Original subtitles

Previously on Shortened String

There's no record of the illegal transplant in the system.

It's up to me to put it there.

He's decided not to report you.

Do you understand how much of a big deal this is for him to break the rules?

Leading man material.

Well I am done.

Done with me enabling you.

I'm loving Edie.

I think I've found my happy place.

You two look brilliant together.

Drew doesn't need to be worried, does she?

Edie is not the place for her right now.

She should be operating.

That's her happy place.

You have been promoted upstairs.

I will miss you.

Phil, you've been so amazing.

Well, it's a promotion.

You didn't want to tell me first in private?

I thought it might be a nice surprise.

I just feel like I've done something wrong.

Not at all.

But you like it here in Edie?

Yeah, it's my happy place.

Okay.

It doesn't remind you of your hire?

No, why would it?

I mean, it's a job that I love.

So you're over everything?

A hundred percent.

Why? Has someone said something?

Harper.

Nothing bad.

Just concerned for you.

What did she say?

Edie's a pressure cooker.

It's really fast.

Yeah, that's why I like it.

Well, you can't let it affect you personally, though.

I don't.

Okay.

You're a good surgeon.

You have a lot of potential.

Thank you.

And I want you to rebuild your confidence in theatre.

You're not going to let me stay here, are you?

Drew's a good teacher.

You already know this.

Drew's amazing.

You're right.

It's a good move.

You're right.

It's a good move.

Great.

I knew it.

That looks delicious.

It's terrible.

Flavourless.

No.

Okay, yeah.

Need some salt and some tomato sauce.

A whole bottle.

Oh, God.

It's not that bad.

I should have known the pirate novel was trite garbage.

Do you know how much they offered me for it?

They accepted it.

I mean, of course they did.

Look, art is subjective, and you know what they say?

One man's trash is another man's treasure.

Trash?

No, that's...

I didn't mean...

Like, I meant that it was trash.

Hey, I bet it's great.

I can't wait to read it.

Well, it's never going to see the light of day again.

I'm going to throw it into the river along with myself.

Okay, calm down, Virginia Woolf.

I'd like to read it.

I haven't read a book I haven't liked.

I'm sorry, Madonna, that just won't be possible.

But you let Selena read it.

Yeah, something I deeply regret.

Okay, what was that about?

Should I just order us something?

No.

Maybe some pizza?

No, don't do that.

Thaddeus makes another bad decision, right?

Like trying to channel an unwieldy muse onto the page.

It's about her.

No, it's not.

Oh, my God!

You're wrong. It's not about...

The low bun? The tight walk?

Well, Madonna's walk is stiff. I wouldn't call it tight.

No, it's totally her.

She's headstrong, devout, short.

It's not her.

But it is, Thad, and I see it.

And that's the part that really shines.

The way that you write about her, her good heart.

If you breathe one word of this to Madonna,

I will never speak to you again, I swear.

Okay, I'm sorry to rock the boat.

You shouldn't be here.

Oh, you're telling me off for me making your life easier.

I just thought you'd be with your mother.

Okay.

Um, you have shifted Phil to surgical, yeah?

Yes.

And who's going to be her replacement in ED?

TBC.

Good.

No more questions?

None.

I'm good.

Moira probably needs your support.

I do not need to be with her every second she is a grown woman.

Understood.

I just...

I mean, she probably doesn't need me to be, like, hovering.

Yeah, I get it.

I mean, Marty's been on the edge of his seats since I recovered.

Well, Marty is your husband.

It's his literal job to worry about you.

Oh, and I can't worry about you as your boss?

Yes.

Should you be here with your weak little heart?

You need to go lie down.

Yeah, okay, I get it.

Look, I promise not to wrap you in cotton wool

if you promise to never mention Moira again.

Like, ever.

Okay.

She's my mother.

Nothing I can do to change that.

Okay.

Hey, you.

You're late.

What are you going to do?

Send me away?

I'm supposed to be celebrating.

