This is pure Queeg and the strawberries to anyone who's read the Caine Mutiny. Or more accurately the psychiatrist's testimony about Queeg. He's trying to recreate a moment that he views as a personal victory. (Finding the cheese thief when he was a Lt.) by solving the strawberry mystery.

If you haven't read The Caine Mutiny, you really should. Wouk is a wonderful writer of WWII era American historical fiction. The Winds of War and War and Remembrance, which read as one book, are the two best credits you'll ever spend on Audible and clock in at a combined 105 hours.