Posted by Civilian Alexander Michael Knowles (Head of Education and Culture) in The Trouble with Karlos - Rabbitus Memorial School
“Alexander, I wanted to talk to you about your son, Karlos,” the Deputy Head in charge of middle school attendance at the Rabbitus Memorial School said to him, “I’m surprised you are here, considering.”

“Considering what,” Alexander asked, confused.

“The family death, you are entitled to leave in such situations,” the Deputy explained, “especially given it was your parents.”

“My parents?” Alexander asked, “they were alive when I spoke to them yesterday via subspace.”

“But the note said they died 3 days ago and that Karlos wouldn’t be attending school as a result,” the Deputy said, “today was the first day of the absence, I wanted you to know that it was fine and ok, and that no, we don’t need Karlos to do any work during the absence. His assessment will be put off until after he’s returned and …” The Deputy paused, “wait, you spoke to them yesterday?”

“Yes,” Alexander said, “I don’t know what’s gotten into that boy. I’m a professional educator but I can’t relate to him, I’m a failure when it comes to my own family. Why would he do this?”

“It’s a new world for him, a whole new world, did you get his views on moving here, away from everything and everyone he knows? Did he want to come to such a strange place? It’s hard on us as adults out here, but for kids …” the Deputy trailed off.

“Well, I guess we’d better check the starport for the names of departures, you do that would you? I’ll contact Rassa and see if she knows anything. I don’t know what’s gotten into him,” Alexander said, moving into his room.

• Alexander Knowles, Head of Education

A figure entered the doctor’s clinic attached to the Sacred Heart Hospital. It was a youth, and he seemed to be concerned or frightened or something. The patients already waiting looked at him and returned to their holomags, holovids or holonovels.

“I need to see a Doctor, please,” he said softly to one of the reception people, “please.”

“Your name?” the receptionist replied.

“My name?” the youth repeated, “ummm … Talen … yeah that’s it, just Talen.”

“Have you been here before, Talen, do you have a parent or guardian?” the receptionist asked.

The youth shook his head, “no and no please don’t.” Talen replied, looking scared, and looking about.

“Ok, Talen,” the receptionist said, “can you tell me what you want to see a doctor about?”

“A personal matter,” Talen answered, “I want to see, and he pointed to Amelia Barnes’ name, “Doctor Barnes, please, I want to see Doctor Barnes.”

“I’ll see if she can see you,” the receptionist told the youth, “take a seat, please.”

Talen did as requested, and kept his face down as he sat in a chair away from others, the receptionist sent a message to Amelia, with the message, “a troubled youth wants to see you about a personal problem, he seems worried or scared more than anything. He claims not to have parents and not to have been here before. He says his name is Talen. That’s all, just Talen. He doesn’t seem to be causing any problems.”

• Talen and Receptionist