Strike Back s03e03 Episode Script

Mr.
Scott, this kidnapping happened right under your nose.
What do we know about the female? This is Rachel Dalton.
Sir, she's one of ours.
Tonight you'll be employing live rounds.
Jake! Probably you're about to be taken.
It's Damien.
He's in trouble.
- What's in the case? - Nuclear triggers.
I won't lose the triggers.
Section 20 requires new leadership.
Some of you already know Captain Dalton.
You're shitting me.
- Can we start again? - Of course we can.
Kerry.
Kerry! They've identified Craig Hanson as the man who murdered your wife.
How do you feel about that? When I heard, I wanted to kill him.
And now? He's sick.
He'll be caught.
Anger and rage are legitimate sentiments at this stage, Sergeant.
For example, it wouldn't be unusual if right now you wanted revenge.
The system will take care of Hanson.
You trust the system? I'm a soldier.
Michael Stonebridge has requested reassignment to this unit.
And you approved that? Subject to a psych evaluation, yes.
This isn't a rehabilitation ward.
You put him back in the field now, you put him and anyone operating with him at risk.
So I have to ask, why would you do that? We need the best.
If he passes the evaluation, that's good enough for me.
Hanson was a soldier, too, but he murdered your wife.
A gun and a uniform don't make you a soldier.
Real soldiers don't do bad things.
We follow orders.
So the killing isn't personal You bring Stonebridge back, he owes you.
And your point is? Isn't that how you intelligence types operate? He owes you, you own him.
You are aware that if you admitted a desire for revenge, you would fail this evaluation? I am.
You might not like it, Major Sinclair, but as things stand, I command this unit, so let's be clear, shall we? I own you all.
Scott, if Stonebridge does come back, you'll be out in the field with him.
It's your call.
Sergeant Stonebridge, why do you want to return to Section 20? I lost my wife.
I have to deal with that, but I want to put Hanson and everything else behind me And do what I do best-- soldiering.
I couldn't see where you were comin' from but I know just what you're running from and what matters ain't who's baddest but the ones who stop you falling from your ladder when you feel like you're feeling now and doing things just to please your crowd when I love you like the way I love you and I suffer but I ain't gonna cut you 'cause this ain't no place for no hero this ain't no place for no better man this ain't no place for no hero to go home this this ain't no place for no hero this ain't no place for no better man this ain't no place for no hero Axmali, Al-Shabaab cleric.
New intel confirms that Axmali has the triggers that we missed and has made clear his intentions to sell them to fellow believers.
Now he's been located at this compound here in Niger.
Yesterday, this man shows up.
The only other non-local there, apart from Axmali.
They've been holed up in the compound together for hours.
Negotiating for the triggers? Given what's at stake, we have to assume so.
We hit now or lose the triggers to someone who might deploy them.
Mike, I'm not even gonna pretend to know what you're going through, but If you ever want to talk, I'm here.
Thanks.
And of course, if you ever want to go out and just get fucked up I'm your guy.
As long as you're paying.
Yeah, I'll bear that in mind.
Scott I'm ok.
Zero, this is Bravo One at target.
Go.
Bravo Two.
Zero, we're in.
I thought I should verify.
Americans have two F-16s airborne and inbound for the compound.
Why? Tell them we already have a team-- They know, but it's too late.
Strike imminent.
I have them.
ETA less than 60 seconds.
Aah! Where are the triggers? In Allah's hands.
Bravo, exfil now, whatever your mission status.
Move out.
We have incoming F-16s, and they are weapons hot.
Roger that.
Let's move.
Let's get out of here.
Come on.
Come on.
Bravo, you have less than 30 seconds.
Knew that.
Faster.
We're moving! Come on! - Come on! - On it.
Disregard.
They're overhead.
Down, down, down! Aah! Get down! Aah! Oh, fuck.
Fuck.
Ugh! Bravo, are you all right? Yes, but Axmali is dead.
