When Boimler tells Freeman about the crew's habit of padding their schedules, her strict deadlines throw the Cerritos into chaos during a delivery to Gelrak V.
Diverted from peace talks at Cardassia Prime to deliver diplomatic gifts to Gelrak V, Freeman is in a foul mood. The ensigns introduce Tendi to buffer time, the lower decks tradition of building slack into every task, and Boimler reports the practice to the captain. Freeman responds by putting the whole crew on tight deadlines.
The pressure causes mistakes across the ship, the away team presents the wrong gift, and the Gelrakians attack. Boimler persuades Freeman that the crew works best with room to breathe, she lifts the deadlines, and the crew drives off the attackers. Freeman then names the new policy of allowing buffer time after Boimler, much to his dismay.