Original subtitles

White,

A5. White, A5. Wait.

He doesn't have a weapon.

White.

B2.

Why B2?

Confirm. Okay.

That's a hit.

Well done.

Cap? No need to proceed, Corporal. We are relieved.

I, uh, need you to come with us.

What's this about, Captain?

Corporal Marks is being charged with desertion.

Sir, he's standing right in front of you.

Yeah.

Except the charge is being proffered at the U .S. Marine Corps.

I wasn't expecting this.

You look so good.

Daddy!

Hey, come here, little cowboy.

I missed you, buddy.

I went poo -poo in the pot.

Oh, you big boy.

Good job, buddy.

Okay, here you go.

Back to mama.

Come on, cutie.

Sorry about the breaking protocol, sir.

Not a problem.

Mikey. Hey, bud.

How's the academy?

Tough.

You're up to the challenge.

Dad here?

Got tied up.

The doctor on the Guadalcanal is really encouraged by Bud's recovery.

Hey, hey.

Way to go, bud.

Thank you, sir.

She said in time, he should be fully functional.

Which I told them would actually be an improvement over the way I used to be.

What can we do to help, bud?

You being here is enough, man.

Seriously, Lieutenant.

We're available.

Whatever you need.

Right now, it's up to me, sir.

We'll talk when I'm back at my feet.

As you were.

Anyone here believe Lieutenant Robert's circumstances should affect our

attitudes?

No, sir. No, sir.

I agree.

First up, Marine Corporal Peter Mars went UA from the USS San Miguel when it

docked in the port of Haifa.

Five months later, his company commander happened to catch him in the background

of a ZNN report from the West Bank.

was wearing the uniform of an Israeli Army paratrooper.

Charged his desertion, he's been extradited.

Rab, you and McKenzie will defend.

Yes, sir.

The corporal was an expert in hyperspectral imaging.

It's a very uncommon skill set with Israeli defense force, and they want him

back. Turner, you and Singer will prosecute. Turner, you're first chair.

Yes, sir. Understood, sir.

Did the corporal indicate why he deserted in the first place, sir?

Anti -Semitism, sir. From whom, corporal? A member of my platoon,

Corporal Fogle. Did you request massed up the chain of command? All the way to

my field, ma 'am. Did no good.

Then when Corporal Fogle came back at me, I took him on. Got relieved as fire

team leader for my troubles.

At what point did you decide to leave?

About that time, sir. Have a seat.

So you were frustrated.

Persecuted, sir.

You believe that validates desertion?

I guess I looked at it more as changing alliances than deserting, ma 'am.

The problem wasn't going away. I could no longer serve as trained.

Israeli citizens were being murdered in their own neighborhoods.

I put it all together, and I figured if I couldn't be useful to the country of

my birth, I'd join the country of my faith.

You think a panel of Marines would be receptive to that argument?

Well, if they react like you, ma 'am, no.

But I'm willing to accept any kind of discharge as long as I'm allowed to

where I'm wanted.

I love Israel.

Everything about it, the culture, the food, the passion for life.

I just want to go back.

Well, you'll first have to avoid confinement, corporal.

Well, that's where I'm hoping you can be of help, sir.

The corporal who was harassing you, did he ever harm you physically in any way?

He threatened to, sir.

What initiated the hostility?

When he found out I'd converted, ma 'am.

It bothered him that I'd chosen Judaism.

Attention to orders.

For wounds received in combat on May 21, 2002, in Ghazni, Afghanistan,

Lieutenant Bud J. Roberts, U .S. Navy Judge Advocate General, Corps, is

the Purple Heart.

Should I?

I'll take it, sir.

It'll be a reminder of Bud's desire to return to JAG.

Good attitude, brother.

My shrapnel wound is still infected, sir, but as soon as it heals.

Are they expected to take about three weeks, sir?

No need to rush. You've got a lot on your plate, Lieutenant.

