Original subtitles

Whoa. Whoa. Oh, nice jet.

Jet files?

Yeah, it seems like no matter how many you close, you keep on throwing.

Yeah, like barnacles on a ship's hull. Exactly.

Why are you doing this anyway?

Get some help.

Well, in case you hadn't noticed, Lieutenant Roberts is now running in our

circles, and Lieutenant Sims is doing some carrying of her own. Your problem

you don't know how to relax.

Oh, like you do.

Well, let me make an observation, Mac.

One of us volunteered for duty this weekend. The other is sailing.

I'm a team player.

So am I. The difference is that my teammate is with me this weekend.

Does Jordan know that you're a pilot and not a sailor?

On this, the 24th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, we revisit an event that

brought a conclusive end to an inconclusive war that claimed 58 ,000

lives. And with over 2 ,000 American servicemen still listed as missing in

action, the wounds persist to this day.

Oh, fortunately, some of them have healed.

Hey,

have a good time.

And try not to run aground.

A Navy lieutenant?

Yeah, a little while ago by the elevator.

Well, through the military facility, there are lots of those around here.

Wearing campaign ribbons from Vietnam?

Well, sure, there aren't that many 50 -year -old lieutenants. Are you sure it

was a Vietnam ribbon?

Yeah, look, I'm sure.

Mac, this is going to sound weird, but the guy looked exactly like my father.

Carm, you're so suggestible when it comes to him.

Do you think it was that TV special?

Well, either that or your father's ghost is following you around. And which one

sounds more likely?

G'day, Major.

I'm Lee.

Commander.

Commander, how'd you leave?

Fine, thank you.

What's going on?

Haven't a clue, sir.

The old man said to wait, so we're waiting.

Well, outstanding, sir.

Don't look like the maitre d' at Ritz -Carlton.

Not unless he's arguing United States versus Wayne in the Supreme Court, sir.

Oh, I could do without the monkey suit, but tradition is tradition.

Sir, you are aware that you're not required to be there until 10 -100

morning. Well, I know that, Major, but I'm just trying to get my head into it,

which, by the way, is why you're all here.

When I decided to push this case through the system, I had no idea it would come

this far, but now that it has, I'm nervous, sir.

Delighted, Lieutenant.

Yes, sir.

Sorry, sir.

Admittedly rusty. Now, I do feel prepared, but I could go for a jog over

course. It's one thing to approximate the height of the barrier, another thing

to try and scale it.

Lieutenant, the event.

Yes, sir. A lieutenant commander was convicted of disobeying an order to tell

his civilian girlfriends that he was HIV positive.

Commander Brumby, the sentence?

The court -martial sentenced him to six years in prison, I think, sir. You think

correctly.

Major, was that the end of it?

No, sir. I believe two years later, when a new statute was passed, the Navy

dropped him from the ranks, which deprived him of pension and medical

Good. Rab, take her home.

The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces reversed, sir. The Supreme Court

now considering the issues of double jeopardy and a possible ex post facto

Excellent. Excellent.

You've all qualified for my moot court preparation this weekend.

I'll argue you'll be the judges.

Everyone available?

Well, sir, I don't see how I could turn down an appointment in the Supreme

Court. Sir, actually, the commander has sea duty this weekend.

Explain. Sort of a shakedown cruise, as I understand it, sir.

You tell some people you're playing, sir, you might as well take out an ad in

the Navy Times.

What is it about, Commander?

I was going to go sailing this weekend with Commander Parker, sir.

You've already chartered the boat?

I could cancel, Admiral, if you need me. No, no, you enjoy yourself. You can use

the time off.

I'll alert the Coast Guard.

That'll be all, Commander.

Thank you, sir.

Have fun.

And you, Major?

Oh, sir, my social life is flying solo. It wouldn't be picked up by radar.

I'd be glad to help.

Well, let's try this for size.

We'll try to make this as real as possible.

Well, um, simple yet elegant.

Commander Brumby.

