Shkaplerov and Belyaeva launch into orbit in a Soyuz spacecraft, which docks with the ISS. Belyaeva begins operating on Boegdanov. After penetrating Bogdanov's chest cavity, Belyaeva encounters unexpected complications. Blood clots and scar tissue have formed a non-expandable "crust" over one of Bogdanov's lungs. Mission Control decides to give the order for an emergency descent, hoping that Bogdanov will survive the journey, despite the risky odds. However, Belyaeva protests, citing the Hippocratic Oath. At first she is overruled, but after much debate, Director Volin gives her permission to continue.