Makoto stepped into sickbay, her nerves already on edge as she surveyed the sterile white walls and bustling activity. It had been a while since her last check-in, and today was no exception—she needed her next HRT injection, a procedure that always set her heart racing. As she walked, her ears twitched, picking up every little sound—the soft hum of medical equipment, the distant murmur of conversations, even the gentle whirr of motors in her mechanical arm with each precise movement.

Her feline features were unmistakable. A subtle swish of her tail accompanied her every step, and her nose twitched as it caught the faintest scents of antiseptic mixed with something uniquely her own. Determined, she approached the nearest nurse. In a soft yet steady voice, she said, “M…Makoto Nishizumi R… Reporting for Boarding Medical exam…” The words tumbled out, laced with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

Despite the familiar routine, a part of her remained tense. She was often self-conscious about her transformation. Yes, she could pass well—her face refined and her body enhanced with fillers to accentuate her femininity—but there lingered an ever-present fear of being recognized for who she once was. Every glance, every whispered conversation made her feel as if she were on display, vulnerable to the judgments of others.

Taking a deep breath, Makoto steadied herself, focusing on the present moment. Today, she was here for a medical exam, a necessary step in her ongoing journey. And though the hum of her mechanical arm and the subtle signals from her feline senses reminded her of all that set her apart, she moved forward with determination, ready to face whatever lay ahead in the sterile corridors of sickbay.

Makoto Nishizumi
(She/Her)
Chief Engineer-USS Memorial