Original subtitles

Antonio, andiamo.

Io voglio mangiare, no?

Andiamo. Si, papà.

Papà? Barta, Antonio.

Papà? Tagitta, Antonio.

Salamadonna.

Violators closing on us with possible hostile intent.

Angels 18, vector 080.

08, we're on our way.

Two targets, Keg. 70 miles.

Close rate 1 ,200 knots. Looks like make 21.

You have them on video?

Negative. How do you know they're fish beds?

Educated guess, Cag. Target size too small and previous served no -fly

have been fish beds.

We don't guess in this man's name, Lieutenant Rudy.

No, sir.

50 miles.

Phoenix are firing brigades. Shoot them any time, Cag. Did I request a Phoenix?

No, sir. Stand it down.

But, sir!

Is your intercom malfunctioning, Lieutenant?

No, sir. Phoenix standing down.

We're being painted.

I have ears.

20 miles. Pick him up on video.

Two fish beds on...

Roger that.

How are you doing, Lieutenant?

Lieutenant, are you with me?

To hell and back, sir.

To hell and back.

Gear down and locked.

Hook down to 135 on the glide path.

5 -1 -1, Tomcat Ball.

Roger, Ball.

Congratulations, sir.

I take it the word is out. You bet.

Chief, if I bagged a Klingon, I believe you'd know what flag to paint on her.

Klingons are easy, sir. Now, Romulan warships, that might be a problem.

invisible.

Congratulations on busting your cherry.

I'm sorry, ma 'am. It's just a term we use when you get your first kill.

I'm familiar with the term, Chief.

And I suggest you come up with something more appropriate for today's Navy.

Yes, ma 'am.

Sir,

may I have a word with you before debriefing?

Do you want to know why I didn't use the Phoenix?

Yes, sir.

What's the Phoenix missile cost, Lieutenant?

A million dollars, sir.

You think a couple of camel jockeys are worth that kind of money?

Serbs don't ride camels, sir. Well, they fly like they do.

Sir, that doesn't explain why we took them on alone.

I wanted to see if you had the guts for a knife fight.

And you don't.

That's not fair, sir.

Well, hell, I'll have to be fair, Lieutenant.

I'm the CAG.

Personal. I didn't smoke and paint her. Cag did.

Don't be giving the show for credit.

Why not? He deserves it.

Hey, Angela, you okay?

Yeah, I'm okay. Why wouldn't I be?

You certainly don't seem like the person who just made the cover of Time

magazine. At the time, I thought it was Playboy.

Mace, you're such a jerk.

Think that's more like it.

You know what, Bart?

I think a lady went in her panties up there.

Angela? No way, man.

She's ice.

Animal ice melts when it gets hot.

bottle of Jack, you owe me this cruise.

When are you going to give up?

Never.

Cassie may be ripped. Still squats. No squatters can out -prep me.

Well, this one did.

Gotta be a trick.

Maybe she wanted it more than you did, Rip.

She's on roids, Peter.

No way. They show up in a fight.

So you're saying the flight surgeon's looking the other way? David, do

to make these squatters look good. There are limits, Rip.

No. No.

Hey. Hey.

Just a gripper for another bottle of Jack.

What are you doing?

You know he's only going to get you more wave -offs.

Son of a... Says a TV reporter's coming on the morning call to interview you.

I don't want to be interviewed.

Everybody in Wheeling, West Virginia is going to see you on the tube, including

that jerk of an ex -boyfriend.

I don't care about him.

My folks worry enough about me.

Let him interview Cag.

The press doesn't want to talk to the ancient mariner. They want the female

warrior who smoked two migs.

I didn't smoke them.

Ancient mariner did.

Damn it, Angela.

I can't take credit for something I didn't do.

You didn't screw the pooch up there, did you?

No. What's the problem?

I don't want to be a blurb on the evening news.

Until today, the only female aviators in the press were talking until we're

getting their sixes grabbed a tail hook.

We need blurbs like you.

I want to know what to say. Oh, hell, that's easy.

So what's it like being a woman in combat?

It's the same as being a man in combat.

Well, weren't you frightened?

I didn't have time to be frightened, sir.

Damn near wet my pants.

I wouldn't say that.

It's the truth.

So, every time I make a night trap, my heart's in my throat.

Air can be useful.

It sharpens the senses.

It can give you an edge.

It gives me doubts.

Where are you going?

I gotta get some air.

Just air?

Damn it, Angela.

I'm gonna get her tomorrow, Peter.

Just gonna lose another bottle of Jack. Eh, you wanna bet?

F -14 Comcat shot down a couple of Serbian nigs over Bosnia this afternoon.

Listen, the radar intercept officer in the Comcat was a woman. He thought

getting shot down by a woman in a bar was bad. Oh, my God.

You watching this, Teddy?

Yes, sir.

If Admiral Drake were smart, he'd make this Rio more famous than Amelia

She's missing, sir.

Can anybody tell FDR?

Sir?

That Amelia Earhart was missing?

Oh, no, sir, she's not missing.

Well, I guess she is missing, sir, but that's not who I'm referring to.

I meant Lieutenant Aroody.

Who's Lieutenant Aroody?

The female Rio that Jay Len was talking about, sir.

She disappeared at sea last night.

Think we can lay this off on NIS?

Not after reading this, sir.

It just came in from sink, Ned.

Damn.

Who's available?

