The surgical room was ready fifty-eight minutes after the healer ordered it prepared.
Two catalyst reservoirs stood inside separate barrier frames beside the treatment platform. Sealed instrument trays occupied a low table, and three scanning crystals held fixed positions above the place where Tovan would sit. The room's main door stayed open for emergency access. Beyond it, Alexandra and Kumoe kept the corridor clear while academy attendants redirected everyone else to another floor.
Only the older and younger healers from Tovan's examination team would operate. The specialists expected in the morning were still traveling, so each healer took duties normally divided among a larger team. Waiting risked allowing the new branch another chance to enter Tovan's heart.
Tovan entered under his own power. His injured leg dragged on the final step, but he crossed the room without assistance and took the marked position inside Open Ward.
