"I can be part of the community well enough by being good at what I do," she replies, not entirely sure she wants to become soft and cheerful and empathetic. "My sister is much better at that than I ever was."

Mia would probably thrive here, and so would Max. There's no room for people like Niska in community oriented places, but she's smart and she's clever. She has knowledge and strength and she can defend where she needs to.

"You be nice. I'll take blood," she says, holding up a needle.