The temporary Columbia team was demonstrating its youth and energy. Their only advantage was that the professional teams had no interest in talking with young students. This made them feel at ease.
Nobody was looking at the deserted stage, as it was not the time for the results to be announced yet. This was not a lively entertainment show, so no staff was needed.
Actually, everyone was wrong. Every person present was being monitored, from the first person to arrive in the meeting room, to the last one to take their seat nervously.
The monitors were the sponsors of the competition and the developers of the new internet community. Those young rich men had used their family wealth to take advantage of the internet. Combining the industry with commerce was the best way to challenge the stereotype that the internet was a futile economy.
