JAG s07e16 Episode Script
The Mission (1)
(men shouting in native language) (whispering): Anvil Two-Two, this is Choctaw Six.
I've got a hot target.
Over.
It's a line of one-five horsemen moving through the Khyber Pass towards Pakistan.
Over.
Can you interdict, Choctaw Six? Negative, Anvil Two-Two.
I can light them up.
Suggest air strike.
Over.
Hawker Flight, this is Anvil Two-Two.
Prepare for air strikes; suspected Al Qaeda.
Stand by for target coordinates.
This is Hawker Flight.
Wilco.
Anvil Two-Two, this is City Desk Strike.
Request further information on the target.
We don't have a lot of time on this, City Desk.
Intel does not report suspected Al Qaeda on the move in that region.
They may be civilian.
Advise the Skipper.
Choctaw Six, this is Anvil Two-Two.
Are you certain of the target? CHOCTAW SIX: They are heavily armed and well-mounted, Anvil Two-Two.
Light them up.
Roger, sir.
Commence air strike, Hawker Flight.
Wilco.
Out.
Anvil Two-Two, this is City Desk Strike.
I cannot approve a strike without assurance that they are Al Qaeda.
What do you want us to do, City Desk, check their IDs? Hawker Flight, do not engage until we can confirm target.
Roger that.
Anvil Two-Two, they're scattering.
What the hell is going on here? I have asked for assurance that the target was Al Qaeda.
We've lost the target.
Over.
CHEGWIDDEN: Last night, there was an incident involving a JAG aboard the USS Seahawk.
Lieutenant Commander Jack Hillyard, Battle Group Judge Advocate, apparently invoked an extreme interpretation of the Rules of Engagement.
And as a result, several suspected members of Al Qaeda were able to cross the Khyber Pass.
They got away, sir? Again.
This is the the second time JAG officers have delayed tactical strikes and let Al Qaeda escape, and it's damn sure the last time.
That's why I'm sending you and the Colonel to the Battle Group.
Aye, aye, sir.
Now, I've given orders for all JAGs in theater to assemble aboard the Seahawk.
After investigating this latest fiasco, I want you to explain to our JAGs that while I want them to comply with the Rules of Engagement, I do not-- I repeat, do not-- want them to exert caution beyond all reason.
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
All right.
Commander Turner, Congresswoman Latham has requested that you be assigned to her staff T.
A.
D.
as Assistant Staff Counsel for the National Security Subcommittee.
What does she want with me, sir? Well, I, uh, assume advice.
Talk to Rabb how best to handle the Congresswoman.
He's had some experience.
(chuckles): I I was assigned to the Congresswoman's staff for a few weeks when there were charges the U.
S.
used Sarin nerve gas in the Gulf War.
Fabricated ZNN report.
I remember it.
She's easy to work with, so long as you don't mind the fact that she's contrary and opinionated.
You two must have made quite a pair.
CHEGWIDDEN: Moving on.
Roberts, Singer, there's a hit-and-run in Maryland I'd like for you to handle.
multiple fractures, ruptured spleen, subdural hematoma, spent six weeks in Saint Cecilia's.
She's ID'd the vehicle as a late-model, blue Celica.
It matches the car driven by Petty Officer Jeff Massuco.
Does the Petty Officer have an alibi, sir? Said he was jogging that night in Rock Creek Park alone.
Uh, Roberts, you'll defend.
Singer, you'll prosecute.
Yes, sir.
Aye, sir.
That'll be all, people.
Roberts, if you'll, uh, stay behind, please.
Have a seat.
Bud, I've been meaning to talk to you for quite a while Is there a problem, sir? Not exactly.
Well, sir, just tell me whatever it is that's wrong, and I'll address the situation.
I want to provide you with the best opportunity for a promotion.
Well, sir, is it my courtroom skills or? No, no.
You've proven yourself quite capable as a trial lawyer.
My attention span 'cause I Can I just finish the sentence, Lieutenant? Yes, sir.
(sighs) Have you given much thought to your career-- specifically, your next duty assignment? I'll take that as a no.
Here's the bottom line: I can get you orders to a ship or, uh, overseas shore duty.
Either assignment will be a step up for you and put you on an excellent career path.
I see.
Well, thank you, sir.
You seem, uh, less than thrilled, Lieutenant.
It's just that I I like it here, sir.
Harriet and I are talk Lieutenant Sims and I are talking about buying a house.
A.
J.
loves his preschool.
JAG is my life.
Things change, Lieutenant.
Mission statements change and we change with them-- or get left behind.
Hey, you know what this means, don't you? Long flight and a sudden stop that jars the brain.
Yes, but then we're back on a carrier at war.
Which means there's the constant roar of jet engines and the wham of the catapult and the stink of the exhaust and jet fuel Got to love it.
ROBERTS: support any decision I made.
So, what else did he say? Well, Admiral said maybe Europe or a shipboard JAG billet.
How exciting, Bud.
I'm so proud of you.
I need to see the Admiral now.
He's on the phone with the SECNAV, ma'am.
Then I'll wait.
CHEGWIDDEN: I have MacKenzie and Rabb on their way to the Arabian Sea, sir.
MAN (over phone): I don't want any more calls in the middle of the night.
Yes, sir, I know it's difficult to be woken up at 3:00 in the morning by the president.
He threatened to castrate me like a pig.
He actually said that? In those very words.
Yes, sir.
Mr.
Secretary, you have my word.
You won't be getting any more phone calls.
I'll hold you to that.
Now, Tiner.
Yes, ma'am.
(knock at door) CHEGWIDDEN: Enter.
Excuse, me, Admiral.
Lieutenant Singer would like a word with you, sir.
Tell her anytime.
How about now, sir? How'd you do that? Sir? Get through the door that fast? I'm motivated, sir.
At ease, Lieutenant.
Excuse me.
Tiner.
Sir? Your promotion exam results came in.
Congratulations, Petty Officer First Class.
TINER: Thank you, sir.
CHEGWIDDEN: It's overdue, Tiner.
You earned it a long time ago.
Thank you, Admiral.
What can I do for you, Lieutenant? Sir, I'd like you to know that while I appreciate the opportunities you have given me You'd like more responsibility? Yes, sir.
I was just speaking with Lieutenant Roberts, and he mentioned the fact that you offered him a shot at Europe-- maybe even a billet with a battle group.
I didn't realize you and Lieutenant Roberts were close.
Oh, yes, sir, we've become pretty tight.
And as much as I like Bud, I believe myself to be a better lawyer.
Well your faith in yourself is inspiring, Lieutenant.
Thank you, sir.
However, I'm not interested in your appraisal of Lieutenant Robert's skills.
I'm quite competent to judge those myself.
Of course you are, sir.
Let me be blunt, Lieutenant.
You certainly have had your moments, but you still have a lot to prove to me as a lawyer and as a person.
