Siegel invites Melora and Mr. Alba to attend, and Mr. Alba finds the behavior of the American officers anthropologically fascinating. Lieutenant Griffin has been unexpectedly ordered to Sydney — after the end of the war has restored the normal female-to-male ratio — but lifts his depression by tossing a taunting Lieutenant (jg) Pendleton into the swimming pool. Ensign Tyson wanders the club with his tennis racket swatting higher-ranked officers on the buttocks while yelling, "Mind your rudder!"
Siegel extends an invitation to Melora and Mr. Alba, who is fascinated by the cultural norms of American officers. On the other hand, Lieutenant Griffin's gloom is alleviated by playfully provoking a junior officer into the pool, while Ensign Tyson uses his tennis racket to mock higher-ranking personnel.