Original subtitles

Commander Turner completed his investigation and made his

I briefed Commander Rabb as to the findings last night and asked him to

here today.

Yes, sir.

My conclusion is that Petty Officer Masuko was wrongly convicted due to

inadequate representation.

I'm sorry, Lieutenant.

As a result, Captain Prouty and Pax River Base Commander...

has set aside the conviction of the petty officer.

And I'm convening an Article 32 hearing.

The charge against you is dereliction of duty due to neglect and culpable

inefficiency. Sir, can't this be handled non -judicially?

Well, based on the findings, I don't think Captain Proudy would accept

less than a settlement, and otherwise it would look like favoritism.

Therefore, Commander Red, we'll defend you, Lieutenant.

Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.

Commander Turner, if you were trial counsel...

Would your personal feelings toward Lieutenant Roberts affect your

Of course not, sir, but I would prefer you choose someone else. Well, you had

the advantage of having already made up your mind. Job's yours.

Yes, sir.

Lieutenant, you're suspended pending the outcome.

That'll be all.

I wish you only the best, Lieutenant.

I wish I could say the same to you, sir.

Sir, I may speak with the Admiral privately.

So I'd like to apologize for putting you in the command in this position.

Lieutenant, are you guilty or feeling guilty?

I'm not sure, sir. Then let me make a suggestion.

You find the same confidence in yourself and your ability as an attorney as I

do.

Dismissed.

Aye, aye, sir.

If I'm ever in deep and you're around, count on me to look at someone else to

throw me a life bet.

Well, you think I wanted to make that recommendation?

I don't know, Sturgis. You've always had that hall monitor thing going on.

Is this some kind of pre -trial psych job? Are you really trying to screw with

me? I'll let you know after the hearing.

You prepared?

Petty Officer Mazzucco was convicted of a hit and run on a 78 -year -old woman.

She ID'd the car but gave a general description of the driver.

Bud was counting on his client's alibi that he was jogging in a park at the

time, but failed to find corroboration. After the sentencing, a witness named

Sandra Connor came forward, claimed she'd seen a car matching Mazzucco's

her apartment, which is located adjacent to the park. This encouraged an

attorney I normally respect to drag a colleague into a career -threatening

hearing. That about sum it up for you? Don't make this my problem. Bud failed

call a key witness to the stand.

She failed to acknowledge his attempts to contact her. He's also guilty of

missing a filing deadline and falling asleep in court.

You never miss a witness late filed or not at all?

No. Wow.

What's it like to be perfect?

Bud Roberts is a friend of mine.

Bud is a friend of mine as well, Rab.

That's the hell of it.

Bud, I heard. I'm sorry.

Thank you, ma 'am. Is there something I can do to help?

There is.

You can take the stand.

You can be our expert on JAG procedures.

Bad idea.

Why? The hearing officer might discount my testimony as biased.

Well, we're willing to take that chance.

Lieutenant, I recommend against it.

Don't worry about it, ma 'am.

It's just enough to know that you believe in me.

Lieutenant.

Oh, hi, honey.

How's it going, Harry?

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

Enter.

Sir, may the lieutenant ask the admiral a question?

Would the lieutenant care to take a seat?

No, sir, I would rather stand.

Sir, why are you doing this to Lieutenant Roberts?

You'd prefer that I intervene on his behalf?

Yes, sir.

If I did that, it would become known, and as a result, it would be presumed

the lieutenant is guilty, and I showed him favoritism.

I see. So it is necessary that this go to trial. It's his only hope of clearing

his name.

Or it just might end his career.

Harriet, I know the stakes are high.

And I want you to know that this is one of the most difficult things I've ever

had to do.

Bud, the idea of a procedural expert is a good one. It could neutralize the

competency issue. If we could prove that you raised enough reasonable doubt,

there isn't a lawyer in the system that would testify against you.

Maybe one.

I don't blame her, sir. She's just trying to win her case.

By giving you 26 witnesses to track down?

28, sir.

Well, whatever.

It still drew your attention away from the one that mattered. I did find her,

sir. You called her twice. She never responded. Yeah, but Commander Turner's

going to argue that I should have followed up in person, sir. So we'll

her. You were too busy chasing geese. You're a good lawyer, bud. You've won

majority of your cases. We need to show that Lieutenant Singer was behind your

failure. She was out to cripple your career.

