As the episode of "Doc" unfolds, Luna Elliot (Lily Gao), standing before the urn containing her father's ashes, finds herself confronted by an unexpected encounter with a panhandler (Sebastian Buitrago). When he makes a move to seize her purse, Luna defends herself fiercely. Suddenly, she is struck by a medical crisis, prompting the panhandler to hastily retreat. In the midst of her distress, Luna casts her medication onto the nearby rocky terrain, just moments before rescuers arrive to lend assistance.
Elsewhere, Gina Walker (Amirah Vann) crosses paths with Amy Larsen (Molly Parker), who shares the contents of a revealing email. Amy possesses a video from Katie's (Vivienne Frankie) birthday celebration, much to the chagrin of Michael Hamda (Omar Metwally), who gripes about Amy's snarky demeanor. At the workplace, Sonya Maitra (Anya Banerjee) urges TJ Coleman (Patrick Walker) to set aside his personal feelings towards Amy and follow her lead. Luna confides in them that she has never suffered from any food allergies, yet her throat inexplicably began to constrict. A tattoo adorns her neck, while scars from her work on plane engines mark her arms. TJ recognizes a DOD number among the tattoos, revealing Luna's background as a marine and inactive reserve.
TJ checks Luna's vitals while she explains that the canister holds her father's ashes, donated to science yet retrieved by her for a final journey home. Luna continues to cough violently. TJ notices an unusual detail: her blood analysis indicates abnormally low cortisol levels. Sonya speculates that this might be a consequence of her anaphylactic reaction, to which Luna responds by insisting she has never been ill a single day in her life.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jake Heller (Jon-Michael Ecker) attends to a patient who inexplicably suffered a bump to the forehead. Ms. Reinhold berates Jake until Dr. Richard Miller (Scott Wolf) enters the scene. Ms. Reinhold expresses her enduring dislike for Jake and demands to see Dr. Larsen instead.Richard endeavors to elucidate, but Jake swiftly interjects, informing him that Dr. Larsen will arrive momentarily. In a hushed conversation, Jake insists that Reinhold's trust cannot be garnered until Amy is present. Elsewhere, Amy approaches Michael, urgency etched on her face, announcing the need to converse with him. She unveils a video that captures a heated dispute between them, just as Gina steps in, reminding them that today's focus should not stray to Danny. The conversation descends into further argument, with Amy questioning the source of Michael's anger towards her, speculating that she might be projecting blame onto him for a past incident. Amy firmly declares that he cannot continue down this path. Michael, now agitated, retorts that she cannot dictate his actions. He storms off shortly thereafter, leaving Amy with a curt declaration that he has nothing further to say on the matter.
Later, Michael discovers that military police have arrived to take Luna into their custody. Richard informs them that TJ Coleman deemed it necessary to summon them and requests Luna's medical records. Michael engages Lieutenant Walter Branch, who reveals the intention to transfer Luna to a military hospital. In a confidential moment, Luna confesses to Sonya her deception about being inactive and her use of steroids for pain relief and recovery, acknowledging the risk of expulsion from the Marines. Sonya conveys to Michael that the military's presence is exacerbating the situation. Michael attempts to reason with Lieutenant Branch, who emphasizes Luna's role as a United States Marines test pilot stationed at the Johnson Space Center and training for a mission to the International Space Station. Michael steadfastly refuses to allow Branch access to Luna.
Elsewhere, Jake discusses Dr. Larsen with nurse Julie (Claire Armstrong). Amy arrives and Jake initiates a conversation with her about the mission, ultimately conversing with Reinhold alongside her. Amy methodically navigates through protocols while gently reprimanding Jake. Meanwhile, Sonya and TJ clash over his decision to involve the military. Sonya learns that TJ conducted unnecessary lab tests, yielding inconclusive results, and reminds him of her unwavering loyalty to the patient. She informs TJ that Luna has been administered Medrol and experienced shortness of breath last week, which she attributed to the medication. Luna had received a new prescription for hydrocortisone from her private physician.Sonya harbors suspicions that this particular factor triggered the allergic reaction and insists they maintain discretion until circumstances force their hand. Michael's thoughts drift to Danny, prompting a conversation with Amy about their decision to embark on parenthood. Amy then requests Michael to step in for her during Danny's field trip today. Meanwhile, Michael receives word that Bill Malden from the Department of Defense has called again, with Gina present to offer him her support. Gina empathizes with Michael's distress, recalling how she honored his request to keep Nora's pregnancy confidential alongside Katie. She contends that Amy deserves to know the truth about her son and her marriage, a revelation Michael is hesitant to revisit.
Richard checks in with TJ and Sonya regarding the Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), pondering whether pneumonia might be the culprit. Reinhold interrupts, voicing her eagerness to return home. Jake and Amy, however, suspect she's experienced a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) and advocate for a brain MRI. Richard declines their offer, instead asking for a hip X-ray to rule out a fracture and then discharging her. He reflects on Amy's medical practice post-Danny, critiquing how she over-tested in search of elusive diagnoses, causing undue hardship on patients. Richard vows not to manage the department in such a manner. Amy thanks him for his honesty, acknowledging that few are brave enough to impart such truths.
