Original subtitles

- Your situation needs to be handled with discretion.

Look at the intelligence structure

that you've put together.

Should you hand over the keys to this house

so soon after its construction?

VINCE: They sent a fucking cable

saying that this guy is coming into our country.

53 people from the CIA have read it.

We're not sharing this yet? - Vince.

You got to trust the process.

Diane will tell us when we can share.

- They're not passing anything on.

They're saying it's not pertinent.

- Not pertinent? What the fuck does that mean?

If they've got something, it's pertinent.

DIANE: Yes, I saw Agent Soufan's cable.

MAUREEN: We were wondering if you'd like us

to pull the relevant intel, draft a response?

DIANE: Let's find out why I-49 wants this information,

and we'll go from there.

Sound good?

- You recognize any of these goobers?

- Nope. Who are they?

- I don't know. - You don't know?

- No, they just want me to see if you guys know.

- Anything to add, George?

- No.

- I'd like to say that covers it,

but when can we ever say that?

- We never can say that

which is why we keep working.

CONDOLEEZZA: You reported directly to President Clinton,

did you not? - I did.

- You won't be needed to report

directly to President Bush.

- [in Arabic] What did he say about bin Laden?

- He said you never met him. It doesn't matter.

- I did meet him.

- Who introduced you?

- Abu Jandal.

- QAMISH: [in English] You think flattery

will get you to Abu Jandal.

It will not.

- Why can't I speak to him?

- Because there is no need.

- "The New York Times" is gonna publish this story on you.

- So kill it. - You need to resign.

- I've been here 25 years.

- You need to resign today.

CONDOLEEZZA: Is there someone in the United States

that is a clear and present danger

that I need to be worrying about right now,

or are you talking about swatting flies?

Because the President has told me

he has no interest in swatting flies.

- George.

We must speak.

[soft string music]

♪ ♪

- It appears we've lost our two Saudis,

al Mihdhar and al Hazmi.

- I thought responsible eyes were on them.

- I thought so too.

These guys are obviously craftier

than we thought.

- Hm.

Interesting.

You know the definition of art?

- Boiled spaghetti thrown against a clean white wall.

Add sauce. - It's the expression

or application of human creative skill

and imagination.

And you might be the most artistic person I know.

[suspenseful music]

♪ ♪

- On March 5th of 2000,

the CIA learns that Hazmi had entered the United States

on January 15th,

seven days after leaving

the al-Qaeda meeting in Malaysia.

But the CIA still doesn't put him

or Mihdhar on the watch list

and still doesn't notify the FBI

about a very critical fact:

A known al-Qaeda operative,

we're at war with al-Qaeda, a known al-Qaeda operative

got into the United States.

My question is, do you know specifically why

the FBI wasn't notified about that critical fact

at that time?

- The cable that came in from the field

at that time, sir, was labeled "information only"

and I know nobody read that cable.

- But my question is, do you know why the FBI

was not notified to the fact that this al-Qaeda operative

was now known in March of the year 2000

to have entered the United States?

Why did the CIA

not specifically notify the FBI?

- Sir, if we weren't aware of it

when it came into headquarters,

we couldn't have notified them.

Nobody read that cable in March--in the March time frame.

- So that this cable that said that this al-Qaeda operative

came into the United States

came to your headquarters, nobody read it.

- It was an "information only" cable from the field

and nobody read that "information only" cable.

- Should it have been read? - Yes, of course, in hindsight.

- And should it have been read at the time?

- Of course it should have been read at the time.

- All right, so my question is,

do you know who should have read it?

- I don't know that, sir, but I can found out--

- Was somebody responsible to have read it?

- Well, a group of people. Somebody should have read it.

Yes, sir.

We need--we need to also look at

where it came in to, but I can find that out for you.

- You don't know who that person was?

- No, I do not. - Should they've been

watch-listed at the time? Both of them.

Now we're talking March of the year 2000.

- Yes, sir, we've acknowledged that fact.

- Do we know why at that specific time

now we know that Hazmi has entered the United States

this is another trigger point. - Yes, sir.

- They should've been watch-listed.

Who was responsible

for watch-listing at the time?

- I don't know the answer to that,

but I will provide an answer.

- Good morning, Dr. Rice. - Good morning.

