**Competition Venue - 1:25 PM**
Emily returned to Station 47 with five minutes to spare before the afternoon session began. The auditorium buzzed with nervous energy as competitors settled back into their seats, many looking exhausted from the morning's mental workout.
Timothy and Sebastian had returned to the observation area, but Emily could feel their presence like a protective shield at her back. Teacher was at the judges' table, organizing materials with the other judges, carefully not looking in her direction.
Emily booted up her computer and pulled up the session information that had been posted during lunch.
SESSION TWO: PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATIONS
Duration: 2 hours
Format: Experimental design and execution
Objective: Demonstrate ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical application
Her phone buzzed quietly. A text from Timothy.
Timothy: You've got this. Just be yourself.
Emily: Which version of myself?