And the package? That's negative.
Shit.
Bravo team, check in and move out.
1.
- 3.
- 4.
Bravo, I have a possible on the buyer, moving to south side exit.
Copy that.
Bravo One, we've lost your visual.
Shit.
Baxter, we've got this.
Fall back to the jeep and take that intel.
You heard him.
Move! Two, left.
Two, left.
One, right.
Aah! Aah! Ugh! Zero, we got a group of locals, and they're pissed.
Friendly.
Friendly.
Friendly.
Break the fuck up! Friendly.
It's all right.
What the fuck? Get your weapons down! Who are they? Bravo Two, be advised Bravo One is in trouble.
You guys getting this? Fuck! Get Baxter and the rest of our men-- No.
Bravo, I do not want a firefight.
Bravo Two, is that clear? Let him go! Mike.
Mike, don't now! Let him go! Bravo, I repeat, I do not want a firefight.
Fuck.
Bravo Two, is that clear? Roger.
Roger! This was our exclusive source.
The American's couldn't possibly have known about Axmali or the triggers.
It has nothing to do with our mission.
A CIA flight was shot down over Mali NSA tracked the call that ordered the attack to the compound.
Bombing the compound was simply a reprisal for the loss of their plane.
This plane that was carrying those Satan CIA was shot down by my order.
I could do this because God directs me.
I am his instrument.
That's El Soldat.
He used to be Algerian special forces, didn't he? Mm-hmm.
Things are complicated in The Magreb.
What the fuck happened to "no man left behind," huh? I want every piece of intel from that compound analyzed.
And what about Scott? I know exactly where he'll be.
Fuck me.
Christy Bryant.
You left Manila without saying good-bye.
Yeah.
I get a call from Mogadishu.
Yeah.
That unsafe safe house.
I got thank you for that one.
So who's your new best friend? Niger SF.
We train them.
What were you doing in that compound, Damien? I was looking for a vacation home.
Why were you bombing it? They initiated an attack that killed 5 CIA agents.
I was with 20, but you know that.
I should see that they're fully briefed on you.
They know.
Everything? Didn't think so.
What is it you really want? Just to reconnect.
No way.
I'm not that guy.
Not anymore.
What's your game, Damien? Run off to play soldier with the Brits, somehow redeem yourself? Like you care.
You think because they say "pardon me" before they cut a guy's throat, they're any different than us? Faster.
Shit.
Fuck.
I knew I should never have made that call from Mogadishu.
Don't beat yourself up.
There are certain things you can't leave behind, no matter how hard you try.
Yes? Bryant, CIA.
I have something of yours.
You should be more careful.
You're still on probation.
Yeah.
You think the police are gonna find him? I think they worked out it was him.
He knew the ballistics would tie him to that gun.
Mike, well, he's the subject of an international manhunt.
He's one of us.
They'll never find him.
Wouldn't you like to be able to go home one day? Fuck you.
I could put in a good word.
Thanks.
You remember home, don't you? "Star-spangled banner"? Bald eagles? Sad songs sung by rednecks in big-ass hats? Shut up.
You know I love country music.
Don't be a stranger.
Yeah.
Next time be more careful where you leave your people.
There won't be a next time.
You fucking left me hanging out to dry? The CIA usually send in an sf team to assess effectiveness.
I knew you'd be in safe hands.
I couldn't risk a firefight or them taking our intel.
Did you tell her why we were in there? Good.
You know, she wants me to question your loyalty.
I'm all yours, ma'am, whenever you're ready.
Wash off the cheap perfume.
Sir, I've tracked usage of a damaged SIM card from the compound-- two calls.
Where to? Tracing them now.
Ok.
Punch it through.
Ok.
The first call was made to The Kepi Blanc, a hotel downtown.
Owned by Babarka Ba.
Anyone who wants to get out of Niger quietly, they go to BB.
He provides guides along the desert smuggling routes.