- I want to ask you some questions

about the August 6, 2001, President's Daily Brief.

You said to us that the President

directed the CIA to prepare the August 6th PDB,

the extraordinarily high terrorist attack threat level

on the summer of 2001 is well documented.

You acknowledge that Richard Clarke told you

that al-Qaeda cells were in the United States.

Did you tell the President at any time

prior to August 6th

of the existence of al-Qaeda cells in the United States?

- Um, first, let me just make certain--

- If you could just answer that question, because I only

have a very limited amount of time here.

Did you tell the President?

[applause]

No, no, please. Please.

- Commissioner, it's important that I also address

the other issues that you have raised.

If you will just give me a moment--

- Well, my only question to you

is whether you told the President--

- If you will just give me a moment

I will address fully

the questions that you have asked.

Uh, first of all, yes,

the August 6th PDB

was in response to questions from the President.

There was no recommendation

that we do something about this.

The FBI was pursuing it.

I really don't remember

whether I discussed this with the President.

- Thank you. - I remember very well

that the President was aware

that there were issues inside the United States.

He talked to people about this.

But I don't remember the al-Qaeda cells

as being something we were told

we needed to do something about.

- Isn't it a fact, Dr. Rice, that the August 6th PDB

warned against possible attacks in this country?

And I ask you whether you recall

the title of that PDB.

- I believe the title was

"Bin Laden Determined to Attack

Inside the United States."

[crowd murmuring]

[seatbelt light chimes]

[tense music]

♪ ♪

- There's no way that we--

Can I help you?

- Sir, you're not supposed to be in here.

The cockpit is off limits. Please return to your seat.

- My apologies.

I thought this was the door to the lavatory.

Please forgive the intrusion.

♪

- Here are your drinks, gentlemen.

Put this on your tab, Mr. O'Neill?

- Sure, thank you, Brenna.

- Thank you.

Here's to being downgraded

like an aging centerfielder who's lost his legs.

[glasses clink]

It would appear the new regime no longer requires my services.

I've lost my cabinet-level status.

I report to the Deputies Committee now.

- But they need you, Dick.

If there's one person they need

in the White House right now, it's you.

It's got nothing to do with your legs,

by the way. - Hm.

- It's your mind which they're

probably afraid of.

Fucking bozos aren't interested in

subtlety or actually learning anything

about how al-Qaeda thinks.

- I feel like I'm screaming from the rooftops

and nobody's listening.

- Who's replacing you?

- I was actually going to suggest you.

I'm serious, John.

- I have to admit I'm flattered, Dick, but...

I'm the last person the White House wants to see.

Those bastards don't want me

anywhere near a cabinet meeting.

- But when you talk, people listen.

- You mean when I shout?

- This position needs a bull.

You could make a real difference.

- I have a few offers I'm considering.

- Hm, so quickly he pivots to the private sector.

- Well, government salary is not exactly

a huge incentive. - [chuckling]

- I do have a wardrobe to keep up.

- Who's courting you?

- Larry Silverstein down at the World Trade Center for one.

A few consulting gigs are offering top dollar.

Financial firms, that type of thing.

- I really wish you'd consider coming to Washington.

I'd happily make a few calls. - Richard.

My finances are in shambles.

Plus, burned too many bridges.

I don't have any friends left in D.C.

You might be the only person who actually thinks

I'm worth a damn.

What about one Martin Schmidt?

I hear he's also out of a job.

- Supposed to be some kind of test?

- He knows Bin Laden, al-Qaeda.

He practically speaks Arabic.

The guy's passionate. - You know damn well

you don't want Martin Schmidt anywhere near the White House.

I think your eyes just turned the color of hemlock.

- [laughs]

- What's up? - Uh, this just in from HQ.

It appears that one

Zacarias Moussaoui, he is an al-Qaeda Frenchman,

he was apprehended in Eagan, Minnesota,

after it was reported by his flight school advisor

that he wasn't interested in the "landing" part

of the flying process.

Uh, says local police found a laptop computer,

two knives, Boeing 747 flight manuals,

flight simulator, fighting gloves,

and shin guards, and a computer disk

with information about crop dusting.

- What's with the shin guards? - Uh.

Floor hockey enthusiast?

- I don't know what to make of this.

