Original subtitles

It's gonna be a girl.

Got a real special name picked out, too.

Mary. See, the way I figure it, everybody's naming girls Heather and

Madonna these days. By the time she grows up, Mary's gonna be a real unusual

name. I just hope I get home before Annie gives birth.

Do you think you could step out of the maternity ward long enough to figure why

we haven't hit an El Wadi oasis?

He said El Wadi's up here about 10 miles.

Hell, we've only gone, uh, about 15.

Dave? The Iraqi border is only a couple of miles north of El Wadi. Hey, John,

that looks like one of ours.

Iraqi!

Anyone in the street? Over! Anyone in the street? John,

stay on the radio!

Nobody's answering!

Saddam Hussein announced today that the body of Marine Corporal John Edner,

killed four days ago when he crossed into Iraq near the Kuwaiti border, will

turned over to the International Red Cross.

However, Marine Corporal David Anderson, who was captured in the same incident,

is to be charged with espionage.

Saddam Hussein then surprised reporters by announcing that American military

lawyers will be allowed to defend Corporal Anderson.

At the moment, it is not known whether or not the White House will accept the

Iraqi proposal.

From Baghdad, this is Chuck DeCaro on Special Assignment.

Lieutenant, you just shot Corporal Anderson.

I didn't think he'd be in the corridor.

He probably won't be. But if he is and you do what you just did, he goes home

a box.

I know it's no excuse, but just triggering one round at a time is making

little jumpy. You want a room, bro, huh?

That's not the way we teach close quarters combat, Lieutenant.

First you get good with one bullet.

Then you get to shoot a lot of them.

Mind if I give it another try?

You got it.

One more time.

Actually, the Iraqi Constitution guarantees many of the same rights as

That doesn't track with the cases I've been reading, sir.

Probably because in reality, whatever Lola wants, Lola gets.

Lola, meaning Saddam Hussein.

Oh, of course, sir.

Did the Iraqis respond with our request for more reference books?

Oh, yeah.

They sent a stack of material.

Unfortunately, it's all in Arabic.

Many of the terms have no precise English cognitives, so by the time we

translate... The trial will be over.

I'm afraid so.

Keep a lawyer trick if I ever heard one.

Isn't it?

You and Lieutenant Rabb will be appearing in a special security court,

essentially a military tribunal.

It'll complicate matters, but I think... Should we wait for Lieutenant Rabb?

He's missed a lot of these sessions.

The lieutenant's being briefed on matters of protocol.

Protocol? Yes.

Diplomatic niceties need to be observed since we have no ambassador in Baghdad.

You and Lieutenant Rabb will be doing double duty, so to speak. We don't want

any social gaffes to appear in the legal arena.

I understand that, sir. It's just that with Corporal Anderson's life at stake,

it seems...

Did you learn which fork to use yet, sir?

Actually, I've managed to do a little research. Thought this might be useful.

I've read it.

Oh. Frankly, I think that the best book is this manual on Iraqi military

procedures. Strictly speaking, it's not a legal book, but the fourth chapter

shows their approach to evidentiary questions.

Well, it sounds interesting, but I've, uh... I just stopped in to deliver the

book. I've got to get back.

Iraqi utensils are trickier than you'd think. Your diplomatic briefing's no

laughing matter, Lieutenant.

No, sir.

Maybe I'd better join you for a while.

Lieutenant Austin seems to have everything under control here.

Carry on, Lieutenant.

Corporal Anderson is being held at Al Matzahal, near Basra.

It's one of the most secure prisons in Iraq.

Its original foundations, where most of the prisoners are kept, date back to the

Middle Ages.

It's a warren nest of cells and corridors. In fact, al -Masahal is

the maze.

A maze our satellite infrared enhancement seems to have penetrated.

Yes, sir. Now if you could just tell us which one of those cells Corporal

Anderson is in. How many are there? About 300.

Which is why you're going to have to pass him this transponder when you

interview him.

