JAG s07e09 Episode Script
Dog Robber (1)
PILOT: We are 30 seconds out.
TACO, turn on the NPD.
Gear switched on.
We are 20 seconds from on top.
Electronic camera on, sir.
Here she comes.
She's hot.
PILOT: TACO, initiate report to FICPAC.
Deep Sea, this is Birmingham 5-3-1.
Confirm nuclear weapons onboard Chinese cruiser.
Hull number 1-5-8.
Photographs to follow.
Deep Sea, this is Birmingham 5-3-1.
Unidentified bogies approaching from the west at high speed.
Going to full power.
Turning 0-9-0.
They're coming straight at us.
He's too close.
Damn! ( grunting ) This is Birmingham 5-3-1.
We've been rammed by a Chinese MiG.
We are experiencing severe flight control problems.
Unable to maintain altitude.
MAN: After the incident, the EP-3 landed safely at Fuzhou Airbase.
The Chinese government claims that for the second time in seven months an American surveillance aircraft, like the one behind me here outside Seattle, has violated their airspace.
The aircraft collided with a Chinese MiG over the Straits of Taiwan and was forced to land at Fuzhou Airbase.
The crew of the damaged EP-3 has been detained.
The Chinese authorities are still searching for their missing pilot, Lieutenant Kwan Li, ( intercom buzzes ) who is believed lost at sea.
TINER ( over intercom ): Admiral, SECNAV's on line two.
Yes, Mr.
Secretary? Admiral you've heard that the Chinese have done it again? CHEGWIDDEN: Yes, sir.
SECNAV: It's a damn shame.
Yes, sir, it is.
Same MO, same results, Admiral.
It's déjà vu all over again.
We have every right to find out if the Chinese have nuclear weapons that close to Taiwan.
Sir, how badly has our intelligence been compromised? It depends on how much time between the incident and the time the Chinese came aboard the plane.
How do we find that out? A.
J.
, I need a favor.
RABB: Yeah, I understand the wives of the enlisted men are pretty upset.
Upset? They threatened to burn down the base exchange.
How'd that book end up there in the first place? It got in under the radar.
You know, Sturgis, removing a book from base exchange is censorship.
Wait, wait a minute.
Let me read you just one passage from this idiotic tome.
Look, here.
( chuckles ) "The height of a navy wife's hair "stands in inverse proportion to her intellect.
"The higher the hair, the dumber the sailor's wife.
" Huh? Look, I don't like this crap any more than you do.
But if the base exchange can sell Playboy, it can sell Big-Haired Women of the Seventh Fleet.
At least that's what the author is claiming.
That woman would do anything to sell a book.
You know, this damn thing doesn't fit.
Let me see it.
I think it's from a '70.
No, let me see it.
How'd you do that? See, I have a soft touch.
You you push too damn hard.
So, when are you going to call Congresswoman Latham anyway? I'll get to it in my own time.
Why do you keep forcing her on me? Because a guy like you needs a woman.
Yeah, we all need a woman.
But why her, and what's the hurry? Well, the sooner you get with somebody, the sooner you'll lighten up.
From what I've seen of Bobbi Latham-- and, uh, I kind of like what I've seen-- I don't think she takes direction any better than you do.
( telephone rings ) Rabb.
Oh, good morning, Admiral.
SECNAV? Aye, sir, I'll get on it right away.
You're using your wrists too much, sir.
You need to lock your wrists and swing with the shoulders.
So, when the hell did you become a golf pro? And don't "sir" me.
I'm retired.
Good to see you, Harm.
You, too, Admiral.
Grab a cold one? I'm on duty, sir.
That's what brings you here, duty? Secretary of the Navy has asked me, as an old family friend, to speak with you, sir.
Why doesn't he just pick up the damn phone himself? Admiral, I think he's afraid you'll turn him down.
Well, that's bull.
I-I have nothing against him personally.
He did try to send you to Leavenworth.
Well, except that.
What's the Secretary want? You, Admiral.
I'm retired.
Yes, sir, there are indications of that.
What the hell is this thing anyway? Well, I was told to get a hobby, so I thought I'd take up golf.
You got a better idea? The SECNAV would like you to return to active duty, Admiral.
Harm, I had to fight like hell to get approved to teach a course at the academy.
There's no way the senate's going to confirm me in a three-star command, not with my record.
Well, Admiral, that's not what the SECNAV has in mind.
He would like you to be his personal assistant and troubleshooter.
Well, I don't take dictation.
You'd still have your two stars, Admiral, and you'd act on behalf of the SECNAV when he can't rely on his regular channels.
So I'd be his dog robber? ( scoffs ) "Dog robber," sir? You never heard that, Rabb? It's an old military term for an officer's aide who has the ability to get things done.
Usually off the record, under the radar.
Well, it'd beat the hell out of miniature golf, sir.
Hey, that is not a child's toy.
I paid good money for that.
I think they saw you coming, sir.
You know, if you'd have come to me three months ago, I'd have turned you down flat.
But a lot has changed since September 11.
The country needs you, sir.
SECNAV: There are ongoing negotiations at the highest levels between the Chinese and the American governments for the return of the aircraft and its crew.
Has anyone reminded the Chinese that this is an act of war? There are questions about how the aircraft got into Chinese hands, Admiral.
They claim they acted only in response to our actions.
RABB: There have been reports, sir, of the Chinese harassing our pilots in international airspace.
If the midair collision is a result of that, it could be considered an act of aggression, sir.
So, who knows the truth? The crew aboard the aircraft.
So far, no American has been allowed to speak directly with them.
Where are they now, Mr.
Secretary? Confined to barracks at Fuzhou.
Sir, what's the United States' response to this? It's a delicate diplomatic matter.
Right now we need the Chinese to help in the war against terrorism.
I want Commander Rabb assigned to my staff T-A-D.
For how long? For as long as it takes the commander and Admiral Boone to get to China and bring our people back.
There's a C-20 leaving from Andrews in an hour.
At Kadena Airbase, Okinawa, you'll transfer to a COD which will fly you out to the USS Thomas Jefferson.
Captain Hubbard is expecting you onboard.
What then, sir? You and the admiral will be flown to the Chinese airbase at Fuzhou, where you will confer with a General Shin-Wa Chen.
He has agreed to meet with an American military delegation only if it's led by Admiral Boone, whom he knows personally.
MAN: You will speak of this mission to no one.
Lieutenants Harrison and Quincy, you have diplomatic clearance to land at Fuzhou.
You will drop off Admiral Boone and Commander Rabb.
Do not, under any circumstances, allow Chinese personnel to board the aircraft.
Don't even shut down the engines.
Return immediately.
Just one change, Captain.
I'll be sitting in the left seat.
Admiral, when was the last time you flew a COD? I've stayed current.
Well, with all due respect, sir Ray don't make me pull rank.
Yes, sir.
As you wish.
Lieutenant Barrett and Lieutenant Crawford, you will escort the COD until you are relieved by Chinese MiGs.
What are the rules of engagement, sir? Do not fire unless fired upon, unless, in your judgment, attack is imminent.
Do not cross into Chinese airspace.
And do not offer any other provocation.
Yes, sir.
That is all.
Carry on.
Let's go draw some flight gear, Commander.
Aye, sir.
Excuse me, Admiral? Nice to see you again, sir.
Where do I know you from, Lieutenant? The Seahawk, sir.
I was a nugget during your last tour as CAG.
Lieutenant Carl Barrett.
What kind of marks did I give you? Well, sir, you weren't any harder on me than you needed to be.
That bad, huh? Did you ever fly with the admiral, sir? A few times.
The commander here saved my life.
Well, I guess you've got it made, sir.
Well, the admiral's no harder on me than he needs to be.
( man speaks indistinct over P.
A.
) Lieutenant.
( knocking on door ) Good evening, sir.
People are looking for you.
Hopefully they'll find me in Camp Lejeune, sir.