Well, we can't blame her for the late filing, sir.

It was my son who smeared peanut butter on the motion to suppress.

Did you retain evidence?

At the time, sir, I didn't expect it to have an impact on my life.

Well, we'll work around it.

Did you fall asleep in court?

Yes, sir. Like a head -bopping thing, right?

Apparently, I was snoring, sir.

Leaving the office before 7, Commander. Well, now that is a step in the right

direction. Care to join me?

I'd like that very much, sir, but unfortunately I've, uh... You got the

A little pizza with a video?

Yes, sir. Congresswoman Latham and I are going to make it an early evening

tonight. She's got work, I've got work.

Who'd you rent?

Nothing special, sir.

Well, enjoy.

Yes, sir.

I'm going to see if that pizza's up.

Have a good night, sir.

Good night, Commander.

Turn it to gold.

Uh -huh.

Ow.

Sorry. Is that better?

No. No.

You know what? You don't have to do this.

I'm not penned.

Oh, you're terrified.

We're going to settle.

Norm thinks we can talk Commander Turner into supporting an out -of -court

settlement. A letter of warning that's not on your record?

You can live with that?

It's like a D on a report card full of A's.

It'll seem like exactly what it is, a one -time mistake.

I'd take a hit on my next fit rep.

Yeah, but beyond that, he'd be okay.

Commander Turner will go for it.

Why wouldn't he? Because it's a serious offense that warrants punishment. I'm

sorry. You're asking too much. I can't accept.

Well, we can't accept the punitive letter of reprimand for the career

Given the lieutenant's outstanding record, I'm not so sure that's the case.

Sir, what you're offering would make promotion impossible.

Not necessarily.

I'll have a federal conviction on my record for life, sir. Make us an offer

commensurate with the alleged wrongdoing.

Harm, that is the offer commensurate with the alleged wrongdoing.

Come on, I wouldn't... Accept an offer like that fresh out of law school.

Is that why you're asking for a deal only someone fresh out of law school

buy? Sergius, I know you feel pressured to show that Jag can prosecute one of

their own, but why don't you say... Carm, Bud's case is weak. Take what I'm

offering as best of a bad situation.

Dragging this into a hearing will only prolong his agony. I wish you'd trust me

on this. We'll take our chances in court. You're not going to discuss that

your client first?

A punitive letter of reprimand versus the possibility of dismissal and

confinement, Lieutenant.

Don't let him scare you, bud. I'm not trying to scare you, bud. The fact of

case should be enough to do that.

I have to take Commander Turner's offer.

Then you won't get a promotion.

I'm not going to get a promotion if I'm selling shoes at the Deerfield Mall

either. Don't you think the Commander could be bluffing?

Harriet, Commander Turner's a friend. He wouldn't be warning me if he didn't

think he held all the cards.

I think you underestimate harm, the way you two work together.

Harm's first instinct was to settle.

That's all I need to know about my chances.

You're a lawyer, so if you were defense counsel, what would you think?

Harriet, why would you ask me that?

To keep you from treating yourself like a criminal.

Well, it's hard to have another perspective from where I sit.

Then let me help you.

You are a man in his prime with an otherwise impeccable record with a young

whom you hope to influence for the better.

That's where you sit.

What are you going to do about it?

Hey.

Hi.

Are you leaving without me? I forgot all about lunch.

Where are you headed?

I was going to take a walk, clear my head.

The Roberts hearing is moving forward.

Oh, that is too bad.

It's Joyce.

Well, then I guess he'll be prepared to live with the results.

Come on, you'll eat, you'll feel better.

And preference?

You know, that pizza the other night was great.

Let's go to that place.

All right.

Hi, Miss Boone. Admiral. Hi, Admiral.

I saw him there the other night.

Who? Admiral.

He was eating alone.

Well, maybe it's a choice.

No.

Do you know anyone?

Well, you cut quite the military figure for a yentum.

Do you?

Lieutenant,

a question.

Yes, sir.

How do you feel about the role you played in heading off to some of Zuko's

-martial? I'm not happy an innocent man was convicted, if that's what you mean,

Commander. But you're happy you defeated Lieutenant Roberts.

You think this was personal, Commander?

Tell me you weren't resentful of the interest the Admiral showed in the

Lieutenant's career.

