JAG s05e21 Episode Script
The Witches of Gulfport
Enter of thine own free will and without fear.
Listen to the words of the great goddess of old.
Once in the month, and better it be when the moon is full, you shall assemble in some secret place and adore the spirit of me, who is clean of all the wise.
In my honour, you shall sing, dance, make music, and harm none in my presence, for mine is the ecstasy of the spirit on Earth.
So mote it be.
Be free, joyous, and sky-clad in your great rite.
Flight 416 from Houston is now arriving at Gate 14-B.
- Welcome to Gulfport, gentlemen.
- Thank you.
At ease, chief.
Consider yourselves guests of the Construction Battalion Center.
Thank you.
Lead on.
Sir, we're parked in the far lot.
You feel like taking a hike? - If you feel like carrying our luggage.
- Of course, sir.
Passenger Jane Murray, please pick up a white courtesy phone.
Cute.
We didn't wanna blow your cover, Mac.
What about our friendship? I'm friendly with Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie.
I don't know much about a Chief Petty Officer Bonnie Johnson.
She is just as unforgiving.
Well, you do look snappy in that uniform, ma'am.
You have baby food on yours, lieutenant.
- So, what do you know, anyway? - Typing is hard on the fingernails.
- About witches, Mac.
- They worship naked.
Really? Did you? So, what was it like? Was it cold? - Was there sex involved? - I went for it.
It was a warm night.
And no one touched me.
- Did they touch each other, ma'am? - No.
We just danced around a bonfire, and when the flames were low enough, we jumped over.
You jumped over a fire naked? Thanking my track-and-field coach all the way.
So, what have you found out? Harm, I've been talking to Wiccans all week.
I haven't been able to find anything to substantiate Petty Officer Plunket's claim she was raped.
We have a meeting with her in the morning.
Let's see what she has to say.
- So are you a witch now, ma'am? - In training, Bud.
They've taken me into their confidence, so I don't wanna hear any cracks out of either of you.
How was your trip to Australia, ma'am? It was excellent.
I'm not used to seeing you driving one of these, Mac.
- What'd you expect? - Bud? A broomstick, sir? It happened right after my initiation, sir.
Chief Merker, he's the high priest.
He walked me to my quarters.
I said good night, but when I opened the door, he followed me in.
- That's when it happened.
- Well, did you resist? - I wanted to, sir.
- Then why didn't you? I did, sir, in my head.
And you felt that that would be enough? Sir, I couldn't speak.
- You were panicked? - No, sir.
You're not being very clear, petty officer.
Chief Merker put a spell on me, sir.
- I'm speechless.
- And we're helpless, ma'am.
There's no way to make this fly.
Do you wanna drop it? Well, what's our argument? The petty officer couldn't say no because Chief Merker put a spell on her? Need I remind you that Navy policy requires all personnel to take seriously any charge of sexual assault? We don't have anywhere to begin with this.
We better figure it out.
I was sent down here because of Wicca's growing presence in the military.
I got the same speech, Mac.
The Navy wants to know if this is an isolated incident.
Otherwise it has to re-evaluate its policies on religious freedoms.
- So, what do we have? - Well, we have what you've given us.
"Chief Merker is friendly, accommodating and personally powerful.
" I'll dig deeper.
What if we go public with this? It could open a conversation within Wicca.
Something might fall out.
Works for me.
Bud, get me what you can on these names, huh? Yes, sir.
Oh, sir, FYI, I found a case in the manual for courts-martial that involves SanterĂa and live chickens.
What? - Hello? - Oh, I woke you up.
- Bloody inconsiderate.
- I'm sorry.
No, to do it by phone.
Should have been lying next to me, nuzzling me awake.
You know, I keep smelling you everywhere.
On my pillows and my clothes.
And my towels.
I can't bring myself to wash them.
Well, promise me you do it before I visit again.
If you promise to visit again.
I can't take leave until July.
What am I supposed to do until then? I don't know, but don't do it with anyone else.
- You think I would? - Well, you're not yourself, are you? You're Chief Johnson.
I hadn't thought of it that way.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Well, we're moving forward down here, Mic.
Expect more naked dancing.
As long as you send me a tape.
Sir, the Wicca research.
Thanks.
"Pre-Christian, Earth-based reconstruction of European tribal worship.
Not only paganistic, but polytheistic gods and goddesses.
" There's no animal sacrifice, no devil worship? What's this? I cast a wider net, sir.
"A frightening form of witchcraft was reportedly practised not in Salem, but in the deep South.
The witches in these regions were said to have cast crippling spells and even sacrificed humans in their quest for union with the devil.
" What does this have to do with Wiccans, Bud? Well, the petty officer claimed that she was the victim of a spell, sir.
Sir, this is not one of my paranormal fixations.
Is this one of your normal fixations? Sir, here.
In 1916, a swarm of beetles descended on Harrison County.
In the early '40s, a hundred dogs went missing in the span of a week.
- And as late as 1993 - Bud, I'll look it over.
Do you think the colonel might be interested, sir? I'll keep her informed.
- Thanks.
- Yes, sir.
- Hey, how are you doing, chief? - Well, the Navy thinks I'm a rapist.
The papers say I made a pact with the devil.
There's a guy out in the parking lot who wants to castrate me.
- Mind if I sit down? - No, please.
- Thanks.
- You hungry, chief? - Sure.
- Then don't sit here.
No one seems to wanna take our order.
Eggs over easy up, let's get them out of here.
Well, that's okay, chief.
You got friends.
Well, I'm really glad you're one of them.
Bonnie, if you're gonna stick with us, you should know this could be a rough ride.
Wiccans are pretty open-minded about sex.
Consensual sex.
Yeah, and we take a lot of heat for it.
And this was our worst nightmare.
It gives fuel to our enemies and it can destroy us.
You know, that's the crazy part about it.
What happened between me and Petty Officer Plunket was consensual.
If I'm guilty of anything, it's not realising how naive she was.
The Lord has not forsaken you.
You can still be saved.
Come into his arms.
There is no warmer place in the firmament.
Ma'am, you're not welcome here.
Marvellous grace of our loving Lord Grace that exceeds our sin and guilt Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured Come on, let's go.
There where the blood Of the lamb was spilt Grace, grace God's grace Grace that is greater than all our sin Wicca's growing in the military because it's one of the few institutions that will let us be, or so we thought.
There was some talk of a study group at Norfolk, but it never happened.
Well, Bonnie, I want you to know I really appreciate your support.
I mean, you're only here a week and you're already in the thick of it.
Most people don't get us.
Well, most people don't cast spells, chief.
Spiritual magic.
It's to harness positive energy.
I mean, it's not like we're turning people into toadstools.
Can you? I believe my faith gives me the power to do anything.
- Well, good night.
- Where are you going? To sleep.
You're not gonna let me be alone tonight, are you? Yes, chief.
