JAG s03e09 Episode Script
Impact
Coming up to the drop zone, Gunny.
Should be just over the next ridge.
Roger that, sir.
We got the word.
It's time to leave the nest.
Let's go.
- Drop zone in three, two, one.
- Go.
Go.
Go.
Go.
- Go.
- What the hell is that? Get off.
We're hit.
We lost the tail rotor.
Mayday, mayday.
This is Werewolf 1.
We're going down.
We are going down.
Following in his father's footsteps as a Naval aviator, Lieutenant Commander Harmon Rabb Jr.
Suffered a crash while landing his Tomcat on a storm-tossed carrier at sea.
Diagnosed with night blindness, Harm transferred to the Navy's Judge Advocate General Corps, which investigates, defends and prosecutes the law of the sea.
There, with fellow JAG lawyer Major Sarah MacKenzie, he now fights in and out of the courtroom with the same daring and tenacity that made him a top gun in the air.
Straight ahead.
One helo was a Sea King and the other was unknown.
Enter.
Sorry I'm late, sir.
I was checking out the state statutes on gaming.
Let me guess.
Admiral Drake's wife? Just be careful, major.
She's just as stubborn as the admiral and twice as mean.
I read the flash message on the aircraft incident, sir.
Any words of wisdom you'd like to impart to the commander before he leaves? I'm not going? No.
From the looks of things, I'd say that your hands are full.
But, sir, this investigation is on a Marine Corps base.
Well, the commander's a big boy.
I don't think he needs you there to protect him.
- Any other questions, commander? - No, sir.
Good.
Would you send in Lieutenant Roberts on your way out? Aye, sir.
You have to fill out this line.
Pack your bags, Bud.
We're going on safari.
- The admiral wants to see you.
- He does? - I should be going with you.
- Of course you should.
Burning sun, poisonous snakes, stinging scorpions.
It's a Club Med for Marines.
Yeah? Well, right now that sounds wonderful.
Do you know what the admiral has me doing? Freedom of Information Act request, student loan recovery, delinquent car loans.
And Admiral Drake's wife wants clearance to hold a bingo game at Bethesda.
- A fundraiser? - Yep.
Why am I doing this? Do you have any idea why Admiral Chegwidden is so mad at me? The same reason we all are, Mac.
You wanted to see me, sir? Yes.
You're aware that JAG has an opening for administrative assistant? - Yes, sir.
- At ease.
And I assume you're also aware that Ensign Sims' detailer has proposed her for this assignment.
That That's great, admiral.
Ensign Sims is a very hot worker.
Hard worker.
She's a very nice girl, sir.
She'd be a great asset to JAG, sir.
Well, it's not her assets I'm concerned with, lieutenant.
It's her boyfriend.
What boyfriend? Boyfriend, meaning Sir, my relationship with Ensign Sims is strictly professional.
I can assure you that we would both conduct our affairs like officers.
I don't mean "affairs" affairs, sir.
I mean, you know Just don't make me send a chaperon every time you two go to the copy room together.
Absolutely not.
You can count on me, admiral.
Good.
Dismissed.
Aye, aye, sir.
Oh, lieutenant, you're right.
Ensign Sims is a nice girl.
Thank you, sir.
Any chance she has a sister? Sir? It's hard to believe anyone could walk away from this, sir.
- How many survived? - All but one, sir.
The recon team all bailed out before the aircraft went down.
And the pilot, Captain Cray, managed a controlled crash that his co-pilot, Lieutenant Flynn, walked away from.
Captain Cray wasn't so lucky.
What about the men in the other helicopter? There was no other helicopter, lieutenant.
We were told this was a midair collision between two helos.
Well, that's what we thought too, sir.
But all our other birds are present and accounted for.
If they didn't hit another helicopter, then what did they hit? Nobody knows, sir.
I think they were hoping you could tell us.
Ma'am? Harriet.
Welcome to JAG.
If this is a bad time, I can come back.
No, it's fine.
Come on in.
I can actually use the company.
Commander Rabb is investigating a Marine helo crash while I am stuck here with a bingo game.
I'm looking for a good attorney.
I was told that you're the best.
Ensign Sims, this is Dalton Lowne.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you.
I'll check in with you later, major.
- Bye, Mr.
Lowne.
- Bye.
What are you doing here? Well, today's the big day.
I thought I'd give you a ride.
That way, I can give you my patented pep talk on the way over.
What? Do I look like I need it? You look like you're having second thoughts.
I'm just nervous, I guess.
Is this what you're wearing? Yeah.
Is something wrong with it? No, no, no.
Not as long as you wear it with this.
- I can't.
- Why not? That's worth more than my car.
Mac, my tennis shoes are worth more than your car.
They smell better too.
Please, take it as a It's a good-luck charm.
I've never had this much luck in my life.
Luck has nothing to do with it.
It's like a giant jigsaw puzzle, isn't it, sir? Yep.
Looks like they lost the tail rotor.
- What is it, sir? - I don't know.
I don't think it came off this aircraft though.
Something's not right here, Bud.
You've got a Marine helicopter at 2200 feet, travelling at 60 knots.
Collides with another aircraft midair, which shears off its tail rotor.
He autorotates down.
Impacts here: What happened to the other aircraft? It obviously didn't impact here.
There's not enough debris.
So where's the other crash site? I'm gonna have to ask you people to get back in your vehicle and return to your base.
This crash site is under a JAG investigation.
Not anymore.
This area's now under the jurisdiction of the Defense Security Division.
What? Somebody should've told you we were coming.
- I'm Special Investigator Palmer.
- Lieutenant Commander Rabb.
Sorry, commander.
Don't mean to step on anyone's toes.
- Like you, I'm just following orders.
- Why is DSD involved in this? I'm not in a position to reveal that information.
I'm gonna have to confiscate your film.
I don't think so.
The Defense Security Division has no jurisdiction over JAG.
We do now.
I'm under executive orders from the Congressional Military Preparedness Committee.
Look, until I am issued those orders, this is my crash site.
Consider yourself issued, sir.
- This is not over.
- Yes, it is, commander.
And if you don't mind handing over that piece of evidence, please.
Thank you.
All right, people, let's clean this up.
Sir, why would they take us off this investigation? I don't know, Bud.
Maybe this thing behind your ear will shed a clue.
You kept a piece? Send it to Washington and have it analyzed.
