Original subtitles

[indistinct conversations]

Carol, hi.

I'd like to introduce you.

[people talking and laughing]

-WOMAN: And you are? -Curtis Rivers, ma'am.

I don't see you on the list. Are you a campaign contributor or a district captain?

Only a lieutenant, ma'am.

Say, that's the Medal of Honor, isn't it?

Yes, sir.

Maggie, the lieutenant doesn't need an invitation.

Thank you, Officer.

No, thank you.

Ladies and gentlemen...

Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you to our gracious host,

a man of many talents,

Navy SEAL, visionary businessman,

and the next United States Senator

from our great state of California--

"Wild Bill" Layton.

Hoo-rah!

Thank you. Thank you very much all of you.

But no more "Wild Bill" or I wouldn't even get my wife's vote.

Thank you all for coming. Thank you, Angela,

and thank you for shelling out 500 bucks for some pretty bad champagne.

As you all know, I'm running for the Senate,

and I'm running on the platform of integrity in government and values in the home.

And I promise you, I will fight for those values

just as I fought for this great country of ours.

To me, politics is a calling.

It's a chance for me to finally give something back.

How about starting with those phony medals?

If you ever hit a beach,

it was from falling out of a chaise lounge.

So let's drink to him. Bill Layton--

coward, liar... impostor.

[shocked murmuring]

And just who the hell are you?

Lieutenant Curtis Rivers,

United States Navy SEAL Team Six.

You dishonor my comrades by wearing this.

Why, you son of a...

Oh.

Hoo-rah!

[opening theme music playing]

CHEGWIDDEN: Trespassing, assault and battery,

conduct unbecoming,

and he's a Medal of Honor winner.

Well, no one's ever questioned Lieutenant Rivers'

willingness to fight, sir.

Just his discipline and judgment.

Well, I've never seen a service record like it.

Disobeys an order, but rescues a hostage in Lebanon,

and is awarded the medal.

Receives the Bronze Star

for heroism in Panama,

but goes U.A. at Little Creek and now this.

Apparently, Lieutenant Rivers works with a group

of retired Navy SEALs who expose impostors, sir.

RABB: It's easy to see why. Men who couldn't

swim across a bathtub are claiming to have

infiltrated the beaches at Mina Saud.

ROBERTS: A lot of men, sir. Seems there are more

fraudulent SEALs than there are real ones.

And I share Lieutenant Rivers' outrage 100%,

but I can't have officers punching out every blowhard

who says he parachuted behind enemy lines.

Commander, you have a history with the lieutenant.

That's one way to put it, sir.

Fistfight would be another.

CHEGWIDDEN: Still, he... he trusts you.

Talk sense to him.

If he makes amends, he'll face nothing worse

than a letter of reprimand and some anger counseling.

Sir, the man Lieutenant Rivers hit-- is he an impostor?

Well, Bill Layton was never a SEAL,

but apparently he did serve in Vietnam

and received the Navy Cross.

So it looks like Lieutenant Rivers

picked on a bona fide hero.

[knocking on door]

Enter.

Sorry to interrupt, Admiral,

but you're due at Orsati's in 20 minutes, sir.

Oh, right. Thank you, Tiner.

Not brown bagging it today, sir?

You have a problem with that, Commander?

MAN: It's an opportunity of a lifetime, Admiral.

Charlie, how are you there?

Just fine, Senator.

Well, I'm flattered, Senator, and a bit surprised.

There must be a hundred lawyers in Virginia alone

at least as well qualified.

Oh, yeah, but damn few

with distinguished military records.

You know, if it were up to me,

all lawyers would have to serve their country

before being considered for a federal judgeship.

Well, sir, I doubt that would be constitutional.

Well, it would be if we could put some more of our men

on the Supreme Court.

Tell me, Admiral...

may I submit your name to the president

to be a United States district judge?

[sighs]

Well, sir, I've spent my entire adult life in the Navy.

I've never really considered anything else.

It's a lifetime appointment.

