ENTRY 35

We arrived back to Toprawa today. I gave a report of what happened on Despayre and the rescue of Sheel to the Antarian Ranger leaders, Aren Folee and Degan Cor. They were thrilled that we were able to rescue Sheel, but wary about me bringing in a stranger to the base—albeit a thirteen-year-old stranger. I convinced them that I didn't sense any deception or danger from Norro, in fact he might grow up to be a fine Antarian Ranger (if that's what he desires). I am sure he has some Force abilities that he uses to sense the intentions, either good or evil, of others.

After I left Degan Cor's office I went over to the infirmary. Sacha said she was bringing Norro there right away. We are concerned about his health. Since he has been with us he has eaten, but hasn't gained any weight.

I found Sacha sitting inside the infirmary waiting room reading a holozine. She looked up and smiled while motioning me to the empty chair next to her. "Norro is being examined by the doctor. He said he will call me in when they are done."

I settled into the chair next to Sacha and gave her a sidelong look. "You are falling into the roll of mother fairly easily."

She chuckled. "I've been on a paramilitary base consisting of seventy-five percent men, of which, at least half are under the age of twenty-five. Dealing with young men sort of goes with the territory." She put down the holozine and gave me a sad smile. "I don't mind mothering the boy. He lost his birth mother, he doesn't know who his father is, when he was ten he was forced out of Sister Central and was separated from everybody he's ever known,. He survived in the men's compound by eating rats…he's been through more stress than most combat veterans." She ran a hand through her dark hair and blew out a frustrated breath. "I hope he's alright. He looks so sick."

I could hear the worry in her voice. I reached out and clasped her hand in mine and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Don't worry. The kid's tough."

She nodded her head. "I know." She looked up to a door leading to the examination rooms. "He's been with the doctor for almost an hour."

I gave her hand another reassuring gentle squeeze. "I'll be alright." I released my grip when I realized I had held her hand far longer than most friends would find comfortable. "Sacha, one of my Force abilities is to see auras around people…it looks like ribbons of color surrounding them. I don't see auras all the time, but when I do, it is very telling. With evil people I see black ribbons encircling them like withering snakes. Good people are intertwined with light glowing colors. It not only indicates a person's character, but I can also sometimes see connections between people…it's like the Force ribbons reach out for each other." I paused to collect my thoughts and to take a breath. "Norro is a good kid. Despite his horrible childhood his aura shines and when he is around us, you, me and the rest of our group, I can see his aura reach out and try to become intertwined with ours. He is looking for a family. I know that." I gave her a broad smile. "Maybe he can find a family here."

Sacha's draw dropped at my statement. "You think so?"

I grinned. "Sure, I am sure there are a lot of childless couples on the base that would love to adopt him. I know he said he wouldn't be able to fit in with a normal family, but Antarian Rangers are not a typical family. I think anybody that can function in a paramilitary group could provide a good home to him."

"Oh," Sacha sounded disappointed. She picked up her holozine and started reading again. "I guess you are right. He should have a mother and a father, living together in a relationship."

I nodded and was about to ask her why the long face when a nurse came into the waiting room. "Sacha, the doctor wants to talk to you about Norro."

She stood and motioned me to follow. "Jax is the man who saved him from the prison planet."

The nurse nodded. "Of course you are both welcome to see the doctor."

We followed the nurse to an examination room down the hall. When we entered Norro was dressed and sitting on the exam table looking a little nervous. He smiled and gave us a wave as Sacha and I entered the room. A middle aged human male wearing a white lab coat was standing next to Norro as he punched information into a datapad. He looked up and smiled as he extended his hand in greeting. "I'm Doctor Raken."

I shook his hand and asked him about Norro's condition. I didn't like the way the doctor pursed his lips in thought before he answered. "I ran some tests and discovered Norro is infected with a Chirgotta intestinal parasite. It has been stealing nutrients from him for years probably. I am going to put him on an anthelmintic drug that starves the worm by preventing the parasite from absorbing glucose. After two weeks on this treatment I want him on a high fiber diet to help him expel this parasite. Chirgottas are worms that can grow to a meter in length. Fortunately, when they die they have a tendency to break apart making them easier to pass."

I looked up to Norro who was blushing bright red right about now. I can understand his embarrassment; nobody wants other people knowing they may have to evacuate a meter long parasite from their bowels.

I nodded my head. "That's good news. Is he healthy other than that?"

The doctor sighed. "He is malnourished. I know your first thought is to feed him high calorie foods, but there is a chance he will experience something called refeeding syndrome. A patient that is severely malnourished who is starts eating normally might experience electrolyte disorders that could cause cardiac arrhythmias. He said he's eaten without complications, so there might not be a danger. But just to be safe for the next couple days I would restrict his caloric intake to milk, either Nerf or Goff-milk. If he doesn't experience any confusion, pain or nausea you can increase his food intake. Don't hesitate to contact me if he experiences any problems." He looked back at Norro before he put a hand on my shoulder and guided me to the door. "Can I talk to you and Miss Swiftbird alone for a minute?" He turned back to Norro. "I'll be right back. Just relax."

We walked out to the hallway with Dr. Raken closing the door behind him. "Are you two going to be the boy's guardians?"

I shook my head just as Sacha said, "Yes."

I looked over to her surprised. "Ummm…yes," I said slowly. "Until a permanent family can be found."

The doctor nodded. "Good. He talks about his rescuers in high regard." He hesitated for a moment. "I would like you to bring him to Dr. Verden. He is a psychologist. From what Norro has told me he has been through multiple physiological traumas in his short life. It is not odd for somebody with that type of background to suffer from traumatic stress disorders which may manifest as depression, anxiety, or self-destructive behavior. I think individual counseling will help him and also family counseling so you can understand and recognize any emotional problems that might arise." He looked at both of us. "Do you have any questions?"

We both shook our heads. The doctor opened the door and called out Norro and then turned back to us. "The nurse will give you the prescription and instructions. Schedule a follow up appointment in three weeks."

Norro came out of the exam room and gave me a uneasy grin. I put an arm around his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "The doctor said you are going to be okay."

And that's how I became a foster parent to a thirteen-year-old boy. I never thought I would be a father, but I never thought the entire Jedi order would be decimated and the galaxy run by a Sith. Life is full of surprises.

In this case, it's a good surprise.