I don't like this any more than you do, commander.
Sir, a Marine helicopter crashed on a Marine base.
What the hell does this have to do with the Defense Security Division? You have a reputation of being quite the pit bull when you want something.
- Well, I like to think of myself - I like pit bulls, commander.
What I don't like is a bunch of Washington pencil-necks coming into my backyard and dumping into my sandbox.
One of my Marines died out there, commander, and I wanna know why.
I wanna know how and I wanna know now.
And if Congress has a problem with that, then they can just come down here and kiss my Marine-green butt.
Yes, sir.
We're all very impressed with your trial record, Sarah.
And at the risk of sounding sexist, it would be nice to look at a pretty face around here for a change.
Thank you, sir.
We're not in the military here either, Sarah.
Please call me Richard.
Well, Richard, I love litigation.
But right now I work on a case-by-case basis.
I deal with individuals, not with the law.
Now, I know you're preparing to argue a right-to-life case before the Supreme Court.
What you say may change the law.
I wanna be a part of that.
I wanna make a difference.
The partners and I agree, you would be a great addition to our firm.
And that is why we are prepared now to make you this offer.
Well, go ahead, open it.
It's not booby-trapped.
It's - Wow, it's very generous.
- It's just the beginning.
Now, Sarah, I know this is a tough decision.
I don't wanna rush you, but time is of the essence.
The offer's good until Friday at noon.
Mrs.
Cray? My husband was supposed to do this.
You know, I've been asking him to fix it for two months.
Mrs.
Cray, I'm Lieutenant Commander Rabb.
This is Lieutenant J.
G.
Roberts.
We'd like to ask you a few questions concerning your husband's accident.
Why? We're trying to figure out what happened, ma'am.
Prevent it from happening in the future.
We understand this is a difficult time for you.
Oh, yeah? What makes you such an expert, commander? Well, my father was a pilot, ma'am.
He was shot down in Vietnam.
So what? Is that supposed to make me feel better, commander? Because it doesn't.
I don't I don't care about you or your father or the Marine Corps.
If you were expecting to come here and find the grieving widow, I'm sorry to disappoint you.
As far as I'm concerned, the Marine Corps killed my husband.
- That's not true, ma'am.
- Oh, no? Prove it.
Well, that's what we're trying to do.
That's why we're investigating.
My husband crashed.
My husband died.
It's simple.
And it happens to women just like me every day.
Well, I thought I was different.
I thought my husband was better and luckier.
I was wrong.
She's really taking this hard, commander.
Yeah.
She's still in shock, Bud.
She hasn't allowed herself to grieve.
She will.
She has to.
She's not taking the flag, sir.
Whatever hit us damaged our tail rotor.
- You went into a spin.
- Yes, sir.
Merlin controlled the crash as best he could using just the stick and collective.
You know, he saved my life.
We were initially led to believe that you had collided with another helicopter? Well, whatever hit us was no helo, lieutenant.
Well, what do you think it was? Well, I wish I knew, sir.
Merlin took evasive action, but it still clipped our tail.
Any warning on the radar? No, sir.
It came out of nowhere.
What about the Marines who parachuted out? - They see anything? - I don't know, sir.
Well, sir, it was big and black.
Like it absorbed every bit of light that hit it.
It had a crescent-shaped arc of lights that pulsed on and off, but no other distinct markings, sir.
- Did you hear an engine? - Not really, sir.
I felt it as much as I heard it.
It was weird that way.
It made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
It was like a big shadow passing overhead.
I was thrown out of the aircraft on impact.
I looked up to check my chute and that's when I saw the helo go down, sir.
This other aircraft, did you see it crash? No, sir.
So it's possible it flew away? Yes, I guess so, sir.
Hey, Bud, what's up? DSD? Yeah, I'll see what I can find out.
Excuse me, major? You want these? How's the commander taking it? Yeah, I bet.
All right, what else do you need? Okay.
All right, I'm on it.
You too, Bud.
Bye.
- Well, how is Bud? - He's fine.
You know, Bud's a wonderful guy.
He's smart, he's funny, he's romantic.
Yeah, but? Sometimes I just think he tries a little too hard, that's all.
He's an officer and a gentleman, to a fault.
It's like I'm dating this knight in shining armour.
And that's a bad thing? Did you ever try to make love to a man wearing armour, major? Does football equipment count? That was a rhetorical question.
I didn't mean to I'm kidding, Harriet.
You did great.
Everyone was impressed.
- Really? Or are you just saying that? - No, no.
They loved you.
Not as much as I do, of course, but I think we should celebrate with some dinner.
What do you think? Well, I think it's about time you fed me.
How about Le Cirque? - Dalton, Le Cirque's in New York.
- So is my deposition.
I found out on the way over here.
I'm sorry.
Dr.
Swenson just became available.
And he's the world's leading expert on euthanasia and a key witness in our case, so Well, I'll drop you off at National and we can have dinner some other time.
Well, see, I was thinking maybe you can be at the deposition beside me.
I mean, come with me.
Spend the night.
Well, I have to work.
You can take the shuttle out of Kennedy at 6 a.
m.
And be back at JAG by 8.
That does sound interesting.
But you can't just dazzle me with opportunity.
You still have to feed me.
Well, I've got a suite booked at the Regent.
We could order room service.
Yeah, or not.
This may be the first recorded incident of a military aircraft involved in an air-to-air collision with an unidentified flying object.
I knew it.
I knew it was only a matter of time until you started in with the UFOs.
Well, sir, until whatever it is that collided with the helicopter is identified, it technically is a UFO.
Yeah, so is a sea gull until they dig its guts out of your engine, Bud.
Thank you for that very vivid picture, commander.
Haven't you ever heard of the foo-fighters? - The band? - No, not the band.
In World War II, Allied pilots regularly engaged in air-to-air intercepts with unidentified flying objects.
They called them foo-fighters.
Until a flying saucer with little green men come down and threaten to interrupt the Super Bowl, I don't wanna hear about it, okay, Bud? - Sir? Sir? - What? What the hell was that? That's what I was telling you about, sir.
Where the hell is the damn thing? There it is again, sir.
Hang on.
Where did it go? I don't know.
It keeps changing directions.
There's no way that's a plane or a helicopter, sir.
Right where you are.
Keep your hands where we can see them.
Don't move.