The prestige of filling a constitutional office

created by our Founding Fathers, and...

and the chance

to rule over the great cases of our land.

Senator, you must be a hell of a country lawyer.

[chuckles]

Let me think about it.

Well, you think about it for the rest of the week,

but after that, I'm going to have to start listening

to the lobbyists and appoint some political hack.

Tell me, A.J.,

what is this case about a Navy SEAL

who slugged Bill Layton?

I mean, that's a no-win situation.

Oh, it's under control, Senator.

Good, good.

Glad to hear that.

Layton can go to hell.

Would you rather be court-martialed?

Than apologize to that impostor?

I'd rather be shot.

Come on, ladies!

Pick it up! Pick it up!

MAN: Get up there!

Do you love it?!

GROUP: Hoo-rah!

Do you love it?!

Hoo-rah!

Come on now!

You could do time in Leavenworth, Rivers.

I've been in worse places.

Look, you punched the wrong guy.

Bill Layton served honorably and was decorated.

He was never a SEAL and he never earned this trident.

You haven't earned the right to be judge, jury and vigilante.

Come on, Commander.

This is not about a guy in a bar

who claims to have played linebacker for Penn State.

Some of these people are dangerous.

Look...

He was never a SEAL,

but he's got a gun.

He's a hired killer.

So report him to the police.

Let them put him on trial.

There's a legal system, remember?

Yeah, I remember.

It's the one that wants me court-martialed.

Come on, ladies, pick it up!

Pick it up!

MacKENZIE: I can't imagine JAG without you.

I'd miss you, sir.

We'd all miss you, Admiral.

Well, I sure the hell would miss all of you,

and the Navy, but, um,

I don't think I can pass up the opportunity

to sit on a federal bench.

A chance to strike the balance between the power of government

and an individual.

Then you've decided to go forward, sir?

I told Senator Barrington to start background checks,

but I reserved the right to reverse myself.

Have a seat.

Well, if I may say so, sir,

I think you'd make an excellent federal judge.

Would I?

Well, yes, sir.

You know the law, you're fair,

you're honest.

But?

Sir, nobody questions that you'd be good for this job,

but would this job be good for you?

Go on.

You're a Navy SEAL.

You're a man of action.

Judges-- they sit on their sixes,

and most lawyers come from deep-carpet law firms,

and you...

From a deep-carpet jungle?

[intercom buzzing]

Yes, Tiner?

Commander Rabb on one, sir.

Commander.

Admiral, I've talked with Lieutenant Rivers.

Uh-huh.

Sir, it doesn't look good.

Well, at least the two of you didn't get in a slugfest.

Stay close to your quarters. You're getting company.

Aye, sir.

Colonel, how do you feel about prosecuting Lieutenant Rivers?

If it's your order, it doesn't matter how I feel, sir,

but it's hardly just.

"This is a court of law not of justice."

Oliver Wendell Holmes.

Wasn't he also in the military before becoming a judge?

Captain of the Harvard regiment during the Civil War.

Took a bullet through the neck at Antietam.

He was over 60

when Teddy Roosevelt appointed him

to the Supreme Court.

Sir, if Mr. Layton determined

that no wrong had been done to him...

Well, it would be up to Lieutenant Rivers'

commanding officer

to initiate proceedings,

but as a Medal of Honor recipient,

he might get some slack.

You think you could buy me 24 hours

to reason with Mr. Layton, sir?

[phone ringing]

WOMAN: Campaign headquarters.

Two men with distinguished military records--

it would be a shame

if this couldn't be worked out.

Oh, hell, I mean, even a Medal of Honor winner

can make a mistake.

What do you think, Angela?

We've gotten bad press, Bill.

We can't just walk away from it.

The polls show a 12% bump on your unfavorables.

The best scenario according the focus groups

is to convict Rivers.

72% say

that would clear your name.

This is a political decision?

Isn't everything?

Okay, here's an offer.

Bill won't prosecute Rivers in state court

if the Navy court-martials him.

LAYTON: If Lieutenant Rivers is convicted,

I could call a press conference and publicly forgive him.