I'm requesting orders back to a force recon unit.
But I'll need your endorsement, sir.
"Second Reconnaissance Battalion.
" Yes, sir, they need a company gunny.
And I need to be back in the fleet where the action is.
You know, Gunny, I only have one regret.
What's that, sir? I'm not going with you.
You've done an outstanding job here.
That door will always be open.
Thank you, Admiral.
Be safe, Victor.
Not until we're all safe, sir.
Dismissed.
Aye, aye, sir.
Fuzhou Control, this is the United States Navy C-Two Birmingham 2-5.
We are at 10,000 feet, Request permission to land.
MAN ( over radio ): United States Birmingham 2-5.
You are cleared for landing, runway 3-4.
Wind is north by northwest, ten knots.
RABB: Roger, Fuzhou Control.
Stonewall, this is Greyhound.
We are entering Chinese airspace.
BARRETT: Roger, Greyhound.
Breaking off and returning to the ship.
Good luck and Godspeed.
Here comes our Chinese escort.
Stop.
Stop here.
( man speaking Chinese over P.
A.
) BOONE: Thank you for extending the invitation, General.
I'm sure you would offer me the same courtesy, Admiral Boone, if the situation were reversed.
But that would never happen, General.
We would not hold an aircrew hostage.
Or commandeer one of your aircraft.
Admiral, I never understood why you were removed from command for what you did in Vietnam.
American navy cannot afford to lose men of your capability.
RABB: The admiral was not relieved of command, General Chen.
He requested retirement.
Or was it to save face? What's past is past, General.
Not in China.
We have long memories.
Now, this is twice in the past year an American spy plane has flown into our airspace.
After you rammed it.
I want to see our aircrew.
That will be arranged.
And I want the EP-3 secured.
It is well guarded.
May I speak bluntly, General? That was always your habit, Tom.
You keep your damn technicians out of our aircraft.
You must understand, I will not release the aircraft or the crew.
We'll see about that.
( knocking on door ) CHEGWIDDEN: Enter.
You wanted to see us, sir? Yes.
Any of you familiar with Article 114 of UCMJ? No, 114 sure doesn't come up a lot, Admiral.
It has now.
Early Saturday morning, two midshipmen from Annapolis were caught dueling.
Isn't that an internal academy matter, sir? They were dueling in Rock Creek Park.
D.
C.
police took exception.
Pistols, sir? Antique sabers borrowed from their families.
Was anyone hurt, Admiral? They were fighting without the benefit of masks and chest pads.
Both were somewhat worse for wear.
Had they been drinking, sir? You'd think so, but no.
Just a couple of damn fools.
Don't suppose the name Captain Franklin Buchanan rings a bell? Oh, yes, sir.
Then-Commodore Buchanan commanded the Confederate ironclad Virginia at the Battle of Hampton Roads.
He sank the USS Cumberland and the USS Congress.
I believe a Lieutenant Morris commanded the Cumberland.
They teach you that at the academy? I'm a Civil War buff, Colonel.
ROBERTS: Sir, what does all this have to do with last night's duel? Both participants-- Midshipmen Second Class Morris and Buchanan-- fifth generation descendants of the two men who fought the Battle of Hampton Roads.
Turns out the war between the States isn't over yet.
Where are they now, sir? They've been turned over to Naval District Washington for prosecution.
Colonel, you'll be trial counsel.
Commander, you and Lieutenant Roberts will defend.
That'll be all.
ALL: Aye, aye, sir.
BOONE: How did you get here, Lieutenant? Sir? The admiral wants to know how the EP-3 came to be in the possession of the Chinese, Lieutenant.
Well, I landed it here, Admiral.
Against standing Op orders.
There was no way my aircraft was going to make it back to the Philippines, or or anywhere, for that matter, sir.
I had to make my decision fast and this was the closest airstrip.
Why didn't you contact the Jefferson for orders? Our radio went out mid-transmission, sir.
So, you took it upon yourself to hand our classified plane over to the enemy.
Respectfully, Admiral, that's not how I saw it.
Well, how did you see it, Lieutenant? I felt it was my duty to preserve the lives of the men and women under my command.
Besides, what were my options, sir? Ditch.
Sir, no one has ever ditched an EP-3 and lived to tell about it.
Then you bail out.
I had two crewmen injured, one with a shattered leg, the other unconscious.
They'd never have made it.
None of us would have made it.
The closest rescue was four hours away.
We would have died.
Every man and woman aboard that aircraft.
That's why it's called war, Lieutenant.
Lieutenant, nothing we say in this room is secure.
Now, I'm going to ask you a question, and I want you to write out the answer.
How much time elapsed from the moment the MiG hit your aircraft to the time you landed it here? RABB: Has anything like this incident ever happened before, Lieutenant? Yes, sir.
Almost every time we went on a mission, there was some form of harassment by the Chinese.
Especially over the coast of Taiwan.
But still, I feel badly for the Chinese pilot, Lieutenant Li.
Well, he damn near got you killed.
I know, but he was really nice.
I'm sorry, Lieutenant? Three or four times, he'd flown up beside us.
He'd wave at us, and once, he held up a handwritten sign with his address.
BOONE: What was he looking for, a pen pal? I don't know, sir, but I don't think he meant us any harm.
He just got unlucky.
Did you witness the aftermath of the collision with the MiG? No, sir, I couldn't see him after the point of impact.
We'd lost our starboard engine and were heading down through the undercast.
I understand Lieutenant Li's been admitted into China's canon of revolutionary martyrs.
BOONE: Wherever he stands in the pantheon, he was a lousy pilot.
It's his fault you're here.
So, what happens now, sir? Now, we find a way to get you out of Fuzhou.
BUCHANAN: Midshipman Morris dismissed the battle as merely a matter of superior technology.
At Hampton Roads, Captain Buchanan just plain kicked ass.
Pardon the expression, sir.
My great-great grandfather brought his ship under fire, and Sailed in close to the USS Cumberland and using his cannons at close range, left her a burning wreck.
Sure know your stuff, sir.
I don't suppose you had a great-great grandfather in the war.
Uh, no, he was otherwise occupied.
So, anyway, sir, you can see why I got mad at Midshipman Morris, for disparaging what my great-great grandfather did.
Why we had to settle it like gentlemen on the field of honor.
What I see, Midshipman, is what a foolish thing you did.
You ran the risk of doing serious injury to Midshipman Morris, and to yourself.
You embarrassed the navy, the academy, and the memory of your great-great grandfathers.
But you'll help me, sir.
Yes, I will, because it's my job, and I'll do it well.
But while I'm defending you, I need you to prove to me that you're worthy of my trust.
Yes, sir.
What started the argument, Midshipman Morris? Midshipman Buchanan accused my great-great grandfather of bad seamanship, when everyone knows that a wooden ship is no match against iron.
And that was cause to risk your life and that of Midshipman Buchanan? Well, Colonel it's a matter of pride.
Well, that's a concept I can grasp.
Colonel, pride's more than an abstract.
See, you're not a man.
For which I thank God every day.
No offense meant, ma'am.
I don't know if you know this, Colonel, but men sometimes can kind of get stuck on a point of pride and get real stupid about it.
I'm sure the colonel knows that, Midshipman.
So, you see, ma'am, you kind of get backed into a corner that you can't get out of.
And and you start acting pretty stupid and stuff gets started that you can't stop.
That sort of thing.
You ever known anyone that's happened to? Not right offhand, but I'm sure someone will come to mind.
CHEN: Now that you have spoken with your people, there is a matter of the apology.
I'm sure the United States would be happy to accept any apology that your country is willing to give, General.
I see you have not lost your sense of irony, Tom.
No, that's straight talk, Shin-Wa.
There is a matter of invading Chinese airspace.
General, your jet collided with our EP-3 in international airspace.
In that, your country is clearly at fault.
That is a matter of debate, Commander.
Now, this has happened once before, on April 1 of this year.