I talked to your admiral today.
I did not tell him that you were detained by a private security force for trespassing.
- I appreciate that, sir.
- He already knew.
There are some very angry congressmen who want me to throw your butts on the first transport back east.
Colonel, we're not finished with our investigation, sir.
Our friends at Defense Security Division seem to have finished it for you.
"Mechanical failure and pilot error"? Colonel, that is impossible.
There is no way they could make an accurate assessment of the crash this quickly.
Now, we saw something last night in the desert over the Bradenhurst Corporation.
Something I believe is tied in with this crash.
Sir, all I need is 24 hours.
The next transport out of here is full, gentlemen.
You'll have to wait until 1100 tomorrow before you can go back to D.
C.
Thank you, sir.
- Ensign Sims? - Yes, sir? Where's Major MacKenzie? She's not here, sir.
I can see that, ensign.
That's why I was asking you where she was.
I'm sure she'll be here any moment, admiral.
Do you know where Major MacKenzie is? Admiral.
Can I have a word with you, sir? Five minutes, my office.
Okay, Admiral Drake's wife called, she said - I called her from the airport.
- Okay.
General Kragline called about an affidavit.
- Faxed them from the plane.
- Okay.
And Commander Rabb wanted you to get him - Satellite photos.
- Some satellite photos.
I'm getting doors slammed in my face all over town.
I've got a weapons programme manager telling me DSD is not my concern.
But I've got people in the field, JAGs that I support, so I keep pressing, hoping to find the truth.
So you can imagine my chagrin when I learned that not one, but two of my officers have been caught trespassing.
I am sorry, admiral.
We were following an unidentified aircraft, sir, that we believed to have been involved in the crash.
Unidentified aircraft, as in UFO? You're spending too much time in the desert with Lieutenant Roberts.
Admiral, we saw something.
My guess is it came from the Bradenhurst Corporation.
Would explain the high security, sir.
The Bradenhurst Corporation is a government contractor.
They dispose of biochemical weapons.
They're authorised to use deadly force.
You could have been shot as a terrorist trying to score sarin nerve gas.
Yeah, my guess is that's just a cover to keep people away, Mac.
No one's gonna advertise as a top-secret weapons builder.
Well, if they're a defence contractor, it would explain why they're getting assistance from DSD.
Somebody's pulling strings for them.
Sir, national security is one thing, but someone has got to be held accountable for that Marine's death.
And that is never gonna happen so long as the Bradenhurst Corporation can hide behind a wall of secrecy.
So, what are you proposing, commander? Admiral Elgin, the admiral's in We need to talk.
Now.
Come up with a plan, commander, immediately.
- Keep me informed.
- Ye Yes, sir.
Excuse us, major.
Close the door behind you.
Aye, sir.
You were told to pull your men off the helicopter crash.
They haven't completed their investigation.
- DSD wrapped it up.
- My men haven't.
This isn't even DSD's jurisdiction.
It is if CMPC says it is.
It's called chain-of-command, A.
J.
Those on top give orders to those below them.
- Understood? - I understand.
I understand somebody's yanking my chain and I don't like it.
A Marine was killed in that accident and I expect answers.
And I refuse to let that go unacknowledged or unavenged.
And with all due respect, you can go to hell if you think I'm gonna let you or anybody else use that dead Marine as a fall guy.
Do you wanna cross swords with me, Chegwidden? Because if we get into this, you might just find yourself fighting to keep the bars on your sleeve.
Well, I never met a SEAL yet, didn't like a good bar fight, sir.
Well, they sure picked this place clean, commander.
Yep.
This is Lieutenant Commander Rabb, JAG Corps.
I sent a fragment to be analysed.
Really? Well, a perfect material for an aircraft.
So who makes it? As in outer space? Well, can you find out? What? Well, don't hold your breath.
Thanks.
Our specimen mysteriously went missing.
- How? - It doesn't matter, Bud.
The technician said it was some sort of space-age composite.
Nothing he'd ever seen before, which proves we are on the right track.
We sure could've used that piece of evidence, sir.
Well, I don't want just a piece, Bud.
I want this whole thing.
- Ma'am? - Thanks.
Do you know how beautiful you look tonight? - Not too ostentatious? - No, never.
Are you sure? Because I don't wanna stand out.
Well, there's no way of avoiding that, is there? Dalton, Sarah.
Well, I hope Dalton has told you how absolutely beautiful you look this evening.
Well, he did his best.
Will someone tell me who took women out of dresses and put them in three-piece pinstripe suits? - How are you tonight, Dalton? - Never better, senator.
Never better.
Now, tell me that you're not one of these damn lawyers.
Well, sorry to disappoint you, senator.
Major Sarah MacKenzie.
Judge Advocate General Corps, sir.
A Marine? I fought with the 7th Infantry in Korea.
Damn near froze my tail off at Chosin Reservoir.
And I don't remember any Marine majors that looked like you.
According to these satellite photos, the Bradenhurst Corporation has two runways on its property.
Toxic waste is always moved by road or rail.
It's never moved by air.
It's far too dangerous.
So why do they have two runways? Exactly.
The key to this whole thing is behind those gates.
If we're gonna get the evidence we need, Bud, we have to get inside.
I think we already tried that, sir.
And if I remember correctly, we were completely unsuccessful.
Well, I don't plan on getting caught this time.
I'm gonna get in and get out without anyone ever knowing I was there.
How do you plan on doing that, sir? - You are going to distract them.
- Me, sir? You want me to distract the guys that caught us? The guys that are authorised to use deadly force? Bud, come on, they may be authorised to use deadly force, but they usually just shoot you in the knees.
I respectfully disagree, senator.
There is a limit to what states can be forced to provide.
Now, the Constitution does not require states to furnish all possible medical care.
Now, let me see if I understand this, Dick.
The state is refusing to pay for an operation that may save this woman's life.
Our argument is that the operation is an experimental procedure that is clinically inappropriate.
Therefore, the state cannot be forced to pay for it.
What do you think about this, Miss MacKenzie? I'm not an expert in that area of law, senator.
Senator, you may be placing Major MacKenzie in a bit of a hard place.
You see, we just made her a job offer.
Oh, well, she'll agree with you, Dick.
Major? I believe the state should provide equal access to healthcare and leave the life and death decisions to God.
I mean, let's face it.