Would it do any good, sir?

You obfuscated, Lieutenant.

If you're referring to Sandra Connors, sir, I informed Lieutenant Roberts of

existence. And the existence of 27 other dead end witnesses.

You filed a motion to deny the continuance he needed and you harassed

trivial motions.

I did what any strong litigator would do, sir.

Excuse me, Commander.

Are you accepting responsibility for the petty officer's conviction, Lieutenant?

I'm taking responsibility for doing my job better than Lieutenant Roberts did

his job, sir. How are you going to feel if this goes to court, Marshal,

Lieutenant, and he's dismissed from the Navy?

That would be unfortunate, Commander.

I'll bet you'd be real broken up about that.

Excuse me, sir.

Potter. Is that Lieutenant Singer?

Yeah. How is she?

Adorable as ever.

What's up?

You said you were going to speak with your mother this morning.

I did.

Listen, brother, she's going to need a little time.

I mean, she's all for your paternity claim and you becoming a citizen.

But when it comes to giving up dad's Vietnam letters, she's finding it

difficult. Well, of course, but will she?

The DNA from his saliva is what's going to prove my paternity. You don't have to

argue with me. I'm on your side.

Is it the letter or is it me?

Look, Sergei, don't take this personally.

Why not? I am the child of her husband by another woman. She doesn't have a

grudge against you.

I shouldn't have come down here.

Petty Officer Mazzucco? Yes, sir.

Commander Rapp, I'm defending Lieutenant Roberts on the charge of dereliction.

Yes, sir.

I see you back at work.

I am, sir.

I assume you're here to talk about it, sir.

I want you to know, Petty Officer, whatever we discuss here will in no way

affect your status.

This is about Lieutenant Roberts and the way he represented you.

Yes, sir. I understand.

I will, however, Petty Officer, ask that you try to be as objective as possible.

I'll do what I can, sir.

Regardless of any ill feelings you have towards the lieutenant.

You underestimate me, sir.

Hello? Lieutenant, what are you doing at home?

The admiral put me on administrative leave, so I'm spending the time with

AJ.

I just left Pax River.

What's the damage, sir?

It's bad.

For the prosecution.

I'm sorry, sir?

I spoke to Petty Officer Mizuko. He says he supports you 100%. He's offered to

testify for the defense.

Is that right, sir?

Yeah, he says he can't blame you for missing a witness that didn't make

available.

That's great.

Listen, enjoy your time away from the office, bud, because when you're back in

action, you won't have any.

Thank you, sir.

I'm a little surprised you asked me to join you here, Sturges.

Sir, things have been tense at the office.

I know, you think?

It was good to bury a legal hatchet for a night.

Here, here.

One for my friend, sir.

There you are.

Good evening.

Congresswoman, I think you know everyone.

He's from the Mississippi.

This is Sturgis.

It's a pleasure.

Nice to meet you. And this is my friend Caroline.

Har. Nice to meet you, Caroline.

The same.

Mac. Hi.

And this is Admiral A .J. Tegwood.

Nice to meet you. Good to meet you.

Would you ladies like something to drink?

Caroline? Oh, I'd love an apple martini.

Apple martini?

She's a little young, don't you think?

Free your mind, don't you?

You did tell her she was here to meet the Admiral, didn't you? I

told her he was a tall, distinguished man in uniform. She couldn't help but

notice. Maybe I forgot to specify rank.

Do you think the Admiral's interested?

He doesn't know he's supposed to be.

We need to get involved.

You know, Caroline is an architect.

You're interested in architecture, aren't you, Admiral?

Like Frank Lloyd Wright.

I've been more influenced by the Brutalists.

I think they installed the plumbing in my building.

Harm, can I speak to you a moment?

Bobby and I brought Caroline here to meet the Admiral tonight.

What?

She's way too young for him. The Admiral likes more mature types.

Thanks, but we need cooperation, not coaching.

Fine. Next time, let me do the picking.

You want to get into this?

Yeah, I have some ideas.

There's a certain captain I think would be perfect.

We do a plane with fire.

Mac,

you gotta admit, the Admiral's been a little cranky lately.

For the record, I want nothing to do with this.

Oh, sorry to drink and run, but I just got a call from a panicky client.

I know a really good plumber.

