THE AQUA OLYMPICS
Event 9: The Atlas Stones
(All characters copyright their respective owners)
Author's Note: Hey, folks, Trev again. Not really all that much to
say here, except that this is the obligtory strength based event all
olympics and similar competitions basically must have. Gotta give
those guys a chance to shine, you know. Getting close to the end,
enjoy this event!
Trevor: "And welcome back, everyone. We're finally starting to get
close to the end of these games, with the Atlas Stones coming up, our
9th event out of 11. This will the first and only event to test
physical strength. Robert, tell us the rules."
Robert: "The rules here are very straightforward, Trevor. Each
competitor must lift 5 objects of increasing weight onto platforms
placed at the edge of the tank. The one who does it the fastest wins,
or the one who gets the most in the shortest amount of time. Oh, and
each competitor must go from lightest to heaviest; no cheating by
getting the hard ones out of the way first."
Brian: "It's a pure test of strength, but also one of stamina, as the
increasing weight force you to pace yourself. Look for some major
showing off in this event. First up is Louie."
Trevor: "Louie might do alright in this, but he's not expected to
medal, and the same could be said for Buster, as neither of them are
known for their strength in the slightest. They're both in, and
they're off, with Louie going a lot faster for that opening object."
Robert: "And yes he's already picked up the empty air tank and is
pushing it to the surface. Buster's got his now and is following
behind, but Louie's already going down for his second item."
Brian: "You can see Louie's speed aiding him a lot in this contest.
The double tank is next for him, and he's biding his time well to lift
it up. Buster's heading down now for his double as well."
Trevor: "Louie's in pretty good shape, but one has to wonder whether
his current fast pace will kill him in the end. Well, anyway, he's
down there now and has taken the double. Buster's about there
himself."
Robert: "Neither one shows any sign of weakening yet, even though
Louie's struggling slightly in trying to get the double tank above the
water."
Brian: "Now he finally has it up, and he's stopping for a breath
before he heads down again. Now he's in. Buster, meanwhile, has the
double and is trying very hard to get it up."
Trevor: "If he's having a hard time now, just wait untill the next
objects. Louie's already halfway down to get his next object, a
smallish treasure chest, as Buster is putting up his double tank."
Robert:: "Louie's attacking this one the same as the others, that the
chest isn't budging much. Wait, now he's got it, but Buster's just
looking at that chest like he's saying 'You gotta be kidding.'"
Brian: "He shakes it off and finally starts to dig for it, but you can
tell the time he stalled for is costing him. He's really struggling to
lift it. Louie's chest is slowly getting up to the surface, but not
without difficulty."
Trevor: "Buster is trying to get that chest to budge, but it doesn't
seem to be working out for him. Louie is now looking at our anchor
for this event, and has the same expression on his face that Buster
did for the chest."
Robert: "Hold on....yes, they're both waving off. They'll take what
they have and take their chances with it. Louie has three objects in
1:55 and Buster has two in 1:20. Remember, the time counts from when
the object is on the platform."
Brian: "So for Buster, a tough break, and same for Louie, although he
came out the better of the two. We'll see how our next pair - Plucky
and Alvin - learned from what they just saw."
Trevor: "Well, the two of them aren't the strongest competitors
themselves. They'll both have a hard time with this, I'd imagine.
Well, they've started, and they're both going down fairly slow, with
Plucky just a bit ahead."
Robert: "And Plucky's the first to reach the tank, but he can barely
lift it! Alvin's right behind him, and seeming to have no trouble
thus far."
Brian: "Plucky's in trouble, as he's slowly getting the tank up.
Alvin's got his up and grabs a quick breath before heading down. And
oh no, Plucky drops his tank halfway up!"
Trevor: "Plucky just screwed himself out of a good finish position
right there, I think. He goes back down for it as Alvin tries to go
for the double air tank. Plucky is now using all his effort to try to
get it back up there, while Alvin is doing OK with the double."
Robert: "Plucky finally makes it up with the single tank, but he's
calling it quits right there at just 1 minute in! What a waste....
Alvin, not paying any attention, has his second object up and moves
back for the chest."
Brian: "Alvin makes a quick move for the chest. He knows how much of a
time Louie had with it, so he's getting right to it. He's hoisting it
from one side, then the other... and now it's budging. Good strategy
as he goes to lift."
Trevor: "Hmm... he's slow lifting it out of the water though.... he's
really struggling... but there we go! Now he goes back down, and he
sees the anchor... and the look on his face basically says 'Screw
this!' He waves off. Time, Rob?"
Robert: "Alvin has a time of....2 minutes, 20 seconds, putting him in
second place for the moment. Up next, the pair of Tummi and Cubbi.
Strange how they got this draw together, but what a difference in
ability here."
Brian: "Right, you're talking "incredible strength" versus "what
strength?". Cubbi's gonna be hard pressed to even get one item up in
this event."
Trevor: "This could be amusing, to say the least... they're both down
there, and Cubbi's gone ahead of Tummi, trying to at least get that
much on him.... he's lifting the single tank up, and he's trying to
carry it up... but he just dropped it, and worse, he went down with
it! He's trapped with it on his flipper!"