Well, I planned an inspection tour of the Georgetown pub, sir.

Oh, there come my son.

Good.

Lieutenant.

Sir, Harriet and I were going to decorate the nursery.

But there's always next week.

You sure?

Yes, sir.

Thank you, Lieutenant.

And I could use Harriet's help as well.

By the way, you received an Amjur Award for Constitutional Law, is that right?

Yes, sir.

Chief Justice, sir?

Now, the ground rules. When we walk into the courtroom, I am no longer your

commanding officer.

You're the justice of the Supreme Court. I'm a humble litigator.

Sir, Lieutenant, when you ask me a question, I want to hear a chainsaw.

cutting through the floor around my feet. Is that clear?

Yes, sir.

Good.

We'll begin at 0800 tomorrow. You'll be issued files of the briefs.

Please be prepared.

Thank you.

Dismissed. Goodbye, sir.

Thank you.

I don't know.

You called the National Weather Service?

Uh -huh. They're calling for thunderstorms tonight, all day tomorrow.

gusting 25 to 30 knots higher over open water.

Is your tub calm?

That's a shower.

Nothing's like having them ready.

Now that would be perfect.

Sorry about this.

That's okay. Good as just a cuddle.

You don't mind staying in port?

I look good, actually.

You're beaten.

Let's see.

I have an anorexic ensign who is in a frenzy because she gained 14 ounces this

week. Captain suffering from anxiety, depression because of his impending

retirement, and a very troubled Marine lieutenant with post -traumatic stress

disorder. And those were just my morning appointments.

The phone.

Grab.

Just a second, please. It's your service.

Yeah, this is Commander Parker.

Uh -huh.

Did she say it was an emergency?

Okay, good. Who else?

She called three times.

Right.

All right, thank you.

Sorry.

Thank you.

Everything okay?

Doctor, patient privilege. I can't get into it. I've said too much already.

You want to talk about it.

Make it about me.

Okay.

You're a peacekeeper in a foreign country. You got a clear shot at a

you miss.

Sniper returns fire and kills your best friend.

How do you feel?

Guilty. To what extent?

I think about it all the time.

nightmares of trouble sleeping would you have visions of what you think you see

him alive what's your opinion of that oh it's not encouraging if that's what you

mean you think i'm crazy no no i am for getting into this with you it is

completely unprofessional i'm sorry but i have to deal with this can you give me

a couple minutes absolutely

Lieutenant, Commander Parker.

No, no, it's no interdiction.

And where was he?

No, I believe that for yourself. I'm not going to tell him that you didn't see.

What I am going to do is ask you, ask yourself this one question.

If he was that close, if he was that good a friend, wouldn't it be more

that he's returned to support you rather than haunt you?

Mr. Chief Justice, may it please the court, from the time of ancient Romans

until the day, from the days of swords and chariots to the era of lasers and

radio frequency weapons, there is no more fundamental edict in the military

this one.

An order from a superior officer must be obeyed. That's stilted.

Mr. Chief Justice, may it please the court, Commander Wayne willfully

an order.

That is the beginning and end of this case in my legal career.

Grab.

Hello.

Hello, son.

Well, you slept late.

It's up in the middle of the night.

Is there something on your mind?

I'm overtired, I guess.

I was brushing my teeth. I heard you talking in your sleep.

Really? Mm -hmm.

What was I singing?

Couldn't tell. But you weren't having a good time.

Hey, something smells good.

I made biscuits.

You didn't have to do that. I know.

I'm glad you did.

Harm, you should have woken me.

Oh, hey, you need your sleep.

And you needed the company.

Oh, it was all right. I read. I organized my desk drawer.

Harm, next time, wake me.

Yes, ma 'am.

Let the machine get it.

It's probably your service.

Probably. You better get it.

Commander Parker.

Um, yeah, thank you.

Have Lieutenant Maggio meet me in my office in an hour, I think.

That thing about it always raining on weekends?