A magnanimous gesture from one warrior to another?

Mm-hmm.

The voters will eat it up.

Unfortunately, the Navy won't.

Lieutenant Rivers' career would be ruined.

ANGELA: In which case, Bill holds a second press conference

deploring the Navy's lack of compassion.

Compassion is in this year.

Really? I thought it was cynicism.

If you press the case,

a good defense lawyer will turn the spotlight on you.

I have nothing to hide, Colonel.

MEN: Hoo-rah!

MAN: Hustle up, hustle up!

Let's go, go, go!

Get those boats up here!

Commander.

Don't tell me--

charges and specifications have been drawn up.

Colonel MacKenzie will prosecute.

If you're looking for defense counsel,

-I'm available. -I'll defend myself.

That's not wise, Lieutenant.

If you want to assist me with the legal mumbo jumbo,

I wouldn't kick you out of court.

Sit second chair to you?

Couldn't lose, Commander.

I have a fool as a client

and a washed-up pilot as co-counsel.

I'm not worried about this.

My bigger concern is this gun for hire.

-Rivers... -Look, we did some research, Commander.

The guy's name is Earl Ticktin.

He washed out of the Navy after basic training.

Now he's got three confirmed kills.

That makes him a problem for the police, not for you.

Correct. Not for me, Commander.

For you.

I just hired him to kill you.

A hit man? You hired a hit man to kill me?

All right, Rivers, the joke is over. Un-hire him.

You're not scared, are you, Commander?

I never met a pilot with the guts for close combat.

How close you want to get?

Ooh... very good, but save it for Ticktin.

You're going to need it. You're going to make appetizing bait,

and we'll be waiting for him.

I'm not playing this game with you, Rivers.

This is a police matter.

Look, Commander, you report this,

I'll get stripped of my rank, my pension

and probably wind up in prison.

You think I care?

[chuckles]

You can't help yourself.

This is how it's coming down.

I contacted Ticktin by e-mail

through an anonymous server in Europe.

You're dead; I'll send $10,000 cash to a mail drop in Mexico.

$10,000 on credit?

Should I be offended?

It's a bargain rate.

I think he has a thing about Navy officers.

[music playing, pool balls clacking]

Hey, Rivers.

[indistinct chatter]

[grunts]

Vic, Pops has got you right where he wants you.

You're crazy, Lieutenant.

I got him this time.

50 bucks on Pops.

You're on.

[grunting]

[grunts]

[panting]

How did you do that?

Brain power.

That our boy?

Yeah, Commander Rabb--

Pops Munchak... Vic Velasco.

They're the real deal.

They'll cover your six.

This is your team?

MUNCHAK: That's us.

Buy you a drink?

No, thank you.

VELASCO: Take it easy, Commander.

A phony SEAL ever set foot in here,

we'd spear his skull with a cue stick

and use his eyeballs for cocktail olives.

You got to forgive Velasco.

He's got a steel plate in his head.

It's not a plate, it's screws-- four metal screws.

And they're all loose.

-Well, at least I got an excuse. -Excuse for what?

-Forgetfulness, Grandpa. -Relax, Commander.

I trust Pop and Vic with my life.

Well, I'd trust them with yourlife, too.

[sighs]

MUNCHAK: So, what do you say, Commander?

Going to help us?

I don't have much choice, do I?

I never believed in the draft.

So, if you want out...

RIVERS: Your call, Commander.

I'll cancel the hit if you want me to,

but I think you ought to look at something first.

The young guy-- got in an argument with Ticktin in a bar.

Ticktin came back with a gun

and blew him away in a parking lot.

Other two--

contract killings, both with homemade bombs.

One for insurance money and the other...

for revenge over a business deal gone bad.

Now, two women lost their husbands.

Five children lost their fathers.

Why haven't you gone to the FBI with this?

FBI has it.

They were following a lead in Mexico

that turned out to be a dead end,

and in the last murder, there was a possible sighting

in the mountains near Ocotillo Wells.

That trail went cold, also.

