8415/Two Dinners: The Middle of Knowhere

Two Dinners: The Middle of Knowhere
Date of Scene:	20 July 2019
Location:	Knowhere
Synopsis:	Saint Walker holds up his end of the bargain with Kinsey, sort of, exposing her to his second favourite place to eat. Star Wars, superheroes and the Kree are discussed.
Cast of Characters:	Saint Walker, Kinsey MacKenna

---

Saint Walker has posed:
Knowhere, a giant celestial skull floating in the void of space. Quite the setting for a meal. In this case extraterrestrial pub food, in the lively atmospher of The Burnout pub. The place bursts with alien life and had a distinct, 'Mos Eisely Cantina' vibe to it. Though there is little risk of someone declaring they 'don't like you' and hastling either Lantern, their rings are recognized for what they are here and so distance is given, nobody wants to mess with a Lantern.

Taking a seat in a booth off to one side, Walker says, "Welcome to the Burnout Pub, it is in fact my second favourite restaurant, my first is undergoing renovations after some bounty hunters passed through. Anyhow, I figure you may like this one better, if for no other reason than all of Knowhere runs on xenobiology. You see, most of the business here is made on mining the skull for it's bone and fluids, all of which can be extremely valuable in the right markets."

Their table acts as a display, providing them each with a menu, Kibou helpfully providing a shimmering blue overlay giving the details in English wherever possible, though some of the items defy translation.

Kinsey MacKenna has posed:
"Oooo," Kinsey laughs. "Bounty hunters, huh? I'm beginning to think space isn't much different than the old movies I remember from being a child. We never got them when they were current, so everything was old when we saw it. But this place looks like it should be sporting a slug in the back room, complete with a princess to rescue."

She's not staring, but she most certainly is checking the place out.

"I wonder whose brilliant idea it was to think of using a skull as both a mining opportunity, and a place to, well, pub isn't quite the word I'd use, but make it a pub. It's fascinating even as I shudder to think. And what about when the fluids are gone?"

Yeah, she's already thinking 'how could I get my hands on some of those..'

Kinsey makes ample use of Kibou's overlay to pick a few items she hopes will be close to earth standard, and a number, as well, that most definitely won't be.

:I confess a curiousity as to what your favourite place is like."

Saint Walker has posed:
"I have not seen many of your planet's movies, but, some areas of space can be... interesting," Saint offers with a grin. Which is to say chaotic and dangerous for the unwary.

"And I am not sure if royalty would frequent such an establishment, even by force," he remarks of the place while picking a couple of things off the menu.

Noting some of Kinsey's, Saint remarks, "You may want to inquire with Kibou before ingesting some of those items, they may not be suitable for your biology."

"Quite different from this place, actually, a quiet little Gramosian Bistro, run by a lovely family, so it was quite a surprise to hear it had been damaged by bounty hunters. I will still take you there, but for now I thought you might like to see another spot I visit when I want a bit more... excitement and people in need of assistance."

Kinsey MacKenna has posed:
"To be fair," Kinsey inform Saint Walker, "She didn't want to be in the establishment either. She'd been kidnapped and made to wear this little gold bikini thing. Which isn't entirely forgiven by the fact that it was the 70's. Still, she turned out to be rather badass in the end, so I suppose I can't complain too much."

His description of the place under renovation brings a soft smile to Kinsey's lips. "I can see that of you. And this, too, surprisingly. You're a man of contradictions, Brother Walker, but I think the other might be more your style? I do appreciate that you brought me her for the probable interest. You were right, I am fascinated."

She chuckles, then, and asks, "And how likely is it that we will be needed to assist this evening?"

Brother Walker's admonition gives Kinsey some pause, her hand hovering over the overlay, then coming to lay upon the table instead. "This really wasn't how I meant to bring the subject up, but it would seem my biology may not be all I thought it was."

Saint Walker has posed:
As if he had just remembered the question from earlier, Saint says: "To your earlier question, I suppose they will simply move on, like the bang towns of the North American Klondike Bar," by which he means the /boom/ towns of the Klondike. Hey, he was close.

"Ah, the gold bikini sounds familiar, is this that Star Wars? Hal has said I should watch it, though I've seen many wars among the stars, few bore watching."

"Somewhat more, yes," Saint agrees. "However this place has it's charms." He scans the room when she asks how likely they may need to assist someone. "It will depend on how many gargleblasters, that Tarkarian imbibes tonight. Though hopefully, we should have a quiet evening."