He is more qualified in that job than any of us.
Finally, somebody who speaks some sense.
You're not going to hold this against her, are you, Dick? Senator, matters of principle have nothing to do with Sarah's job qualifications.
What a world.
Where did you get all this stuff from, sir? Compliments of Colonel Barret.
Whatever you do, Bud, make sure I have enough time to get in there.
What do I do if they come back? Name, rank and social, lieutenant.
Not Bradenhurst.
Run like hell.
- And, Bud? - Yeah.
Whatever you do, don't let them probe you.
This is Alpha Unit.
We've got an explosion outside Gate 3.
We're going to investigate.
We need backup on the double.
Let's go, let's go, let's move.
How are you feeling, commander? Like 6 feet of a well-used latrine.
The nausea will wear off shortly.
You were trespassing again.
Listen, when did top secret become everybody's business? Do you have any idea how many nutcases we have trying to break onto this site because they think we have crashed spaceships and aliens on ice out here? Who are you? You're not DSD.
Advanced Weapons and Research? I saw the aircraft.
I felt whatever the hell that was you hit me with.
Some kind of new pulse weapon's my guess.
We build weapons here, commander.
Weapons that your military relies on.
Weapons that save lives.
Now, why would you try to jeopardise that? Don't start singing "Old Glory" to me.
This isn't about patriotism.
It's about money.
Designing and selling weapons is a business just like it is for cars, stereos and candy bars.
And it's as competitive as hell.
There are deadlines to meet and Washington expects results.
You cut corners, you trim costs, you You push test flights.
Anything to give you the edge over the guy in the secret lab next door.
Sooner or later, there's an accident.
This one cost a Marine aviator his life.
You will be held accountable.
You know, if I were you, commander, I'd be less concerned with us and more worried about how your recent actions will affect your career.
That is, assuming that you still have one when this is all over.
- Let's go.
- Where is Commander Rabb now? I don't know, sir.
Well, am I to assume that Commander Rabb has been arrested? Accosted? Abducted? What, lieutenant? I'm not sure.
I wasn't close enough to see everything.
But I believe they beamed him, like a deer in headlights.
What do you mean, they beamed him? Like with a spotlight? I believe it may have been a vortex weapon, sir.
A high-powered shockwave.
It's the latest in non-lethal military soft weapons.
You weren't beamed yourself, by any chance, were you, lieutenant? I'm not gonna let you sweep this under the carpet.
You've got no proof of anything.
This accident was investigated, a cause was determined and we don't exist.
This is Palmer.
We've got a security breach in Section 8.
Roger.
Responding to breach in Section 8.
Securing all exits.
Teams Bravo and Charlie respond.
Bravo Team.
We copy.
We're on it.
There he is.
Security, this is Bravo.
He's headed for the southwest exit.
- You got it? - Yeah.
Easy.
Yeah.
Security, this is Bravo Team.
He's in a truck headed for the gate.
- Get in the other truck and follow us.
- Yes, sir.
Let's go.
Let's go.
Don't let him get away.
Shoot out the tyres.
Yes, sir.
I would've got away if this thing had afterburners.
- Where is it? - Don't know what you're talking about.
Wrong answer.
You just crossed the line, Palmer.
Let's try again.
Well, what are you gonna do? Shoot me? I am authorised to use deadly force.
At least read the signs, commander.
Do it.
You like to play chicken? Is that it? Well, who's the chicken now? Put the gun down and let's find out.
Looks like we got ourselves a standoff here.
This man has something which belongs to us.
Colonel, I have evidence that the Bradenhurst Corporation have a secret aircraft that collided with your Marine helicopter, causing the subsequent death of Captain Cray.
- You can't prove that.
- Yes, I can.
I am taking Commander Rabb into my custody, along with any and all items on his person.
And if you don't want the same thing to happen to you, Mr.
Palmer, I suggest you get off my base now.
You got nothing.
- We'll see about that in court.
- Yeah.
Palmer? I owed him that, colonel.
Damn.
And we get the bad reputation.
All right, let's go.
Enter.
At ease, major.
Do you need something? Yes, sir.
What is this? My request for terminal leave.
I'm resigning my commission, sir.
I've been offered a job at a civilian law firm.
I thought something like this was coming.
Is that why you took me off the big cases? - You're not happy here? - No, sir.
I mean, yes, sir.
It's more complicated than that.
It's about long-term career goals.
You know, spreading my wings.
I don't suppose there's anything I can say to make you change your mind? I'd prefer that you didn't, sir.
They're putting me on a case.
It's gonna be argued in front of the Supreme Court.
How soon are you gonna be leaving? With your permission, sir, I'd like to begin terminal leave on Monday.
Monday? I'm sorry, admiral.
I know this is short notice.
Damn short notice.
It was a sudden offer.
I have 45 days leave on the books.
You ambushed me, major.
I'm sorry, admiral.
If there was any other way I know it doesn't come as a surprise.
My current assignments attest to that, sir.
Fine.
If you want to leave that badly, consider it done.
You were an asset to the Marine Corps and to JAG.
You will be missed.
Thank you, sir.
I'm sorry it has to be this way.
So am I, major.
So am I.
Major, you are dismissed.
Aye, aye, sir.
Major, I don't mean to sound stupid, but do you really have to do this? No, I don't have to, Bud, but I want to.
Gonna miss you, major.
I'm gonna be a civilian soon.
You might as well get used to calling me Sarah.
I don't think I can, ma'am.
Have you seen Commander Rabb? Well, tell him I said goodbye and just try to keep him out of trouble, okay? You can count on me, ma'am.
I know, Bud.
I know.
Trying to sneak away without saying goodbye, major? I'd prefer "good luck.
" Good luck.
It's been a pleasure serving with you.
Commander, Harm I know you probably feel betrayed.
And there's so many things I need to say to explain myself.
No, you don't.
It's okay.
I understand.
I may not like it, but I'm happy for you.
And, hell, it's not like you're going to Afghanistan.
I mean, you're taking a job in Washington, right? We'll probably be fighting each other in court again next week.
I'd like that.
That's because you're a masochist.
Hey, don't start crying.
If people see the Marines crying, give the Corps a bad name.
Permission to hug the commander? Sure.
Permission granted.
- I'm gonna miss you, Harm.
- I'm gonna miss you too, Sarah.
Your ride's here.
Nice car.
