Original subtitles

Taco, give me a six -buoy bear trap pattern, three -second interval.

Confirmed. Six -buoy trap. I'm coming back. Don't initiate until I get there.

Roger that.

You got it, Nick. All right, ma 'am. I've got it.

You check the depth at each station?

Station one, ma 'am. Check them all.

Thirty seconds and counting, Lieutenant.

What's the conversion layer?

It should be on the tip of your tongue, Lieutenant.

It usually is, ma 'am.

190 feet. We're ready.

Let's go.

Station one's out.

Two. First three out, ma 'am.

Okay.

Would have been easier without you hanging on my ear, Commander.

Just making sure, Lieutenant.

I don't think so, ma 'am.

This is payback.

What?

You know what I'm talking about, ma 'am. No, I don't, Lieutenant. But maybe

you'd like to repeat that to the wing commander.

Yes, ma 'am.

Along with the charges of sexual harassment.

Attention on deck. As you were, people.

Morning, sir.

The floorist wanted to double -check the message on the roses you're sending,

Admiral. We're unsure if you said soft breath or soft breath.

The number, please?

Yes, sir.

They're also out of white, Admiral.

What are my choices?

Yellow, pink, or red, sir.

Yellow. Assuming these flowers are for Professor Kavanaugh, sir, don't you

that pink would be a more appropriate color, sir?

Fine. Dismissed. Aye, aye, sir.

Addie, I assume you're aware of the charges.

Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

Commander Beth O 'Neill is one of only two women to command a P -3 squadron.

She's one of the Navy's shining female stars. Needless to say,

The charge of sexual harassment by a junior male officer is disturbing and

alarming.

Commander Minetti, you'll assist Commander Rabb with the defense.

Yes, sir. Commander McKenzie, Commander Turner, one and two for the government.

You're to fly to Point Mugu, California for the Article 32 that's been convened

by Pat Wink's PAC.

Yes, sir.

Let's try to avoid putting policy on trial.

That'll be all.

Aye, aye, sir.

Admiral.

I'm glad to hear that you and Meredith are doing well, sir, and I actually

pink is a good color for her. It'll go with her eyes.

She's not a rabbit.

No. Well, sir, to the point, Meredith has been leaving me

messages.

I know.

She wants you to take her up in your plane again.

Yes, I gathered that, sir.

And that's why I haven't returned her calls.

Well, you better do that.

Well, I don't know what to say to her, sir. What do I say?

Well, um... You'll take her.

The last thing I expected from her was sexual pressure.

I'd just play out for a minute.

She gave me low marks on my last fitness report, sir.

Put my naval career in jeopardy.

And?

This is the last chapter in a story that's been building for a while, ma

mean, at first it was just subtle flirting, but then she's bending over me

console to demonstrate procedure.

And finally, while I'm standing in front of her, she asked me if I have a

girlfriend back home. I tell her I did.

And she wondered if I'd ever cheated on her.

I said, no.

She then laughs at me and says, well, you mean not yet.

How do you know she was referring to herself?

Because, ma 'am, at the time, she was filling out my fitness report.

She's staring at me, holding the pen over the signature line, waiting for my

response. In other words, she wouldn't sign it if I accommodated her.

Did you?

I just stood there, Colonel.

And then after a few moments, she nodded her head and made it official.

So you decided to come forward, Lieutenant?

No, sir.

No, I was willing to let it slide if she'd just back off.

But she didn't. It only got worse. I mean, after that, I couldn't do anything

right. When I realized she was punishing me for not taking the bait, that's when

I had to step up and fight back.

Were there any witnesses to the fitness rep incident?

None, sir.

We were in her B .O .Q.

She called you to her quarters, not her office?

At night, ma 'am.

Did the commander ever proposition you directly, Lieutenant?

No, sir.

So you could be misinterpreting.

Um... I don't know how to say this without sounding vain, sir, but...

I've been approached by women before.

A lot, actually.

And the signals were unmistakable.

Did you warn the commander, let her know her actions were inappropriate?

I was afraid that if I antagonized her, ma 'am, I'd just be making things worse

for myself.

After all, it was her word against mine.

Still is, Lieutenant.

The charges are baseless. Lieutenant Kersey completely misunderstood my

intentions. What were your intentions?

To make it clear that he was underperforming and that his future was

on how he responded to my displeasure.

Well, I hope that's not how you put it, Commander.