- Yeah, you and me both.

- Let's generate a list of all Arabs

enrolled in domestic flight schools.

Flag anyone with even a remote

connection to terrorism: friends, family,

radicals from every mosque.

- Copy that.

- The blast hit there.

They park the van

20 feet in any direction

and who knows how much damage it would've been.

- Can't believe it's been over eight years.

- So...is there anything I can do to sweeten the pot?

Salary-wise we're maxed out,

but let me see what I can do about the benefits package.

- Are you gonna throw in a new set of golf clubs?

- I'm sure that can be arranged.

- Look, it's a great offer, Larry, it really is.

- But? - I still have to weigh

a few more options.

- Well, take your time.

But not too much time.

[knocking at door]

- Come in.

- Hey. - Are those riding boots?

- The Spring Step Macbeths.

On sale, 140 bucks.

- Someone needs to put you in a saddle.

[laughing] What's up?

- Um, I-49 just sent over a list of Arabs

who attended or are enrolled in U.S. flight schools.

Totals around 800 names.

- That's a lot of Arabs in our flight schools.

- Some al-Qaeda guy in Minnesota was just busted

because he was taking flight lessons

but he wasn't interested in landing the plane.

- And what does I-49 want us to do with this list?

- They'd like us to run it against our al-Qaeda database.

The big one. Suspected al-Qaeda and anyone remotely connected.

Friends, relatives, badminton partners.

- Forward it to me, I'll take care of it.

[pensive electronic music]

♪ ♪

[computer beeps]

♪

Can you copy all these files for me,

box them up, and bring them to my office?

- Will do.

♪

[exhales slowly]

[knocking at door]

Come in.

Uh, set it on the floor.

Thanks, Leigh.

Do me a favor and close the door?

♪

- It's at The River Café. Nice.

"Come say farewell to Special Agent John O'Neill."

- The invite's addressed to both of us?

- How many years did he put in? - 25.

- I'd say a quarter century of service

warrants a worthy farewell.

Can I have a word with you in my office?

I have a project for you.

- Of course.

- You probably want to get up to NYC

to say good-bye to your old boss, right?

- That would be great. Why?

- We need you to hand-deliver this to I-49.

- Can I ask what it is? - It's files on those possible

al-Qaeda flight school suspects.

The ones I cross-referenced with our database.

Make sure it goes to Intel.

- Why not Criminal?

- This is not a criminal matter.

Have you ever considered joining our team?

- You think the CIA would actually be interested

in converting a "hostage"?

- Alec Station might.

- I have to admit I've thought about it.

- Well, I'd keep with that line of thinking

because I personally think you'd be a great addition.

[indistinct chatter]

- You okay, boss?

- Afternoon parties always depress me.

Too bright out to celebrate.

Where the hell is everybody, anyway?

- Don't worry, they'll be here.

Party flyer was posted all over the office.

Who's gonna pass up free drinks at the River Café?

[both chuckle]

By the way, congrats.

Chief of Security of the World Trade Center,

it's got a pretty nice ring to it.

- Ring-a-ding-ding.

- Look on the bright side:

At least you don't have to worry about friggin' al-Qaeda

taking out our destroyers.

Bombing our embassies.

- I won't ever stop worrying, Shaughnessy,

I can promise you that.

Something tells me those bastards

are just getting started.

[tense electronic music]

♪ ♪

[gentle pop music playing]

♪ ♪

- We're gonna be late.

- So let's be late.

[soft laughter]

[indistinct chatter]

- All right. Thank you.

- "Special Agent Terence Waldie."

You're new.

- Just started last week. - Hm.

Has the S.A.C. shown you what's in the secret storage closet

yet? - Not yet.

- Well, you may never look at roast beef the same way.

[chuckles]

Special Agent Toni-Ann Marino.

[both chuckle softly]

What, you just out of Quantico?

- Graduated in May.

- Mm, he's like freshly baked bread.

I'm with I-49 but I work out

of Alec Station down in Langley.

Can I ask what you're working on?

- I'm cold-calling all U.S. flight schools

asking about every single one of their students.

- Moussaoui follow-up. - Yeah.

Over 140 flight schools.

I feel like I'm selling magazine subscriptions.

- [chuckling] Needles and haystacks.