MacKENZIE: Let me tell you what this case is not about.

It's not about William Layton's military record, and it's not

about Lieutenant Rivers' medals, honors or motives.

[whispers]: Why not?

'Cause then she'd lose.

This case isabout the undisputed fact

that Lieutenant Curtis Rivers

entered a private fund-raiser and assaulted William Layton

in violation of Article 128.

This breach of discipline

cannot be tolerated in the military

or anysociety where respect for the law is paramount.

Thank you.

Your Honor, Lieutenant Rivers would like

to deliver his own opening statement.

Very well.

Proceed, Lieutenant.

I'm a Navy SEAL...

a direct descendant of the Scout and Raider units

that invaded North Africa in 1942.

I'm a child of the underwater demolition teams

that stormed the beaches of Normandy.

I humbly follow those who clear the way

for landings on Pacific Islands

whose names are synonymous with words like courage...

honor...

country...

and death.

My predecessors spilled their blood

in the snow of Korea and the rice paddies of Vietnam.

No Navy SEAL has ever surrendered

or left behind a dead or wounded comrade.

Now, this bravery and selflessness,

it represents an ideal

as embodied by this uniform and insignia,

and to me, this uniform's not just made of... cloth

the insignia not just made of metal-- oh, no.

They represent the flesh and blood

of all those who came before.

-They represent... -MacKENZIE: Objection.

Your Honor, this is a court-martial,

not a history lesson.

Counsel-- and that seems to include the defendant--

please approach.

Lieutenant Rivers,

do you think Commander Rabb

could perform the duties of a Navy SEAL?

Maybe on weekends, ma'am.

Then what makes you think

you could do the job of a trial lawyer?

Because I know the truth.

The truth?

[chuckles]

Obviously, Lieutenant, you haven't been to law school.

Opening statements should summarize

the evidence you intend to submit.

The issue here is an alleged assault consummated by battery,

not the history of the Navy SEALs,

no matter how illustrious.

The objection is sustained.

ROBERTS: Yeah, this one always seems to come up, sir.

"Have you ever failed to pay social security

for a maid or a housekeeper?"

Maid?

I wash my own clothes; clean my own quarters.

Yes, sir.

You know, sir, I'm not sure

that Ishould be asking you these questions.

Judiciary committee will, Lieutenant.

So fire away.

Aye, aye, sir.

"Have you ever smoked marijuana?"

No.

What, are they going to ask for a urine sample?

Uh... probably not duringthe hearing, sir.

Finally, they want to know

if there's anything in your background

that may reflect on your fitness to sit on the federal bench.

I've killed men under the rules of war...

something I got to live with every day.

It's made me appreciate the value of human life...

and the laws that guide it.

That's an excellent line, sir.

Not a line, Lieutenant.

[phone ringing]

Colonel MacKenzie.

BRUMBY: It's me.

Mic.

Do you miss me, love?

You know I do, Mic.

So, when are we going to see each other again?

Tonight, in my dreams.

I'm in San Diego. I'm trying a court-martial.

You're joking.

Oh, beauty, it's only a hop, skip and jump from Sydney.

I'll tell you what.

I'll meet you halfway, in Hawaii

or Bikini Atoll in the Marshalls.

Set off our own nuclear explosions.

Right... I'll just walk out on the trial,

let Harm get a dismissal.

Ah... Harm's with you, is he?

Harm's againstme.

You're with me.

Remember, I love you, Sarah.

Me, too, Mic.

Maybe we should go over your defense while I'm still alive.

I already plotted it out, Commander.

Oh, you want to tell me about it now

or after you're convicted?

Isn't it a crime to wear a military insignia

that you haven't earned?

It's a misdemeanor, under 17 U.S. code 702.

Well, I went to Layton's reception

to make a citizen's arrest.

That's not going to work.

You didn't try to arrest him.

You repossessed his trident by force

and then punched him.

Look, I hit him after he took a swing at me first.

That's self-defense.

So, you feel you were in danger of imminent bodily harm?

From that windbag?