Yeah, but it's no Tomcat.
Should be just over the next ridge.
Roger that, sir.
We got the word.
It's time to leave the nest.
Let's go.
- Drop zone in three, two, one.
- Go.
Go.
Go.
Go.
- Go.
- What the hell is that? Get off.
We're hit.
We lost the tail rotor.
Mayday, mayday.
This is Werewolf 1.
We're going down.
We are going down.
Following in his father's footsteps as a Naval aviator, Lieutenant Commander Harmon Rabb Jr.
Suffered a crash while landing his Tomcat on a storm-tossed carrier at sea.
Diagnosed with night blindness, Harm transferred to the Navy's Judge Advocate General Corps, which investigates, defends and prosecutes the law of the sea.
There, with fellow JAG lawyer Major Sarah MacKenzie, he now fights in and out of the courtroom with the same daring and tenacity that made him a top gun in the air.
Straight ahead.
One helo was a Sea King and the other was unknown.
Enter.
Sorry I'm late, sir.
I was checking out the state statutes on gaming.
Let me guess.
Admiral Drake's wife? Just be careful, major.
She's just as stubborn as the admiral and twice as mean.
I read the flash message on the aircraft incident, sir.
Any words of wisdom you'd like to impart to the commander before he leaves? I'm not going? No.
From the looks of things, I'd say that your hands are full.
But, sir, this investigation is on a Marine Corps base.
Well, the commander's a big boy.
I don't think he needs you there to protect him.
- Any other questions, commander? - No, sir.
Good.
Would you send in Lieutenant Roberts on your way out? Aye, sir.
You have to fill out this line.
Pack your bags, Bud.
We're going on safari.
- The admiral wants to see you.
- He does? - I should be going with you.
- Of course you should.
Burning sun, poisonous snakes, stinging scorpions.
It's a Club Med for Marines.
Yeah? Well, right now that sounds wonderful.
Do you know what the admiral has me doing? Freedom of Information Act request, student loan recovery, delinquent car loans.
And Admiral Drake's wife wants clearance to hold a bingo game at Bethesda.
- A fundraiser? - Yep.
Why am I doing this? Do you have any idea why Admiral Chegwidden is so mad at me? The same reason we all are, Mac.
You wanted to see me, sir? Yes.
You're aware that JAG has an opening for administrative assistant? - Yes, sir.
- At ease.
And I assume you're also aware that Ensign Sims' detailer has proposed her for this assignment.
That That's great, admiral.
Ensign Sims is a very hot worker.
Hard worker.
She's a very nice girl, sir.
She'd be a great asset to JAG, sir.
Well, it's not her assets I'm concerned with, lieutenant.
It's her boyfriend.
What boyfriend? Boyfriend, meaning Sir, my relationship with Ensign Sims is strictly professional.
I can assure you that we would both conduct our affairs like officers.
I don't mean "affairs" affairs, sir.
I mean, you know Just don't make me send a chaperon every time you two go to the copy room together.
Absolutely not.
You can count on me, admiral.
Good.
Dismissed.
Aye, aye, sir.
Oh, lieutenant, you're right.
Ensign Sims is a nice girl.
Thank you, sir.
Any chance she has a sister? Sir? It's hard to believe anyone could walk away from this, sir.
- How many survived? - All but one, sir.
The recon team all bailed out before the aircraft went down.
And the pilot, Captain Cray, managed a controlled crash that his co-pilot, Lieutenant Flynn, walked away from.
Captain Cray wasn't so lucky.
What about the men in the other helicopter? There was no other helicopter, lieutenant.
We were told this was a midair collision between two helos.
Well, that's what we thought too, sir.
But all our other birds are present and accounted for.
If they didn't hit another helicopter, then what did they hit? Nobody knows, sir.
I think they were hoping you could tell us.
Ma'am? Harriet.
Welcome to JAG.
If this is a bad time, I can come back.
No, it's fine.
Come on in.
I can actually use the company.
Commander Rabb is investigating a Marine helo crash while I am stuck here with a bingo game.
I'm looking for a good attorney.
I was told that you're the best.
Ensign Sims, this is Dalton Lowne.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you.
I'll check in with you later, major.
- Bye, Mr.
Lowne.
- Bye.
What are you doing here? Well, today's the big day.
I thought I'd give you a ride.
That way, I can give you my patented pep talk on the way over.
What? Do I look like I need it? You look like you're having second thoughts.
I'm just nervous, I guess.
Is this what you're wearing? Yeah.
Is something wrong with it? No, no, no.
Not as long as you wear it with this.
- I can't.
- Why not? That's worth more than my car.
Mac, my tennis shoes are worth more than your car.
They smell better too.
Please, take it as a It's a good-luck charm.
I've never had this much luck in my life.
Luck has nothing to do with it.
It's like a giant jigsaw puzzle, isn't it, sir? Yep.
Looks like they lost the tail rotor.
- What is it, sir? - I don't know.
I don't think it came off this aircraft though.
Something's not right here, Bud.
You've got a Marine helicopter at 2200 feet, travelling at 60 knots.
Collides with another aircraft midair, which shears off its tail rotor.
He autorotates down.
Impacts here: What happened to the other aircraft? It obviously didn't impact here.
There's not enough debris.
So where's the other crash site? I'm gonna have to ask you people to get back in your vehicle and return to your base.
This crash site is under a JAG investigation.
Not anymore.
This area's now under the jurisdiction of the Defense Security Division.
What? Somebody should've told you we were coming.
- I'm Special Investigator Palmer.
- Lieutenant Commander Rabb.
Sorry, commander.
Don't mean to step on anyone's toes.
- Like you, I'm just following orders.
- Why is DSD involved in this? I'm not in a position to reveal that information.
I'm gonna have to confiscate your film.
I don't think so.
The Defense Security Division has no jurisdiction over JAG.
We do now.
I'm under executive orders from the Congressional Military Preparedness Committee.
Look, until I am issued those orders, this is my crash site.
Consider yourself issued, sir.
- This is not over.
- Yes, it is, commander.
And if you don't mind handing over that piece of evidence, please.
Thank you.
All right, people, let's clean this up.
Sir, why would they take us off this investigation? I don't know, Bud.
Maybe this thing behind your ear will shed a clue.
You kept a piece? Send it to Washington and have it analyzed.