Hey, don't blame me. There'll be plenty of time for that later.

It's all wrong for him anyway. I know what the F one is.

Right, you've done so well for yourself.

Well, glad to see the office attention just melt away.

Uh, Commander, thanks for the invite, but my, uh, fun meters.

Peg for the night. Good evening.

Sir. Good night, sir.

Good night, sir.

Miss Connors, did you some months ago receive a visit from a Navy master at

concerning the hit -and -run accident of an elderly woman?

Yes. He said that they tracked her description of the vehicle to a suspect

gave them an alibi.

What was that alibi?

that he was jogging at Rock Creek Park and had left his light blue Celica on my

street. Did you confirm that?

Yes, and I did remember seeing a car that matched that description parked out

front.

After the interview, did you make yourself available during the period

up to the trial?

Yes.

Were you aware that the lieutenant had tried to contact you by phone?

I received a lot of calls at that time.

Did you ever receive a visit from the lieutenant?

I did not. Any investigator representing the defense?

No. Did the lieutenant try to contact you via the postal service or email?

No, he did not.

Ms. Connors, would you have taken the stand on Petty Officer Mastucco's behalf

had you been asked?

Yes.

Thank you.

Your witness.

Ms. Connors, given that you had information vital to defense counsel's

didn't you seek him out when you failed to hear from him?

I thought the case had probably been dropped or something.

Why did you come forward after the fact?

Because I heard the petty officer had been convicted.

How? I work at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

Were the petty officers assigned?

That's right.

People were talking about it, and as soon as it got to me, I came forward.

Why do you think that?

Other people heard this before you... Objection, Your Honor. Defense is asking

the witness to speculate.

Sustained. You're fishing, Commander.

No further questions, Your Honor.

The government is ready to present its expert witness, Your Honor.

The witness may step down.

Proceed, Commander.

We would like to call Lieutenant Colonel Sarah McKenzie to the stand.

Your Honor, the defense objects to counsel's expert witness.

We received notice that the government would be calling a Commander Leslie

Stickley. Sir, Commander Stickley just commenced emergency leave due to a death

in the family.

In lieu of requesting continuance, I ask Colonel McKenzie to quickly review the

case file and testify as our expert.

Your Honor, the... Objection's overruled, Commander.

The Colonel can testify.

If necessary, I'll grant the defense a recess to interview the witness prior to

cross -examination.

Do you swear that the evidence you shall give in the case now in hearing shall

be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?

I do. You may be seated.

Are you familiar with the accused?

I am.

Would you consider him a capable attorney?

I believe the lieutenant has the potential to be a great attorney.

Would you also consider yourself the accused's friend?

I am honored to do so.

Given your high opinion of him, would you find it difficult to criticize his

conduct in this case?

Yes. Now that you've studied the facts of Petty Officer Masuko's trial, do you

feel that Lieutenant Roberts' conduct met the standards of what a prudent JAG

lawyer would have done in similar circumstances?

No.

Would you tell the court why?

The lieutenant missed a filing deadline.

On one occasion, he fell asleep in court.

And what effect, if any, do you think these two incidents had on the outcome

the trial?

I believe they likely prejudiced members against the petty officer's case.

Anything else?

The lieutenant failed to contact an important witness and call her to the

Do you believe this cost him an acquittal?

In my opinion, yes.

Commander, would you prefer that recess now?

No, Your Honor.

Colonel, did you once receive oral surgery the morning of a trial?

Objection. Relevant? Your Honor, the Colonel has been called to testify as an

expert witness regarding professional standards applicable to judge advocates.

I'm just trying to explore what those standards really are.

Overruled. As long as you keep in mind that the Colonel isn't the one on trial

here. Yes, sir.

Please, Colonel, answer the question.

I had a wisdom tooth pulled.

Did you receive anesthetic?

Local. Afterwards, did you come straight to court?

That's right. Were you feeling a little woozy that morning?

I wasn't totally myself.

You think it was apparent to the members?

Objection. Colonel McKenzie is not a mind reader.

I'll withdraw the question, sir. Do you believe, Colonel, that your behavior

that morning... Was up to JAG standards.

Within acceptable limits.

But not Lieutenant Roberts nodding off.

Yes. Now, neither of you were at your best. How is it that you're able to

forgive yourself but not him?