I believe that is your April Fool's Day.
Then, as now, your pilot was a cause of the downing of one of our aircraft, so we consider the incident to be an act of aggression.
An EP-3 has a maximum airspeed of 300 knots, General.
Your MiGs fly at over 1,100.
On the day in question, the pilot of your MiG flew directly at our aircraft and took off four feet of its right wing.
Now, where in that are we at fault? It is a fact your aircraft landed on a Chinese airfield.
Surely, you do not dispute our claim to that airspace? General, our EP-3 landed here at Fuzhou Airbase because of damages sustained in a collision with your jet.
Commander, we're going around in circles.
Let's go.
Admiral Boone Always before, I found you a reasonable man.
However, you have changed with the years.
Well, we all get older.
Perhaps you are not too old to learn that sometimes it is better to say you're sorry.
Well, we're in the right country for it, aren't we? How is that? As you once told me yourself, the Chinese have as many words for "sorry" as the Eskimos have for "snow.
" RABB: I thought that went well, sir.
What have you been smoking, Commander? Admiral, Lieutenant Hildon informed me that there were exactly 24 minutes from the time of the incident until the aircraft touched down here and was boarded.
That's six minutes short of the minimum time necessary to destroy all the codes.
Under the best of circumstances.
Hmm.
( men speaking indistinctly in Chinese ) Sir? That is an American aircraft! It is the sovereign property of the United States government! Now, get the hell off! ( gun barrels cocking ) MAN: Talks are ongoing between Chinese and American diplomats over the fate of the EP-3 crew that has been detained by the Chinese military on the airstrip at Fuzhou.
So far, these talks have yielded no results.
The Chinese are demanding an apology from the American government and restitution for the loss of a MiG aircraft and its pilot.
There's no way that's going to happen.
Really? The last time there was an incident, we ended up saying we were sorry.
Probably going to happen again.
But we didn't mean it.
Besides, who cares what a bunch of bureaucrats in Armani suits say to each other? I do.
I mean, we apologize and they keep our plane? It's not right.
MacKENZIE: I'm also going to charge Midshipman Buchanan and Morris under Article 116: breach of the peace, Article 128: assault, and article 134: assault with the intent to commit murder.
Why not just charge them under Article 114, ma'am? It's been a hundred years since anyone's been charged for dueling, Bud.
Makes it interesting.
My life is already interesting.
Here's my offer: the midshipmen plead to all charges, agree to a punitive letter of reprimand and resign their appointments.
That'll end their careers before they begin, ma'am.
Come on, Colonel.
Aren't we talking about kids screwing around? Look, I know you boys like to stick together Been a long time since someone called me boy.
You know what I mean.
When you were at the academy, I'm sure you didn't do anything as stupid as what these guys did.
Uh you're wrong.
Was Commander Rabb involved? Fortunately for both of us, the statute of limitations has run out.
What's your offer? The midshipmen have agreed to be tried together, prepared to plead to conduct unbecoming restitution to the District of Columbia for expenses incurred during their arrest TURNER: The convening authority suspends the sentence ROBERTS: And they go back to the academy where they face a conduct board.
No deal.
Why are you taking such a hard line on this, Mac? I've interviewed both of them.
I don't think they're officer material.
You're quick to judge.
It wasn't a hard call, Commander.
Right now we're fighting a war against terrorism.
People out there are risking their lives and sometimes dying for their country, and here you have two boys with nothing better to do than to challenge each other to a duel.
Now, I might feel differently if either of one of them had shown a spark of remorse, or even had a clue that what they did was wrong.
No deal.
( knocking on door ) Enter.
Excuse me, ma'am.
Lieutenant, you have an urgent phone call.
It's Commander Rabb in China.
Excuse me, ma'am.
Commander? Lieutenant, I need you to do me a favor.
Name it, sir.
You remember Uncle Scrooge? I know my ducks, sir.
Good.
You remember Uncle Scrooge's giant money bin? Are we speaking in code, sir? Yes.
Cool! Now, you remember that there were certain bad boys trying to break into the money vault.
Answer yes or no.
Yes.
Great.
This is one of those bad boys.
ROBERTS: I'm tracking you, sir.
RABB: Okay, now, you remember how old you are? Yes.
Take your age, add six years.
Okay, now what? Now go to the computer on your desk, Bud.
Standard JAG menu, double click the second icon in the right-hand column.
Okay, got it, sir.
Now go to Google.
Type in "Chinanet," the name of one of the bad boys trying to break into the vault, your age plus six years.
( keyboard clacking ) Got a hit, sir.
Now find out whose address that is, and if it's being used currently, then call me back, and I'll tell you what to do.
ROBERTS: Yes, sir.
Awesome.
Huh? "Awesome"? ( phone ringing through line ) Good afternoon.
This is Lieutenant Roberts calling from the JAG Corps on behalf of Commander Rabb.
I need to speak with Director Webb, please.
Yes, I'll hold.
( distant thunder rumbling ) Good afternoon, Director Webb.
I need a favor.
MacKENZIE: Officer Crumley, can you describe what you observed when you came across Midshipmen Buchanan and Morris? They were fighting, ma'am, with these old-fashioned sabers.
Was there the possibility that one of them might have suffered grievous bodily harm or even death? Well, those swords are old, ma'am, but plenty sharp.
Can you identify this exhibit? Yes, ma'am.
It's one of the swords they were fighting with.
And what actions did you take to prevent them from injuring each other? I drew my sidearm, ma'am, and I ordered them to put down their weapons or I'd shoot.
Did they comply? Oh, yes.
They got real polite.
What do you think would have happened if you'd not chanced by? Objection.
Calls for speculation.
Sustained.
Officer Crumley, from what you observed, did it appear these two were attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm upon each other? TURNER: Objection.
Leading the witness.
Sustained.
No further questions, Your Honor.
JUDGE BLAKELY: Commander Turner? Officer Crumley, how far away were you from Midshipman Morris and Midshipman Buchanan when you first chanced upon them on that dark night? Oh, a hundred yards, give or take.
Hundred yards? So how do you know they weren't just fooling around? I know hostile intent when I see it.
At that distance? in the dead of night? Argumentative, Your Honor.
Move on, Commander.
Have you seen many duels, Officer? No, sir.
That was my first.
So you're not an expert? No.
So in fact, you had no idea what was going on.
Objection.
Sustained.
Is it fair to say, Officer Crumley, that you had no certain knowledge of what was in the minds of the two young men engaged in horseplay? Objection, Your Honor, Fighting with swords as sharp as razors is not horseplay.
Please ask counsel to stop editorializing.
Commander, rephrase the question.
Did you know what was in the minds of Midshipman Morris and Midshipman Buchanan on the night in question? No, sir.
I'm not a mind-reader, but I know what I saw-- murderous intent.
In the dead of night? Your Honor.
Give it a rest, Commander.
No further questions, Your Honor.
Thank you, Officer.
( man speaking Chinese over P.
A.
) Did you get through? Yes, sir.
We should know something soon.
I just got a call from Beijing.
The diplomatic talks are stalled.
Lieutenant Li is going to be buried tomorrow.
State funeral, full honors.
General Chen will be delivering the eulogy.
If something doesn't happen soon, they'll have her stripped bare.
MacKENZIE: Midshipman Morris, whatever possessed you to enter into a duel? Objection.
Hasn't been proven that my client was in a duel.
Your Honor, Midshipman Morris was arrested with a saber in hand.
A saber with which he was attempting to strike Midshipman Buchanan.
Your Honor, when is counsel going to ask a question? I'm sure she's working up to it, Counselor.
Midshipman Morris, why did you accept Midshipman Buchanan's challenge to duel? Tradition, ma'am.
Tradition? Is it an academy tradition to try to kill your fellow midshipmen? Objection.
Argumentative.
Sustained.
You went to Rock Creek Park, pursuant to a prior agreement, to fight with sabers? Yes, ma'am.