As to that last? He offers an, "Oh?"

Kinsey MacKenna has posed:
"This place has nothing on a Friday night in Clinton, I'm sure," Kinsey teases. "Hal was right. You should watch it. We could likely find an old theatre playing it. It's all about indominatable will and the refusal to give up hope even when all seems lost. The first movie, which is also the fourth movie, even has it in its title."

She finishes her picks for food, gently correcting Saint as she does so, "That would be the boom towns of the Klondike. They were called that because the gold that was found near caused the towns to explode in population seemingly overnight. It's really how the West and Northern parts of America were explored and settled. People got tired along the way and found themselves plots of land. Or stayed behind when the towns went bust. Most though became ghost towns. Also not filled with ghosts. Called that because nothing was left but the buildings, and the ghosts of the hopes and dreams people had had when they'd settled there. But the other kind of ghost is rather romantic to dream about if you're the sort."

He's given a rather more direct look to discuss the other matter. "Yes. It seems that I am quite likely not human. Or, at the very least not entirely human."

Saint Walker has posed:
"Is that so?" Saint asks skeptically. He'd seen some bad nights in this place. He certainly hoped for this Clinton place Kinsey was exaggerating.

"The first is also the fourth?" Saint asks. "Interesting, and it is about hope?"

The correction is taken with a nod and a thank you. "There are places like that here in space, colonies who bloom for a moment then vanish into the void. They can be well," he gestures around. "Like this, and others can be quite nice."

Their food arrives and Walker pays sending the server on their way before discussing Kinsey's nature. "Interesting, do you mean you are one of those mutants that are so maligned on your world?" There is no judgement in his tone, just curiosity.

Kinsey MacKenna has posed:
Saint Walker might wish for places like Clinton to be a little less colourful than Knowhere, but he might be fighting a losing battle there. There might not be quite the motley assortment of characters, but if it were Friday night, there were going to be fights, and the alleys often became impromptu fight clubs. They certainly weren't places the average citizen frequented on their own. At least not willingly. Kinsey's own neighbourhood had been rather like that, if a little less colourful. Clinton's proximity to Gotham lent it just a little more of that dangerous underbelly.

"Yes, the first movie was also the fourth. Confusing unless you know that when the first movie was released, it was part of a trilogy of trilogys. However, the director and screenwriter of the movie started in the middle of the series. I'm not sure why, though it likely may have had a lot to do with funding and if you were going to do only one of the trios, it did have the best storyline." Even if she also held a partial fondness for the lst in the series, if only to see the female Jedi of her childhood dreams realized.

"The Empire has pretty much taken over the Galaxy. There are only small pockets of resistance here and there, and they're struggling to win a war that they are under equiped and under manned for. At various times in the movie you see how hope is pinned upon the most unlikey of circumstances or sources, and that hope alone carries people through to heights they never believed of themselves. If with many complaints along the way. I think you'd enjoy it."

The food is considered for all its variety, and Kinsey uses Kibou to pick from the more human normal bits first, having him retranslate what it is she's ordered.

"No. I'm not a mutant, but it may be that I am Kree."

Saint Walker has posed:
Knowhere seems to take offense at the comparison to Clinton, if only a mental one, and a brief scuffle breaks out as if to try and show it's rough and tumble too. The fight is over quick, and the offenders are soon tossed out of the establishment by the staff.

"Sounds exciting," he says. "So there are nine movies in all? But they started with 4-6? Interesting. I shall definitely have to see these films sometime. Perhaps on our next visit to Earth."

The revelation that Kinsey might be Kree has Saind lifting his eye ridges at her, "Kree?" he studies her. "It is possible, outwardly both species have similar appearance. Well some Kree anyhow." A pause as he focuses. "How do you feel about this possibility?"

Kinsey MacKenna has posed:
"I'd say it's a date, then, but I wouldn't want you to get the wrong impression. We'll make it happen, though. Dinner and a movie if I can find a place showing it. If not, you'll have to risk my quarters, perhaps. Or if I can book the lounge on the station. Others might enjoy that, if you don't care if it's just the two of us?"

The fight is almost an amusement - that only by virtue of the fact that it's dealt with quickly and they are able to continue eating their meal in piece. She's pretty sure what she's having now are similar to meal grubs on earth, which she'd had before, but these were rather larger, and somewhat firmer of flesh, along with a very spicy powder on them.