Okay.
Good morning, admiral.
Your calls, sir.
Everybody wants a piece of me, Tiner.
Nothing lights up people like sex and witchcraft.
Monsignor Doherty, ACLU, Wiccan Circle.
Congressman Steelsmith.
Confirming your 9:00 for tomorrow, sir.
Yeah, it's his district.
He probably wants to meddle.
Misses the smell of litigation.
Damn hill dwellers.
What the hell is that? It's the all-seeing eye, sir.
It's believed to be the eye of Lucifer.
"Hexes, curses, psychic control and all corruption are worked through this emblem.
" Lieutenant Roberts ordered it for his research, sir.
He wants me to forward it.
It's made of plaster, Tiner.
I can see that, sir.
Tell the lieutenant he's gone too far this time.
Yes, sir.
Here.
- Judge advocate general's office.
- Hi, it's Sally.
- Did you get an answer? - Hold on, please.
Sir, Congressman Steelsmith wants to push tomorrow's meeting to 10.
He's backed up early on and he's afraid he'll fall behind.
He can fall on his behind as far as I'm concerned.
Ten o'clock is fine.
We'll see him then.
Get me the commanding officer at the Army installation, Fort Hood, Texas.
They've been taking heat on their Wiccans, so I'll pick his brain.
Aye, sir.
Tiner, tell the lieutenant if he tries to expense that, - I'm gonna make him wear it as a hat.
- Yes, sir.
As is the male to the female, blessed be the act of creation.
Blessed be the waters of life.
May they protect and purify this circle.
So mote it be.
May the goddess and the god protect and purify thee.
Blessed be.
May the goddess and the god protect and purify thee.
Blessed be.
What's your wish? How'd you know I was making one? Up is where hope lives.
So who's the guy? All right, if you know so much, what was I wishing? You wanna be with him.
- Yes.
- But you can't.
No.
Can I help? What could you do? What do you like? Yeah.
We're starting up again.
He tried to put a spell on me.
What did he do, sprinkle fairy dust on you? Salt water.
And then when we went outside, he took my hand and - You resisted, I assume.
- Yes.
But someone weaker, younger and more naive may have had a harder time.
This guy is compelling.
Mac, what kind of powers are we talking about, anyway? Magical or personal? Because if he has only seduced Petty Officer Plunket, we can go home.
He came on to me the night before too, Harm.
Ma'am, what happened last night, was it after a ceremony? - Yes.
- Same as Petty Officer Plunket.
Chief Merker doesn't have the ability to cast spells, but somehow, he convinced the petty officer that he does.
The thing is, if she really believed that she was incapable of saying no, that makes it rape.
You could directly compare that to being drugged or hypnotised.
In each case, the person is being denied their free will.
What happened to Bud Roberts, occult expert? He reminded himself that he was an attorney, sir.
The defence will jump all over the consent issue.
You have to prove intent on the part of the accused, that he expected the petty officer to resist, but made her think that she couldn't so that he could take advantage of her.
- Anything further, counsellor? - Yeah.
Good luck.
- Congressman here yet? - His office cancelled, sir.
Apparently, he slipped on a marble floor and broke an ankle.
- Well, get him a card and I'll sign it.
- Yes, sir.
Tiner, what is that still doing here? Sorry, sir.
I haven't gotten around to sending it yet.
Well, don't leave it out.
Put it someplace.
All we need is Monsignor Doherty to find it and he'll damn us all to hell.
Yes, sir.
When is the ACLU rep expected? - Noon, sir.
- Boy, this one is a loud talker.
He had me on the phone for 40 minutes.
I got off, my ears were ringing.
Maybe he's said all he needs to say and just wants to wrap up.
Well, one word out of his mouth is one too many.
Here.
Hang this on my parking space.
Maybe it'll keep the minivans out.
The hardest part is remembering to salute the officers.
I walked right past an ensign the other day, he dressed me down for five minutes.
- Lucky bloke.
- What do you mean by that? Well, ever since you told me you were working undercover as a chief petty officer, I've been having fraternisation fantasies.
Really? I'm your commanding officer by day and your love slave at night.
Keep talking, slave.
- Yeah, and you snap to, chief.
- Yes, sir.
Seriously, Sarah.
Watch yourself around this Merker character.
You don't think I can handle myself? I don't think I wanna think about it.
It worries me.
You're worried or jealous? - No, I don't get jealous.
- Yeah, neither do I.
Oh, beauty.
Then I can keep my mistress? Can I keep mine? I miss you.
I miss you too.
I gotta go.
Till next time.
Yeah, till then.
- I've been waiting 30 minutes for you.
- Oh, sorry.
Who were you talking to? - My mistress.
- Very funny.
- Chief Johnson.
- Seaman.
Have some business in Admin, chief? Yeah, my transfer papers got screwed up.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a day when everything went according to plan? I've had a few of those.
Really? Maybe if I hang out with you, chief, I can learn how you do it.
Well, you just have to believe in yourself.
- My first obstacle.
- Really? It used to be worse, but Wicca's helped a lot.
I think so.
You seem to be doing fine.
I hope you mean that, chief, because a lot of people say stuff like that just to get you out of their face.
And I don't know you that well.
You know me well enough to be honest with me, and I know you well enough to be willing to listen.
See you later.
- Is there a problem? - Well, I can't seem to Now I know.
Do you know where I can find a Commander Rabb? - Yeah, you're looking at him.
- Excellent.
James Posey.
I'm representing Chief Merker.
- Excuse me.
- Of course.
Glad I ran into you, because I could not find your office.
- I have been all over the building.
- It's right across the hall, Mr.
Posey.
Well, now I know.
May I suggest a way to dispose of this case? Do you wanna talk about this in here or? Well, it's intimate.
It's got good acoustics.
All right, go ahead.
You drop the charges, I call off the ACLU and the talk shows and the news magazines.
There seems to be some confusion, Mr.
Posey.
- Your client is the one in trouble.
- Well, now, what do you have? A woman making hysterical allegations.
Locals guilty of bigotry and harassment.
This is not a case of indecent assault.
This is a civil-liberties trial.
No deals without an admission of guilt.
How's this for a headline? "Real Witch Hunt in Harrison County.
" Well, thank you for setting the tone for the trial, Mr.
Posey.
- You're welcome.
- It was your first mistake.
That's all right.
I only make them once.
Mr.
Wythrip, you live on top of the hill, correct? - Yes, sir.
- What can you see below? Well, the forest mostly.
A clearing or two.
Have you witnessed any recent activity in either one of these clearings? I sure have.
One night, I was chasing some racoons away from my pole beans and I spotted some folks dancing naked around a bonfire.
Your Honour, I am wondering about relevance.
So am I, counsellor.
Well, if you'll grant me some leeway, sir, I'll get to that.
- Soon.
