Wet Universe II - The Game Show
Starring Meredith Vieira, Erin Gray, Terry Farrell & Linda Park
Written by Nemesoak
Written by Nemesoak
It had been about a year or so since the parallel universe known as "The Wet Universe" had been discovered (chronicled in The Wet Universe). Since then, the military and intelligence communities had shown great interest in this ability to access broadcast signals from alternate universes and had become major supporters of the research. This support lead to improved equipment that could lock onto a signal for almost an hour.
The scientists accessed various other universes, ones whose natures are too classified to discuss in this story. One day, after one such mission, the head scientist turned to the government agent who was there to collect the information and said "Want to see what we do for fun around here? You know, 'All work and no play...'"
"Sure. Why not? You've been living up to your end of our agreement." the agent replied.
"Good. Early in our work, we came across something that we call 'the wet universe' for reasons you will see shortly." the scientist explained.
The adjustments were made and a signal came in. "Good," said the younger technician, "we can watch that game show."
"What game show?" asked the agent.
"You'll find out. Now let's watch." the head scientist said.
On the screen was a wide shot from an elevated camera that shown an audience watching what appeared to be a very deep swimming pool with three small open boats against the one side. A man in beach attire could be seen sitting in what looked like a lifeguard chair.
Then, the voice of an announcer was heard "It's time for America's most popular game show! Where your knowledge determines if you Sink or Float! And now, the hostess of Sink or Float, Meredith Vieira!"
Meredith Vieira was seen walking to a podium set up near the edge of the pool opposite the one with the boats. She was wearing a dark long-sleeved blouse, black slacks, and shoes.
"Did you see that?" the technician said. "A dark blouse and slacks. I'd say things look pretty good today!"
"Huh?" asked the puzzled government man.
"Watch and learn." replied the head scientist.
On the screen, Meredith said "Thanks, Lifeguard Bill. As you know, this is the conclusion of our salute to the ladies of science fiction tournament, so let's bring on our contestants."
"Sure thing." Bill replied. "You may remember our first contestant from her role as Wilma Deering on the 'Buck Rogers' TV show. Here is Erin Gray!"
Erin Gray walked out onto the set, wearing a bluish-green jumpsuit of shiny material and sat in one of the boats. "Hi, Meredith." she said.
"Good to see you too." Meredith responded. "I see you are wearing the blue-green jumpsuit uniform you had on the series."
Bill chimed in "Too bad it's not the minidress..."
Erin answered "I did that show over 20 years ago. I think I'm doing you a favor. Besides, even the white flightsuit might be a bit too revealing these days."
Meredith turned to Bill and asked "Bring on our other contestants."
Bill announced "Our next contestant played the very popular Jadzia Dax on 'Deep Space 9'. Here is Terry Farrell."
Terry Farrell appeared in the minidress uniform from the original "Star Trek", complete with boots, sheer black pantyhose, and a big hairdo.
Meredith said to Terry "That's not a 'Deep Space 9' uniform."
Terry answered "You are correct. But remember that episode where the crew went back to the 23rd century and had to board the Enterprise? This is what I wore on that show. I figured the audience here would like it better than the uniform I normally wore."
Bill then announced "Our final contestant for the day plays linguistics expert Hoshi Sato on 'Enterprise'... Linda Park!"
Linda Park, a young Asian woman, walked onto the set. She was wearing the blue jumpsuit uniform from "Enterprise" complete with the black boots. She got in the last remaining boat.
"You know," Linda commented, "these boats are smaller than they look on TV."
Meredith then faced the camera and said "Here are the rules of the game. Each dinghy has a ballast tank underneath it. If a contestant gives a wrong answer, water is let into the tank. If they give a correct answer, some of that water is pumped out. If enough water is in the tank, the dinghy sinks to the bottom, the contestant loses the game, and they must hold on for at least a three-count before swimming to the surface. The last contestant with a floating dinghy is the winner."
"Hmm... This looks interesting..." said the government agent.
"Knew you'd say that." the head scientist said.
The game began. Meredith asked "Name the seafaring people who raided much of Europe in the Middle Ages?"