It's the law of the universe, isn't it?

It's the same in psychiatry. On their days, our patients dwell on their

problems. Does the lieutenant keep seeing his dead body?

He can't go there with you.

What if you knew him?

I don't know.

Why are you so interested?

Curious. I have obsessions of my own, and, you know, I thought I might learn

something. What obsessions have you been having?

Well, there's a certain Navy psychiatrist I think a lot about.

Well, sometimes the best way to get rid of these obsessions is to indulge in

them.

Really?

As lieutenants.

Is he dangerous?

Yeah, to himself. He's suicidal.

You feel like he's being haunted?

Yes, but it's more complicated.

What's his buddy doing anyway?

Stare at him?

He's talking to him.

It's all about growing up in a foster home. There are serious issues of

abandonment, and that is all I'm willing to say.

I understand.

I have to go see him. I mean, he may need to be hospitalized.

I'm really sorry.

Hey. Nothing to be sorry about.

You have responsibilities.

People need you.

I need you.

When will you be back?

A couple hours.

Just be happy you're not him.

for some A6s visiting Uncle Ho.

Trish, I gotta cut this short to make the mail.

Give Harm a big hug and a kiss from me and be strong, honey.

I'll be home soon.

I love you guys.

Admiral, I just wanted to wish you well with Monday's oral argument.

It's an important case for the Navy.

I'm looking forward to it, Mr. Secretary. Every lawyer wants that quill

Wait, actually, that's what I wanted to talk to you about, A .J.

You don't litigate anymore, and this is your first case before the high court.

It can be intimidating.

Nine ornery justices, big marble courtroom, 200 years of history staring

the face.

I have heard that some lawyers actually wet their drawers.

If I was going to lose control of my bodily functions, Mr. Secretary, it

have been in Vietnam.

I'm not doubting your mettle, A .J. I just wanted to let you know that the

Solicitor General is offering the services of Cabot Foster.

Now, Mr. Foster didn't serve in Vietnam, but he does have three quill pens.

So, you want me to sit second chair?

I want you to be comfortable.

I was wondering why you would come down here on a Saturday morning, Mr.

Secretary. You know, trust me.

A .J. To a lawyer arguing before the Supreme Court is equivalent to planting

flag on Mount Suribachi.

Not only do I believe I can adequately represent the Navy's interests, I damn

sure intend to win, sir.

I'll expect that, then.

Oye, oye, oye.

God save the United States.

And this honorable court.

You may proceed, counsel.

Pump up the volume, mate. You are the chief.

Mr. Chief Justice, may it please the court. The Court of Appeals for the

Forces erred in overturning the prison sentence and separation order of

Commander Wayne.

The proof conclusively established that Commander willfully disobeyed a safe sex

order.

Diagnosed with HIV positive, he was ordered to inform potential sex partners

his condition and to use condoms. He disobeyed both orders.

But where's the injury? None of the women who had sexual contact with

Wayne contracted the virus.

That is correct.

They were fortunate. So was Commander Wayne, or he might ultimately have been

charged with murder.

But what business does the military have interfering with the sex life of this

bloke? Or anybody, for that matter? The courts have long upheld laws restricting

the personal rights of those in the military, restrictions that could not

in civilian life.

And even if the safe sex orders were invalid, the assault charges would still

stand up.

Lieutenant Roberts, what the hell kind of response is that?

Sir? Don't feed me lobs. Don't give me softball.

You are the Chief Justice. Your job is to find flaws in my argument, not agree

with me.

For God's sake.

Challenge. Interrupt. Attack.

Yes, sir.

Commander Wayne didn't attack any of these women, did he?

No, he did not. And each of these women consented to their sexual contact,

correct? That is correct. However... Then how could he be charged with

and battery?

which for the last 500 years of common law has required unconsented to physical

contact.

Please don't try to call me. I need some time to myself.

Ready?

Is it that time?

Yeah.

This is sort of fun, isn't it? I mean, once you get into it.