Because my client was acquitted.

Was that because of your performance?

Maybe not on that day, but I apparently did something right.

Hmm.

How long did you have to review this case, Colonel?

A little over 20 minutes.

Thank you. I have no further questions, Sheriff.

Thank you, Colonel.

You can step down.

This court is in recess until 1400.

I need copies of this one and Lieutenant Baldwin's security pass.

Commander, right on time.

Ready? Actually, no, ma 'am. I've been detained. I'm sorry.

Fool. I'm sorry, too.

Admiral!

Sir, have you met Captain Fryer?

Admiral Chegwidden?

Hi, how are you? Nice to meet you, Admiral.

The captain is my aeronautical expert, sir.

Three trials in county.

Sir, do you have a moment?

A moment?

If you wouldn't mind, ma 'am.

Sir, I'm in a bit of an embarrassing situation. I was supposed to have lunch

with the captain when I'm swamped.

I was wondering if I could ask you a favor.

You want me to take your place?

This is your normal lunch hour.

Commander?

Yes, Lieutenant.

I want to make sure of these reservations, sir.

The Admiral and the Captain Fryer for lunch.

Is that correct, sir?

My office, now.

Turner, join the caravan.

Captain, could you excuse us for one more minute?

Why don't we just do this another day?

Sorry, ma 'am.

Since when did my office become a production of Hello, Dolly?

You think I live under a rock? Lock it up!

Commander, were you trying to fix me up with that architect the other night?

I should be angry, but I'm so damn disgusted.

You know, I hope you're not treating Lieutenant Roberts' case with the same

judgment. Sir.

And I'll thank you.

to keep your nose out of my business.

And your eyes on your assignments.

Hi.

Sir.

How are you doing, Lieutenant?

I'm fine, sir.

We were just talking about how the colonel's testimony wasn't as bad as it

have been.

That's true.

I mean, Colonel Blakely could decide that 20 minutes wasn't enough time for

to review the facts in the case.

I'm counting on it.

I'm going to go get coffee. Would you guys like some?

Great.

It was devastating. Yes, it was.

I'm so sorry, bud. I was hoping to stay out of this.

I can't fault you for expressing your opinion, ma 'am. I can if it's the wrong

one. Why didn't you tell us?

I went looking for you, Harm. I even left a note on your desk.

Well, how is it that Sturgis knew how you were feeling?

Well, you sensed it in her attitude, sir. Same as I did when you were trying

support me. It was very hard for you, ma 'am. It was a clinical evaluation, but

it had nothing to do with my opinion of you or your abilities.

Why didn't you just say no?

Well, what would that say about the process, Harm? That friendship

obligations?

Obligation to what? An opinion?

An informed one.

Bud has a lot to overcome here, and blaming me isn't going to make that any

easier for him to do. Look, ma 'am. Sir.

I'm a little uncomfortable with you fighting over me.

Could we just move on and assume that we'll get through this?

Can we?

We're gonna have to.

Thank you.

Would you like to be part of the team, Colonel?

I just testified against you.

I've never known your professional opinion to interfere with your

ma 'am.

Would this be okay with you?

Yeah.

In fact, I have your first assignment. Help us counteract the effect of that

last witness.

Lieutenant, as trial counsel and petty officer Masuko's court -martial, were

aware of Sandra Connor's statement that petty officer Masuko's car was parked in

front of her apartment at the time of the accident?

Yes, sir.

And did you inform the defense of Sandra Connor's existence?

I did, sir.

Did you provide any other exculpatory evidence?

That's all there was, sir. Thank you, Lieutenant.

Your witness.

Lieutenant Singer, did you provide Lieutenant Roberts with a list of

witnesses? Yes, sir.

Would you please tell the court how many names were on that list?

28, sir.

That's a lot, isn't it?

Just trying to be thorough, sir.

How many of these witnesses proved useful?

One, sir.

Sandra Connors? Yes, sir.

You buried her name in the middle of the list at number 18.

Why would you do that, Lieutenant, given that she's the only witness capable of

exonerating the defendant?

That's the order in which it came out of my notes, sir.

Isn't it customary, Lieutenant, to provide the defense with a brief summary

what each witness had to say to separate the wheat from the chaff?

It is, sir. So why didn't you do that, Lieutenant?