Erin was the first to signal and answered "The Vikings."
"Correct." responded Meredith. "Next question: Who was the first to circumnavigate the Earth?"
Linda Park signalled and answered "Sir Francis Drake?"
"Sorry," Meredith commented. "You know what that means."
"I think so..." replied Linda. With that, her dinghy silently lowered about two inches in the water.
Meredith asked "Anyone else?"
Terry Farrell beat Erin to the signal and said "Ferdinand Magellan."
"Correct." responded Meredith.
This went on for a few more minutes. All of the questions were general knowledge ones and had the same answers in that universe that they would have had in ours. Just before the commercial break, it was seen that Linda Park was not doing too well and had only about four inches of freeboard. Erin Gray's dinghy was down a little, and Terry Farrell's was hardly down at all.
As the commercials aired, the government agent commented "This show looks interesting, but does watching it serve any practical purpose - besides eliminating the need for those blue pills?"
"Actually," the head scientist responded "It does. The questions are based on that universe's knowledge base. By studying the ones which have different answers from what they would have in our universe, we might be able to figure out the point of divergence."
"Oh, I see." the government agent replied.
The commercial break was over and it was the part of the show where Meredith talked with the contestants. "Erin," she said, "Though there wasn't much aquatic action in 'Buck Rogers' and just about none in 'Silver Spoons', according to your card, you did a rather interesting aquatic scene. Tell us about it."
Erin answered "It was on a show called 'Dark Justice' where I surprised this guy by meeting him at his pool. It was back in the 90's. But, I don't think we can show the clip on this show."
Meredith commented "You're right about that."
"Wait a minute!" exclaimed the agent. "I remember Erin Gray doing a scene on 'Dark Justice', but there wasn't a pool."
"There wasn't a pool in the version in our universe," the technician explained, "but in that universe, pool and aquatic scenes appear frequently in TV shows."
"Boy, I wish we could have seen their version of the scene." commented the agent. "It would have been incredible."
The attention of the men returned to the show. Meredith was talking to Terry Farrell. "Of all the science fiction shows, 'Deep Space 9' ranks right up there with 'Babylon 5' as being the driest show in science fiction."
Terry responded "Well, that's to be expected. Both shows are on space stations and there isn't too much scope for aquatic stuff on a station."
Meredith commented "Still, it was a good show."
Then, she turned to Linda Park "I hear you've done some actual underwater scenes on 'Enterprise'."
The agent yelled at the TV "I've seen no such scenes on that show!"
The technician answered "The show is the alternate universe version, remember?"
Back on the show, Linda explained "Well, when we go down to a planet and come across some strange pathogen or germ, we are sent to 'the tank' when we return to the ship. We strip to our 22nd century undies, enter the tank, and get submerged in a solution - really it's just water shot through a green filter."
"I notice it's mostly you in those scenes." Meredith commented.
"It's just that the camera spends more time on me in those scenes. Usually one or two of the guys are in the scene too, but you don't see them on the screen much. The producers think it would drive away viewers to have extended views of them in the 'tank' scenes."
"How come we never see T'Pol in a tank scene?" Meredith asked.
"Well, we did a test before the series started and found that Jolene's wig kept floating off. Besides, the water reacts with her makeup. So, we keep T'Pol on the ship most of the time."
Meredith said "Now, let's get back to the game..."
Before things really got going on the show, the agent asked the technicians "Since Terry Farrell from 'DS9' is on the show, have they ever had Nana Visitor on?"
The head technician answered "No. Interesting reason, though. According to one of those biography shows, she has some sort of ear condition which precludes any aquatic work. Turns out the Nana Visitor in our universe also has an ear condition. Now, let's get back to watching the show."
The show continued with more mundane general knowledge questions. Continuing the pattern set in the earlier portion of the game, Linda Park's dinghy was rather low in the water, while Erin Gray's was only about halfway down and Terry Farrell's was about a third of the way down. Then, things changed.
Meredith asked "Recently, the president of South Korea presented original artworks by a famous artist as gifts to the Metropolitan Museum. Name the artist."