- Yes, sir.
Mr.
Wythrip, what do you do for a living? I'm a wildlife photographer.
And are these the photos that you took on the night in question? Yes, sir.
Sixteen hundred ASA, pushed and lat.
What are we looking at? Naked people jumping over a fire.
Is there anyone present in the courtroom that you observed that night? Oh, yeah.
I see quite a few of them here.
- Including Chief Merker? - Yep.
Right there.
Let the record reflect that the witness pointed to the accused.
It's him.
With his arms akimbo.
Yeah.
Which one? Standing right there next to the lady with the tattoo.
Well, her.
It's Wilfred Waller from the ACLU, sir.
Send him in.
This way, sir.
Mr.
Waller, welcome.
Please have a seat.
- You okay? - Yeah.
Petty Officer Plunket, would you describe the initiation ceremony for us, please? Chief Merker brought me into the centre of the circle.
Were you clothed? No, sir.
We were sky-clad.
Naked.
Had you worshipped this way before? The others had.
This was my first time.
Whose idea was it for you to disrobe? Chief Merker suggested it.
He said I was ready.
I was uncomfortable with the idea, but he felt I'd be a stronger receptor for the energy this way.
What happened next? The chief blessed me and granted me the title of first-degree initiate.
And how did he do that? He kissed his hand and he touched me in five places.
Where exactly? My feet, my hands, my breasts, my lips and down there.
What was the chief's expression at this time, petty officer? It wasn't spiritual, sir.
Were you disappointed? A little.
But I was still excited about it all.
Did Chief Merker walk you home after the ceremony? Yes, sir.
It was fine until we got to my door.
I said good night.
But he came in anyway.
- What happened then? - It was It was weird, sir.
I suddenly felt like I was inside myself looking out.
Like the connection between my mind and my body was gone.
But it wasn't until he started taking off my clothes that I realised that I couldn't do anything about it.
Why? I was bewitched, sir.
You mean like hypnotised or drugged? Objection.
Let's let the witness tell us what she meant.
Sustained.
I wasn't able to cry for help or fight him off or anything.
Did you wanna fight him off? God, yes.
Petty Officer Plunket, did Chief Merker have sexual intercourse with you in this state? Yes, sir.
- Excuse me, sir.
- What is it? Sir, I don't know how to put this.
How about a sentence, a short one? Yes, sir.
Admiral, it's about your meetings with Congressman Steelsmith and Mr.
Waller.
What about them? Well, you said something about Congressman Steelsmith falling.
And then we learned he broke his ankle.
Then with Mr.
Waller, you said you didn't wanna hear another word out of his mouth.
And when he was in your office, all he could do was cough.
Sir, you were holding the all-seeing eye both times.
So I hexed these people? Inadvertently, sir.
With a plaster pyramid.
It would seem that way, sir.
Well then, Tiner, I must have magical powers.
Well, in that case, I magically transfer them to you.
Yes, sir.
They're yours, Tiner.
Go have a party.
- Sir? - Out.
Yes, sir.
Petty Officer Plunket, you're saying that Chief Merker put a spell on you? Yes, sir.
Otherwise, it never would have happened.
And you believed him capable of making you do his bidding? Yes, sir.
Well, if he had that kind of power over you, why can't he make you withdraw this charge? - I don't know, sir.
- Now, isn't it the truth that you couldn't say no to him that night because you didn't want to? No, sir.
But you said you were excited by the initiation ceremony.
I was excited to be a member of Wicca.
You were naked and a man was touching you.
And the only thing that excited you was that they were gonna be mailing you a membership card? - Objection.
Argumentative.
- Sustained.
Petty officer, what was your faith prior to joining Wicca? I was a member of a Baptist church in Lizana.
And does this church prohibit sex outside of marriage? Yes, sir.
- And did you follow their teachings? - Yes, sir.
But you left that church to join Wicca.
I was looking for something new.
- And exciting.
- Different.
I see.
- And where do you worship now? - Objection, Your Honour.
This trial is not about the complainant's religion.
Your Honour, if the complainant is feeling guilty about a consensual sexual relationship, she has reason for claiming sexual assault.
Is defence counsel now testifying as an expert witness? All right, that's enough from both of you.
The objection's overruled.
Answer the question.
I went back to my church.
I wanted to be baptised again.
Why? To be cleansed of my sins.
What sins would those be, petty officer? I thought you were bewitched.
No further questions.
You all right, seaman? I just hurled, chief.
Is it the flu, or? No, I'm having a bad day.
Aren't you happy with the way the trial's going? Sure.
It looks good for the chief.
I'm sorry, I'm just tired.
What's up? It's all right.
I can handle it, chief.
Not at the moment, you can't.
I didn't want anyone to see me like this.
It's better this way.
The pain that you're holding inside won't go away by itself.
It happened months ago.
What happened? Chief Merker happened.
I was raped too.
Why are we hearing about this now? Well, she was afraid to come forward.
It's not unusual for a woman to shut down after she's been sexually assaulted.
But she had such a good opportunity.
I mean, she had another case to support her own.
Well, she figured we'd get him on the Plunket charge.
And when she saw him slipping away We should put her on the stand.
She's a perfect rebuttal witness.
It's not gonna happen.
And don't bother going to her.
If I couldn't convince her, you won't.
Well, we need to find somebody who can, then.
Blessed be thy feet, which have led thee in these ways.
Blessed be thy womb, without which we would not be.
Blessed be thy hands, which reach out and act in the world.
Blessed be thy breasts, formed in strength and beauty.
Blessed be thy lips, which speak the sacred names.
And blessed be you.
Did you, as high priest, perform this blessing on Petty Officer Plunket? - Yes.
- Is it performed with a sexual intent? Never.
Even though you place your hands on the individual's flesh? When a rabbi performs a circumcision, he places his hand on the manhood of an infant.
Should he be accused of child molestation? Now, after the ceremony, did you walk the petty officer home? She asked me to.
And had she indicated a prior interest in you? I had received a valentine from her.
And did she express an interest in you that evening? - Yes.
- Did you put a spell on her? There is a myth that Wiccans have access to that kind of magic, but it's only true in the movies.
Thank you.
No further questions.
What kind of magic do you practise, chief? Our spells serve positive ends.
Happiness, healing, that kind of thing.
So Petty Officer Plunket is wrong in believing that you bewitched her? That's right, sir.
She'd just disrobed in the dark, surrounded by naked people, had been touched in private areas of her body by a man in a position of authority within the coven.
What psychological effect did you expect this to have on her, chief? To put her in touch with herself.
With the Earth, with the god and the goddess.
Not with the high priest? I am just a medium for higher powers, sir.
How many Wiccan women have you engaged sexually, chief? Objection.
Defendant's sexual history is not relevant here.
I'll rephrase, Your Honour.
