JAG s06e10 Episode Script
Touch and Go
Seaman William Powder, disrespect toward a non-commissioned officer.
Captain's mast.
Fireman Lance Magraine, assault.
The circumstances again? He attacked a first-class petty officer with his own guitar.
He thought he was taunting him.
With what? His singing? It was his ex-wife's favourite song, sir.
Mast.
Seaman Apprentice Brian Giddon.
This guy.
What's the charge? Jumping from vessel into the water, sir.
There is such an article? One thirty-four, sir.
Apparently, It's not the first time someone has tried to get discharged this way.
Summary court-martial.
I want a piece of him before we give him what he wants.
Yes, sir.
That's it, sir.
That's it, really? That's a light month.
Testimony to your leadership, sir.
Lieutenant, are you flattering me? Calling it as I see it, sir.
- Sir, you are out of line.
- I'm sorry.
- Kate? - Sir, please.
The less said the better.
Your button, ma'am.
Thank you, petty officer.
- You all right, ma'am? - Yes, I'm fine.
Gunny? Yes, ma'am.
My desk is really clean.
- Yes, ma'am.
I cleaned it.
- Where is everything? Filed and organised, ma'am.
- I'm back to full duty now.
- I'm aware of that, ma'am.
Which means I am capable of organising my own desk.
It won't happen again, ma'am.
Welcome back.
- Gunny? - Yes, ma'am? Do you know why I'm back? No, ma'am.
Because I wanted to be around people who care about me.
- Yes, ma'am.
- Thank you.
Yes, ma'am.
Are you sure you wanna do this, Harriet? Oh, yes, ma'am.
I am now queen of the long-term projects.
Come on.
I'll introduce you around.
Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie Lieutenant Harriet Sims, this is Commander Caitlin Pike.
Kate is TDY from the Naval Legal Service Office in San Diego.
- Oh, it's a pleasure.
- Nice to meet you.
You took the ring off.
You're engaged.
Oh, my gosh.
Congratulations.
Well, when were you gonna tell us? I was waiting for the right moment.
Well, if this is it, then I'll spread the word.
Excuse me.
Great news.
- I'm sorry.
- No, please.
Congratulations.
- Thanks.
So how long are you here? - About a week.
Code 20 JAG MIS revisions.
I worked on that for a while.
I could not figure out the software.
Computers are my speciality.
- Fastest fingers in the Navy.
- And when did you give up the title? So you two worked together? I was at JAG for six months.
And went over to NCIS for a while.
- I've been on the move ever since.
- Upward.
You two have a lot in common.
Accelerated promotion.
Well, we should have coffee or something.
Love to.
You can tell me if he's behaving.
Commander Pike.
I got a full house here.
I'm gonna set you up in the conference room.
No problem, sir.
Thinks look a little different around here since you were at JAG last? Commander Rabb is the only person I recognise, sir.
Well, try not to let that scare you.
I want you to think about my offer.
I could use another good trial lawyer.
I will, sir.
- Colonel.
- Yes, sir? I just heard.
- I'm very happy for you.
- Thank you, sir.
Sorry.
Sir.
- Kate, how are you? - Fine, sir.
Good to see you picked up commander.
Thank you, sir.
You've been at Pearl, right, sir? Pac Fleet deputy commander.
That is until two days ago.
I arrived here last night.
Do you have business at JAG, sir? A.
J.
Chegwidden and I attended National War College together.
I was about to share some good news with him.
In fact, you might be interested as well.
I'm all ears, sir.
I've been selected to be the new inspector general.
All I could say was congratulations.
Well, that's the standard response.
Hollenbeck once groped me at a briefing.
He was a captain then, in command of an amphibious ready group.
I was a staff judge advocate.
- Did you report it? - I handled it.
He apologised and it was over.
- I put it behind me.
- Apparently not.
Well, that this came up.
The Inspector General's Office monitors complaints of sexual harassment.
- What are you gonna do about it? - I don't know.
His touching you, was it meant to humiliate or control you? No.
It was lust.
Was he a good CO? Very.
- Think he learned his lesson? - My assumption at the time.
- Did he ever try it again? - Not to me anyway.
Well, they must have investigated his past.
I mean, if there was a pattern, it would have come out.
Right.
But that doesn't negate the fact that it happened.
So if you wanna report it, I couldn't blame you.
No, you're right.
I'm going to drop it.
It was four years ago.
It's over.
Sorry.
I didn't mean to interrupt.
Sir, that file we discussed? Oh, Lieutenant Singer, this is Commander Pike.
The commander was here five years ago.
Are you back now, ma'am? The admiral's made me an offer.
I'm considering it.
Well, all the best then, ma'am.
Whatever your decision.
Thanks.
You think she heard anything? Couldn't tell.
- Hey.
- Hey.
You meet your new boss yet? Not only did I meet him, but he said, as inspector general, he had no interest in separating a wife from her husband.
- I get to stay on loan with JAG.
- Great.
- I know.
Isn't it good? - That is so cool.
Excuse me, ma'am, sir.
I'm looking for Lieutenant Roberts.
- Corporal Antoon? - Yes, sir.
- Excuse us.
- Okay.
Right this way.
I appreciate this, sir.
Headquarters' JAGs have better things to do than fool with cases from the Legal Assistance Office.
Oh, that's all right, corporal.
We often handle their overload.
Please sit down.
Pad.
Pen.
That can stay there.
Okay.
So? I'm the only woman Marine in a detail attached to an LAV.
Training battalion, sir.
Communications intercept operator.
We're at Quantico.
And I enjoy it.
It's just I've been wanting to be an officer for a while now.
Went back to school part-time and I just finished my BA in January.
- Oh, hey.
Congratulations.
- Thank you, sir.
The problem is my CO won't approve my OCS package.
- Any dings in your record? - No, sir.
Well, what's the basis of his decision? My tattoo, sir.
I don't see a tattoo.
I'm sitting on it, sir.
Excuse me, sir.
Clayton Webb returned your call from yesterday.
He said that the answers to your questions were "yes, yes, yes, and no.
" - Is that about your brother? - Sergei's safe for the moment.
Weather in Chechnya is fine.
Negotiations for the release of POWs is progressing but no timetable has been reached.
Three out of four.
- Right over there.
- Thank you.
How did you pull that duty, Bud? I don't know what you're talking about, sir.
Come on, lieutenant.
She's just a client.
Bud, you don't have to walk on eggshells with me.
I totally trust you.
You think I'm attracted to her? She's a knockout, Bud.
Well, I think you're prettier than she is.
Oh, now you're making me really nervous.
- Sir? - Hey, don't look at me.
- I would have stopped at "I trust you.
" - She's hot.
Admit it.
Well, I think that she could be pretty.
Now I'm worried.
JAG Headquarters.
Lieutenant J.
G.
Sims.
- Is Commander Pike there? - Commander Pike? - It's for you.
- For me? It's a reporter from the Washington Globe.