I did better, sir.

Attached to the witness list was a cover sheet calling Lieutenant Roberts'

attention to Sandra Connors with a summary of her statement to the Master

-Arms. I stapled the sheets myself and I left them in the Lieutenant's inbox.

There's a copy in my file. I can provide it for you, sir.

Lieutenant Singer didn't say anything about the cover sheet in her pre -trial

interview, sir? I asked her if she'd given you all relevant information.

She said yes.

I assumed otherwise.

That's culpable inefficiency.

So you'll have to try and make me feel better, huh?

I don't think there's anybody here in this office that wouldn't have made the

same assumption.

Where is it, bud?

I don't know, sir.

It could be here, and I'm just not seeing it.

You didn't remove it, did you?

Sir, I was so sleep -deprived that week, I could have walked into the courtroom

naked.

Well, that's a comforting thought, Lieutenant.

You still have Petty Officer Mazzucco's testimony, sir. I assume he still

supports me.

Sturgis will chip away at it by pointing out the fact that attorney -client

relationships tend to lead to a naive trust of counsel.

Here's the document with two pages reversed.

Maybe I did take the fax cover sheet off and staple it to some other document.

Whoa.

That's evidence, Lieutenant.

Right, sir.

Do you always use the staple remover when you separate pages?

Yes, sir.

So you would have used it on the witness list?

And then re -stapled the pages that were left, sir.

All right, so then there'd be two extra holes in here and there's none.

Well, at least two options that I can think of, sir, that Lieutenant Singer

either lying about sending the fax cover sheet or someone ripped it off the

document.

I never let anyone see my files except my second chair, sir, and I was working

alone on this one.

Not always.

May I help you?

Oh, yes. I'm looking for Colonel McKenzie.

Are you able to chat with me?

The colonel's told me about you. I'm Meredith Cavanaugh. Hi.

Hi.

Let me guess.

You're here to see Colonel McKenzie, but the real reason you're here is to help

a friend of hers.

That's right.

Well, I think I can speak for the colonel when I say she won't be needing

help.

I'm sorry, what?

The colonel will answer to me on this matter.

Miss Cavanaugh, I'm sorry to waste your time. I'm going to show you out.

No, no, don't bother.

Please just tell Colonel McKenzie I stopped by.

You can count on it.

If there's any more interest in my personal life, I'll have the guilty

skinned.

And for the record, I like to eat alone.

Colonel.

You know, I expect puerile behavior from Rab and Turner, but I don't expect it

from you.

Sir? Oh, I met your friend, sent her home.

Excuse me, sir?

Meredith, whatever, what is she, a tennis pro, an investment banker,

therapist? She's a scholar, sir.

Created the Schuyler University Shakespeare Festival.

Meredith agreed to meet with me because she runs a summer English program for

pre -college teens, which I thought Chloe might be interested in.

My apologies, crew.

I'll be happy to call.

I'll call her, sir.

And I'll be sure to give you a fair warning next time I meet with her.

If you'll excuse me, Admiral.

Have a seat, Petty. I appreciate you coming in on such short notice.

No problem, sir.

Is this about my testimony?

I wanted to ask you a few questions about your case.

Whatever I can do to help, sir.

During the pretrial period, you met with Lieutenant Roberts in his office,

correct? Many times, sir.

Did you ever touch anything on his desk or his inbox?

Not that I recall, sir.

Did he ever help the lieutenant with any of his paperwork?

No, sir.

Is there a problem?

The cover page to an important document is missing.

I'm sorry to hear that, sir.

I thought maybe you removed it.

Inadvertently.

To find my prints in a file or something, sir.

Why would he ask me that?

Maybe the petty officer thought you were accusing him of something.

I gave him a chance to help somebody he supports and he suddenly makes it about

himself. He was nervous.

From that point on.

Are you suggesting he was acting guilty, sir?

Yeah. Of what?

I don't know. Maybe he did take the paper. Maybe he took it purposely.

Why would a man facing jail time want to steal a document from his own file? One

that pointed to the very witness who would have exonerated him.

Makes no sense, huh?

I know.

I don't know. Maybe he's trying to cover up a crime that was worse than the one

he was being accused of committing.

You mean murder?

No, he's not a killer.

Well, any trouble with his superiors or problems at all?