Did you intend to injure Midshipman Buchanan? Some, I guess.
Isn't it true that if you strike a man with a saber, you can take off his head? Yes, ma'am.
So, with premeditation, you entered into a fight to the death.
Objection.
Counsel's making her own conclusions.
Sustained.
No further questions.
JUDGE BLAKELY: Lieutenant Roberts? Midshipman Morris, did you intend to cause grievous bodily injury to Midshipman Buchanan? No, sir.
Were you forced into this confrontation? I'd say the blame is about equal, sir.
Midshipman Morris, do you dislike Midshipman Buchanan? Well, I did, sir.
Or thought that maybe I should because of what happened at the Battle of Hampton Roads.
But the last couple of days we've been on restriction together and he's really a pretty good guy.
ROBERTS: Did you ever want to see him dead? No, sir.
Well, then how did it get so far out of hand? I guess I started it, sir.
Ragging on his great-great grandfather.
And after a while, mostly I just wanted him to shut up.
Midshipman Morris, are you guilty of violating Article 114 of the UCMJ against dueling? Yes, sir, and so is Midshipman Buchanan.
But we both regret it, sir, and wish that we had not been so darn stupid.
Why is that, Midshipman Morris? Right now, there's more important stuff going on in the world than refighting some old battle, sir.
No further questions, Your Honor.
Colonel? ( sighs ) I'd like to reserve the right to conduct a re-cross, Your Honor.
Meanwhile, I request a recess to speak with opposing counsel.
Good idea, Colonel.
I don't know how we got this far.
They got a lot of techs on that aircraft.
So far today, they've taken off at least three consoles already.
A few more days, we're going to have to reinvent all of our hardware and rewrite every one of our damn codes.
( steady beeping ) Hello, Buddy.
Millie? Uh-huh.
What are you doing here? Oh, I'm on leave from the Naval Historical Center.
I wanted to be closer to the action.
You still married? Yeah.
You still happy? Very.
Well, if that changes, give me a call.
Uh, are you familiar with TESAR? Absolutely.
It's a strip mapping SAR that provides continuous O.
S.
imagery.
Hmm.
Well, what you are looking at are images that are formed on board a Predator aircraft.
And sent to the Predator ground control station via a K-U band data link.
You really know your stuff, Lieutenant.
Yeah, well, I-I try to stay current.
I never should have let you go.
( sighs ) Okay, here we go.
Um, I diverted the Predator by several degrees.
And now you have 45 seconds to find what you're looking for.
ROBERTS: Uh, hold that and zoom in.
There.
That's it.
( laughs ) Oh, thank you so much.
Any time.
BOONE: Sorry to disturb you, General.
Come in.
I enjoy your company, Tom.
Please, sit.
I was just writing the funeral oration for Lieutenant Li.
Well, I would consider it an honor if you would read it to us, General.
( clears throat ) "Like an eagle, he soared "above the clouds.
"as light as a feather in the breeze until his life was snuffed out like a candle in the wind.
" I think I will amend that last.
A little too much Elton John, huh, General? Precisely.
That's Lieutenant Li's MiG on a runaway in Manchuria.
That photograph was taken this morning, General.
Where did you get this? The commander downloaded it on his laptop.
Lieutenant Li sent an e-mail from the air base in Manchuria where you had him hidden.
He wanted his girlfriend to know that he was all right.
We traced the e-mail and had our satellite snap the photo of his jet.
BOONE: You covered up the fact that Lieutenant Li survived the incident.
Instead, you decided to make him a martyr, first class.
Now one billion of your people are singing his praises, but what happens, General, when they find out that you've lied? You created this fallen hero.
It puts you in a bad light, Shin-Wa.
And it puts you at odds with the civilian leadership of your country who are trying to find a diplomatic solution.
( sighs ) What do you want? I want 19 American airmen and one aircraft.
RABB: Lieutenant Li is still alive, General.
Make sure he stays that way.
Call the USS Jefferson, Admiral Boone.
Tell them you are flying your men out in an hour.
I will send back the EP-3 when I am done with it.
One piece at a time.
Ma'am.
MacKENZIE: Commander Turner and Lieutenant Roberts have been kind enough to allow me to further interview both of you.
Under the rules of evidence, they are both here, and I understand that you have waived your Article 31 rights.
Yes, ma'am.
We understand, ma'am.
Okay, let's get down to the facts.
Midshipman Morris, did you intend to do Midshipman Buchanan grievous bodily injury? No, ma'am.
As you can see, neither one of us are any good with a saber.
I feel really bad about everything.
Midshipman Buchanan, did you force Midshipman Morris into dueling under duress? You might say that, ma'am.
Because I didn't give him room to back out and not look like a coward, I guess there's a sort of duress in that.
Lieutenant, since Midshipman Morris was forced into this duel under duress, it could be argued that there was in fact no prior agreement and he's innocent of all the charges against him.
Yes, it could.
In fact, that's exactly what I was going to argue.
Commander Turner, since Midshipman Buchanan had no intent of grievous bodily harm to Midshipman Morris, it could be argued that he too is innocent of the charges against him.
I intended to argue that very thing.
Ma'am, why the change of heart? Midshipman Buchanan, are you familiar with the expression "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth"? That's okay, Sturgis.
I'd like to answer that.
When I first questioned these young men, I misjudged them.
I didn't see that once you get past the, uh Idiocy, ma'am? Thank you, Midshipman Buchanan.
I didn't see the goodness in them.
But I now see that they both have the makings of fine officers.
My bet is that you and Commander Rabb were very much like them in your time.
You wouldn't be far wrong, Colonel.
Make me an offer.
( man speaking Chinese over P.
A.
) MAN ( over P.
A.
): All squadron reps, report to flight control.
All squadron reps, report to flight control.
Lieutenant Barrett and Crawford-- you'll be stationed Admiral Boone, Commander Rabb and the crew of the EP-3 will be aboard the COD when it departs from Fuzhou Airbase.
What's our ordnance, sir? You'll be configured for close escort.
Full ammo.
What are the rules of engagement, Captain? Do not fire unless fired upon.
Do not cross into Chinese airspace for any reason.
It took a lot for Admiral Boone to broker this deal, so keep cool.
Don't screw it up.
The most important thing is that we get our people out safely.
Any questions? Yes, sir.
What about the EP-3? Well, once the Chinese have downloaded our secrets and stripped our technology, they're going to ship it back to us in pieces.
That stinks, sir.
Yes, it does.
BARRETT: I got them.
Check ten left at 40 miles.
Roger that.
I got them, too.
Birmingham Strike-- we are holding hands with the COD.
Stay tight, Stonewall.
Cranberry, you have the lead.
I want to look you over.
Roger.
I have the lead.
Cranberry, you have fluid streaming from your left fuel dump vent.
Roger, Stonewall.
All gauges normal.
Can't take the chance, Cranberry.
Need you to return to Birmingham immediately.
Wilco, Stonewall.
Returning to Birmingham.
Good luck.
God bless.
It's getting lonely up here, Admiral.
Oh, one's enough.
Good night, Greyhound.
Admiral, we just lost our other fighter escort.
Stonewall, this is Greyhound.
Do you copy? RABB: Stonewall, do you copy? RABB: Birmingham Strike, this is Birmingham 2-5.
We've lost our fighter escort and we do not have radio contact with him.
CONTROL: Roger, Birmingham 2-5.
X.
O.
, call PRIFLY, launch the spare.
Aye, aye, sir.
Birmingham 2-5, the spare is on its way.
Until then, you're on your own.
Mark your coordinates.
Roger that.
north latitude.
west longitude.
Boss, this is the captain.
Strike Ops, stand by to initiate search and rescue operations.
What the hell is going on, sir? Whatever it is, I got a bad feeling.
( indistinct conversation ) BARRETT: Birmingham 2-5, Birmingham Strike, this is Birmingham 4-3.
I am inbound.
