First Impression

[Dash_Andrews 0]

HOTEL TRANQUILITY BAR

Jake had arrived at work at 34 hours and this was 4 in the morning. He had one straggler who was a Hotel patron so he knew this guy was going no where in more ways than one. But he also knew that he couldn't just kick him out. Officially, they were open for another two hours, but this guy had been there since midnight or before. He poured a nice tall glass of water and set it down in front of him.

Andrews was in it deep... The bottle that is. Starting early and finishing late... He tried to remember when he actually sat down at the bar, he could swear he had started at a table. He was shaken from his revery by a glass of clear liquid that was now placed before him.

 

"Thas' not what I ordered pal"

 

"Yeah well, the bottle's empty... Sir."

 

"My pocket's not... last time I checked."

Jake walked slowly over to the back of the bar and grabbed another bottle of Aldeberan Whiskey Sour... Not wanteing to, he begrudgingly pours a glass and returns to the patron....

"This is your last, okay buddy. You look like you could use some sleep..."

 

The long slender silver cane, that had become Andrews' life line for better part of two years now, was resting between his legs his left hand seated atop the curved crest. He shot a glance up at the oaf of a man in front of him, then a glance down at the new glass.

"Since when did you start turning away customers? I've been drinking long enough to know when I've had enough to know... enough..." he trailed off and grabbed the glass and began to drink from it. Perhaps he had had enough, but he was not ready to stop.

 

"So, who was she, man? I mean, I've seen that face before. It's got to be a woman."

Jake put his arm on the bar and looked at the gentleman struggling to keep conscious...

 

"Don't start heading down memory lane with me friend... I didn't ask for an ear I asked for a glass..." He didn't wish to recount how he came to be where he was. He told that story all to many times, and carrying the physical wounds was enough to remind him of Illiana these days.

Jake looked at him and smiled. It was a sad job sometimes, watching hearts bleed. But then sometimes there was nothing one could do. He stood up and grab his bar rag and began wiping down the counter.

Andrews paid no attention to the world outside his own head when he was this far gone. Another day, another time, he may very well have indulged the bartender with his story. Not today. Today he needed a drink...

 

Sal Rosetto found himself now wandering the corridors of the Hotel. He took the elevator down the the main floor and the doors opened. There was not a soul in sight and most of the lights were dimmed save one... The Bar. His eyes were glazed either from the lack of or from too much sleep. He couldn't decide which. As he entered the bar he saw the bartender doing dishes and one gentleman sitting at the bar staying at the glass in his hand. He was dressed well and so Sal pulled up a stool next to him and attempt to get the bartender's attention.

 

"Sir, Rom Ale, okay?"

Jake looked up from the sink and nodded. He wiped his hands dry, grabbed a mug from the rack and tipped it under the tap...

 

Dash barely noticed the new patron at first, but as soon as he saw the barkeep begin to pour a new glass spirits he couldn't help himself.

 

"So he can waltz in and get anything he wants at this time of night, but I'm cut off aye?"

 

Jake looked at the Andrews as he passed and set the mug down in front of Sal. "That'll be 10 credits..."

Sal flashed his room badge and Jake responded with a nod.

"I'll buy you another if you give me that one..." Dash said to the new guy.

 

"Sir, I strongly suggest..." Jake said, responding to the other gentleman, "...augh" He just sighs.

 

Sal looks at the man, "What's your name?"

 

Downing the last of his Aldeberan Whiskey Sour he began to stand to move closer to the gentlemen. His legs had other plans and he quickly let his hind-end find the stool once more.

"Name's Dash... An' you?"

 

Sal helps him sit back down. "My name is Sal Rosetto. I'm here to start work on the QoB. Don't know what's going on with these ports.."

Dash waves off the man's attempt to assist him. People look at him and all they see is a man with a Visor for eyes and Cane for legs. He hates that. He hears the word QoB and realizes the man obviously knows little of the ships crew.

 

"The QoB aye? Be careful you team up with that group of sullied victims"

Sal laughs... "So, what brings you to this barren wasteland of opportunity?"

 

"I'm a prospector..." Dash said leading the man a bit.

"You've come to the right place. Have you been outside of town. There's nothing but rock for a 100 kilometers in any direction.."

"Not really what I'm 'Prospecting' for chief... " Dash laughs a quiet laugh.

Sal looks him over a bit. "Ah, precious cargoes, aye?"

 

Dash moves his hand from his cane to the glass, then realizes it's empty and grunts.

 

"You could say that... yes indeed. Have you SEEN the Orion Girls around here?" He laughs again still searching for a glass of whiskey that's no longer there.

 

"Not many, yet. But I have been told. I have some fleet buddies who've been around these prts before."

 

Sal notices Dash's glass is empty and flags the bartender. Jake unwillingly strolls over and begins to whisper in Sal's ear. Sal convinces him to pour the man another...

 

"Seriously though... be wary of the QoB... She's cursed... Some say she's haunted even."

 

Noticing the glass suddenly full of Whiskey once more, he grasps it as if it were a tank of oxygen to a man floating alone in space...

Sal looked at Dash with his head cocked.

 

"Cursed, huh? how so?" He felt a buzz in his pocket from his PADD and knowing exactly who it was he added, "Got any kids?"

 

Dash ignored the last question, perhaps deliberatly, perhaps not. He instead focused on the first question.

"Well for starters, she's 40 some odd years young, and pieces have been known to just come FLYIN' off when she leaves dock! I've heard people complain that one moment they're in their home all nice and cozy and the next... BAM! There's a duranium plate sitting in their rose bushes... " He laughed.

 

"And second... And this is the scariest bit... They have me for a Doc..."

 

"Who--What? You serve on the QoB?" Sal was very suprized but he was pleased with his luck. He knew that the vessel was 40+ years old but now he was sitting with someone who was a fellow crewmate. WOW, he thought...

"Unfortunately... Yea, I do..." Dash said with a grunt.

"Well that's okay, we won't need that plate until we land again. I know because I'll be driving..." Sal laughed...

"I guess you diserve a proper introduction." Dash straightened his jacket half-heartedly and extended his right hand.

 

"'Doc' Andrews..." He said with a crooked grin.

Sal responded in kind as he grabbed Andrews' hand and shook it firmly...

 

"By the hand of kahless himself... Let's hope you're a better pilot than you are a judge of employers..." Dash laughed again and sipped his Whiskey still eyeing his new acquaintance.