Chief, have you had sexual experience with any Wiccan women after initiations? - It goes to pattern, Your Honour.
- I still object.
And I overrule.
Witness will answer.
On occasion.
And it was always consensual.
Never used your position as high priest to press them into it? No, sir.
Never extended the initiation ceremony to include a sexual one, chief? No.
Never used the chanting, the atmosphere or the belief system of Wicca to manipulate suggestible young women into believing they were powerless to resist your advances? I never made advances toward anyone, at any time, against their will.
So if somebody were to say that you had? Well, they'd be lying, sir.
Seaman Stortz, I realise this is awkward, but I thought you might wanna talk to the commander.
- About what, chief? - About what you told me.
- I don't know what that would be.
- Don't lie.
Don't do that to yourself.
I can't believe that you went to him.
I trusted you, chief.
Yes, and I'm glad you did.
You're just too young to be in this much pain.
Well, I thought you supported Chief Merker.
Well, not if he's guilty.
Chief Merker's acting like he knows you won't contradict him, seaman.
- Why? - I have nothing to say to you, sir.
- Are you protecting him? - No, sir, I'm protecting Wicca.
What do you think will happen if Chief Merker is convicted? It'll give fuel to our enemies.
It will destroy us.
Are those your words or the Wicca party line? I speak for Wicca, chief, and Wicca speaks for me.
Well, right now Chief Merker's speaking for Wicca.
- Is that the way you want it? - That's the way it's gonna have to be.
- You're selling yourself short, seaman.
- It won't be the first time, ma'am.
You know, I can order you to appear, seaman.
And I can refuse, sir.
Good afternoon, sir.
Well, that's that.
Any other ideas? Your Honour, I would like to call Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie to the stand.
Who's Sarah MacKenzie? Raise your right hand.
Do you swear that the evidence you give will be the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God? - I do.
- Have a seat.
Colonel, you are obviously not Chief Petty Officer Bonnie Johnson.
No, I was assigned by the judge advocate general to conduct an undercover investigation of the Seabee Wiccans.
And what did you discover? That they are civil people of deep conviction who are no threat to the community or the military at large.
- All of them? - Except Chief Merker.
He made sexual advances toward me on two occasions.
Your Honour, Chief Merker is not charged - with anything relating to this witness.
- Again, sir, this goes to pattern.
Witness may continue.
On the first occasion, he asked to spend the night.
On the second, during a ceremony, I could feel him looking at me intently.
Afterwards, he took hold of my hand.
Were you able to rebuff his advances, colonel? Objection, Your Honour.
When was hand-holding added to the list of improper sexual activities? Commander, the charge is rape.
Does your witness have anything to contribute on that subject? Yes, sir, she does.
Colonel, who is Seaman Stortz? - A member of Wicca.
- Did Seaman Stortz relate to you an experience she had with Chief Merker after her initiation into Wicca? - Objection.
This is hearsay.
- And the commander knows it.
Members will ignore the last question.
I'm sorry, sir.
Nothing further.
Colonel, did Chief Merker force you to engage in sexual activity with him? - No, but - That's all.
Thank you very much.
- You may step down, colonel.
- Yes, sir.
Sir, I'd like to call Seaman Stortz to the stand.
Your Honour, any information derived from Seaman Stortz during the colonel's undercover investigation is the product of a gross violation of religious freedom.
The colonel was investigating an alleged crime, not a religion, counsellor.
Is the seaman present? - Yes, Your Honour.
- Would you step up, please? No, sir.
Seaman, I'm ordering you.
I'm sorry, sir, but I can't.
Would you prefer to be held in contempt of this court? If necessary, sir.
Your Honour, I would like to recall Colonel MacKenzie in light of the seaman's refusal to testify.
To do what? To relate to this court the seaman's story, since the seaman has refused to do so herself.
Rule 804, declarant unavailable.
Exception to the hearsay rule, sir.
Seaman, you have a choice.
The colonel can take the stand and explain the events according to her recollection of your statement to her, or you can do it yourself.
When I realised I've been overcharged, I walked into my landlord's office, showed him my lease, and he says, "Take me to court," knowing full well it'll be years before I get my money back.
- I get it, sir.
- Don't hurt him.
- Just give him a rash or something.
- How about on his nose, sir? Tiner, my office.
Bring that with you.
Yes, sir.
Tiner, what are you getting out of this? Never mind.
I don't wanna know.
Give it to me.
What's the literature say about destroying one of these? - It doesn't, sir.
- Good.
- Dismissed.
- Aye, sir.
We stopped at Chief Merker's quarters first, sir.
He wanted to play a CD for me, so I went inside and he put it on.
I turned around and he was staring at me in the most intense way.
Like he was trying to put a spell on me, sir.
Did you succumb? Well, no, because I didn't think that that's the way spells worked.
That you could just make someone do something against their will.
Then why did you tell Colonel MacKenzie that Chief Merker had raped you? Because he did, sir.
When he realised that I wasn't buying it, he forced himself on me.
I fought back, but he pushed me onto the bed and he pinned my arms around my back.
And that's when I tried to call for help.
But he stuffed a sock in my mouth.
And afterwards, he made me a cup of coffee.
Will the defendant please rise? Announce your findings.
Chief Petty Officer Lane Merker, this court-martial finds you, of the charge and specification, guilty.
This court is adjourned.
Okay, I got it.
That was a brave thing you did, seaman.
No, sir.
I just thought it wouldn't be fair to have someone else have to do it but me.
Chief Merker was a cancer.
He's been cut out and it's time to heal.
What the chief did was unforgivable, sir.
And if any of us had known about Seaman Stortz, we would've convinced her to testify, even if it meant hurting Wicca.
But you are the last person who should be talking about doing the right thing.
And as for you, ma'am, after manipulating and lying to us, well, you're a perfect example of what this is all about.
You try and live in a world that sends spies into your bedroom.
Colonel, commander.
Very impressive.
It's worth a manor on the Riviera, love.
More like a cell in Long Bay, I'm afraid.
Sorry, love.
Over here, mates.
You two stay there.
Somebody stay on the door.
Come with us, please.
The look on her face was enough to turn you into salt.
I felt like a total bastard.
She was smuggling stolen military property - out of the country, Mic.
- She was hardly involved, Sarah.
She got sucked into it by a corrupt lieutenant who'd bought her a few expensive dinners.
Your first undercover is always the hardest.
What, do they get easier? You mean, do you ever feel like less of a betrayer? No.
And what would you have done if she'd made a move on you? - She did.
- And? Well, I couldn't shut her down.
She might have become suspicious.
I had to play at least part of it out.
Well, which part? I'll tell you if you tell me what you were feeling when Chief Merker was trying to enchant you.
You first.
No, you.
Okay, I'll say a sentence, and then you.
Okay.
I felt a quiver.
The back of my neck got warm.
- I licked my lips.
- I bit mine.