What does he want? He wants to confirm reports that you were sexually harassed by the new inspector general.
How do they get an entire column out of "no comment"? At least they didn't run a photo of you in a bikini.
It's the photos without the bikini I'm worried about.
Are you always this open with strangers? Only when I want that stranger to be open in return.
The girlfriend.
Thumbnail.
Oh, Renee is unique.
Code for "obnoxious"? Harm likes her.
Are they serious? Why do you wanna know? He and I have a history.
A weekend, actually.
Really? What happened? It ended there.
I decided Harm couldn't handle a working partner who knew the colour of his underwear.
- How long did you two last? - We never started.
You had already found your man, huh? - Actually, Mic came later.
- Really? And nothing had happened before that? Oh, it was the same story.
Close working relationship.
It just never seemed right.
Good thing to avoid in any case.
I got involved with a senior officer in Okinawa.
Big mistake.
Major Bartz.
- Bandicks, deploy them.
- Aye, aye, sir.
Lieutenant Roberts from the Judge Advocate General's Office, sir.
You got 60 seconds, lieutenant.
Starting now.
It's concerning Corporal Antoon's tattoo, sir.
She claims it's the reason that you refused to recommend her to OCS.
- Have you seen this tattoo, lieutenant? - No, sir.
It's on her backside.
Exactly.
Well sir, the corporal gave a written description of it in her application.
A heart surrounded by winged doves.
How do you know it's not a swastika surrounded by expletives? Well, sir, the officer-accessions procurement section has determined that written descriptions of tattoos in private areas are acceptable.
On a case-by-case basis.
And in this case they are not.
- But, sir.
- Every OCS candidate has provided a photograph of their body art, with the exception of Corporal Antoon.
Sir, isn't Corporal Antoon the only female in this battalion? She is.
- Well, in that case - Time's up, lieutenant.
I'm not processing that application unless she can prove to me that body art is inoffensive.
Is there a way I can make myself more clear on this matter? Load them up! Interesting reading, lieutenant? It's a book on management techniques, sir.
Oh, in preparation for your role as the first female JAG? You're not making fun of me, are you, commander? You told me that was your goal.
I believed you.
It still is, sir, but I read up on a lot of topics.
Yeah? What do you think of Commander Pike? I don't know her, sir.
She's a good attorney.
You realise if she were to transfer here to JAG she'd move ahead of you for case assignments.
May I ask why we're having this discussion, commander? Are you aware of a past incident between Commander Pike and Admiral Hollenbeck? Everyone is, sir.
It's in the paper.
Did you leak it? Sir, I consider that question offensive.
Answer it anyway.
How would I have even known about it, sir? You walked in my office while we were discussing it, lieutenant.
You still think that I set Colonel Mackenzie up with that mishap investigation report.
I think that you are ambitious, lieutenant.
Sir, how could I profit from this? It would be one less female officer between you and glory.
It's amazing how little you know me, commander.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an appointment, sir.
Carry on.
Well, she didn't deny it.
Hey.
Bad day? I'm sorry.
I promised I'd make dinner.
But my heart wasn't in it.
That's no problem.
We'll order in.
This town is supposed to be the promised land for attorneys, Sarah.
I'm testament to that fact.
And I'm an ex-Australian naval officer with an accent.
It didn't prevent you from getting your last job.
They had shipping and defence clients.
I was the right fit.
Give it time.
I'd like to get something locked in before we get married.
You will.
Turn around.
Sorry.
You've got a knot the size of a walnut.
You see the paper today? Commander Pike is working in our office.
We had coffee together.
I was thinking, "Why would Hollenbeck risk it?" Then I realised the way I pursued you could be considered sexual harassment.
It's completely different.
See, you didn't touch me until I let you.
No.
I broke you down.
I was relentless.
I'd display my feathers.
You'd say no.
I'd invite myself in.
You'd say no.
There's no regulation against redundancy, Mic.
You wanted nothing to do with me.
Apparently I did.
Just watch where you put your hands.
Left, right, lay off.
I won't do it, sir.
Well, then you won't get your recommendation, corporal.
Sir, this is not about the major's rules.
He's trying to demean me.
Why would he do that? I am a woman in a fighting unit, sir.
The major had to do a dance to get me in.
Now I want out and he is taking it personally.
Are you making an accusation against Major Bartz? I'm telling you what I think, sir.
The major is asking you to photograph a private area of your body which could be construed as gender discrimination or sexual harassment.
Now, is that what you're saying? And if so, which one is it? I'm saying, sir, that you don't go through life looking like I do without everything eventually getting down to one or the other.
How far do you wanna take this? Sir, I wanna do whatever's necessary to become an officer.
As long as I don't have to embarrass myself for the privilege.
Okay.
How about this? I'll help you file an Article 138, complaint of wrong.
Forget the sexual component for now.
We'll concentrate on how your position is in compliance with regulations.
- Who would judge the complaint, sir? - Commanding general of Quantico.
That would be Major General Claudia Haskins, sir.
Admiral Hollenbeck is here to see you, sir.
Send him in.
Right through here, admiral.
Curt.
Now, I realise that you have to remain neutral so I will refrain from asking any compromising questions.
- Have a seat.
- Thanks.
It's a tough environment now, A.
J.
It's Tailhook.
It's fostered a reaction that makes any kind of inter-gender contact suspect.
I had a terrific assistant when I was at Pearl.
And the day she left we threw her a party.
And as she was leaving, I gave her a hug.
You could feel the energy in the whole room change.
I looked around, suddenly everyone is uncomfortable.
I was saying goodbye.
Admiral Paley is convening an Article 32 hearing.
He had to.
The Globe forced his hand.
I appreciate you delivering the news instead of the system.
Well, the statute of limitations is about to run out.
It'll be a fast-track case.
I'm gonna fight this to the end, A.
J.
Curt, you will get a full and vigorous defence.
I promise that.
I'll need a bulldog.
Understood.
You know, this could be worse.
I could have a wife.
A word, commander? - Admiral.
- At ease.
Who told them, Kate? Sir, this is inappropriate.
- Was it you? - No, sir.
But I will be the prosecution's chief witness.
Reluctantly? Yes.
Then we have something in common.
Whatever happens, please keep in mind we're not enemies.
We're victims of the same process.
I don't consider myself to be a victim, sir.
Still, you have to deal with this.
I'm sorry for that.
Are you apologising for the incident or its aftermath, sir? Good luck.
Enter.
- You wanted to see us, sir? - Yes.
This is concerning Admiral Hollenbeck's Article 32.
- Want you to represent the government.
- Yes, sir.
- This man's a friend of mine.
- I know that, sir.
- Don't let that influence you.
- No, sir.
Colonel, I'd like you to defend Admiral Hollenbeck.
Sir, may I decline? Why? I had a conversation with Commander Pike prior to the announcement of proceedings.
And? She revealed some things to me.
What kind of things? The commander indicated prior relationships with senior officers.