After they convict him, all you have to do is contact us on the satellite

uplink. We'll do the rest.

Lieutenant, you don't have much confidence in our defense.

Do you, sir? No.

I just don't like being counted out before we enter the courtroom.

Sorry, sir. I can smuggle this into Iraq, but not an uplink.

It's already there.

An undercover agent codenamed Scimitar will give you it and our escape route.

Who's Scimitar?

We don't know, but since Scimitar is an Arab sword, we think he's someone in the

Iraqi military.

And he's going to help us. We assume he's anti -Saddam. In any case, his

been reliable when he chooses to provide it. Now, Scimitar may contact you

directly. Use intermediaries. He may even wait for you to contact him.

Now, how do I do that if I don't know who he is?

You're going to have to play it by ear, and I hope you're good.

Because once we go in, the only way out is through him.

Sir, this is another reason why we can't continue to keep Lieutenant Austin in

the dark.

We've been over this a dozen times, Lieutenant.

Mission planners feel the fewer people that know the true nature of the

operation, the better. We're asking Lieutenant Austin to take risks she

even aware of, sir. Would she take them if she knew?

Without a doubt. Then what's the problem?

I don't like holding out on my partner.

She can see I'm not prepping for court, sir, and she's starting to wonder why.

Give her a why.

Commander. Lieutenant.

I'd like to level with her, too, but we can't.

Now, that's final.

Yes, sir.

Our defense?

The bribe.

Even with chili peppers and chorizo?

Where did you find a Texas pizza?

Well, I got the pizza at Tony's. I got the toppings at Los Amigos. I put them

together and zapped them in the microwave.

It's an apology for ducking out on our cram session.

You don't think we stand a chance, do you?

Hey, there's always a chance, Meg.

Having us defend may be just a propaganda move, but it's double -edged.

score some points they don't expect.

Why haven't you been hitting the books?

Well, it's partly because of this protocol business, but it's mostly

you're to be lead counsel.

Me? Yeah, it was PSYOP's idea. The Iraqis aren't used to women in positions

authority. We throw them a curveball by having you lead the defense.

Hoping that they'll underestimate me.

You know, if I could find a weak spot or two, we might at least get a lighter

sentence. Exactly.

What is that?

It's an anchovy.

It's only on my half.

Kenneth Robin Austin?

I'm sorry to disturb you. I'm Laurie Anderson.

My husband is Corporal David Anderson.

Please, come in.

Have a seat.

Thanks.

The building's so big, it took me a while to find you.

I hope you don't mind.

No, no, of course not.

They'll let you see him, won't they, when you get to Iraq?

They'll have to, ma 'am, if we're going to defend him.

Will you give him these?

One from me and one from Mary.

That's what we're going to name her.

That's a beautiful name.

I think so, too.

Every time Dave sends me a letter...

He sent Mary one, too.

I thought a letter from her might make him smile.

Will he forget?

Just bring him home.

Please?

We know you were spying.

All we want to know is the nature of your mission.

Look, I already told you boys, I wasn't on any mission.

Don't you want to go home?

Hell yes, not by confessing to something I didn't do.

Look, we weren't spying, all right?

We were looking for the oasis at El Wadi. We just got lost. That's all there

to it.

I'll make your choice even simpler, Corporal.

You can go home on a first -class seat.

Or the same box as Corporal Edmonds.

Hmm?

Which will it be?

I'm not a spy.

Tobacco.

Don't deceive yourself, Corporal.

Sooner or later, there will be a bullet in the chain.

The two Navy lawyers assigned to defend U .S. Marine Corporal David Anderson on

charges of espionage arrived in Baghdad today and were immediately rushed into a

private meeting with Saddam Hussein.

Iraqi television reported that while Hussein expressed regrets over the death

Marine Corporal John Edner, he had no choice but to prosecute Marine Corporal

David Anderson for espionage. Eighteen hours of flying and he calls you

into a meeting.