Robert: "Cubbi's shoving his shoulder into the tank, finally rolling
it off his flipper. But in the meantime, Tummi's coming back from
getting his tank up without any problem."
Brian: "And quickly back down for the next item. Cubbi's trying again,
but he's been down there so long... and he passes out! Not a good
showing for him, only 35 seconds into the match."
Trevor: "Ladies and gentlemen, as Tummi effortlessly brings up the
double tank, I think this is the first time I've ever seen anyone
drown in this event.... I mean, honestly... We knew Cubbi wasn't
strong but... what do you think, Robert?"
Robert: "I'm disappointed to be honest with you guys. I knew Cubbi
had no chance in this event, but I was pulling for him to get at least
one object up. But the story right now is Tummi as he easily lifts
the treasure chest."
Brian: "Tummi's strength was going to be a major factor here, as it
helped him somewhat in the last event. Hoists up the chest, and he's
back down now with the anchor awaiting."
Trevor: "So far, he's living up to every bit of expectations, but it
must really be unnerving to swim past your dead den brother's corpse
every time you swim by... but he's got the anchor now, and shows no
signs of slowing."
Robert: "Tummi's focused on getting this event done. I'm not even
sure he's aware that Cubbi's drowned. But as he places the anchor in
the 4th slot, you can see on his face he's determined to get all 5."
Brian: "Only the cannonball awaits, and Tummi's taking the biggest
breath he can to finish strong. Down he goes for the ball, and quickly
in position for the final lift."
Trevor: "And there it is! now he has to swim up to place it in the
final slot... it's a great effort for him, guys, but he's
determined... and there it is! Easy first place in what time, Robert?"
Robert: "Outstanding. All 5 items in only 2 minutes, 45 seconds. All
things considered, I think it's safe to say no one will beat that
time."
Brian: "And not just the time itself, but the level of sheer strength
that Tummi demonstrated in that feat. Not a single lift was difficult,
just swift motions as he brought them up to the top. Can anyone match
that type of strength, Trevor?"
Trevor: "Probably not, Brian, seeing as Tummi is generally regarded as
the strongest amongst these guys anyway. however, I do think Theodore
or maybe even Monty might come close. It'll be an interesting race in
the end."
Robert: "Perhaps, but wait, Tummi's going back down. Oh, I see....
He's picked up Cubbi's body and is now carrying him to the surface.
Looks like he'll be bringing him to the guys in back."
Brian: "A good gesture for a friend in everyone's eyes. Meantime, as
he goes off, back to the pool for another heat. And it's another pair
of brothers - Simon and Theodore - ready to match muscle, so to speak."
Trevor: "While this doesn't quite have the differential the last heat
had, there is still a major difference between these two. And without
any hesitation, they're in there! They're actually seem to be going
down at about even, Robert."
Robert: "So it would seem, but it's anything but even coming back up.
Theodore has his tank up with no problem while Simon is just now
starting to swim up with it."
Brian: "Simon's got a handle on it, but the lift is slow as Theodore
now begins his descent for the double... (pause) Theo's now at the
double tank. He's got it up with a good jerk, and begins his ascent.
Simon is almost there with his single... and he's got it now."
Trevor: "Simon may not do much better than Plucky here. He's trying
to go down for the double as Theo is bringing his back up. He's
there, and he's trying to lift it... but he calls it off! 55 seconds
and 1 object."
Robert: "That does put him slightly ahead of Plucky, but nowhere near
medal contention as his brother Theodore now comes down for the
treasure chest and making pretty good time."
Brian: "Theo's attacking the chest, and taking a page from Alvin,
lifting side by side to get it loose. Now he's got it, and slowly
making his way back up to the surface."
Trevor: "Good to see he's starting to absorb and learn from the
actions of his fellow competitors. He's got the chest pretty good
now, and has placed it on the slot, and he's going for the anchor now."
Robert: "He's tiring slightly. Not too much however as he is able to
lift the anchor. Whoa, seems a bit unsteady with it though."
Brian: "He jerked a little too quickly with it, and that shook him up
a bit. Now he's got it, and you're right, Robert, he is tiring a bit,
as his lift here is slower than before."
Trevor: "Well, the object IS heavier... still, this could be his last
lift, but that would still give him a solid 2nd place, easily his best
effort so far these games... he places it, looks down at the
cannonball.... and waves off. Time?"
Robert: "And Theodore finishes with four objects in 2 minutes, 20
seconds. Not that bad at all."
Brian: "He knew he was tiring, and to try and lift the cannonball
might've hurt him so he thought better of it. He's in 2nd place for
now with one heat to go."
Trevor: "Our final heat for this event includes gangmates Bingo and
Monty, as they try to collect on medals from this. Bingo's not
expected to do well, while Monty may have a chance, as mentioned
earlier."
Robert: "And here we go, wait....well what do you know. A handshake
before the event starts. Finally, some measure of sportsmanship here.
Only took 9 events to see it though. And there's the gun and they
dive in."
Brian: "I won't speculate what it was for, either. Down the bottom
they go in a hurry. Both have quickly got the single tank. And look at
Bingo! He's using his tail like a flipper along with his feet!"