"I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel about it. I've been dwelling on that question for some time now. It seems undeniable, though. I've had a number of circumstances add up. Kibou assures me he could ascertain this for me should I wish it. I could probably tell myself by looking under one of my own microscopes... Mostly I'm confused. My entire past is this big question in so many ways. If I was never human.. I feel like I've just been told I was adopted. Only there is no adoption agency to ask. Or note pinned to a baby blanket. Just a box from my mother when she died that she said I'd know when to open it. And a father I barely remember."

She imagined he was dead as well. Or, much like the movies, he was some wandering starfarer who had returned to the galaxy to do what he did best, which was wander. Either way, Kinsey didn't have access to the answers she both wanted and needed.

Saint Walker has posed:
"I understand your meaning, though I know your people have a number of strange views about men and women doing things together," Saint says shaking his head. "I am happy with whatever we can arrange, I suspect a showing of the film on the station may be popular, given it is staffed by people who have worked hard to go into space."

"That must be very confusing," Saint offers. "Especially with nobody to provide easy answers." Even if Kibou provided a scan, that would only answer the what not the how or the who. "And the box, it does not say this is the right time to open it?" he asks without irony. "Regardless, if I can be of any assistance, I will be happy to supply it."

Kinsey MacKenna has posed:
"Would you mind so much if I had something of a movie party? I think they'd like the diversion. You'd only be a slight oddity, and well, we do get the occassional outside visitor. Besides, perhaps Green Lantern will come as well. Speaking of him, I've visited the Watchtower a couple of times now and met a number other of its denizens. I hear our brother Green has had kind things to say of myself."

The neon green and purple salad is tasted next, and found to be a very refreshing counterpoint to the heat of the grubs. "Oh, this is nice. And no, I wasn't given instructions. Just that I'd know when it was time. I haven't even looked to see if it has a lock or if it's just a simple mechanism to open it. It's not much larger than a small toolbox. I can't imagine what is inside it. Or why she didn't just tell me these things herself."

Saint Walker has posed:
"I have no objections," Saint replies. "It would be good to meet more of your colleagues and expose them to what the galaxy has to offer. And I am not surprised the Green Lantern has spoken well of you, he's a good man, I confess though I have not met many of the Justice League, I am only aware of them by reputation. Are they as grand as the stories suggest?"

"I am not sure either," Saint admits. "Though the Kree are a curious people with many factions each with their own customs, perhaps this is a ritual for your parents, some form of coming of age?" he muses as he eats. "I begin to understand some of your frustration, this lack of answers is indeed galling. Do you know how you wish to proceed?"

Kinsey MacKenna has posed:
"Let's see. I've met Superman - he was delightful. Very modest and self effacing. Delightful midwestern charm. We shared cookies in the mess hall. And before you ask, yes, I brought them. It just seemed wrong to show up empty-handed. And most recently, I've met Batman. Who was delightfully gruff and a contradiction. He asked some questions about my ring, and about my sector assignment. I confess I'm curious about that myself."

"I know nothing about the Kree. At least not enough, yet, to even begin to understand. However, it has been offered that I might accompany Captain Marvel to Hala. I'm.. I said yes, though I don't know if that was unwise or not."

Saint Walker has posed:
"I've heard that of Supeman, I would very much like to meet him. I have heard of this Batman as well, he sounds like a soul in need of hope, but with a will strong enough to be one of our brother greens, is that accurate?" Saint asks of Kinsey before nodding about sector assignments. "That is something we can ask the Guardians, they handle those matters, the tradition within our corps is that the newest member of our Corps chooses the next lantern and so on down the line. You however are an exception to that rule, and so we will need the Guardians guidance on how to proceed, as it is clear in this dark times, the Blue Light of Hope descided you were needed and worthy, it is now up to us to discovery why and where you migh best serve."

Saint frowns, "I admit I tend to give Kree space a wide berth, they are powerful and many of them are quite fanatical about the rules of their culture and they do not appreciate the interference of outsiders. However, a trip to Hala with Captain Marvel sounds like an excellent place to start, she is respected within some quarters of the Kree and her mentor Mar-Vell is a powerful hero, respected by all."

Kinsey MacKenna has posed:
Kinsey considers of Batman. "He most definitely needs hope. He seemed very much a man with walls and the fear of insecurities. I think though that were I to consider him as a Lantern, he might best suit red. Much anger. Then again, perhaps I shouldn't make snap judgements on such a small encounter."

She does sound truly apologetic about that.