Well, colonel, there's no legal constraint.
You can use the information as you will.
That's not the issue, sir.
The male officers in question Are jackasses.
So nail them.
I know one of them, sir.
I see.
All right.
I'll assign someone else.
Sir, perhaps you should consider replacing me as well.
I'm sorry? Complicating personal circumstances, admiral.
When the hell did they get complicated? - Sir - Commander.
Will these circumstances affect your ability to prosecute? - No, sir.
- Then we don't have a problem.
- That will be all.
- Yes, sir.
Thank you, sir.
- Admiral - Dismissed, commander.
Aye, aye, sir.
Bud, do you have a minute? Sure.
I just want you to know that I really meant what I said about you and other women.
Sometimes I think you're still reacting to the old me.
Where is this coming from? Well, I'm really working on me.
I'm working on myself.
I'm trying to be wiser and stronger.
Honey, I don't know anyone stronger than you.
Sometimes I feel like you can't be yourself around me.
That's not fair to you and it doesn't feel good to me.
Okay.
Okay.
So, what did you think of Corporal Antoon? - She's pretty.
- She's pretty? - Sexy.
- Sexy? Yeah.
- Harriet.
- Come on, Bud.
This is just a test.
She makes my ears sweat.
Good.
Good.
That's the healthy response, see? Can I go back to work now? Oh, absolutely.
- Colonel, I owe you one.
- Why is that, commander? I'm defending Admiral Hollenbeck.
The lieutenant's sitting second chair.
- It should be fascinating.
- Have a party.
Colonel, why did you give it up? - Personal reasons.
- What does that mean? Have you and Commander Pike become friends? Good day, counsellor.
Lieutenant, you're good at digging up dirt.
I'm a good investigator, sir.
If that's what you mean.
Commander Pike, from birth to yesterday.
Everything.
Harm.
Sorry.
No.
Come on in.
Commander Pike, this is Renee.
- Hi.
- Hi.
And it's Kate.
- Kate and l - Go back a-ways.
I've heard nice things about you.
- From him? - No.
He never says anything nice.
Oh, good.
I'm glad it's not just me.
Harm.
- Mac.
- Kate.
- Renee.
- Renee's leaving.
I'll see you tonight.
I'll do my best.
Did he ever stand you up? When duty called.
A great excuse, isn't it? - Well, it was nice meeting you.
- You too.
- Mac.
- Renee.
I'll come back later.
When they made you commander, they gave you a harem? - Kate.
- I remember you standing me up.
I think it was against the wall of our motel room.
You wanna discuss your testimony or you just wanna make my life a living hell? Corporal.
Yeah, at ease.
Have a seat.
General Haskins' office called this morning.
The general wanted to get an answer to us as soon as they could so as to meet your application deadline.
She's rejected your Article 138 petition on the grounds that she trusts your CO's judgement.
Sir, she's a woman.
Doesn't she relate? I think that's the problem.
I think she probably feels too close to the issue and doesn't wanna appear subjective.
Well, that's it then.
Corporal, how badly do you wanna be an officer? Badly enough to swallow my pride, sir.
I will do the photo.
Thank you for your help, sir.
The photo should be authenticated.
Otherwise, the major might not accept it.
Actually, sir, I was thinking of doing it myself with a timer.
Then how would the major know if it was your anatomy? Good question, sir.
You could use one of those photo booths in the mall.
How would that work, sir? Well, you get a series of four shots.
The first would be your face.
Then you could take your pants down.
Or you could get yourself over to sickbay where I'm sure a female RN would be happy to snap a Polaroid.
Sir.
Captain Hollenbeck was heading up an amphibious-ready group aboard the USS Bladensburg.
I was his staff judge advocate.
How did the captain treat you, commander? He seemed concerned with my welfare, often asking if I needed anything.
Did you ever receive gifts from the captain? Twice.
A coffee pot and a jar of moisturizer.
- He liked you.
- Objection.
Calls for speculation.
Sustained.
Commander, would you describe for the court the events that took place July 11th, 1996? We had just finished up a briefing on personnel matters.
That's it, sir.
Really? That's a light month.
A testament to your leadership, sir.
Lieutenant, are you flattering me? I'm calling it as I see it, sir.
Sir! You are out of line.
I'm sorry.
Kate? Sir, please.
The less said the better.
What are you gonna do? I'm going to move on, sir.
I suggest you consider yourself warned and do the same.
We were guarded with each other for the rest of my tour.
Your witness.
Commander, why didn't you come forward at the time? I preferred to take care of the situation then and there.
You didn't consider it necessary, is that what you're saying? I believed I had done what was necessary.
Commander, have you ever had an affair with a senior officer? Objection.
Commander Pike is not on trial here, ma'am.
Your Honour, Rule 608 allows us to question the witness regarding past conduct for the purpose of attacking credibility.
I'll allow it.
But tread carefully, commander.
- If you stray, you pay.
- Yes, ma'am.
Commander, do you know a JAG officer named Commander Dennis Brockman? - Yes.
- Did you work with him? - Objection.
Relevance.
- Overruled.
Did you work with him? Yes.
In Okinawa.
And at the time, were you a lieutenant? Yes.
Did you have an affair with him? Yes.
Was that a wise thing to do? It was a mistake.
So on the day of your briefing with Admiral Hollenbeck, were you looking to have relations with another senior officer? Of course not.
Then couldn't that have affected your perception of what happened? Let me help you, commander.
Because you considered your prior sexual intimacy with a senior officer a mistake, you reacted strongly and swiftly to something that could have been very different than you perceived it.
No, that is not true.
Then why didn't you come forward? I didn't perceive the event to warrant punitive action.
Precisely, commander.
- No more questions, ma'am.
- Redirect.
Commander, did you expect Captain Hollenbeck to touch you - without your permission? - No.
Did Commander Brockman ever do this? - No.
- So there is no connection between what Captain Hollenbeck did and what transpired between you and Commander Brockman? No.
Thank you.
Commander Hollenbeck, considering your past conduct, think you should be making these accusations? Commander Pike has no comment at this time.
Commander Pike, what was your relationship? - You told them.
- Excuse me? I saw you talking to the defence.
- You sold me out.
- In what way? How else would they have known about my affair in Okinawa? Kate, I declined to defend Admiral Hollenbeck so I wouldn't be forced to use that information.
Why would I slip it to someone else? One less woman standing between you and what you want? What do I want? - Harm.
- You're really reaching.
There's something going on between you two.
- I'm engaged.
- To the man of your dreams? That is none of your business.
You have a lot of nerve.
I wasn't with you five minutes before you were telling me your secrets.
I couldn't be the only one who knows about Okinawa.
You're indiscreet.
You have a big mouth.
So shut it before you say something else I shouldn't hear.
- Calm down.
It's not that bad.
- Harm.
I admitted sexual relations with a senior officer.
How do you think that's gonna play at my next promotion board? Kate, it was five years ago.
