Obelisk: Vision of the Host

II - The Other Kytra

Over the next two hours, the stream of teenagers trickling into the Hall of Science grew dense and hurried. As the start of the convention ticked closer, families scuttled up and down rows of booths in search of their teen's number. Evolice and Kyrillis soon found themselves packed tight by the frantic mob while they explored the many exhibits coming to life all around them.

The crowd, bathed in blue from the fish-filled waters above, had a current of its own. Evolice could barely read the complex scientific titles of the strange and varied exhibits before she was swept on to the next booth. She quickly found herself separated from Kyrillis by a family of six and had to stand on her toes just to catch a glimpse of him beyond the well-built father with his youngest daughter on his shoulders. By the time she came to the end of the row, Evolice had lost Kyrillis among the sea of people.

"Evolice, over here!"

She followed the voice to an open area near the wall and saw a hand waving above the crowd.

"Sorry for getting dragged off like that," said Kyrillis as she joined him. His loose fit pants had fallen back beneath his ragged shoes, and his button up had come untucked. "Absolute chaos in here, isn't it?"

"It'll be calmer once all the parents leave," Evolice assured him. "They're kicking 'em all out at nine, and that should be any time now."

~Ring Ding Ding~

As if on cue, the sound of bells chimed from index stations across the room, drowning out all chatter in the hall. Then came a voice, bass and boisterous.

"Welcome families, welcome friends," the voice spoke, and the whole hall stopped moving. Even the fish in the waters above looked attentive, "but most importantly, welcome to the many contestants of the Eighty-Eighth Annual Vision Scholar Awards."

Cheering erupted in the hall as teens were showered in nudges, pats, and prideful whoop's from their parents.

"My name is Doctor Jeromy T. Hawberk, and I will be your host today. You may know me from my time at the University of Ebenterry or my recent book, A Rotation to Understand Everything. But, we're not here today to talk about me. You are our future, and before anything else, I would simply like to say that I am proud of each and every one of you for coming this far."

Again, cheering broke out. Doctor Hawberk seemed to expect it as he paused and waited for the noise to settle.

"Your tale is far from over, however, and just as we celebrate how far you've come, we must look to the path forward. You are the very best your generation has to offer, but among you, only four will claim the title of Vision Scholar. Vision Scholars are more than inventors, more than authors, more than scientists or historians. Vision Scholars define the future for their communities and their world."

"In just thirty minutes the doors will open, and the world's greatest minds will enter these halls. Many will ask you questions, but only three will be your judges, true experts in their field. Over the course of the day, you will be tested by these judges. You will not know them, but they will know you. Keep your mind sharp and ready; they could come at any moment."

A silent excitement stirred in the hall, as feet shifted and eyes brightened.

"Now, we would ask that family and friends finish up and prepare to take your leave. We offer you our thanks for all your help in bringing these champions this far, but today is their day to shine. Presenters, please find your booths and prepare yourselves. Your moment is very nearly at hand."

At that, the voice cut out. There was a moment of silence then a wave of chatter all at once.

"Go on," said Kyrillis. "You'll definitely want to beat the crowd."