You're next.
Let me turn out the light.
Me too.
Listen to the words of the great goddess of old.
Once in the month, and better it be when the moon is full, you shall assemble in some secret place and adore the spirit of me, who is clean of all the wise.
In my honour, you shall sing, dance, make music, and harm none in my presence, for mine is the ecstasy of the spirit on Earth.
So mote it be.
Be free, joyous, and sky-clad in your great rite.
Flight 416 from Houston is now arriving at Gate 14-B.
- Welcome to Gulfport, gentlemen.
- Thank you.
At ease, chief.
Consider yourselves guests of the Construction Battalion Center.
Thank you.
Lead on.
Sir, we're parked in the far lot.
You feel like taking a hike? - If you feel like carrying our luggage.
- Of course, sir.
Passenger Jane Murray, please pick up a white courtesy phone.
Cute.
We didn't wanna blow your cover, Mac.
What about our friendship? I'm friendly with Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie.
I don't know much about a Chief Petty Officer Bonnie Johnson.
She is just as unforgiving.
Well, you do look snappy in that uniform, ma'am.
You have baby food on yours, lieutenant.
- So, what do you know, anyway? - Typing is hard on the fingernails.
- About witches, Mac.
- They worship naked.
Really? Did you? So, what was it like? Was it cold? - Was there sex involved? - I went for it.
It was a warm night.
And no one touched me.
- Did they touch each other, ma'am? - No.
We just danced around a bonfire, and when the flames were low enough, we jumped over.
You jumped over a fire naked? Thanking my track-and-field coach all the way.
So, what have you found out? Harm, I've been talking to Wiccans all week.
I haven't been able to find anything to substantiate Petty Officer Plunket's claim she was raped.
We have a meeting with her in the morning.
Let's see what she has to say.
- So are you a witch now, ma'am? - In training, Bud.
They've taken me into their confidence, so I don't wanna hear any cracks out of either of you.
How was your trip to Australia, ma'am? It was excellent.
I'm not used to seeing you driving one of these, Mac.
- What'd you expect? - Bud? A broomstick, sir? It happened right after my initiation, sir.
Chief Merker, he's the high priest.
He walked me to my quarters.
I said good night, but when I opened the door, he followed me in.
- That's when it happened.
- Well, did you resist? - I wanted to, sir.
- Then why didn't you? I did, sir, in my head.
And you felt that that would be enough? Sir, I couldn't speak.
- You were panicked? - No, sir.
You're not being very clear, petty officer.
Chief Merker put a spell on me, sir.
- I'm speechless.
- And we're helpless, ma'am.
There's no way to make this fly.
Do you wanna drop it? Well, what's our argument? The petty officer couldn't say no because Chief Merker put a spell on her? Need I remind you that Navy policy requires all personnel to take seriously any charge of sexual assault? We don't have anywhere to begin with this.
We better figure it out.
I was sent down here because of Wicca's growing presence in the military.
I got the same speech, Mac.
The Navy wants to know if this is an isolated incident.
Otherwise it has to re-evaluate its policies on religious freedoms.
- So, what do we have? - Well, we have what you've given us.
"Chief Merker is friendly, accommodating and personally powerful.
" I'll dig deeper.
What if we go public with this? It could open a conversation within Wicca.
Something might fall out.
Works for me.
Bud, get me what you can on these names, huh? Yes, sir.
Oh, sir, FYI, I found a case in the manual for courts-martial that involves SanterĂa and live chickens.
What? - Hello? - Oh, I woke you up.
- Bloody inconsiderate.
- I'm sorry.
No, to do it by phone.
Should have been lying next to me, nuzzling me awake.
You know, I keep smelling you everywhere.
On my pillows and my clothes.
And my towels.
I can't bring myself to wash them.
Well, promise me you do it before I visit again.
If you promise to visit again.
I can't take leave until July.
What am I supposed to do until then? I don't know, but don't do it with anyone else.
- You think I would? - Well, you're not yourself, are you? You're Chief Johnson.
I hadn't thought of it that way.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Well, we're moving forward down here, Mic.
Expect more naked dancing.
As long as you send me a tape.
Sir, the Wicca research.
Thanks.
"Pre-Christian, Earth-based reconstruction of European tribal worship.
Not only paganistic, but polytheistic gods and goddesses.
" There's no animal sacrifice, no devil worship? What's this? I cast a wider net, sir.
"A frightening form of witchcraft was reportedly practised not in Salem, but in the deep South.
The witches in these regions were said to have cast crippling spells and even sacrificed humans in their quest for union with the devil.
" What does this have to do with Wiccans, Bud? Well, the petty officer claimed that she was the victim of a spell, sir.
Sir, this is not one of my paranormal fixations.
Is this one of your normal fixations? Sir, here.
In 1916, a swarm of beetles descended on Harrison County.
In the early '40s, a hundred dogs went missing in the span of a week.
- And as late as 1993 - Bud, I'll look it over.
Do you think the colonel might be interested, sir? I'll keep her informed.
- Thanks.
- Yes, sir.
- Hey, how are you doing, chief? - Well, the Navy thinks I'm a rapist.
The papers say I made a pact with the devil.
There's a guy out in the parking lot who wants to castrate me.
- Mind if I sit down? - No, please.
- Thanks.
- You hungry, chief? - Sure.
- Then don't sit here.
No one seems to wanna take our order.
Eggs over easy up, let's get them out of here.
Well, that's okay, chief.
You got friends.
Well, I'm really glad you're one of them.
Bonnie, if you're gonna stick with us, you should know this could be a rough ride.
Wiccans are pretty open-minded about sex.
Consensual sex.
Yeah, and we take a lot of heat for it.
And this was our worst nightmare.
It gives fuel to our enemies and it can destroy us.
You know, that's the crazy part about it.
What happened between me and Petty Officer Plunket was consensual.
If I'm guilty of anything, it's not realising how naive she was.
The Lord has not forsaken you.
You can still be saved.
Come into his arms.
There is no warmer place in the firmament.
Ma'am, you're not welcome here.
Marvellous grace of our loving Lord Grace that exceeds our sin and guilt Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured Come on, let's go.
There where the blood Of the lamb was spilt Grace, grace God's grace Grace that is greater than all our sin Wicca's growing in the military because it's one of the few institutions that will let us be, or so we thought.
There was some talk of a study group at Norfolk, but it never happened.
Well, Bonnie, I want you to know I really appreciate your support.
I mean, you're only here a week and you're already in the thick of it.
Most people don't get us.
Well, most people don't cast spells, chief.
Spiritual magic.
It's to harness positive energy.
I mean, it's not like we're turning people into toadstools.
Can you? I believe my faith gives me the power to do anything.
- Well, good night.
- Where are you going? To sleep.
You're not gonna let me be alone tonight, are you? Yes, chief.
Okay.
Good morning, admiral.