Fuel state: 3.
9.
All weapons expended.
TACO, turn on the NPD.
Gear switched on.
We are 20 seconds from on top.
Electronic camera on, sir.
Here she comes.
She's hot.
PILOT: TACO, initiate report to FICPAC.
Deep Sea, this is Birmingham 5-3-1.
Confirm nuclear weapons onboard Chinese cruiser.
Hull number 1-5-8.
Photographs to follow.
Deep Sea, this is Birmingham 5-3-1.
Unidentified bogies approaching from the west at high speed.
Going to full power.
Turning 0-9-0.
They're coming straight at us.
He's too close.
Damn! ( grunting ) This is Birmingham 5-3-1.
We've been rammed by a Chinese MiG.
We are experiencing severe flight control problems.
Unable to maintain altitude.
MAN: After the incident, the EP-3 landed safely at Fuzhou Airbase.
The Chinese government claims that for the second time in seven months an American surveillance aircraft, like the one behind me here outside Seattle, has violated their airspace.
The aircraft collided with a Chinese MiG over the Straits of Taiwan and was forced to land at Fuzhou Airbase.
The crew of the damaged EP-3 has been detained.
The Chinese authorities are still searching for their missing pilot, Lieutenant Kwan Li, ( intercom buzzes ) who is believed lost at sea.
TINER ( over intercom ): Admiral, SECNAV's on line two.
Yes, Mr.
Secretary? Admiral you've heard that the Chinese have done it again? CHEGWIDDEN: Yes, sir.
SECNAV: It's a damn shame.
Yes, sir, it is.
Same MO, same results, Admiral.
It's déjà vu all over again.
We have every right to find out if the Chinese have nuclear weapons that close to Taiwan.
Sir, how badly has our intelligence been compromised? It depends on how much time between the incident and the time the Chinese came aboard the plane.
How do we find that out? A.
J.
, I need a favor.
RABB: Yeah, I understand the wives of the enlisted men are pretty upset.
Upset? They threatened to burn down the base exchange.
How'd that book end up there in the first place? It got in under the radar.
You know, Sturgis, removing a book from base exchange is censorship.
Wait, wait a minute.
Let me read you just one passage from this idiotic tome.
Look, here.
( chuckles ) "The height of a navy wife's hair "stands in inverse proportion to her intellect.
"The higher the hair, the dumber the sailor's wife.
" Huh? Look, I don't like this crap any more than you do.
But if the base exchange can sell Playboy, it can sell Big-Haired Women of the Seventh Fleet.
At least that's what the author is claiming.
That woman would do anything to sell a book.
You know, this damn thing doesn't fit.
Let me see it.
I think it's from a '70.
No, let me see it.
How'd you do that? See, I have a soft touch.
You you push too damn hard.
So, when are you going to call Congresswoman Latham anyway? I'll get to it in my own time.
Why do you keep forcing her on me? Because a guy like you needs a woman.
Yeah, we all need a woman.
But why her, and what's the hurry? Well, the sooner you get with somebody, the sooner you'll lighten up.
From what I've seen of Bobbi Latham-- and, uh, I kind of like what I've seen-- I don't think she takes direction any better than you do.
( telephone rings ) Rabb.
Oh, good morning, Admiral.
SECNAV? Aye, sir, I'll get on it right away.
You're using your wrists too much, sir.
You need to lock your wrists and swing with the shoulders.
So, when the hell did you become a golf pro? And don't "sir" me.
I'm retired.
Good to see you, Harm.
You, too, Admiral.
Grab a cold one? I'm on duty, sir.
That's what brings you here, duty? Secretary of the Navy has asked me, as an old family friend, to speak with you, sir.
Why doesn't he just pick up the damn phone himself? Admiral, I think he's afraid you'll turn him down.
Well, that's bull.
I-I have nothing against him personally.
He did try to send you to Leavenworth.
Well, except that.
What's the Secretary want? You, Admiral.
I'm retired.
Yes, sir, there are indications of that.
What the hell is this thing anyway? Well, I was told to get a hobby, so I thought I'd take up golf.
You got a better idea? The SECNAV would like you to return to active duty, Admiral.
Harm, I had to fight like hell to get approved to teach a course at the academy.
There's no way the senate's going to confirm me in a three-star command, not with my record.
Well, Admiral, that's not what the SECNAV has in mind.
He would like you to be his personal assistant and troubleshooter.
Well, I don't take dictation.
You'd still have your two stars, Admiral, and you'd act on behalf of the SECNAV when he can't rely on his regular channels.
So I'd be his dog robber? ( scoffs ) "Dog robber," sir? You never heard that, Rabb? It's an old military term for an officer's aide who has the ability to get things done.
Usually off the record, under the radar.
Well, it'd beat the hell out of miniature golf, sir.
Hey, that is not a child's toy.
I paid good money for that.
I think they saw you coming, sir.
You know, if you'd have come to me three months ago, I'd have turned you down flat.
But a lot has changed since September 11.
The country needs you, sir.
SECNAV: There are ongoing negotiations at the highest levels between the Chinese and the American governments for the return of the aircraft and its crew.
Has anyone reminded the Chinese that this is an act of war? There are questions about how the aircraft got into Chinese hands, Admiral.
They claim they acted only in response to our actions.
RABB: There have been reports, sir, of the Chinese harassing our pilots in international airspace.
If the midair collision is a result of that, it could be considered an act of aggression, sir.
So, who knows the truth? The crew aboard the aircraft.
So far, no American has been allowed to speak directly with them.
Where are they now, Mr.
Secretary? Confined to barracks at Fuzhou.
Sir, what's the United States' response to this? It's a delicate diplomatic matter.
Right now we need the Chinese to help in the war against terrorism.
I want Commander Rabb assigned to my staff T-A-D.
For how long? For as long as it takes the commander and Admiral Boone to get to China and bring our people back.
There's a C-20 leaving from Andrews in an hour.
At Kadena Airbase, Okinawa, you'll transfer to a COD which will fly you out to the USS Thomas Jefferson.
Captain Hubbard is expecting you onboard.
What then, sir? You and the admiral will be flown to the Chinese airbase at Fuzhou, where you will confer with a General Shin-Wa Chen.
He has agreed to meet with an American military delegation only if it's led by Admiral Boone, whom he knows personally.
MAN: You will speak of this mission to no one.
Lieutenants Harrison and Quincy, you have diplomatic clearance to land at Fuzhou.
You will drop off Admiral Boone and Commander Rabb.
Do not, under any circumstances, allow Chinese personnel to board the aircraft.
Don't even shut down the engines.
Return immediately.
Just one change, Captain.
I'll be sitting in the left seat.
Admiral, when was the last time you flew a COD? I've stayed current.
Well, with all due respect, sir Ray don't make me pull rank.
Yes, sir.
As you wish.
Lieutenant Barrett and Lieutenant Crawford, you will escort the COD until you are relieved by Chinese MiGs.
What are the rules of engagement, sir? Do not fire unless fired upon, unless, in your judgment, attack is imminent.
Do not cross into Chinese airspace.
And do not offer any other provocation.
Yes, sir.
That is all.
Carry on.
Let's go draw some flight gear, Commander.
Aye, sir.
Excuse me, Admiral? Nice to see you again, sir.
Where do I know you from, Lieutenant? The Seahawk, sir.
I was a nugget during your last tour as CAG.
Lieutenant Carl Barrett.
What kind of marks did I give you? Well, sir, you weren't any harder on me than you needed to be.
That bad, huh? Did you ever fly with the admiral, sir? A few times.
The commander here saved my life.
Well, I guess you've got it made, sir.
Well, the admiral's no harder on me than he needs to be.
( man speaks indistinct over P.
A.
) Lieutenant.
( knocking on door ) Good evening, sir.
People are looking for you.
Hopefully they'll find me in Camp Lejeune, sir.
I'm requesting orders back to a force recon unit.