Dismissed.
Aye, aye, sir.
Lieutenant.
Your turn will come.
ROBERTS: Yes, I'll hold.
For the record, Bud: on the Petty Officer Massuco hit-and-run, I'm going to kick your ass.
PILOT: Seahawk, this is 612 on final.
612, Seahawk.
Hold off at 200.
Tomcat on final approach.
PILOT: 612, roger.
Seahawk, Hawker One on final.
I have the ball.
Hawker One, looking good.
Right in the groove.
Spot three.
PILOT: 612, roger.
Spot three.
You've been aboard so many times I figure you've got your own stateroom by now.
(laughs) Ah, this explains your green eyes.
Why? Watching younger men do what you love best.
Oh-ho, don't count me out yet.
CAPTAIN JOHNSON: We had eight aircraft seeking targets of opportunity.
Convoys? Caves? Precisely.
Our Special Forces spotter on the ground found 15 suspected al Qaeda on horseback heading through the Khyber Pass.
An air strike was ordered by General Taylor.
I wanted to confirm that the target was al Qaeda.
Were they? Intelligence says they were, but it was unclear at the time.
I was concerned about civilian casualties, sir.
How certain was the spotter? Not a hundred percent, ma'am.
You can't be a hundred percent certain all the time, Commander.
You'd never fire a round or drop a bomb.
I see, Commander, that you understand the problem.
The question now is, can you fix it? We'll fix it, sir.
LATHAM: Did Admiral Chegwidden tell you why I wanted you assigned to my staff? TURNER: No.
He said he'd leave that up to you.
The House Armed Services Committee has a series of hearings scheduled over the next few weeks.
On appropriations for the coming fiscal year.
Correct, and every branch of the four services wants a bigger share of a bigger pie.
We are in the middle of a war.
So, this is what I need from you, Sturgis.
I'll count on you to tell me the unvarnished truth about who needs what and why.
Next Friday, I want your opinion on the needs of each program, military value, projected cost, spending level, buy rates, and procurement.
Isn't that what the Office of Legislative Affairs is for? And I'll be consulting them, but I need someone I can trust.
MacKENZIE: The standing peacetime Rules of Engagement are not applicable in this area of responsibility.
When our people are over Afghanistan they are under CENTCOM Rules of Engagement, authorizing attack of all identified Taliban and al Qaeda troops and assets.
Which means that we can engage any target on the approved target list at any time.
These rules also strictly forbid attacks on the no-strike list.
And they create conflict.
Yes, sir, many times they do.
That's where your judgment must come into play.
When our strike force identifies a potential target but can't tell whether it's an enemy asset or whether striking it poses an unwarranted risk of collateral damage to noncombatants, you're going to be in the hot seat.
RABB: Look, with real-time data links, GPS and intelligence, we should be able to advise our commanders promptly whether it is wise to engage or not.
HILLYARD: How can we ever be sure that there won't be civilian casualties, sir? We can never be sure, Commander.
Civilian casualties are inevitable.
You have a problem with that? Yes, sir.
We all do, Commander, but that's a risk we have to take.
We are a nation at war.
ROBERTS: Harriet, I think we should really talk about this.
If I'm assigned to a carrier it's a three-year tour.
I know.
And at least one six-month deployment.
(chuckling): I can manage.
Well, I don't know if I can.
I mean, you and A.
J.
are my entire life.
What about Europe? We could both go.
I could check with BUPERS and see if they have anything available.
That's at least two years.
You wouldn't even get to see your parents.
They could visit.
I don't want A.
J.
starting school anywhere but here.
Okay.
Well, then I'll stay here with him and you can come home on leave.
I only get 30 days a year.
Bud, isn't it worth the sacrifice for a greater chance at promotion? I mean, you would be getting overseas pay, which would mean more money.
What good is money if we're apart? We could buy a house.
Which only one of us would get to be in.
Let's table this discussion.
You have a lot of work to do.
A.
J.
: Mommy? I'll get him.
(sighs) I'll take the night shift.
Don't stay up too late.
You have court tomorrow.
Thanks.
Hi.
Hey! How'd you know where I was? Where else would you be on a carrier during Ops? In the front seat of an F-14.
Not this trip.
I can dream.
(sighs) You know, I'm starting to understand how you feel, Harm.
When I was aboard the LHA I got a sense of what it's like to be out at sea.
Everything else-- whatever personal problems you might have-- it all goes away.
Nothing seems important in the face of what you're doing.
There was a time you hated it here.
Nothing stays the same.
Tell me about it.
I'm glad you're here.
TURNER: You need to be thinking outside the box now.
We're talking about a whole new kind of war.
Pinpoint bombing, rapid insertion of troops, a-a moving front.
So before you commit to funding you have to know that the assets you're buying and building will work within that construct.
There's no way to know for sure, and everybody thinks they should be first in line.
Nothing's sure in war.
Or in politics.
Tell me about it.
You okay working with me? Commander Rabb gave me some tips on how to get along.
I wasn't aware you two had talked about me.
Since he was here first he turned me on to some pointers.
What else did he tell you about me? That you were tough and opinionated and hard to get along with.
Hmm.
That's all? What more is there? RABB: You wanted to see me, Skipper? You're new to me, Rabb.
You know, I spent a really entertaining hour or so reading your service record last night.
There are a few things in there that need explaining, sir.
You got a real gift for understatement.
But the bottom line is, you understand the law and you understand combat, and that makes you valuable to me.
I want you to fly the next mission.
Yes, sir.
Look, I'm not offering you this opportunity for your enjoyment.
It should help you refine the Rules of Engagement.
And I'm assigning you Lieutenant Jorgenson-- the squadron's best RIO.
That'll make up for the fact that the terrain is new to you.
We've got a briefing in 15 minutes.
You can suit up after that.
Aye, aye, sir.
Thank you, sir.
JOHNSON: Your target is a group of suspected al Qaeda and Taliban leadership.
They are reportedly located in the town of Arondu Kalay.
A Special Forces spotter on the ground will identify your target for you, but check with me before commencing action.
Your strike group is four F-14's with four 2,000-pound guided weapons.
Your support group is one E-A-6-B jammer, one K-C-10 tanker.
Distance to target is 830 nautical miles.
Mission time, 4.
5 hours.
You will refuel in-flight just before you reach the Afghanistan border, both inbound and outbound.
Now, as you know, there's a weather front moving in over the target area.
Icing and visibility could be problems.
If conditions become severe over the target area, abort the mission, return to ship.
Launch is at 1800.
That is all.
(sighs) Good luck, Lieutenant.
And to you, too.
I hear you're coming with us.
Yeah, I am.
SINGER: This is a motion in limine to restrict the number of character witnesses you can call.
Singer, my client deserves a fair trial.
Petty Officer Massuco ran a woman down on the street, then left the scene of the accident.
Alledgedly.