Trevor: "Now that's an interesting move from Bingo. As long as he
doesn't need to turn at all, this is a good strategy. Beavers usually
use their tails for rudders underwater, you see. Anyway, he's at the
tank."
Robert: "And he's lifting it with no problem. Monty, moving slower,
has just reached the tank and he has no trouble either."
Brian: "Bingo working hard to get that double up there fast. He is
really pumping with his feet and tail! Monty is taking a more paced
approach, lifting the double and starting up now."
Trevor: "I think Monty's got the right idea, with the steadier
approach, because these things will wear you down quickly. Bingo's
got the double up right now, and he's taking a big breath as Monty
comes up with his double."
Robert: "Bingo's heading down for that chest now, but he doesn't seem
to be able to lift it. Monty catches up to him now, and though he's
having a little trouble, is able to lift it and begin swimming to the
surface."
Brian: "All of a sudden, Bingo's in a lot of trouble, tired out from
the two previous lifts. And he's still trying to pump to get it up!
You can see he's slowing down, though."
Trevor: "Monty's pushing that chest somewhat easily to the surface, in
the meantime. He's broken the surface, and he places the object. By
the way, we talked with Monty before this started and we asked him
'Would you enjoy the chest more if it had the typical treasure in it?'
His reply, 'No way! It'd be impossible to lift then!'. Shows his
focus, folks."
Robert: "Very good point you have to admit. Hmm... it seems Bingo's
just waved off, 2 objects in 1 minute, 5 seconds. Not bad. Monty's
setting himself now with the anchor, and he has to know if he gets
this up, he has a medal. But his 3 object time thus far of 2 minutes
will only give him 4th place. He has to get this one up to medal."
Brian: "And he's struggling for it, you can see, but he's not giving
up. Slowly, he's getting it to move... it's rising, he's got it up!
Now, can he get it to the surface?"
Trevor: "He's pushing... (pause) he's broken the surface! now can he
place it in the slot? He's lifting it slow... and it's there! He
waves off, at 4 in 2:55.... and he collasped face down in the water!"
Robert: "Bingo's there to pull him out of the water, but Monty's done
it. That's enough for the bronze. Theo captures a silver in this one
and Tummi gets the gold."
Brian: "Some incredible feats of strength in this event as Tummi
captures his 2nd medal in a row, with some new blood in the medal
ranks as well. We'll be back to talk with all of them in just a
moment."
Interviews
Trevor: "Welcome back, as we're about to begin the post event
interviews. We're starting off with the silver medal winner first,
Theodore, as Monty isn't quite ready to be interviewed yet."
Robert: "Congratulations on winning your silver medal, Theodore. Did
you expect to do so well this event?"
Theodore: "I was really nervous. I was looking at those things down
there and saying to myself 'how am I ever gonna lift those things?'
Then I started, and I thought, 'hey, this is easy', and I just kept
going."
Trevor: "Typical form. So, expect any more success later in the the
last two events?"
Theodore: "I'm... really not looking forward to that hippo one, but
I know I can hold my own in the gauntlet. Hopefully I'll get another
medal to bring home with me."
Brian: "It's been a struggle for you, Theodore, but you're finally
seeing the results of the hard work. Good luck to you in the remaining
events."
Trevor: "And now we've been cleared to head for the infirmary, where
Monty has just declared his readiness for being interviewed. (Wait a
few minutes) And here we are, with our bronze medal winner, with
Bingo. Monty, an inspiring effort."
Monty: "Well, I knew I had no chance at the gold, Tummi's time was
outstanding and he got all 5 objects up there. All I wanted to do was
get 4 of them, which I did. It was enough."
Brian: "And we all thought for a moment that that anchor wasn't gonna
go up, you really had to pull at it for the bronze. Now, we saw you at
the start of the event shaking hands with your friend Bingo there.
What was the reason for the exchange?"
Monty: "I think you just answered your own question."
Robert: "Because you're friends, right? Nothing more, nothing less.
Glad to see that. Once again, congratulations on your medal, and good
luck in the upcoming events."
Brian: "Well, you can see it there, these Olympics still manage to
bring out the best in our competitors. And speaking of the best, Tummi
joins us once again after capturing his 2nd medal in as many events,
and this time it was for Gold. You pulled it off like a lot of people
were expecting you to."
Tummi: "Well, I'm glad to finally have an event where I could do well
because it was based purely on strength. None of that other stuff
that I keep messing up at."
Brian: "And you made it look so easy, too. Those objects were giving
the others fits, but not you. Was there anything really different that
you did compared to the others?"
Tummi: "Not really, other than maybe I was more capable of a fast lift
than the others. I think that was the big thing for me."
Brian: "And speaking of a fast lift, we also have to mention your
quick dive for Cubbi after the event was over. How is he doing since
you saw him last?"
Tummi: "Oh, he's just in for a quick spell in the regenerator, he'll
be back for the next event, don't worry."
Brian: "All right, we'll take your word for it. Meantime,
congratulations again and we'll see if you can add another medal to
your collection real soon."
(To be continued during the next event, the Hippo)
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