Shrewd. How's that, sir?

Are you at your best after 18 hours on an airplane, Lieutenant?

Usually. I sleep on airplanes.

There it is. As they left the airport, they passed within sight of the prison

where the trial will begin tomorrow.

Their destination today, however, is Al -Baran, Saddam's highly secure personal

compound in Basra, where the two attorneys will stay for the duration of

trial. This is Chuck DiCaro on special assignment.

Lieutenant Raab, Lieutenant Horton, welcome to Iraq.

Colonel Ahmed Al -Bardan, at your service.

I will see that you have full access to Iraqi legal expertise, Lieutenant Rob.

You will find our justice system different from yours, but just as fair.

And Lieutenant Austin, this is Lieutenant Dumai. She will see to your

needs. And Colonel, since I'm lead counsel on this case, I'll be the one

access to legal expertise.

Are you not the senior officer?

Yes, but Lieutenant Austin is the expert on Iraqi law.

I look forward to acquainting you with our laws.

Now, if I may show you two rooms.

Actually, Colonel, we'd like to visit with Corporal Anderson first.

That is impossible.

You said your system was fair. Surely a client has the right to see his

attorney.

Security passes have to be obtained first.

Well, that shouldn't be a problem since you're Chief of Security.

Permission from a higher authority will be required.

Then I suggest you obtain it, Colonel.

Perhaps it would be wise if you did not go to the trouble of unpacking your

bags.

This way, please.

I didn't realize women served in the Iraqi military.

Would you put that on the bed, please?

I'm sorry, perhaps you don't speak English.

I speak English very good.

Then you must not have heard me.

Please put my bag on the bed.

Thank you.

Colonel Barzan, now Corporal Yusuf, do you respect no man?

Respect, yes.

Fear, no.

It is not fear to behave properly.

What about his behavior? He's a man.

That doesn't give him the right to ignore me. You judge things that you

nothing about, that is stupid and dangerous.

I spoke wrongly.

I ask your forgiveness.

No, I'm the one who should apologize.

I've offended you, and that was the last thing I wanted to do.

Should we start again?

I didn't know women served in the Iraqi military.

Do you require anything further, Lieutenant Austin?

No, nothing.

My room is at the end of the hall if you change your mind.

Sorry. No, no, no. Come in.

I was just getting ready to check out the shower.

First thing I learned in a foreign country is check the hot water.

Come on.

This whole place has to be fun.

I'm not off to a very good start.

I have vendors in town each night.

I would have thought that impossible.

Yeah, for you, you're a man.

I asked Corporal to put my bag on the back of you, too.

And this is it.

You should have taken that phone call, Corp. Me? What about you? You

feed on Colonel Parzan's guilt.

Seeing Corporal Anderson before the trial is non -negotiable.

Even if he sends us packing?

They won't. The Iraqis would lose too much face if they sent us home now.

They'll hold.

I wouldn't bet on it.

Yes? Colonel Tartan has a car waiting to take you to Almataca.

He signs your pass personally.

And Lieutenant Austin?

Women or not, they're needed to visit Almataca.

I'll be right there.

The hell you are, girl.

They capture you too, sir?

I mean, lawyer. They didn't tell you?

All they do is ask me questions.

I wish to speak with my client alone.

How are they treating you?

Oh, I can't complain.

There are two of us here to defend you, so don't speak to anyone without us

present. It'll all be over in a few days.

Sir, you think you can get me out of here?

Your time is up, Lieutenant.

The letter from your wife and one from your daughter.

No unauthorized communications to prisoners.

The letter's from his family.

I'll decide that, Lieutenant.

Semper fi, Marine.

Semper fi, sir.

He was right.

They are from your family.

Would you like to read it?

What were you doing on our side of the border, Corporal?

I already told you we got lost.

Marines in a Humvee do not get lost.

Well, we did.

I swear.

Surely a woman like you has had many chances to be married.

So far, I prefer to concentrate on work.