Captain Morton is our senior officer in Naples, sir. He can be on the Seahawk

within the hour.

And in a spitting contest with the ship's captain ten minutes later.

Now, I want a junior officer so that the Seahawk skipper isn't intimidated by an

investigation.

You're sure you want to trust this to a junior officer, sir?

You want to take it, Teddy?

I think my current duties would preclude an immediate departure, sir.

You have the survival instincts of a politician, Teddy.

Where's Lieutenant Rabb?

Uh, probably at the French Embassy, sir.

It's Bastille Day. Most of our people attend that party.

Well, I want him on a jet to Naples in 30 minutes.

Aye, aye, sir.

Make that 20 minutes.

Yes, sir.

Teddy?

Sir? Send a female JG with him.

Female, sir?

Yes, I want a woman on the team in case we have to face the press.

Teddy? Sir?

Make sure she's easy on the eyes, huh?

Yes, sir.

Another thing about that female aviator.

Now, this has got to be very embarrassing to Bill Clinton and Dan

women their daughter's age have more combat experience than they do.

Someday, son, stick and throttle like that will take you to the moon.

Watch your step, ma 'am.

Thank you.

assigned me to be your escort on board the Seahawk, sir.

Something wrong, Ensign? No, sir.

Skipper's requested that you report immediately to the navigation bridge.

So if you stick to my six, that's what pilots call their tail, I'll lead the

way. You a pilot, Ensign?

No, ma 'am. Just that everybody uses pilot jargon on a carrier.

be flying today if puller was a man would you give him a day off to get it

together sir one moment okay skipper's on the horn for you sir how many is that

skipper damn gag he looks like

hammer yeah too bad he couldn't fly like him well i thought it was a night

vision problem so they say skipper

You know your way around. I'll be waiting for you in the officer's

I also have to babysit the press today.

Not that I was saying that I was babysitting you, sir.

There's a reporter on board?

Yes, sir, and a cameraman.

They came to interview Lieutenant Rudy before we knew she was missing.

Skipper ordered me to sit on them until he decides what to do. When did they

run? On the morning cod.

Excuse me, sir. The skipper wants you on the bridge.

Ma 'am?

The good humor man is here.

And he's got a good humor lady with him.

Huh?

Excuse me, sir. Do you have any chocolate chip?

Oh, rocky road.

Hanson, you think you could rustle up some ice cream?

Sir, yes, sir.

Did you check out their insignias, Barini?

I haven't gotten that high.

They're JAG officers.

Now, what would a pair of naval lawyers in dress whites be doing on a carrier in

the middle of the Met?

Whatever it is, I'll tape it.

Don't I know you?

We met about 15 years ago in Bangkok, sir.

You... Harm,

right? Harmon Rav Jr.

His old man is an MIA.

At 16, he sneaked into North Vietnam to look for him. That was a very gutsy

move. Very futile one, sir.

That doesn't make it any less gutsy.

We only have strawberries, sir.

Ensign, why don't you and Lieutenant Pike escort Mr. Barini to the flight

I'm sure he'd love to shoot some B -roll. Yes, sir.

I'll pick you up on the way and report.

You grew up.

It happens.

I thought you'd be wearing wings like your old man.

You want some of this?

No, thanks.

So they hustle you out here from Naples?

Washington. Without a chance to change uniforms?

The Navy must have a big problem here.

Why do I feel like we're about to negotiate something?

We need you to sit on a story for a while.

I knew it. Admiral Drake, he's so hard up for good press, he jumped the gun,

right? That female Rio didn't bag those megs, did she?

I don't know.

You know, I'm ex -special forces. I like the military. I'm not going to cover it

like the Navy Times, but I'll put a fair slant on it.

She's missing.

Did her plane go down?

No, she disappeared sometime last night.

I can't. I can't sit on that.

I'll give you an exclusive.

Hey, I'm the only reporter out here, pal. I already got an exclusive.

All you have is that she's missing.

You flash that to the world and the press that doesn't share your affection

the military will have a field day speculating why.

I need time. Time to cover up what happened? Time to find out what

I'll tell you what.

You get me a ride over Bosnia and I won't file for 12 hours.

Twenty -four.

Ah, well, see, now that's going to cost you two rides and an exclusive.

I thought you had an exclusive.

Lieutenant Richardson, your presence is requested to

CIC.

Hey, brother, want some ice cream?

It's good.

No,

sorry.

Let's see if she traps this time.

Lieutenant Rab and Pike reporting as ordered, sir.

Evidently, Lieutenant Rab, you believe eating ice cream has priority over

reporting to the commanding officer.

No, sir.

Then you better explain your actions, mister.

I was on my way to report when I learned a news crew was on board and being held

incommunicado. By my orders.

Until I know why Lieutenant Arruti is missing, no damn reporter is going to

speculate about it on TV.

I concur, sir. That's why I was having ice cream with Mr. De Palma. He's agreed

to sit on the story for 24 hours.

Must have been great ice cream.

It was, sir.

But he wouldn't agree to anything until I promised him a pair of rides over

Bosnia.

On my six, mister.

If you'll excuse us, gentlemen.

Hiya, sir.

Now,

you promised what?

Sir, if Mr. Diploma doesn't contact this bureau desk soon, they'll want to know

why. We can't deny he's on board, sir.

I can deny any damn thing I want. Yes, sir. Damn captain's privilege.

Yes, sir.

At ease.

My boys aren't here to fly tourists, Skipper.