Linda Park was quick to signal in and hesitantly answered "I believe that was the artist known as 'Saver'."
Meredith responded "That is correct. 'Saver' is the name he uses to sign his works."
Linda mentioned "I saw him at a lecture once. He looked cute with his hat and glasses."
Back in the lab, the agent commented "Saver... That name sounds familiar. Now I remember! He was some guy who frequented one of those aquaphile forums and specialized in drawings of ama divers."
"Ahh..." responded the younger technician, "I think you are starting to understand the 'alternate universe' concept. He might be an amateur artist in our universe, but in that universe, he's a success."
The game continued and Meredith asked "Who is the current Prime Minister of Australia?"
Linda signalled in and then, after a few seconds of silence, replied "My mind went blank."
"I'm sorry, Linda." Meredith responded. The tank took in some water and now Linda's dinghy was almost ready to sink.
Erin Gray signalled in and answered "Henderson?"
Meredith indicated the answer was incorrect and the dinghy went down a few inches. Then Terry Farrell also gave an incorrect answer with similar results. "The correct answer", Meredith said, "was Daxus."
The next question was "Name the actress who made her final aquatic appearance in 'The Poseidon Adventure'?"
Linda, anxious to get one right and avoid sinking, quickly answered "Stella Stevens?"
Meredith explained "While she was in 'The Poseidon Adventure', she is not the one we are looking for. Looks like it's the end of the game for you."
Looking like someone about to be taken out and shot, Linda tightly closed her eyes and grasped a pair of handles in the boat. The dinghy sank lower and the water started flooding in. The submerged portions of her jumpsuit were darkening as they were soaked. In seconds, Linda's head went beneath the surface as the dinghy headed to the bottom. The scene switched to a view from an underwater camera as the dinghy came to rest on the bottom. The people in the lab were amazed at the clarity of the water. They had only seen water that clean and clear in neutrino detectors. A digital clock display appeared in the corner of the screen as the audience counted. On the count of four, Linda released the handles and slowly swam to the surface.
As Linda was swimming, it was apparent to all viewers, in both universes, that she had underestimated the weight of her boots and the drag of her jumpsuit.
At the surface, Meredith asked "Are you all right?"
"Yes," replied Linda.
"Well," mentioned Meredith, "if you have any problems, you can swim to the side and hold on to the edge. Now, back to the game."
Terry quickly signalled and answered "Esther Williams."
"That's correct." replied Meredith. "While Stella Stevens was in the movie, it was not her final aquatic appearance. But after making the film, Esther Williams left show business to pursue a career in high finance."
A hiss was heard and Terry's dinghy floated an inch higher.
The agent yelled at the TV "Esther Williams was never in that film!"
The senior technician replied "That's correct - in our universe. Actually, Esther Williams was considered for a role in the film, but passed on it. In that universe, she accepted."
With the elimination of Linda Park, the game got into the next level where wrong answers let more water in the tank, but correct ones pumped in less air than in the previous portion of the game. As a result, the competition became more intense. After a few more general knowledge questions, Terry Farrell's dinghy was two-thirds of the way down and Erin Gray's was only about three inches from sinking.
At that point, Linda Park decided she had enough of overcoming the weight of her boots and the resistance of her jumpsuit. She paddled over to the side of the pool and sat on the edge with the lower part of her legs still in the water. The jumpsuit clung to her slender frame.
Meredith asked "What political party holds the majority of seats in the Australian parliament as well as a significant number of seats in the British and German governments?"
Terry answered "The Aqua party?"
"Yes!" replied Meredith. Then, she asked "What is the name given to the award handed out for best underwater cinematography?"
Signalling in quickly, Terry answered "I believe that's the Valentine Award."
"You are correct!" answered Meredith. "Now, here is the next question. Who is the current head of the BBC?"
Terry quickly responded "Lew Grade?"
"Sorry," Meredith commented and then waited for Erin to take a crack at it. Sensing her tenuous position in the game, Erin simply passed. Meredith then mentioned "The correct answer is Sir Leon Moomin."
Water entered the tank and Terry lost most of the gains her previous correct answers gave her. But she still had some freeboard.