How can work compare to the caresses of a man you love?

I wasn't comparing them, Colonel. You were.

A woman like you needs a strong hand.

I already have a strong hand. My own.

Wonderful reception. My compliments to you and your staff.

You'll excuse me. I'm sure the two of you have manly things to talk about.

Don't be offended, Lieutenant.

But since we are both men of the world, are you and Lieutenant Austin

professional colleagues only?

It would be against regulations to be otherwise, Colonel.

Some women are worth breaking rules over.

I have a very fine collection of antique dueling weapons.

Swords, ebbes, scimitars.

Scimitars? The jewels of my collection.

Do you think Lieutenant Austin would be interested in such implements of

violence? I don't know, but I am.

You do not fascinate me, Lieutenant Trout.

She does.

Rather blunt, but to the point.

Well, since the two of you are going to be leaving in a day or two, I have to

be. Two days? It'll take longer than that to get through the preliminaries.

Chief Judge is very efficient.

Do you know him?

Intimately.

Court is now in session in the case of the Iraqi people versus Corporal David

Anderson of the United States Marines.

The charges are espionage...

and violating the territorial integrity of the sovereign nation of Iraq.

Major Qasim, are you prepared to call your first witness?

I am, Your Honor. The people of Iraq call Sergeant Ibrahim Talfaq.

Sergeant Talfaq!

You were in command of the Border Patrol squad that captured Corporal Anderson,

were you not? I was, sir.

And how far across the border would you estimate the American vehicle was when

you first saw it? A good two kilometers, sir.

We warned them to turn back, but instead they opened fire.

And you returned fire in self -defense? Exactly.

This made them run, but we caught up with them.

Thank you, Sergeant.

The defense may examine the witness.

Lieutenant Austin, it is not customary for a woman to appear as an advocate in

special services court. I was hoping an exception might be made in this case,

Colonel Barzan.

I'm sorry, Lieutenant.

There will be no exception.

With all due respect, Your Honor. Sit down, Lieutenant.

Sergeant, United States Marines aren't in the habit of running from a fight.

These Marines drove away as fast as they could.

Which across the desert would be what? 50 kilometers an hour?

At least.

Back the way they had come? Yes.

They were very scared.

How long did you chase them?

Five minutes at least.

Let's see, 50 kilometers an hour for five minutes. It's a little more than

kilometers.

But, Sergeant, you testified that they were only two kilometers over the border

in the first place.

So you shot and killed Corporal Edner and captured Corporal Anderson two

kilometers in the Kuwaiti territory.

Colonel Barzan.

I request a recess.

I object, Your Honor. I've just begun to question... Overruled.

The tribunal is in recess until tomorrow morning at 8.

Thanks, that was brilliant.

You're welcome.

Coming? Yeah.

That's your money, huh?

Get over here now!

I thought it was Lieutenant Rav's room.

Obviously, it's not.

Lieutenant Austin, one of my men made a mistake.

Please excuse us.

Colonel, what's all the noise?

This was the female's room.

Well, her room had a dripping faucet. We switched. It doesn't bother me.

Something wrong?

No, just a routine check.

Good night, Lieutenant.

Hey, you're a genius.

All you in the garden. It was the only way I could think of to buy you time.

What the hell's going on?

I was out taking a walk and it's a rocky... Cut the call.

Sir, you were sneaking around out there and you came back carrying something.

What?

Oh, my God. That... Light up, Lincoln.

There's going to be a rescue, isn't there?

As soon as a mole named Scimitar gives me an escape route, I think it's Carl

Barzahn. Oh, that man's a jerk. A jerk or no.

We can't call in the Navy SEALs until we know how we're getting out of here.

What do you mean, we, sir?

Sorry, Meg.

I was under orders not to tell you anything.

Osiris picked you as lead counsel.

Go get him.

I had to tell you something, and you did get me.

It bought us time.

Damn it, Harm, we're partners.

I did exactly what you would have done, partner.

Followed orders.