Yeah, that's what I thought.

[two gunshot]

Oh, ooh, Tango at 1:00!

[cocking chamber]

Clear.

[panting]

Sorry.

I must've lost a step.

It's all right. We'll get him next time.

[ironic chuckle]

Next time...

This guy loads his own shells.

Cases are 7.62 millimeter.

No manufacturer's stamp, soft dent primers.

Uses hollow points, too.

Which would have made sausage out of anybody they hit.

Man takes pride in his work.

Commander, that possible sighting of Ticktin up in the mountains?

-What about it? -It was a guy on a bike-- a white and blue motorcycle.

What are we waiting for?

MAN: We had a report that someone on a motorcycle

was exploding homemade bombs and shooting transformers

off power poles.

I didn't think much of it.

Then the FBI comes up here,

tells us a contract killer

just blew someone away in his driveway.

The guy's business partner confesses to hiring him.

Supposedly, the money drop was near here,

in the Vallecito Mountains.

-You check it out? -Sure.

But there's a lot of territory to cover.

We came up empty.

Could we take a look at your files?

It's an open investigation so I'm not supposed to,

but what the hell?

We do pretty good on drunk and disorderlies,

but we don't get too many homicide investigations.

Maybe you two have some ideas

especially since this guy is an ex-SEAL.

He wasn't a SEAL.

"Last possible sighting: Mexicali, Mexico."

Some gringo was setting off explosives in the hills.

We asked the Mexican authorities to look around.

If you ask me, I think the next time

we hear from this guy is when there's another body to bag.

You have no idea why someone tried to kill you?

Just a random jog-by shooting, I guess.

Harm, no pilot's bravado.

What's going on?

Maybe Rivers was the target.

He's the guy who goes around hitting people.

What aren't you telling me?

My trial strategy?

No, I already know that.

The law's against you.

The facts are against you.

You're going to try to smear the prosecution witness.

I hope you're not involved

in one of Curtis Rivers' crazy schemes.

You know me better than that, Mac. Come on.

LAYTON: I just did my duty to the best of my ability

without ever asking for a thank you or a medal.

As for Lieutenant Rivers, well, you know,

he's a comrade in arms.

I feel only compassion for him.

Compassion is big this year.

Huh, well, let's hope the members think so.

That'll... that'll be all for now, ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you very much.

ANGELA: Thank you.

-Good morning, Colonel. -Good morning.

Any last-minute advice?

We'll keep it simple.

I'll ask if you invited

Lieutenant Rivers to your party,

and then have you describe how he assaulted you.

Oh, hell, Colonel, it was just a shoving match

between a couple of guys who've seen a lot worse.

I'll describe it, but I'm not going to whine about it.

That's the right note, Bill--

proud but humble.

Ms. Ritter, I hope you don't plan

on using hand signals or semaphores during the testimony.

Whose side are you on, anyway?

Nobody's side.

I represent the United States of America.

MacKENZIE: Your Honor, before the members come in,

we have a motion in limine.

Let's hear it.

The government asks that the defense be precluded

from inquiring into Mr. Layton's military record

as it's irrelevant to the charges.

Your Honor, Lieutenant Rivers acted out of sense of duty

by confronting a man he believed claimed military honors

he hadn't earned.

JUDGE: The issues are whether

Lieutenant Rivers trespassed and committed an assault.

It's irrelevant if Mr. Layton claimed

to be General Schwarzkopf or the Queen of England.

Motion granted.

It was a fund-raiser for my campaign for the U.S. Senate.

Lieutenant Rivers crashed the party

insulted me, and then assaulted me.

Please tell us what happened.

He grabbed my by the lapel,

and tore off my trident pin.

My lawyer told me that that's an assault

and I was justified in defending myself.

Move to strike, Your Honor.

Granted.

The members shall rely on the court's

recitation of the law, not Mr. Layton's

nor his lawyer's.

What happened after

Lieutenant Rivers tore off your trident?

Oh, we danced back and forth a little bit.

I'm afraid I'm not as graceful as I used to be.