Of course not. I tried to keep the conversation friendly, even personal, so

wouldn't think I had it in for him.

Maybe you were too friendly.

And from that, he perceived sexual harassment?

I'm being held to a ridiculous standard here. You know, when I crashed with the

brass ceiling, I didn't expect to have to bleed for the privilege.

You had trouble with men accepting a woman in your position?

My ex -husband, for one.

Is that why your marriage ended?

It was a contributing factor. You are the defense counsel, correct? I believe

the commander's just trying to anticipate where the prosecution might

ma 'am. Nothing personal.

Let's hope not.

Why did you give Lieutenant Kirstie Lomax, Commander?

As a tactical air control and communications officer, he failed to

sonoboy deployment, which resulted in the loss of an active prosecution, in

case, a North Korean submarine.

14 hours of wasted flight time.

Why did you choose to confront him in your quarters and not your office?

I was his mentor.

I had a closer relationship with him than I had with others in my command. I

working late at the time. I knew he was nearby.

When I reached his fit rep in the pile, I chose to address it while it was on my

mind.

Do you find Lieutenant Kersey attractive?

Everyone does. He has a rather large following. My question was to you.

Yeah.

Anything else?

What?

I was thinking about the good that can come from tragedy.

Like? Well, you and I spending time together, away from the office.

Oh, hey, look where we are.

Remember there's a little dirt road behind the movie theater there? We were

pulling out late one night, we decided to check it out. There's a reservoir at

the end of that.

Right.

That big grassy area, completely isolated.

Yeah, we took a blanket out of the trunk, laid it out.

Need to stop by the drugstore when we head home.

Okay.

Were you under the impression I needed an apologist, Commander?

Just trying to allay our client's fears, sir. Our client's fears are what

interest me.

They're a window into the veracity of her remarks.

You don't believe her?

She was defensive.

Typical behavior of someone who's suppressing something.

It's also behavior I'd expect from someone who's used to having to defend

every move.

You mean against men?

Well, she's obviously touchy about how she's been treated, Commander.

Why would she then turn around and subject a male officer to equally

behavior? You know, I think Commander O 'Neill has been treated extremely well,

considering she's one of the Navy's top female aviators. Then what would she

have to gain from pursuing Lieutenant Kersey?

Have you ever known logic to be overturned by desire, Commander?

I think she's innocent of the charges. Well, then I'll count on you to keep me

on track. Yes, sir.

There's no return address on the tape either? No, sir.

Play it.

Mine eyes have drawn thy shape, and thine for me are windows to

my breast, where through the sun delights to peep, to gaze therein on

Translation?

My house, six o 'clock.

And how did you know pink was my favorite color?

Trust you'll keep this to yourself, Tyner?

What would that be, sir?

Exactly. That'll be all.

Aye, sir.

Admiral?

We nailed those flowers, though, didn't we, sir?

Close the hatch, Tyner.

You're still on the spy kick?

You know, I'd actually gotten off. Minetti and I worked so well together on

last case. And then she started questioning my position on women's

Well, what do you care what she thinks?

I care about being misrepresented, especially if she has the second half

I'm not a chauvinist. No, you're not. No, thank you. You're arrogant, which

be misinterpreted as a chauvinist.

Here, come in for a second.

Mac,

good. I want you to hear this. Harm, you may as well join in.

This is Lieutenant Murtaugh.

Lieutenant, would you tell the colonel and the commander what you just told me?

Ma 'am, sir, I believe Lieutenant Kersey's telling the truth.

Based on what?

Commander O 'Neill's come on to other men, ma 'am.

That's hearsay, Lieutenant. Somebody needs to be willing to step forward.

That would be me, Commander.

We were in San Diego.

We had just returned from deployment, so we were partying a bit, bar hopping the

gas lamp district.

We got to this one place, and the first person I see is Commander O 'Neill,

looking ready for action.

Specific, Lieutenant.

She was dressed to catch something, sir.

It's the only way I can describe it.

Did you talk to her?

She spoke to me. She came over as soon as she spotted us. Told me I was her

dance. I said I'd disappoint her.

But she said she never considered me the type.

What did you think she meant?

I assumed it was a sexual reference, ma 'am.

So to my buddies, they all had a big laugh about it.

Did you dance with her?

I was uncomfortable, given she was a senior officer, but I said I'd do what I

could. She then asked me if I could move my hips.