Yeah, it is.

Sort of.

You don't think I was too hard on the Admiral, do you, Major?

No, you told us not to hold back, bud. If anything, I think you could be

on him.

We would be doing him a favor, wouldn't we?

I mean, after all, that's the reason he selected us for this detail. We should

be tough.

Unrelenting.

Morning, Your Honor.

Good morning, sir. What are you doing here?

Researching. Rain down, huh?

Yeah. Excuse me, sir, ma 'am. I'll see you in there. We resume in five minutes.

Yes, Mr.

Chief Justice.

How's it going?

By Monday, the Admiral will be ready and we'll be exhausted.

Mac, um, I got a minute.

Sure, what is it?

I saw him again.

Last night outside my apartment.

Your father?

Tom? Look, before you go directly to skepticism, I want you to see something.

Take a look at this. I photocopied the visitor's log yesterday.

1630, a Lieutenant Hammer signed in. That was my father's call sign. At 1655,

signed out directly after I saw him.

I'm not even sure this says Hammer. It could be Hammond or even Danner.

This is not the kind of evidence that you want in court.

Maybe. Maybe it's something else, Meg.

Look, we both know that I have seen ghosts before aboard the Hornet,

Tate. He was with my father.

Have you talked to Jordan about this?

No.

But you're talking to me.

You're ignoring the person that you have the most intimate relationship with, a

psychiatrist, who's supposed to be able to understand what you're going through.

Seems that way, I guess.

Why? Well, for one thing, she's working with a patient right now who suffers

hallucinations. I knew she'd go directly to that without considering other

options. You have always, you know, humored my occasional metaphysical

Herm, I don't think that either one of us can be objective about your father.

Go to Jordan.

You owe it to her for all kinds of reasons. And don't tell her that you

see me first.

All right. Thanks, Mac. You're a good friend.

Yeah, that's me.

Girl next door.

Talk to Jordan. Give it time. Think it through.

If you still can't let it go, just trust your gut.

It hasn't failed you yet.

Grab. How's that swing coming, son?

Remember to choke up on the bat and swing level.

I'll be walking through the door before you know it.

What's wrong?

You look like you've seen a ghost.

This is my fault.

I should never have discussed the Lato case with you. Don't go there, Jordan. I

didn't realize how deep an issue this was for you. Look, all I'm asking for is

the benefit of the doubt.

Okay? I know my father's voice better than I know my own.

The letter case he sent home to my mother I've listened to, I don't know

many times. It was my catechism. All the more reason to think you hear him now.

Harm, the most common hallucination is the vision of a loved one who's died.

There's nothing abnormal about it.

And given your 30 -year search for your father, I'd be surprised if you didn't

see or hear him.

While incarcerated, Commander Wayne was ordered removed from the Navy under a

law which was passed after his trial. That sounds like an ex post facto

I don't believe it is. And what about double jeopardy?

Dropping an officer from the active duty ranks is an administrative action, not

a judicial punishment.

But the Navy didn't offer a separation hearing.

Weak response, Counselor.

And I'm still concerned about the Navy's validity in telling an unmarried

officer the circumstances under which he may have sex.

And doesn't this violate the notion of fairness and due process to punish a man

under a law which was passed after his trial?

Admiral?

Well, if it's not criminal punishment for the purposes of the double jeopardy

clause, the same holds true for the ex post facto clause.

Counselor, your time is up.

Additionally, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces has no jurisdiction to

bar the Navy from administratively separating Commander Wayne.

Admiral, kindly take your seat.

I'm sorry, Mr. Chief Justice. I was trying to fully explain. Your arguments

more holes than a target ship. Your time has expired. Please sit.

Down.

Mr. Chief Justice, I would like to extend argument for one moment.

Admiral, what were you saying about jurisdiction?

Under authority of Congress, the Court of Appeals is empowered to review court

-martial.

not administrative separation.

While not directly on point, the case of Hendricks v.