By the time you come up for promotion it'll be ancient history.
I got lucky once.
It won't happen again.
What do you mean? When I broke up with Commander Brockman, he trashed me in my fitness report.
After he forgave me, he told me that he'd done it in a moment of anger.
But by then it was too late.
It's a matter of record.
So when you made the early selection list I was surprised.
- What do you think happened? - I don't know.
You weren't curious as to how it got overlooked? I was just thankful I made it through.
Well, I would have been curious.
Wait a minute.
You're accusing me of not questioning my good fortune? - Look - What would you've preferred I do? Barge into SECNAV's office and demand that the board consider my unworthiness? - I would have made some enquiries.
- I didn't wanna make enquiries.
I accepted my fate and assumed that my friends wouldn't question my success.
Hey, I'm sorry.
Harm, I just need to know that it's gonna be okay.
It's gonna be okay.
I promise.
- Gunny.
- Sir? - What do you got for me? - I've spoken to six women who served under Admiral Hollenbeck, sir.
If they're burying something, it's too deep to see.
Find out what you can about Commander Pike's promotion board.
It's privileged information, sir.
They would've released the names of members.
Lead us somewhere.
Aye, sir.
Admiral, would you please tell us what happened at the briefing between you and Lieutenant Pike on July 11th of 1996? The lieutenant was catching me up on some personnel matters.
That's it, sir.
Really? That's a light month.
Testimony to your leadership, sir.
Lieutenant, are you flattering me? Calling it as I see it, sir.
Sir! - You are out of line.
- I'm sorry.
Kate? Sir, please.
The less said the better.
What are you gonna do? I'm gonna move on, sir.
I suggest you consider yourself warned and do the same.
Your hand slipped? Yes, and because my weight was on it, I fell forward.
But the lieutenant perceived it otherwise? That's correct.
Did you try to explain? I started to, but the lieutenant cut me off.
And when she suggested that we move on, I chose not to say any more for fear of complicating things.
Thank you, sir.
Your witness.
So this was an accident, admiral? A mistake in perception? That's right.
How did you proceed afterwards, sir? I put it behind me.
You weren't concerned that Lieutenant Pike might bring this up at some later date? No, I took her at her word.
Why did you promote her, sir? - I'm sorry? - Exhibit 4, ma'am.
The report from the fiscal year 1999, JAG Commander Selection Board, selecting Lieutenant Commander Caitlin Pike for promotion.
Signed by Admiral Hollenbeck, president of that board, who was sitting as the designated line member.
Objection.
Relevance? I intend to establish a link between this action and the incident, ma'am.
Continue.
Why was Lieutenant Commander Pike deep-selected by the board, admiral? Objection.
The deliberations of selection boards are privileged.
Ma'am, that privilege has been waived by the secretary of the Navy at my request because of the importance of these proceedings.
He has released the members from their oaths of confidentiality.
Overruled, Commander Mattoni.
Isn't it a fact that Lieutenant Commander Pike was a below-zone candidate, that she received your personal support during this process, sir? I felt she was deserving.
Did the junior members concur, admiral? They had some concerns.
Did you review her fitness report, sir? Of course.
It's part of the process.
Admiral, this is a report filed by Commander Dennis Brockman in 1995.
The commander was Lieutenant Pike's reporting senior at the time.
Please read the highlighted portion, sir.
"Lieutenant Pike continues to struggle with personal issues that threaten her good judgement.
I have serious questions about her future as a Naval officer.
" Thank you, sir.
Exhibit 6.
Why did you ignore these comments, admiral? One man's opinion does not a career make.
Because you assumed she would learn you were responsible for her selection, sir? I have given you my reason.
Didn't you want her to know that you had done her a favour so that she would feel in your debt? Weren't you placating her, sir? - Making nice? - Objection, Your Honour.
Afraid that if you didn't promote her she might use it against you at some critical moment in your career? - Argumentative and compound.
- Both beg the same question.
- Your Honour.
- Why would you care? That's enough, commander.
I have no further questions, ma'am.
Major Bartz.
Good morning, sir.
At ease, corporal.
My OCS app, sir, complete with a photo of the tattoo in question.
You never intended to look at it, did you, major? Do you believe you require special treatment, corporal? Not anymore, sir.
Then as an officer, I expect you won't ask for it.
Never, sir.
I'll forward your application this afternoon along with my recommendation for approval.
We're all just Marines here.
I understand, sir.
Thank you, sir.
No, corporal, thank you for proving to be the person I fought to bring in this company.
I thank both counsel for their arguments.
Although the selection-board issue does raise questions about Admiral Hollenbeck's objectivity, I find, based on insufficiency of the evidence, that reasonable grounds do not exist to prove he sexually harassed Lieutenant Pike.
Accordingly, I will be recommending to the convening authority that the charges not be referred to court-martial.
This hearing is adjourned.
Kate? Are you okay? Ask me when my head stops spinning.
You took a beating in there.
I'm sorry.
I landed a few blows myself.
It was a good tactic, Harm.
Well, if it's any consolation, the fact that you admitted your mistakes speaks more highly of you than it does of Admiral Hollenbeck.
Admiral, there will be no trial, sir.
SECNAV just informed me that Admiral Hollenbeck's orders to be inspector general have been cancelled.
The billet's going to someone else.
The promotion-board matter tipped it.
Excuse me.
Why do you think the judge ruled in Hollenbeck's favour? Curt? Can I see you for a minute? Well, there's your vindication, Kate.
I'm not staying in Washington, Harm.
I know.
Thanks for this honour.
It's not often I'm asked to make a toast.
Colonel.
Mic.
A man once said that weddings are destiny, hangings are likewise.
He was an idiot.
The only gift greater than the air in your lungs is the hand you hold.
To companionship.
Companionship.
In the Australian Navy, these would be lagers.
Well, maybe that's why your ships run aground so often.
- Gunny? - Yes, sir.
Excuse me, admiral.
I just wanted to say goodbye.
- Good luck to you, commander.
- Thank you, sir.
I hope there are no hard feelings, commander.
It wasn't personal, ma'am.
Then let me make it personal.
The difference between you and your client is that he never meant to hurt me.
He gets my forgiveness.
You get my contempt.
- Colonel.
- It's been a rough week, commander.
Let's leave it at that.
This is my fiancé, Mic Brumby.
Congratulations.
I'm one lucky bloke, commander.
Have a safe trip.
- Renee.
- Kate.
Kate, let me walk you to the door.
- I'll be right back.
- Good.
Because I'll be right here.
She's actually a lot of fun.
I'm sure.
Well.
Well, stay in touch.
Bad choice of words.
Sorry.
It would have been nice having you around.
Harm, the last thing you need is a third female to complicate your life.
Where do you get three? Renee, me and Mac.
I'm not involved with Mac.
Bye.
- Thank you so much for coming.
- Congratulations to you two.
This is exciting.
How's it going with the wedding plans? Do you guys have anything set? A date? Early.