I'm opposing your request for a continuance.
And I'm opposing your request for funds to have an expert witness for paint comparison analysis.
Singer, why are you doing all of this? Because you won't deal.
I believe my client is innocent.
Why should I deal? Save the Navy the cost of a trial.
(yawning): Excuse me.
Rough night? I was up all night with A.
J.
Well, you two have become quite chummy.
My son.
Oh, that A.
J.
He has the flu.
Well, can't Harriet handle him? Harriet and I both work full-time jobs, so we share the childcare.
You know why I stay single? I can think of several reasons.
Well, put this at the top of your list.
There's nothing between me and my work.
No one to consider.
That is really very sad.
Here are my points and authorities opposing your request for a lineup.
Lieutenant Jorgenson.
Commander.
Colonel.
Understand I'll be flying with you, sir.
Excellent.
Best RIO I ever had was a woman.
'Course.
"Was," sir? Uh, still is.
(chuckling): Whoever she's flying with is a damn lucky pilot.
First time we met, Skates was aboard the Seahawk.
That her call sign? MACKENZIE: It is.
Harm saved her life and then defended her when she was falsely accused.
Then I dumped an F-14 in the drink, damn near drowned the two of us, and, uh, afterwards, she saved me from dying of hypothermia.
Commander, do a lot of things happen to you? Well, certainly that week.
This ought to be interesting.
Take-off checklist complete.
Hawker One, section ready.
Captain, strike group is spotted and ready to launch.
Shoot 'em.
Aye, sir.
Launching one.
Launching two.
Engine instruments normal.
Affirmative.
Takeoff checklist complete.
Roger.
Going to zone five.
Hawker Flight, go tactical.
PILOT 1: Two up.
PILOT 2: Three up.
Four up.
Let's move out.
Lieutenant, ready to go? Let's see what you got.
(knock at door) CHEGWIDDEN: Enter.
TINER: Uh, sir, Lieutenant Sims would like to speak with you.
Send her in.
Good morning, sir.
At ease.
What's on your mind, Lieutenant? Sir, Bud told me about the conversation that you had with him.
Are you afraid that your marriage can't withstand a separation? No, sir.
Or that your husband will cheat on you? Never, sir.
I would kill him.
Well, fear of extreme bodily harm has always been an excellent incentive for fidelity.
Sir, I can manage the lieutenant's absence.
It's him I'm worried about.
Don't be.
But, sir Lieutenant Roberts is far tougher than he's given credit for.
Bud needs a chance to prove himself away fr He needs to become his own man.
I couldn't agree more with you, sir.
So you approve of what I'm doing? Yes, sir.
Then why did you want to speak to me? Sir, sometimes Bud is overly sentimental.
He is stuck in his ways.
And I just want you to know that I welcome the opportunity for his career advancement.
And I also know that, uh, sometimes it's hard for a man to move on.
Well, that's true.
Been thinking about moving on myself.
Where, sir? I understand they may be looking for a coach for the Annapolis baseball team.
Sir, you would retire from JAG for baseball? I think about it sometimes.
Last few years I've been helping coach a local high school team.
You know, I was a high school pitcher.
Drafted in the second round by Cleveland.
And that didn't work out for you? I turned them down.
Why? Well, there was a war on.
I got in Annapolis, in the SEALs, and never looked back.
Till now.
SINGER: Let me understand this, Petty Officer Massuco.
You claim that at the time you ran over Mrs.
Kravitz you were jogging in the park.
Ma'am, I didn't run over anyone.
Objection.
Facts not in evidence.
Sustained.
Rephrase, Counsel.
Petty Officer Massuco, you claim that at the time of the incident you were jogging in the park alone.
Did anyone happen to see you? Uh, I don't think so, ma'am, but there were other joggers in the park.
But no one came forward to corroborate your story? No, ma'am.
You could have been anywhere.
Yes, ma'am.
I-I guess that's right, but You can't prove that you were in the park at the time of the incident.
You could have been anywhere.
Maybe you were behind the wheel of your car.
Or perhaps you were very tired.
Perhaps you didn't see the victim step out in front of your car.
Lieutenant Roberts, do you care to object? (gulps) Okay, you have your opening statement.
You have a list of questions for General Harris.
You have another list of questions for Admiral Drake.
I want you close to me, Commander.
Right behind you, ma'am.
I cannot lose control of this hearing.
I find it unlikely that you lose control of anything in your life, Congresswoman.
Then you'd be wrong.
I have point papers on every conceivable subject.
(whispering): If I get stuck? I have taken the liberty of preparing several additional statements so obscure in their wording as to sow confusion and dismay amongst your enemies.
(beeping) I have contact, but I'm not receiving fuel.
Don't know if the problem is mine or yours, Castle Rock.
PILOT: Looks good here.
Break off and give another bird a try.
Breaking off.
Hawker Four.
Give it a go.
RABB: Roger, Hawker One.
Moving in.
We're taking on fuel.
Roger that.
Hawker Four, take lead of your section.
I'm taking my wingman with me.
I got just enough fuel to make it home.
Roger.
Sorry, Hawker One.
I'll bet you are.
TURNER: Of course, procurement rates can't be raised without the risk of cost overruns Do you ever talk about anything but work? What else is there? Siblings.
Do you have any? (chuckles) Only child.
Me, too.
So I never learned how to share.
(laughs) Uh parents? I never knew my father, and, um, I was raised by my mother and my two aunts.
That's a lot of women.
Three of the most important people in my life.
I was poor, but I never was hungry, and if I ever needed a new dress, I got one.
Is that why you're a champion of the poor and downtrodden? They make up the majority of the people I represent.
Why the Navy? That's what my father wanted for me.
Any regrets? I never stopped long enough to consider that question.
Uh, no.
No regrets.
Otherwise, I never would have played in the Army-Navy game or wouldn't have seen the Northern Lights from the conning tower of a submarine at the Pole.
I wouldn't have gotten to know you.
Good answer.
ROBERTS: That was cheap and sleazy, even for you, Singer.
Are you familiar with expression, "sore loser"? I'm not concerned about myself.
It's my client.
Oh, right.
You're the hotshot.
Mr.
Fast Track.
What's all this about? You slept your way through the trial, Lieutenant.
I did not.
Then why were you snoring? Not that it's any of your business, but A.
J.
's been sick, and Spare me, Roberts.
Look, I don't give a damn about myself here! No, that's right.
You don't have to give a damn.
You can phone it in because you have so many people working overtime to promote your sorry ass! (thunder crashing) You see that storm cell ahead? Reads angels 30.
Tuck in, Hawker Flight.
We're going up to avoid that storm cell.
CAPTAIN JOHNSON: They're an hour away from target.
What about that weather? They'll fly over it.
Sir, won't cloud cover interfere with laser lock? That's the tricky part.
They'll have to drop down to what altitude? ground level.
