The hospital is threatened with a $5 million wrongful termination suit. Ben and Lillian rekindle their former passion when they are stuck in a closet during a fire drill. Williams jeopardizes a gunshot victim's life when he allows a man with a less severe injury to be operated on first; and Javier confesses to Ed that he is again using cocaine.

A man is admitted with a hatchet buried in his head. The staff caters to a crusty physician who will determine whether the hospital receives accreditation. Dr. Syphax confronts Ben over his feelings for Lillian; and Lillian makes a surprising decision that displeases O'Malley.

Lillian tries to get an 18-year-old gang member to accept responsibility for his newborn child. Ben tries to persuade Grace's frightened father to undergo surgery; and Wesley treats a gunshot dog when its 10-year-old owner, who has also been shot, refuses to enter the hospital if his pet can't come with him.

Nurses threaten to walk off the job unless a rapist is caught. Ben suggests Ambrose step aside during a complicated surgery. Gewn is confronted by the brother who once raped her; and Damon is furious after being demoted by Ben for trying to cover up a near-fatal mistake.