But I'll need your endorsement, sir.
"Second Reconnaissance Battalion.
" Yes, sir, they need a company gunny.
And I need to be back in the fleet where the action is.
You know, Gunny, I only have one regret.
What's that, sir? I'm not going with you.
You've done an outstanding job here.
That door will always be open.
Thank you, Admiral.
Be safe, Victor.
Not until we're all safe, sir.
Dismissed.
Aye, aye, sir.
Fuzhou Control, this is the United States Navy C-Two Birmingham 2-5.
We are at 10,000 feet, Request permission to land.
MAN ( over radio ): United States Birmingham 2-5.
You are cleared for landing, runway 3-4.
Wind is north by northwest, ten knots.
RABB: Roger, Fuzhou Control.
Stonewall, this is Greyhound.
We are entering Chinese airspace.
BARRETT: Roger, Greyhound.
Breaking off and returning to the ship.
Good luck and Godspeed.
Here comes our Chinese escort.
Stop.
Stop here.
( man speaking Chinese over P.
A.
) BOONE: Thank you for extending the invitation, General.
I'm sure you would offer me the same courtesy, Admiral Boone, if the situation were reversed.
But that would never happen, General.
We would not hold an aircrew hostage.
Or commandeer one of your aircraft.
Admiral, I never understood why you were removed from command for what you did in Vietnam.
American navy cannot afford to lose men of your capability.
RABB: The admiral was not relieved of command, General Chen.
He requested retirement.
Or was it to save face? What's past is past, General.
Not in China.
We have long memories.
Now, this is twice in the past year an American spy plane has flown into our airspace.
After you rammed it.
I want to see our aircrew.
That will be arranged.
And I want the EP-3 secured.
It is well guarded.
May I speak bluntly, General? That was always your habit, Tom.
You keep your damn technicians out of our aircraft.
You must understand, I will not release the aircraft or the crew.
We'll see about that.
( knocking on door ) CHEGWIDDEN: Enter.
You wanted to see us, sir? Yes.
Any of you familiar with Article 114 of UCMJ? No, 114 sure doesn't come up a lot, Admiral.
It has now.
Early Saturday morning, two midshipmen from Annapolis were caught dueling.
Isn't that an internal academy matter, sir? They were dueling in Rock Creek Park.
D.
C.
police took exception.
Pistols, sir? Antique sabers borrowed from their families.
Was anyone hurt, Admiral? They were fighting without the benefit of masks and chest pads.
Both were somewhat worse for wear.
Had they been drinking, sir? You'd think so, but no.
Just a couple of damn fools.
Don't suppose the name Captain Franklin Buchanan rings a bell? Oh, yes, sir.
Then-Commodore Buchanan commanded the Confederate ironclad Virginia at the Battle of Hampton Roads.
He sank the USS Cumberland and the USS Congress.
I believe a Lieutenant Morris commanded the Cumberland.
They teach you that at the academy? I'm a Civil War buff, Colonel.
ROBERTS: Sir, what does all this have to do with last night's duel? Both participants-- Midshipmen Second Class Morris and Buchanan-- fifth generation descendants of the two men who fought the Battle of Hampton Roads.
Turns out the war between the States isn't over yet.
Where are they now, sir? They've been turned over to Naval District Washington for prosecution.
Colonel, you'll be trial counsel.
Commander, you and Lieutenant Roberts will defend.
That'll be all.
ALL: Aye, aye, sir.
BOONE: How did you get here, Lieutenant? Sir? The admiral wants to know how the EP-3 came to be in the possession of the Chinese, Lieutenant.
Well, I landed it here, Admiral.
Against standing Op orders.
There was no way my aircraft was going to make it back to the Philippines, or or anywhere, for that matter, sir.
I had to make my decision fast and this was the closest airstrip.
Why didn't you contact the Jefferson for orders? Our radio went out mid-transmission, sir.
So, you took it upon yourself to hand our classified plane over to the enemy.
Respectfully, Admiral, that's not how I saw it.
Well, how did you see it, Lieutenant? I felt it was my duty to preserve the lives of the men and women under my command.
Besides, what were my options, sir? Ditch.
Sir, no one has ever ditched an EP-3 and lived to tell about it.
Then you bail out.
I had two crewmen injured, one with a shattered leg, the other unconscious.
They'd never have made it.
None of us would have made it.
The closest rescue was four hours away.
We would have died.
Every man and woman aboard that aircraft.
That's why it's called war, Lieutenant.
Lieutenant, nothing we say in this room is secure.
Now, I'm going to ask you a question, and I want you to write out the answer.
How much time elapsed from the moment the MiG hit your aircraft to the time you landed it here? RABB: Has anything like this incident ever happened before, Lieutenant? Yes, sir.
Almost every time we went on a mission, there was some form of harassment by the Chinese.
Especially over the coast of Taiwan.
But still, I feel badly for the Chinese pilot, Lieutenant Li.
Well, he damn near got you killed.
I know, but he was really nice.
I'm sorry, Lieutenant? Three or four times, he'd flown up beside us.
He'd wave at us, and once, he held up a handwritten sign with his address.
BOONE: What was he looking for, a pen pal? I don't know, sir, but I don't think he meant us any harm.
He just got unlucky.
Did you witness the aftermath of the collision with the MiG? No, sir, I couldn't see him after the point of impact.
We'd lost our starboard engine and were heading down through the undercast.
I understand Lieutenant Li's been admitted into China's canon of revolutionary martyrs.
BOONE: Wherever he stands in the pantheon, he was a lousy pilot.
It's his fault you're here.
So, what happens now, sir? Now, we find a way to get you out of Fuzhou.
BUCHANAN: Midshipman Morris dismissed the battle as merely a matter of superior technology.
At Hampton Roads, Captain Buchanan just plain kicked ass.
Pardon the expression, sir.
My great-great grandfather brought his ship under fire, and Sailed in close to the USS Cumberland and using his cannons at close range, left her a burning wreck.
Sure know your stuff, sir.
I don't suppose you had a great-great grandfather in the war.
Uh, no, he was otherwise occupied.
So, anyway, sir, you can see why I got mad at Midshipman Morris, for disparaging what my great-great grandfather did.
Why we had to settle it like gentlemen on the field of honor.
What I see, Midshipman, is what a foolish thing you did.
You ran the risk of doing serious injury to Midshipman Morris, and to yourself.
You embarrassed the navy, the academy, and the memory of your great-great grandfathers.
But you'll help me, sir.
Yes, I will, because it's my job, and I'll do it well.
But while I'm defending you, I need you to prove to me that you're worthy of my trust.
Yes, sir.
What started the argument, Midshipman Morris? Midshipman Buchanan accused my great-great grandfather of bad seamanship, when everyone knows that a wooden ship is no match against iron.
And that was cause to risk your life and that of Midshipman Buchanan? Well, Colonel it's a matter of pride.
Well, that's a concept I can grasp.
Colonel, pride's more than an abstract.
See, you're not a man.
For which I thank God every day.
No offense meant, ma'am.
I don't know if you know this, Colonel, but men sometimes can kind of get stuck on a point of pride and get real stupid about it.
I'm sure the colonel knows that, Midshipman.
So, you see, ma'am, you kind of get backed into a corner that you can't get out of.
And and you start acting pretty stupid and stuff gets started that you can't stop.
That sort of thing.
You ever known anyone that's happened to? Not right offhand, but I'm sure someone will come to mind.
CHEN: Now that you have spoken with your people, there is a matter of the apology.
I'm sure the United States would be happy to accept any apology that your country is willing to give, General.
I see you have not lost your sense of irony, Tom.
No, that's straight talk, Shin-Wa.
There is a matter of invading Chinese airspace.
General, your jet collided with our EP-3 in international airspace.
In that, your country is clearly at fault.
That is a matter of debate, Commander.
Now, this has happened once before, on April 1 of this year.
I believe that is your April Fool's Day.
