They weren't more than well-developed hypotheses for a good part of my life too, for what it's worth. Wasn't until well into my twenties that I learned just how real they are.

[ Real and, to some degree, easy to reach. Well, easy-ish. Jim never felt the urge to use red matter to travel in time, especially when he knew it could just spout some other alternate reality. Possibly not quite as nice as the one Ambassador Spock's trip had accidentally created. ]

Bartender? [ If he sounds bemused, it's because he is. ] I'm much better at drinking cocktails than serving them, but... sure, okay.

[ Not sure how he'll even take that piece of information. Possibly with a grain of salt.

He looks surprised when she mentions an all too familiar name. ] Yes, actually. He is. He was there too?