Celebrating what?

You.

You got a promotion.

You got me kicked out.

Don't even try to deny it.

So, congratulations to you for using your power to mess with my career.

I was trying to help you.

You don't want me in your orbit.

That is not it.

Don't lie to me.

Okay, let me explain.

Esther already told me you think I'm struggling,

so you don't need to go over it again.

But thanks for making me look incompetent.

Esther is moving you upstairs because you're talented.

Yeah, I know I am.

So what is the issue?

The issue is I don't like being passed around.

I didn't choose it.

You did.

Phil, you got a promotion.

Anyone else would be thrilled.

Yeah, people keep telling me that.

So why are you moaning?

Because you sent me straight into the arms of your husband.

Yeah.

Esther's thrilled for him to be mentoring me again,

spending time with me,

so he's going to be all up in my life 24-7.

Well?

Well what?

You can't even admit you're wrong.

I didn't know you were such a control freak,

but hey, good to know.

Jane.

That's not her name.

Well, what is it?

Janine.

You sure?

Yes.

Flora, no wonder she never talks to me.

It's getting to be a habit, having breakfast out.

I mean, it's good that you're getting out and about,

mingling with the common people,

and this is a pretty good place to have business meetings, yeah?

What business meetings?

You know, Brook Freeman, all those head honchos.

If you don't want to work at Shortland Street,

you have to do something else.

You can't just sit in the cafe all day.

I do things.

Like what?

Walking to the deli, watching Housewives of Ferndale?

Table for two, please.

Sure thing.

Thank you, Janine.

I mean it.

We need to find something for you to do,

something real and useful.

Tate, hurry up.

Can you slow down?

Not all of us are built for the runway.

I've got work to do.

You are going to go see Moira, right?

Yeah.

And she starts dialysis today, doesn't she?

Yeah, I guess.

She's going to be okay, don't worry.

I know.

So what's wrong?

Nothing.

Oh, nice.

Yeah.

So we're taking you two back to square one?

I don't want to talk about it.

Yes, you do.

You always do.

No, seriously.

There's nothing to say.

It's done.

I've heard that before.

Seriously.

I give it a wink.

He met my mother.

And?

No one sticks around after that.

Well, he doesn't want to date her.

He wants to date you.

Okay, we are done.

Can we please just go to work?

Tell him.

Chris can do what he wants.

Thank you.

Who made you boss of people?

I don't want him going backwards, bored out of his mind, playing that game all day.

He's sitting right there.

He can hear everything.

I don't care.

How about a holiday?

Oh, now you're talking.

No.

Do a world trip.

You know, go see the kids.

Sass, Finn, Trinity, and what's his name?

Frank.

Frank.

They'd love to see their old man.

I thought I might take up a hobby.

Ah!

Ah!

Don't touch it.

Step back, please.

Get your first aid kit.

Can we move her?

No.

The shard looks like it's embedded in the corded artery.

I'll call an ambulance.

Janine, it's Chris.

I'm a doctor.

I'm going to take care of you.

Now, I just need you to lie very still.

Hello, ambulance, please.

Okay.

That's it.

Ah.

Oh, the CEO herself.

Just checking in.

Well, you're kinder than my daughter.

Monique hasn't been in?

No.

Well, I'm sure she'll be here soon.

I doubt that.

No, I just spoke to her last night.

She seemed to think that maybe you needed a little time for yourself.

A bit of time for myself.

Is everything okay?

Oh, no, fine.

It's just typical Monique.

She's probably worried about my ordeal.

She's easily overwhelmed, always has been.

Well, I can let her know that you asked after her.

Oh, no, no.

No need.

She'll be in once she's done with the dramatics.

Dramatics?

She seemed fine last night.

Well, I know her better than you,

and she's clearly making this all about herself.

Right.

I'm the one stuck in the hospital bed.

You'd think a bouquet of flowers or a hello from your only child

wouldn't be too hard.