Yeah, you're right.

It's not your fault. I just wish someone had considered me worthy of being

included.

Sir, Private Cheapron swears the man who hit him was the American lieutenant.

That fool doesn't know what hit him.

It could have been a pig.

He won't get out again.

I'll have two men to watch them at all times, even in the room. That's not

necessary.

If it was the American lieutenant, he won't repeat the mistake.

Besides, an increase in security would bring this embarrassing matter to the

attention of our superiors.

Lieutenant Dumas should have known they switched rooms, sir.

Yes.

I see that she is reprimanded.

Come in.

Your coffee, Lieutenant Austin.

Thank you, Lieutenant Mai.

How did you get that?

An accident.

Cook of last night.

I did not know that you and Lieutenant Rob changed rooms.

It caused great embarrassment.

It was only proper to be disciplined.

You think you're superior to me because men treat you as an equal.

No. I know men don't treat me as an equal.

I just don't accept the behavior of those who don't. It's correct.

There are many things that you do not know, Lieutenant Austin.

I could get you to call me Meg.

It would not be proper.

Tell me, Lieutenant Austin, have you ever heard of Babylon?

Of course.

Everyone's heard of ancient Babylon, with the tower and the hanging gardens.

It's 3 ,000 years old, and we have other cities even older. And how old is

America?

A little over 200 years.

Your country is like a child who has lived nothing, yet thinks it knows

everything.

Let your civilization survive its first thousand years, and perhaps we will

begin to listen.

Even the young have something of value to offer.

But is it not for the old to decide if they want to accept it?

Yes. Then why do you try so hard to push your ways on me?

Because I can't stand seeing anyone deny their human right.

Marine Corporal Anderson enters its second day, temperatures continue to

here in Al -Bazra.

Saddam's supporters began demonstrating outside the court at dawn, and they say

they will not leave until the American spies brought to justice.

Colonel Barzan, the defense would like to continue its cross -examination of

Sergeant Talfa.

Of course. He's completely at your disposal.

Sergeant Talfa?

Sergeant, yesterday you testified you pursued a Marine Humvee across the Iraqi

border into Kuwait. I object.

Sergeant Talfa made no such statement.

Sustained.

Sergeant, you testified the Marine Humvee was two kilometers into Iraq.

It was six kilometers inside our country. Would the court please read

Talpa's testimony yesterday back to him? That will not be necessary. I made a

very foolish mistake, for which I apologize to you and to the court.

Corporal Kabay, who is monitoring our position, informed me last night that we

were at least six kilometers from the Kuwaiti border when we spotted the

American vehicle.

Not a good day.

About as expected.

Coffee?

Why not?

You disappoint me.

I didn't think of you as the man who gives up when faced with a little

adversity. I'm being realistic, Colonel. The verdict is obvious.

I'm afraid so.

Which means I'll be leaving in a few days without having seen your scimitar

collection.

I prefer to show it to Lieutenant Austin.

But I'm his senior officer.

True.

But it's my collection.

Power failure.

Only on the TV.

I'm an officer in the United States Navy. I'll protect myself.

The colonel thinks date rape's an acceptable social practice.

Arm, I've been handling Texas cowboys since I was 15. I'll handle Colonel

Barzon.

It's Corporal Anderson's only chance, and you know it.

I can't let you do it.

I can.

Lieutenant.

Don't give me an order I won't obey, sir.

I understand you've been having problems with yourself, Lieutenant Raab. I think

it's working again.

After the verdict, Corporal Anderson will be returned to his cell for the

The following morning, he will be moved to Baghdad. The rescue will have to be

tomorrow night.

Lieutenant Raab, I am Simitar.

I have no idea what you're talking about, Lieutenant. What do you mean

scimitar?

I left your message in the courtroom directing you to the northwest corner of

the garden where I buried a satellite uplink to call in the Navy SEAL team.

You passed Corporal Anderson a transponder to locate him once the SEALs

here. All you need now is the escape route, which I have.