I answered yes.

She said that's all that counts and led me onto the floor.

And after the dance?

I got out of there, sir.

We all did.

It felt like nothing but trouble.

Well, thank you, Lieutenant.

But I don't think anyone's been court -martialed for dancing in a while.

Even if it was a lady's choice.

Thanks for the file.

Uh -huh.

Uh -huh.

Keep that gait.

Looking good.

You go, Roberts.

Bring her home.

Wow.

First time away from the rails. I'd say I'm impressed.

Any pain?

Less and less.

Let me look.

Just want to make sure there's even distribution of weight. How is the fit?

Pretty good.

Yeah. This new socket technology is fabulous.

New dynamic ankle.

And how about my vibrant knees?

They're the best.

So, how long until I can trash the crutches?

As long as it takes.

Yeah, but I'm doing great, right?

Yeah, yeah. Okay. Just don't push it.

Blood supply to your residual limb is still insufficient.

You've lost your spleen, remember?

That's why you can't take your prosthesis home yet.

Well, no, I know. I'm just feeling so good.

Give yourself time.

Allow yourself to adjust fully to the changes.

You'll be setting yourself up for failure.

Lieutenant Murtaugh is a very good officer. He would be even better if he

take himself so seriously.

I just wanted to loosen him up a bit. What better place than a bar?

A little unorthodox, wouldn't you say?

I don't play authority games with my people.

Sir, a number of officers and enlisted personnel have already come forward in

support of Commander O 'Neill's leadership style.

She's very popular.

Apparently not with everyone.

They're not used to being under the command of a female. It changes the

Why play into it?

Is there a point where we're going to start discussing what actually works

my case?

Look, we need something to discredit Lieutenant Kersey's story.

My word.

Well, unfortunately, Commander, that may not be good enough.

It should be.

My record speaks for itself.

Unfortunately, ma 'am, in this man's navy, a woman needs to be twice as

competent and twice as virtuous.

You will get no argument from me there, Commander.

Well, you will from me.

But it won't be about the struggles of women in the military, which I agree

exist. However, in a court of law, the only thing of consequence is an

individual's integrity, regardless of gender.

I think we concur there, yes?

Hey,

enjoy your run?

One and a half miles, sir.

Don't be long before we're both kicking up the dirt, sir.

Ah, feels like it's going to take forever.

Lieutenant Carpenter has me on such a short leash.

Well, stick with the lieutenant.

Remember what happened when I moved too fast?

Have a pizza.

Oh, thanks.

So,

what do they got on tap here?

We'll get to that in a second, but right now we have something of a higher

priority. Would you mind taking a look over my shoulder, sir?

She's a dime piece, huh?

Yeah, very pretty.

until she worked out.

Hey, Barkey, would you mind sending a glass of house champagne to the lady at

six o 'clock? The one with the exceptional torpedoes.

What are you doing?

Making contact before she leaves.

Looking like this?

This is how I look, Lieutenant.

Oh, man.

Give me five minutes.

The government will be starting with Lieutenant Kersey, sir. Well, that's

I'd do.

Establish maintenance, report it with circumstantial testimony.

You mean prior advances from Commander O 'Neill?

There were any.

The lieutenant's pretty hard to ignore, sir.

You think he's good -looking, too?

Me and just about every female on this base.

If there's one thing that keeps coming up in my interviews... You know, I don't

get it.

I mean, it's okay.

Sir, you can't look at him and objectively say he's a handsome man.

You know, I could ask you the same question.

Do you think Uma Thurman is beautiful?

Yes.

All right.

So is the lieutenant.

I mean, he's not beautiful.

You know, he's fine. I mean, he's okay.

He's a good -looking guy. You can leave it at that, sir. Thanks.

Lieutenant Kirk, do you want reason to Commander O 'Neill give for the adverse

marks on your last fitness report?

Incorrect placement of my sonobuoys, ma 'am. The equipment had been adjusted

without my knowledge, but it is my station.

And I took full responsibility.

Prior to the night in Commander O 'Neill's quarters, did she ever express

dissatisfaction with your work?

Commander has high standards, ma 'am. Felt that I could improve, but she was

always encouraging.

Was she friendly?

I got used to her smiles, ma 'am. Were you surprised by the low grades?

Well, considering that she's my mentor and how well she knew me, I expected the

benefit of the doubt, yes, ma 'am.