Babe.
Easy, tiger.
Shh, shh, shh, shh.
This way.
We're looking for Babarka Ba.
He's busy.
But if you'd like to Back here? The manager's office? Yeah.
BB is auditioning.
That's ok, honey.
We're good friends here.
Ok, ready? Quiet.
Quiet.
Whoa.
Give me that.
Give me that.
You're arranging travel for a man crossing the border into Algeria.
He's in a rush.
He's traveling light.
He will kill me.
So will we.
Speak.
His name is Othmani.
Anything else? He's waiting for a guide.
Ok Through the bar Mm-hmm Upstairs.
Room 4.
Good.
Thank you.
Come here, bud.
Give me your hand through there.
Anything else you want to tell us? Come with me, Johnny Holmes.
Get over there, bud.
You go behind him.
There you go.
Yeah.
Nice and cozy? Shush.
Zero, target is still here.
His name is Othmani.
Richmond, come with me.
Mike, you're on the street.
I'm good for this.
I'm fine.
Fine.
You go.
I'm on the street.
Let's go.
All right.
Ma'am Othmani, courier for Aqim in Algeria.
Low level, no image.
Who does he work for specifically? El Soldat.
Something doesn't scan.
Why not? Axmali wanted to pass the triggers on to a believer.
El Soldat runs Aqim in Algeria.
They could never put together a nuclear weapon.
No, but they could afford the expertise.
El Soldat hasn't left the Hoggar Mountains for two years, and his people have been active outside that area for just as long.
Now all of a sudden he's blowing up CIA flights and chasing nuclear triggers.
Why? Hmm.
We need to find out exactly who was on that flight.
Keep it low-key.
Ma'am.
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
Bravo One, I got a possible on the second floor.
Going up now.
Psst! Come on.
Ready? Fuck.
Move! Aah! Aah! Guys, what the fuck was that? You ok? Yeah.
Fuck.
Yeah, I'm fine.
Aah.
Let's find this bastard.
Coming out.
Yup.
Move.
Split up.
Shit.
Aah! Motherfucker.
Fuck.
Target's headed for the roof.
I'm in pursuit.
Visual ID? Male, 30 to 40, small build, short, dark hair, topless.
Bravo One, does he have the triggers? That's a possible.
Back stairs covered.
Shit! Back! Mike! Motherfucker! Fuck.
Go, go, go.
I got-- I got him.
Uh! Target's leaving the building! Move.
Move! Fuck.
Shit.
You got anything? You got anything? Nothing.
I've got nothing.
You missed the tripwire.
By the time I saw it-- I'd already tripped it.
It could happen to anyone.
I pulled what CCTV footage I could find of the buses near The Kepi Blanc.
Trying to track them now.
Border authorities have been alerted.
This guy won't risk a legit border crossing.
I want eyes on the smuggling routes.
He's too good for a low-level courier, isn't he? Get me his face.
Richmond You didn't have to do that.
Didn't I? Watch the leaf canopy.
You don't want the berry clusters to get too large, or they'll never ripen.
Nice.
You don't approve of wealth, Mr.
Matlock.
El Soldat-- you know him? He can get us the triggers.
The terrorist? I thought you dealt with anyone.
I'm speaking to a go-between.
He's setting up a meeting with his people, but it might not be that easy.
El Soldat is an elusive individual.
I pay for results, and so far there haven't been any, have there? We've got a call.
Othmani making contact with El Soldat's people, unguarded and in plain language.
Made as he was captured by Tuaregs.
He was heading for the border, but now he's their prisoner.
Do you have a position? Only one significant Tuareg camp within 50 Miles.
I want Scott and Stonebridge air-dropped in.
Dalton wouldn't have me back in if she didn't think I was ready.
Dalton doesn't give a shit about any one of us.
The only thing she cares about are those fucking triggers.
Right now, she's better off with you in the game, not on the bench.
Trust me.
I know the type, Michael.