Then, as now, your pilot was a cause of the downing of one of our aircraft, so we consider the incident to be an act of aggression.
An EP-3 has a maximum airspeed of 300 knots, General.
Your MiGs fly at over 1,100.
On the day in question, the pilot of your MiG flew directly at our aircraft and took off four feet of its right wing.
Now, where in that are we at fault? It is a fact your aircraft landed on a Chinese airfield.
Surely, you do not dispute our claim to that airspace? General, our EP-3 landed here at Fuzhou Airbase because of damages sustained in a collision with your jet.
Commander, we're going around in circles.
Let's go.
Admiral Boone Always before, I found you a reasonable man.
However, you have changed with the years.
Well, we all get older.
Perhaps you are not too old to learn that sometimes it is better to say you're sorry.
Well, we're in the right country for it, aren't we? How is that? As you once told me yourself, the Chinese have as many words for "sorry" as the Eskimos have for "snow.
" RABB: I thought that went well, sir.
What have you been smoking, Commander? Admiral, Lieutenant Hildon informed me that there were exactly 24 minutes from the time of the incident until the aircraft touched down here and was boarded.
That's six minutes short of the minimum time necessary to destroy all the codes.
Under the best of circumstances.
Hmm.
( men speaking indistinctly in Chinese ) Sir? That is an American aircraft! It is the sovereign property of the United States government! Now, get the hell off! ( gun barrels cocking ) MAN: Talks are ongoing between Chinese and American diplomats over the fate of the EP-3 crew that has been detained by the Chinese military on the airstrip at Fuzhou.
So far, these talks have yielded no results.
The Chinese are demanding an apology from the American government and restitution for the loss of a MiG aircraft and its pilot.
There's no way that's going to happen.
Really? The last time there was an incident, we ended up saying we were sorry.
Probably going to happen again.
But we didn't mean it.
Besides, who cares what a bunch of bureaucrats in Armani suits say to each other? I do.
I mean, we apologize and they keep our plane? It's not right.
MacKENZIE: I'm also going to charge Midshipman Buchanan and Morris under Article 116: breach of the peace, Article 128: assault, and article 134: assault with the intent to commit murder.
Why not just charge them under Article 114, ma'am? It's been a hundred years since anyone's been charged for dueling, Bud.
Makes it interesting.
My life is already interesting.
Here's my offer: the midshipmen plead to all charges, agree to a punitive letter of reprimand and resign their appointments.
That'll end their careers before they begin, ma'am.
Come on, Colonel.
Aren't we talking about kids screwing around? Look, I know you boys like to stick together Been a long time since someone called me boy.
You know what I mean.
When you were at the academy, I'm sure you didn't do anything as stupid as what these guys did.
Uh you're wrong.
Was Commander Rabb involved? Fortunately for both of us, the statute of limitations has run out.
What's your offer? The midshipmen have agreed to be tried together, prepared to plead to conduct unbecoming restitution to the District of Columbia for expenses incurred during their arrest TURNER: The convening authority suspends the sentence ROBERTS: And they go back to the academy where they face a conduct board.
No deal.
Why are you taking such a hard line on this, Mac? I've interviewed both of them.
I don't think they're officer material.
You're quick to judge.
It wasn't a hard call, Commander.
Right now we're fighting a war against terrorism.
People out there are risking their lives and sometimes dying for their country, and here you have two boys with nothing better to do than to challenge each other to a duel.
Now, I might feel differently if either of one of them had shown a spark of remorse, or even had a clue that what they did was wrong.
No deal.
( knocking on door ) Enter.
Excuse me, ma'am.
Lieutenant, you have an urgent phone call.
It's Commander Rabb in China.
Excuse me, ma'am.
Commander? Lieutenant, I need you to do me a favor.
Name it, sir.
You remember Uncle Scrooge? I know my ducks, sir.
Good.
You remember Uncle Scrooge's giant money bin? Are we speaking in code, sir? Yes.
Cool! Now, you remember that there were certain bad boys trying to break into the money vault.
Answer yes or no.
Yes.
Great.
This is one of those bad boys.
ROBERTS: I'm tracking you, sir.
RABB: Okay, now, you remember how old you are? Yes.
Take your age, add six years.
Okay, now what? Now go to the computer on your desk, Bud.
Standard JAG menu, double click the second icon in the right-hand column.
Okay, got it, sir.
Now go to Google.
Type in "Chinanet," the name of one of the bad boys trying to break into the vault, your age plus six years.
( keyboard clacking ) Got a hit, sir.
Now find out whose address that is, and if it's being used currently, then call me back, and I'll tell you what to do.
ROBERTS: Yes, sir.
Awesome.
Huh? "Awesome"? ( phone ringing through line ) Good afternoon.
This is Lieutenant Roberts calling from the JAG Corps on behalf of Commander Rabb.
I need to speak with Director Webb, please.
Yes, I'll hold.
( distant thunder rumbling ) Good afternoon, Director Webb.
I need a favor.
MacKENZIE: Officer Crumley, can you describe what you observed when you came across Midshipmen Buchanan and Morris? They were fighting, ma'am, with these old-fashioned sabers.
Was there the possibility that one of them might have suffered grievous bodily harm or even death? Well, those swords are old, ma'am, but plenty sharp.
Can you identify this exhibit? Yes, ma'am.
It's one of the swords they were fighting with.
And what actions did you take to prevent them from injuring each other? I drew my sidearm, ma'am, and I ordered them to put down their weapons or I'd shoot.
Did they comply? Oh, yes.
They got real polite.
What do you think would have happened if you'd not chanced by? Objection.
Calls for speculation.
Sustained.
Officer Crumley, from what you observed, did it appear these two were attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm upon each other? TURNER: Objection.
Leading the witness.
Sustained.
No further questions, Your Honor.
JUDGE BLAKELY: Commander Turner? Officer Crumley, how far away were you from Midshipman Morris and Midshipman Buchanan when you first chanced upon them on that dark night? Oh, a hundred yards, give or take.
Hundred yards? So how do you know they weren't just fooling around? I know hostile intent when I see it.
At that distance? in the dead of night? Argumentative, Your Honor.
Move on, Commander.
Have you seen many duels, Officer? No, sir.
That was my first.
So you're not an expert? No.
So in fact, you had no idea what was going on.
Objection.
Sustained.
Is it fair to say, Officer Crumley, that you had no certain knowledge of what was in the minds of the two young men engaged in horseplay? Objection, Your Honor, Fighting with swords as sharp as razors is not horseplay.
Please ask counsel to stop editorializing.
Commander, rephrase the question.
Did you know what was in the minds of Midshipman Morris and Midshipman Buchanan on the night in question? No, sir.
I'm not a mind-reader, but I know what I saw-- murderous intent.
In the dead of night? Your Honor.
Give it a rest, Commander.
No further questions, Your Honor.
Thank you, Officer.
( man speaking Chinese over P.
A.
) Did you get through? Yes, sir.
We should know something soon.
I just got a call from Beijing.
The diplomatic talks are stalled.
Lieutenant Li is going to be buried tomorrow.
State funeral, full honors.
General Chen will be delivering the eulogy.
If something doesn't happen soon, they'll have her stripped bare.
MacKENZIE: Midshipman Morris, whatever possessed you to enter into a duel? Objection.
Hasn't been proven that my client was in a duel.
Your Honor, Midshipman Morris was arrested with a saber in hand.
A saber with which he was attempting to strike Midshipman Buchanan.
Your Honor, when is counsel going to ask a question? I'm sure she's working up to it, Counselor.
Midshipman Morris, why did you accept Midshipman Buchanan's challenge to duel? Tradition, ma'am.
Tradition? Is it an academy tradition to try to kill your fellow midshipmen? Objection.
Argumentative.
Sustained.
You went to Rock Creek Park, pursuant to a prior agreement, to fight with sabers? Yes, ma'am.
Did you intend to injure Midshipman Buchanan? Some, I guess.
