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A new “Temporal Edict” eliminating “buffer time” has the USS Cerritos 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. Get your crystals nice and shiny, we’re about to explore the latest episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks!
A “temporal edict” causes the Lower Decks Crew to abandon their Montgomery Scott inspired principle of “buffer time”. When the crew had been asked to estimate the time it would take to complete a task, they had overestimated and used the time they saved as a “buffer time” to relax, hang out, and get drunk on margaritas. When the captain discovers their game, she initiates a new rule that makes the crew work themselves to the bone and be slaves to the clock. As the exhaustion builds (and the acid burns increase), the crew starts to seem like they might be able to defend the ship against any new threats…
Meanwhile, Commander Ransom and Ensign Mariner are sent on an away mission to present a gift to a new Federation member. A snafu, due to the new “Temporal Edict”, leads to the gift turning into an insult. The away team is attacked by their hosts and Ransom and Mariner are captured. The leader of the planet gives them a way to free themselves and save the rest of the away team: engage in a trial by combat against a massive foe. Ransom and Mariner argue about who should save the day, and their mutual dislike fuels their mutual… interest.
In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss an episode that makes you expect some time travel, only to end up with some new timekeeping habits. Plus! The guys chat about the screen time of the senior officers, cultural misunderstandings, and balancing the stuffiness of Star Trek with the comedy of Lower Decks!