You're like a guy with an injury.
They think you're scared of being cut from the team so you're prepared to do absolutely anything.
You done with the sports analogies now? Yeah.
I'm done.
Did you like that, though? Yeah.
It was good.
I liked it.
It's encouraging.
Just for the record, you're here because I vouched for you.
You still think this is a good idea? You got a better one? Huh.
They must have searched Othmani by now.
Ah, so what if they did? Up until I didn't know what a nuclear trigger looked like.
Well, here we go.
Hands up? Yeah, I think so.
Hey.
He's gonna gut you like a fucking pig.
Yeah, all right, all right.
I'll do the talking.
Ok.
Hey.
You have someone that we want.
How much is he worth to you? He's a terrorist.
Your own government-- He's no friend of my people.
You wrestle? Then maybe we can talk.
Sorry? I think she said, "do you wrestle?" And yes, he does.
Better than anyone that you got.
I got something for you.
A prototype.
Customized Volker.
He actually exists? Quite well, if his prices are anything to go by.
We must be going somewhere.
Yeah.
Up north.
Algeria.
The Hoggar Mountains.
Knox is paying you too much.
Enough to quit when all this is done.
And then what? A bar in Florida? Ha.
One of those Hemingway beards? I was thinking more clean-shaven in Switzerland.
Chocolate and snow? I've had enough of blood and sunshine.
Get him, Michael! Get him, Michael.
There is a game our children play-- one must guess the other's thoughts.
Ha.
You first.
What am I thinking? Easy.
Why is it that a woman leads here? Matrilineal society.
Berber, not Arab.
The men wear the veils, not the women.
I read "lonely planet" once.
Then what are you thinking? "Is she married?" My husband was killed by Niger military in the rebellion.
I'm sorry to hear that.
I'm not.
Your turn.
You're thinking "Why do they want this Othmani guy so bad?" Wrong.
"How much will they pay?" Word has been sent to El Soldat.
Tomorrow, we meet his people, see who offers most.
You or them.
An auction? I like your style.
Ugh! Get up, Michael! Your friend--he's angry, thinking of killing my man, even though this is only sport.
Yeah.
Someone murdered his wife.
You almost got him! It's gone too long.
Michael! Whoa.
Stop, stop, stop.
Come on.
Let him go.
Let him go.
You're tapped out.
Fuck, buddy.
You're tapped.
Come on.
Come on! Let him go, Mike.
You're tapped out.
What the fuck, buddy? Shit.
Sorry about that.
He is in pain.
Yeah.
Don't waste your time looking.
The arab is being held in the desert.
My men will bring him in tomorrow.
Ok.
Speaking of local geography My tent is also guarded.
All right.
Come on, Hulk Hogan.
We're on.
Only my men will be armed.
Better off with a knife in a close fight.
It's the craftsman, not the tool, baby.
Real American stopping power.
When you two are ready Yeah.
Since when do guys like that play by the rules? Yeah.
I'm hearing you.
Stay sharp, huh? Mm-hmm.
So begin.
The British government will not negotiate for hostages.
That's the disclaimer.
But we will give you 10,000 sterling for Othmani.
It's a finders fee.
Surely El Soldat will pay more.
This is what El Soldat will pay.
Uh, dude, the idea is to go up, not down.
Phone! Aah! Fuck.
Shit.
Get up.
Get up! Get back there.
Clear! Don't move.
Dog.
Dog.
Your people have spilled our blood.
Hey, hey, hey, hey! Look at me.
Look at me.
You still want your 10,000? Who's the dog now? Do as your master says for fucking money.
Fuck.
Nothing.
What are you looking for? Nothing.
Zero, we have Othmani but no package.
I repeat, there's no package.
El Soldat says "no money, no triggers.
" What does your buyer say? Can I give him a call? Nice coffee.
Now you're gonna tell me how to find El Soldat.
