A lanky, middle-aged man in a wrinkled shirt stands up.
JOHN
Yes, I have two questions for Mr. Chambers. How many participants will this season include, and did you decide on the ranking system you proposed at the end of last season?
Gordon Chambers, the 76-year old CEO of the Bass Foundation, leans forward and speaks. His vocal chords are stressed and weary.
CHAMBERS
We have shortened the house from sixteen to eight. Eight of the very best competitors. As far as the ranking goes, the vote was unanimous. We will rank each fighter from one through eight. The first list will be released after the season premiere.
A young brunette woman raises her hand.
MCNALLY
Yes, Jessica.
JESSICA
If you only feature eight competitors in the house, wouldn’t that shorten your season?
CHAMBERS
The televised tournament will take place during a six-week period, as always. The only difference is that elimination occurs when a fighter reaches two losses, instead of just one. In this way, we can maximize the potential of each competitor while retaining our desired programming length.
Several hands are raised. McNally searches for a moment.
MCNALLY