Convalescent leave, medical board reviews of those findings.

I understand that, sir.

Bud will overcome that, and we'll make sure of that. It's a family affair, sir.

So you heard from your father?

Not yet, sir.

By the way, sir, in the meantime, I am available for research, consultations,

phone investigations.

Well, I would think you'd want to concentrate on your rehab right now.

Well, I do, but I consider my duties at JAG part of that process, sir.

Well, see?

I am serious, Admiral.

Our only option is the rest.

We need to prove he was escaping intolerable circumstances.

The corporal's desire to be of service to Israel will work against him.

We need a handle, Mac.

He has a compelling story.

Yeah, but can he deliver it?

Not in his current state of mind. The corporal has no idea how much trouble

in. He's still expecting a discharge.

If we don't knock this out of the park, Mac, the members will turn him into a

middle -aged convict.

Do you have an idea?

You first.

We settle.

That was my idea.

Offer six months.

Say yes to one year's confinement.

Have you noticed we're beginning to think a lot alike? That's something,

it?

How do you account for that?

Uh, a rip in the time -space continuum.

Ten years' confinement.

What? Way out of line.

Sir, ma 'am, the sentence for desertion with intent to avoid hazardous duty

during wartime can be life imprisonment or, in extreme circumstances, death.

I didn't avoid hazardous duty, Lieutenant. I sought it out.

In another country's army, Corporal. The time of war argument doesn't apply.

Since the advent of terrorism, plenty of deserters have been administratively

separated with bad paper, but no confinement.

Times are changing.

You're forgetting the Corporal has been awarded a citation for bravery by the

Israeli Defense Force.

He can wear it on his overalls in Leavenworth, sir.

Six months' confinement discharge as a judge.

Goodbye. One year.

Ten. Why the hard line, Commander?

Because. Neither the lieutenant nor I swallow desertion as an answer to

discrimination. There are mitigating factors, Surges. The offer stands.

Our client has suffered day -to -day harassment from a member of his own

platoon, not to mention the consistent threat of bodily harm, all because he's

Jewish. Put yourself in his shoes.

I happen to be in his shoes, Commander.

I'm Jewish myself, and I can't imagine a single scenario that would ever force

me to break my oath of service.

Preliminary witness list, sir.

Thank you, Lieutenant.

You're staring, Commander.

Lieutenant, why didn't I know you were Jewish?

Until yesterday afternoon, sir, no one knew. It's not something I advertise.

So you prefer to conceal it?

That's not what I said, sir.

I'm just curious. Why wouldn't you want us to know?

I'd rather not be identified by a religion I don't practice, sir.

May I ask what religion you do practice?

The Navy is my religion, sir.

Do you identify with your heritage in any way?

It was never part of my growing up, Commander.

So relative to the Mars case, you're not offended by anti -Semitic behavior?

I would be if I'd experienced it, Commander, but that hasn't been the

Well, maybe you haven't experienced it because no one knows you're Jewish.

That'll be all, sir.

revolutionary new driver that you've been waiting for.

Five years in the making.

Introducing Hammer King.

It goes the distance.

Yeah. Hey, Dad.

Bud?

Listen, I, uh... Hey, how are you, son? Are they taking good care of you? They

are.

Listen, I wanted to... Hey, Mikey says you look great.

Not that much has changed, Dad. Well, no. No, of course not.

Hey, look, I'm sorry I missed your arrival. I mean, I got hung up at the

First they put me on the wrong line, and then there's some problem with... Dad,

you don't have to come and visit.

No, no, I'm coming.

It's okay.

I know you care.

So, uh, what kind of sludge are they feeding you down there? Can I bring you

pizza?

Deep dish?

You know what I like.

Looking forward to it, son.

Me too.

Dad?

Yeah?

I love you.

I try to be encouraging, but I can't help but feel, I don't know, a bit

uncomfortable.

Well, that's only natural.

I wouldn't know what to say to someone who's suffered that kind of an injury.