Well, I guess you made a promise you can't keep, Lieutenant.

It's in the Navy's interest to keep it, sir. That may be, but I'm not going to

overrule the CAG, especially when I agree with him.

With all due respect, sir, I'm in charge of a possible murder investigation,

which gives me the latitude to authorize those rides.

Those are my men and my machines, Lieutenant, and no damn JAG lawyer is

tell me what to do with them, understood?

Yes, sir, and I respectfully disagree.

That's enough.

We'll discuss the parameters of your authority in a minute.

You mentioned a murder investigation.

You know something I don't, Lieutenant?

St. Med Naples received an encrypted message from the Seahawk at 0500 this

morning. It contained just three words.

She was murdered.

whoever sent that message to SyncMed on my quarter deck by sunset, Mr. Lubin, or

you'll spend the rest of your tour sending Semaphore to Eskimos.

Thank you.

That message could have been sent from Crypto or one of the aircraft. It won't

be traceable, sir.

Won't isn't in my language, Lieutenant.

If Lieutenant Arruti was murdered, I'll catapult whoever did it off the deck at

high noon in front of the ship's company.

Yes, sir. Your investigation will be given full cooperation.

But let me warn the two of you.

This is a ship of war engaged in an action that will most certainly grow in

intensity. I will not have you interfere with the ability of this ship and its

crew to carry out that mission.

Understood, sir.

Dismissed.

Aye, aye, sir.

Lieutenant Rabb.

Yes, sir.

How's your mother?

She's fine, sir.

She opened an art gallery in La Jolla a few years ago.

She still married to the used car salesman?

Yes, sir.

You give her my regards the next time you speak to her.

I'll do that, Skipper. Thank you.

I thought

you said that your stepfather was the senior VP at Chrysler.

He is.

You'll think Lieutenant of Looney committed suicide?

Yes, sir. Either way, Washington's going to be on my fix.

Well, it's not your fault, Skipper.

And maybe this will force Washington to realize that a battle carrier is no

place for women.

Cag, for the sake of your career, keep those opinions to yourself.

Do you think you can scare us up and change your uniform?

I'll be able to find something for you, sir.

I'm not so sure about Lieutenant Pike.

Lieutenant Arruti was about your size, ma 'am.

You're not suggesting I wear a dead officer's uniform?

No, no, no, no, of course not.

But hers are the only ones that would fit, ma 'am.

Look elsewhere.

Yes, ma 'am.

Where's female officer country?

O3 level, after the wardroom.

So, Lieutenant Rudy was amply in doubt.

Yes, sir, very.

She turned a few heads then, Mr. Ryan. Well, they all do, sir.

She turn anyone's head in particular?

Well, Navy regs do not permit fraternization, ma 'am.

Men and women at sea together for six months and the regs don't get bent a

little? Not that I'm aware of, sir.

Excuse me.

Mail personnel on deck.

You have to loudly announce yourself and then wait.

30 seconds before entering.

Does that include me?

3 .1 Alpha.

Lieutenant Puller's flying, but I like to knock anyway.

I guess they bunk the Rios together.

No, no, no. Lieutenant Puller is a pilot. She flies Tomcats.

Ensign, why don't you go see about those uniforms?

Yes, sir. Sir, you know I could... Anything?

Windows 95.

With the more sophisticated bells and whistles.

Here we go.

There's two personal codes. She must share the computer with her roommate.

I wonder which one of these is Lieutenant Rudy's.

Mom, Dad, and little sister.

How do you know? I just do.

Can you get in?

Of course, can you?

She sleeps on the bottom. Stop!

Want to bet on who gets in first?

But you've got a head start.

What a man.

Thank you, but you still have a head start.

You want to bet or whine?

Bet.

I'm in.

What the hell is this?

JAG investigation and your shipmates disappearance. I'm Lieutenant Rapp. This

Lieutenant Pike.

That gives you the right to break into my lockbox?

Sorry, Lieutenant. I thought it was Lieutenant Arruti's. What did you do?

coin or did you go eeny, meeny, miny, moe?

Is that my program?

No, it's Lieutenant Arruti's.

How'd you get her password?

I didn't.

I just came off a long mission. I need to go work out. I'll wait outside.

Why? Never seen a naked sailor before?

With control pills.

They regulated her period.

That's what Angela said they were for.

And I believed her.

A recorder?

Yeah, she taped her mission and she studied it later.

She was very dedicated.

There's nothing on this.

Well, I guess she erased it when she was done.

Look, I got a cap to fly at 0400. When I get back, I want you two gone.

I gotta get some rack time.

I'm gonna need to interview you at some point.

Angela's a good Rio.

A good shipmate. That's all I know.

Well, you know, she taped her missions. You know, she took birth control pills

to regulate her period. I'm sure there's a few other things you know, too.

Stay out of my lockbox.

Stay out of my program.

Did you see the muscles on her?

I wasn't looking at her muscles.

Anything?

Educational and flight programs, a few games, and one letter to Mom, Dad, and

little sister.

You notice anything odd?

No.

It's the first letter home from a sailor on a six -month cruise. It doesn't

mention being lonely.

Women don't get as lonely as men.

Gee, I wonder why.

Not all women in the Navy feel the way you do about having a lover. Thank God.

Okay. It's possible Lieutenant already had a lover.

Or two.

Now she's a slut?

No.