And with visibility only a hundred meters they'll have to stay close together.
The mountains are at 7,000 feet.
That's not a lot of room for error.
And within range of Stinger missiles.
Not a lot of those left in-country.
It only takes one, sir.
As you said, Colonel, it's called war.
(sighs) Working late, Lieutenant? I always work late, sir.
Singer you should get a life.
Yes, sir.
And, sir? So should you.
Respectfully.
Ever play baseball, Lieutenant? No, sir.
I favor contact sports.
Good night.
Good night, sir.
Good night, sir.
GENERAL TAYLOR: Hawker Flight, this is Anvil Two-Two.
We have a target in the village of Arondu Kalay.
I have datalinked the G.
P.
S.
coordinates.
RABB: Roger, Anvil Two-Two.
Contact Choctaw Six for precise designation.
Wilco, Anvil Two-Two.
Choctaw Six, this is Hawker Flight.
Do you read me? Hawker Flight, this is Choctaw Six.
I copy you.
Over.
What is our target? Building on the south edge of the village.
It used to be a schoolhouse.
Suspected al Qaeda and Taliban senior leadership.
Over.
RABB: Anyone else? Unknown.
RABB: Roger.
What else is in proximity to the target? Other buildings.
RABB: Occupied? Unlikely.
This village has taken quite a pounding over the last few months.
Most civilians have gone into the hills.
Over.
What's your decision, Colonel? Proceed.
Anvil Two-Two, this is Captain Johnson.
You still debating? No.
Prosecute the target.
RABB: Roger.
Coming in.
Light 'em up.
Roger that, Hawker Leader.
We'll keep our heads down.
Hawker Flight, this is Hawker Four.
We're hitting the deck at Angels Two A.
G.
L.
Commencing run.
Hawker Two.
Roger that.
Two up.
ROBERTS: She buried an important witness in the middle of 28 names.
She bogged me down with countless trivial motions.
Then she opposes my request for a continuance.
Well, she had something to prove, Bud.
You were chosen over her.
And besides, you had a lot on your mind.
That's no excuse.
And you were up the whole night with A.
J.
when he was sick.
Harriet, I fell asleep in court! I mean, there might be some profession out there that makes allowances for exhaustion.
Mine doesn't.
And if I have to go away, there won't be anyone to help you with A.
J.
Sweetheart, I can manage it.
And this is a new assignment.
It's not hard time at Leavenworth.
Well, it feels like it.
(groans) (sighs) What? I'm just looking at ya.
You see me every day.
That's just it.
You're here, and I don't really see you.
Is that some kind of out-of-body, paranormal thing? No.
It's scarier than that.
It's married life.
You got a little gray hair right here.
Mm, couple of little worry lines.
You know, things might be tough for a little while, but (sighs) when we're the old folks, that live on the hill, we'll hardly even remember this.
Some things you don't forget.
Like this.
Confirm that you have the target coordinates, Hawker Leader.
Roger that, Choctaw Six.
I have the coordinates.
Hawker Four, out.
I've got the illuminator.
Lower left-hand corner of the display.
Hawker Flight Four has targeted sight.
Eleven o'clock.
Four miles.
Tall building at the edge of town.
Acknowledge.
PILOT: Two, roger, ident.
Stinger in the air! Seven-thirty.
Low.
Breaking left.
Punch out flares.
Flares away.
We've been hit.
Hawker Two, we have engine trouble.
Check left engine nozzle.
PILOT: Hawker Four, confirm.
You've got smoke.
Fire warning light, left engine.
Shutting left engine down.
Pull engine fire handle.
You got it.
Nice going.
I'm not getting full power from the right engine.
Let's dump fuel.
Can't do it.
Too far from the ship.
Hawker Four, retain the lead.
I'll cover your six.
RABB: Roger that.
You told me this would be exciting, sir.
I had no idea.
You saw the colonel handle it.
I did, sir.
Do you disagree with her decision? Sir, respectfully, I would have asked for more information.
Commander, I believe you're a fine lawyer, but you are a lousy wartime JAG.
I'm going to ask for your immediate reassignment.
I need someone on board who can make up his or her mind.
RABB: Castle Rock, this is Hawker Four.
Flight of two for refueling.
I'm single-engine with some battle damage, so I'm going to need you to take it nice and steady.
PILOT: Roger that, Hawker Four-- we're in first gear now.
We're taking on fuel.
We're losing power, Castle Rock.
I'm backing out, and I can't stop it.
Harm, we got to stay in there.
Otherwise, we can't make it back to ship.
Castle Rock, I'm going to try again.
HARM: Castle Rock, I don't have enough power to stay plugged in.
We'll take our chances to the ship.
Roger that, Hawker Four.
Good luck.
LATHAM: When I requested you, I never dreamed I'd be getting an escort service.
TURNER: Escort service? You figure I hire out by the hour? Well, you are the last gentleman.
When your father's a navy chaplain and your mother is the Sunday school teacher, manners are taught early and often.
Allow me.
Well, did they teach you never to kiss a lady unless she requests you to do so? You know, they never got around to courtship.
Apparently, neither do you.
Are you playing hard to get now? RABB: City Desk Strike, this is Hawker Four.
Flight of two.
State 3.
9.
I'm singled out from battle damage.
I'm going to need a little help getting back aboard.
Hawker Four, this is the captain.
Come on in.
We have a ready deck.
Roger that, Captain.
I've shut down one engine and I don't have full power in the other, so I'd like to make it on the first pass.
Hawker Four, this is Paddles.
Have you checked out your burner? Affirmative, but it was slow to light.
Hung ordnance? None.
PADDLES: I have you in sight.
Keep it coming.
RABB: I have the ball.
Paddles, this is Hawker Four.
Ball, 2.
4.
Single-engine approach.
PADDLES: You're a little low.
Keep your speed up.
Give me some attitude.
Burner now! It's not lighting! Power, power, power.
Eject! Eject! Eject! Initiating ejection.
Negative! (both exhale) I was right about you.
Things happen when you're around.
Ma'am.
Lieutenant.
Mac.
I'll, uh, I'll catch up with you in the Ready Room, Lieutenant.
And I'll buy, if they ever finish debriefing you.
How nice.
You've made a friend.
Mac.
Oh, she's right.
Things happen when you're around.
Were you worried? Not for a minute.
Admiral.
I thought you'd already left.
No.
May I? Uh, yes, sir, of course.
And-and, sir, I don't need that pep talk anymore.
You're absolutely right about this.
It's shortsighted of me to put security above career.
I'm willing to go anywhere I'm needed, sir.
You're needed right here, Lieutenant.
I just spoke with Captain Proudy, the convening authority on Petty Officer Massuco's court-martial.
He's become aware of new evidence and has come to the conclusion that you may have been derelict in your duties as a defense counsel.
