Favorite Ghost

Danny sighed as he glared at his textbook. He knew physics would be necessary for becoming an astronaut. He knew an understanding of physics would help him use it mercilessly on the battlefield. He knew physics would look good on college applications, or at least better than last year's Remedial Science 2. He just wished it wasn't entirely made of math. He did not understand math.

He groaned and slammed his head on the kitchen table. He needed a snack.

There was a knock on the door. Danny ignored it, heard his father get it. He didn't care enough about it, not when he was using his precious break time to get a sandwich. Lettuce, cheese, mustard, salami, that would do. He got his sandwich and then sighed as he glared down at his unfinished homework.

He didn't understand this at all.

And then his ghost sense went off. He dropped his head to the table again. He couldn't afford to sneak off, not when his parents were so angry about the score he'd made on his last test. Not with his dad in the next room watching him to make sure he did his homework. Not when he was already so stressed because of this stupid class. Maybe it would go away.

"I, Technus! Master of all things electrical and technological, have been sent here to tutor you in the wonders of Newtonian Physics!"

Danny hid his face in his hands. He wanted to cry.

"He just showed up on the doorstep!" Jack said, clapping his hand on the black latex labcoat of the white-haired ghost. "And I love his style, it's like vintage me! He says his services are already paid for and everything, isn't this great, Danny?"

"Yeah, great," Danny mumbled.

"Well, I'll leave you both to it," Jack said. "Now that I don't have to watch you do your homework I can get back to work!" He made a beeline for the lab door, slamming it closed behind him.

Danny turned a forceful glare onto Technus.

"I have accepted a healthy bribe from Plasmius to teach you basic physics," Technus crowed. "I will not fail in my endeavor! Or I will be forced to return his lavish gifts! I shall remain here until you have understood today's lesson!"

Danny slammed his head back onto the table. He just knew he'd never be allowed to leave this table as long as he lived.