The Healer's Way

Entry 7: Day 50
Though I had not intended on making an entry for several more days, I must record the events of the past few.

Being Shmi's Healer, I have come to know her family. Her Husband, Jedi Master Qui- Gon Jinn is a contemplative man who, when seen walking down the hall, exudes confidence and strength, almost intimidatingly so. But he is truly a kind, caring, gentle man. I found out that he was Obi-Wan Kenobi's Master until 3 years ago when Obi-Wan became a Knight and took Shmi's son as his Padawan.

Jedi Padawan Anakin Skywalker is a wonderful boy whose Force powers I even can sense before he walks into a room. He has been called 'The Chosen One', the one who will bring balance to the Force (what ever that means, seems pretty balanced to me). I see a kind, compassionate young man who only wants to be a Jedi Knight. He is very strong in the Force and will someday make a great Jedi.

Obi-Wan, Master Kenobi is a handsome man, with reddish-brown hair and blue eyes one can lose yourself in. He is a magnificent Jedi Knight and has skill with a lightsaber only surpassed by his Old Master. Or so Anakin has told me. His loyalty to the Jedi cause and to his Master's family, which he told me is really the only family he has had, is noble and seems somewhat romantic.

Shmi Jinn is doing wonderfully and I think I will release her from the Center tomorrow. She is a strong woman and should do just fine. My impression of her is that she has led a hard life; her demeanor is one of self-sufficiency. Shmi is already talking about every thing needing to be done at home. Her thoughts are more on her family and household than on herself. I warned her to take it easy, as overdoing it can be dangerous to her and the baby. She agreed, but I have a feeling she will be right back to running her home and family full time tomorrow.

I did notice a very stately young woman come to visit Shmi today. I believe her to be some kind of Royalty, based on her entourage. Every day this family grows and grows. I later found out the young woman was Queen Amidala from Naboo. It seems Master's Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan helped to defeat a takeover of her planet. Obi-Wan was just a Padawan then and was knighted soon after. The life of a Jedi is supposed to be quiet, unnoticed, but not this group.

Entry8: day 80:
I am starting to understand the Force more and more each day. At first it was like having this amazing 6th sense. Now it is just a part of me. I cannot turn it off or turn it on. It is always with me. At times I feel I might be going insane, all of the feelings and emotions I sense can be a bit overwhelming. Master Yoda and Healer Tonia have been teaching me to block out all the unwanted emotions and center on the one I need to heal. Time will tell of I can actually do this.

Using the Force to diagnose and heal is so different than the tools used by Doctors. A stethoscope is used to hear a heart beat; with the Force it is only a hand. Surgery is routine for Doctors; with the Force, surgery is only necessary in extreme cases. Focusing immense energy on the area to be healed shortens long months of healing and rehabilitation. The Force cannot heal all wounds or stop all pain, but it can help.

Cases have been pretty routine. Shmi's was the most excitement I have had in quite a while. I have stopped writing notes on paper; their written language is second nature to me now. This journal will be my only connection to my life back home from now on.

Master Jinn invited me to dinner at their home. It was nice to visit with my newfound friends and be treated like I had always been a part of their close family. Master Qui Gon is very proud of his stepson, Anakin. He is the one who discovered Anakin's potential as a Jedi and got the Council to agree to train him. Qui-Gon tells tales of wonderful places, exotic people and dangerous situations with a certain look in his eye.

Entry 9: Day 110:
Where to begin. My time at the Healing Center has come to an end for now. Healer Tonia and I have been given a mission. We are to accompany 2 Jedi Knights to a remote planet whose inhabitants are in need of medical assistance. I am so excited I can hardly wait. We leave tomorrow at dawn.

The planet is Housfara, it's on the outer rim and there have been some recent outbreaks of an unknown illness. I think I will pack my old medical bag just incase. I know I am to use the tools of the Healer, but I am still and will always be a Doctor.

I have found out much about the ways of the Jedi. Obi-Wan and I had dinner a few night ago. We sat and talked for hours. I explained how I thought they were like the Knights of folklore, to which he laughed and said: "If only life were that romantic." Well, I think it is. Though I had not intended to, I ended up pouring my life story out to him. Why I became a Doctor, my divorce, my children, and my newfound appreciation for the Jedi.

His life has been one of reaching a goal. From the first moments he can remember, he has always wanted to be a Jedi, always wanted to right the wrongs of the universe. 12 years as an initiate at the temple, his goal to be chosen as a Padawan. 12 more years as Master Jinn's Padawan, his goal to become a Knight. Now, at the age of 26 his goal is to train his Padawan to Knighthood.

I am going to miss him while I am gone.

