FIRE TIGER

CHAPTER 4 : The Proclamation

Hi all, here's the much awaited result.

---

The first of the double suns had risen above the Black Mountains as the five UnderSchool pupils raced through the UnderTown to the school. They were in the process of locking their bikes, a vehicle pulled up, deliberately accelerating.  Dust and dirt was thrust in the direction of the UnderTown pupils. Dawn saw Eddan, grinning from ear to ear, step out as if he owned the place. She threw him a scornful look, never noticing the younger brother's apologetic look.

Entering through the UnderSchool's entrance at the back, the pupils were casually searched then ushered on. They stepped through to see the outside assembly ground was effectively split in two parts by a row of Dragon Army Soldiers. The Emperor's soldiers, brandishing their guns, were scanning the UnderSchool pupils, ready to intervene at the slightest skirmish.  Behind them, a tent equipped with comfortable cushioned sofas provided shelter for the UpperSchool pupils. Another tent on an elevated platform decorated the front of the school's main entrance. The most prominent chair was occupied by Edison Keral. His wife, dressed in her finest clothes, was seated slightly to his left. To the right were two more chairs. The UnderSchool pupils recognised Flavio, the USC Spokesman, who was gossiping with Salman, the security manager. He oversaw the DAS that formed a line between the UpperSchool and UnderSchool pupils.

"My word." Dawn mumbled. "The UTI was not kidding when he said he would get selected. The ambassador would never organise a grand show like this unless he knew the outcome."

"Look at the bright side." Whitey said." I would not have .... liked it if you had been sent to the Central Planet to represent the Outer Planet. We get to spend time together." And threw his arm around her shoulder. Dawn was quick to dismiss the sign of affection and threw him an ugly grin.

"This is not funny. I prepared for this unique opportunity for years."

"Let's leave, now. We can go swimming in the Hot Springs."

"No!"the girl said. "I'm going to stand here, keep my head proudly in the air and stare The UTI off the planet."And turning to the podium, indicated the discussion was closed.

After what felt like an eternity, The Principal got up, took out his tablet and started his speech; thanking everybody for their presence, he then continued stressing the exceptional importance of the USC's spokesman's presence, anticipating a paramount announcement.

After that, UpperSchool graduation began. The principal's voice resonated with pride as he officially announced the person who had the highest grade. A high shriek exploded from inside the tent, and a girl nearly fainted in the arms of her friends. They carried the sobbing girl onto the podium, where she went to thank every single one of her friends, followed by another long speech of the principal. Pen's tablet came up with Brain's results showing higher than the girl's but with the Principal's spectacles being broken he misinterpreted the results.

As the girl launched another 'thank-you' speech, Pocket moaned in annoyance. "This is going to take longer than I thought." 

Unfortunately, he was correct. The UpperSchool proclamation took over an hour as every single UpperSchool pupil individually stepped onto the podium to receive their certificate; each ceremony followed by yet another tedious speech. When at last and as the last, Eddan Keral stepped onto the podium, a wave of cheers rose from within the tent.

His father got up, somehow managing to stay upright on his feet to embrace his son. More waving and cheering, before Eddan finally left the podium. If the UnderSchool pupils thought this was the sign for their proclamation to start, then they had it completely wrong. Through the small opening of the tent, they could see how refreshments were handed.