With 5 ,000 men and only a handful of women on this ship, a love triangle

wouldn't surprise me.

A love quadrangle wouldn't surprise you.

Why are you so adversarial, Kate? We're supposed to be on the same team.

Sorry. I just work more cases against you than with you.

Believe me, it's more fun to be on the winning side.

We're on the same case.

Sir, ma 'am.

I've arranged quarters for you.

Great. What about uniform?

I'm still working on that, but I can take your covers and purse.

Thank you, Anson.

Thank you.

I'll put these in your quarters.

Oh, God.

Are you here for a doctor's party, huh?

Lieutenant Pike.

Lieutenant May.

So, you're a JAG lawyer now.

That's right.

Here to investigate Lieutenant Rudy's disappearance?

Right again.

That's one way to, uh, serve in a carrier.

You two a team?

Not usually.

But think men needed a couple of JAG officers out here fast. They stuck us

together.

Is it a match made in heaven?

We're working on it.

Any idea who murdered Angela? Who said she was murdered?

Scuttlebutt. She couldn't have fallen overboard or committed suicide?

Angela wouldn't do that.

Fall overboard or commit suicide?

She wasn't accident prone, all right? And she wasn't depressed.

If she went over the side, she was pushed.

We have a briefing.

What's he in love with her?

Well, she and Painter were pretty tight in Rio school, but she's been an ice

queen in every one of this cruise.

Even me.

I take it that's unusual.

Very.

Any idea who started this murder scandal, bud?

Don't ask me, Hom. You're the JAG investigator.

Hell, just a guy with gold wings and an F -14 to play with.

Listen now.

Why don't you come up to the flight deck in about an hour, and I'll show you how

Night Trap's supposed to be done.

He doesn't like you.

We're not here to be liked, Kate.

Oh, he likes me.

It's you he's got a problem with.

Where do you know him from?

We served together a while back.

How are you a pilot?

I think Lieutenant Painter sent that message to St.

Matt.

You didn't answer my question. That's because it's none of your business,

Okay, Harm, it's pizza night and my stomach's growling. What say we trap

time? I kind of like going around on the moonlight.

What moonlight? It's blacker than the inside of a coal miner's nose out here.

Tomcat 173, you're at a mile and a quarter.

Call the ball.

173, Tomcat Clara, 3 .8.

Bend left, Harm.

173, Tomcat Ball, 3 .7.

What is it, Teddy?

You're wanted at the White House, sir.

The White House?

Did they say why?

No, sir.

But a flash just came through that the Serbs downed one of our C -130s over at

Sarajevo. Well, what's the president want me to do?

Sue him?

That's that Seahawk incident.

If that missing Rio was a male, he wouldn't have gotten behind his group

commander. She'll lose a woman at sea, and they call me to the White House.

Anything new from Lieutenant Rabb?

Not much, sir. He still doesn't know whether it was an accident, murder, or

suicide. I don't want to hear suicide or murder.

No, sir. Unless he has insurmountable proof to the contrary, I want a finding

accidental death.

Lieutenant Rabb understands that, doesn't he?

Yes, sir. I made it quite clear.

Will the reporter break the story?

Not yet, sir.

What would that cost us?

I don't know, sir. But if you wish, I could contact the lieutenant and ask him

what he would go to. No, no, no. What I don't know, I don't have to testify to

on the Hill.

Do you think there'll be a Senate investigation, sir?

Well, if the finding is suicide, the feminists are going to want a hearing.

if it's murder, the anti -feminists are going to want one. So unless Lieutenant

Aroody fell overboard accidentally, one of those is going to want to attack the

credibility of our investigation.

Don't worry, Teddy.

Junior officers get thrown to the sharks first.

And Lieutenant Rabb is the one who's sailing into harm's way.

Yes, sir.

Harm's way?

Lieutenant Rapp's first name is Harm.

Oh, oh.

Yes, sir.

You need a sense of humor, Teddy.

Otherwise, people are going to think you're a lawyer.

I am a lawyer, sir.

It was in the bottom of the safety net between the tower and the number three

elevator, sir.

Wouldn't you have to hang over the deck to see the bottom of that net, Chief?

Yes, sir.

See, I was checking the tie -downs on my bird before hitting the rack, and when

I was done, I laid on the edge of the deck to watch the bow wave. That's how I

spotted the cap in the bottom of the net.

Thank you, Chief.

That'll be all.

Sir, I just want to add that Lieutenant O 'Rudy was a real nice girl, Skipper,

and I'm going to miss her.

to lose men in action, not a woman to suicide.

How do you know it was suicide, sir?

You don't stroll off a flight deck, Lieutenant, even at night. Too many

nets. You have to jump.

Or be thrown off.

No member of this crew threw a woman overboard, Lieutenant.

With all due respect to your opinion, sir, there are over 5 ,000 men on board.

She committed suicide.

Was she depressed, sir?

I'm not a damn shrink, Lieutenant.

She was your real and an officer under your command, sir.

Surely you must have an opinion as to her mental state. Whatever that is,

Lieutenant, I do not intend to discuss it on an open bridge.

Well, then, where and when, sir? At my damn convenience and wherever I damn

please. Sir, we have to recommend to a board of inquiry what we feel...

Lieutenant Pike, the CAG has said he will be interviewed at his convenience.

Yes, sir.

Fire leave, sir.

We have to talk. We do?

You're damn right we do.

Sir. Damn right we do, sir.

