Kinner (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
outpostcook) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
nexus_crossings2018-12-31 12:08 pm
outpostcook) wrote in nexus_crossings2018-12-31 12:08 pm
The Calm Before The Storm
Something's been bothering Kinner. There's a visible unhappiness in the little cook's expression, even beyond his usual gruff attitude. He sits in the Plaza, thinking, for once not manning his fish shop. He's going after the Thing soon, and he's not completely sure what to make of that. He knows exactly how dangerous the alien is. Even if the Thing where he'll be going isn't exactly the same creature, it's close enough. In some ways, it sounds even worse. But he can't give up with lives on the line.
He's got a better idea of what to expect than most, but that's a small comfort. After all, the Thing incapacitated and devoured Kinner alive, without much of a fight. This time he'll be better armed and better prepared, but still. He's not exactly thrilled about facing the creature, even with help. And, he realizes with a hint of sickness, he'll be putting his new friends in danger, too.
Kinner, when push comes to shove, isn't scared to look death in the face, and it's Palmer's world, but it's everyone else he's afraid for. Horvath. Alex. Blaze and Ghost. Prometheus. Cricket. Cricket most of all, since the others have magic or other quirks to protect them. Cricket doesn't. Kinner would rather he die than Cricket.
At the very least, he won't make an easy meal this time.
"Have you ever had somethin' you didn't want to do," he finally asks, voice trembling a little, "but you had to do it anyway? Were you scared?"
He's got a better idea of what to expect than most, but that's a small comfort. After all, the Thing incapacitated and devoured Kinner alive, without much of a fight. This time he'll be better armed and better prepared, but still. He's not exactly thrilled about facing the creature, even with help. And, he realizes with a hint of sickness, he'll be putting his new friends in danger, too.
Kinner, when push comes to shove, isn't scared to look death in the face, and it's Palmer's world, but it's everyone else he's afraid for. Horvath. Alex. Blaze and Ghost. Prometheus. Cricket. Cricket most of all, since the others have magic or other quirks to protect them. Cricket doesn't. Kinner would rather he die than Cricket.
At the very least, he won't make an easy meal this time.
"Have you ever had somethin' you didn't want to do," he finally asks, voice trembling a little, "but you had to do it anyway? Were you scared?"
no subject
Despite his melancholy attitude, Kinner is pleased to see Cricket beside him and manages a small smile.
"Thanks, kid. I...just look out for yourself when we're in Antarctica, 'kay? The Thing's extremely dangerous." Kinner doesn't want to be condescending, and he knows Cricket can take care of himself, but he also wants Cricket to be aware of the threat. The Thing consumed adults with military training.
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"I read everything you wrote about it," he nods soberly. "And I get it. I know we're gonna be in danger and we're probably gonna have to kill some people who ain't human but look it. I'm not gonna like it, and neither will the rest of you, but I reckon the only thing worse'n doing it is not doing it and never knowin' if we could have really helped, or if Palmer's whole world is fucked just 'cause we didn't try to do something."
"So. Marie was talking to me about it, so I reckon people other'n you and me and Palmer have an idea about it by now. Do we have other people coming along with us?"
no subject
"Yeah - I've been talking to some folks, and so has Palmer, apparently. There's Blaze and Ghost, you might've met them. Palmer told me they're willing to help us. There's Horvath. He's a sorcerer, and he knows some stuff that might be useful. Alex Mason's pretty young, but he saved me from Micolash and he knows an awful lot about monsters."
He knows he might - no, will - end up killing creatures that look like people, some with names he knows, but it'll help if he remembers that the Thing ate those people. He won't be killing them, but monsters that took their bodies.
"Who's Marie? Is she helping us?"
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That...might not go well, Cricket. Although possibly it would just confuse Micolash to be confronted, rather than prompt some kind of aggression.
"Marie? She's a friend of mine." Cricket looks uneasy. He hopes she's still a friend. They way she sounded when she left sort of brings that into question, but he's willing to be if she is. "She ain't comin', no. She doesn't think we oughtta go at all, actually, and she was tryin' to talk me out of it."
no subject
Kinner shudders. He has a strong stomach, but blue tentacles bring back very bad memories that he doesn't like reliving.
"She was worried about us?" Kinner's actually very touched. "That's kind of her. I'll have to make sure everyone comes back safe, just to ease her mind."
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He makes a mental note to give Micolash a much wider berth from now on, and the arm around Kinner's shoulders pats his back tentatively, reassuring.
The way Kinner reacts to Marie's concern brings him up short, and he blinks at him thoughtfully. "...you're a hell of a good guy, you know that? Maybe I got too defensive with her. I don't think she's mad at me, though."
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Kinner smiles, appreciating Cricket patting his back. Cricket's been real good to him, he thinks, and he ought to do something nice for him in return.
He tries to think of something to help his younger friend feel a little better. "I got an idea. Whatta you say we have a night out at Lord of the Fries after we kill the Thing? You and me. It'll be my treat."
no subject
And Forrest's judgment is usually impeccable where these things are concerned.
He nods, agreeing with Kinner's assessment of Marie. "Guess so. I just...I don't know, I try not to get too mad, and I know I'm a cripple, but I don't want nobody thinkin' I'm helpless or not worth as much as the next man. Mostly people are polite in the Nexus, but I think a lot of folks still feel sorry for me. And I don't want that. Not 'cause of my legs, anyway. They can feel sorry about me bein' murdered if they want."
The look he gives Kinner is stubborn, almost fierce, and there's pride in it. "I've done real well for myself here. Built a business--a legal one--and made friends and...and I'm kinda courtin' someone, and I think I can do this too. Ain't looking to throw a thing away, I ain't goin' to die, I'm just goin' to make sure I don't lose you or Palmer or anyone else."
He softens again quickly, though, declaration made. After all, Kinner hasn't said anything about not letting him come along, and the offer of dinner out after the fight sounds great to him. "Yeah? Lord of the Fries? I'll hold you to that."
no subject
"Y'know the creatures that live by the Cafe? Small critters that are much more friendly than they look to be? I see 'em now. Reckon it's because I met Micolash or somethin'. I'm wondering if it's something I can use to help with the Thing."
Kinner listens to Cricket's declaration and nods. "You've done a good job here, Cricket, with runnin' your own business and all. I can testify that you make good stuff, and you can quote me on that. And you're courting someone?" Kinner's scarred face brightens. "I'll wish you the best of luck. Unfortunately, I can't give any advice on courtin' short of good wishes."
The cook straightens when Cricket accepts his offer. He's happy it worked to cheer his younger friend up a little bit, and Kinner will make sure Cricket makes it back home safely.
"You can hold me to it, all right. I've never been to Lord of the Fries, and it's very much my kinda place."