Chapter 2: A Big Announcment
(Disclaimer!)
Nicolai Benson was heading into his weekend job.
He was a mechanic for GhostCorp.
A woman was on a screen explaining about the world's largest portal grid that could be used to instantly warp someone around the entire building.
Nicolai was the one who created the grid, but was not credited for his hard work.
His boss approached him.
"You do realize you're late," he said, "Don't you realize that GhostCorp now depends on this portal grid, and its tests for it to be allowed to be used on the streets."
"Yes I do," said Nicolai.
"And we can't do any tests without someone like you running them," said his boss.
"I know that, but those designs and blueprints were made by me," said Nicolai.
"You designed those schematics?" asked his boss, "Right, and I'm Captain Falcon."
Nicolai pushed his boss to the wall.
"You're not Captain Falcon, she's a legend and you're an asshole!" he said, "You disrespect her again, and I'll cut your head bald in your sleep!"
It was just a dream.
"Now get to work!" said his boss.
He took the elevator and went to his station.
There was a poster of him at his office with the name "Technus."
"Ugh," he said as he went to work.
Back at Danny's house, Maddie and Jack were about to share the news.
"So we have some very exciting news for the both of you," said Jack.
"You got me a car?" asked Jazz.
"Even better," said Maddie.
"We're getting married!" they said in unison.
"M-m-m-married?!" asked Jazz surprised.
"That's right," said Jack, "We're all gonna be one happy family."
"You're gonna be my stepfather?" asked Jazz, "and Danny's gonna be my…."
"That's right," said Maddie.
Jack's watch beeped.
"Well time to get to my shift," he said, "You all enjoy yourselves."
Nicolai was working on his machine.
"Take my credit will they?" he asked.
Someone tapped his shoulder.
"I thought you might be hungry," she said.
It was Nicolai's friend Emily who also worked at GhostCorp.
"Thank you," said Nicolai.
"I have to say I was very amazed by your invention," said Emily.
"Say that again?" he asked.
"I said I was amazed by your invention," said Emily, "I know it was you who made it."
"At least you do," said Nicolai, "But the company saw fit to steal it."
"What really amazes me is that you did all of it," said Emily, "What normally takes dozens of people to build, was accomplished by one person."
"Well I didn't actually make all of it," said Nicolai.
"He had a little help," said Jack behind both of them, "I've known this man since college and he's not let me down once, and it's the least I can do."
"Modest huh?" asked Emily.
One of Nicolai's tormentor's, Joe saw him talking with Emily.
"That creep is flirting with Emily again," he said.
"Listen, I'm having a party later this week," said Emily, "And I'd like you to be a guest."
"Really?" asked Nicolai, "I mean you're popular and all that, but you take time off your busy schedule for little old me."
"Because you're special," said Emily, "And you deserve to be treated as such."
He smiled.
"Time to get back to it," said Emily, "Good luck you two."
She headed out.
"She's a keeper," said Jack.
Joe crushed his cup.
Danny was walking by the halls.
He then saw that kid he helped before struggling with a locker.
"Hey let me get that," said Danny.
He opened it with ease.
"Thanks," he said.
"No problem," said Danny, "I'm Danny."
"Tucker," said Tucker.
"And I'm Sam," said Sam.
"OH yeah, you're the bass player for the scream kings," said Tucker.
"Glad to know I have a fan," said Sam.
The three of them saw their principal walking through the halls.
"Shit," said Sam, "Its Lancer."
"Hey!" said Principal Lancer.
However he was looking at graffiti that other kids put on there.
"Phew," they all said in unison.
"So I heard your dad's getting married," said Sam.
"Who told you that?" asked Danny.
"Why not ask your future step sister," said Sam.
Danny looked down to the floor.
"I wanna feel happy for Dad, but it just feels kinda too soon you know," he said.
Sam put a hand on his shoulder.
"Look, I know you miss your mom, and it hasn't been easy without her, but its time to move on," said Sam, "Besides, you still got your best friend who's had your back for years."
Danny smiled.
"You're right Sam," said Danny.
"Say Danny, your dad wouldn't happen to be a ghost person would he?" asked Tucker.
"Why?" asked Danny.
"I've read a lot of reviews about him and Ghostcorp," said Tucker, "He's amazing at what he does!"
He showed them something he's been working on.
"Mr. Benson helped me make this thing, and it can detect any sign of ghosts anywhere around the area," said Tucker.
"Nice," said Danny as he reached for it.
"Wait don't touch yet," said Tucker, "I still gotta work out some kinks."
In class, Nicolai was explaining the currents of electricity that can travel.
One of the students was drawing a picture of him and gave him the name "Technus."
"Let me see that," said Nicolai.
He saw the drawing and was surprisingly amazed.
"This gives me an idea for a lab experiment," he said.
After a few minutes the project was done.
"Now I'll need a volunteer from the audience," said Nicolai.
Danny and Tucker volunteered.
"Now, you'll rub your hair with this balloon and place it in this tube," explained Nicolai.
After doing so they did what Nicolai instructed.
After a few seconds they felt a slight spark run through their heads.
When their heads came out their hair was freaky looking.
"Whoa," said Danny.
"I know right," said Tucker.
The class was laughing but they didn't care.