Did the defendant strike you?

Oh, yes, ma'am, he sure did.

And what injuries, if any, did you suffer?

Nothing that would earn a Purple Heart,

but just a little strained neck, that's all.

Thank you. Nothing further.

JUDGE: Who's doing the honors?

BOTH: I am, Your Honor.

Seldom has justice had so many eager advocates.

[whispering inaudibly]

Your Honor, there are different kinds of beaches to storm.

This one's Commander Rabb's.

Wise choice, Lieutenant.

Who threw the first punch, Mr. Layton?

I did, in self-defense.

Did Lieutenant Rivers make any move to strike you

before you swung at him?

Look, in front of my wife, my friends and my supporters,

he called me an impostor and a coward.

He said my life was a lie.

So you took a swing at him?

I did what any man would have done.

But don't get me wrong, Commander.

I respect Lieutenant Rivers.

Hell, I'd liked to have had six just like him

in my platoon when we went in-country,

but he was way out of line here.

So you served in Vietnam, Mr. Layton.

Objection. Your Honor prohibited

this line of inquiry on the motion in limine.

Mr. Layton opened the door, ma'am,

when he volunteered information about serving in-country.

It goes to credibility.

The door is indeed open,

and the horse has departed the barn.

Objection overruled.

Did you serve in Vietnam, Mr. Layton?

Yes, I did,

and I'm as proud of my record as Lieutenant Rivers is of his.

I just didn't go around

tooting my own horn about it.

Too many men, a lot braver than me, died over there

without anyone pinning a cross on their chest.

Were you a Navy SEAL?

I didn't go through training at Coronado or Little Creek.

I earned my trident in the field, Commander,

when we rescued three Navy pilots

from a North Vietnamese POW camp.

Mr. Layton, only one American was ever rescued from captivity

during the entire Vietnam War.

He was Army Special Forces.

Officially, that's correct.

You see, Commander, the Pentagon didn't crow

about our mission for fear that Ho Chi Minh would retaliate

against other POWs.

So who can corroborate this story, Mr. Layton?

No one.

The rest of Foxtrot Platoon disappeared in Cambodia,

never heard from again.

You're the sole survivor?

Actually, I was on a solo recon down near Nha Trang at the time.

I never made the mission.

I felt guilty about that ever since.

So there's not a single person in any branch of the military

or office of the government who can corroborate this story?

Surely, Commander, you are aware

of the nature of black ops?

Even if my CO sere still around,

he would deny ever knowing me.

In other words, Mr. Layton, you can't prove any of this.

I'm not on trial here, Commander.

I haven't tried to prove anything.

And you've succeeded, Mr. Layton.

Objection. Counsel is arguing with the witness and commenting

on the evidence.

Commander, please refrain

from editorial comments.

I'm sorry, Your Honor.

And we've heard enough

about Mr. Layton's military prowess.

Do you have any further questions, Commander?

Not as this time, ma'am.

Then the witness may step down.

Noting the hour, we'll recess for the day.

I have sentencing hearings tomorrow morning,

so we'll reconvene at 1330.

BARRINGTON: Everything's right on track on your nomination, A.J.

But it's just like your SEAL training:

when they start using live ammo,

keep your butt down.

[both chuckle]

Always good advice, Henry.

Oh, I am looking

forward to your confirmation.

You know, it's going to be refreshing

to have a federal judge who doesn't get all weak-kneed

every time a warrantless search

or a pretrial detention comes up.

Actually, I'm a firm believer

in the Fourth and Eighth Amendment, sir.

Well, yes.

Yes, we all believe in the Bill of Rights.

By the way, A.J., how's that trial coming

of Bill Layton out in California?

Lieutenant Rivers is the one that's on trial.

That's not the way I've been hearing it.

Did I ever mention that Bill Layton is a friend of mine,

and a very bright light in my party?

From the sound of it, your man is giving him

a very, very tough time in cross-examination.

Well, if he didn't,

he'd be derelict in his duty, sir.

There are different kinds of duties, Admiral.