Yeah, well, I'm sure we can arrange that.

Only if it's not too much trouble.

I don't want to be a pain.

I've got my potties all loaded up for tonight.

Can't wait to go home, snuggle up.

Whose potty?

We've talked about this in that podcast.

He knows.

What's the podcast about?

True Crime.

Ooh, sounds grim.

No, just try one.

I'll send a link.

Nah, best not.

I'm very sensitive.

I scare easily.

Incoming.

You joined the paramedics now, Warner?

This is Janine.

She fell and hit her head.

Glass shard in her neck.

Moderate blood loss.

Any room in resuscitation?

No.

I can take her straight up to radiology.

We'll take her from here, mate.

I was first on the scene.

I've studied the angle of the shard.

I just need to get her x-rays done.

Grab a bed.

Yeah, just wait.

Thank you for everything you've done.

Chris, but we can take it from here.

Call the theatre manager.

Theatre 6.

Chris.

I'm not leaving this patient.

Don't even try kicking me out.

Um, resuscitation's free.

Let's go.

Dad, I win!

Only because I let you.

Hey, I've got to go.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Bye.

Hey, um, you two, I just need to have a quick chat to Phil.

So could you go and buy something?

Anything I want?

Healthy options only, and you monitor the lab.

You're courageous, handing over your card.

Yeah, it's just easier that way sometimes.

Bad, I know.

Lovely kids.

Yeah.

You're different with them.

I just mean that you're a lot of things to a lot of people.

Look, I'm sorry.

Which part?

Interfering with your career.

So you're going to go tell Esther you made a big mistake?

I still think it's a good move for you.

You're the boss.

Hey, don't start that.

I'm not.

But it's true.

You're part of management, so I go where you tell me to.

So you're not angry anymore?

No.

Okay, so what's wrong then?

You don't know me.

Harper, you don't want to know me because it's easier for you.

Okay, that is not true.

It is, because if you did know me, you wouldn't mess with my career because you're scared.

Please come back to ED.

No, I'm very happy in my department.

We miss you.

That's all.

And you know, systems, they are really smooth at the moment.

Tell the truth.

The place is leaving.

I barely have time to think.

I'm sending thoughts and prayers.

Eddius, your flatmate is being mean to me.

I don't believe that for a minute.

Actually, while I've got you, what's up with the delay from the pharmacy?

My team is going as fast as they can.

Well, I need you to go faster.

Rushing is when mistakes happen.

Oh, come on. Surely you can help out a neighbour.

No.

What?

Not you, her.

Who, me?

That's...

It had to be done. I must finish.

Get back. It's my manuscript.

I am fascinated. I have to finish it.

I'm fascinated. I have to know how it ends.

Madonna, please.

You gave Selina...

You ask too much of me. I can't give you what you want.

I am finishing this story.

I'm sorry, Maeve. We shouldn't air our dirty laundry at work like that.

Oh, no. Don't mind me.

Yeah, finish your tea, Maeve Mullins.

It's none of your business.

Of course it is if it's happening in my hospital.

I am busy.

Come on.

Can I please just get on with my job?

Why would I need you?

You promised you'd never say her name.

I know it's hard.

You don't know for how dear you say that.

OK. I don't, but I'd like you to tell me.

It's not what you think.

All I saw was a distressed mother who wants to see her daughter.

And you do not know her.

What family's hard?

But she needs you.

She said that, did she?

She didn't have to.

That's a no.

Great.

Patient recovery is a lot faster when they have support.

You have no idea how much of myself I have given her.

And the hell that she puts me through.

Come on.

She's vulnerable.

Are you two done?

Believe me, I understand difficult parents.

But sometimes it's easier to grin and bear it,

especially in moments like this.

Cool. That might work for you, but I am done.

She is responsible for herself.

OK, you're not working?

Until you go and see her.

Are you kidding me?

No, I'm not.

You'll get this back after you go and see her.

She's manipulating both of you, yeah?