Very early.
Well, it's never early enough for two people who are in love.
Captain's mast.
Fireman Lance Magraine, assault.
The circumstances again? He attacked a first-class petty officer with his own guitar.
He thought he was taunting him.
With what? His singing? It was his ex-wife's favourite song, sir.
Mast.
Seaman Apprentice Brian Giddon.
This guy.
What's the charge? Jumping from vessel into the water, sir.
There is such an article? One thirty-four, sir.
Apparently, It's not the first time someone has tried to get discharged this way.
Summary court-martial.
I want a piece of him before we give him what he wants.
Yes, sir.
That's it, sir.
That's it, really? That's a light month.
Testimony to your leadership, sir.
Lieutenant, are you flattering me? Calling it as I see it, sir.
- Sir, you are out of line.
- I'm sorry.
- Kate? - Sir, please.
The less said the better.
Your button, ma'am.
Thank you, petty officer.
- You all right, ma'am? - Yes, I'm fine.
Gunny? Yes, ma'am.
My desk is really clean.
- Yes, ma'am.
I cleaned it.
- Where is everything? Filed and organised, ma'am.
- I'm back to full duty now.
- I'm aware of that, ma'am.
Which means I am capable of organising my own desk.
It won't happen again, ma'am.
Welcome back.
- Gunny? - Yes, ma'am? Do you know why I'm back? No, ma'am.
Because I wanted to be around people who care about me.
- Yes, ma'am.
- Thank you.
Yes, ma'am.
Are you sure you wanna do this, Harriet? Oh, yes, ma'am.
I am now queen of the long-term projects.
Come on.
I'll introduce you around.
Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie Lieutenant Harriet Sims, this is Commander Caitlin Pike.
Kate is TDY from the Naval Legal Service Office in San Diego.
- Oh, it's a pleasure.
- Nice to meet you.
You took the ring off.
You're engaged.
Oh, my gosh.
Congratulations.
Well, when were you gonna tell us? I was waiting for the right moment.
Well, if this is it, then I'll spread the word.
Excuse me.
Great news.
- I'm sorry.
- No, please.
Congratulations.
- Thanks.
So how long are you here? - About a week.
Code 20 JAG MIS revisions.
I worked on that for a while.
I could not figure out the software.
Computers are my speciality.
- Fastest fingers in the Navy.
- And when did you give up the title? So you two worked together? I was at JAG for six months.
And went over to NCIS for a while.
- I've been on the move ever since.
- Upward.
You two have a lot in common.
Accelerated promotion.
Well, we should have coffee or something.
Love to.
You can tell me if he's behaving.
Commander Pike.
I got a full house here.
I'm gonna set you up in the conference room.
No problem, sir.
Thinks look a little different around here since you were at JAG last? Commander Rabb is the only person I recognise, sir.
Well, try not to let that scare you.
I want you to think about my offer.
I could use another good trial lawyer.
I will, sir.
- Colonel.
- Yes, sir? I just heard.
- I'm very happy for you.
- Thank you, sir.
Sorry.
Sir.
- Kate, how are you? - Fine, sir.
Good to see you picked up commander.
Thank you, sir.
You've been at Pearl, right, sir? Pac Fleet deputy commander.
That is until two days ago.
I arrived here last night.
Do you have business at JAG, sir? A.
J.
Chegwidden and I attended National War College together.
I was about to share some good news with him.
In fact, you might be interested as well.
I'm all ears, sir.
I've been selected to be the new inspector general.
All I could say was congratulations.
Well, that's the standard response.
Hollenbeck once groped me at a briefing.
He was a captain then, in command of an amphibious ready group.
I was a staff judge advocate.
- Did you report it? - I handled it.
He apologised and it was over.
- I put it behind me.
- Apparently not.
Well, that this came up.
The Inspector General's Office monitors complaints of sexual harassment.
- What are you gonna do about it? - I don't know.
His touching you, was it meant to humiliate or control you? No.
It was lust.
Was he a good CO? Very.
- Think he learned his lesson? - My assumption at the time.
- Did he ever try it again? - Not to me anyway.
Well, they must have investigated his past.
I mean, if there was a pattern, it would have come out.
Right.
But that doesn't negate the fact that it happened.
So if you wanna report it, I couldn't blame you.
No, you're right.
I'm going to drop it.
It was four years ago.
It's over.
Sorry.
I didn't mean to interrupt.
Sir, that file we discussed? Oh, Lieutenant Singer, this is Commander Pike.
The commander was here five years ago.
Are you back now, ma'am? The admiral's made me an offer.
I'm considering it.
Well, all the best then, ma'am.
Whatever your decision.
Thanks.
You think she heard anything? Couldn't tell.
- Hey.
- Hey.
You meet your new boss yet? Not only did I meet him, but he said, as inspector general, he had no interest in separating a wife from her husband.
- I get to stay on loan with JAG.
- Great.
- I know.
Isn't it good? - That is so cool.
Excuse me, ma'am, sir.
I'm looking for Lieutenant Roberts.
- Corporal Antoon? - Yes, sir.
- Excuse us.
- Okay.
Right this way.
I appreciate this, sir.
Headquarters' JAGs have better things to do than fool with cases from the Legal Assistance Office.
Oh, that's all right, corporal.
We often handle their overload.
Please sit down.
Pad.
Pen.
That can stay there.
Okay.
So? I'm the only woman Marine in a detail attached to an LAV.
Training battalion, sir.
Communications intercept operator.
We're at Quantico.
And I enjoy it.
It's just I've been wanting to be an officer for a while now.
Went back to school part-time and I just finished my BA in January.
- Oh, hey.
Congratulations.
- Thank you, sir.
The problem is my CO won't approve my OCS package.
- Any dings in your record? - No, sir.
Well, what's the basis of his decision? My tattoo, sir.
I don't see a tattoo.
I'm sitting on it, sir.
Excuse me, sir.
Clayton Webb returned your call from yesterday.
He said that the answers to your questions were "yes, yes, yes, and no.
" - Is that about your brother? - Sergei's safe for the moment.
Weather in Chechnya is fine.
Negotiations for the release of POWs is progressing but no timetable has been reached.
Three out of four.
- Right over there.
- Thank you.
How did you pull that duty, Bud? I don't know what you're talking about, sir.
Come on, lieutenant.
She's just a client.
Bud, you don't have to walk on eggshells with me.
I totally trust you.
You think I'm attracted to her? She's a knockout, Bud.
Well, I think you're prettier than she is.
Oh, now you're making me really nervous.
- Sir? - Hey, don't look at me.
- I would have stopped at "I trust you.
" - She's hot.
Admit it.
Well, I think that she could be pretty.
Now I'm worried.
JAG Headquarters.
Lieutenant J.
G.
Sims.
- Is Commander Pike there? - Commander Pike? - It's for you.
- For me? It's a reporter from the Washington Globe.
What does he want? He wants to confirm reports that you were sexually harassed by the new inspector general.