I don't like this any more than you do, commander.
Sir, a Marine helicopter crashed on a Marine base.
What the hell does this have to do with the Defense Security Division? You have a reputation of being quite the pit bull when you want something.
- Well, I like to think of myself - I like pit bulls, commander.
What I don't like is a bunch of Washington pencil-necks coming into my backyard and dumping into my sandbox.
One of my Marines died out there, commander, and I wanna know why.
I wanna know how and I wanna know now.
And if Congress has a problem with that, then they can just come down here and kiss my Marine-green butt.
Yes, sir.
We're all very impressed with your trial record, Sarah.
And at the risk of sounding sexist, it would be nice to look at a pretty face around here for a change.
Thank you, sir.
We're not in the military here either, Sarah.
Please call me Richard.
Well, Richard, I love litigation.
But right now I work on a case-by-case basis.
I deal with individuals, not with the law.
Now, I know you're preparing to argue a right-to-life case before the Supreme Court.
What you say may change the law.
I wanna be a part of that.
I wanna make a difference.
The partners and I agree, you would be a great addition to our firm.
And that is why we are prepared now to make you this offer.
Well, go ahead, open it.
It's not booby-trapped.
It's - Wow, it's very generous.
- It's just the beginning.
Now, Sarah, I know this is a tough decision.
I don't wanna rush you, but time is of the essence.
The offer's good until Friday at noon.
Mrs.
Cray? My husband was supposed to do this.
You know, I've been asking him to fix it for two months.
Mrs.
Cray, I'm Lieutenant Commander Rabb.
This is Lieutenant J.
G.
Roberts.
We'd like to ask you a few questions concerning your husband's accident.
Why? We're trying to figure out what happened, ma'am.
Prevent it from happening in the future.
We understand this is a difficult time for you.
Oh, yeah? What makes you such an expert, commander? Well, my father was a pilot, ma'am.
He was shot down in Vietnam.
So what? Is that supposed to make me feel better, commander? Because it doesn't.
I don't I don't care about you or your father or the Marine Corps.
If you were expecting to come here and find the grieving widow, I'm sorry to disappoint you.
As far as I'm concerned, the Marine Corps killed my husband.
- That's not true, ma'am.
- Oh, no? Prove it.
Well, that's what we're trying to do.
That's why we're investigating.
My husband crashed.
My husband died.
It's simple.
And it happens to women just like me every day.
Well, I thought I was different.
I thought my husband was better and luckier.
I was wrong.
She's really taking this hard, commander.
Yeah.
She's still in shock, Bud.
She hasn't allowed herself to grieve.
She will.
She has to.
She's not taking the flag, sir.
Whatever hit us damaged our tail rotor.
- You went into a spin.
- Yes, sir.
Merlin controlled the crash as best he could using just the stick and collective.
You know, he saved my life.
We were initially led to believe that you had collided with another helicopter? Well, whatever hit us was no helo, lieutenant.
Well, what do you think it was? Well, I wish I knew, sir.
Merlin took evasive action, but it still clipped our tail.
Any warning on the radar? No, sir.
It came out of nowhere.
What about the Marines who parachuted out? - They see anything? - I don't know, sir.
Well, sir, it was big and black.
Like it absorbed every bit of light that hit it.
It had a crescent-shaped arc of lights that pulsed on and off, but no other distinct markings, sir.
- Did you hear an engine? - Not really, sir.
I felt it as much as I heard it.
It was weird that way.
It made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
It was like a big shadow passing overhead.
I was thrown out of the aircraft on impact.
I looked up to check my chute and that's when I saw the helo go down, sir.
This other aircraft, did you see it crash? No, sir.
So it's possible it flew away? Yes, I guess so, sir.
Hey, Bud, what's up? DSD? Yeah, I'll see what I can find out.
Excuse me, major? You want these? How's the commander taking it? Yeah, I bet.
All right, what else do you need? Okay.
All right, I'm on it.
You too, Bud.
Bye.
- Well, how is Bud? - He's fine.
You know, Bud's a wonderful guy.
He's smart, he's funny, he's romantic.
Yeah, but? Sometimes I just think he tries a little too hard, that's all.
He's an officer and a gentleman, to a fault.
It's like I'm dating this knight in shining armour.
And that's a bad thing? Did you ever try to make love to a man wearing armour, major? Does football equipment count? That was a rhetorical question.
I didn't mean to I'm kidding, Harriet.
You did great.
Everyone was impressed.
- Really? Or are you just saying that? - No, no.
They loved you.
Not as much as I do, of course, but I think we should celebrate with some dinner.
What do you think? Well, I think it's about time you fed me.
How about Le Cirque? - Dalton, Le Cirque's in New York.
- So is my deposition.
I found out on the way over here.
I'm sorry.
Dr.
Swenson just became available.
And he's the world's leading expert on euthanasia and a key witness in our case, so Well, I'll drop you off at National and we can have dinner some other time.
Well, see, I was thinking maybe you can be at the deposition beside me.
I mean, come with me.
Spend the night.
Well, I have to work.
You can take the shuttle out of Kennedy at 6 a.
m.
And be back at JAG by 8.
That does sound interesting.
But you can't just dazzle me with opportunity.
You still have to feed me.
Well, I've got a suite booked at the Regent.
We could order room service.
Yeah, or not.
This may be the first recorded incident of a military aircraft involved in an air-to-air collision with an unidentified flying object.
I knew it.
I knew it was only a matter of time until you started in with the UFOs.
Well, sir, until whatever it is that collided with the helicopter is identified, it technically is a UFO.
Yeah, so is a sea gull until they dig its guts out of your engine, Bud.
Thank you for that very vivid picture, commander.
Haven't you ever heard of the foo-fighters? - The band? - No, not the band.
In World War II, Allied pilots regularly engaged in air-to-air intercepts with unidentified flying objects.
They called them foo-fighters.
Until a flying saucer with little green men come down and threaten to interrupt the Super Bowl, I don't wanna hear about it, okay, Bud? - Sir? Sir? - What? What the hell was that? That's what I was telling you about, sir.
Where the hell is the damn thing? There it is again, sir.
Hang on.
Where did it go? I don't know.
It keeps changing directions.
There's no way that's a plane or a helicopter, sir.
Right where you are.
Keep your hands where we can see them.
Don't move.
I talked to your admiral today.
