When the show is done, drinks are finished, the guests departed, there is then a time for rest and perhaps a little preparation. The information about the next match is released at the same time for everyone. The brackets are revealed publicly (usually in a live show for the interested at home) and each pilot receives a transmission with a new dossier for their fight. With the battlefield revealed now, there is also some information about the expected terrain to give each pilot a chance to think through their preparations.

***

[b]Solarel[/b]

Where are you staying for the evening, when the party is done and it’s time to take your things off and prepare? Are you keeping a small room in the hangar near your mecha as the modifications are finished, or do your new connections offer you a more comfortable room at a price?

There’s also the question of what you do with Crescent’s information. You can keep it for later, she didn’t say it would go stale and you may not want to create even more potential debt for yourself. At least not at the moment. 

Regardless, you are informed that you will be facing Mirror in your next match. You know a great deal more about her than any dossier can offer, but here’s what’s sent to you. 

Opponent: Mira “Mirror” Fisher
Mecha: Gods-Smiting Whip (they left out her other titles, though you’ve heard some of them)

Known statistics:
Power: *****
Speed: ****
Defense: **

Pilot profile:
Mirror has served on mercenary duty on several missions across a large area of space. She is known to deliver results exactly as promised consistently and to remain calm under pressure. Recent match data indicates that she was experimenting and may have extended her fight to obtain data about her opponent and her mecha. Statistical ratings should be considered unreliable. 

Terrain information: 
Your battlefield expects rainy weather and cloud cover, reducing visibility. 
Light underbrush and open waterways should allow maneuverability
One section will have hilly and uneven terrain

***

[b]Mirror[/b]

What a show! People were cheering wildly. Will you find Valentina after that? What kind of night will you offer her? What’s the comedown like after a show like that?

Oh, also there are bids being sent into Mayze’s accounts. People are interested in custom work like you showed off. Lavishly so, though how they will use their new clothing may be a point of question for them. As might be whether they’ll really understand what they’re buying.

You receive the following briefing
Opponent: Solarel
Mecha: The Bezorel

Known statistics:
Power: *
Speed: *
Defense: ***

Pilot profile:
Solarel was previously known as a fearsome pilot during the Zaldarian war. Her previous mecha had world-class statistics in all categories and was a pinnacle of Zaldarian technology. Her previous fight was unorthodox in method, and her mecha demonstrated only low power weaponry as well as being an old model with low maneuverability and an outdated crystal fire drive. Analysts believe her method, while flashy, likely indicates the weakness of her equipment.

Terrain information: 
Your battlefield expects rainy weather and cloud cover, reducing visibility. 
Light underbrush and open waterways should allow maneuverability
One section will have hilly and uneven terrain

***

[b]Dolly[/b]

Angela isn’t a jerk, so once the show ends if you feel like departing, she’ll let you. But then again, if you wanted to be carried back to her room, wanted to be paraded through the streets like a trophy, and were willing to let Jade be by herself for the evening, you could. Angela would take you, have her way with you and enjoy it, perhaps have words for Jade too. She’s gotten the gist of what’s going on here after all and isn’t afraid to experiment a little. She’s going to make it very clear she’s in charge though and there will be some rumors. She might get some leverage over you out of this. 

Whatever you do there, tell us how you spend the night.

During it, you receive the following dossier

Opponent: Ksharta “Talon” Talonna
Mecha: Pulsar Cat

Known statistics:
Power: ***
Speed: *****
Defense: ***

Pilot profile:
Talon is a new pilot, her previous match was the first recorded appearance of the Pulsar Cat in intergalactic combat. Profiles indicate that Talon is an uncertain pilot and easily intimidated, but has above average reflexes, even for recorded Hybrasilians. Her first match relied on high speed movement to maintain careful spacing to take best advantage of her weaponry. Her autocannon was used primarily for defense.

Terrain information: 
Your battlefield will be in dense forest with high trees
There will be a small number of more maneuverable lanes, which may present opportunities for ambush
Weather is expected to be clear, permitting high altitude flight

[b]Jade[/b]

Your night depends in large part on Dolly of course. But we do need to ask about that data drive from Marik. Are you willing to risk looking right away? Plan to have your engineers review it? Do you want to wait for Dolly on something like this?

***

[b]Isabel[/b]

Asil grins. It’s meant to be a reassuring grin for you. She’s relieved and happy, your vote of confidence is a good one. And it is that. But is also reminds you that she’s young and her team is small and she’s not always going to know how to present professionally the way that you do. She’s got ambitions and desires that outpace her experience so far. Set her up for success or she’s going to crash and burn, possibly as a horrific blackhole for your resources if you’re not careful. 

Now your performance is at an end though (if performance is the right word). The News has everything they need to write you up, and Adriana will hear of it with at least some interest (though be careful with the woman, a grand gesture like this is a risk too, she’s going to want to know what kind of game you’re playing before long and she’s not above pulling strings in the matchups). 

How are you planning to spend the night? Do you pass it with family? In meditation? Do you have plans to work on, mechanical or tactical? Probably too much for Asil to hope she can come with you. Either way, you’ll be getting your pilot info during the night. By the way congrats, you’re the first of the rookie pilot crew to get matched up against one of the elites. 
Opponent: Ada Smith
Mecha: Unseen Goose

Known statistics:
Power: *****
Speed: ***
Defense: ****

Pilot profile:
Smith is a veteran pilot leading the Mercenary Company known as the Snow Geese, headquarters unknown. Smith competed in Arena seasons 1 and 2, but has been absent since then and is returning to competition now unseeded. Her previous combat style was aggressive, using a heavily armored, high-power mecha with stealth systems to allow her to close effectively. The weight means that if her location is known, she can be avoided, but that is the only known weakness of her approach. 

Terrain information: 
Your battlefield will be in urban terrain amidst an abandoned settlement with overgrowth
Mobility will be high, but sightlines will be limited
Weather is expected to be wet and humid, with dense vertically high clouds making flight somewhat risky for both participants