"I heard of that guy." the agent said. "In our universe, he's this British guy who seems to specialize in getting people to go into fountains and organizing dunk tanks in bars. But in that universe, he got a knighthood?"
"You never know what you're going to find in alternate universes." replied the younger technician.
Back on the TV, Meredith said "Here is the question that could decide the game. Who is the British-born head of Paramount?"
Erin quickly signalled and answered "I should know this one... Mike Kelly!"
"Sorry, Erin." Meredith replied. "You were so close. But now..."
With that, Erin's dinghy began to sink. Water flooded in. The material of Erin's jumpsuit didn't change color much, but it became quite clingy as it got wet. In seconds, Erin went under completely, her dark brown hair moving in the water. The scene cut to an underwater shot as the the dinghy came to rest on the bottom. After four seconds, Erin swam to the surface. Unlike Linda's jumpsuit, the one Erin wore was more like a diver's wetsuit and didn't impede her swimming. The fact that her footwear was lighter helped too.
When Erin came to the surface, Meredith announced "Today's winner is Terry Farrell, whose charity will receive $50,000. But Erin Gray and Linda Park didn't get dunked for nothin. Erin's charity gets $15,000 wile Linda's gets $10,000." Then, the show went to commercials.
After the commercial break, the show returned with Meredith and Terry standing by the edge of the pool. Linda had gotten back into the water and was treading water near Erin. "This has been another fun tournament." Meredith commented.
Terry added "I'm disappointed. Why should Linda and Erin have all the fun?" With that, Terry jumped right into the pool. The scene quickly cut to an underwater shot as Terry entered the water. The red uniform darkened quickly and the skirt came up to reveal the matching uniform briefs. Terry quickly undid her hair and headed for the surface.
"Wow!" replied the agent. "I don't recall the uniform briefs being being that high cut on the legs!"
Linda then asked "Want to see what it looks like when I do a 'tank' scene?" The audience then shouted their approval. Linda submerged and the scene cut to the underwater camera as she quickly removed her boots, unzipped her jumpsuit, and swam out of it, revealing what appeared to be a bright blue sports bra and matching tiny bike shorts. Surfacing, she said "Totally authentic."
Meredith announced "I forgot to give the correct answer for the final question. It was Mark Kelly, not Mike Kelly."
The agent commented "Amazing... In our universe he's a video producer. In that one, he runs Paramount."
"Shhh!" the senior technician said. "I think she's going to do it!"
The trio watched the screen. Meredith commented "I think Terry had a point. Besides, I haven't done this in a few weeks." With that remark, Meredith dove into the pool. The scene quickly cut to an underwater view as Meredith shed her shoes and swam gracefully, only stopping to tuck in her blouse.
Coming to the surface, Meredith exclaimed "Next week, we resume the normal game. Hope you enjoyed our special tournament." Then, with Erin, Linda, and Terry treading water beside her, Meredith added "On behalf of all of us at 'Sink or Float', have a great day and tune in next week."
After a pan shot of the audience, the scene cut to an underwater shot of the women waving at the underwater camera. Due to the extreme clarity of the water, it could be seen that Erin loosened up a little and slightly unzipped her jumpsuit, revealing a tiny bit of black lace. Terry's uniform appeared to shrink a little, but it still looked incredible underwater. It was also clear that she had shed the boots. Finally, the closing credits scrolled on the screen.
"How did you know Meredith was going to dive in?" wondered the agent.
"Easy." replied the senior technician. "She only dives in when she is wearing a dark blouse and slacks. When she wears a skirt, she stays out of the water. Wonder why?"
The agent commented "If she is like the Meredith Viera in our universe, I think I know why..." and gave a little wink.
"Guess that explains why she was so quick to tuck in her blouse." stated the younger technician.
The agent said "That was really something. Did you record any other episodes of this show?"
"Yes." replied the senior technician. "We got the whole science-fiction tournament. Some episodes were really amazing."
"Do they have other celebrity tournaments?" asked the agent.
"They certainly do and we have some of those recorded too." replied the technician.
