Through the Looking Glass

Definitely a child, the purity of feeling is unmistakable.
This little person found Rayna's greeting to be extremely funny, because she erupted in a fit of
giggles. "I'm Naomi Wildman," she smiled at Rayna, and extended her hand. "No one's ever
called me 'ma'am' before."
For a heartbeat, Rayna stared stupidly at the offered appendage. There had been no children at
the training house for Ornaments, and during her Starfleet career, she'd done her best to avoid
interaction with them. Children were dangerous. Their powers of perception were instinctive,
and could see through the most elaborate deception. Even worse, they radiated emotions like
miniatures suns, making it impossible to focus.
Why is there a child on Voyager?
An interesting question…however, you might want to consider shaking her hand.
She did so, and was mercifully spared any further awkwardness when Neelix emerged from the
galley.
"Naomi!" He smiled warmly at Ms. Wildman. The mess hall blossomed amid the spring of their
affection.
Rayna backed away. Scenes like this made her distinctly uncomfortable.
The strength of their love makes you uncomfortable. Lie to someone else.
It was obviously time for more coffee. Rayna retrieved a cup and sipped it by the replicator.
Children unnerved her. It made little sense, when considered. She had charmed her way into the
beds of beings who would throttle a newborn with its own umbilical cord. Yet, here she was,
fleeing a conversation with a little girl.
You should rejoin them.
No, she decided, they would remember her soon enough.
"Chakotay to Crewman Merris," her communicator sounded.
"Sir?" She tapped the infernal thing after a second's confusion. Wearing a comm badge was but
one of a whole host of things she had to get used to.
"Meet me in the Briefing Room."
She acknowledged the command and turned back toward Neelix, steadfastly refusing to look at
Ms. Wildman. "Briefing Room?"