Episode 2 of "Boots" opens with Cameron harboring the suspicion that Sullivan has somehow deduced his sexual orientation. Ray, however, quickly reassures him that Sullivan remains oblivious. Following the morning run, a new hierarchy emerges as Ray, Nash, Slovacek, and Cody (the more athletic of the twin brothers) are appointed squad leaders.
The time has come for the recruits to engage in one-on-one duels. The imagined, more cynical version of Cameron finds the whole setup absurd, but the real Cameron strives to embrace the training with all his heart.
Howitt, taken aback by Sullivan's impressive track record, attempts to strike up a conversation with him. However, when Howitt makes a sexist remark towards the female company commander, Captain Fajardo, Sullivan steps in to defend her honor.
Nash proves to be a formidable opponent in the ring, and Cameron can't help but feel drawn to him. Meanwhile, John approaches Cody with a proposition to help each other out, but Cody flatly refuses. When they square off against each other, Cody shows no mercy. A flashback reveals a tender moment from their childhood, where a young John comforts a young Cody during a thunderstorm. Yet, as they grow older, Cody turns his back on John in a desperate bid to win their abusive father's approval. Back in the present, Howitt issues an order that the twins must do everything together.
Ray, concerned about Cameron facing off against Slovacek, arranges for Cameron to switch opponents. However, to fight Ray, Cameron must first switch places with Hicks. Hicks agrees to the swap but does so with a mischievous grin, declaring that Cameron now owes him a favor.
During the duels, even McKinnon finds himself intrigued by Sullivan. Captain Fajardo sheds light on Sullivan's background, revealing his exceptional track record and his involvement in Covert Ops. Sullivan's ruthless streak becomes evident as he calls out Ray for going easy on Cameron. He insists they fight three times until Ray finally lands a decisive blow, overpowering Cameron.
Nash casts a judgmental gaze upon Ray for his actions, then turns his attention to Cameron, who clings to the belief that his friend will stand by him. Nash shatters that illusion, declaring the buddy system a farce and revealing that the instructors forbid friends from offering mutual support. This harsh truth is validated when Sullivan commands Ray to cut off all communication with Cameron. He dangles the coveted Honor Man badge in front of Ray, a symbol of being the top recruit in the platoon, as a tempting lure.
However, McKinnon, recognizing potential in Cameron, appoints him as his scribe. That night, Cameron attempts to reach out to Ray, who shares Sullivan's proposition with him. Cameron is disheartened, but Ray weaves a tale of how they will support each other from a distance. Cameron, swayed by Ray's words, agrees, as Ray yearns to follow in his father's footsteps as an Honor Man and sees this as his sole chance at redemption.
During the morning run, Slovacek keeps pace with Ray, mocking Cameron relentlessly. Annoyed, Ray distances himself and runs solo. Meanwhile, Ochoa maintains his usual chatter with Cameron, sharing stories about his wife and their unborn child. A weary Cameron falls back to run alongside John, empathizing with him over his brother's struggles.
With Howitt playing mind games with the twins, a vacancy arises in Slovacek's squad. Sullivan seizes the opportunity to assign Cameron to Slovacek's team. Ray's face reflects concern, but he remains silent as Slovacek's glare pierces Cameron.
Preparations for Sullivan's obstacle course ensue. Cameron falters at every attempt, and Sullivan lays the blame squarely on Slovacek's shoulders. The two then join forces to torment Cameron in any way they can. When Ray attempts to intervene, Sullivan threatens him with dire consequences.
During their nightly routine, Slovacek and Cody ridicule John. A flashback reveals Mr. Bowman violently beating Cody over John's weight gain. In the present, John tries to break free from his brother's side, but Howitt only binds them tighter to the bed. Meanwhile, Cameron is tasked with assigning Slovacek to fire watch duty. Slovacek defiantly refuses, resorting to threats. Nash tries to caution Ray, but he remains unresponsive.
That night, Cameron is off duty, but Hicks calls in a favor, compelling Cameron to take the first watch. The second watch falls to Slovacek, who refuses to rise from his slumber. To compound matters, John desperately needs to relieve himself, and Cameron is forced to hold a bucket for him. The inner voice of Cameron, a figment of his imagination, urges him to stand up for himself. In a moment of defiance, Cameron hurls the bucket of urine at Slovacek.
Of course, chaos erupts as a brawl breaks loose, and both McKinnon and Ray leap into the fray to quell the turmoil. Punishments are meted out to all involved, but Howitt and Sullivan can't help but be impressed by Cameron's display. Ray, too, is taken aback by Cameron's resolve, though Cameron himself remains on edge, fearful of Slovacek's potential vengeance.
The day of the obstacle course dawns, brimming with anticipation. Determined to prove his mettle, John steps forward, and Howitt, in a surprising move, sets the brothers free. Ray performs admirably, sailing through the course with ease. Meanwhile, Slovacek, harboring a grudge, attempts to throw Cameron off his game, but Cameron's agility and speed see him through the challenges swiftly. Sullivan, observing Ray's enthusiastic cheering for Cameron, refrains from intervening.
Cody, having completed the course, taunts John as he nears the finish line. However, just as victory seems within reach, John stumbles and falls. Cody's initial concern gives way to relief as McKinnon ushers him away, leaving John to be escorted to the infirmary.
In a surprising twist of fate, Sullivan pins the blame on Ray, accusing him of being too preoccupied with Cameron to properly train John. As a consequence, Ray is stripped of his title. And in a strange turn of events, because Cameron excelled, he is appointed as the new squad leader. Ray's face betrays a look of profound betrayal, while Cameron stands there, bewildered by the sudden turn of events. Meanwhile, the imaginary version of Cameron watches the unfolding drama with a mischievous grin, finding the entire spectacle rather amusing.
