Moist Vessel

The Cerritos and the USS Merced are towing a disabled generation ship whose cargo, a xenoforming material, turns inert matter into living organic growth. Freeman hands Mariner the worst jobs on the ship to push her into requesting a transfer, but Mariner turns every chore into fun. Freeman then promotes her to lieutenant, hoping the paperwork and meetings will bore her out. Meanwhile, Tendi wrecks Lt O'Connor's sand mandala on the eve of his spiritual ascension and anxiously tries to make amends. When the xenoforming material escapes, the Merced is overwhelmed and the Cerritos starts turning into a jungle. Mariner and Freeman have to work together to reach the environmental controls and save both ships. O'Connor, after nearly sacrificing himself for Tendi, finally ascends, painfully. Mariner then mocks Admiral Vassery and is happily demoted back to ensign.