But instead, in the privacy of her quarters, she marked you down in a way

jeopardized future promotions.

Yes, ma 'am.

After commenting that you were likely to cheat on your girlfriend?

Yes, ma 'am.

And then waited for your response before signing the document?

That's correct, ma 'am.

No further questions.

Lieutenant, did Commander O 'Neill ever directly proposition you?

No, sir, not directly.

That's what you interpreted from prior encounters where she smiled at you.

It was the way she smiled at me, sir. If it was a problem, why didn't you go to

your wing commander earlier?

It wasn't a problem earlier, sir. Right, it became a problem when she gave you a

low grade on your fit rep.

It wasn't the grade, sir.

It was the deal she was offering me to erase the grade. A deal that was never

articulated.

No, sir, not in words.

Articulated in her hesitation before signing your report.

And she looked me directly in the eye, sir. Isn't it possible, Lieutenant, she

was trying to communicate something else to you? Something like her desire for

you to step up and do a better job?

No, sir.

Not giving the expression on her face at the time.

Would you state your name and rank for the record, please?

Lieutenant Commander Nancy Yorkin. What is your current assignment, Commander?

I'm a signals intelligence officer.

Any contact with Commander O 'Neill?

We assess data together, sir.

Do you ever socialize together?

I've made attempts to get to know her.

For example?

We've chatted on the way to department head meetings. I've asked to join her at

meth. Does she ever talk in a flattering way about male personnel?

Yes, sir.

She said things like, that one's cute, I wonder if he has a girlfriend, that

sort of thing.

Your reaction to these remarks?

A little surprised, sir.

I guess I expected more propriety from someone who'd accomplished so much.

Did Lieutenant Kersey's name ever come up?

I approached the commander at the O -Club, was asking her about her

but they seemed to only be about the lieutenant who was across the room at

time. What did she say about him?

She told me she thought he was hot, sir.

I agreed he was good -looking, and then she asked if I had ever fantasized about

sleeping with him.

What did you say?

Nothing, sir.

I was speechless.

Commander Yorkin, you say that Commander O 'Neill had asked you if you ever

fantasized about sleeping with Lieutenant Kersey.

That's correct.

Did the Commander tell you that she herself had done this?

No, I assumed it from her comment about the Lieutenant being hot.

And this comment bothered you?

Lieutenant Kersey is in Commander O 'Neill's chain of command.

Did you ever answer her?

I changed the subject.

What would have been your answer?

Excuse me?

Did you ever fantasize about sleeping with Lieutenant Kersey? Your Honor,

Lieutenant Commander Yorkin is not the one charged here. The Commander is

her testimony on Commander O 'Neill's state of mind at the time, Your Honor.

simply exploring her own.

Relevant for an investigative hearing, Colonel.

Overruled.

Your answer?

If I had, I certainly wouldn't have advertised it.

Can I assume that to be a yes?

You can.

And did you ever act upon those fantasies?

No, of course not.

Why not?

Lieutenant Kersey is a junior officer. It's inappropriate.

Then, as a fellow female officer, with a clear understanding of military culture

and with ambitions of your own.

Would you have expected the commander to act any differently?

No.

Not when you put it like that.

Not for other questions.

So how was rehab?

You haven't said much.

Oh, I walked with my prosthesis at the end of the rails.

That's great.

How did it feel?

Good.

At the time.

I met up with Stiles at a bar afterward.

He did something that I would never be able to do.

He hit on somebody with his prosthetic fully visible.

He wasn't even self -conscious about it.

Well, did you say something to him about it?

What am I supposed to say? Hey, listen, Corporal, I'm sorry I'm walking out on

you because I'm feeling sorry for you.

You're overcoming by overcompensating.

I think that because you're an amputee, you're special and the world can't say

no to you.

Isn't it better to be overconfident, though, than fearful?

You didn't see the look on that woman's face when you walked over to her.

Captain Stalen, how long have you been Commander O 'Neill's air wing commander,

sir? Six months.

In that time, how would you grade her performance?

She's first -rate.

Strong, focused, involved.

Knows how to keep her personnel feeling good about themselves.

Never had any problems with her, sir? None.

Ever witnessed inappropriate behavior on her part? Lewd remarks?

Suggestive comments?

Not a one.

In your opinion, sir, is she fair in her assessment of others?

The commander is trained to deal with incoming data.

To be objective and unemotional.

