Joule nodded at her again before looking at Kira. "Where is your guard?"
"That's something I'd like to know as well," she told him.
"You shouldn't be alone," he said seriously.
Shandry huffed and threw away the cloth she'd been folding. "This is a sanctuary for those who need it. No one is going to try to kill her here."
Joule suddenly seemed much older and wiser than his age would suggest. "She's already survived two attempts on her life since she landed. Do you intend to endanger the rest of your patients on the belief her enemies will respect a healer's sanctuary?"
Shandry frowned, suddenly seeming unsure. "Thelu-ongwasn't an attempt. That was an accident."
"Would alu-ongnormally nest so close to your home?" Joule asked politely. "The waters near the Citadel are too shallow for them to hunt, especially as they grow to majority."
His words seemed to resonate with Shandry, her face turning pensive as she bit her lip in uncertainty.
"The Emperor’s Face would no doubt like to be informed of the change in her status," Joule said.
Shandry nodded slowly. "Fine, I'll send someone to let him know, but she's not to leave this room."
Joule gave her a polite bow as she swept out of the room.
Kira waited several seconds before untangling her feet and swinging her feet out of the bed.
"Good job. Perhaps you can be of some use after all," Kira told Joule.
"Where are you going?" he asked with a frown.
"I need to find Liara and ask her what the fuck she thinks she's doing taking my friends into custody," Kira said.
Her feet touched the ground, the white sheath slithering until the hem touched her ankles. She plucked at the material. It was light and airy but had a silky sheen to it.
The dress fit well enough, and she didn't think she'd have to worry about modesty since it wasn’t see-through. It would do for now until she could find something better.
"The healer said to stay here. I promised her you wouldn't leave," Joule protested, hurrying after Kira as she left the room, her bare feet slapping against the stone.
"First thing to know, if you're going to hang around Kira for any length of time—she rarely does what she's told," Jin said, bringing up the rear.
Joule nodded, his face pensive.
He was probably wondering what exactly he had gotten himself into. She should have felt some sympathy for him, but she didn't. These were the kind of things you vetted before you made someone your mentor.