Yeah, but you didn't suggest that your staff get past it.

So what is it that you can't get past?

I don't know. Sure you do.

All right, all right.

It involves a lieutenant's wife.

Then talk to her.

Ask her if there's a problem.

I should.

But you're afraid of the answer.

Well, would you prefer suffering with the question?

If I did, I wouldn't...

I wouldn't be

talking about it.

Okay. So knowing what you know, what are you going to do?

Works for me.

When Corporal Peter Morris reported anti -Semitic behavior from a member of your

platoon, how did you respond?

I questioned the Marine, Corporal Fogle, sir. Did he admit any wrongdoing?

He admitted to being an equal opportunity offender, sir. I'd like to

any member of the platoon who didn't share his racial and religious history.

How did you respond to this answer?

I gave him an earful, sir.

But I knew what he meant.

Can you elaborate, please?

The Marines have a well -defined policy against bigotry.

But there is a kind of benign ribbing that tends to go on.

There's no harm meant. It's just an instinctive way of leveling things.

takes a little abuse about their race and religion.

Are you speaking from personal experience?

I found a watermelon or two in my locker, sir.

Had anyone else complained about such treatment?

Just Corporal Morris, sir. Did Corporal Fogle agree to back off?

He did, sir.

What happened three days later?

Corporal Mars broke Corporal Fogle's nose in two places.

How did you react to this, sir? I held office hours, sir.

Busted Corporal Fogle one pay grade to Lance Corporal.

Elected not to impose one on Corporal Mars, but I did relieve him of his

as fire team leader.

Why did you handle Corporal Mars differently?

His job required a high level of responsibility and good judgment, sir.

Was Corporal Mars unhappy about your actions?

Extremely. And when did he go UA?

Four days later, sir.

No more questions.

Captain, did Corporal Morris characterize his actions as self

Yes, sir. He said Corporal Fogo had threatened him with physical harm.

Is that what you meant by benign ribbing?

No, sir.

But by that time, tension between those two had escalated. That's why I refused

to pick sides, and I chose to punish them both.

Did it not occur to you, Captain, that given the tensions in the Middle East...

Anti -Semitic commentary of any weight was inappropriate?

Yes, sir, but I also knew that Corporal Mars was a recent convert to Judaism.

Because he wasn't used to being treated that way, I felt he could have been

overreacting. Well, according to that explanation, then Corporal Mars was at

fault for being offended.

Corporal Mars was at fault for breaking a Marine's nose, sir.

Enter.

As requested, sir.

Oh.

Thank you, Lieutenant.

Been to the hospital today?

Every day, sir.

Well, Bud's doing remarkably well.

Yes, he is, sir.

Almost unreal.

No, it's very real, sir.

Of course.

I'm sorry, sir. I'm just trying not to judge it.

I understand.

I'm a little bucked up out there, sir, so that's all.

Do you resent me, Lieutenant?

I'm sorry, sir?

I was instrumental in getting Bud his assignment.

Do you hold me responsible?

Yes, sir.

You are responsible for enabling Bud to grow into the kind of man who can

overcome adversity.

I think if Bud were given the choice whether to get his leg back or never

had you in his life, he wouldn't blink before choosing your leadership, sir.

I really am swamped out there, sir.

Dismissed. Aye, sir.

Corporal Liggett, how well did you know Corporal Marth? We talked, ma 'am.

Do you ever talk about his mother?

Objection. Relevance.

Good. State of mind, Your Honor.

Overruled. Answer the question, Corporal.

The Corporal said his mother had a bad reaction when he told her he had

converted to Judaism.

Objection. Hearsay. I want to hear this testimony, Counselor.

Same ruling.

What kind of reaction?

She told him he'd burn in hell and then spit at him.

How did Corporal Mars feel about this?

That's why he cut off contact with her.

Pretty much why he joined the Marine Corps.

Could you be more specific?

What he told me, ma 'am, was that he was looking to travel.