Your calls, sir.
Everybody wants a piece of me, Tiner.
Nothing lights up people like sex and witchcraft.
Monsignor Doherty, ACLU, Wiccan Circle.
Congressman Steelsmith.
Confirming your 9:00 for tomorrow, sir.
Yeah, it's his district.
He probably wants to meddle.
Misses the smell of litigation.
Damn hill dwellers.
What the hell is that? It's the all-seeing eye, sir.
It's believed to be the eye of Lucifer.
"Hexes, curses, psychic control and all corruption are worked through this emblem.
" Lieutenant Roberts ordered it for his research, sir.
He wants me to forward it.
It's made of plaster, Tiner.
I can see that, sir.
Tell the lieutenant he's gone too far this time.
Yes, sir.
Here.
- Judge advocate general's office.
- Hi, it's Sally.
- Did you get an answer? - Hold on, please.
Sir, Congressman Steelsmith wants to push tomorrow's meeting to 10.
He's backed up early on and he's afraid he'll fall behind.
He can fall on his behind as far as I'm concerned.
Ten o'clock is fine.
We'll see him then.
Get me the commanding officer at the Army installation, Fort Hood, Texas.
They've been taking heat on their Wiccans, so I'll pick his brain.
Aye, sir.
Tiner, tell the lieutenant if he tries to expense that, - I'm gonna make him wear it as a hat.
- Yes, sir.
As is the male to the female, blessed be the act of creation.
Blessed be the waters of life.
May they protect and purify this circle.
So mote it be.
May the goddess and the god protect and purify thee.
Blessed be.
May the goddess and the god protect and purify thee.
Blessed be.
What's your wish? How'd you know I was making one? Up is where hope lives.
So who's the guy? All right, if you know so much, what was I wishing? You wanna be with him.
- Yes.
- But you can't.
No.
Can I help? What could you do? What do you like? Yeah.
We're starting up again.
He tried to put a spell on me.
What did he do, sprinkle fairy dust on you? Salt water.
And then when we went outside, he took my hand and - You resisted, I assume.
- Yes.
But someone weaker, younger and more naive may have had a harder time.
This guy is compelling.
Mac, what kind of powers are we talking about, anyway? Magical or personal? Because if he has only seduced Petty Officer Plunket, we can go home.
He came on to me the night before too, Harm.
Ma'am, what happened last night, was it after a ceremony? - Yes.
- Same as Petty Officer Plunket.
Chief Merker doesn't have the ability to cast spells, but somehow, he convinced the petty officer that he does.
The thing is, if she really believed that she was incapable of saying no, that makes it rape.
You could directly compare that to being drugged or hypnotised.
In each case, the person is being denied their free will.
What happened to Bud Roberts, occult expert? He reminded himself that he was an attorney, sir.
The defence will jump all over the consent issue.
You have to prove intent on the part of the accused, that he expected the petty officer to resist, but made her think that she couldn't so that he could take advantage of her.
- Anything further, counsellor? - Yeah.
Good luck.
- Congressman here yet? - His office cancelled, sir.
Apparently, he slipped on a marble floor and broke an ankle.
- Well, get him a card and I'll sign it.
- Yes, sir.
Tiner, what is that still doing here? Sorry, sir.
I haven't gotten around to sending it yet.
Well, don't leave it out.
Put it someplace.
All we need is Monsignor Doherty to find it and he'll damn us all to hell.
Yes, sir.
When is the ACLU rep expected? - Noon, sir.
- Boy, this one is a loud talker.
He had me on the phone for 40 minutes.
I got off, my ears were ringing.
Maybe he's said all he needs to say and just wants to wrap up.
Well, one word out of his mouth is one too many.
Here.
Hang this on my parking space.
Maybe it'll keep the minivans out.
The hardest part is remembering to salute the officers.
I walked right past an ensign the other day, he dressed me down for five minutes.
- Lucky bloke.
- What do you mean by that? Well, ever since you told me you were working undercover as a chief petty officer, I've been having fraternisation fantasies.
Really? I'm your commanding officer by day and your love slave at night.
Keep talking, slave.
- Yeah, and you snap to, chief.
- Yes, sir.
Seriously, Sarah.
Watch yourself around this Merker character.
You don't think I can handle myself? I don't think I wanna think about it.
It worries me.
You're worried or jealous? - No, I don't get jealous.
- Yeah, neither do I.
Oh, beauty.
Then I can keep my mistress? Can I keep mine? I miss you.
I miss you too.
I gotta go.
Till next time.
Yeah, till then.
- I've been waiting 30 minutes for you.
- Oh, sorry.
Who were you talking to? - My mistress.
- Very funny.
- Chief Johnson.
- Seaman.
Have some business in Admin, chief? Yeah, my transfer papers got screwed up.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a day when everything went according to plan? I've had a few of those.
Really? Maybe if I hang out with you, chief, I can learn how you do it.
Well, you just have to believe in yourself.
- My first obstacle.
- Really? It used to be worse, but Wicca's helped a lot.
I think so.
You seem to be doing fine.
I hope you mean that, chief, because a lot of people say stuff like that just to get you out of their face.
And I don't know you that well.
You know me well enough to be honest with me, and I know you well enough to be willing to listen.
See you later.
- Is there a problem? - Well, I can't seem to Now I know.
Do you know where I can find a Commander Rabb? - Yeah, you're looking at him.
- Excellent.
James Posey.
I'm representing Chief Merker.
- Excuse me.
- Of course.
Glad I ran into you, because I could not find your office.
- I have been all over the building.
- It's right across the hall, Mr.
Posey.
Well, now I know.
May I suggest a way to dispose of this case? Do you wanna talk about this in here or? Well, it's intimate.
It's got good acoustics.
All right, go ahead.
You drop the charges, I call off the ACLU and the talk shows and the news magazines.
There seems to be some confusion, Mr.
Posey.
- Your client is the one in trouble.
- Well, now, what do you have? A woman making hysterical allegations.
Locals guilty of bigotry and harassment.
This is not a case of indecent assault.
This is a civil-liberties trial.
No deals without an admission of guilt.
How's this for a headline? "Real Witch Hunt in Harrison County.
" Well, thank you for setting the tone for the trial, Mr.
Posey.
- You're welcome.
- It was your first mistake.
That's all right.
I only make them once.
Mr.
Wythrip, you live on top of the hill, correct? - Yes, sir.
- What can you see below? Well, the forest mostly.
A clearing or two.
Have you witnessed any recent activity in either one of these clearings? I sure have.
One night, I was chasing some racoons away from my pole beans and I spotted some folks dancing naked around a bonfire.
Your Honour, I am wondering about relevance.
So am I, counsellor.
Well, if you'll grant me some leeway, sir, I'll get to that.
- Soon.
- Yes, sir.
Mr.
