Archimedes (Archie) and Jarrett spent some more time with Herman helping with organizing the lab and checking out circuits on the servers. After a couple hours of that, Archie asked Herman the time. He was surprised at how late it was. Archie had invited the orderly from the hospital, Mike O'Shaughnessy, to meet them at the little corner tavern in the neighborhood to have a beer. He wanted to thank him for taking such good care of him while he was in the hospital. Mike had graciously accepted and a time had been set. Jarrett was pleased with Archie's idea. It would be an opportunity to relax and socialize. But they had to hurry and clean up or they were going to be late. Herman told them in a joking manner that it was okay for them to go. He wasn't much of a drinker anyway. Archie and Jarrett both got a chuckle out of that one. Herman keeps surprising them. They got to the tavern a little ahead of Mike. Archie ordered three bottles of beer. 'I hope he likes this brand!' he said to Jarrett. 'I never thought to ask him what he liked before we left the hospital.' Just then, Mike walked into the tavern. Archie saw him and waved him over to their table. Mike smiled seeing both guys there. He was pleased with the beer as well. 'My favorite brand.' he said to Archie. 'Thanks so much!' They spent the rest of the night conversing, shooting some pool and getting to know each other better. A couple of the girls in the tavern came over and visited with them too. They even got Jarrett and Mike to dance with them to jukebox music a couple times. Archie was glad he had a broken leg for an excuse not to. He had never liked to dance. In fact, this was the first time he had been out socializing in years. He had to admit though, he was having a great time. Everyone was still in a good mood when the bartender announced last call. They all agreed they had already consumed enough. 'Since we are only a few blocks from my house, why don't you come on over for a late night snack?' Archie asked Mike. 'You can spend the night and won't have to worry about driving home.' It didn't take much convincing to get Mike to come home with them. None of them had con- sumed much beer, but the drinking laws in the town were pretty strictly enforced and it didn't pay to take any chances. They made the journey home on foot, with Archie crippling along on his crutches. He was able to keep up with them pretty well. Archie had phoned Herman before they left the bar and by the time they got to the house, he already had a nice meal prepared for them. 'Herman, I don't know where you are getting all these skills!' Archie exclaimed when he saw what Herman had prepared. The look on Mike's face when he saw Herman serving them food was priceless. M4 and LoRez characters. Rendered in Poser 9. Post work in Photoshop 7. Thank you for taking a peek! Your support is greatly appreciated!