Wanted to be as far away from his mother as possible.

Your witness.

Corporal Liggett, wasn't Corporal Mars also upset about being harassed by

Corporal Fogle?

He was, ma 'am. Did you ever witness this harassment?

A couple of times, ma 'am.

Did you approve of his behavior towards Corporal Mars?

No, ma 'am.

No more questions.

Redirect, Your Honor.

Corporal Liggett, did Corporal Mars receive a letter from his mother the day

before he deserted?

Yes, ma 'am. I ran into him on deck. He had it with him. Had he opened it?

No, ma 'am.

What did he do with it?

He threw it over the fantail, ma 'am.

Punitive discharge, four years confinement.

Four years? If it were solely up to Lieutenant Singer, you'd be facing break

time for the rest of your life.

Yeah, we were able to move her off the mark, mainly because her lead counsel

doesn't see any point in dragging this thing on. I don't understand, sir. You

think as a Jew she'd be able to relate?

Yeah, well, you'd think as a human she'd be able to relate.

You should take the deal, corporal. It's a good one, considering they have

control of this trial.

But you haven't even presented my defense yet, ma 'am. We're limited in

can do now, corporal.

They've impeached our arrest strategy by suggesting you left because you'd been

punished and were running away from your mother. If we don't settle now, you're

facing more prison time. And if we succeed, I can walk away with none.

We don't have a case, Corporal.

I'm asking you to find one, sir.

Hello, Maine.

This must be yours.

What'd you get?

Buddhist delight.

Mac, I'm stumped. I don't know how we defend Corporal Mark at this point.

The rest suffered as a result of religious persecution, we can argue.

Without it, we're left with character.

Which is a tough angle, considering he deserted.

This is anything but delightful.

You like noodles?

You don't mind sharing?

Dig in.

What if we... What if we portray him as a man so eager to fight a common enemy?

That he's willing to break the rules.

Not bad.

It's not enough.

Not nearly.

No, we need both strategies.

If we can't establish a compelling reason for him leaving the Marine Corps

the first place, he just looks irresponsible.

Character has to serve motive.

We need to start by building a client with whom the members can relate.

And who can engage their respect.

Yeah, but at the same time, they need to consider their own vulnerabilities.

As long as they're not rejecting them as foot.

The only way this thing has a chance. Is to have Corporal Mars take the stand.

Yeah.

You need to stop finishing my sentences.

Stop starting mine.

Hey, sweetie.

This is from everybody at the office.

Wow.

You want a piece?

Yeah. Those tears look great.

Right after rehab, Lieutenant.

Are you taking him down?

Mm -hmm.

Today he gets mobile.

Yeah, crutch work.

Um, can we do this later, ma 'am?

This is your appointment time.

Well, I know, but my wife's here now.

Well, she can wait in the cafeteria.

Only be about an hour. Uh...

Let's do it later.

Lieutenant, you haven't stood yet.

But I'd like to be with my wife.

It's okay, honey.

Go. I can wait.

Why don't I want you to wait?

It's not a problem.

I'll help you off the bed. I'm not interested in doing this now.

Really, Commander.

I'll see if I can reschedule.

Could you pass me a pair, please?

How long did Corporal Mars serve under your command in Israel?

Three months.

And what was his specialty?

He operated cutting -edge electronic imaging equipment.

What was its purpose?

Basically to identify sources of threat.

In combat?

Always. Which made him a visible target for rock throwers, snipers, gasling

bombs. Was he effective?

I never saw him waver in execution of his duties.

So he was brave?

Very much so, yeah.

Skillful?

I would say his expertise was responsible for saving many lives on

the conflict.

In what way?

Well, in identifying hidden hostiles, he was saving Israeli combat soldiers from

exposing themselves.

By the same token, he was making it unnecessary for the same soldiers to use

massive firepower against buildings, thus limiting civilian casualties.

Was he trustworthy?

