SEVENTEEN
"You the new guy who flew in today?" demanded a middle-aged man with a bushy beard.
"Sure did," Jean replied, easing himself down on a chair. His leg was aching something fierce today. Good thing he had the bottom bunk – he'd never manage the climb to the top one. Now all he needed was a drink to take the edge off the pain. "Do you guys do welcome drinks here, or is that just the custom at Casey?"
The bearded man bristled. "We're just as hospitable as Casey. What's your poison?"
"Got any Fosters?" Jean asked.
Everyone laughed.
"Nah mate, all out of Fosters. Must've drunk it all. A XXXX, maybe?"
Another test. Jean knew the answer to this one, too. "Only if you're out of Crowns and VB."
"Not bad for a Yank," the bearded man said grudgingly. "Bruce. I keep the water runni
