Phillips Academy's advanced physics lab hummed with the sound of expensive equipment. Midnight oil burned as Tony Stark made final adjustments to their quantum tunneling project, while Caspian reviewed their calculations with characteristic precision.
"The energy conversion ratio is off," Caspian noted, his enhanced vision analyzing fluctuations in the experimental data. "We're losing efficiency in the third stage."
"Yeah, because you insist on using standard materials," Tony replied, not looking up from his modifications. "If we just used the experimental alloy I developed-"
"The one that occasionally achieves spontaneous combustion?"
"That happened once, and technically it wasn't combustion so much as a localized reality distortion."
Their easy exchange was interrupted by a soft knock. Dr. Helena Pierce, head of the Physics Department, stood in the doorway. Her expression carried the particular mix of resignation and admiration reserved for brilliant students who refused to color within conventional lines.
"Gentlemen," she said, checking her watch. "While I appreciate your dedication to advancing the boundaries of physics, it's nearly midnight."
"Just finishing up, Dr. Pierce," Tony assured her, making absolutely no move to stop working. "We're on the verge of something revolutionary here."
"You said that about the artificial gravity experiment last week."
"Which worked perfectly," Tony protested.
"It inverted gravity in the east wing for three hours."
"But it worked."
Caspian closed their research notebook with deliberate precision. "We'll continue tomorrow, Tony. The quantum fluctuations need time to stabilize anyway."
Tony sighed dramatically but began powering down equipment. "Fine, but I'm noting for the record that you're both crushing the spirit of scientific discovery."
Dr. Pierce's lips twitched slightly. "I'm sure scientific discovery will survive until morning. Mr. Valemont, a moment?"
Caspian nodded to Tony, who was already sketching new modifications on his tablet as he left. Dr. Pierce closed the door and took a seat at one of the lab benches.
"Your father called today," she said without preamble. "He mentioned you might be interested in our advanced placement program."
"The standard curriculum lacks certain challenges," Caspian acknowledged.
"You're already two years ahead in most subjects." She studied him with careful consideration. "Though I notice you deliberately keep your performance just below Tony's level in physics."
Caspian met her gaze with measured calm. "Tony's genius with theoretical physics is genuine. It would be... inefficient to create unnecessary competition."
"Most students would jump at the chance to claim top position."
"I'm not most students." The statement carried no arrogance, merely fact.
Dr. Pierce nodded slowly. "No, you're not. Which is why I'm offering you independent study options. Your father mentioned some specific areas of interest."
"Applied physics and advanced materials science," Caspian confirmed. Fields that would prove useful in his future work, though Dr. Pierce didn't need to know those details.
"I'll have the paperwork ready tomorrow." She rose, smoothing her lab coat. "Try to keep Tony from breaking too many laws of physics in the meantime."
"I make no promises where Stark innovation is concerned."
The physics lab fell silent save for the soft hum of cooling equipment. Through the windows, autumn wind stirred fallen leaves across manicured grounds. Caspian gathered his materials with practiced efficiency, each movement precise and measured as he prepared for the walk back to his dormitory.