Oh, yeah.

You were impressed by him? Especially in the spiritual sense.

You see, the corporal's interest was to defend the Jewish state, not harm

Palestinians.

Some of my men were overstressed and angry and, frankly, not always willing

make the same distinction he did.

Am I that transparent?

First two days, he spot the problem, nailed the solution. Maybe, uh...

Strength and priesthood teach Shakespeare.

Well, if I'm so insightful, why did it take so long for the second date?

To defend a terrorist in Afghanistan.

I would have come. We could have had kebabs and kebabs.

And by the way, your only transparency is your inability to give yourself

credit.

You knew the solutions.

You just...

Needed some feedback to confirm them.

You're remarkable.

No.

I just think I get you.

Yeah, well, it's pretty damn intimidating.

Well, you'd rather be an enigma?

Yeah, maybe. In a romantic way.

Say, Rick and Casablanca.

A .J., it's a clear evening. You don't own the place, and the Nazis have been

defeated. Yeah, but there is a piano player over there.

Who could ignore that opportunity?

Have you ever been serenaded, Apple?

You sing?

Whenever possible.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a guest vocalist tonight. May I introduce the

styling of... Oh, Meredith Kavanaugh.

You must remember this.

A kiss is still a kiss.

A sigh is still a sigh.

The fundamental things apply as time goes

by.

And when two lovers woo, they still say I love you.

On that you can rely.

Corporal, when did you convert to Judaism?

Three years ago, sir.

Why?

I didn't have much religious guidance growing up, sir.

My father died when I was young, and my mother preached the Bible, but didn't

practice it.

After high school, I ran into an old friend, and he invited me over to a

Passover Seder.

And the story resonated with me, sir. The nature of exile.

Need for a homeland.

I found myself relating to the value system, sir.

To the tight -knit community.

Are these some of the same reasons you joined the Marine Corps, Corporal? They

were, sir.

What made you decide to leave?

Because it turned out not to be the case in my platoon, sir.

Were you being harassed? By Corporal Fogle, sir.

When I told him I'd converted, he took it personally.

At first, he was content calling me New Jew.

That soon escalated to the nickname Judas.

Finally, I started getting wake -up calls like, were you satisfied with

McVicker's response to your complaints, Corporal?

I knew there was only so much he could do, sir, so after a while, I just

to suck it up.

What changed your mind?

Corporal Fogle himself, sir.

He asked me if I'd been circumcised.

What did you tell him? I told him it was none of his business, sir. Did he back

off? No, sir.

He assumed I wasn't.

That's when he produced a knife and informed me he would be willing to help

with my problem.

What happened next, Corporal?

I disarmed him and I slammed his face into the bulkhead, sir.

And what did you tell Captain McVicker when he confronted you about this

incident? That I joined the military to fight Jew -hating extremists, but not in

my own platoon.

Thank you, Corporal.

No further questions.

Corporal, did you break your oath to the Marines?

I admit that, sir. Because of the way you were treated?

Yes, sir.

Then I assume you can relate to the African -American and Asian Marines.

who encounters similar circumstances?

I can, sir.

What would you say to an African -American Marine who deserts to fight

democratic Nigeria?

Or a Korean -American who feels obligated to defend the 38th parallel?

If the situation is warranted, sir. Do you know of any such cases, Corporal?

I don't, sir.

Neither do I, Corporal.

Ma 'am, if I may, I'm Commander Harmon Rabb. I'm your son's attorney.

Am I that obvious?

Well, to your son you are, so I'm looking at you in the courtroom.

I can only get him to talk to me.

Ma 'am, I just wanted to say I know why you're here, and I think it's the right

thing. I wanted to encourage you not to give up.

Commander.

Would you at least ask him how he can find it in his heart to forgive Leslie

not me?

When was the last time you spoke to your fiance?

Excuse me, ma 'am?

Leslie Rosenbaum said it was May 27th.

