Congressman Cooper visits the Reluctant intending to make it a bond selling shrine in the U.S., due to the ""heroic"" exploits Pulver wrote about that were published in his hometown newspaper. The crew has coerced shipfitter Dumbrowski to supply beer through certain water lines, including the shower when Ensign Pulver is in it. Mr. Roberts convinces the congressman that a battle-damaged ship just returned from victory would be a better choice and then has to face the possible resentment of fellow officers and crew who were looking forward to going home.

Captain Morton puts Doc and Roberts in charge of his ailing palm tree, an outstanding cargo achievement award from the Admiral. They discover Pulver has been feeding it hot creamed chipped beef. Seaman Insigna has received a Dear John letter from Alice, a red cross worker on Cocoa Island. In order to meet Alice's sexy co-worker Rosemary Pulver tells the Captain there is a plant doctor on Cocoa Island. Roberts goes along to talk to Alice concerning Insigna.