At Joan Goodwin's apartment late at night, Joan and Vanessa Ford relax on the floor listening to David Bowie as Vanessa playfully insists Joan embrace the Berlin Trilogy. Their easy companionship highlights the depth of their six-month relationship. Conversation turns to NASA: Vanessa vents that with Steve Hagen in mission training she is flying T-38s with Duke, who refuses to let her handle the jet from the back seat, unlike Steve who trusted her to take off and land. Joan affirms Vanessa's skill and predicts she will be the first woman to pilot the shuttle, which Vanessa says she wants for the flying itself, not for being first.

The doorbell rings, and Vanessa hides in the bathroom as Barbara arrives carrying a sleeping Frances. Barbara announces she is leaving for a weekend trip to New York with a new boyfriend, Daniel, and asks Joan to keep Frances. Despite misgivings, Joan agrees. After Barbara rushes out, Vanessa emerges, supports Joan, and quietly departs so Joan can focus on Frances.

In the morning, Frances wakes excited to be with Joan. On Monday, after an all-astronauts meeting and Spacelab work, Joan prepares to fly with Hank Redmond but receives a call from Olive Elementary: Barbara has not picked up Frances. Joan retrieves Frances from the principal's office, cancels her flight with Hank, and takes Frances to Barbara's house.

Frances asks for Rice Krispies treats “like Mom makes,” with chocolate chips throughout. Joan makes a batch without chips, then faces Frances's escalating anger when the chips cannot be mixed in after the fact. Frances kicks Joan twice and breaks down crying. Joan holds Frances firmly and quietly until Frances calms, then comforts her as she weeps.

That evening, Joan notices glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling and rearranges them into real constellations. When Frances emerges from her shower, Joan shows her the Big Dipper (Ursa Major), the Little Dipper (Ursa Minor), Cassiopeia, and Lyra. Frances is soothed and asks Joan to stay until she falls asleep; she apologizes, and Joan accepts.

Barbara returns looking glamorous and explains she missed an earlier flight. Joan confronts her about leaving Frances stranded at school and the pattern of neglect. Barbara reacts defensively, accusing Joan of judgment and claiming Frances is “special” and resilient. Joan warns Barbara not to do it again and leaves, then stays up late installing her answering machine so she will not miss future calls.