More Ships Than The Navy

Fifty ponies stood on the stage. Some were excited by the challenges that would come. Some were regretting their actions already. Some were brimming with confidence. And some were silenced by nerves.

A pink unicorn stood in front of them, levitating a microphone in the air. She was more nervous than any contestant.

In front of the stage was a brown stallion holding a camera. He smiled, and nodded at the hostess.

"Hello, watchers, and welcome to Fifty Fates! Here behind me are our fifty contestants: twenty-five stallions and twenty-five mares. Are you ready for the first pairing?"

The stallion motioned for her to stop. Dolphin Dream smiled, leaping off the stage to join him below. A few ponies scowled at her retreating back.

The stallion put down the camera and the two of them jumped back onto the stage.

"Each of you-"

"-will get a letter-"

"-saying the time and place of your date."

"You will go there at the specified time-"

"-and if you fail to do so, you won't get any of the awards for Best Date, Best Entrance, Best Exit, Best Pairing and the like."

"You can go home now-"

-but be ready to go on your blind date wherever and whenever it may be. Is that clear?"

The two spoke in practised unison, switching speakers as if they had said this speech countless times before. The contestants nodded, and started leaving. As they left, single file, the hostess and photographer handed out the letters. Mumble thanks were exchanged.