How do they get an entire column out of "no comment"? At least they didn't run a photo of you in a bikini.
It's the photos without the bikini I'm worried about.
Are you always this open with strangers? Only when I want that stranger to be open in return.
The girlfriend.
Thumbnail.
Oh, Renee is unique.
Code for "obnoxious"? Harm likes her.
Are they serious? Why do you wanna know? He and I have a history.
A weekend, actually.
Really? What happened? It ended there.
I decided Harm couldn't handle a working partner who knew the colour of his underwear.
- How long did you two last? - We never started.
You had already found your man, huh? - Actually, Mic came later.
- Really? And nothing had happened before that? Oh, it was the same story.
Close working relationship.
It just never seemed right.
Good thing to avoid in any case.
I got involved with a senior officer in Okinawa.
Big mistake.
Major Bartz.
- Bandicks, deploy them.
- Aye, aye, sir.
Lieutenant Roberts from the Judge Advocate General's Office, sir.
You got 60 seconds, lieutenant.
Starting now.
It's concerning Corporal Antoon's tattoo, sir.
She claims it's the reason that you refused to recommend her to OCS.
- Have you seen this tattoo, lieutenant? - No, sir.
It's on her backside.
Exactly.
Well sir, the corporal gave a written description of it in her application.
A heart surrounded by winged doves.
How do you know it's not a swastika surrounded by expletives? Well, sir, the officer-accessions procurement section has determined that written descriptions of tattoos in private areas are acceptable.
On a case-by-case basis.
And in this case they are not.
- But, sir.
- Every OCS candidate has provided a photograph of their body art, with the exception of Corporal Antoon.
Sir, isn't Corporal Antoon the only female in this battalion? She is.
- Well, in that case - Time's up, lieutenant.
I'm not processing that application unless she can prove to me that body art is inoffensive.
Is there a way I can make myself more clear on this matter? Load them up! Interesting reading, lieutenant? It's a book on management techniques, sir.
Oh, in preparation for your role as the first female JAG? You're not making fun of me, are you, commander? You told me that was your goal.
I believed you.
It still is, sir, but I read up on a lot of topics.
Yeah? What do you think of Commander Pike? I don't know her, sir.
She's a good attorney.
You realise if she were to transfer here to JAG she'd move ahead of you for case assignments.
May I ask why we're having this discussion, commander? Are you aware of a past incident between Commander Pike and Admiral Hollenbeck? Everyone is, sir.
It's in the paper.
Did you leak it? Sir, I consider that question offensive.
Answer it anyway.
How would I have even known about it, sir? You walked in my office while we were discussing it, lieutenant.
You still think that I set Colonel Mackenzie up with that mishap investigation report.
I think that you are ambitious, lieutenant.
Sir, how could I profit from this? It would be one less female officer between you and glory.
It's amazing how little you know me, commander.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an appointment, sir.
Carry on.
Well, she didn't deny it.
Hey.
Bad day? I'm sorry.
I promised I'd make dinner.
But my heart wasn't in it.
That's no problem.
We'll order in.
This town is supposed to be the promised land for attorneys, Sarah.
I'm testament to that fact.
And I'm an ex-Australian naval officer with an accent.
It didn't prevent you from getting your last job.
They had shipping and defence clients.
I was the right fit.
Give it time.
I'd like to get something locked in before we get married.
You will.
Turn around.
Sorry.
You've got a knot the size of a walnut.
You see the paper today? Commander Pike is working in our office.
We had coffee together.
I was thinking, "Why would Hollenbeck risk it?" Then I realised the way I pursued you could be considered sexual harassment.
It's completely different.
See, you didn't touch me until I let you.
No.
I broke you down.
I was relentless.
I'd display my feathers.
You'd say no.
I'd invite myself in.
You'd say no.
There's no regulation against redundancy, Mic.
You wanted nothing to do with me.
Apparently I did.
Just watch where you put your hands.
Left, right, lay off.
I won't do it, sir.
Well, then you won't get your recommendation, corporal.
Sir, this is not about the major's rules.
He's trying to demean me.
Why would he do that? I am a woman in a fighting unit, sir.
The major had to do a dance to get me in.
Now I want out and he is taking it personally.
Are you making an accusation against Major Bartz? I'm telling you what I think, sir.
The major is asking you to photograph a private area of your body which could be construed as gender discrimination or sexual harassment.
Now, is that what you're saying? And if so, which one is it? I'm saying, sir, that you don't go through life looking like I do without everything eventually getting down to one or the other.
How far do you wanna take this? Sir, I wanna do whatever's necessary to become an officer.
As long as I don't have to embarrass myself for the privilege.
Okay.
How about this? I'll help you file an Article 138, complaint of wrong.
Forget the sexual component for now.
We'll concentrate on how your position is in compliance with regulations.
- Who would judge the complaint, sir? - Commanding general of Quantico.
That would be Major General Claudia Haskins, sir.
Admiral Hollenbeck is here to see you, sir.
Send him in.
Right through here, admiral.
Curt.
Now, I realise that you have to remain neutral so I will refrain from asking any compromising questions.
- Have a seat.
- Thanks.
It's a tough environment now, A.
J.
It's Tailhook.
It's fostered a reaction that makes any kind of inter-gender contact suspect.
I had a terrific assistant when I was at Pearl.
And the day she left we threw her a party.
And as she was leaving, I gave her a hug.
You could feel the energy in the whole room change.
I looked around, suddenly everyone is uncomfortable.
I was saying goodbye.
Admiral Paley is convening an Article 32 hearing.
He had to.
The Globe forced his hand.
I appreciate you delivering the news instead of the system.
Well, the statute of limitations is about to run out.
It'll be a fast-track case.
I'm gonna fight this to the end, A.
J.
Curt, you will get a full and vigorous defence.
I promise that.
I'll need a bulldog.
Understood.
You know, this could be worse.
I could have a wife.
A word, commander? - Admiral.
- At ease.
Who told them, Kate? Sir, this is inappropriate.
- Was it you? - No, sir.
But I will be the prosecution's chief witness.
Reluctantly? Yes.
Then we have something in common.
Whatever happens, please keep in mind we're not enemies.
We're victims of the same process.
I don't consider myself to be a victim, sir.
Still, you have to deal with this.
I'm sorry for that.
Are you apologising for the incident or its aftermath, sir? Good luck.
Enter.
- You wanted to see us, sir? - Yes.
This is concerning Admiral Hollenbeck's Article 32.
- Want you to represent the government.
- Yes, sir.
- This man's a friend of mine.
- I know that, sir.
- Don't let that influence you.
- No, sir.
Colonel, I'd like you to defend Admiral Hollenbeck.
Sir, may I decline? Why? I had a conversation with Commander Pike prior to the announcement of proceedings.
And? She revealed some things to me.
What kind of things? The commander indicated prior relationships with senior officers.
Well, colonel, there's no legal constraint.
You can use the information as you will.
