A new work protocol eliminating "buffer time" has the Lower Decks crew running ragged as they try to keep up with their tightened schedules. Ensign Mariner and Commander Ransom's mutual lack of respect comes to a head during an away mission.

Ensign Boimler welcomes his girlfriend Barb onto the USS Cerritos, much to Ensign Mariner’s dismay — while Ensigns Ruthford and Tendi have starship envy when the Cerritos rendezvous with the more-advanced USS Vancouver.

Mariner tries to impress her best friend from Starfleet Academy who is now a visiting Captain. Boimler is sent to a Starfleet medical ship after a transporter accident puts him “out of phase.”

The USS Cerritos encounters a familiar enemy. Tendi helps a struggling recruit find her footing.

Mariner tries to get demoted, Rutherford tries to get promoted, and Boimler makes a big move.

Boimler leads his first away mission on an alien megastructure.

Tendi is summoned back to Orion for a wedding.