Either Othmani never had the triggers Or he knew we'd be looking for him to cross the border illegally.
Pull up the CCTV footage from outside The Kepi Blanc.
Yes, ma'am.
Got it.
There.
The bus behind.
He must have got on it when the other bus passed in front.
Left the triggers there, contacted El Soldat, arranged for his men to meet the bus, and then used himself as a decoy.
Yeah.
The unguarded call was to make sure that we were following him and not the triggers.
The bus--where is it headed now? Right through the Hoggar region.
El Soldat's own personal fiefdom.
It's scheduled to over night.
Arrives in Ilizi this evening.
It should be somewhere between here and here.
It's already crossed into Algeria.
Shit.
You know what the Algerians are like about anybody operating inside their borders.
They fired on an unauthorized French SF chopper last month.
Bravo, you have wheels? Uh, yeah, I think we can arrange that.
The package is on a bus headed to Ilizi.
Hustle and you can catch it.
What are our friends in Algeria gonna think of that? Get in there quick enough, they won't be able to do anything about it.
And, Scott Send me a picture of Othmani.
Copy that.
Another 5,000? All right.
Only I drive the truck.
Juba and the camel will come with me.
It could get rough, you know.
I feel alive again, like in the rebellion.
Hmm.
You're a little crazy, aren't you? Even for a Tuareg.
I think you like crazy.
Yeah.
Just a little.
I have the bus.
Scott's visual ID of Othmani just came in.
Send it over to my screen.
No.
Put it up.
You know him? You don't like music? Ha.
He's British.
He's having a bad day.
Bravo, be advised.
The man that you know as Othmani is El Soldat's brother.
Son of a bitch.
He's El Soldat's brother.
Don't you get any ideas.
Keep your eyes on the road.
We bought him.
We own him.
Up ahead.
Faster, faster, faster! Close in.
Come on.
Come on.
Oy.
Look sharp.
Just get up alongside him, all right? I'm gonna pull him over.
Pull over! Stop the fucking bus! Stop! Hands.
Where are the triggers? Fuck you.
Go on.
What are you doing? Who do you think you are? You got on the bus in Niamey, yes? Anyone, where was he sitting? It's important.
He had a bag.
Huh? Bravo, you have company.
El Soldat's men.
They're there for the triggers.
Michael, get behind the truck.
Get behind the truck.
Michael, get down! Get down! Get down! I'm going for the vehicle.
You find those triggers! Fuck.
Trigger.
Trigger! Ah! Uh! Aah! You all right? Yeah.
Yeah.
What the fuck happened? Huh? He jumped me.
The wounded, unarmed prisoner jumped you? Aah! What, you decided to take out the only guy that knows where the triggers are, Michael? What the fuck? Fuck me.
Hey, you.
Come here.
I'm a student.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- Animal doctor.
He's a priority patient.
No, I can't.
I don't give a shit.
You pretend he's a dog, okay? Just fix him, please.
Bravo, two more trucks heading your way--more Aqim fighters.
Shit.
Copy that.
They'll never make it to the border.
Get the Algerians.
Tell them it's an accidental intrusion.
They let us get our men out or they do it for us.
All right, we got to move or everyone's gonna die.
- Hey.
- What? What about the triggers? Fuck it.
We're out of time.
We got to go, or these people are gonna die.
Hey, hey, hey.
You guys just stay here, all right? You understand? You, come here.
You're coming with us.
Come on.
Come on.
I can't.
I have to get home.
I don't give a shit.
We'll drop you there later.
Come on.
We'll take good care of you, all right? And you, get the fuck up.
The guys from Mogadishu They must be after the triggers.
Get them in.
Get them in.
Come on.
They're called Section 20.
Tactical Operations Unit.
Hey.
Got him? Bravo, get back to the border.
Keep Othmani alive.
Right now he's the only card you hold.
Yeah, ok.
Ah, I don't think we need to worry about 20.
That's El Soldat.
Fire!