Humans are Weird – Percentage
“Hey little bud I’m headed out for a little R and R,” Dr. Sharon called out as he passed the main bio-chemistry lab. “Want me to grab you some rockrat samples while I’m out there?”
The only response from the lab was a distracted hum and Dr. Sharon frowned and strode over to the open door. He poked his head in to see the Undulate he was addressing slumped against one of a pair of two-litter sample jugs labeled ‘solvent’ running his appendages over about a dozen sealed vials.
“Rolls?” Dr. Sharon asked again.
“Yes, Human Friend Sharon?” Rollscarefully finally replied.
“Want me to grab you some rockrat samples?” Dr. Sharon asked.
“Please do,” Rollscarefully replied with an absent wave of an appendage.
“Something bothering you lil bud?” Dr. Sharon asked, ambling into the lab.
“These containers of ethanol concentrate arrived without proper labeling,” Rollscarefully explained, indicating the vats leaning against the far wall. “The manifest says one is a sixty percent solution and the others are all ten percent solution. I tapped them for samples but all of the equipment capable of testing the concentration is in use on priority projects.”
“So you just need to know which of those little vials is the strong stuff?” Dr. Sharon asked, strolling up to the Undulate.
“Yes, however-” Rollscarefully began.
“Get me a napkin and I can figure it out for you real quick,” Dr. Sharon said with a cheerful grin.
“Ah, thank you,” Rollscarefully said.
He slipped eagerly over to the cabinet that held the cleaning supplies.
“I didn’t know that you were able to use the absorbent materials for that purpose. Is it your limited visual range that-“
Rollscarefully stopped suddenly with the white napkin held in an upraised appendage. Every appendage suddenly extended in horror as Dr. Sharon tossed the fifth vial of ethanol concentrate into his mouth. Three empty vials were held loosely in his other hand. Dr. Sharon smacked his lips and held up the vial with a satisfied smile.
“That’s the one!” he said with a nod. “Near ninety proof.”
He tossed the fourth vial to the side and returned the other three to their holders. He strolled past Rollscarefully and plucked the napkin out of his appendage.
“You’re welcome lil’ bud,” Dr. Sharon said cheerfully. “I’ll get you those rockrats by tonight.”
Several minutes after he had strolled out of the door Rollscarefully shook himself and hurried over to the comm unit.
“I need to talk to a medic who knows human biochemistry now!” Rollscarefully cried into the comm.