That's not the issue, sir.
The male officers in question Are jackasses.
So nail them.
I know one of them, sir.
I see.
All right.
I'll assign someone else.
Sir, perhaps you should consider replacing me as well.
I'm sorry? Complicating personal circumstances, admiral.
When the hell did they get complicated? - Sir - Commander.
Will these circumstances affect your ability to prosecute? - No, sir.
- Then we don't have a problem.
- That will be all.
- Yes, sir.
Thank you, sir.
- Admiral - Dismissed, commander.
Aye, aye, sir.
Bud, do you have a minute? Sure.
I just want you to know that I really meant what I said about you and other women.
Sometimes I think you're still reacting to the old me.
Where is this coming from? Well, I'm really working on me.
I'm working on myself.
I'm trying to be wiser and stronger.
Honey, I don't know anyone stronger than you.
Sometimes I feel like you can't be yourself around me.
That's not fair to you and it doesn't feel good to me.
Okay.
Okay.
So, what did you think of Corporal Antoon? - She's pretty.
- She's pretty? - Sexy.
- Sexy? Yeah.
- Harriet.
- Come on, Bud.
This is just a test.
She makes my ears sweat.
Good.
Good.
That's the healthy response, see? Can I go back to work now? Oh, absolutely.
- Colonel, I owe you one.
- Why is that, commander? I'm defending Admiral Hollenbeck.
The lieutenant's sitting second chair.
- It should be fascinating.
- Have a party.
Colonel, why did you give it up? - Personal reasons.
- What does that mean? Have you and Commander Pike become friends? Good day, counsellor.
Lieutenant, you're good at digging up dirt.
I'm a good investigator, sir.
If that's what you mean.
Commander Pike, from birth to yesterday.
Everything.
Harm.
Sorry.
No.
Come on in.
Commander Pike, this is Renee.
- Hi.
- Hi.
And it's Kate.
- Kate and l - Go back a-ways.
I've heard nice things about you.
- From him? - No.
He never says anything nice.
Oh, good.
I'm glad it's not just me.
Harm.
- Mac.
- Kate.
- Renee.
- Renee's leaving.
I'll see you tonight.
I'll do my best.
Did he ever stand you up? When duty called.
A great excuse, isn't it? - Well, it was nice meeting you.
- You too.
- Mac.
- Renee.
I'll come back later.
When they made you commander, they gave you a harem? - Kate.
- I remember you standing me up.
I think it was against the wall of our motel room.
You wanna discuss your testimony or you just wanna make my life a living hell? Corporal.
Yeah, at ease.
Have a seat.
General Haskins' office called this morning.
The general wanted to get an answer to us as soon as they could so as to meet your application deadline.
She's rejected your Article 138 petition on the grounds that she trusts your CO's judgement.
Sir, she's a woman.
Doesn't she relate? I think that's the problem.
I think she probably feels too close to the issue and doesn't wanna appear subjective.
Well, that's it then.
Corporal, how badly do you wanna be an officer? Badly enough to swallow my pride, sir.
I will do the photo.
Thank you for your help, sir.
The photo should be authenticated.
Otherwise, the major might not accept it.
Actually, sir, I was thinking of doing it myself with a timer.
Then how would the major know if it was your anatomy? Good question, sir.
You could use one of those photo booths in the mall.
How would that work, sir? Well, you get a series of four shots.
The first would be your face.
Then you could take your pants down.
Or you could get yourself over to sickbay where I'm sure a female RN would be happy to snap a Polaroid.
Sir.
Captain Hollenbeck was heading up an amphibious-ready group aboard the USS Bladensburg.
I was his staff judge advocate.
How did the captain treat you, commander? He seemed concerned with my welfare, often asking if I needed anything.
Did you ever receive gifts from the captain? Twice.
A coffee pot and a jar of moisturizer.
- He liked you.
- Objection.
Calls for speculation.
Sustained.
Commander, would you describe for the court the events that took place July 11th, 1996? We had just finished up a briefing on personnel matters.
That's it, sir.
Really? That's a light month.
A testament to your leadership, sir.
Lieutenant, are you flattering me? I'm calling it as I see it, sir.
Sir! You are out of line.
I'm sorry.
Kate? Sir, please.
The less said the better.
What are you gonna do? I'm going to move on, sir.
I suggest you consider yourself warned and do the same.
We were guarded with each other for the rest of my tour.
Your witness.
Commander, why didn't you come forward at the time? I preferred to take care of the situation then and there.
You didn't consider it necessary, is that what you're saying? I believed I had done what was necessary.
Commander, have you ever had an affair with a senior officer? Objection.
Commander Pike is not on trial here, ma'am.
Your Honour, Rule 608 allows us to question the witness regarding past conduct for the purpose of attacking credibility.
I'll allow it.
But tread carefully, commander.
- If you stray, you pay.
- Yes, ma'am.
Commander, do you know a JAG officer named Commander Dennis Brockman? - Yes.
- Did you work with him? - Objection.
Relevance.
- Overruled.
Did you work with him? Yes.
In Okinawa.
And at the time, were you a lieutenant? Yes.
Did you have an affair with him? Yes.
Was that a wise thing to do? It was a mistake.
So on the day of your briefing with Admiral Hollenbeck, were you looking to have relations with another senior officer? Of course not.
Then couldn't that have affected your perception of what happened? Let me help you, commander.
Because you considered your prior sexual intimacy with a senior officer a mistake, you reacted strongly and swiftly to something that could have been very different than you perceived it.
No, that is not true.
Then why didn't you come forward? I didn't perceive the event to warrant punitive action.
Precisely, commander.
- No more questions, ma'am.
- Redirect.
Commander, did you expect Captain Hollenbeck to touch you - without your permission? - No.
Did Commander Brockman ever do this? - No.
- So there is no connection between what Captain Hollenbeck did and what transpired between you and Commander Brockman? No.
Thank you.
Commander Hollenbeck, considering your past conduct, think you should be making these accusations? Commander Pike has no comment at this time.
Commander Pike, what was your relationship? - You told them.
- Excuse me? I saw you talking to the defence.
- You sold me out.
- In what way? How else would they have known about my affair in Okinawa? Kate, I declined to defend Admiral Hollenbeck so I wouldn't be forced to use that information.
Why would I slip it to someone else? One less woman standing between you and what you want? What do I want? - Harm.
- You're really reaching.
There's something going on between you two.
- I'm engaged.
- To the man of your dreams? That is none of your business.
You have a lot of nerve.
I wasn't with you five minutes before you were telling me your secrets.
I couldn't be the only one who knows about Okinawa.
You're indiscreet.
You have a big mouth.
So shut it before you say something else I shouldn't hear.
- Calm down.
It's not that bad.
- Harm.
I admitted sexual relations with a senior officer.
How do you think that's gonna play at my next promotion board? Kate, it was five years ago.
By the time you come up for promotion it'll be ancient history.
I got lucky once.
