"I miss the convenience," I allow, fingers quickly buttoning up the front of my coat and then reaching into the pockets for my gloves. "I moved around a lot before coming to this place, spent a lot of time in space, then on Mars. I wouldn't say I like this place, but I like the people, and at this point, it's become like a home to me."

And when I let myself consider it, I do have to acknowledge that I enjoy the challenge. I enjoyed the challenge on Mars, too, when I was able to shove down the primal fear of having been left there. Whether I appreciate the methods of putting and keeping me here is something else entirely, though, and that's always been the rub. Why it's hard to just say yeah, I'm settled, this is Home.

"I'd like to say things get less odd and alarming, but that wouldn't be the truth. But most of the time it isn't as bad as this."