The sixth episode of Boots picks up with a whispering rumor that a recruit named Ochoa has met his fate in Platoon 2032. John, huddled in the crip platoon, frets that it might be Cody's turn. His newfound and cocky companion, Jones, delivers a lecture on severing ties with bullies, hinting at his own secret—he is openly smitten with an officer.
Meanwhile, General Cochran lays the blame on Fajardo for Ochoa's demise, slapping her with a strike. Howitt finds himself temporarily suspended. Cameron and Santos yearn to do something for Ochoa, but when Cameron approaches Sullivan for guidance, he's met with the cold response of "every man for himself." A flashback flashes Sullivan pushing himself in intense training in Guam. His bunkmate, Maitra, saves him from a dire situation, but Sullivan chooses to keep his secrets, indulging in clandestine trysts with Wilkinson.
As the recruits are assigned to mess duty for other platoons, Howitt's return is announced—Ochoa's demise attributed to an undisclosed heart condition. Ray apologizes to Cameron, and they mend their fences. Ray admits to being under immense pressure that triggered his past episodes, which led to his dismissal from the Air Force. Cameron is hurt that Ray didn't confide in him, lying that it was due to his eyesight.
Elsewhere, Santos rants to Nash about Howitt's alleged racism, asserting that he wouldn't have been so harsh on a white recruit as he was on Ochoa. Nash, wary of causing a stir, remains silent.
On the other hand, Hicks, Cody, and Slovacek delve into conspiracy theories, with Hicks claiming the Marines are tainting their food, which might have led to Ochoa's demise. Inside the mess, Jones and John discuss their future once they're fit for duty. Jones goads John into seeking revenge on Cody, little knowing that Cody overhears their conversation as he's on kitchen duty. This revelation irks Cody, adding fuel to the already simmering tensions.
With each word, Santos's anger simmers, while Slovacek persists in trying to impart his conspiracy theory. This only stokes Santos's ire further, prompting Nash to intervene and disarm him, only for Hicks to promptly provide Santos with a fresh knife. Cameron confides in Ray his guilt over Ochoa's pain, his weaknesses on full display as he slows down his kitchen chores. Slovacek's exasperation leads to a food fight, where the chaos escalates when Slovacek accidentally strikes Santos, triggering a fistfight.
McKinnon's fury boils over, and he punishes the platoon with grueling drills. Nash reassures Santos that he's not alone in his anger, but Howitt isn't the sole culprit; they all failed Ochoa. Sullivan orders Cameron to turn in Ochoa's gear, but the boy keeps a cap, and Imaginary Cameron appears, accusing him of heeding Sullivan's twisted advice instead of openly grieving. Their conversation is cut short by Sullivan, who sighs upon seeing the cap, a reminder of their shared loss. A flashback shows them getting matching tattoos on their chest with Wilkinson, who wants to leave the Marine with Sullivan. Sullivan, however, is torn.
In the present, he understands the recruits' need to grieve and leaves them bottles of alcohol. Howitt feels guilty for pressurizing Ochoa, and Sullivan offers him a glass as well. The boys toast to Ochoa and start drinking, with Nash apologizing for his diary and being accepted by all. Santos drinks alone, while Cameron gives him Ochoa's cap. Hicks pulls out his DIY liquor, and Ray quickly gets drunk, breaking down in apology for dragging Cameron into boot camp and his mess. Cameron stops him, believing this is a positive turning point as they evolve into their best selves.
In town, Fajardo visits the McKinnons to see their new baby. Ochoa being McKinnon's first loss is comforted by Fajardo. He questions Why Howitt was on Sullivan's watch on Qual Day, and Fajardo fills him in on the investigation. Like her, he finds it absurd and hopes Sullivan's achievements will overshadow the homosexual accusations.
A fleeting memory unveils a whispering rumor that Wilkinson is gay, and Maitra cautions Sullivan against associating with him, as the other boys have started to speculate on their supposed connection. That evening, Wilkinson waits in vain for Sullivan's presence, only to be met with a delayed response; Sullivan instead leverages his connections to secure a discharge. Upset, Maitra demands clarification, and Sullivan retorts that Wilkinson made a pass at him, thus rendering him uncomfortable being around a supposed homosexual.
In the present, Sullivan conducts the morning drills with the recruits, while Jones arrives as Ochoa's replacement. He surveys Cameron with a mischievous grin.
