The ASCANS are in high spirits as graduation day approaches. Unfortunately Bull receives word that NASA has plans for deep budget cuts and one of the ASCANS will have to be dropped from the program before graduating. The rather distasteful task of deciding ""who"" falls to Bull, Reggie, and Jack to decide who will not be allowed to finish the program. During an interview with the ASCANS it is revealed, by the reporter, that one of them will be removed from the program causing all to worry about who it will be. Finally the decision is made and not even a speech by their idol, Buzz Aldrin, can take away the pain of the remaining ASCANS as they remain fully aware that one of their own is unjustly missing.