Glancing down at his watch, the agent said "Time to go. Maybe next time I visit, we can see some more." After saying goodbye, the agent left and the lab resumed its normal routine.
What other episodes and programs are out there in the Wet Universe? Time (and contributions from any aspiring authors out there) will tell.
The scientists accessed various other universes, ones whose natures are too classified to discuss in this story. One day, after one such mission, the head scientist turned to the government agent who was there to collect the information and said "Want to see what we do for fun around here? You know, 'All work and no play...'"
"Sure. Why not? You've been living up to your end of our agreement." the agent replied.
"Good. Early in our work, we came across something that we call 'the wet universe' for reasons you will see shortly." the scientist explained.
The adjustments were made and a signal came in. "Good," said the younger technician, "we can watch that game show."
"What game show?" asked the agent.
"You'll find out. Now let's watch." the head scientist said.
On the screen was a wide shot from an elevated camera that shown an audience watching what appeared to be a very deep swimming pool with three small open boats against the one side. A man in beach attire could be seen sitting in what looked like a lifeguard chair.
Then, the voice of an announcer was heard "It's time for America's most popular game show! Where your knowledge determines if you Sink or Float! And now, the hostess of Sink or Float, Meredith Vieira!"
Meredith Vieira was seen walking to a podium set up near the edge of the pool opposite the one with the boats. She was wearing a dark long-sleeved blouse, black slacks, and shoes.
"Did you see that?" the technician said. "A dark blouse and slacks. I'd say things look pretty good today!"
"Huh?" asked the puzzled government man.
"Watch and learn." replied the head scientist.
On the screen, Meredith said "Thanks, Lifeguard Bill. As you know, this is the conclusion of our salute to the ladies of science fiction tournament, so let's bring on our contestants."
"Sure thing." Bill replied. "You may remember our first contestant from her role as Wilma Deering on the 'Buck Rogers' TV show. Here is Erin Gray!"
Erin Gray walked out onto the set, wearing a bluish-green jumpsuit of shiny material and sat in one of the boats. "Hi, Meredith." she said.
"Good to see you too." Meredith responded. "I see you are wearing the blue-green jumpsuit uniform you had on the series."
Bill chimed in "Too bad it's not the minidress..."
Erin answered "I did that show over 20 years ago. I think I'm doing you a favor. Besides, even the white flightsuit might be a bit too revealing these days."
Meredith turned to Bill and asked "Bring on our other contestants."
Bill announced "Our next contestant played the very popular Jadzia Dax on 'Deep Space 9'. Here is Terry Farrell."
Terry Farrell appeared in the minidress uniform from the original "Star Trek", complete with boots, sheer black pantyhose, and a big hairdo.
Meredith said to Terry "That's not a 'Deep Space 9' uniform."
Terry answered "You are correct. But remember that episode where the crew went back to the 23rd century and had to board the Enterprise? This is what I wore on that show. I figured the audience here would like it better than the uniform I normally wore."
Bill then announced "Our final contestant for the day plays linguistics expert Hoshi Sato on 'Enterprise'... Linda Park!"
Linda Park, a young Asian woman, walked onto the set. She was wearing the blue jumpsuit uniform from "Enterprise" complete with the black boots. She got in the last remaining boat.
"You know," Linda commented, "these boats are smaller than they look on TV."
Meredith then faced the camera and said "Here are the rules of the game. Each dinghy has a ballast tank underneath it. If a contestant gives a wrong answer, water is let into the tank. If they give a correct answer, some of that water is pumped out. If enough water is in the tank, the dinghy sinks to the bottom, the contestant loses the game, and they must hold on for at least a three-count before swimming to the surface. The last contestant with a floating dinghy is the winner."
"Hmm... This looks interesting..." said the government agent.
"Knew you'd say that." the head scientist said.
The game began. Meredith asked "Name the seafaring people who raided much of Europe in the Middle Ages?"
Erin was the first to signal and answered "The Vikings."
"Correct." responded Meredith. "Next question: Who was the first to circumnavigate the Earth?"
Linda Park signalled and answered "Sir Francis Drake?"