- You're telling me. - Well--[grunts]

I got some more fun for ya.

You need to locate these guys.

- Uh, all of them?

- Welcome to I-49.

[lounge music playing]

♪ ♪

- Hey, I was starting to worry.

- We got stuck in traffic.

- Hi, Heather. - John, congratulations.

- Aw, thank you, although it feels more

like a funeral than a party.

I keep expecting to look up and see my own casket.

You know, pallbearers, fake flowers everywhere.

You look lovely. - Ah, thank you, yeah.

It's not often I get to throw one of these on.

- Well, it's very becoming. - Thank you.

Excuse me, I'm gonna run to the ladies room.

- Jesus.

It's not like you're both a-glow or anything.

- Yeah. - Those new?

- They're Harrises. Nice, right?

- What happened to the Ferragamos?

- I'm having them re-soled.

They got all messed up in Yemen.

- Hm.

- Boss, I think I'm in love.

- Okay, careful now. That's the oxytocin talking.

- The what talking?

- It's the hormone we produce after fucking.

It's like a natural love drug.

- Nah, it's more than a drug.

- Do yourself a favor, give it a few more weeks,

and then you can start proposing to her.

- I'm pretty certain of my feelings.

- Yeah? - Yes.

- Well, then I'm happy for you, Soufan.

She seems like a great girl.

Come on. Bring it in.

[both laugh]

- What was that? You two gay now?

- Ah, you're just jealous.

Hey, how about a titty twister, huh?

- I'm too fleet-footed, and you're too old.

- Ah, go piss on a ficus tree.

What--what's on that tie, anyway,

a Rorschach test? - No, it's a...

- And you know what? What I want to know is,

how did this guy manage to stick around the Bureau

for so long, huh?

- I'm like a fine wine.

They never want to take me out of the cellar.

Except when they need a good government dick in Kenya

or other parts of the world

where the water smells like used pantyhose.

- Well, I admire your long game, Chesney.

- My long game is about to come to an end.

I'm callin' it quits after the holidays.

- No shit?

- I put my time in.

My back's a wreck.

My plantar fasciitis is killing me.

- So get some orthotics. I know a guy.

- What's up with you, Vince? You always got a guy.

What I could really use is a couple weeks in Cancun

and some fucking Viagra.

- You should have Soufan here teach you Arabic.

He can't be the only one effectively busting

al-Qaeda balls. - I could learn Arabic.

- You just want an excuse to travel

so you can buy more high-end jogging suits.

- [laughs] - In all seriousness,

everything that went down in Kenya

just about did my head in.

It's time.

- Well, you've earned it, Chez.

Well done.

- Thank you.

I would like to buy an additional

group of tickets.

Again, I'll be paying in cash.

[keyboard clacking]

- Everybody.

Everybody please raise a glass.

If you don't have something, get something.

Sometimes it feels like he hates you.

But that's only because he actually loves you.

Who said love can't exist without pain?

He loves this country.

I don't know anyone

who cares about the safety of his fellow citizen more.

John O'Neill.

You will be missed.

The Bureau didn't deserve you.

We were the lucky ones.

Cheers.

all: Cheers.

[Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock's "It Takes Two" playing]

♪ ♪

WOMAN: ♪ It takes two to make it outta sight ♪

[cheering]

♪ It takes two to make a thing go right ♪

- [yelling indistinctly]

♪ It takes two to make it outta sight ♪

♪ ♪

MAN: ♪ I want to rock right now ♪

♪ I'm Rob Base and I came to get down ♪

[slow, romantic song playing]

♪ ♪

- [sighs]

Such a beautiful skyline.

- Greatest city in the world.

- There's your new digs.

- Looks good from here.

- You know, for my 18th birthday

my parents took me to Windows on the World

at the top of the North Tower.

The Wild Blue dining room.

We had a view of the New York Harbor.

While we were waiting for our food to come,

I stood up, and I put my forehead right on the glass.

And I looked down at the Statue of Liberty.

She was so small and...

perfect.

You know? Like a thing you keep on a shelf.

I felt like I could just reach out and grab her.

It made my dad so nervous he made me sit down again.

- What's your dad got against the Statue of Liberty?

- No, nothing.

It turns out he was afraid of heights,

which I never knew.