It won't happen again.
What do you mean? When I broke up with Commander Brockman, he trashed me in my fitness report.
After he forgave me, he told me that he'd done it in a moment of anger.
But by then it was too late.
It's a matter of record.
So when you made the early selection list I was surprised.
- What do you think happened? - I don't know.
You weren't curious as to how it got overlooked? I was just thankful I made it through.
Well, I would have been curious.
Wait a minute.
You're accusing me of not questioning my good fortune? - Look - What would you've preferred I do? Barge into SECNAV's office and demand that the board consider my unworthiness? - I would have made some enquiries.
- I didn't wanna make enquiries.
I accepted my fate and assumed that my friends wouldn't question my success.
Hey, I'm sorry.
Harm, I just need to know that it's gonna be okay.
It's gonna be okay.
I promise.
- Gunny.
- Sir? - What do you got for me? - I've spoken to six women who served under Admiral Hollenbeck, sir.
If they're burying something, it's too deep to see.
Find out what you can about Commander Pike's promotion board.
It's privileged information, sir.
They would've released the names of members.
Lead us somewhere.
Aye, sir.
Admiral, would you please tell us what happened at the briefing between you and Lieutenant Pike on July 11th of 1996? The lieutenant was catching me up on some personnel matters.
That's it, sir.
Really? That's a light month.
Testimony to your leadership, sir.
Lieutenant, are you flattering me? Calling it as I see it, sir.
Sir! - You are out of line.
- I'm sorry.
Kate? Sir, please.
The less said the better.
What are you gonna do? I'm gonna move on, sir.
I suggest you consider yourself warned and do the same.
Your hand slipped? Yes, and because my weight was on it, I fell forward.
But the lieutenant perceived it otherwise? That's correct.
Did you try to explain? I started to, but the lieutenant cut me off.
And when she suggested that we move on, I chose not to say any more for fear of complicating things.
Thank you, sir.
Your witness.
So this was an accident, admiral? A mistake in perception? That's right.
How did you proceed afterwards, sir? I put it behind me.
You weren't concerned that Lieutenant Pike might bring this up at some later date? No, I took her at her word.
Why did you promote her, sir? - I'm sorry? - Exhibit 4, ma'am.
The report from the fiscal year 1999, JAG Commander Selection Board, selecting Lieutenant Commander Caitlin Pike for promotion.
Signed by Admiral Hollenbeck, president of that board, who was sitting as the designated line member.
Objection.
Relevance? I intend to establish a link between this action and the incident, ma'am.
Continue.
Why was Lieutenant Commander Pike deep-selected by the board, admiral? Objection.
The deliberations of selection boards are privileged.
Ma'am, that privilege has been waived by the secretary of the Navy at my request because of the importance of these proceedings.
He has released the members from their oaths of confidentiality.
Overruled, Commander Mattoni.
Isn't it a fact that Lieutenant Commander Pike was a below-zone candidate, that she received your personal support during this process, sir? I felt she was deserving.
Did the junior members concur, admiral? They had some concerns.
Did you review her fitness report, sir? Of course.
It's part of the process.
Admiral, this is a report filed by Commander Dennis Brockman in 1995.
The commander was Lieutenant Pike's reporting senior at the time.
Please read the highlighted portion, sir.
"Lieutenant Pike continues to struggle with personal issues that threaten her good judgement.
I have serious questions about her future as a Naval officer.
" Thank you, sir.
Exhibit 6.
Why did you ignore these comments, admiral? One man's opinion does not a career make.
Because you assumed she would learn you were responsible for her selection, sir? I have given you my reason.
Didn't you want her to know that you had done her a favour so that she would feel in your debt? Weren't you placating her, sir? - Making nice? - Objection, Your Honour.
Afraid that if you didn't promote her she might use it against you at some critical moment in your career? - Argumentative and compound.
- Both beg the same question.
- Your Honour.
- Why would you care? That's enough, commander.
I have no further questions, ma'am.
Major Bartz.
Good morning, sir.
At ease, corporal.
My OCS app, sir, complete with a photo of the tattoo in question.
You never intended to look at it, did you, major? Do you believe you require special treatment, corporal? Not anymore, sir.
Then as an officer, I expect you won't ask for it.
Never, sir.
I'll forward your application this afternoon along with my recommendation for approval.
We're all just Marines here.
I understand, sir.
Thank you, sir.
No, corporal, thank you for proving to be the person I fought to bring in this company.
I thank both counsel for their arguments.
Although the selection-board issue does raise questions about Admiral Hollenbeck's objectivity, I find, based on insufficiency of the evidence, that reasonable grounds do not exist to prove he sexually harassed Lieutenant Pike.
Accordingly, I will be recommending to the convening authority that the charges not be referred to court-martial.
This hearing is adjourned.
Kate? Are you okay? Ask me when my head stops spinning.
You took a beating in there.
I'm sorry.
I landed a few blows myself.
It was a good tactic, Harm.
Well, if it's any consolation, the fact that you admitted your mistakes speaks more highly of you than it does of Admiral Hollenbeck.
Admiral, there will be no trial, sir.
SECNAV just informed me that Admiral Hollenbeck's orders to be inspector general have been cancelled.
The billet's going to someone else.
The promotion-board matter tipped it.
Excuse me.
Why do you think the judge ruled in Hollenbeck's favour? Curt? Can I see you for a minute? Well, there's your vindication, Kate.
I'm not staying in Washington, Harm.
I know.
Thanks for this honour.
It's not often I'm asked to make a toast.
Colonel.
Mic.
A man once said that weddings are destiny, hangings are likewise.
He was an idiot.
The only gift greater than the air in your lungs is the hand you hold.
To companionship.
Companionship.
In the Australian Navy, these would be lagers.
Well, maybe that's why your ships run aground so often.
- Gunny? - Yes, sir.
Excuse me, admiral.
I just wanted to say goodbye.
- Good luck to you, commander.
- Thank you, sir.
I hope there are no hard feelings, commander.
It wasn't personal, ma'am.
Then let me make it personal.
The difference between you and your client is that he never meant to hurt me.
He gets my forgiveness.
You get my contempt.
- Colonel.
- It's been a rough week, commander.
Let's leave it at that.
This is my fiancé, Mic Brumby.
Congratulations.
I'm one lucky bloke, commander.
Have a safe trip.
- Renee.
- Kate.
Kate, let me walk you to the door.
- I'll be right back.
- Good.
Because I'll be right here.
She's actually a lot of fun.
I'm sure.
Well.
Well, stay in touch.
Bad choice of words.
Sorry.
It would have been nice having you around.
Harm, the last thing you need is a third female to complicate your life.
Where do you get three? Renee, me and Mac.
I'm not involved with Mac.
Bye.
- Thank you so much for coming.
- Congratulations to you two.
This is exciting.
How's it going with the wedding plans? Do you guys have anything set? A date? Early.
Very early.
Well, it's never early enough for two people who are in love.