How did you even know about Leslie, sir? I know I didn't tell you. Your mother

did. She has her number.

I met Leslie after I stopped talking to my mother, sir, before I shipped out.

She'd been in contact with your friends who put them in touch.

Apparently they've had conversations.

What does she think she's doing?

Addressing her regret, reaching out.

Corporal.

Corporal, did you speak to Leslie Rosenbaum on March 27th?

I did, ma 'am. Was she calling to break off the engagement?

Yes, sir.

Is that the real reason why you deserted?

How long had you been engaged, Corporal?

Eight months, sir.

Must have been upsetting, Leslie breaking it off while you were at sea.

I was upset about a lot of things, ma 'am. Is that the news that put you over

the edge?

And they have contributed, ma 'am.

Why didn't you tell us about it, Corporal? I didn't want Leslie to be

into it, sir.

Did it ever occur to you that she might want to participate of her own free

will? You mean testify?

She wanted to take the stand, Corporal.

But wouldn't that prove that I left for reasons other than anti -Semitism?

Well, it's a long shot, but we actually think it may help to prove our case.

It wasn't my decision.

You mean you wanted to marry him?

From the day I met him.

But my parents had an issue with Peter's conversion.

When they first brought it up, I ignored them.

I thought they'd get over it.

But they continued to pressure you?

Yes. What made you finally give in?

I don't know.

Weakness?

In the end, I was afraid to stand up to them.

What was it about Corporal Maher's conversion that bothered them?

We're Orthodox.

Peter converted to Reform Judaism. It's a lot less rigid.

Could he have converted to Orthodox Judaism?

We talked about it, but it would have complicated his life in the Marine

In what way?

He would have had to keep kosher, network on Shabbat, that kind of thing.

Peter didn't think they could accommodate him.

So he resisted.

Yes. And you let him go?

Not easily.

I called him to say goodbye, and I couldn't keep myself from talking about

stuff, anything to keep him on the line. And all he could say was,

I understand, I understand.

And then finally there was nothing I could do but hang up.

So I'll see you Saturday.

And Sunday, if you like.

Yeah, I like.

Something I can help you with, Commander?

Well, I heard you were seeing someone, sir, I assume.

She's... Walk with me.

Name's Meredith Cavanaugh. She's a Shakespearean scholar.

Nice. She's the brightest and by far the most perceptive woman I've ever dated.

Wow. There's very little that doesn't interest her, and damn near nothing she

won't try.

She's fearless.

Fortunately, that's the problem.

You've lost me, sir. Her capacity for expanding herself, it's, well, it's

an issue.

How's that?

Um, here, have a cookie.

Meredith brought them to me. They're homemade.

Thank you, sir.

Dreadful, aren't they? I think with the exception of her uncanny instincts about

me and, of course, her considerable knowledge of her field, she's remarkably

unskilled, but she doesn't know it.

I mean, I'm falling for a woman that has no sense of her own limitations.

Well, is that a problem you can overcome in time, sir?

Well, I'm working on it.

I'm sure you'll be successful, Admiral, knowing you as I do.

I'd also like to say, sir, frankly, I'm flattered you feel you can share your

personal life with me.

Oh, I only mention it because you're involved.

How, sir?

Well, I was talking to Meredith about the staff and mentioned that you're an

aviator and that you own your own plane.

Yes, sir.

She wanted me to ask you if you'd be interested in teaching her how to fly.

What is the ultimate moment of truth?

I believe it is the intersection of what you want for yourself and what is

expected of you. For Corporal Peter Mars, that moment occurred when he chose

abandon his platoon because he was unhappy.

Were other Marines aboard that ship faced with personal challenges?

Yes. Private Keith Barnard learned that his 18 -month -old son was diagnosed

with autism.

Sergeant Andrew Lasculi lost his home in a forest fire, but only Corporal Mars

chose to jump ship and further insult his country by joining the armed forces

another nation.

