Chapter 10: 10;CEREMONY AT LAST
The grand stage gleamed under the bright spotlights, its polished wooden floor reflecting the lights like liquid gold. Rows of chairs stretched out in all directions, filled with the world's most renowned scientists, influential celebrities, and powerful dignitaries. Cameras positioned at every angle, their red recording lights glowing like unblinking eyes, captured the scene for a global audience.
Leo and Kai sat near the center, their neatly ironed suits blending seamlessly into the formal crowd. Around them, excited murmurs buzzed as people anticipated the ceremony. The two boys exchanged glances, the energy of the event sparking their own excitement.
From somewhere among the camera crew, a voice called out, "We're live in 3…2…1."
The ceremony began.
A tall man in a tailored navy-blue suit stepped onto the stage. His gait was confident but measured, and he carried a microphone in his hand.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his deep voice carrying across the room. "Welcome. Tonight, we gather to honor one of the most groundbreaking scientists of our time. A man whose dedication and vision have brought humanity closer to the stars."
There was a ripple of applause as the speaker continued. "It is my privilege to introduce the man of the hour—Dr. William Halsey."
As the applause grew louder, Dr. Halsey stepped into the spotlight. His black suit contrasted sharply with his neatly combed white hair, which seemed to glow under the lights. His dark brown eyes, framed by his signature glasses, scanned the audience with a calm, measured gaze. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he approached the microphone.
Leo and Kai leaned forward in their seats, smiling broadly as they watched Dr. Halsey take center stage.
Dr. Halsey raised a hand, signaling for the applause to subside. When the room quieted, he spoke, his voice rich and steady.
"Thank you. Thank you all," he began, his tone filled with genuine warmth. "And thank you to the organization that believed in my—let's face it—crazy ideas."
The crowd chuckled appreciatively.
Dr. Halsey adjusted his glasses, his smile deepening. "Twelve years ago, I had a vision. A dream of humanity reaching beyond the confines of this small blue planet. I imagined us conquering the stars, meeting new life forms, and exploring worlds far beyond our reach."
As he spoke, he lifted his hand and pointed to the night sky above, where countless stars twinkled like diamonds.
Kai nudged Leo. "You and your dad are way too alike," he whispered with a grin.
Leo smirked, glancing at his father with pride.
Dr. Halsey continued. "Thanks to the dedication of countless brilliant minds and the unwavering support of those who believed in this dream, we've taken a significant step forward. Tonight, I am proud to announce that, through years of research and development, we have perfected the R47 drug."
Gasps rippled through the audience, followed by thunderous applause.
Dr. Halsey raised both hands, urging the crowd to calm down. When silence returned, he resumed. "This drug will enable cryosleep—a state where humans can be preserved for long-duration space travel. We've tested it extensively on human subjects and can now guarantee its safety."
Another round of applause erupted, but Dr. Halsey was quick to regain control. "Of course," he added with a chuckle, glancing toward a group of NASA officials in the front row, "cryosleep is only viable if we can afford the fuel for such journeys."
Laughter rippled through the crowd.
Dr. Halsey concluded, his voice brimming with passion. "This is just the beginning, my friends. Together, we will make the impossible possible. Thank you."
The applause that followed was deafening.
Dr. Halsey stepped down from the stage, and another scientist, dressed in a crisp gray suit, took his place at the microphone.
"Wow," the man began, smiling broadly. "What an introduction! Dr. Halsey's achievements are truly remarkable. With the R47 drug, we are not only closer to interstellar travel but also on the brink of curing illnesses, reversing aging, and unlocking possibilities we once thought were science fiction."
The crowd erupted in cheers once more.
The man raised his voice over the applause. "And now, it is my honor to present Dr. Halsey with the highest accolade a scientist can receive—the Nobel Prize."
Everyone in the audience stood, clapping and cheering as Dr. Halsey returned to the stage.
From the opposite side of the platform, a third scientist approached, carrying a glass and wood case. Inside was the prestigious prize, gleaming under the stage lights. The two men met in the center of the stage, and with great ceremony, the case was opened.
Dr. Halsey accepted the prize, holding it aloft as photographers crowded the front of the stage. Flashbulbs fired in rapid succession, illuminating the stage in bursts of white light.
Leo and Kai beamed with pride as they watched the moment unfold. "He really did it," Kai said softly.
Leo nodded, his eyes fixed on his father.
Suddenly, a deep rumble echoed through the night. It started low, like distant thunder, but quickly grew into a deafening roar.
The audience turned in unison, their expressions shifting from joy to confusion.
Behind the stage, the massive rocket they had seen earlier was now igniting, its engines roaring to life. Flames and smoke billowed from its base, casting an orange glow over the gathering.
Kai's jaw dropped. "Whoa! When did they announce a launch?"
Leo frowned, scanning the crowd. "I don't think they meant to."
Chaos erupted as scientists scrambled, shouting questions and orders.
"Who authorized the launch?"
"What's going on?"
"Shut it down! Shut it down!"
The rocket lifted off, its towering frame disappearing into the night sky. The ground trembled beneath the audience as smoke and ash rained down, filling the air with the acrid stench of burning fuel.
All eyes were on the rocket as it climbed higher and higher, until, without warning, it detonated in a blinding explosion.
The shockwave knocked several people off their feet, and a deafening silence followed as everyone stared in stunned disbelief. Then came the fallout.
From the explosion, a black cloud spread rapidly, and within moments, the sky was teeming with swarms of insects. They rained down like a biblical plague—winged, mutated creatures with iridescent carapaces that glinted in the stage lights.
Screams erupted as the insects descended on the crowd. People swatted frantically, trying to fend them off. Some ran for cover, while others froze in terror.
Kai and Leo stood rooted to the spot, their eyes wide with horror.
"What the hell is happening?" Kai shouted, swatting at a large, beetle-like insect buzzing near his head.
"I don't know!" Leo yelled back, grabbing Kai's arm.
On the stage, amidst the chaos, Dr. Halsey stood still, his expression unreadable. Slowly, a sinister smile spread across his face as he watched the pandemonium unfold.
The ceremony that had begun as a celebration of his achievements was now a nightmare, and the man at its center seemed to revel in the destruction.
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