A federal judge should recognize that.

MUNCHAK: We've got a fresh load of documents in the office.

We'll wade through them until it's time for court.

I have enough to keep me busy back in my quarters.

Look, Commander, this afternoon,

why don't you let me take a shot at Layton?

You already had your shot at Layton.

I'll see you in court. Don't be late.

[over phone]: Rabb.

CARSON: Commander,

it's Carson up in Ocotillo Wells.

We think we found Ticktin's cabin.

FBI forensics will be up here tomorrow.

You want to have an advance look at it?

I got to be in court at 1330.

You got time if you hit the road right now.

I'm on my way.

Here's a guy who served with Layton

in public affairs.

You give me the info, I'll call him.

I'm getting copies of all orders

awarding Navy Crosses during Vietnam.

Why don't you just check

and see if Layton's Cross is really classified?

[beeps]

Incoming.

It's Ticktin.

"Still on the job, just wanted you to know."

He's still out there.

Let's see.

"Good.

When can I expect results?"

Sorry, traffic was insane.

I hope I'm not too late.

No, Commander, you're right on time.

CARSON: You just caught me, Commander.

A neighbor spotted Ticktin at the cabin.

FBI is on the way up there.

So is the Highway Patrol SWAT team.

I'm heading up to maintain surveillance till they get there.

You want to come along?

Yeah, if you can give me 30 seconds

and let me use your phone.

It's right there.

What do you mean unavoidably detained?

Are you in some kind of trouble?

RABB: Just cover for me, Mac.

Stipulate with Rivers to recess, apologize to Judge Helfman.

I'll see you tomorrow at 0900.

The judge won't be happy.

If this goes well, she'll understand.

If what goes well?

I got to go.

Need a weapon, Commander?

I got one in the car.

Good. You may need it.

HELFMAN: Next time, Colonel,

please tell Commander Rabb to show up

to make his own motion.

-Yes, ma'am. -But if you have no objection,

we'll continue in recess till 0900 tomorrow.

Your Honor, I object.

You object to your own lawyer's motion?

Well, he didn't consult with me,

and, um, I'm ready to continue on

with the cross-examination of Mr. Layton.

MacKENZIE: Your Honor, I'm sure Lieutenant Rivers will be enthusiastic,

but the prosecution suggests that we do not continue until he's adequately represented.

Your Honor, I can do this

if you just give me the opportunity.

The lieutenant has the right to represent himself.

Proceed.

RIVERS: Mr. Layton, yesterday you testified

that you took a swing at me. Is that correct?

I defended myself after you tore off my trident pin.

-Then you hit me. -Your Honor, could you ask the witness

to stop making speeches?

You asked him to repeat testimony

that's unfavorable to your case,

and you got what you asked for.

Okay. You also testified yesterday that you were a Navy SEAL.

For the black ops, yes.

But you can't produce one shred of evidence

that supports your claim that you were even in combat.

How about my Navy Cross?

Could I have a moment, please, Your Honor?

A moment it is.

Cabin has a view of the road.

We'll hike in from here.

You're going to need this radio.

How long till the FBI gets here?

Not long.

Let's head in.

Mr. Layton, let's talk about your Navy Cross.

Why don't you tell us how you earned it?

Riverine operations on the Mekong Delta.

Would you tell us about it?

Well, um... under heavy fire,

I was able to capture a North Vietnamese major

on an ambush and abduction mission.

I was down on the Rach Moui Creek.

Later, under my interrogation,

he revealed the whereabouts of secret stockpiles of weapons.

But weren't you

in the public affairs office in Saigon

during your tour of duty in-country?

Until I transferred to a combat unit.

So, why don't you tell us

what your duties were in the public affairs office

before you became the Rambo

of Rach Moui Creek?

Mostly I wrote newspaper releases

for hometown papers.

Detailing the exploits of others who where awarded decorations.

Sometimes.

And day after day,

week after week,

citations would go across your desk

describing true stories of heroism.

Isn't that true?

Yes.

Must have been pretty tough for you.