And that makes him guilty of desertion under Article 85A2 of the Uniform Code

Military Justice.

Corporal Mars did not leave the Marine Corps with the intention to avoid

hazardous duty or to shirk important service.

He left because he was victimized by anti -Semitic sentiment and he felt he

could no longer contribute.

Am I saying that one bigoted man is responsible for the corporal's

No.

The corporal faced a chorus of religious prejudice from his own mother, To the

Jewish parents of his fiancée. Did the corporal join the Israeli Defense Forces

because he liked them better than the Marine Corps?

He did not.

He joined because as a Jew, he felt unable to serve in our Corps.

No!

I don't know why you just didn't call the nurse.

Because at home there won't be a nurse.

I can't believe that I forgot that I was an amputee.

I wanted some more pears, so I just jumped off the bed like I had two legs.

And you did.

For 30 years.

This is the first time we're talking about this.

Why is that?

I thought you needed time to adjust.

Is that why you wouldn't go to rehab when I was here?

I didn't want you to have to look at my leg before you were ready.

The only thing I would have trouble looking at is your casket.

Why didn't you say anything?

Before you arrived...

I talked to this amputee, and he said that I should support you in your

whatever it is, and I just thought that you were in denial.

It's kind of hard to forget that you lost a limb.

Why did they wrap it like that?

To mold it.

So that it fits into a prosthesis.

Does it hurt?

Phantom pain?

A lot.

Are you frightened?

Worried.

About?

Everything.

I'm worried if I'll ever...

Feel normal again.

Worried if I can provide for us.

Worried about military career. It's going to end.

You've got to be thinking about these things also.

I'm thinking we'll find a way.

Where's your medal, Lieutenant?

It's in the drawer.

You should wear this.

Okay hold on.

On the charge and specification of desertion, this court -martial finds you

guilty.

Corporal Peter Mars, United States Marine Corps, this court -martial

you to a dishonorable discharge and to confinement at hard labor for one year.

Thank you for your service.

This court is adjourned.

Sir? Ma 'am?

Thank you.

I think I can handle a year.

Give you a chance to think things through.

Think what through, sir?

Whether or not to go back to Israel.

Never been a question of that, sir. That's why he said it.

You didn't just run from the Marine Corps, Corporal. You ran from your

from your fiancée.

They rejected me, sir. You even said as much. That was then.

They've worked hard on themselves, Corporal.

Hard enough to change their attitudes.

What are you going to do?

Commander, Lieutenant.

The members gave him a light sentence, sir.

Well, maybe they empathized.

That's where I'm having my problem, sir.

With the members or the concept of empathy?

The members, sir. Their decision was irresponsible and depressing.

Well, let me brighten your day.

Your new orders.

I'm going to the Seahawk, sir. You're their new JAG.

I instructed the detailers to slate you as Lieutenant Roberts' replacement.

I guess you were destined for the position after all. Yes, sir. Thank you,

Sir.

Good for you, Lieutenant.

Consider it a mitzvah.

You don't know what that means, do you?

Should I, sir?

I do, and I'm not Jewish.

As I told you, sir, it's... Excuse me, Lieutenant, but I had some trouble

accepting what you told me, so I checked your service record. You listed your

religion as Methodist.

That would be accurate, sir, but I don't practice that either.

So the only part of our conversation that was untrue is that I'm Jewish.

Then why did you announce that you were?

It was a tactic, sir. Commander Rapp was pressing, and it was the only way to

shut him down.

That seems rather desperate, considering we were already in a driver's seat. I

was also upset with Corporal Mars.

I thought what he did was rather selfish and immature.

So, it was for his benefit, too.

Good luck on your reassignment, Lieutenant.

Thank you, sir.

Saved me from having to request we never be partnered again.

Commander.

You're not going to reveal this to anyone, are you?

I'm considering it.

Is there anything I can do to influence you to keep it under your hat, sir?

If it were anyone else but you, Lieutenant, I'd suggest that you pray.