Wythrip, what do you do for a living? I'm a wildlife photographer.
And are these the photos that you took on the night in question? Yes, sir.
Sixteen hundred ASA, pushed and lat.
What are we looking at? Naked people jumping over a fire.
Is there anyone present in the courtroom that you observed that night? Oh, yeah.
I see quite a few of them here.
- Including Chief Merker? - Yep.
Right there.
Let the record reflect that the witness pointed to the accused.
It's him.
With his arms akimbo.
Yeah.
Which one? Standing right there next to the lady with the tattoo.
Well, her.
It's Wilfred Waller from the ACLU, sir.
Send him in.
This way, sir.
Mr.
Waller, welcome.
Please have a seat.
- You okay? - Yeah.
Petty Officer Plunket, would you describe the initiation ceremony for us, please? Chief Merker brought me into the centre of the circle.
Were you clothed? No, sir.
We were sky-clad.
Naked.
Had you worshipped this way before? The others had.
This was my first time.
Whose idea was it for you to disrobe? Chief Merker suggested it.
He said I was ready.
I was uncomfortable with the idea, but he felt I'd be a stronger receptor for the energy this way.
What happened next? The chief blessed me and granted me the title of first-degree initiate.
And how did he do that? He kissed his hand and he touched me in five places.
Where exactly? My feet, my hands, my breasts, my lips and down there.
What was the chief's expression at this time, petty officer? It wasn't spiritual, sir.
Were you disappointed? A little.
But I was still excited about it all.
Did Chief Merker walk you home after the ceremony? Yes, sir.
It was fine until we got to my door.
I said good night.
But he came in anyway.
- What happened then? - It was It was weird, sir.
I suddenly felt like I was inside myself looking out.
Like the connection between my mind and my body was gone.
But it wasn't until he started taking off my clothes that I realised that I couldn't do anything about it.
Why? I was bewitched, sir.
You mean like hypnotised or drugged? Objection.
Let's let the witness tell us what she meant.
Sustained.
I wasn't able to cry for help or fight him off or anything.
Did you wanna fight him off? God, yes.
Petty Officer Plunket, did Chief Merker have sexual intercourse with you in this state? Yes, sir.
- Excuse me, sir.
- What is it? Sir, I don't know how to put this.
How about a sentence, a short one? Yes, sir.
Admiral, it's about your meetings with Congressman Steelsmith and Mr.
Waller.
What about them? Well, you said something about Congressman Steelsmith falling.
And then we learned he broke his ankle.
Then with Mr.
Waller, you said you didn't wanna hear another word out of his mouth.
And when he was in your office, all he could do was cough.
Sir, you were holding the all-seeing eye both times.
So I hexed these people? Inadvertently, sir.
With a plaster pyramid.
It would seem that way, sir.
Well then, Tiner, I must have magical powers.
Well, in that case, I magically transfer them to you.
Yes, sir.
They're yours, Tiner.
Go have a party.
- Sir? - Out.
Yes, sir.
Petty Officer Plunket, you're saying that Chief Merker put a spell on you? Yes, sir.
Otherwise, it never would have happened.
And you believed him capable of making you do his bidding? Yes, sir.
Well, if he had that kind of power over you, why can't he make you withdraw this charge? - I don't know, sir.
- Now, isn't it the truth that you couldn't say no to him that night because you didn't want to? No, sir.
But you said you were excited by the initiation ceremony.
I was excited to be a member of Wicca.
You were naked and a man was touching you.
And the only thing that excited you was that they were gonna be mailing you a membership card? - Objection.
Argumentative.
- Sustained.
Petty officer, what was your faith prior to joining Wicca? I was a member of a Baptist church in Lizana.
And does this church prohibit sex outside of marriage? Yes, sir.
- And did you follow their teachings? - Yes, sir.
But you left that church to join Wicca.
I was looking for something new.
- And exciting.
- Different.
I see.
- And where do you worship now? - Objection, Your Honour.
This trial is not about the complainant's religion.
Your Honour, if the complainant is feeling guilty about a consensual sexual relationship, she has reason for claiming sexual assault.
Is defence counsel now testifying as an expert witness? All right, that's enough from both of you.
The objection's overruled.
Answer the question.
I went back to my church.
I wanted to be baptised again.
Why? To be cleansed of my sins.
What sins would those be, petty officer? I thought you were bewitched.
No further questions.
You all right, seaman? I just hurled, chief.
Is it the flu, or? No, I'm having a bad day.
Aren't you happy with the way the trial's going? Sure.
It looks good for the chief.
I'm sorry, I'm just tired.
What's up? It's all right.
I can handle it, chief.
Not at the moment, you can't.
I didn't want anyone to see me like this.
It's better this way.
The pain that you're holding inside won't go away by itself.
It happened months ago.
What happened? Chief Merker happened.
I was raped too.
Why are we hearing about this now? Well, she was afraid to come forward.
It's not unusual for a woman to shut down after she's been sexually assaulted.
But she had such a good opportunity.
I mean, she had another case to support her own.
Well, she figured we'd get him on the Plunket charge.
And when she saw him slipping away We should put her on the stand.
She's a perfect rebuttal witness.
It's not gonna happen.
And don't bother going to her.
If I couldn't convince her, you won't.
Well, we need to find somebody who can, then.
Blessed be thy feet, which have led thee in these ways.
Blessed be thy womb, without which we would not be.
Blessed be thy hands, which reach out and act in the world.
Blessed be thy breasts, formed in strength and beauty.
Blessed be thy lips, which speak the sacred names.
And blessed be you.
Did you, as high priest, perform this blessing on Petty Officer Plunket? - Yes.
- Is it performed with a sexual intent? Never.
Even though you place your hands on the individual's flesh? When a rabbi performs a circumcision, he places his hand on the manhood of an infant.
Should he be accused of child molestation? Now, after the ceremony, did you walk the petty officer home? She asked me to.
And had she indicated a prior interest in you? I had received a valentine from her.
And did she express an interest in you that evening? - Yes.
- Did you put a spell on her? There is a myth that Wiccans have access to that kind of magic, but it's only true in the movies.
Thank you.
No further questions.
What kind of magic do you practise, chief? Our spells serve positive ends.
Happiness, healing, that kind of thing.
So Petty Officer Plunket is wrong in believing that you bewitched her? That's right, sir.
She'd just disrobed in the dark, surrounded by naked people, had been touched in private areas of her body by a man in a position of authority within the coven.
What psychological effect did you expect this to have on her, chief? To put her in touch with herself.
With the Earth, with the god and the goddess.
Not with the high priest? I am just a medium for higher powers, sir.
How many Wiccan women have you engaged sexually, chief? Objection.
Defendant's sexual history is not relevant here.
I'll rephrase, Your Honour.
Chief, have you had sexual experience with any Wiccan women after initiations? - It goes to pattern, Your Honour.