I did not tell him that you were detained by a private security force for trespassing.
- I appreciate that, sir.
- He already knew.
There are some very angry congressmen who want me to throw your butts on the first transport back east.
Colonel, we're not finished with our investigation, sir.
Our friends at Defense Security Division seem to have finished it for you.
"Mechanical failure and pilot error"? Colonel, that is impossible.
There is no way they could make an accurate assessment of the crash this quickly.
Now, we saw something last night in the desert over the Bradenhurst Corporation.
Something I believe is tied in with this crash.
Sir, all I need is 24 hours.
The next transport out of here is full, gentlemen.
You'll have to wait until 1100 tomorrow before you can go back to D.
C.
Thank you, sir.
- Ensign Sims? - Yes, sir? Where's Major MacKenzie? She's not here, sir.
I can see that, ensign.
That's why I was asking you where she was.
I'm sure she'll be here any moment, admiral.
Do you know where Major MacKenzie is? Admiral.
Can I have a word with you, sir? Five minutes, my office.
Okay, Admiral Drake's wife called, she said - I called her from the airport.
- Okay.
General Kragline called about an affidavit.
- Faxed them from the plane.
- Okay.
And Commander Rabb wanted you to get him - Satellite photos.
- Some satellite photos.
I'm getting doors slammed in my face all over town.
I've got a weapons programme manager telling me DSD is not my concern.
But I've got people in the field, JAGs that I support, so I keep pressing, hoping to find the truth.
So you can imagine my chagrin when I learned that not one, but two of my officers have been caught trespassing.
I am sorry, admiral.
We were following an unidentified aircraft, sir, that we believed to have been involved in the crash.
Unidentified aircraft, as in UFO? You're spending too much time in the desert with Lieutenant Roberts.
Admiral, we saw something.
My guess is it came from the Bradenhurst Corporation.
Would explain the high security, sir.
The Bradenhurst Corporation is a government contractor.
They dispose of biochemical weapons.
They're authorised to use deadly force.
You could have been shot as a terrorist trying to score sarin nerve gas.
Yeah, my guess is that's just a cover to keep people away, Mac.
No one's gonna advertise as a top-secret weapons builder.
Well, if they're a defence contractor, it would explain why they're getting assistance from DSD.
Somebody's pulling strings for them.
Sir, national security is one thing, but someone has got to be held accountable for that Marine's death.
And that is never gonna happen so long as the Bradenhurst Corporation can hide behind a wall of secrecy.
So, what are you proposing, commander? Admiral Elgin, the admiral's in We need to talk.
Now.
Come up with a plan, commander, immediately.
- Keep me informed.
- Ye Yes, sir.
Excuse us, major.
Close the door behind you.
Aye, sir.
You were told to pull your men off the helicopter crash.
They haven't completed their investigation.
- DSD wrapped it up.
- My men haven't.
This isn't even DSD's jurisdiction.
It is if CMPC says it is.
It's called chain-of-command, A.
J.
Those on top give orders to those below them.
- Understood? - I understand.
I understand somebody's yanking my chain and I don't like it.
A Marine was killed in that accident and I expect answers.
And I refuse to let that go unacknowledged or unavenged.
And with all due respect, you can go to hell if you think I'm gonna let you or anybody else use that dead Marine as a fall guy.
Do you wanna cross swords with me, Chegwidden? Because if we get into this, you might just find yourself fighting to keep the bars on your sleeve.
Well, I never met a SEAL yet, didn't like a good bar fight, sir.
Well, they sure picked this place clean, commander.
Yep.
This is Lieutenant Commander Rabb, JAG Corps.
I sent a fragment to be analysed.
Really? Well, a perfect material for an aircraft.
So who makes it? As in outer space? Well, can you find out? What? Well, don't hold your breath.
Thanks.
Our specimen mysteriously went missing.
- How? - It doesn't matter, Bud.
The technician said it was some sort of space-age composite.
Nothing he'd ever seen before, which proves we are on the right track.
We sure could've used that piece of evidence, sir.
Well, I don't want just a piece, Bud.
I want this whole thing.
- Ma'am? - Thanks.
Do you know how beautiful you look tonight? - Not too ostentatious? - No, never.
Are you sure? Because I don't wanna stand out.
Well, there's no way of avoiding that, is there? Dalton, Sarah.
Well, I hope Dalton has told you how absolutely beautiful you look this evening.
Well, he did his best.
Will someone tell me who took women out of dresses and put them in three-piece pinstripe suits? - How are you tonight, Dalton? - Never better, senator.
Never better.
Now, tell me that you're not one of these damn lawyers.
Well, sorry to disappoint you, senator.
Major Sarah MacKenzie.
Judge Advocate General Corps, sir.
A Marine? I fought with the 7th Infantry in Korea.
Damn near froze my tail off at Chosin Reservoir.
And I don't remember any Marine majors that looked like you.
According to these satellite photos, the Bradenhurst Corporation has two runways on its property.
Toxic waste is always moved by road or rail.
It's never moved by air.
It's far too dangerous.
So why do they have two runways? Exactly.
The key to this whole thing is behind those gates.
If we're gonna get the evidence we need, Bud, we have to get inside.
I think we already tried that, sir.
And if I remember correctly, we were completely unsuccessful.
Well, I don't plan on getting caught this time.
I'm gonna get in and get out without anyone ever knowing I was there.
How do you plan on doing that, sir? - You are going to distract them.
- Me, sir? You want me to distract the guys that caught us? The guys that are authorised to use deadly force? Bud, come on, they may be authorised to use deadly force, but they usually just shoot you in the knees.
I respectfully disagree, senator.
There is a limit to what states can be forced to provide.
Now, the Constitution does not require states to furnish all possible medical care.
Now, let me see if I understand this, Dick.
The state is refusing to pay for an operation that may save this woman's life.
Our argument is that the operation is an experimental procedure that is clinically inappropriate.
Therefore, the state cannot be forced to pay for it.
What do you think about this, Miss MacKenzie? I'm not an expert in that area of law, senator.
Senator, you may be placing Major MacKenzie in a bit of a hard place.
You see, we just made her a job offer.
Oh, well, she'll agree with you, Dick.
Major? I believe the state should provide equal access to healthcare and leave the life and death decisions to God.
I mean, let's face it.
He is more qualified in that job than any of us.