Found some uniforms, but I can't vouch for the fit now.

They're not Lieutenant Arrudi's. No, Lieutenant Puller gave you one of hers.

She did?

Mm -hmm. Surprised me, too.

She says a uniform will fit.

I guess it's because of how tall you are and how big her chest... Uh, uh, if you

just stick to my six, I'll lead you to your quarters.

Not a word.

You found her cat.

How'd you know?

I'm a reporter, remember? That's my job.

Yeah, they found it in a net. Yeah, I know. Near the number three elevator. So

it looks like suicide.

No. No.

No. That's a very exotic negative, Lieutenant Pike. Do you know something I

don't know?

I don't believe it was suicide.

Oh. Well, and you have anything to base that on? I mean, other than gender

identification?

Oh.

Being targeted.

So, uh...

I fly in the morning, right?

Right.

Because if I don't, my story will.

Sir. Ensign.

I also picked up a shaving kit for you at the ship's store, sir.

Thank you, Ensign.

As far as your personal toiletries, ma 'am...

Wasn't quite sure what you wanted, so if you'd make me a list, I'd be happy

to... That won't be necessary now. If you'll excuse us.

Ma 'am, you're in female birthing. I remember the way. Ma 'am, it's a very

big shift. I'm a big, big girl.

I am 27 years old, a Harvard Law School graduate, and a lieutenant in the same

Navy as you. Don't treat me as anything less.

The CAG was about to send a sidewinder up your... I can defend myself.

Ticking him off is not going to help our investigation.

Oh. Is that strictly your prerogative?

I know the guy, Kate. I know when to push and when to walk away.

This was the time to walk away.

How do you know the CAG?

He was my dad's wingman the day he went down.

You know, Kate, maybe DePalma's right. Your gender is blinding your

This point in the investigation of CAG's suicide theory is as plausible as

murder. You'd realize that if Lieutenant Arruti wasn't female.

And if she was male, would the CAG be talking suicide?

He knows damn well that if the first female in combat commits suicide, the

will re -evaluate the entire program.

Okay, you're both pursuing theories based on gender bias.

And you're not.

No.

I like the idea of going to sea with women.

These wings look good on you.

Well, you know what they say about gold wings and dress whites.

They'll get you in bed anywhere.

Except here.

I heard they dragged you over here.

You didn't send for me, Admiral? Not me.

I'm here to sell the president on the idea of an alpha strike as payback for

that C -130 the Serbs knocked down. An alpha strike?

Who was on that bird?

A MASH unit on a humanitarian mission.

We lost 50 medical people. Oh, my God.

The U .N. has authorized us to hit their SAM missile sites.

Now, Wayne's trying to weasel a special forces raid, and Freaky's over there

begging for an Air Force strike.

But the secretary likes my idea of an all -Navy operation.

From the sea.

Great press for the Navy, Admiral.

Yeah.

If that missing female officer aboard the Seahawk doesn't ruin it... Well, my

people are on that, sir.

You know, Admiral, there's a news crew on the Seahawk that my investigating

officer is sitting on.

Now, if you should get the go on Alpha Strike, you might consider letting them

cover it for you.

I mean, it could dilute any...

Any negatives that this missing female officer created.

Gentlemen, the president will see you in the war room. Good idea, Al. Do it.

Good luck, sir. You too, Al.

Who the hell sent for us?

Admiral Bravo?

Yes, ma 'am. This way, sir. The First Lady is anxious to hear about your

investigation.

1 -6 -6, Tomcat, ball.

4 .8.

Roger, ball.

1 -6 -6, you're below glide path. Below glide path.

1 -6 -6, you still have the ball.

1 -6 -6, Roger, ball.

Just had to outpress him, didn't you?

Can't wave a bell forever.

That's true.

We'll be out of fuel soon.

Considering the conditions, she's doing pretty well.

This bitch couldn't fly a weather balloon.

One, six, six. Go around.

Go around.

Not this time, Ripper.

The deck was rising and her approach was low.

I had no other choice but to wave her off, sir.

Keeter?

She was a little low, sir.

I made the trap, sir.

You caught the number one wire, which means your tail cleared the ramp by

feet. Sir, I was bingo fuel. I knew I could make it.

Well, hell, Lieutenant, why have LSOs at all? We may as well save the Navy the

money, put these men back in the cockpit where they'd rather be anyway.

Lieutenant, you have the worst trap record on this ship.

I'm not sure you could land a tomcat at Dulles without a wave off.

Sir. If you ever ignore an LSO again, your next flight will be a one -way trip

on the Cod to Naples.

Yes, sir.

Dismissed.

Ripper.

You don't like female pilots, do you, son?

No, sir, I do not.

Neither do I.

Don't believe they have the stomach for battle.

You got that right, Cag.

But if one of my LSOs ever intentionally waved a pilot off because she was a

female, I'd keelhaul him.

We understand each other, mister?

Yes, sir.

Dismissed.

I'd like to ask you a few questions. Where'd you get the flight suit?

Ensign Robert.

I'd like to talk to you about Lieutenant Arruti. I have a mission to fly.

Hey.

How did Lieutenant Arruti perform on that last mission? It's all in the

I've read it. Describes the action. Doesn't tell me much about her

I have nothing to say beyond my report.

First time in combat can be confusing.

Now, how would you know that, Lieutenant?

My father told me.

You were five years old when Hammer went down.

