There was a lot of talk about the vital importance of his new assignment, but it still seemed like a demotion to Senior Physician Conway. After twelve years of outstanding service - and the most incredible experiences imaginable - Conway couldn't quite appreciate the "honor" of becoming an ambulance attendant at this stage of his life. True, the insectile empath, Dr. Prilicla, would be with him - and sow would the eminently desirable Nurse Murchison - but it was definitely a comedown for a Senior Physician of his status to be conscripted as part of a first-aid team for disabled spacefarers. Then the first call came - and Conway faced the problem of treating a spaceship crew's mysterious ailment . . . without wiping out every patient and doctor in Sector General!