Elsewhere, Michael confides in Katie, who prepares to meet Amy, cautioning her that Amy might pose probing questions she might prefer to avoid. He urges her to prioritize her well-being. Max Garner summons Michael, reminding him of their substantial federal funding and expressing displeasure over unanswered calls. Max mentions seeing Amy wandering the administrative wing, speculating that Michael has squandered his political influence over this "little experiment."Consequently, Max surrendered the astronaut into custody. TJ quickly intervened to attend to Luna, who had begun to convulse. Amy engaged in conversation with Katie, who hinted at a desire to discuss Danny's fate. Amy gently brushed it off, asserting that it was a matter for her and Michael alone, wary of entangling Katie further. Michael, observing their exchange from afar, noticed Amy's tender nickname for Katie – "Katydid," to which Katie conceded she hadn't used in years. Amy pondered aloud if she had distant herself, erecting barriers between them, and offered a heartfelt apology, vowing to make amends.
Approaching them, Michael inquired about Amy's intentions. Suspecting they were discussing Danny, Katie quickly disabused him of that notion. Meanwhile, Sonya administered a Lidocaine injection to Luna, who confided in Sonya and TJ her aspiration to become an astronaut – to scatter her father's ashes in space and inform him of their ultimate triumph. Sonya reassured her they would spare no effort to ensure her readiness.
Lieutenant Branch (played by Dwain Murphy) emphasized Luna's significance to Richard and Michael, whom Branch suspected of merely covering their tracks. Richard countered that this was a matter of medical ethics. Michael, steadfast, assured Branch that he would shoulder any responsibility should anything befall Luna during transit. Branch demanded access to Luna's comprehensive medical records.
Elsewhere, Amy spoke with Reinhold, who lamented how things kept slipping away from him. Suddenly, Cece Reinhold (played by Henry Russell) collapsed. Amy vowed to uncover the truth behind these occurrences. She consulted with Richard and Jake, and in private, Richard confessed he might have erred. Amy promised to consider his earlier advice.
Dr. Franco's conversation with Amy turned to the inquiry about whether an autopsy had been conducted on her son. Richard, growing anxious, feigned a call. Dr. Franco revealed that Amy and Michael had been convinced it was a sudden cardiac arrest due to a pre-existing condition, opting against an autopsy. Flashbacks ensued, showing Danny telling Michael about his carsickness and griping about being treated like a child by his parents.
In the present moment, Nora tenderly checks in on Michael, who reveals that Amy is eager to comprehend the circumstances surrounding Danny's passing and why she placed the blame on him. Nora firmly contends that Michael should not revisit that haunting terrain again. Meanwhile, Luna prepares herself mentally for an impending surgical procedure. Sonya gravely informs Branch that the pneumonia infection has invasively traveled to her brain, resulting in an abscess. Branch solemnly adds that Luna faces the prospect of a court martial due to her failure to report her condition and her deceit regarding the medications she consumed.
A flashback ensues, depicting Michael's visit to the museum with Danny. As Michael awakens from a harrowing nightmare, Nora gently checks on him, her concern evident. Sonya updates Luna on her condition, informing her that the abscess has been drained and she will be administered potent antibiotics for six weeks, followed by oral medication for several months. Sonya explains that Luna's immune system was compromised by her use of corticosteroids. Additionally, Sonya has another piece of information she must impart to Luna.
TJ abruptly interrupts a meeting between Branch and Michael, explaining that Luna's respiratory issues could potentially be attributed to the oxygen deprivation training that NASA has subjected her to for the past three years. Michael and TJ suggest that this revelation could cast a negative light on the marines' public image. Elsewhere, Amy and Jake learn that Reinhold suffers from multiple mobile cardiac thrombi, which are causing her transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and may not be indicative of Alzheimer's after all. Amy delicately informs Reinhold that her memory issues stem from clots in her heart, reassuring her that her memory loss should gradually diminish.
Richard contacts Dr. Franco, emphasizing that any information requests from Amy Larsen must first obtain his approval. Grateful for TJ's intervention, Luna decides to ground herself, believing that her father would not have wanted her to pursue her dreams in such a manner. However, she intends to send his ashes into space with the next crew. Sonya expresses her gratitude to TJ for his actions, and he comprehends her rationale, drawing a parallel with Dr. Larsen's behavior.
Another flashback unfolds, showing Amy inquiring why Michael did not check Danny's pulse. Michael seeks a favor from Max, aware that Russ Dawkins sits on the Franklin's board and desires to gain access that very night. Michael accompanies Amy to the Franklin, showing her where the children were after Danny vomited outside. Danny had been joyously frolicking with his friends, leading Michael to believe he was carsick. Tragically, he later found Danny collapsed on the floor and frantically called for someone to dial 911. Michael recounts his desperate attempts to save Danny, noting that the defibrillator arrived too late to be effective. By the time paramedics arrived, Danny had already passed away. Amy had called, but Michael was unable to answer, consumed by guilt. He berates himself for not recognizing Danny's heart condition and checking his pulse. Amy realizes she unfairly blamed Michael and offers solace as he breaks down in sobs, their conversation touching on the fragility of their friendship.
