Thank you to those who have read so far. I'd appreciate review or comment. This story has not been beta-ed, so if I'm making mistakes (and I'm sure I am!) it won't hurt my feelings if someone wants to point them out. I am catching up to what I have already written, so after the next couple of chapters the updates will be at a slower pace.

The clinic was a surprisingly spacious area comprised of a receiving area, a curtained treatment room, and a storage area. The supplies from the Enterprise had already been put away. There was no biobed, but there were two stretchers and a cart with a fair assortment of scanners and some emergency equipment, including a defibrillator and portable ventilator. Everything was clean and well organized. McCoy was impressed and said so to Arnette.

"One of our staff has some experience in the field as a medic. He keeps this area maintained, and is capable of treating small wounds and simple maladies." She looked at McCoy, her expression unreadable. "He is capable of doing a physical as well, but the FSB insists on a physician report. So here you are."

"Yes," McCoy said drily. "Here I am. When are you expecting the scientists from the sites?"

"Three have arrived already. They will be along shortly. Three others will be here within the hour. You may set up a schedule for tomorrow, allowing for how much time you will need per patient. Just forward it to my office, and I will send patients to you at regular intervals. Medical records have been forwarded to the computer in here. Your badge has full access to those." She turned to leave.

"One more thing," McCoy said. "I notice the clock says six two. How is time counted here?"

"There are almost twenty-nine Earth hours in a planetary rotation. The days and nights are almost evenly divided. Our clocks begin zero at sunrise and count up to twenty-eight point eight, then start over. Each hour counts in eighths. Twilight begins shortly after thirteen, it is dark by fourteen four. There are no moons, but there is some luminescent plant life. The compound is well lit. Night can be dark here on Aminta."

"What is considered a work day?"

'Whenever we work. But you may plan to be here at two tomorrow morning. Does that answer your question?"

"Yes. Thank you."

"Contact me if you require assistance." Her heels clicked down the hall.

Giotto looked at McCoy, who shook his head.

"By the time I get the clock figured out, it will be time to leave," McCoy said, not quite kidding. "Christine, let's have a look at the computer before we have patients."