"Sorry," Meredith commented. "You know what that means."
"I think so..." replied Linda. With that, her dinghy silently lowered about two inches in the water.
Meredith asked "Anyone else?"
Terry Farrell beat Erin to the signal and said "Ferdinand Magellan."
"Correct." responded Meredith.
This went on for a few more minutes. All of the questions were general knowledge ones and had the same answers in that universe that they would have had in ours. Just before the commercial break, it was seen that Linda Park was not doing too well and had only about four inches of freeboard. Erin Gray's dinghy was down a little, and Terry Farrell's was hardly down at all.
As the commercials aired, the government agent commented "This show looks interesting, but does watching it serve any practical purpose - besides eliminating the need for those blue pills?"
"Actually," the head scientist responded "It does. The questions are based on that universe's knowledge base. By studying the ones which have different answers from what they would have in our universe, we might be able to figure out the point of divergence."
"Oh, I see." the government agent replied.
The commercial break was over and it was the part of the show where Meredith talked with the contestants. "Erin," she said, "Though there wasn't much aquatic action in 'Buck Rogers' and just about none in 'Silver Spoons', according to your card, you did a rather interesting aquatic scene. Tell us about it."
Erin answered "It was on a show called 'Dark Justice' where I surprised this guy by meeting him at his pool. It was back in the 90's. But, I don't think we can show the clip on this show."
Meredith commented "You're right about that."
"Wait a minute!" exclaimed the agent. "I remember Erin Gray doing a scene on 'Dark Justice', but there wasn't a pool."
"There wasn't a pool in the version in our universe," the technician explained, "but in that universe, pool and aquatic scenes appear frequently in TV shows."
"Boy, I wish we could have seen their version of the scene." commented the agent. "It would have been incredible."
The attention of the men returned to the show. Meredith was talking to Terry Farrell. "Of all the science fiction shows, 'Deep Space 9' ranks right up there with 'Babylon 5' as being the driest show in science fiction."
Terry responded "Well, that's to be expected. Both shows are on space stations and there isn't too much scope for aquatic stuff on a station."
Meredith commented "Still, it was a good show."
Then, she turned to Linda Park "I hear you've done some actual underwater scenes on 'Enterprise'."
The agent yelled at the TV "I've seen no such scenes on that show!"
The technician answered "The show is the alternate universe version, remember?"
Back on the show, Linda explained "Well, when we go down to a planet and come across some strange pathogen or germ, we are sent to 'the tank' when we return to the ship. We strip to our 22nd century undies, enter the tank, and get submerged in a solution - really it's just water shot through a green filter."
"I notice it's mostly you in those scenes." Meredith commented.
"It's just that the camera spends more time on me in those scenes. Usually one or two of the guys are in the scene too, but you don't see them on the screen much. The producers think it would drive away viewers to have extended views of them in the 'tank' scenes."
"How come we never see T'Pol in a tank scene?" Meredith asked.
"Well, we did a test before the series started and found that Jolene's wig kept floating off. Besides, the water reacts with her makeup. So, we keep T'Pol on the ship most of the time."
Meredith said "Now, let's get back to the game..."
Before things really got going on the show, the agent asked the technicians "Since Terry Farrell from 'DS9' is on the show, have they ever had Nana Visitor on?"
The head technician answered "No. Interesting reason, though. According to one of those biography shows, she has some sort of ear condition which precludes any aquatic work. Turns out the Nana Visitor in our universe also has an ear condition. Now, let's get back to watching the show."
The show continued with more mundane general knowledge questions. Continuing the pattern set in the earlier portion of the game, Linda Park's dinghy was rather low in the water, while Erin Gray's was only about halfway down and Terry Farrell's was about a third of the way down. Then, things changed.
Meredith asked "Recently, the president of South Korea presented original artworks by a famous artist as gifts to the Metropolitan Museum. Name the artist."
Linda Park was quick to signal in and hesitantly answered "I believe that was the artist known as 'Saver'."
Meredith responded "That is correct. 'Saver' is the name he uses to sign his works."
Linda mentioned "I saw him at a lecture once. He looked cute with his hat and glasses."