He sent my mom 18 letter tapes home from NAMM. I listened to them a hundred

times.

Dorelli reports, Cag.

Lieutenant Rudy made tapes, too.

Is that how you get your kicks, Lieutenant? Listening to her private

They weren't letters home, sir. She taped her missions.

You have a tape of our mission?

No, sir.

She erased it. Well, that's too bad. Could have saved me the Inquisition.

Attention on deck. Carry on, men.

You sure you're up to this, Mr. De Palma?

No problem, Captain.

The Air Force gave me a ride in an F -16, I did.

Lieutenant Mace, when Mr. De Palma's ready, you take him topside and

him with the cockpit and the ejection procedures.

Aye, sir.

Mr. De Palma, we will be flying a Tomcat that has been modified for recon and

training missions.

There's a complete set of controls in your cockpit, but if you touch anything

other than your personal joystick, I'll eject you over the Adriatic and forget

where I did it.

Yes, sir.

You want a ride, huh?

You don't seem too popular, Lieutenant.

Your debrief says you took one mig with a sidewinder and the other with 20 Mike

Mike. That's right.

You had Phoenix Missile.

Right again.

Why risk a $35 million bird in a knife fight if you don't have to?

I didn't view it as a risk.

Are we through, Lieutenant?

No, sir. Just one last question.

Are you testing her guts or yours?

Because of you, old man, I didn't hear that.

But if you would care to repeat it.

Tenant Rav. Tenant Rav.

Your presence is requested in Crypto on the O2 level.

Tenant Rav to Crypto.

What's up?

Proof. Proof of what?

Lieutenant Rapp, Lieutenant Lubin.

So you're Rapp.

Zane and I graduated from the academy together.

Yeah, I never would have made it through without her.

I helped him get through calculus.

I sure hope I don't get my six -key hauled to this.

Are you sure you know how to work this thing?

Think so.

I'll collect that.

Jane, help me restore it.

He was busting her butt. She was questioning his decision.

Well, maybe her questions were valid, like the ones I asked you.

That's okay in an investigation, not in combat. She was hesitant, shaky, scared.

So, she was scared. It was her first time in combat. Why shouldn't she be

scared?

wanted this since she was a kid put her entire life into becoming a naval

aviator then on her first combat mission she finds she doesn't have the right

stuff according to the cad well who better to know so a few harsh words and

commits suicide people have done it for less you mean women don't you come on

kate i'm not a chauvinist yes you are you just don't know it

If you write this up as a suicide, I'll submit a dissenting position.

You can't. We're not a board of inquiry. We're a two -man team, and the senior

member writes the findings.

Two men?

Okay, okay. So I'm a little chauvinist. Yeah, I thought you'd find that

charming.

Not in an investigation.

I'm like a hung jury. I need something solid to swing me one way or the other.

Okay.

Zane believes that message to SyncMed was sent from one of the aircraft.

I checked the logs, and guess who was flying when SyncPak received it? Mason

Painter. Right!

That doesn't prove she was murdered.

Lieutenant Painter was in love with her. He wouldn't want her death to look like

suicide any more than Lieutenant Puller, who could have also sent that message

from a Stu -3.

Zane didn't think it originated from a Stu -3.

When did Zane join our investigation?

I'm looking for answers.

Well, what else did Zane...

Who's going to click later?

Tell you.

Across the Dalmatian coast and are entering the no -fly zone.

Mr. De Palma, how are you doing? Oh, fine.

Just fine. It's hot in here.

I mean, I'm a little hot, but other than that, I'm just fine.

Thanks. I'm afraid you're in for a dull time.

AWACS says it doesn't look like the Serbs want to play today.

Oh, gee, that's too bad.

I was really looking forward to a dogfight.

and break hard right.

on the tips of her fingers, which would be consistent with slipping and hanging

from the edge of a deck until she fell.

An accidental death?

I found nothing during the autopsy to indicate otherwise.

Lieutenant Arruti suffered a pelvic fracture and ruptured spleen, which her

impact trauma is consistent with high falls.

And the cause of death was a wet drowning?

There are dry drownings, sir.

Occasionally. The victim suffers a sudden laryngospasm caused by water in

throat.

But this victim died by aspirating large volumes of seawater into her lungs.

Spleen injury might have been fatal if not immediately treated.

So it contributed to her death, insofar as it inhibited her ability to swim.

She probably sank, held her breath as long as possible, then fighting for air,

swallowed seawater until her respiration stopped.

Do you have her personal effects?

One boot was missing.

There were no rings, bracelets, or wallets.

Just dog tags, panties, her play suit, and this jacket.

Is there anything else you can tell me, Commander?

Just that she suffered a slow, agonizing death.

We turn it to the wind to launch, man!

Intruders! Yes, ma 'am!

Painter!

What's Lieutenant Mace got against my partner?

He thinks Lieutenant Rav screwed the pooch on a nightjack.

Got his Rio killed.

didn't think so.

They said he had an eye infection, impaired his night vision.

Rio panicked, punched them both out over the ramp.

But as Mace said, Rio wasn't around to tell it any different.

And Mace has prejudice that Rio is his brother.

You're a lawyer, right, Lieutenant?

If I tell you something, we'll stay between us.

I'm not your lawyer. I'm the Navy.

If you have something to tell me about Lieutenant Arruti, it won't be

privileged, but I'll do what I can to keep it confidential.

Angela wrote a letter of resignation after her last mission.

