The gang was gathered in Leonard and Sheldon's apartment, as usual.
Bernadette asked Amy, "So, what are you working on these days?"
"I'm studying one-celled organisms to try and find the neurochemicals that lead to the feeling of shame," Amy replied flatly.
"What would a one-celled organism have to be embarrassed about?" Bernadette asked.
Penny had no idea what she was talking about but saw a chance to chime in. "Same as all of us, getting out of a car without underwear!" and then roared with laughter.
Bernadette took the advantage of Penny's attempt to join the conversation. "Speaking of underwear, I have some interesting news."
Penny waved a dismissive hand. "Okay, if it's sometimes Howie wears yours, Leonard already told us."
Bernadette wrinkled her nose and glanced at Howard. "He was being funny. I'm pretty sure. Anyway, I was asked to be a part of a magazine article about the 50 sexiest female scientists in California. Isn't that cool?"
Amy shook her head. "I think it's awful."
"Why would you say that?" Penny asked.
"Bernadette is a successful microbiologist. She should be celebrated for her achievements, not her looks. I mean, what kind of message does that send?" Amy replied.
Penny shrugged her shoulders. "I think the message is 'check out the rack on that scientist.'"
Howard raised his hand. "Can I get an amen?!"
Bernadette tried to ignore her husband. "Why can't someone be thought of as both smart and pretty?"
Sheldon chimed in. "I have to agree with Amy. I don't think a professional woman should have to flaunt her...rack...in order to get ahead."
"Okay, what's the big deal?" Penny asked. "Look, if it helps me make a sale with a physician, I don't think it hurts to flirt a little. I mean, laugh at their joke, touch their arm, maybe crank up the AC in the car beforehand, you know, to wake up the girls."
Leonard snapped his head. "Do you do that?"
Penny frowned and shook her head. "Noooooo, no, I don't. Of course not. But, uh, I know some of the girls do that."
Amy ignored Penny's obvious lie. "Maybe it's different in the world of sales, but it's already hard enough for women to be taken seriously in science."
Bernadette frowned. "I was kind of excited about the article, but now you're making me feel bad."
Penny cheered her on. "No, I think you should do whatever you want. You show 'em that rack! Show them babies off! You know, maybe if fashion magazines had female scientists in them, I would've become a theoretical physicist." The room looked at each other in disbelief. "Stop smirking at each other."
*****
The following evening, Penny and Bernadette were talking over drinks.
"Hear anything more about the photo shoot?" Penny asked.
"They just canceled the photo shoot and said they're rethinking it," Bernadette said forlornly.
"What?! Why?!"
"I don't know. They said something about not being sexy enough."
"What?! Did you not show 'em your rack?!"
"Well, I sent them my head shot from the company directory."
"What?! No no no. Play to your strengths. Men love tits. Show 'em that rack! Send 'em a string bikini pick! Topless even! Do whatever it takes!"
"Gee, Penny, I don't know. I can't just go showing off my ta tas to every Tom, Dick, and Harry," Bernadette said timidly. "I'm not like you."
*****
Back in the apartment, a doctor Penny had been flirting with in order to make a sale was there. The doctor thought Penny was romantically attracted to him and he was there to try and woo her. While the doctor was quizzing Leonard on how he had landed such a vision of loveliness, Penny and Bernadette walked in.
"Hi," Penny said, then stopped in her tracks. "Dr. Lorvis, what are you doing here?"
"Uh, well, actually I came to see you."
"Oh balls." Penny hoped this wasn't going where she thought it might. "Really? Why?"
Leonard gave her a stern look. "Ah, that's a good question. Apparently someone was being awfully flirty while not wearing their engagement ring, causing another someone to show up here thinking the first someone might be available."
Bernadette grabbed Howard's hand. "C'mon, Howie, let's go. We've got some shopping to do."
"But...but...it's just about to get good!"
"You can help me pick out a sexy bra and panties."
Howard leapt off the couch. "See ya, losers!"
*****
The mall was about to close but Bernadette was still in the changing room trying on various lacy garments. She didn't just want to impress the magazine, she wanted to blow them away.
"How's it goin' in there, Bernie?" Howard asked from the entrance to the changing room.
"Oh, Howie, this is impossible!" she screeched back, obviously irritated.
"You'll look great in whatever you pick! One look at those tits and it's over!"
"Howie!"
"Lemme come in there and take a peek."
"You can't do that! This is the ladies changing room!"
Howard chuckled. "He he, I know."