Back in the lab, the agent commented "Saver... That name sounds familiar. Now I remember! He was some guy who frequented one of those aquaphile forums and specialized in drawings of ama divers."
"Ahh..." responded the younger technician, "I think you are starting to understand the 'alternate universe' concept. He might be an amateur artist in our universe, but in that universe, he's a success."
The game continued and Meredith asked "Who is the current Prime Minister of Australia?"
Linda signalled in and then, after a few seconds of silence, replied "My mind went blank."
"I'm sorry, Linda." Meredith responded. The tank took in some water and now Linda's dinghy was almost ready to sink.
Erin Gray signalled in and answered "Henderson?"
Meredith indicated the answer was incorrect and the dinghy went down a few inches. Then Terry Farrell also gave an incorrect answer with similar results. "The correct answer", Meredith said, "was Daxus."
The next question was "Name the actress who made her final aquatic appearance in 'The Poseidon Adventure'?"
Linda, anxious to get one right and avoid sinking, quickly answered "Stella Stevens?"
Meredith explained "While she was in 'The Poseidon Adventure', she is not the one we are looking for. Looks like it's the end of the game for you."
Looking like someone about to be taken out and shot, Linda tightly closed her eyes and grasped a pair of handles in the boat. The dinghy sank lower and the water started flooding in. The submerged portions of her jumpsuit were darkening as they were soaked. In seconds, Linda's head went beneath the surface as the dinghy headed to the bottom. The scene switched to a view from an underwater camera as the dinghy came to rest on the bottom. The people in the lab were amazed at the clarity of the water. They had only seen water that clean and clear in neutrino detectors. A digital clock display appeared in the corner of the screen as the audience counted. On the count of four, Linda released the handles and slowly swam to the surface.
As Linda was swimming, it was apparent to all viewers, in both universes, that she had underestimated the weight of her boots and the drag of her jumpsuit.
At the surface, Meredith asked "Are you all right?"
"Yes," replied Linda.
"Well," mentioned Meredith, "if you have any problems, you can swim to the side and hold on to the edge. Now, back to the game."
Terry quickly signalled and answered "Esther Williams."
"That's correct." replied Meredith. "While Stella Stevens was in the movie, it was not her final aquatic appearance. But after making the film, Esther Williams left show business to pursue a career in high finance."
A hiss was heard and Terry's dinghy floated an inch higher.
The agent yelled at the TV "Esther Williams was never in that film!"
The senior technician replied "That's correct - in our universe. Actually, Esther Williams was considered for a role in the film, but passed on it. In that universe, she accepted."
With the elimination of Linda Park, the game got into the next level where wrong answers let more water in the tank, but correct ones pumped in less air than in the previous portion of the game. As a result, the competition became more intense. After a few more general knowledge questions, Terry Farrell's dinghy was two-thirds of the way down and Erin Gray's was only about three inches from sinking.
At that point, Linda Park decided she had enough of overcoming the weight of her boots and the resistance of her jumpsuit. She paddled over to the side of the pool and sat on the edge with the lower part of her legs still in the water. The jumpsuit clung to her slender frame.
Meredith asked "What political party holds the majority of seats in the Australian parliament as well as a significant number of seats in the British and German governments?"
Terry answered "The Aqua party?"
"Yes!" replied Meredith. Then, she asked "What is the name given to the award handed out for best underwater cinematography?"
Signalling in quickly, Terry answered "I believe that's the Valentine Award."
"You are correct!" answered Meredith. "Now, here is the next question. Who is the current head of the BBC?"
Terry quickly responded "Lew Grade?"
"Sorry," Meredith commented and then waited for Erin to take a crack at it. Sensing her tenuous position in the game, Erin simply passed. Meredith then mentioned "The correct answer is Sir Leon Moomin."
Water entered the tank and Terry lost most of the gains her previous correct answers gave her. But she still had some freeboard.
"I heard of that guy." the agent said. "In our universe, he's this British guy who seems to specialize in getting people to go into fountains and organizing dunk tanks in bars. But in that universe, he got a knighthood?"