Yeah?

Hold bus, T.

Views show the depth of the shard to be at least three centimetres.

Yeah, I've read the notes. Thank you.

I've asked for theta-6.

I heard.

I was first on the scene, so I'm scrubbing it.

No, you're not.

I did try to tell her.

I have assessed her throughout her admission.

I don't care.

Another surgeon will scrub it.

You know, I am more than capable of doing this.

Do I?

True.

I'm sorry, but you don't work here.

You're right.

I'll hand over on the way.

You can let go now. They've got her.

I know that.

OK, I'm sorry.

You're just doing your job.

Well, it used to be your job.

But she's going to be fine and you'll get free lattes at Lola's for the rest of your life.

So you can go home now.

Yeah, I will.

Thank you.

Hey.

Hi.

I need to sort this.

Oh, great. Another thing you need.

But this has gotten bigger than I thought.

So you got rid of me?

Well, I was scared.

Of what?

Harper, you've always been in control of everything.

I'm losing my family.

I would never take you away from your kids.

Just that.

Don't you think I've earned the right to have a bit more trust?

I feel stuck between you and my family.

That makes me feel great.

No, hey.

Let go.

No.

Someone might see.

I don't care.

I was scared of losing you.

That's why I moved you.

What?

If you're mad at me, say what you want. It's selfish. I know.

You did it to protect us.

Yeah.

You could have just told me that.

Yeah, probably.

I don't want to lose you either.

Well, look who decided to show up.

Can't stay long?

Oh, no.

We wouldn't want you to feel like you were enabling me.

How are you?

Well, much better now you're here.

Just had my dialysis.

Could we have a moment alone, please?

Of course.

Quit it.

Quit what?

Quit manipulating people into thinking you're a victim.

What are you talking about? I'm not manipulating anyone.

Esther literally took my laptop off me until I saw you.

Don't be a brat.

I'm serious.

You need to stop messing around and realise what's important.

And what is that?

I'm all you've got.

Oh, yes. You tried to make sure of that, didn't you?

How can you be so cruel?

Look, I have never wanted to hurt your mother.

But I am allowed my own life outside of the chaos you cause.

And I will never have that as long as I am looking after you.

So you'd push me out?

I have to.

You really want me gone then?

Yeah.

Yes, I do.

What about my dialysis?

I don't want to go through that alone again, Monique.

Monique.

My monster, please.

You're doing it. You're doing it again.

No, I am not. This is real.

I'm... I'm... I need you and I'm... I'm afraid.

Please, sweetheart.

No.

You ungrateful, spiteful, nasty little...

I want you out by the end of the day.

You don't care where I go?

You don't care if I die?

No.

I will call the police and I will tell them about your transplant.

I mean it.

Oh, hey. Have you seen Billy?

Oh, I thought you were supposed to be looking after them.

I can't find them anywhere.

Oh, maybe they're in the fridge.

Or on the moon.

Could have taken me for a ride.

There's my Billy.

Oh, you gave yourself away, silly.

They're bored.

Are you able to take them outside for a bit?

Give them a run around?

Yeah, yeah, sure.

No, because she has to talk to Phil again.

What's with the attitude, champ?

She's always talking to Phil.

Good. That means better care for our patients.

Isn't that right, Harper?

Yes, that is right. Lots of talking.

But she's always talking to Phil.

That's not true.

It is. And I don't like Phil.

Hey, she's a friend of ours.

It's not polite to talk like that.

Hey, Esther's looking for me. Sorry, I can't take the kids right now.

Oi, oi.

What's got into him?

Oh, I don't know. He's tired and bored.

Do you think we're giving them enough time?

I mean, here we are playing tag, babysitting at work.

OK, well, we don't have any more hours in the day.

It's really not like that.

Yeah, I know.

I don't want our kids to look back and just remember vying for our time.

And I'm not having a go at you. It's on me as well.

You're right.

We need to make time. Family first.

So I finished it.