- I still object.
And I overrule.
Witness will answer.
On occasion.
And it was always consensual.
Never used your position as high priest to press them into it? No, sir.
Never extended the initiation ceremony to include a sexual one, chief? No.
Never used the chanting, the atmosphere or the belief system of Wicca to manipulate suggestible young women into believing they were powerless to resist your advances? I never made advances toward anyone, at any time, against their will.
So if somebody were to say that you had? Well, they'd be lying, sir.
Seaman Stortz, I realise this is awkward, but I thought you might wanna talk to the commander.
- About what, chief? - About what you told me.
- I don't know what that would be.
- Don't lie.
Don't do that to yourself.
I can't believe that you went to him.
I trusted you, chief.
Yes, and I'm glad you did.
You're just too young to be in this much pain.
Well, I thought you supported Chief Merker.
Well, not if he's guilty.
Chief Merker's acting like he knows you won't contradict him, seaman.
- Why? - I have nothing to say to you, sir.
- Are you protecting him? - No, sir, I'm protecting Wicca.
What do you think will happen if Chief Merker is convicted? It'll give fuel to our enemies.
It will destroy us.
Are those your words or the Wicca party line? I speak for Wicca, chief, and Wicca speaks for me.
Well, right now Chief Merker's speaking for Wicca.
- Is that the way you want it? - That's the way it's gonna have to be.
- You're selling yourself short, seaman.
- It won't be the first time, ma'am.
You know, I can order you to appear, seaman.
And I can refuse, sir.
Good afternoon, sir.
Well, that's that.
Any other ideas? Your Honour, I would like to call Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie to the stand.
Who's Sarah MacKenzie? Raise your right hand.
Do you swear that the evidence you give will be the truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God? - I do.
- Have a seat.
Colonel, you are obviously not Chief Petty Officer Bonnie Johnson.
No, I was assigned by the judge advocate general to conduct an undercover investigation of the Seabee Wiccans.
And what did you discover? That they are civil people of deep conviction who are no threat to the community or the military at large.
- All of them? - Except Chief Merker.
He made sexual advances toward me on two occasions.
Your Honour, Chief Merker is not charged - with anything relating to this witness.
- Again, sir, this goes to pattern.
Witness may continue.
On the first occasion, he asked to spend the night.
On the second, during a ceremony, I could feel him looking at me intently.
Afterwards, he took hold of my hand.
Were you able to rebuff his advances, colonel? Objection, Your Honour.
When was hand-holding added to the list of improper sexual activities? Commander, the charge is rape.
Does your witness have anything to contribute on that subject? Yes, sir, she does.
Colonel, who is Seaman Stortz? - A member of Wicca.
- Did Seaman Stortz relate to you an experience she had with Chief Merker after her initiation into Wicca? - Objection.
This is hearsay.
- And the commander knows it.
Members will ignore the last question.
I'm sorry, sir.
Nothing further.
Colonel, did Chief Merker force you to engage in sexual activity with him? - No, but - That's all.
Thank you very much.
- You may step down, colonel.
- Yes, sir.
Sir, I'd like to call Seaman Stortz to the stand.
Your Honour, any information derived from Seaman Stortz during the colonel's undercover investigation is the product of a gross violation of religious freedom.
The colonel was investigating an alleged crime, not a religion, counsellor.
Is the seaman present? - Yes, Your Honour.
- Would you step up, please? No, sir.
Seaman, I'm ordering you.
I'm sorry, sir, but I can't.
Would you prefer to be held in contempt of this court? If necessary, sir.
Your Honour, I would like to recall Colonel MacKenzie in light of the seaman's refusal to testify.
To do what? To relate to this court the seaman's story, since the seaman has refused to do so herself.
Rule 804, declarant unavailable.
Exception to the hearsay rule, sir.
Seaman, you have a choice.
The colonel can take the stand and explain the events according to her recollection of your statement to her, or you can do it yourself.
When I realised I've been overcharged, I walked into my landlord's office, showed him my lease, and he says, "Take me to court," knowing full well it'll be years before I get my money back.
- I get it, sir.
- Don't hurt him.
- Just give him a rash or something.
- How about on his nose, sir? Tiner, my office.
Bring that with you.
Yes, sir.
Tiner, what are you getting out of this? Never mind.
I don't wanna know.
Give it to me.
What's the literature say about destroying one of these? - It doesn't, sir.
- Good.
- Dismissed.
- Aye, sir.
We stopped at Chief Merker's quarters first, sir.
He wanted to play a CD for me, so I went inside and he put it on.
I turned around and he was staring at me in the most intense way.
Like he was trying to put a spell on me, sir.
Did you succumb? Well, no, because I didn't think that that's the way spells worked.
That you could just make someone do something against their will.
Then why did you tell Colonel MacKenzie that Chief Merker had raped you? Because he did, sir.
When he realised that I wasn't buying it, he forced himself on me.
I fought back, but he pushed me onto the bed and he pinned my arms around my back.
And that's when I tried to call for help.
But he stuffed a sock in my mouth.
And afterwards, he made me a cup of coffee.
Will the defendant please rise? Announce your findings.
Chief Petty Officer Lane Merker, this court-martial finds you, of the charge and specification, guilty.
This court is adjourned.
Okay, I got it.
That was a brave thing you did, seaman.
No, sir.
I just thought it wouldn't be fair to have someone else have to do it but me.
Chief Merker was a cancer.
He's been cut out and it's time to heal.
What the chief did was unforgivable, sir.
And if any of us had known about Seaman Stortz, we would've convinced her to testify, even if it meant hurting Wicca.
But you are the last person who should be talking about doing the right thing.
And as for you, ma'am, after manipulating and lying to us, well, you're a perfect example of what this is all about.
You try and live in a world that sends spies into your bedroom.
Colonel, commander.
Very impressive.
It's worth a manor on the Riviera, love.
More like a cell in Long Bay, I'm afraid.
Sorry, love.
Over here, mates.
You two stay there.
Somebody stay on the door.
Come with us, please.
The look on her face was enough to turn you into salt.
I felt like a total bastard.
She was smuggling stolen military property - out of the country, Mic.
- She was hardly involved, Sarah.
She got sucked into it by a corrupt lieutenant who'd bought her a few expensive dinners.
Your first undercover is always the hardest.
What, do they get easier? You mean, do you ever feel like less of a betrayer? No.
And what would you have done if she'd made a move on you? - She did.
- And? Well, I couldn't shut her down.
She might have become suspicious.
I had to play at least part of it out.
Well, which part? I'll tell you if you tell me what you were feeling when Chief Merker was trying to enchant you.
You first.
No, you.
Okay, I'll say a sentence, and then you.
Okay.
I felt a quiver.
The back of my neck got warm.
- I licked my lips.
- I bit mine.
You're next.
Let me turn out the light.
Me too.