She felt she didn't have the guts for combat. She resigned her commission?

No, ma 'am. I talked her out of it.

Hell, we all get scared up there at times.

Just the guys, they hide it.

That's why I know she didn't commit suicide.

Angela wasn't going to quit.

She was going back to her quarters to erase that letter from her computer.

from where?

From the car.

At night it's tied down after number three elevator.

We used to go there to be alone.

You were her lover?

No, ma 'am.

I was her husband.

I deleted it after talking to Painter. The first time?

Well, deleting erases the file.

Deleting erases the file so that it can't be accessed, but the data stays in

memory bank until it's written over.

It took me some time, but I dug it out.

You are never going to use my computer again.

Angela changed her mind about quitting.

Now, you don't do that and then commit suicide.

I agree.

Here are the uniforms you wanted. You agree she didn't commit suicide?

The autopsy revealed abrasions on her fingertips.

Looks like she slipped, grabbed the edge of the deck as she went over. I think

we've got an accidental death here, Kate.

Unless she was pushed.

By who?

Whom? The CAG.

Lieutenant Rapp.

Sir.

Just hear me out. He doesn't want women playing with his toys, right?

So he sets Angela up to screw the pooch. Which she did. Whether she did or

didn't, it still filled her with enough doubt to resign.

But Painter changed her mind. She deleted that letter and decided to stick

out. When the CAG realized she wasn't going to resign, he threw her overboard,

hoping it would look like suicide.

Oh, wait a minute.

When did Angela delete the letter?

After she left Painter at the Cod. She never made it back to her quarters. She

went overboard.

So who deleted the letter?

Harm!

Next time you wave me off for no reason, it'll be your last!

He won't do it again. You're a tough lady, Lieutenant.

You'd do just about anything to prove women belong out here.

Yeah, just about.

Maybe even toss one overboard to have a dead hero instead of a live quitter.

Angela wasn't a quitter. We know she wrote a letter of resignation.

I deleted it. I recovered it.

And you think I threw her overboard?

If I was bent like that, there'd have been a couple of guys who had went

overboard a long time ago.

I'm convening a board of inquiry in Naples at 1300 Memorial. You'll have to

there. I didn't murder Angela, so I'm not afraid to face the board of inquiry.

It's going to have to wait.

Spettlebutt, there's a mission coming up. I can't delay an inquiry, Faith.

That's Spettlebutt.

Dammit, you were a pilot.

You don't find the real thing means to me.

Sorry.

Mason's right about you.

These days, somebody's going to throw her overboard.

I heard they recovered Angela's body.

Fisherman found it yesterday.

Damn shame.

She was a good kid.

She wasn't a kid.

You know, I saw Lieutenant Puller topside near the number three elevator

night that Angela went overboard.

She was kind of hiding in the shadows.

Hiding in the shadows or just getting a little air?

More like she was hiding to me.

You aren't saying this to get her in trouble, are you?

Damn right I am. That doesn't change your being there.

And why would Lieutenant Puller want to kill Angela?

I don't know.

Love or squabble.

What a bastard.

Doesn't mean he's lying.

You suspect Lieutenant Arrudi was murdered, but you don't have any proof?

sir. If I ran the Seahawk the way you two run this investigation, I'd be

skippering a submarine at Disneyland.

Well, what do you JAG lawyers propose to do next?

Convene a board of inquiry to question certain officers under oath who may be

able to shed light on Lieutenant Arruti's disappearance.

Which officers?

Lieutenant Puller, Painter, Carter, and the CAG. You think one of them threw her

overboard? I don't know, sir. I do believe they'll be able to shed light on

disappearance. Well, your board of inquiry is going to have to wait,

Scuttlebutt is true, sir. It usually is.

Gather round, gentlemen.

It's on? It's on.

I've just received orders from SyncMed Naples. We're to launch an alpha strike

at 1800.

That'll be all, Mr. Rabb.

Aye, sir. Our targets will be the 28 stand sites around Ferrievo and their

command control center at Polka.

Keg, I'll need an HR's grunt before you launch.

I want to know what's down there. Yes, sir. I'll take it myself.

What's an alpha tag?

Everything that flies.

The tutors go in low. Smother them with snake eyes.

Hornets go high. Nail anything that lights up.

This is the real thing, gentlemen.

So good hunting.

We just finished in Emmelman, and then he did a snap turn, nine Gs to the

Well, I lost it. I mean, I didn't know which way was up, which I puked my guts

out.

Was your cockpit hot?

Yeah, yeah, it was.

He turned your heat up.

Little heat, couple of negative Gs, and Cap Midnight would have puked in that

back seat.

Why is he so damn abusive?

Well, it's just his way of telling me that I don't belong up there. He doesn't

think anyone belongs up there except his chosen few.

He's right.

He's not right.

What gives him the right to decide who belongs up there and who doesn't? 25

years and a thousand traps.

Yeah, well, it's okay. Everything is fine because the good Ensign Roberts

has arranged for me to be filmed in the cockpit after the strike.

On the deck, not in here. No, on the deck. It's okay. Anywhere with Varini's

camera angles, I come off looking like Tom Cruise.

Mr. De Palma.

You ready for your second ride? I got an ATARs mission in ten minutes.

I want to tell you the truth, Gag.

I don't think I could ride an elevator without puking.

I'll take it.

Hello, Keg.

Ready to go, Chief?

All ready, sir.

What's an ATAR mission?