I I'm sorry, sir? At Captain Proudy's request, I've initiated a preliminary inquiry into your performance, as a prelude to an Article 32 hearing.
I've got a hot target.
Over.
It's a line of one-five horsemen moving through the Khyber Pass towards Pakistan.
Over.
Can you interdict, Choctaw Six? Negative, Anvil Two-Two.
I can light them up.
Suggest air strike.
Over.
Hawker Flight, this is Anvil Two-Two.
Prepare for air strikes; suspected Al Qaeda.
Stand by for target coordinates.
This is Hawker Flight.
Wilco.
Anvil Two-Two, this is City Desk Strike.
Request further information on the target.
We don't have a lot of time on this, City Desk.
Intel does not report suspected Al Qaeda on the move in that region.
They may be civilian.
Advise the Skipper.
Choctaw Six, this is Anvil Two-Two.
Are you certain of the target? CHOCTAW SIX: They are heavily armed and well-mounted, Anvil Two-Two.
Light them up.
Roger, sir.
Commence air strike, Hawker Flight.
Wilco.
Out.
Anvil Two-Two, this is City Desk Strike.
I cannot approve a strike without assurance that they are Al Qaeda.
What do you want us to do, City Desk, check their IDs? Hawker Flight, do not engage until we can confirm target.
Roger that.
Anvil Two-Two, they're scattering.
What the hell is going on here? I have asked for assurance that the target was Al Qaeda.
We've lost the target.
Over.
CHEGWIDDEN: Last night, there was an incident involving a JAG aboard the USS Seahawk.
Lieutenant Commander Jack Hillyard, Battle Group Judge Advocate, apparently invoked an extreme interpretation of the Rules of Engagement.
And as a result, several suspected members of Al Qaeda were able to cross the Khyber Pass.
They got away, sir? Again.
This is the the second time JAG officers have delayed tactical strikes and let Al Qaeda escape, and it's damn sure the last time.
That's why I'm sending you and the Colonel to the Battle Group.
Aye, aye, sir.
Now, I've given orders for all JAGs in theater to assemble aboard the Seahawk.
After investigating this latest fiasco, I want you to explain to our JAGs that while I want them to comply with the Rules of Engagement, I do not-- I repeat, do not-- want them to exert caution beyond all reason.
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
All right.
Commander Turner, Congresswoman Latham has requested that you be assigned to her staff T.
A.
D.
as Assistant Staff Counsel for the National Security Subcommittee.
What does she want with me, sir? Well, I, uh, assume advice.
Talk to Rabb how best to handle the Congresswoman.
He's had some experience.
(chuckles): I I was assigned to the Congresswoman's staff for a few weeks when there were charges the U.
S.
used Sarin nerve gas in the Gulf War.
Fabricated ZNN report.
I remember it.
She's easy to work with, so long as you don't mind the fact that she's contrary and opinionated.
You two must have made quite a pair.
CHEGWIDDEN: Moving on.
Roberts, Singer, there's a hit-and-run in Maryland I'd like for you to handle.
multiple fractures, ruptured spleen, subdural hematoma, spent six weeks in Saint Cecilia's.
She's ID'd the vehicle as a late-model, blue Celica.
It matches the car driven by Petty Officer Jeff Massuco.
Does the Petty Officer have an alibi, sir? Said he was jogging that night in Rock Creek Park alone.
Uh, Roberts, you'll defend.
Singer, you'll prosecute.
Yes, sir.
Aye, sir.
That'll be all, people.
Roberts, if you'll, uh, stay behind, please.
Have a seat.
Bud, I've been meaning to talk to you for quite a while Is there a problem, sir? Not exactly.
Well, sir, just tell me whatever it is that's wrong, and I'll address the situation.
I want to provide you with the best opportunity for a promotion.
Well, sir, is it my courtroom skills or? No, no.
You've proven yourself quite capable as a trial lawyer.
My attention span 'cause I Can I just finish the sentence, Lieutenant? Yes, sir.
(sighs) Have you given much thought to your career-- specifically, your next duty assignment? I'll take that as a no.
Here's the bottom line: I can get you orders to a ship or, uh, overseas shore duty.
Either assignment will be a step up for you and put you on an excellent career path.
I see.
Well, thank you, sir.
You seem, uh, less than thrilled, Lieutenant.
It's just that I I like it here, sir.
Harriet and I are talk Lieutenant Sims and I are talking about buying a house.
A.
J.
loves his preschool.
JAG is my life.
Things change, Lieutenant.
Mission statements change and we change with them-- or get left behind.
Hey, you know what this means, don't you? Long flight and a sudden stop that jars the brain.
Yes, but then we're back on a carrier at war.
Which means there's the constant roar of jet engines and the wham of the catapult and the stink of the exhaust and jet fuel Got to love it.
ROBERTS: support any decision I made.
So, what else did he say? Well, Admiral said maybe Europe or a shipboard JAG billet.
How exciting, Bud.
I'm so proud of you.
I need to see the Admiral now.
He's on the phone with the SECNAV, ma'am.
Then I'll wait.
CHEGWIDDEN: I have MacKenzie and Rabb on their way to the Arabian Sea, sir.
MAN (over phone): I don't want any more calls in the middle of the night.
Yes, sir, I know it's difficult to be woken up at 3:00 in the morning by the president.
He threatened to castrate me like a pig.
He actually said that? In those very words.
Yes, sir.
Mr.
Secretary, you have my word.
You won't be getting any more phone calls.
I'll hold you to that.
Now, Tiner.
Yes, ma'am.
(knock at door) CHEGWIDDEN: Enter.
Excuse, me, Admiral.
Lieutenant Singer would like a word with you, sir.
Tell her anytime.
How about now, sir? How'd you do that? Sir? Get through the door that fast? I'm motivated, sir.
At ease, Lieutenant.
Excuse me.
Tiner.
Sir? Your promotion exam results came in.
Congratulations, Petty Officer First Class.
TINER: Thank you, sir.
CHEGWIDDEN: It's overdue, Tiner.
You earned it a long time ago.
Thank you, Admiral.
What can I do for you, Lieutenant? Sir, I'd like you to know that while I appreciate the opportunities you have given me You'd like more responsibility? Yes, sir.
I was just speaking with Lieutenant Roberts, and he mentioned the fact that you offered him a shot at Europe-- maybe even a billet with a battle group.
I didn't realize you and Lieutenant Roberts were close.
Oh, yes, sir, we've become pretty tight.
And as much as I like Bud, I believe myself to be a better lawyer.
Well your faith in yourself is inspiring, Lieutenant.
Thank you, sir.
However, I'm not interested in your appraisal of Lieutenant Robert's skills.
I'm quite competent to judge those myself.
Of course you are, sir.
Let me be blunt, Lieutenant.
You certainly have had your moments, but you still have a lot to prove to me as a lawyer and as a person.
Dismissed.
Aye, aye, sir.
Lieutenant.
