Ensigns Boimler and Mariner embark on a shuttle mission to a Klingon compound while Ensigns Tendi and Rutherford spend time together back on the USS Cerritos.

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.

Captain Freeman seeks the ultimate payback after Mariner blatantly disrespects her in front of the crew. A well-meaning Tendi accidentally messes up a Lieutenant's attempt at spiritual ascension and tries to make it right.

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.

The lovable but awkward Ensign Fletcher makes work difficult for Mariner and Boimler. Rutherford introduces Tendi to a holodeck training program he created.

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.”

Mariner, Boimler, Tendi and Rutherford are caught off guard when aliens force them to testify about a series of seemingly unrelated events.

Mariner repurposes Boimler's holodeck program to cast herself as the villain in a Lower Decks style movie.

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