"Susan, prepare to initiate the remote surgery system, Doctor Yang is about to operate on Steven."
Collins, more familiar with the communication between Houston and the International Space Station than the Chief Medical Officer who had rushed from Washington, became the de facto coordinator of the operation.
The network communication consisting of three satellites is the only link between the International Space Station and Houston. It is also Steven's only lifeline.
Susan and David Hollis, who were already on the verge of despair, leaped into action upon hearing the instructions. Regardless of feasibility, this was their only hope.
They had long since secured the remote surgery system. The sterile-packaged robotic arm was protected by a shield. The flat surface that replaced the operating bed was also securely fixed. Steven was firmly restrained on the flat surface with a binding device.