Your turn will come.
ROBERTS: Yes, I'll hold.
For the record, Bud: on the Petty Officer Massuco hit-and-run, I'm going to kick your ass.
PILOT: Seahawk, this is 612 on final.
612, Seahawk.
Hold off at 200.
Tomcat on final approach.
PILOT: 612, roger.
Seahawk, Hawker One on final.
I have the ball.
Hawker One, looking good.
Right in the groove.
Spot three.
PILOT: 612, roger.
Spot three.
You've been aboard so many times I figure you've got your own stateroom by now.
(laughs) Ah, this explains your green eyes.
Why? Watching younger men do what you love best.
Oh-ho, don't count me out yet.
CAPTAIN JOHNSON: We had eight aircraft seeking targets of opportunity.
Convoys? Caves? Precisely.
Our Special Forces spotter on the ground found 15 suspected al Qaeda on horseback heading through the Khyber Pass.
An air strike was ordered by General Taylor.
I wanted to confirm that the target was al Qaeda.
Were they? Intelligence says they were, but it was unclear at the time.
I was concerned about civilian casualties, sir.
How certain was the spotter? Not a hundred percent, ma'am.
You can't be a hundred percent certain all the time, Commander.
You'd never fire a round or drop a bomb.
I see, Commander, that you understand the problem.
The question now is, can you fix it? We'll fix it, sir.
LATHAM: Did Admiral Chegwidden tell you why I wanted you assigned to my staff? TURNER: No.
He said he'd leave that up to you.
The House Armed Services Committee has a series of hearings scheduled over the next few weeks.
On appropriations for the coming fiscal year.
Correct, and every branch of the four services wants a bigger share of a bigger pie.
We are in the middle of a war.
So, this is what I need from you, Sturgis.
I'll count on you to tell me the unvarnished truth about who needs what and why.
Next Friday, I want your opinion on the needs of each program, military value, projected cost, spending level, buy rates, and procurement.
Isn't that what the Office of Legislative Affairs is for? And I'll be consulting them, but I need someone I can trust.
MacKENZIE: The standing peacetime Rules of Engagement are not applicable in this area of responsibility.
When our people are over Afghanistan they are under CENTCOM Rules of Engagement, authorizing attack of all identified Taliban and al Qaeda troops and assets.
Which means that we can engage any target on the approved target list at any time.
These rules also strictly forbid attacks on the no-strike list.
And they create conflict.
Yes, sir, many times they do.
That's where your judgment must come into play.
When our strike force identifies a potential target but can't tell whether it's an enemy asset or whether striking it poses an unwarranted risk of collateral damage to noncombatants, you're going to be in the hot seat.
RABB: Look, with real-time data links, GPS and intelligence, we should be able to advise our commanders promptly whether it is wise to engage or not.
HILLYARD: How can we ever be sure that there won't be civilian casualties, sir? We can never be sure, Commander.
Civilian casualties are inevitable.
You have a problem with that? Yes, sir.
We all do, Commander, but that's a risk we have to take.
We are a nation at war.
ROBERTS: Harriet, I think we should really talk about this.
If I'm assigned to a carrier it's a three-year tour.
I know.
And at least one six-month deployment.
(chuckling): I can manage.
Well, I don't know if I can.
I mean, you and A.
J.
are my entire life.
What about Europe? We could both go.
I could check with BUPERS and see if they have anything available.
That's at least two years.
You wouldn't even get to see your parents.
They could visit.
I don't want A.
J.
starting school anywhere but here.
Okay.
Well, then I'll stay here with him and you can come home on leave.
I only get 30 days a year.
Bud, isn't it worth the sacrifice for a greater chance at promotion? I mean, you would be getting overseas pay, which would mean more money.
What good is money if we're apart? We could buy a house.
Which only one of us would get to be in.
Let's table this discussion.
You have a lot of work to do.
A.
J.
: Mommy? I'll get him.
(sighs) I'll take the night shift.
Don't stay up too late.
You have court tomorrow.
Thanks.
Hi.
Hey! How'd you know where I was? Where else would you be on a carrier during Ops? In the front seat of an F-14.
Not this trip.
I can dream.
(sighs) You know, I'm starting to understand how you feel, Harm.
When I was aboard the LHA I got a sense of what it's like to be out at sea.
Everything else-- whatever personal problems you might have-- it all goes away.
Nothing seems important in the face of what you're doing.
There was a time you hated it here.
Nothing stays the same.
Tell me about it.
I'm glad you're here.
TURNER: You need to be thinking outside the box now.
We're talking about a whole new kind of war.
Pinpoint bombing, rapid insertion of troops, a-a moving front.
So before you commit to funding you have to know that the assets you're buying and building will work within that construct.
There's no way to know for sure, and everybody thinks they should be first in line.
Nothing's sure in war.
Or in politics.
Tell me about it.
You okay working with me? Commander Rabb gave me some tips on how to get along.
I wasn't aware you two had talked about me.
Since he was here first he turned me on to some pointers.
What else did he tell you about me? That you were tough and opinionated and hard to get along with.
Hmm.
That's all? What more is there? RABB: You wanted to see me, Skipper? You're new to me, Rabb.
You know, I spent a really entertaining hour or so reading your service record last night.
There are a few things in there that need explaining, sir.
You got a real gift for understatement.
But the bottom line is, you understand the law and you understand combat, and that makes you valuable to me.
I want you to fly the next mission.
Yes, sir.
Look, I'm not offering you this opportunity for your enjoyment.
It should help you refine the Rules of Engagement.
And I'm assigning you Lieutenant Jorgenson-- the squadron's best RIO.
That'll make up for the fact that the terrain is new to you.
We've got a briefing in 15 minutes.
You can suit up after that.
Aye, aye, sir.
Thank you, sir.
JOHNSON: Your target is a group of suspected al Qaeda and Taliban leadership.
They are reportedly located in the town of Arondu Kalay.
A Special Forces spotter on the ground will identify your target for you, but check with me before commencing action.
Your strike group is four F-14's with four 2,000-pound guided weapons.
Your support group is one E-A-6-B jammer, one K-C-10 tanker.
Distance to target is 830 nautical miles.
Mission time, 4.
5 hours.
You will refuel in-flight just before you reach the Afghanistan border, both inbound and outbound.
Now, as you know, there's a weather front moving in over the target area.
Icing and visibility could be problems.
If conditions become severe over the target area, abort the mission, return to ship.
Launch is at 1800.
That is all.
(sighs) Good luck, Lieutenant.
And to you, too.
I hear you're coming with us.
Yeah, I am.
SINGER: This is a motion in limine to restrict the number of character witnesses you can call.
Singer, my client deserves a fair trial.
Petty Officer Massuco ran a woman down on the street, then left the scene of the accident.
Alledgedly.
I'm opposing your request for a continuance.
And I'm opposing your request for funds to have an expert witness for paint comparison analysis.
