Star Healer

1984

When Dr Conway is told that he is no longer the Senior Physician in charge of the ambulance Ship Rhabwar his initial disappointment is alleviated by the request he take some time off to consider his future. If he so desired, the position of Diagnostician-in-Charge of Surgery is open to him, but first he must consider his options.

Conway's break takes him to the planet of the Goglekans. At first there was nothing of particular interest, just the joy of looking at a new species. The apparent dislike of the natives for personal contact is suddenly, and shockingly, explained when a group of Goglekans reacted to an accident with an incident of mass psychosis.

His interest prodded, Dr Conway persuades a local healer to participate in an examination. By accident the Goglekan doctor is induced into a panic attack where it tries joining with Conway then attacking him.

Evacuated back to Sector General, Dr Conway recovers to find that he has been left with the mental impressions of his Goglekan colleague.

As the tapes required for Diagnostician status are implanted, Conway worries how they will affect him, and what the effect on his relationship with the voluptuous Murcheson will be!

---