He ordered a double scotch

just to get through the rest of dinner.

He was terrified.

But he still took his little girl

to the top of the Twin Towers.

- Did he let you drink? - Let me?

It's my 18th birthday.

I ordered a half-carafe of the house red.

- That's my girl. - [chuckles softly]

What about you?

You afraid of heights?

- Not if I got you to protect me.

- Come dance with me.

[elevator dings]

[door opens]

- I'll be right back. - I can't come?

Not even a little peek? - I'm sorry.

At least it's luxurious out here.

Don't steal anything.

Sir.

You wanted to see me?

- Party's all done?

- Yeah.

- End of an era.

- Yes, it is.

- How fast can you pack?

- Getting better at it.

- I got to put you on a plane to Yemen

as soon as possible.

You're gonna follow-up on what's left

of the Cole bombing.

This Moussaoui flight school situation

has headquarters asking a lot of questions.

There's obviously more al-Qaeda activity than we know.

Go pack. I'll call you within the hour.

And let's try to smooth things out with Bodine.

[soft reflective music]

♪ ♪

♪

♪

[cell phone beeps]

- [in Arabic] She's not answering?

- The signal is poor.

[tense music]

- No more thinking of wives and family.

This will sharpen the senses.

Only here and now.

[En Vogue's "My Lovin' [You're Never Gonna Get It]"]

WOMAN: ♪ No, you're never gonna get it ♪

- MIHDHAR: [in Arabic] I'm dizzy!

- Forget about it. Look at those tits!

- Damn! This is crazy!

[both laughing]

- [in English] Would you care for a private dance?

WOMAN: ♪ Never ever gonna get it ♪

♪ ♪

♪ I remember how it used to be ♪

♪ ♪

♪ You never was this nice ♪

♪ You can't fool me ♪

♪ ♪

♪ Now you talkin' like you made a change ♪

♪ ♪

♪ The more you talk, the more things ♪

♪ Sound the same ♪

♪ What makes you think you can just ♪

♪ Walk back into her life ♪

[women laughing]

- Your skin is like chocolate waterfall.

- [laughs]

Look at you all alone in the corner.

Come join the fun.

WOMAN: ♪ No, you're never gonna get it ♪

♪ Not this time ♪

♪ Never ever gonna get it ♪

♪ My lovin' ♪

♪ No, you're never gonna get it ♪

♪ Had your chance to make a change ♪

♪ No, you're never gonna get it ♪

♪ Not this time ♪

♪ Never ever gonna get it ♪

- Someone with all that money

shouldn't be such a party pooper.

[laughter]

[yelling playfully]

WOMAN: ♪ Not this time ♪

♪ No, you're never gonna get it ♪

♪ My lovin' ♪

[tools clattering]

[suspenseful music]

♪ ♪

[woman speaking indistinctly over PA]

♪

[engine roaring]

[fast electronic music playing]

[gears shift]

♪ ♪

[gears shift]

♪

[music fades]

[phone autodials rapidly]

[line trilling]

HEATHER: Hi, you've reached Heather.

Leave me a message, and I'll call you back.

[beep]

- Care for some tea?

- Just a glass of water, please.

- That is Vittel. Current scam.

Local retailers refill empty bottles

with tap water and then Superglue the cap,

so it has that "crack."

If it's not sealed in plastic, do not trust it.

- I forgot how quickly you can get dehydrated here.

- Eventually you get used to the heat, like anything.

It's good to see you, Agent Soufan.

Welcome back to Aden. Cheers.

- Cheers.

Ambassador Bodine,

I'd like to ask your advice about something.

- Shoot.

- I need to speak to Abu Jandal.

He was being held for suspicion a few weeks back.

I believe he's still in police custody.

Can you help me?

- I'm afraid you'll have to go through

General Qamish for that.

- [mutters] - He's a good man.

Ali, spend some time with him.

Let him get to know you a little.

- Anybody home?

[soft music]

♪ ♪

[string instrument playing gently]

- So, did you hear about Ahmad Shah Massoud?

- Yeah, I heard that he was killed,

but I don't have the details.

- It was a suicide bomber.

They got the Great Lion of the Northern Alliance.

- Meaning al-Qaeda, huh?

- Yes.

It's been a busy time for them.