Wharton, when read in conjunction with Pennsylvania v.

the U .S. Marshals Service, makes it relevant.

It's a novel argument, but an interesting one.

It hadn't occurred to me, but it works.

It works?

Kind of.

We'd have to reverse the Court of Appeals for the Armed Services.

It would set a precedent.

Yes, Lieutenant, it would.

Which is okay.

Admiral, thank you for your cogent and illuminating arguments.

This court is adjourned.

Wow, it looks great.

Bikini lasagna, my mother's recipe.

She snagged my father with it. You know, this isn't right.

You're supposed to be the guest. I should be serving you.

I feel comfortable in your house.

It's a good thing.

Yeah.

Really good.

Thank you.

Thank you for putting up with me.

I can say the same thing.

We both lead complicated lives.

You know, this is the first moment of the whole weekend that feels

uncomfortable.

So sad.

The wine.

You'd say, I'll get it.

He must have gone down the fire escape. Who? Barb?

Barb!

Maybe he left something in the car.

Barb!

It was him, Jordan!

No! In a POW uniform!

Listen to me!

Listen to me! Did you ever see your father in a POW uniform?

No! Not even in a photo?

Never. Listen to me!

Listen to me!

Until now, you've simply been reliving scenes you've already experienced.

Your father's an aviator, him talking to you.

The old memories, rewinding and unschooling, but now your mind is

new ones.

Why? Is it safe to assume you've never used mind -altering drugs?

LSD, peyote, psilocybin? Very safe.

Have you suffered any head injuries?

I've been punched in the head a few times, but nothing recently.

I don't think this is psychosis, but I can't rule out the possibility of

brain damage.

I want you to report to Bethesda for a CT scan.

Whatever you want.

All right. The phone call I told you about.

Seems so real, Jordy.

Seems so real.

What did he say to you?

He said he was looking forward to coming home.

You know, playing ball with me.

Stuff like that.

He told me to hook up on the bat.

No. Is that something he would say?

No. That's something he did say.

He did say that.

Statement number seven.

It's one of my favorites.

I just left the hangar deck, Trish. I bet Harm would love to see this.

How's that swing coming, son?

Remember to choke up on the bat and swing level.

I'll be walking through the door before you know it.

Those last three sentences, what he said to me in the phone, exactly the same

inflection.

Somebody's been here.

How can you tell?

Tapes are out of order. They've been tampered with.

Whoever did this.

Trying to play with my head.

How good would it be for Bob to rap?

You know, I hear he's living very well outside of... Yeah, where is it? Small

landscape. He never calls.

Slow down.

You kidding me? After last time? You dealt with the mind. I never met the

I don't want to keep it that way, Jordan.

Clark Palmer is a sociopath, techno freak escape artist who thinks he's

than everybody else.

He has no conscience through which to filter his impulses.

All he cares about is playing the game to win.

He wants recognition for what he does, appreciation for his skills.

In a big way.

Then he'd probably leave a clue or calling card.

You know, when I came back to get you that night, he left a picture of himself

taped to the door.

It's a textbook.

Did you try to star 69 him?

Brilliant.

I haven't used the phone since he called. Hope it wasn't his cell phone.

the Excelsior Hotel.

Is this the Excelsior Hotel in Georgetown?

Yes, it is.

Is there a Clark Palmer there, please?

Uh, I'm sorry. We don't have a Clark Palmer registered.

What about Rab?

R -A -B -B. Harmon Rab.

We have a Harmon Rab senior, but there's a Do Not Disturb on his line.

Uh, could you tell me his room number, please?

I'm sorry, sir. We can't give out that information.

Look, this is his son.

I need to speak to him. It's an emergency.

If you don't believe me, hang up, call information, and ask for Harmon Rabb Jr.

in D .C., and then call me back, please.

That won't be necessary.

He's in room 318.

Thank you very much.

He's setting you up.

Jordy, the way I see it, I have two choices.

I can play the hunted or the hunter. I prefer the lead. I don't suppose you

prefer calling the police?

