"S'all right. I mean, it's not the way I woulda wanted to die, but at least it makes for a good story, huh?" The cook laughs, making it clear that there are no hard feelings. "You're dead, too? I guessed as much a while ago. Lotta dead folks in the Nexus."

Kinner isn't offended by the disgusted look, either. Hell, he completely understands - being assimilated and digested by the Thing was not a pleasant experience for him. He's glad he can't remember what happened that well.

"Nah, I'm not the alien. I'm still old Joe Kinner."