Isn't it true that if you strike a man with a saber, you can take off his head? Yes, ma'am.
So, with premeditation, you entered into a fight to the death.
Objection.
Counsel's making her own conclusions.
Sustained.
No further questions.
JUDGE BLAKELY: Lieutenant Roberts? Midshipman Morris, did you intend to cause grievous bodily injury to Midshipman Buchanan? No, sir.
Were you forced into this confrontation? I'd say the blame is about equal, sir.
Midshipman Morris, do you dislike Midshipman Buchanan? Well, I did, sir.
Or thought that maybe I should because of what happened at the Battle of Hampton Roads.
But the last couple of days we've been on restriction together and he's really a pretty good guy.
ROBERTS: Did you ever want to see him dead? No, sir.
Well, then how did it get so far out of hand? I guess I started it, sir.
Ragging on his great-great grandfather.
And after a while, mostly I just wanted him to shut up.
Midshipman Morris, are you guilty of violating Article 114 of the UCMJ against dueling? Yes, sir, and so is Midshipman Buchanan.
But we both regret it, sir, and wish that we had not been so darn stupid.
Why is that, Midshipman Morris? Right now, there's more important stuff going on in the world than refighting some old battle, sir.
No further questions, Your Honor.
Colonel? ( sighs ) I'd like to reserve the right to conduct a re-cross, Your Honor.
Meanwhile, I request a recess to speak with opposing counsel.
Good idea, Colonel.
I don't know how we got this far.
They got a lot of techs on that aircraft.
So far today, they've taken off at least three consoles already.
A few more days, we're going to have to reinvent all of our hardware and rewrite every one of our damn codes.
( steady beeping ) Hello, Buddy.
Millie? Uh-huh.
What are you doing here? Oh, I'm on leave from the Naval Historical Center.
I wanted to be closer to the action.
You still married? Yeah.
You still happy? Very.
Well, if that changes, give me a call.
Uh, are you familiar with TESAR? Absolutely.
It's a strip mapping SAR that provides continuous O.
S.
imagery.
Hmm.
Well, what you are looking at are images that are formed on board a Predator aircraft.
And sent to the Predator ground control station via a K-U band data link.
You really know your stuff, Lieutenant.
Yeah, well, I-I try to stay current.
I never should have let you go.
( sighs ) Okay, here we go.
Um, I diverted the Predator by several degrees.
And now you have 45 seconds to find what you're looking for.
ROBERTS: Uh, hold that and zoom in.
There.
That's it.
( laughs ) Oh, thank you so much.
Any time.
BOONE: Sorry to disturb you, General.
Come in.
I enjoy your company, Tom.
Please, sit.
I was just writing the funeral oration for Lieutenant Li.
Well, I would consider it an honor if you would read it to us, General.
( clears throat ) "Like an eagle, he soared "above the clouds.
"as light as a feather in the breeze until his life was snuffed out like a candle in the wind.
" I think I will amend that last.
A little too much Elton John, huh, General? Precisely.
That's Lieutenant Li's MiG on a runaway in Manchuria.
That photograph was taken this morning, General.
Where did you get this? The commander downloaded it on his laptop.
Lieutenant Li sent an e-mail from the air base in Manchuria where you had him hidden.
He wanted his girlfriend to know that he was all right.
We traced the e-mail and had our satellite snap the photo of his jet.
BOONE: You covered up the fact that Lieutenant Li survived the incident.
Instead, you decided to make him a martyr, first class.
Now one billion of your people are singing his praises, but what happens, General, when they find out that you've lied? You created this fallen hero.
It puts you in a bad light, Shin-Wa.
And it puts you at odds with the civilian leadership of your country who are trying to find a diplomatic solution.
( sighs ) What do you want? I want 19 American airmen and one aircraft.
RABB: Lieutenant Li is still alive, General.
Make sure he stays that way.
Call the USS Jefferson, Admiral Boone.
Tell them you are flying your men out in an hour.
I will send back the EP-3 when I am done with it.
One piece at a time.
Ma'am.
MacKENZIE: Commander Turner and Lieutenant Roberts have been kind enough to allow me to further interview both of you.
Under the rules of evidence, they are both here, and I understand that you have waived your Article 31 rights.
Yes, ma'am.
We understand, ma'am.
Okay, let's get down to the facts.
Midshipman Morris, did you intend to do Midshipman Buchanan grievous bodily injury? No, ma'am.
As you can see, neither one of us are any good with a saber.
I feel really bad about everything.
Midshipman Buchanan, did you force Midshipman Morris into dueling under duress? You might say that, ma'am.
Because I didn't give him room to back out and not look like a coward, I guess there's a sort of duress in that.
Lieutenant, since Midshipman Morris was forced into this duel under duress, it could be argued that there was in fact no prior agreement and he's innocent of all the charges against him.
Yes, it could.
In fact, that's exactly what I was going to argue.
Commander Turner, since Midshipman Buchanan had no intent of grievous bodily harm to Midshipman Morris, it could be argued that he too is innocent of the charges against him.
I intended to argue that very thing.
Ma'am, why the change of heart? Midshipman Buchanan, are you familiar with the expression "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth"? That's okay, Sturgis.
I'd like to answer that.
When I first questioned these young men, I misjudged them.
I didn't see that once you get past the, uh Idiocy, ma'am? Thank you, Midshipman Buchanan.
I didn't see the goodness in them.
But I now see that they both have the makings of fine officers.
My bet is that you and Commander Rabb were very much like them in your time.
You wouldn't be far wrong, Colonel.
Make me an offer.
( man speaking Chinese over P.
A.
) MAN ( over P.
A.
): All squadron reps, report to flight control.
All squadron reps, report to flight control.
Lieutenant Barrett and Crawford-- you'll be stationed Admiral Boone, Commander Rabb and the crew of the EP-3 will be aboard the COD when it departs from Fuzhou Airbase.
What's our ordnance, sir? You'll be configured for close escort.
Full ammo.
What are the rules of engagement, Captain? Do not fire unless fired upon.
Do not cross into Chinese airspace for any reason.
It took a lot for Admiral Boone to broker this deal, so keep cool.
Don't screw it up.
The most important thing is that we get our people out safely.
Any questions? Yes, sir.
What about the EP-3? Well, once the Chinese have downloaded our secrets and stripped our technology, they're going to ship it back to us in pieces.
That stinks, sir.
Yes, it does.
BARRETT: I got them.
Check ten left at 40 miles.
Roger that.
I got them, too.
Birmingham Strike-- we are holding hands with the COD.
Stay tight, Stonewall.
Cranberry, you have the lead.
I want to look you over.
Roger.
I have the lead.
Cranberry, you have fluid streaming from your left fuel dump vent.
Roger, Stonewall.
All gauges normal.
Can't take the chance, Cranberry.
Need you to return to Birmingham immediately.
Wilco, Stonewall.
Returning to Birmingham.
Good luck.
God bless.
It's getting lonely up here, Admiral.
Oh, one's enough.
Good night, Greyhound.
Admiral, we just lost our other fighter escort.
Stonewall, this is Greyhound.
Do you copy? RABB: Stonewall, do you copy? RABB: Birmingham Strike, this is Birmingham 2-5.
We've lost our fighter escort and we do not have radio contact with him.
CONTROL: Roger, Birmingham 2-5.
X.
O.
, call PRIFLY, launch the spare.
Aye, aye, sir.
Birmingham 2-5, the spare is on its way.
Until then, you're on your own.
Mark your coordinates.
Roger that.
north latitude.
west longitude.
Boss, this is the captain.
Strike Ops, stand by to initiate search and rescue operations.
What the hell is going on, sir? Whatever it is, I got a bad feeling.
( indistinct conversation ) BARRETT: Birmingham 2-5, Birmingham Strike, this is Birmingham 4-3.
I am inbound.
Fuel state: 3.
9.
All weapons expended.