We're all shining stars.

Nef materialized that smoke through sheer willpower. That or it came from the smoke machine he installed in his casket for added drama. Nobody knows for sure

I think while Tawna was being guarded by Cortex he would become too busy for her sometimes and leave her under the super vision of his Potoroo enforcer.  They would often be around each other also as Pinstripe was Cortex’s bodyguard.  Of course,  Tawna absolutely HATED Pinstripe at first.  He worked for the bad guy, he was obviously a total scumbag, and he was beyond annoying.  But he was genuinely nice to her.  

I think the mutants have this bond with each other, even if they’re not on the same team they all sorta feel for one another still.  It ended up being nice for Tawna.  Surprisingly Pinstripe was a nice guy. The two of them talked a LOT.  Pinstripe is so chatty.  Tawna quickly found his annoying habits to be endearing instead, and found he was a really fun guy.  The two really hit it off as friends.  One of the reasons Tawna was able to escape so often was Pinstripe would let her.  Of course, he always made sure to tell her she owed him one.  ( She’s racked up a lot of favors that he plans on cashing someday.  )

The point is they became friends.  Like really, really good friends.   The best of friends even.