Well, he did talk about his marriage, ma 'am, that it improved after his wife

found out he was facing charges.

Isn't it usually the other way around?

I think they were drifting apart, but the event caused them to realize how

they had invested in each other.

And I can understand that because of the support I've gotten from my own life.

But if you had to choose between losing this case and losing Harriet, which

would you pick?

I think that's obvious, isn't it?

And so I think, sir, is the explanation we're looking for.

Ms. Connors, you testified that you worked at the Patuxent River Naval Air

Station, correct?

That's right, yeah. What do you do there?

I'm a cashier at the Navy Exchange.

Did Petty Officer Mazzucco shop at the Navy Exchange?

As did all personnel.

Did you ever meet the Petty Officer?

He used to buy CDs.

Is that a yes?

We talked.

So why are we hearing about this for the first time now, Miss Connors?

Nobody ever asked.

Now, you also testified.

That you saw a car resembling Petty Officer Mizuko's outside your apartment

building the night of the accident, correct?

Yes. Are you in the habit of remembering the make and model of all cars parked

out there?

Well, I just, I happen to remember this one.

Is that because you'd ridden in this one, Miss Connors?

Yes.

Was Petty Officer Mizuko with you that night?

Yes, he was with me.

Why?

It was a social visit.

Did you two spend the night together?

Yes. Were you having an affair with Petty Officer Mazzucco, Ms. Connors?

Yes. But the accident changed all that, didn't it?

Jeffrey and his wife reconciled.

But you had already spoken to the master at arms and ID'd the car.

I told Jeffrey if I was asked about it, I wasn't going to lie.

So in order to keep his wife in the dark and to keep you from the witness chair,

he had you avoid Lieutenant Roberts, is that correct?

He thought that the evidence against him was all circumstantial and he would

rather write a conviction than further endanger his marriage.

Did he tell you that he'd found a copy of the prosecution's witness list on

Lieutenant Roberts' desk and that he'd removed the cover sheet?

Yes.

Tell me something, Miss Connors.

Why'd you come forward after he was convicted?

Because I couldn't bear the idea of him being in prison.

Your Honor, there is no excuse for an attorney falling asleep in the courtroom

or missing a filing deadline.

So let's remove the word attorney from the statement, Your Honor, and replace

with the term human being.

Lieutenant Roberts is a human being who made human mistakes.

But if he'd had the benefit of exculpatory evidence being withheld from

his own client...

He would have been able, as an attorney, to successfully defend him.

Please, Your Honor, this is a good man with a bright future.

Don't send this to court martial.

Now I have seen everything.

The lieutenant gets off because his own client hid the evidence from him.

No, you haven't seen what a good winner I can be, sir. Thank you.

I was impressed with the way you handled yourself through this, bud.

Lesser men would have crumbled. Ah, but lesser men don't work in this office,

Commander.

I'm moving on.

I'm right behind you.

Bud. Ma 'am, no more apologies.

Your judgment of me was correct with the information you had at the time.

Ma 'am, I just got a call and you have a visitor on the way up.

Thank you.

Congratulations, Lieutenant.

Thank you, sir.

We need to continue our conversation about your future.

Aye, aye, sir. And in the meantime, there is a mountain of paperwork on your

desk. Let's get to it. Yes, sir.

Lieutenant Singer, you said that you were going to kick my ass.

And I think you did a pretty good job.

Want to join us?

How do you do that?

You'd need a heart transplant to understand that, ma 'am.

Excuse me.

You're a forgiving man, sir.

Well, thank you, Petty Officer.

Do those instincts extend to me?

Yes.

Captain Prouty's going to throw the book at me.

Would you agree to represent me?

No. Good luck.

Hi. Hi. I'm glad we could work this out. Me too.

Um, Colonel?

Miss Cavanaugh, I'd like to express my sincere apologies for my behavior

yesterday.

Ma 'am?

And just what would an insincere apology sound like?

I deserve that.

Look, I made a mistake then and now.

There was a misunderstanding on my part. I behaved horribly, and I am sincerely

sorry.

Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge.

Titus Andronicus.

Correct.

You may relish him more in the soldier than in the scholar.

Othello, and I prefer the scholar.

I do, too.

So you're a... A professor?

Well, technically, yes, but I feel more like an administrator these days.

The Admiral knows how that feels.