Look, sit tight.

I'll call you, okay?

I'm sorry to disturb you, Admiral. I was just released from duty.

Come in, come in. Thank you.

Coffee? No, thank you, sir.

It's about the case.

Are you a last -minute suggestion?

No, sir.

Because I feel very prepared. I mean, today's session was damn exhilarating.

Sir. Do you know that the SecNav wanted me to yield argument to some noodle

-neck geek from the Solicitor General's office?

Admiral, I have... Can you believe that?

The case is over.

Sir.

I'm sorry?

The clerk of the court called JAGOPS an hour ago.

Commander Wayne resigned his commission today.

So, uh... You won.

Hell, I did.

The other side retreated. There's no satisfaction in that.

No raised judicata, no precedent, no written opinion.

A case like this could come up again, sir.

Sure the hell doesn't mean I'll get to argue it.

I think you had some damn fine arguments, sir.

If it's any consolation... Major.

Yes, sir.

Matt.

Thanks.

Despite what happened, sir, we're all very proud of you.

So I followed him to Memorial Bridge.

And that's when he told me to jump.

I stood there, leaning over the railing. Suddenly I realized, my God, what am I

doing?

I need help.

And I thought of you.

How did you find me?

Your service.

I told him it was a life or death emergency.

This is entirely inappropriate, Lieutenant.

I'm sorry.

Should I go?

Come here.

Here.

What's this?

A Mylar mirror.

Do you know what Maggio means in Italian, Doctor?

No, I don't.

Magician.

She's tied up right now Sorry couldn't resist

Where is she, Palmer?

That's how you greet me?

After all we've been to each other? If you hurt her in any way.

Oh, no.

I thought I'd leave that up to you.

Look, I'm getting tired of this game, Palmer.

Don't move.

What are you after?

Your attention.

I want every second of your life to be about me.

When you're awake.

When you're asleep, when you're on the can, and when you die.

You're Lieutenant Maggio, aren't you? What gave me away?

All those sessions with Jordan.

Stuff about the abandonment, the foster home. It's all true, isn't it?

So much for doctor -patient privilege, huh?

That's where your resentment of me comes from, isn't it?

I loved my father, and you hated yours because he ran out on you.

Too much analysis.

Ruining my life is not going to make you feel better, Palmer.

You're probably right.

I'll just shoot you now.

You okay?

What? Is he dead?

He'll make it.

You knew it was a mirror?

I had my suspicion.

When I saw him draw his pistol with his left hand, then I knew for sure it was a

reflection. Oh, God. I guess you weren't eliciting after all.

I guess I don't need therapy, huh? Oh, that's too bad, because I think you

have liked the therapy I had in mind.

Get this guy out of here.

If it's any consolation, sir, I think that you would have made them sit up and

take notice.

Oh, thank you, Lieutenant.

By the way, thank you for your participation.

Sir, if I have overstepped myself, I apologize.

I know that we were just play -acting, and I think maybe I got a trifle carried

away, but I meant no disrespect.

Did you disobey an order?

No, sir. Did you shirk your duty?

No, sir.

Mr. Roberts, that was a pretty fair litigator in my time. But I came to law

in life.

You're young, that's good.

Mr. Roberts, you have the potential to be a great lawyer.

I don't know about that, sir. Well, I do.

And take my advice.

Let your style develop naturally.

Try not to fire any weapons in a courtroom.

Yes, sir.

That'll be all?

Yes, sir.

Dismissed. Aye, aye, sir.

I have a lot to learn, sir.

Not as much as you think, son.

You didn't have to be here, Commander. We do this every day.

Just wanted to be sure you admitted the right man.

He won't slip through again, will you?

Oh, absolutely not.

Where's your solitary wing?

In a very safe place.

Well, let's hope so. If you like, we can set up a cot outside his cell.

That way you can look in on him yourself.

Gate.

Bomber.

Get some help while you're in there.

He cares.