Second round

Patricia indeed thought about Frank’s suggestions. Undergoing a few transformations would undeniably make the show more entertaining and thus help promote the University better. She was honest enough with herself to admit that she was looking for an excuse, rather than anything else. Ultimately she decided to make a single mistake to see how it turns out; after all she could always discard an inappropriate transformation.

The opportunity presented itself. Locating rivers, departments or historical regions was easy. Patricia had no problems with indicating on the map Rhône, Occitania and Burgundy. Cities were a bit tricky though, because of their small size and the required precision. Locating Nice was simple, because of its characteristic location. The Dean knew the general location of Nancy, but had problems in pointing it out precisely enough. She was not certain whether she made a genuine mistake or a deliberate one.

“One mistake, Patricia,” the host announced, “it seems that you’re not as thoroughly prepared as one might expect. Though I'm sure the audience isn’t disappointed. Draw one transformation card.”

“High Heels.”

“Do you consider it one of those minor, tolerable wardrobe changes?”

“I believe so,” the contestant replied, “it certainly isn’t one to be discarded. But I’ll tell you whether or not I actually like it once I’m transformed.”

“In that case let’s not waste the time. Into The Chamber!”

Patricia was not excited just yet, but she was certainly curious. The scientific part of her brain wondered how that machine operated and whether it truly followed all the physical principles which she taught at the University. But currently that part of her mind was overshadowed by the one responsible for entertainment and emotions. She was wearing high heels already, but she was aware that the new ones would be much taller and her feet would be adjusted as well. The emotion the contestant felt was reminiscent of borrowing her mom’s high-heels back when she was a girl. Particia entered the device, closed her eyes and stood motionlessly; she did not have to wait long. For a moment the Dean lost her balance when the heels of her shoes suddenly grew. Fortunately her feet were adjusted swiftly and she maintained straight posture… and it was all over.

The door to the Chamber opened and Patricia walked out. She raised her head to look up at the screen, where the camera already zoomed in onto her new shoes. Not only were they significantly taller, they also looked a lot sexier. The heels themselves had grown up to sixteen centimetres and became thin stilettos; there also appeared a three centimetre tall platform. The tops of the pumps were black, the soles - red; both were smooth and glossy. The shoes managed to be glamorous without being overly flashy; they also fit with the rest of Patricia’s elegant outfit surprisingly well. The camera zoomed out to exhibit the contestant’s entire body; the extra eight centimetres caused significant changes to her overall posture. Her full, round buttocks were not more prominent and, in order to maintain balance, she had to push her chest forward. Patricia’s bra was designed to hold her sizable breasts, which had fed three children back in the day, firmly in place. But as she now strode expertly in her new heels, their bouncing of the boobs could not go unnoticed. This one, supposedly minor, change caused the contestant to feel sexy once again, despite her age.

“Welcome back, Patricia,” the host greeted her, “it seems that you like your new heels as much as we do.”

“Yes, I do, Frank,” the contestant smiled brightly, “I can now answer your earlier question. This is the kind of wardrobe change which I find not merely neutral, but positive.”

“We’re happy to hear it,” the host replied, “in that case I’m sure that you won’t mind performing a small show for the audience. Please, flaunt not only your shoes, but also your newly acquired skills.”

“It’ll be a pleasure,” she replied, still smiling, with a genuine joy in her voice.

Patricia started out at her panel and strode towards one end of the stage. Her steps could not be too long, because of the tightness of her skirt, but nevertheless she tried to make her best supermodel impression. That caused her breasts to bounce even more, but that did not bother her. After all she was performing for the audience, and the goal was to entertain them. It was ironic that Patricia had worked her entire life to be appreciated for her intellect and character; and now she aimed to impress everyone with her appearance. Though it was flaunting to be able to achieve that at her age; transformations or not, the diets and exercises finally paid out. The contestant reached the edge of the stage, turned around gracefully and began to walk towards the other edge; her heels clicked loudly the whole time. She could feel the gazes of the audience on her, she was certain that some of her students were among them; that thought excited her even more. When Patricia eventually returned to her panel she was rewarded with a loud round of applause. She could even feel herself blushing, something she had not done in years.

“Thank you, Patricia,” Frank said, when the audience quieted down, “that was a beautiful performance. I can see you’re ready for the Third Round and even more such ‘minor’ transformations, aren’t you?”

“Thank you, the contestant replied, “is that a subtle reminder that I should undergo at least a few transformations to make the show more entertaining?” she asked with a smirk.

“Of course,” the host answered, grinning, “have you made your mind on that subject already?”

“As a teacher, scientist and an administrator I feel that it’s simply inappropriate to make mistakes on purpose,” Patricia replied evasively, “let’s just say that I’ll keep that possibility in mind.”

“Sounds good enough to me. Which category would you like?”

“Wonders of the World.”