"I've been in Kree space several times now. Blurr, if you remember. I thought at the time it was Kibou who was making my presense there go so much more easily. I found out later that I was passing by their biometric scans as Kree. They might not.. respect Lanterns, but they registered me as one of them." Which might also have explained why they'd been extra appalled she'd stand up for Blurr.

"She - Captain Mar-Vell, said it might not be with much warning. Something about the Supreme Intelligence? Which is odd, the man we had to relocate, he remarked if he had one, he hoped it would be me." Which, again, made more sense now that she knew everyone there but she and Saint Walker had thought she was Kree.

Saint Walker has posed:
"A Red? Hmm, interesting," Walker offers. "A most disagreeable ring choice," as for making snap judgements? That is waved away as if it was of no concern. "You'll recall your intuition is part of what made you a candidate for your ring, along with your hope and compassion, there is no harm in making guesses to one's nature as long as one does not remain wedded to those assumptions when the facts state otherwise."

"That is the edge of Kree space, I understand the deeper parts are more difficult to navigate safely, even for other Kree," he says. "However, that is just what I've heard from others, the Captain will know better I imagine. As for the Supreme Intelligence, it is a form of computer, I believe, or perhaps cybernetic lifeform, it stands at the centre of Kree life, and is considered sacred. It will be interesting to see what you make of it if you are granted an audience."

Kinsey MacKenna has posed:
"Actually, that was one of the hallmarks Captain Mar-Vell spoke to me of. We had a conversation or two about it." Saint Walker may well wonder how Kinsey had opportunity to have these conversations. "It didn't feel like a snap judgement, though. More.. a lingering feeling. It wasn't that he was unpleasant. More that it seemed that was his fuel. Unlike our brother Green Lantern who seems rather more amused by things but rather stolidly determined. I can't actually imagine Batman laughing quite so much as our Green Lantern."

Kinsey pokes at a dish that looks nothing more than a grey paste. Not terribly appetizing looking, and really rather not what she expected given the menu description. At least she presumed this was the bit that Kibou told her was like an earthen stew. With trepidation, she takes a small taste. It's both terribly sour, and suddenly richly savoury at once. Her taste buds are quite uncertain what to make of it, but it isn't unpleasant enough to keep her from a second tasting.

"We didn't get very far into our talk. Though we have established that I have a very firmly placed seventh sense. At least as far as danger goes." Her lips bow over a smirk. "She threw a stapler at me."

Saint Walker has posed:
Indeed, Saint does wonder how Kinsey meets all these people. "Is obtaining meetings another trait of the Kree species, if so, I believe you have that in abundance. I shall have to work hard to expand my own social sphere with the heroes of your homeworld."

"That dish is called blarn, a Gramosian stew, they do it better at my favourite place, but you'll see that when we go," he says. "Try one of the puffs afterwards," he nods to a small dish of multi-coloured things that look a little like meranges. "They go nicely with it."

"I've heard of the Seventh Sense, interesting and the Captain believes you have that ability?" he grins though about the stapler. "I don't have one with me, but if you would like to test your abilities again, I could flick blarn at you," he offers cheekily.

Kinsey MacKenna has posed:
Kinsey laughs, "What, my charming personality, and stellar conversational skills aren't enough explanation?" She puts her eating utensil down and smiles at Saint Walker. "I don't know. So far it seems to have been by change. Though in the case of Blurr, it was a gut feeling. I found myself drawn to him. So perhaps there's truth to that seventh sense thing after all."

As encoiuraged, she tries one of the puffs, and finds it not only melts in her mouth, but somehow it mingles with the sour and the davoury until they both mellow into a pleasing mix. "Oh, this is nice. Alone it wasn't bad, but this is.. mm, there are some human cuisines where you eat them with either salsas or a special bread. They tastes are meant to mingle with one another and complete the experience. Sometimes brightening the flavour. Sometimes mellowing it."

"And, all Kree women have that sense," Kinsey points out. "Or so I've been told."

Though she's not yet been told it's also burnt out of most, if not all of them, out of prejudice and fear.

"I think I could survive without blarn thrown at me. Unless you wish to cause a food fight?"

Saint Walker has posed:
Saint is cryptically silent on if those qualities are enough of an explanation or not; grinning as he does.

"See? Much better with the puff," he says taking one for himself.

He nods about the Seventh Sense, "I did hear that it was related to Kree women and can be quite powerful, but for the most part I've not had much cause to meet with the Kree, at least not in their home space."

Saint grins again, "I think I'd much rather eat my food than fling it, perhaps your's is the wiser course."