Congressman Cooper visits the Reluctant intending to make it a bond selling shrine in the U.S., due to the ""heroic"" exploits Pulver wrote about that were published in his hometown newspaper. The crew has coerced shipfitter Dumbrowski to supply beer through certain water lines, including the shower when Ensign Pulver is in it. Mr. Roberts convinces the congressman that a battle-damaged ship just returned from victory would be a better choice and then has to face the possible resentment of fellow officers and crew who were looking forward to going home.