On its last leg homeward, from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to San Diego, the USS Constellation hosts a jolly "tiger cruise" for US Navy, Marines and USNAF relatives, mainly minors ("Navy brats"). Attitudes and emotions vary from simple joy to open frustration, the worst brat being XO commander Gary Dolan's daughter Maddie, who wants him to refuse a promotion to command for a shore job. Then the news of the WCC terror crisis changes everything, as the crew is recalled to war footing.

Hugo Archibald is a doctor and brings home a wide variety of exotic animal species. The latest animal he brings home is a chimpanzee named Jennie. Dr. Archibald is not home very much, and Andrew feels he does not care about him. And Lea his wife does not want Jennie, and says she makes trouble. But the children take an instant liking to her. Jennie is unique in that she is learning to use and understand sign language. Jennie becomes an important part of Archibald family and Dr. Archibald's son, Andrew develops a close relationship with her. Jennie loves the things Andrew does, such as baseball and comic books. Jennie is also there for Andrew when he and his father disagree. A doctor Pamela Prentiss starts training with Jennie. She does not agree with the way Jennie is being cared for, and is seen as being rude to the Archibald family. She teaches Jennie sign language in a way that Jennie does not understand, but Lea finds a way she understands.

When bratty 5-year-old Byron Reed acts out the night before a family trip, his mother makes him sit in the time out chair. When Byron awakens to an empty house, he assumes his wish to have no family has come true. But his excitement sours when he realizes that two con men plan to rob the Reed's residence, and that he alone must protect the family home.

Misdiagnosed with a terminal illness, a computer nerd dates his hospice worker, while suspecting someone is out to get him.

A man on a bad run of luck – he loses his job, his car, his girlfriend, and a manuscript in a 48-hour period – has a complete life reassessment with the help of his adulterous brother and an immature cousin.