The Vicio seemed like a different ship now. Part of that had to do with nothing chasing me through the hallways with murderous intent. That was always helpful in making a home away from home feel cozier, even more so than comfort food. Shocking, I know. But it felt different too - warmer and brighter and livelier.

It smelled the same though. Traces of tobacco lingered in the air, and when I walked through an invisible cloud of smoke, I'd stop to see if Red was around. I was ...