Singer, why are you doing all of this? Because you won't deal.
I believe my client is innocent.
Why should I deal? Save the Navy the cost of a trial.
(yawning): Excuse me.
Rough night? I was up all night with A.
J.
Well, you two have become quite chummy.
My son.
Oh, that A.
J.
He has the flu.
Well, can't Harriet handle him? Harriet and I both work full-time jobs, so we share the childcare.
You know why I stay single? I can think of several reasons.
Well, put this at the top of your list.
There's nothing between me and my work.
No one to consider.
That is really very sad.
Here are my points and authorities opposing your request for a lineup.
Lieutenant Jorgenson.
Commander.
Colonel.
Understand I'll be flying with you, sir.
Excellent.
Best RIO I ever had was a woman.
'Course.
"Was," sir? Uh, still is.
(chuckling): Whoever she's flying with is a damn lucky pilot.
First time we met, Skates was aboard the Seahawk.
That her call sign? MACKENZIE: It is.
Harm saved her life and then defended her when she was falsely accused.
Then I dumped an F-14 in the drink, damn near drowned the two of us, and, uh, afterwards, she saved me from dying of hypothermia.
Commander, do a lot of things happen to you? Well, certainly that week.
This ought to be interesting.
Take-off checklist complete.
Hawker One, section ready.
Captain, strike group is spotted and ready to launch.
Shoot 'em.
Aye, sir.
Launching one.
Launching two.
Engine instruments normal.
Affirmative.
Takeoff checklist complete.
Roger.
Going to zone five.
Hawker Flight, go tactical.
PILOT 1: Two up.
PILOT 2: Three up.
Four up.
Let's move out.
Lieutenant, ready to go? Let's see what you got.
(knock at door) CHEGWIDDEN: Enter.
TINER: Uh, sir, Lieutenant Sims would like to speak with you.
Send her in.
Good morning, sir.
At ease.
What's on your mind, Lieutenant? Sir, Bud told me about the conversation that you had with him.
Are you afraid that your marriage can't withstand a separation? No, sir.
Or that your husband will cheat on you? Never, sir.
I would kill him.
Well, fear of extreme bodily harm has always been an excellent incentive for fidelity.
Sir, I can manage the lieutenant's absence.
It's him I'm worried about.
Don't be.
But, sir Lieutenant Roberts is far tougher than he's given credit for.
Bud needs a chance to prove himself away fr He needs to become his own man.
I couldn't agree more with you, sir.
So you approve of what I'm doing? Yes, sir.
Then why did you want to speak to me? Sir, sometimes Bud is overly sentimental.
He is stuck in his ways.
And I just want you to know that I welcome the opportunity for his career advancement.
And I also know that, uh, sometimes it's hard for a man to move on.
Well, that's true.
Been thinking about moving on myself.
Where, sir? I understand they may be looking for a coach for the Annapolis baseball team.
Sir, you would retire from JAG for baseball? I think about it sometimes.
Last few years I've been helping coach a local high school team.
You know, I was a high school pitcher.
Drafted in the second round by Cleveland.
And that didn't work out for you? I turned them down.
Why? Well, there was a war on.
I got in Annapolis, in the SEALs, and never looked back.
Till now.
SINGER: Let me understand this, Petty Officer Massuco.
You claim that at the time you ran over Mrs.
Kravitz you were jogging in the park.
Ma'am, I didn't run over anyone.
Objection.
Facts not in evidence.
Sustained.
Rephrase, Counsel.
Petty Officer Massuco, you claim that at the time of the incident you were jogging in the park alone.
Did anyone happen to see you? Uh, I don't think so, ma'am, but there were other joggers in the park.
But no one came forward to corroborate your story? No, ma'am.
You could have been anywhere.
Yes, ma'am.
I-I guess that's right, but You can't prove that you were in the park at the time of the incident.
You could have been anywhere.
Maybe you were behind the wheel of your car.
Or perhaps you were very tired.
Perhaps you didn't see the victim step out in front of your car.
Lieutenant Roberts, do you care to object? (gulps) Okay, you have your opening statement.
You have a list of questions for General Harris.
You have another list of questions for Admiral Drake.
I want you close to me, Commander.
Right behind you, ma'am.
I cannot lose control of this hearing.
I find it unlikely that you lose control of anything in your life, Congresswoman.
Then you'd be wrong.
I have point papers on every conceivable subject.
(whispering): If I get stuck? I have taken the liberty of preparing several additional statements so obscure in their wording as to sow confusion and dismay amongst your enemies.
(beeping) I have contact, but I'm not receiving fuel.
Don't know if the problem is mine or yours, Castle Rock.
PILOT: Looks good here.
Break off and give another bird a try.
Breaking off.
Hawker Four.
Give it a go.
RABB: Roger, Hawker One.
Moving in.
We're taking on fuel.
Roger that.
Hawker Four, take lead of your section.
I'm taking my wingman with me.
I got just enough fuel to make it home.
Roger.
Sorry, Hawker One.
I'll bet you are.
TURNER: Of course, procurement rates can't be raised without the risk of cost overruns Do you ever talk about anything but work? What else is there? Siblings.
Do you have any? (chuckles) Only child.
Me, too.
So I never learned how to share.
(laughs) Uh parents? I never knew my father, and, um, I was raised by my mother and my two aunts.
That's a lot of women.
Three of the most important people in my life.
I was poor, but I never was hungry, and if I ever needed a new dress, I got one.
Is that why you're a champion of the poor and downtrodden? They make up the majority of the people I represent.
Why the Navy? That's what my father wanted for me.
Any regrets? I never stopped long enough to consider that question.
Uh, no.
No regrets.
Otherwise, I never would have played in the Army-Navy game or wouldn't have seen the Northern Lights from the conning tower of a submarine at the Pole.
I wouldn't have gotten to know you.
Good answer.
ROBERTS: That was cheap and sleazy, even for you, Singer.
Are you familiar with expression, "sore loser"? I'm not concerned about myself.
It's my client.
Oh, right.
You're the hotshot.
Mr.
Fast Track.
What's all this about? You slept your way through the trial, Lieutenant.
I did not.
Then why were you snoring? Not that it's any of your business, but A.
J.
's been sick, and Spare me, Roberts.
Look, I don't give a damn about myself here! No, that's right.
You don't have to give a damn.
You can phone it in because you have so many people working overtime to promote your sorry ass! (thunder crashing) You see that storm cell ahead? Reads angels 30.
Tuck in, Hawker Flight.
We're going up to avoid that storm cell.
CAPTAIN JOHNSON: They're an hour away from target.
What about that weather? They'll fly over it.
Sir, won't cloud cover interfere with laser lock? That's the tricky part.
They'll have to drop down to what altitude? ground level.
And with visibility only a hundred meters they'll have to stay close together.
The mountains are at 7,000 feet.
