Boimler's holodeck sequel spirals into a search for meaning, with Tendi taking over the story.
Boimler makes a holodeck sequel to Mariner's earlier Crisis Point, in which Romulans steal a time-travel gem to erase the Federation. After a conversation with Ransom, Boimler loses interest in the story and becomes absorbed in the meaning of life, so Tendi takes over the plot and is disappointed when Rutherford refuses to take it seriously.
Mariner returns to support Boimler after Ransom tells her that William, the duplicate created in a transporter accident, has died. Tendi admits that she wants to be a captain, and Rutherford helps her finish the adventure. Boimler, dehydrated from staying in the holodeck too long, dreams of Hikaru Sulu, who urges him to accept life's randomness. William is later revealed to have joined Section 31.