You know, being deluged with the gallantry of others

while you just pecked away at your typewriter.

It was all right.

I got my turn.

Is this one of the press releases you wrote?

Objection. Irrelevant.

Lieutenant...

I'm giving you some latitude,

but tie this up and move on.

Yes, ma'am.

Overruled... for now.

Well, it looks like it could be one of mine.

Why don't you read it for the members, please.

It's just a report about some Petty Officer Miguel Mora

from Key Biscayne, Florida, who won the Navy Cross.

Read on.

"For extraordinary heroism and valor

at the risk of his own life,

Petty Officer Mora, while under heavy fire...

captured an NVA major on Rach Moui Creek

and obtained information

regarding stockpiles of enemy weapons."

So, that creek must have just been crawling with NVA majors

just waiting to be abducted and interrogated?

'Cause one month later,

just one month after you reported

Petty Officer Mora's medal,

an identical citation awarded you

the exact same medal for the exact same conduct.

Isn't that true?

Those things happen.

Who was your commanding officer?

Name one other man on that mission.

It was black ops; I took an oath.

You took an oath when you walked in here.

Who were the other members of your squad?

What did they look like?

Where were they from?

That was a long time ago.

RIVERS: A long time ago?

I will never forget the men I serve with.

Not their faces and not their hometown stories.

They're my brothers.

You forget your brothers there, Mr. Layton?

You're not a Navy SEAL.

You weren't a hero, either, were you, Mr. Layton?

You were and you are just a liar...

a fraud...

and an impostor.

There's the cabin.

RABB: There's his bike.

I'll cover the front of the cabin from down below.

You swing around right and get a view of the rear.

Got it.

Let's move.

CARSON [over radio]: Want to keep going, Commander?

I got you covered.

I hope you're a good shot.

The best.

Load my own shells-- hollow point.

Insert the primers myself.

7.62 millimeter?

Yup.

Soft dent primers

for an easier trigger pull and a steadier sight picture.

You just keep going, Commander.

Commander... can you read me?

[explosion]

[chuckling]

What? You think you and Rivers can trap me

'cause you got a bunch of medals?

'Cause you're officers?

Medals won't do you any good now.

Fire in the hole, flyboy.

[gunshot]

RABB [over radio]: Not even close, Ticktin.

[gunshot]

It's different when someone's shooting at you, isn't it?

Drop the weapon, Ticktin.

Drop it!

[cries out]

[groans]

Well, you were right about one thing, Ticktin.

Medals don't make the man.

HELFMAN: The defendant shall rise.

You may publish your findings.

[door opens]

Ah... Commander Rabb, thank you for gracing us

with your presence.

Perhaps you could stand alongside your client.

Yes, ma'am.

You may continue.

"Lieutenant Rivers, on the specifications of trespassing

and conduct unbecoming an officer,

this court-martial finds you not guilty.

"On the specification of assault consummated by battery,

this court-martial finds you guilty

and sentences you to forfeiture of one day's pay."

This court-martial is closed.

[bangs gavel]

Thank you.

Congratulations, Lieutenant.

BARRINGTON: This morning, when Bill Layton withdrew from the senate race,

some of my colleagues suggested that I cut you adrift, Admiral,

but I said, no, I know that in time

you will learn to be a team player.

And what team would that be, Senator?

Oh, Admiral, all I'm saying is that when you are a sworn judge,

it would be helpful if you would remember who got you that appointment.

In my copy of the constitution,

I seem to recall something about the separation of powers.

Oh, Admiral, sometimes it is necessary

to distinguish between the platitudes of civic lessons

and cold, hard realities.

And if I disagree?

Well, then, you'd be making a big mistake, A.J.

No, sir.

The mistake was yours.

Hmm. Hmm.

[door opens]

[sighs]

[door closes]

[phones ringing, indistinct conversations]

Welcome back, Colonel, Commander.

-Thank you, sir. -I heard the news, Admiral.

Congratulations, sir. I'll miss you.

Why? Are you leaving us again?

[closing theme music playing]