Beth returned the grin. “I had fun too—it’s certainly not the rush of piloting a mech, but it’s a lot more relaxing. I declare this date fifty percent of an resounding success—you only get the other fifty percent if the musical is good,” she teased. “Oh, almost forgot, I got a text during the race. Let me just make sure it’s nothing serious.” She read the message quickly on her wrist comm. “Ah, it’s from Mike, he says my next match is announced for tomorrow. Some newbie pilot I never heard of...and he’s zero for two.” Beth paused uncomfortably—in all likelihood, she about to end his hopes for the season at least and maybe wreck his dream for good. Still, there was nothing for it—every pilot ran at least some risk for washing out during the prelims.<br/><br/>“So, how much time before the musical starts?” she asked, putting her work distraction out of her mind.