I thought Colonel Farzan was scimitar. What made you think that?

I kept talking about scimitars, practically winking when he said it.

Iraqi intelligence knows of Scimitar and suspects the rest of them. That's why I

waited to contact you until everything was in place.

You didn't say anything to Dostoyevsky?

How? Lieutenant Austin might. She's with him now and I told her he was Scimitar.

Where are they?

I don't know.

He took her to dinner and to show her his Scimitar collection.

We must move tonight.

Not without Lieutenant Austin.

I'm afraid Lieutenant Austin is lost.

The moon will soon rise over the desert. It is very beautiful.

We have moonlight in desert in Texas, too, Colonel.

I was in Texas many years ago at your Lackland Air Force Base for pilot

training. A vast state.

But your desert pales next to ours.

Ah, dessert.

I think you will find this dessert quite surprising.

I'm afraid I'm full.

This particular dish is not filling.

Thank God it's not something to eat.

I love your courage.

Our women are so weak compared to you.

You know what it is?

Of course.

That'll light up, Link.

Which we found in Lieutenant Robb's room.

Or was it your room? You trade so often, it's hard to keep track.

Well, we know that's all that matters.

No. What matters is what I do about this.

Are you offering a way out of this embarrassment?

Perhaps.

Forgive me, Colonel, but I find it very difficult to believe that you would

overlook this for a moment of intimacy.

Of course not.

Why barter for something I can take?

In exchange for Simitar's identity, you and Lieutenant Raab will be deported

from Iraq in disgrace.

But with your heads intact.

Go to hell.

Christian or Muslim hell.

Whichever will take you.

I promise to show you my Simitar.

This is my favorite.

The Damascus Blade.

Perfectly balanced.

Sharp enough to split a hair.

Strong enough to up off a head.

Hey!

Are you okay?

I am now.

I'm sorry, sir. He insisted that I bring him here.

What did he do, lieutenant? Put a law book to your head?

No, sir.

He said that he would loudly announce in his room that you were someone called

Scimitar. Without the shower running or the music playing.

I'm sure your intelligence people listening in would find that very

I'm the one listening in.

I didn't know.

Lieutenant Dumae, I will see to your stupidity later.

Yes, sir. I'm sorry, sir.

Lieutenant Austin and I were just discussing Scimitar.

I am willing to trade your lives for his name. Go to hell.

The name.

Colonel. What?

There was nothing else to do.

I'm sorry,

you're going to have to escape without your marine.

Not if you can get us weapons.

But I cannot get you into Almataha.

He can.

I thought

of

the book.

Show us a chronic.

You need to find him quickly. It will be daylight soon.

Don't worry.

There's a lot more in my laptop than we can present.

I just hope they didn't find the transponder.

Bingo.

Come on, Harpo, we're going home.

Sir? Unless you'd rather stay.

I'm sorry.

You okay? Yes, sir.

Don't ask me how.

Well, you can thank Colonel Barzan for making his limo bulletproof.

Hit me with your pistol across the head.

No, the guard saw me hold a gun on you at the gate. It is not enough.

Then come with us.

What I did, I did for my country. One day Saddam will pass, but Iraq will

remain, and so will line up. Please, hit me. I can't. Corfo.

You're a brave woman.

So are you, Meg.

Lieutenant.

Go quickly.

That chopper's getting close.

Open the sunroof.

That's right.

That's them.

We're almost at the border.

These guys don't stop at the border.

They'll stop again once.

with John Wayne. John Wayne was being chased by Iraqis? Indians.

Right in the middle of Monument Valley. Bet they didn't have a woman with them.

You'd bet wrong.

They had a woman a lot like you, Claire Trevor.

Yeah, prostitute Duke Belfort.

You comparing me to a prostitute?

Oh, no, ma 'am. I didn't say that.

I did.

And I meant she was spunky like you.

Spunky doesn't cut it, sir. How about pretty?