Combat Hospital Episode 1.09 Shifting Sands

A convoy is hit with an Improvised Explosive Device. There are no fatalities, but the person suspected of planting the bomb was shot in the backside. The wounded man could be working with the Taliban. Warrant Officer Marcus Xinico of the military police is investigating the suspected insurgent whose name is Kamaal. He also has some questions for a member of the Role 3. It seems Kamaal is old pals with Vans.

Vans hasn't seen Kamaal in years, but swears his friend isn't Taliban. Nevertheless, Colonel Marks orders him to stay away from the suspect. Salman, another friend Vans knows from his youth, comes in with a head wound. He happens to be the Afghan soldier who fired at the suspect as he was fleeing the scene. Vans tells Salman that the man he shot is their friend.

Vans defies orders by asking Kamaal if he planted the IED. His friend denies it. The base is attacked and the detainee escapes. When Colonel Marks finds out Vans had a chat with his old pal, he has no choice but to lock him in a detention area. Later, Kamaal is recaptured just as Salman is cleared to return to duty. With order having been somewhat restored, Vans is released from detention.

Colonel Marks tries to explain his actions, but Vans doesn't want to hear it. A short time later, the convoy transporting Kamaal is attacked. Salman is hit with a gunshot wound to the head. His situation looks grim. Vans is stunned to learn that the Taliban took his other friend, Kamaal. That can only mean that he was working with them. Vans is crushed. Fortunately, Colonel Marks is there to help him get through the pain.

A field general comes in with tears streaming down his face. It's hard to lead troops into battle when it looks like you're bawling like a baby. The team needs something small enough to use as a probe to clear the general's blocked tear ducts. Colonel Marks suggests a paper clip. How tough is it to sterilize office supplies anyway? With MacGyver-like precision, Simon fixes the patient's eyes which prompts the general to compliment Colonel Marks. He says, "Your outfit reminds me of my own. You do a lot with a little." Nice.

Will is still bonding with the young boy who was brought into the base in "On The Brink." They finally have a lead on finding his uncle. Until the relative arrives, Will is desperately trying to teach the kid how to give a high-five. He also wants him to smile. It's not easy, but eventually the young boy does both. Unfortunately, his uncle comes by to get him while Will is away. He never got a chance to say goodbye.