairly normal day for me. Listen, you need to get to class before you're tardy. I'll be there in a couple of minutes."

As Rhonda headed toward the classroom, Bill entered the hallway, causing Ralph to groan. "Bill, I don't have any time for one of your suit scenarios," he said. "Class is about to start in five minutes..."

Bill just shook his head. "Don't worry Ralph, I'm here only because the Counselor needed a lift. She's speaking to some class about law..."

"Oh yeah, the debate class, I forgot," said Ralph, the event dawning on him. He ran a hand through his hair. "The student escort hasn't come yet, or I'd know, and her car's in the shop. I said I'd pick her up from..."

"Don't worry, the Counselor remembered your meeting this morning and told me to come and pick her up," said Bill, chuckling. "Was going to stop by anyway. Looks like you've had a busy day."

Ralph nodded "Yeah, it has been, today's been crazy between the meeting and a visit from the paramedics..."

"Oh no, who got hurt," said Pam as she came up.

Ralph blushed slightly as he kissed her. "Me. Got caught in the crossfire of a hallway fight, but they cleared me for work. Sorry about forgetting to pick you up."

"Don't worry hun, I had a backup plan. After all, you might've ended up on a suit scenario, courtesy of our favorite uncle..."

"Geesh wouldja quit it with that joke, it's getting old," said Bill, and the other two chuckled.

"Well, you did start it Bill," said Ralph as he heard a bell ring. "Listen, I'd better get to my class and Pam needs to get to the debate room. How about we meet together after class for lunch."

"Sounds good hun," said Pam and gave him a kiss.

"Yeah, for me too kid, but I ain't gonna kiss ya," said Bill, rolling his eyes.

Ralph only laughed and the three headed to their classes.

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As Ralph neared the classroom, he heard the familiar sound of arguing and frowned. "Oh no, not again," he said groaning and pulling an item out of his briefcase. He was glad he got permission to carry the item... just in case.

Sure enough, entering the room, Tony and Cyler were shouting at each other and nearly coming to blows. "Hey guys cut it out..." Ralph started.

The other two were not listening, nor was the rest of the class. "Come on Tony, you know it was your fault Mr. H was knocked out," said Cyler.

"No, it's your fault. I didn't throw the punch," said Tony.

"It doesn't matter anymore, Mr. H's fine," said Rhonda, but to no avail.

Tony drew back a punch just before a loud shriek resonated through the room, freezing everyone in their tracks.

The class turned and saw Ralph holding a miniature air horn. "Good. Now that I've got your attention, will you please stop fighting and sit down? The last thing I need is the paramedics making another visit, only this time to another person."

Tony sat down and shrugged his shoulders. "Sorry, Mr. H. Cyler and me was trying to figure out who hit..."

"Tony, it's in the past, so it doesn't matter. All I'll say is that I'm the one who ended up out cold in the end," said Ralph as he got out a book. "OK, I want all of you to get out your history books and turn to page 124..."