"You never know what you're going to find in alternate universes." replied the younger technician.
Back on the TV, Meredith said "Here is the question that could decide the game. Who is the British-born head of Paramount?"
Erin quickly signalled and answered "I should know this one... Mike Kelly!"
"Sorry, Erin." Meredith replied. "You were so close. But now..."
With that, Erin's dinghy began to sink. Water flooded in. The material of Erin's jumpsuit didn't change color much, but it became quite clingy as it got wet. In seconds, Erin went under completely, her dark brown hair moving in the water. The scene cut to an underwater shot as the the dinghy came to rest on the bottom. After four seconds, Erin swam to the surface. Unlike Linda's jumpsuit, the one Erin wore was more like a diver's wetsuit and didn't impede her swimming. The fact that her footwear was lighter helped too.
When Erin came to the surface, Meredith announced "Today's winner is Terry Farrell, whose charity will receive $50,000. But Erin Gray and Linda Park didn't get dunked for nothin. Erin's charity gets $15,000 wile Linda's gets $10,000." Then, the show went to commercials.
After the commercial break, the show returned with Meredith and Terry standing by the edge of the pool. Linda had gotten back into the water and was treading water near Erin. "This has been another fun tournament." Meredith commented.
Terry added "I'm disappointed. Why should Linda and Erin have all the fun?" With that, Terry jumped right into the pool. The scene quickly cut to an underwater shot as Terry entered the water. The red uniform darkened quickly and the skirt came up to reveal the matching uniform briefs. Terry quickly undid her hair and headed for the surface.
"Wow!" replied the agent. "I don't recall the uniform briefs being being that high cut on the legs!"
Linda then asked "Want to see what it looks like when I do a 'tank' scene?" The audience then shouted their approval. Linda submerged and the scene cut to the underwater camera as she quickly removed her boots, unzipped her jumpsuit, and swam out of it, revealing what appeared to be a bright blue sports bra and matching tiny bike shorts. Surfacing, she said "Totally authentic."
Meredith announced "I forgot to give the correct answer for the final question. It was Mark Kelly, not Mike Kelly."
The agent commented "Amazing... In our universe he's a video producer. In that one, he runs Paramount."
"Shhh!" the senior technician said. "I think she's going to do it!"
The trio watched the screen. Meredith commented "I think Terry had a point. Besides, I haven't done this in a few weeks." With that remark, Meredith dove into the pool. The scene quickly cut to an underwater view as Meredith shed her shoes and swam gracefully, only stopping to tuck in her blouse.
Coming to the surface, Meredith exclaimed "Next week, we resume the normal game. Hope you enjoyed our special tournament." Then, with Erin, Linda, and Terry treading water beside her, Meredith added "On behalf of all of us at 'Sink or Float', have a great day and tune in next week."
After a pan shot of the audience, the scene cut to an underwater shot of the women waving at the underwater camera. Due to the extreme clarity of the water, it could be seen that Erin loosened up a little and slightly unzipped her jumpsuit, revealing a tiny bit of black lace. Terry's uniform appeared to shrink a little, but it still looked incredible underwater. It was also clear that she had shed the boots. Finally, the closing credits scrolled on the screen.
"How did you know Meredith was going to dive in?" wondered the agent.
"Easy." replied the senior technician. "She only dives in when she is wearing a dark blouse and slacks. When she wears a skirt, she stays out of the water. Wonder why?"
The agent commented "If she is like the Meredith Viera in our universe, I think I know why..." and gave a little wink.
"Guess that explains why she was so quick to tuck in her blouse." stated the younger technician.
The agent said "That was really something. Did you record any other episodes of this show?"
"Yes." replied the senior technician. "We got the whole science-fiction tournament. Some episodes were really amazing."
"Do they have other celebrity tournaments?" asked the agent.
"They certainly do and we have some of those recorded too." replied the technician.
Glancing down at his watch, the agent said "Time to go. Maybe next time I visit, we can see some more." After saying goodbye, the agent left and the lab resumed its normal routine.
What other episodes and programs are out there in the Wet Universe? Time (and contributions from any aspiring authors out there) will tell.