The last deck connection came away in the afternoon.
Iven watched from the Sill while the city-side crew took the unloaded fittings in. The human service draws were isolated. The final suppression reduction had been made under Sera’s hand before she left the clinical shelf, with the injured voice path still warm and the care frame settled on its own supports.
Now the remaining workers crossed.
Tavin came with the last approach crew, carrying his cap instead of wearing it. Kesh walked beside Sera. Neri and Dessa followed with the small clean case that no longer contained anything needed inside the patient.
All had crossed before. Their ground marks had existed since the evacuation days. This was the end of a watch, not a city arriving late.
The far crew received them.
Then the two landward carriages were secured, the deck fittings stowed clear and the operators called the physical separation complete.
Mercy remained still.
