When Maris checks herself into the hospital for some plastic surgery, Niles asks Frasier and Martin to join him in the waiting room for moral support. While there, Frasier learns that Martin’s old partner from the police squad, Artie, is in a hospital room down the hall.

Martin refuses to visit Artie because, years before, Artie never visited while Martin was recovering from his disabling gunshot wound. Later, after hearing that Artie has called him “gutless,” Martin goes to see him, but it quickly turns into a shouting match.

It’s only when Martin starts reminiscing about Artie with Daphne that he realizes the good times the two of them shared. This blast of nostalgia sends Martin back to Artie’s hospital room, where they finally “bury the hatchet” and reconcile their friendship.