That's not a lot of room for error.
And within range of Stinger missiles.
Not a lot of those left in-country.
It only takes one, sir.
As you said, Colonel, it's called war.
(sighs) Working late, Lieutenant? I always work late, sir.
Singer you should get a life.
Yes, sir.
And, sir? So should you.
Respectfully.
Ever play baseball, Lieutenant? No, sir.
I favor contact sports.
Good night.
Good night, sir.
Good night, sir.
GENERAL TAYLOR: Hawker Flight, this is Anvil Two-Two.
We have a target in the village of Arondu Kalay.
I have datalinked the G.
P.
S.
coordinates.
RABB: Roger, Anvil Two-Two.
Contact Choctaw Six for precise designation.
Wilco, Anvil Two-Two.
Choctaw Six, this is Hawker Flight.
Do you read me? Hawker Flight, this is Choctaw Six.
I copy you.
Over.
What is our target? Building on the south edge of the village.
It used to be a schoolhouse.
Suspected al Qaeda and Taliban senior leadership.
Over.
RABB: Anyone else? Unknown.
RABB: Roger.
What else is in proximity to the target? Other buildings.
RABB: Occupied? Unlikely.
This village has taken quite a pounding over the last few months.
Most civilians have gone into the hills.
Over.
What's your decision, Colonel? Proceed.
Anvil Two-Two, this is Captain Johnson.
You still debating? No.
Prosecute the target.
RABB: Roger.
Coming in.
Light 'em up.
Roger that, Hawker Leader.
We'll keep our heads down.
Hawker Flight, this is Hawker Four.
We're hitting the deck at Angels Two A.
G.
L.
Commencing run.
Hawker Two.
Roger that.
Two up.
ROBERTS: She buried an important witness in the middle of 28 names.
She bogged me down with countless trivial motions.
Then she opposes my request for a continuance.
Well, she had something to prove, Bud.
You were chosen over her.
And besides, you had a lot on your mind.
That's no excuse.
And you were up the whole night with A.
J.
when he was sick.
Harriet, I fell asleep in court! I mean, there might be some profession out there that makes allowances for exhaustion.
Mine doesn't.
And if I have to go away, there won't be anyone to help you with A.
J.
Sweetheart, I can manage it.
And this is a new assignment.
It's not hard time at Leavenworth.
Well, it feels like it.
(groans) (sighs) What? I'm just looking at ya.
You see me every day.
That's just it.
You're here, and I don't really see you.
Is that some kind of out-of-body, paranormal thing? No.
It's scarier than that.
It's married life.
You got a little gray hair right here.
Mm, couple of little worry lines.
You know, things might be tough for a little while, but (sighs) when we're the old folks, that live on the hill, we'll hardly even remember this.
Some things you don't forget.
Like this.
Confirm that you have the target coordinates, Hawker Leader.
Roger that, Choctaw Six.
I have the coordinates.
Hawker Four, out.
I've got the illuminator.
Lower left-hand corner of the display.
Hawker Flight Four has targeted sight.
Eleven o'clock.
Four miles.
Tall building at the edge of town.
Acknowledge.
PILOT: Two, roger, ident.
Stinger in the air! Seven-thirty.
Low.
Breaking left.
Punch out flares.
Flares away.
We've been hit.
Hawker Two, we have engine trouble.
Check left engine nozzle.
PILOT: Hawker Four, confirm.
You've got smoke.
Fire warning light, left engine.
Shutting left engine down.
Pull engine fire handle.
You got it.
Nice going.
I'm not getting full power from the right engine.
Let's dump fuel.
Can't do it.
Too far from the ship.
Hawker Four, retain the lead.
I'll cover your six.
RABB: Roger that.
You told me this would be exciting, sir.
I had no idea.
You saw the colonel handle it.
I did, sir.
Do you disagree with her decision? Sir, respectfully, I would have asked for more information.
Commander, I believe you're a fine lawyer, but you are a lousy wartime JAG.
I'm going to ask for your immediate reassignment.
I need someone on board who can make up his or her mind.
RABB: Castle Rock, this is Hawker Four.
Flight of two for refueling.
I'm single-engine with some battle damage, so I'm going to need you to take it nice and steady.
PILOT: Roger that, Hawker Four-- we're in first gear now.
We're taking on fuel.
We're losing power, Castle Rock.
I'm backing out, and I can't stop it.
Harm, we got to stay in there.
Otherwise, we can't make it back to ship.
Castle Rock, I'm going to try again.
HARM: Castle Rock, I don't have enough power to stay plugged in.
We'll take our chances to the ship.
Roger that, Hawker Four.
Good luck.
LATHAM: When I requested you, I never dreamed I'd be getting an escort service.
TURNER: Escort service? You figure I hire out by the hour? Well, you are the last gentleman.
When your father's a navy chaplain and your mother is the Sunday school teacher, manners are taught early and often.
Allow me.
Well, did they teach you never to kiss a lady unless she requests you to do so? You know, they never got around to courtship.
Apparently, neither do you.
Are you playing hard to get now? RABB: City Desk Strike, this is Hawker Four.
Flight of two.
State 3.
9.
I'm singled out from battle damage.
I'm going to need a little help getting back aboard.
Hawker Four, this is the captain.
Come on in.
We have a ready deck.
Roger that, Captain.
I've shut down one engine and I don't have full power in the other, so I'd like to make it on the first pass.
Hawker Four, this is Paddles.
Have you checked out your burner? Affirmative, but it was slow to light.
Hung ordnance? None.
PADDLES: I have you in sight.
Keep it coming.
RABB: I have the ball.
Paddles, this is Hawker Four.
Ball, 2.
4.
Single-engine approach.
PADDLES: You're a little low.
Keep your speed up.
Give me some attitude.
Burner now! It's not lighting! Power, power, power.
Eject! Eject! Eject! Initiating ejection.
Negative! (both exhale) I was right about you.
Things happen when you're around.
Ma'am.
Lieutenant.
Mac.
I'll, uh, I'll catch up with you in the Ready Room, Lieutenant.
And I'll buy, if they ever finish debriefing you.
How nice.
You've made a friend.
Mac.
Oh, she's right.
Things happen when you're around.
Were you worried? Not for a minute.
Admiral.
I thought you'd already left.
No.
May I? Uh, yes, sir, of course.
And-and, sir, I don't need that pep talk anymore.
You're absolutely right about this.
It's shortsighted of me to put security above career.
I'm willing to go anywhere I'm needed, sir.
You're needed right here, Lieutenant.
I just spoke with Captain Proudy, the convening authority on Petty Officer Massuco's court-martial.
He's become aware of new evidence and has come to the conclusion that you may have been derelict in your duties as a defense counsel.
I I'm sorry, sir? At Captain Proudy's request, I've initiated a preliminary inquiry into your performance, as a prelude to an Article 32 hearing.