[distant gunfire]

They shoot off their guns in celebration.

- Such a waste of bullets.

- You'd prefer fireworks.

- [chuckles] Yes, perhaps.

- You are really quite American, aren't you?

- The loose gunfire reminds me of my childhood.

Bullets at all hours.

Never knowing into what direction they're being fired.

It's a sound that's never left me.

- You ever return to Lebanon?

- Too many bad memories.

- So tell me.

You invited me to eat with you here...

under the stars.

I assume Ambassador Bodine suggested this.

Is there something you need from me?

- I need to speak with Abu Jandal.

- I'm starting to believe you are more persistent

than your boss.

- I know Jandal knows something about the Cole attack.

- We've been keeping Abu Jandal for months,

and Chief Amin has come up with nothing.

- I don't trust Amin.

- This is too bad.

Perhaps you should.

- [in Arabic] Let me speak to Abu Jandal.

- [speaking Arabic]

[in English] Let's enjoy the meal.

[speaks Arabic]

[tense music]

♪ ♪

- [in Arabic] Tuesday.

- [in Arabic] Tuesday.

- [in Arabic] Tuesday.

♪

- [speaks Arabic]

Tuesday.

The time has come.

[soft music]

[alarm ringing]

[alarm stops]

- [groaning softly]

- Thank you.

- How's it going today, Michael?

- Fine, thanks, John. What can I get for you?

- Coffee, light and sweet, and a bear claw.

- You got it.

Here you go.

- Have a good one. - You do the same.

Thanks, bro. Next.

♪

- Morning, fellas.

- How you doing, John? - How's it going?

- Another day in paradise.

- That's one word for it.

[indistinct chatter]

- Morning, Kate. - Morning, Mr. O'Neill.

- Beautiful day out there. - It certainly is.

I put some 401[k] forms on your desk,

but there's no rush on it. - Thanks.

[security wand beeping]

[tense resonant tone]

♪ ♪

[gate beeps]

♪

- On March 5th, the CIA learns that Hazmi

had actually entered the United States

on January 15th,

seven days after leaving

the al-Qaeda meeting in Malaysia.

So now the CIA knows Hazmi is in the United States but...

the CIA still doesn't put

Hazmi or Mihdhar on the watch list

and still does not notify the FBI about a very critical fact,

a known al-Qaeda operative,

we're at war with al-Qaeda, a known al-Qaeda operative

got into the United States.

My question is:

Do you know specifically why the FBI was not notified

of that critical fact at that time?

- The cable that came in from the field at the time, sir,

was labeled "information only"

and I know that nobody read that cable.

- But my question is, do you know why the FBI

was not notified of the fact that an al-Qaeda operative

now was known in March of the year 2000

to have entered the United States,

why was the CI-- why did the CIA not

specifically notify the CIA--that's my--the FBI?

- Sir, if we weren't aware of it

when it came into headquarters, we couldn't have notified them.

Nobody read that cable in March--in the March time frame.

- So that the cable that said

that Hazmi had entered the United States

came to your headquarters, nobody read it.

- Yes, sir, it was an "information only" cable

from the field and nobody read that "information only" cable.

- Should it have been read?

- Yes, of course, in hindsight.

- Should have it been read at the time?

- Of course it should have been read.

- All right, my question is,

do you know who should have read it?

- I don't know that, sir.

But I can find that out. - Was somebody responsible

to have read it? - Well, a group of people.

Somebody should have read it, yes, sir.

We need to also look at where it came into,

but I can find that out for you.

- You don't know who that person was.

- I do not.

- Should they have been watch-listed at the time?

Both of them, now we're talking March of the year 2000.

- Yes, sir. We've acknowledged that fact.

- Okay, do we know why at that specific time,

now we know that Hazmi has entered the United States

this is another trigger point. - Yes, sir.

- They should have been watch-listed.

Who was responsible for watch-listing

at that time?

- I don't know the answer to that question,

but I will provide an answer.

- I don't remember the al-Qaeda cells as being something

that we were told we needed to do something about.

- Isn't it a fact, Dr. Rice,

that the August 6th PDB

warned against possible attacks in this country?

And I ask you whether you recall the title of that PDB.

- I believe the title was "Bin Laden Determined

to Attack Inside the United States."