She finds Hahn and breathlessly tells her that she knows how they could perform Mr. Arnold's surgery. Hahn starts to explain why it won't work as if she's talking to a slow child, but Cristina forges ahead and says that they can do it while he's awake. Over Hahn's protests, Cristina explains that they could do a high thoracic epidural that would numb him from the chest down. Hahn is finally listening, and when Izzie comes up with his discharge papers, Hahn tells her to wait a moment before they do that.

Because he is a logical individual, Mr. Arnold is absolutely horrified at the idea of being awake for the five to six hours of surgery, but Hahn maintains that it's his best option. Seeing him hesitate, Izzie blurts out, "Ivory-billed woodpecker." Izzie blurts out a lot of stupid things, and everyone seems to think this is another instance. But she looks at Mr. Arnold and tells him this is his only chance to see it, and after pondering for a moment, he agrees. As soon as he consents, Hahn tells Izzie they'll scrub in ASAP. Izzie actually pauses and protests that this was Cristina's idea, but Hahn asks if she wants in or not, and Izzie does. Over Cristina's objections, Hahn informs her there will be standing room in the gallery, and orders Izzie to book the OR. Cristina's left alone to think about how she just got royally shafted.

Richard's staring at the board, seemingly less than thrilled that there's an awake open-heart surgery scheduled. Derek comes up and interrupts him to talk about the gentleman's evening, but he can't seem to break through Richard's worrying. He tells Richard that he invited Mark, and wants to know what to tell him to expect. Richard finally turns and heartily tells him, "Tell him to expect a good time!" Derek asks if that involves cigars and whiskey, and Richard just pats his shoulder. "A good time, Shep. You know?" Well, actually, Richard, he doesn't. That's why he keeps asking you.