[Dutch, Zimmerman's]
After the Ktarian physician left the Infirmary he decided to pay a visit to the station. He checked out with the Entry Control Point and then wandered around Starbase 501's public areas looking for something to do.
There were bars and restaurants and other types of recreational facilities but nothing really seemed to peak the interest of the Victoria's Chief Medical Officer.
Finally, while passing through marketplace, he observed a pair of Marines walking into a steakhouse. His spirits rose. It would do him good to be around some of his former kind. He hadn't shared a beer with a fellow Marine in ages.
A good twenty feet behind the duo he hurried to catch up with them as they disappeared into Zimmerman's. As he entered the establishment he saw that the duo of Marines had made their way to the bar and he followed.
Approaching them from behind he clasped one on the shoulder. "Can I buy the two of you a-" he began, but he never got a chance to finish it.
As soon as the Marine on the right felt the hand on his shoulder he'd spun out from under it. At the same time, he grabbed the Doctor's hand and pulled him forward, throwing him off balance. Dutch fell forward striking his forehead on the bar.
"Buck! At ease," his partner said, calling his companion off. "It's just some Fleeter," he explained.
'Buck' seemed to realize his mistake. "Oh. Sorry buddy. You shouldn't sneak up on a Marine like that. If this were a hot zone I probably would have snuffed you," he explained by way of apology.
"Just like a Fleeter. Writing checks his body can't cash," the other said in agreement.
Buck laughed and, on the floor, Dutch clutched his forehead and grew red with embarassment.
"Just some science schmuck. What are you doing in a bar anyway? I didn't think they even taught you wetbacks how to drink," Buck's compainion said. Both seemed to get a good laugh at that.
Dutch rose still very embarassed not only for his mistake but for the realization that these two Marines - crewmen he would have once considered close compatriots - didn't recognize him as a fellow Jarhead. His transformation to 'Fleeter', it seemed, was complete.
Buck, recognizing Dutch's age from his grey hair asked, "You didn't bust anything did you old man?"
The Ktarian's embarassment was completed. "I-I'm sorry to have disturbed the two of you," he eventually responded. "Please ... enjoy your evening," he said, before stepping away. He moved down the bar to the far end and took a seat.
The bartender, feeling sorry for him, approached and offered him a cold pack for his forehead.
"Thanks," the Ktarian muttered as he accepted it and applied it to his enlarged frontal lobes.
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CMO CDR Dey'Utchendeyorbren, USS Victoria
XO LCDR Falha'konin, USS Broadsword
Player Bryan Paveza
bapaveza@sbcglobal.net