Wonderful.

And it's definitely about me.

No, it's not.

Lady Mary is Catholic.

She has straight dark hair.

She's not tall.

She used to be a nurse, for goodness sake.

OK, so maybe sometimes I take some light inspiration.

Light inspiration?

It's not about you.

Lady Mary crashing her ship and breaking both of his arms?

How stupid do you think I am?

I don't think you're stupid at all, Madonna.

You wrote love scenes, Lady Mary and Cassius.

I would never dream to think of you in such a light.

The thought never even crossed my mind.

It's really not about you. You have to believe me.

OK, my mistake.

But, um, you liked it.

I loved it.

And I might read it again.

You don't mind?

Of course.

Now that I know it's pure fiction?

Exactly.

Hey, has the doctor seen you yet?

OK, won't be long.

Deep down, I just want to say I will always pledge my fealty to you.

What?

Well, you're still co-head of ED, right?

Yeah, but yeah, need to respect Harper too.

Yeah, but now we've got the all-stars team.

What are you talking about?

King Kong, Godzilla, Wonder Woman and Lesbian Storm.

That's you, babe.

King Kong? Who was that?

Chris Warner, of course.

OK, you're not making any sense.

He's on the team now.

So how are you going to feel, bossing him around?

Well, he put in a random member of the public, so he actually doesn't work here.

Oh, you guys don't know.

Maeve, Emmett.

Breaking news.

I've been offered a position in ED and I've accepted.

Esther, make the offer.

Welcome aboard.

Thank you.

Chain of command?

Business as usual.

You're going to love it here, Warner.

Maeve gives feedback at the end of every shift.

Principal Whitley is excellent at stern looks of disapproval.

At this stage, Chris will be consulting, only nothing hands-on.

Oh, a couple of hours a day then, swanning about.

All done. I can do it. It's great.

I look forward to working with you all.

Same goes for us.

Ooh.

Just felt a warm wave of collegial respect wash over me.

Do you guys feel that?

See what I mean?

The egos have landed.

The MVAC up.

I'll take the head injury.

I'll have the next one.

Billy, you're with me in recess.

Billy, check in with me when you're done, yeah?

I'm over here.

Okay, I'm going to need some help here.

Dr. Warner, Whitley Whitley's pregnant and her blood pressure's dropping.

I'm not really sure what to do.

Dr. Warner?

I think she's septic. What do we do?

Uh, yeah, just let me check my notes.

She what?

About an hour ago.

And she asked that her dialysis be at Central's renal unit from now on.

Well, at least she's not ignoring her treatments, no?

I'd like to call her and ask why.

No, she can discharge herself. It is her decision.

Did you know?

What?

Your mother, she's gone.

Oh.

Really? That's it?

What did you say to her?

Look, you're not going to understand.

Abandoning a parent in a time of need? No, I don't.

Okay, well, you practically live on the other side of the world to your parents.

You have no idea what she is like.

Mine aren't perfect either, but if they needed me, I'd be there in a heartbeat.

Okay, well, I guess that makes me a terrible daughter.

No, I know you love her.

She is toxic.

Wherever she goes, I'm the one picking up all the pieces.

And it has been like that for as long as I can remember.

As a child, I was the responsible one.

I had to put my needs second to her.

So I'm not going to stand here and I'm not going to apologise for protecting myself

because this is my life, okay? So I won't.

So you can call me selfish, you can call me careless, you can call me cruel.

No, Monique, you're none of those.

I'm all of those things. I'm all of them.

Please, please, please just leave me alone, okay?

Just...

Wait, you and Naz are finally hooked up?

Yes, actually, we did.

He wants to keep it a secret.

Why doesn't he want anyone to know?

Can you give me the lowdown on Phil?

Emmett's asking questions.

I just don't know why Phil would leave him.

Phil, stop it.

If I've done something wrong, I just want you to come clean with me.

Harper will lose her mind.

You are a sociopath and you should never have come back!