The ankle length skirt of her linen dress swished slightly as it flared from her hips. Looking down, Dalaira smiled. “Don’t be nervous, it’ll be fine. Besides, you know most of the people in Sickbay.”

Sowyn chewed on her lip. “I know it doesn’t hurt, but I don’t like the vaccinations. I don’t know why, but I don’t.” She pondered this more as they approached the Sickbay doors.

Reaching out her hands, Dalaira took Sowyn’s and gave it a gentle squeeze. She wondered idly if and when Sowyn might develop the abilities of a Chihao, but since the girl was already blessed with an unusual level of abilities, it was hard to say.

“Relann was around my age when she got hers, wasn’t she?”

Senz looked disapprovingly. “Sowyn, we’ve talked about this. Mind your shields.”

“But I know you and you don’t mind. We talk that way all the time.”

Dalaira sighed slightly. “I know. But not everyone is as comfortable or accepting. Be mindful and go in compassion.” She didn’t want the girl to isolate herself, but she knew the history of their people was apparently not an uncommon one. She wanted to protect Sowyn where it was reasonable.

Sowyn simply nodded as they stepped into Sickbay.

“Doctor Ryley?” Dalaira called out, looking around for the oft abrasive man.

~Dalaira & Sowyn