Command and Control

Terri leaves the Ranald Graham of the Community House and returns to Ward 17. She has healed somewhat since the death of Neil Phillips a week ago, but Terri knows a return to her usual world will be a trying time. Von gives her all the support she can, but so far Terri's ordeal is not general knowledge. Mitch decides to make himself scarce. Terri gets stuck into office work, avoiding contact with the patients and awkwardly deflecting the friendly inquiries of her colleagues. Meanwhile, rumours circulate about a rape and fatal stabbing. Steph is shocked when her ambulance officer friend, Mick Todd, is transferred to the ward from the Intensive Care Unit. Mick is not coping with his new life as a paraplegic—he is angry and resentful, a very different person from the lively friend she knew before. When Mick's wife and son arrive for a visit, it is instantly clear how close the marriage is to collapse. Mick wants nothing to do with either of them. He has worked with paraplegics and knows how hard the future will be for him. In putting up his emotional barriers he shuts everyone out—especially the people who love him. Bron finds herself dealing with a computer savvy hypochondriac. Kent has arrived at the hospital with a range of symptoms and has just about convinced everyone his problem is a blocked bowel. But there is a strike in the hospital today and everyone is under pressure. Kent's demands are not being met and his agitation grows. Eventually, geeky Kent turns out to be a very violent and frightening customer. Bron has to work hard to make up for some less than perfect procedures and save herself and Kent from harm. Across the ward, Jared is frustrated by the imposing Mr. Roach who is very much "off with the fairies" after neurosurgery. Mr. Roach just wants a cup of tea but can't remember he has had several already. Events conspire to wind up the pressure on very fragile Terri. Mick Todd seizes her arm and pours out his humiliation and fear over the loss of his sexuality. Terri witnesses Kent lose control and threaten the life of Bron. Finally, confused Mr. Roach gets very close and demands one too many cups of tea. Terri rocked by flashbacks to the terror of Neil Phillips' attack, becomes hysterical and collapses in front of her colleagues. Terri bravely faces the group and reveals the full truth to all. She will need the support of her friends to get by as she tries to return to a normal life.