worthwhile waste of money [ᴄʟᴏsᴇᴅ: sʜᴇᴘᴀʀᴅ]
Bars were amazing for two reasons, the first being information. All sorts of types met at these places. Even if Alvin didn't approach anyone, simply listening in to drunken ravings was enough to get an idea of just what was going on in this place. If anything, dimension-hopping has taught him that people were the same no matter where they were from, and some 20% mixed with soda was enough for most about anyone to make a... friend.
The second reason was that said 20% wasn't just good for other people, but Alvin himself as well. Was it a good idea to start drinking so early into his newcomersdom? Probably not, but it wasn't like he gave a shit about that right now. If some dumbass decided to pull anything funny, well, joke's on them, he was nearly broke and knew absolutely nothing.
There was a free stool at the bar beside a red-haired woman. A trained glance noted that she was armed with some sort of firearm, and the air about her reminded him of soldier types. Probably not someone he should mess with, he supposed, but he was no pansy. Soldiers could be conned like anyone else, and not to mention, she was quite a looker. Worth the risk.
He sat himself down. "I hope you don't mind if I take this seat."