Finally, somebody who speaks some sense.
You're not going to hold this against her, are you, Dick? Senator, matters of principle have nothing to do with Sarah's job qualifications.
What a world.
Where did you get all this stuff from, sir? Compliments of Colonel Barret.
Whatever you do, Bud, make sure I have enough time to get in there.
What do I do if they come back? Name, rank and social, lieutenant.
Not Bradenhurst.
Run like hell.
- And, Bud? - Yeah.
Whatever you do, don't let them probe you.
This is Alpha Unit.
We've got an explosion outside Gate 3.
We're going to investigate.
We need backup on the double.
Let's go, let's go, let's move.
How are you feeling, commander? Like 6 feet of a well-used latrine.
The nausea will wear off shortly.
You were trespassing again.
Listen, when did top secret become everybody's business? Do you have any idea how many nutcases we have trying to break onto this site because they think we have crashed spaceships and aliens on ice out here? Who are you? You're not DSD.
Advanced Weapons and Research? I saw the aircraft.
I felt whatever the hell that was you hit me with.
Some kind of new pulse weapon's my guess.
We build weapons here, commander.
Weapons that your military relies on.
Weapons that save lives.
Now, why would you try to jeopardise that? Don't start singing "Old Glory" to me.
This isn't about patriotism.
It's about money.
Designing and selling weapons is a business just like it is for cars, stereos and candy bars.
And it's as competitive as hell.
There are deadlines to meet and Washington expects results.
You cut corners, you trim costs, you You push test flights.
Anything to give you the edge over the guy in the secret lab next door.
Sooner or later, there's an accident.
This one cost a Marine aviator his life.
You will be held accountable.
You know, if I were you, commander, I'd be less concerned with us and more worried about how your recent actions will affect your career.
That is, assuming that you still have one when this is all over.
- Let's go.
- Where is Commander Rabb now? I don't know, sir.
Well, am I to assume that Commander Rabb has been arrested? Accosted? Abducted? What, lieutenant? I'm not sure.
I wasn't close enough to see everything.
But I believe they beamed him, like a deer in headlights.
What do you mean, they beamed him? Like with a spotlight? I believe it may have been a vortex weapon, sir.
A high-powered shockwave.
It's the latest in non-lethal military soft weapons.
You weren't beamed yourself, by any chance, were you, lieutenant? I'm not gonna let you sweep this under the carpet.
You've got no proof of anything.
This accident was investigated, a cause was determined and we don't exist.
This is Palmer.
We've got a security breach in Section 8.
Roger.
Responding to breach in Section 8.
Securing all exits.
Teams Bravo and Charlie respond.
Bravo Team.
We copy.
We're on it.
There he is.
Security, this is Bravo.
He's headed for the southwest exit.
- You got it? - Yeah.
Easy.
Yeah.
Security, this is Bravo Team.
He's in a truck headed for the gate.
- Get in the other truck and follow us.
- Yes, sir.
Let's go.
Let's go.
Don't let him get away.
Shoot out the tyres.
Yes, sir.
I would've got away if this thing had afterburners.
- Where is it? - Don't know what you're talking about.
Wrong answer.
You just crossed the line, Palmer.
Let's try again.
Well, what are you gonna do? Shoot me? I am authorised to use deadly force.
At least read the signs, commander.
Do it.
You like to play chicken? Is that it? Well, who's the chicken now? Put the gun down and let's find out.
Looks like we got ourselves a standoff here.
This man has something which belongs to us.
Colonel, I have evidence that the Bradenhurst Corporation have a secret aircraft that collided with your Marine helicopter, causing the subsequent death of Captain Cray.
- You can't prove that.
- Yes, I can.
I am taking Commander Rabb into my custody, along with any and all items on his person.
And if you don't want the same thing to happen to you, Mr.
Palmer, I suggest you get off my base now.
You got nothing.
- We'll see about that in court.
- Yeah.
Palmer? I owed him that, colonel.
Damn.
And we get the bad reputation.
All right, let's go.
Enter.
At ease, major.
Do you need something? Yes, sir.
What is this? My request for terminal leave.
I'm resigning my commission, sir.
I've been offered a job at a civilian law firm.
I thought something like this was coming.
Is that why you took me off the big cases? - You're not happy here? - No, sir.
I mean, yes, sir.
It's more complicated than that.
It's about long-term career goals.
You know, spreading my wings.
I don't suppose there's anything I can say to make you change your mind? I'd prefer that you didn't, sir.
They're putting me on a case.
It's gonna be argued in front of the Supreme Court.
How soon are you gonna be leaving? With your permission, sir, I'd like to begin terminal leave on Monday.
Monday? I'm sorry, admiral.
I know this is short notice.
Damn short notice.
It was a sudden offer.
I have 45 days leave on the books.
You ambushed me, major.
I'm sorry, admiral.
If there was any other way I know it doesn't come as a surprise.
My current assignments attest to that, sir.
Fine.
If you want to leave that badly, consider it done.
You were an asset to the Marine Corps and to JAG.
You will be missed.
Thank you, sir.
I'm sorry it has to be this way.
So am I, major.
So am I.
Major, you are dismissed.
Aye, aye, sir.
Major, I don't mean to sound stupid, but do you really have to do this? No, I don't have to, Bud, but I want to.
Gonna miss you, major.
I'm gonna be a civilian soon.
You might as well get used to calling me Sarah.
I don't think I can, ma'am.
Have you seen Commander Rabb? Well, tell him I said goodbye and just try to keep him out of trouble, okay? You can count on me, ma'am.
I know, Bud.
I know.
Trying to sneak away without saying goodbye, major? I'd prefer "good luck.
" Good luck.
It's been a pleasure serving with you.
Commander, Harm I know you probably feel betrayed.
And there's so many things I need to say to explain myself.
No, you don't.
It's okay.
I understand.
I may not like it, but I'm happy for you.
And, hell, it's not like you're going to Afghanistan.
I mean, you're taking a job in Washington, right? We'll probably be fighting each other in court again next week.
I'd like that.
That's because you're a masochist.
Hey, don't start crying.
If people see the Marines crying, give the Corps a bad name.
Permission to hug the commander? Sure.
Permission granted.
- I'm gonna miss you, Harm.
- I'm gonna miss you too, Sarah.
Your ride's here.
Nice car.
Yeah, but it's no Tomcat.