Entry 10: Day 115:
We arrived on Housfara 4 days ago. Escorted by none other than Master Kenobi and Anakin. I am beginning to wonder what twist of fate the Force has in store for me. Is it coincidence that Obi-Wan will be my protector on this journey. I guess I will not have to miss Obi-Wan after all.

Housfara is a desolate place. Not just the planet, but also the people. War recently ravaged the planet and peace has brought only greed and suffering. I am glad that we have come to aid in the healing of the people. Even though we cannot right all of the wrongs done them, we can help them become stronger and begin to rebuild. The illness that is plaguing them seems unnatural. I sense it every time I touch one of them. Healer Tonia listened to my concerns and has requested additional testing be done on the inhabitants. Obi-Wan and Anakin have been of great help, though there has been no need for protection, I feel better knowing they are around. Lately they have been assisting us in determining if the virus is natural or man made.

The illness ravages the immune system, leaving the victim open to other illnesses and disease. Tests indicate that it is self-limiting, but the lack of antibodies allows for more serious illness to take hold. Seeing so many ill; children, adults, the elderly, is hard; but I must push it away and continue doing my job.

We have been running tests on the air, water, plant, animal and human population. Anakin has been a wonderful assistant at gathering samples. Obi-Wan knows his way around a lab and has been conducting many of the tests. Now if we could just isolate it.

I have not slept since arriving so I think I will stop now and get some rest.

Entry 11: Day 130
We have found the cause of the illness! It is man made! Using all known and available testing techniques we (actually Anakin) discovered a microscopic man made robot that carries the virus and releases it once it is in the host. Obi-Wan thinks there are factions of the old regime still active and they are planting the virus. We think they are making it somewhere in the hills. He has just returned from Coruscant where he reported our finding to the Council. The Senate is slated to convene a committee to determine what must be done. I know what must be done and so does everyone else. Tonia and I will continue to heal the people and Obi-Wan and Anakin will handle the people who have caused this crime against the Housfarian people.

While Obi-Wan was gone I felt so alone, vulnerable. He has worked his way into my heart. I have woken many a morning lately with him on my mind. I have also fallen asleep many nights with my head on his shoulder; shrouded in his robe and sitting side by side waiting for the next patient to be brought in. It's so nice to have someone to talk with, someone to confide in. Tonia and I are close, but Obi-Wan and I have become even closer.

Entry 12: Day 145
War has again broken out again. Obi-Wan was right; the factions in the hills had been releasing the virus into the food supply. Since the Senate declared it an act against humanity the Trelotans (as they call themselves) have declared war on anyone remotely associated with the Republic. The populous of Housfara have done nothing wrong, yet the Trelotans wish to wipe them out. I know it has been a question asked over and over in many lands. But, why?

Entry 13: Day 148
Today is my daughter Jessica's 3rd birthday. It's so hard knowing she will be celebrating without me. I see the faces of the children here, but all I really see is her face. I hope she received the doll I sent. I really wish I could be there Jess, my big girl.

Entry 14: Day 150
They have caught the Trelotans who were creating and disbursing the virus. We knew it was being added to the food supply. Obi-Wan and I determined the crops were not contaminated in the ground or on the trees, so we decided to check out the processing plants. Several of the workers at the plant were actually Trelotans and were planting the virus as the goods were being processed. The virus was being planted at random but only in this one plant. Once we tested the processed food and found the virus Obi-Wan took over and found the terrorists. I guess Tonia, Obi-Wan; Anakin and I have been lucky we did not eat any of the contaminated food.

Since the arrest of the terrorists, sniper attacks have been occurring more frequently. I am afraid the war is getting closer, but Obi-Wan assures me we are safe here. Though I don't think dodging sniper fire is exactly safe. I did see him deflect a blaster bolt with his lightsaber yesterday. The Jedi have such quick reflexes, almost as if they see things before they happen. Knowing he is around makes me feel a bit safer but I have an urge to jump on the next ship and head back to Coruscant. This has already been enough adventure for this small country Doctor's entire lifetime.

Entry 15: Day 151
The war is coming closer. I can sense it. Obi-Wan has been working to resolve the dispute, but neither side seems to want to budge. I hope someone gives soon. These people can't hold out much longer.

My healing abilities are growing stronger. I never in a million years imagined I could heal with a thought. But I do, everyday. Anakin laughs at me when I learn to do something new. He has just begun to harness his Force ability also. He is always making comments like: "I remember the first time I did that." Or "Wait till you learn to do this!" I think he enjoys the fact that he can teach me about the Force along with Tonia and Obi-Wan.

I don't mind, he is a great kid and a joy to have around. I only hope he stays safe. Something tells me he will have a life of adventure and intrigue as a Jedi.

The war is causing many deaths and casualties in the mountains. Tonia and I were discussing making several trips to help the wounded. Though Obi-Wan and Anakin will not allow it, I think we will start as soon as we can.




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