That's where we go in to acquire a last -minute recon photo of the target.

SAM -6 is a mobile missile. And we just want to make sure those babies are still

where intelligence says they are.

You know, your old man's a legend in this squadron.

I know.

So's the Keg.

Good luck to you, sir.

Jack, are we on text, too?

Why?

I have to radio Lieutenant Pike.

We're not on the beltway, mister. We're on a mission. We don't transmit till

we're over the target.

You know, your dad and I were on a photo recon when you went down.

I know. I read the mission degree.

How the hell did you get that?

Freedom of Information Act.

Lawyer.

One minute to target.

Go tactical.

Roger that.

Here we go.

All right, radio, Seahawk. Sam sites the ring with Shilkas. Have them rearm the

Hornets with rock eyes and let the intruders drop the heavy stuff. Roger

Is that what it was like over Hanoi?

When we go back through, they'll be ready for us.

That'll be like Hanoi.

Seahawk, Lobo.

Sam sites protected by Shilkas.

in a second run.

Have her.

Hold it steady.

Hold it steady.

Right inch. Right inch.

Off.

Circuit breakers out.

Go out.

Heading this way.

That's your 11.

Angel 10.

We've lost an engine. I'm coming up.

Like riding a jackhammer. I've got to slow down. Stick with me.

Like a fly on pie.

Seahawk says they are receiving ATAR. Lord Lobo, the Cag is alive.

He activated the ATAR's transmitter.

I can't tell anything from back here.

You better get ready.

You better run the checklist with me. It's a long time since I trapped.

You can't trap.

I'm not punching out.

You've got to.

Once is enough.

Negative on the trap.

Once all birds are launched, we'll have you eject near the ship.

The CAG is unconscious.

He's never survived an ejection. How long since you made a trap? Any trap?

Five years. If it was a ramp strike, I'd do a good one.

Well, the CAG will have to take his chances in the water.

I can't read you. Skipper's on the horn, boss.

Stand by, arm.

Yes, sir.

Let him trap.

Aye, aye, sir.

Bring it home, arm.

Coming home.

I figure the only chance you've got is to follow me in.

I'll set you into the slot.

No offense, Lobo, but you've got the worst trap record on the ship.

Better than yours.

I've been searching the ship for you, ma 'am.

Lieutenant Lubin wants you encrypted on the double. Why?

I don't know. He just said on the double.

I've got it, sir.

What's going on? I've got a call for you on the discreet channel.

Press the green button.

Lieutenant Pike.

Kate? Harm, what's happening?

No time to explain. Just listen.

Kathy is lobo.

No, Angela with Lobo.

No, Angela was wearing Cassie's jacket when she went outside.

Rain in the dark, she was mistaken for Cassie.

Ripper. Has to be.

Kate, he's got to know we're going to put this together, and the last thing I

need tonight is a wave -off.

You're lying.

I don't really know how to build a guy's confidence, Kate.

I'll handle it.

I'm counting on that.

Hold on.

Give him a pistol.

A pistol? What do you need a pistol for?

Never mind. Just stick to my six.

Last Delta strike to wave. Prepare, Jack, for emergency landing.

Lobo, flight of three to break.

Gear down.

Flaps down.

Five o 'clock.

With luck, you'll take Kurt with him.

Lieutenant Kurt!

Haven't you people ever seen a night trap?

Keep breathing.

That makes one of us.

Wherever he is, your old man would be proud of you, sir.

Permission to enter, sir.

Brain it.

How are you feeling, sir?

How would you feel with a cracked head?

Skipper said you wanted to see me.

Look, before this gets embarrassing for both of us...

You don't have to thank me. Thank you for what?

Your naval aviator. I damn well expected you to get us back.

Yes, sir.

I wanted to... tell you something about your dad's last mission.

When Hammer went down...

I called the Sandys and flew cap till I was bingo fuel.

He was okay when I left, but he was gone when the Sandys got there five minutes

later.

You were bingo fuel, sir. You had to leave.

He was my friend.

I know, sir.

A cocktail went on the way back.

I got to the tie with 800 pounds of fuel on my tanks.

I could have stayed over Hammer another three, four minutes. It might have made

the difference.

A lot of things might have made a difference, sir.

He might have been luckier.

Or he might have never been there at all.

You have nothing to apologize for, Gag.

I didn't say I was apologized.

I made a judgment call. I've had to live with that.

Your eyes are not a judgment call, son.

You have nothing to second guess.

Now get the hell out of here. Go sue someone.

you see the day when a lawyer was a hero in America, Teddy?

No, sir.

I think you should take a look at this, Admiral. It's from Lieutenant Rapp.

So she was murdered?

Yes, sir.

Too bad.

Well, he can't have everything.

Excuse me, sir, but aren't you concerned about a Senate hearing?

I mean, you said it could discredit our JAG investigation and ruin Lieutenant

Rabb's career.

I wouldn't dare go after him now.

He's a hero.

Now, if anybody goes from JAG, it'll be me.

Or you, Teddy.

I've got a board of inquiry in Naples in an hour, man.

Not what I mean.

Thanks, man.

You sure you won't be needing me in Naples?

Right flap.

Check. Left flap.

Check. Tail flap.

Check. Reserve tank.

Check.

This is humiliating how I'm launching from the back seat.

Hold it in this way, Kathy. You'll land without a wave on.

You know what they say about gold wings and a white uniform.