She's not the sort who would allow her personal feelings to interfere with her

objectivity. Do you concur with her assessment of Lieutenant Kersey's

performance in his last fitness report?

Yes. Thank you, Captain.

Your witness.

Have you observed Lieutenant Kersey in action, sir?

I'm familiar with the lieutenant, yes.

That wasn't my question, sir.

I haven't flown with him, if that's what you're asking.

I'm generally in the control center during missions.

So you haven't been in a position to evaluate his day -to -day performance?

I rely on Commander O 'Neill for full evaluation of her personnel.

And when you just testified regarding Lieutenant Kersky's fitness rep, were

agreeing with her assessment of him or confirming the opinion of someone you

trusted?

I'll admit, I have little first -hand knowledge of the lieutenant's general

performance.

However, my confidence in Commander O 'Neill... Thank you, Captain. You've

your confidence in her very clear.

Nothing further.

Sure you don't want second?

No, no, no, thank you.

Sorry about the fish bone.

How's your throat?

It's a little sore. Do you have any ginger ale?

You don't need ginger ale. Yeah, no, I think I do.

I have something better.

Turn around.

Meredith, look, I think that first Heimlich, it did it. No, no, this is

something else.

You've been tense the whole evening. I'm going to give you a massage.

No, really, I'm fine. You know, you're the one that needs to relax.

You've done all the work. I mean, you cooked the meal. You put out the fire.

You're in the hands of a professional.

Lie down.

Up we go.

How does that feel?

That feels pretty good.

What's this?

Oh, a knot.

Tough little bugger.

Gotcha. Did you hear a popping sound?

Commander O 'Neill, did you offer to change Lieutenant Kersey's fitness

grade in exchange for sexual favor?

No.

What did you discuss when you summoned him to your quarters, Commander?

The mistake he made on our last mission and how costly it was.

Do you like the lieutenant?

I think he has character and the potential to be a fine officer, which is

couldn't let this one go.

It was my way of lighting a fire under his thick. So you strongly counseled

No, I tried to keep it relaxed and informal.

Did you imply he was capable of cheating on his girlfriend?

That was a compliment that came out wrong. What I was trying to say was that

because of his look, he would always be pressured by other women. It was ill

-advised. And I regret saying it, but it had nothing to do with me.

And when you paused prior to signing the report, Commander?

I wanted to see if I'd made my point about his performance.

And how did the lieutenant respond?

He glared back at me.

Thank you, Commander.

That's the goal.

Commander, do you agree with Lieutenant Kersey that his error was due to his

equipment being reset?

A scheduled maintenance had inadvertently altered some of the

settings, but he was aware of the procedure and should have checked his

equipment prior to the mission. Given the mitigating circumstances, many would

consider a bad fit rep unduly harsh.

Not if they understood the consequences of the mistake.

But all your other reports on the lieutenant were positive.

Yes, because they reflected my belief in his... Potential, yes, but on that

night you wrote him up in a way that adversely affects his chances of

Not if he chooses to turn it around.

You're divorced, is that correct?

Objection, Your Honor. The commander's divorce has no bearing on this case.

Your Honor, another officer has testified to the commander's desire for

companionship. I'm simply establishing the relationship between her divorce and

that fact.

The defense fails to see the connection, Your Honor.

Well, I'm certain the government will provide it.

Overruled. Tread lightly, Counselor.

Answer the question, Commander.

It will be three years in January.

How many men have you been with in that time?

Your Honor.

Overrule, Commander.

None.

You haven't had one sexual encounter in three years?

You expect us to accept that, given your stated interest in men?

Yes. You're under oath, Commander.

Check and argumentative. Sustained.

Back off, Colonel.

The witness hasn't satisfactory... Asked and answered. You're badgering the

witness. I warned you about this. Your Honor, I'm just trying to explore what's

already been established in testimony.

Do it another way. But, Your Honor... Either move on or sit down.

Nothing further.

Thank you for that.

You're welcome.

What has she got against me?

I don't think it's personal, Commander.

I just think the colonel doesn't believe you. Well, then he was projecting.

Was she?

Well, it doesn't add up, Commander.

You're an attractive woman. You're powerful, successful. I don't believe

Ma 'am, I have to agree with the commander on this one.

It's a bit of a left turn.

I was telling the truth.

You haven't had one sexual encounter in the three years since your divorce.

I have had sexual encounters, but not with men.

Commander, you had attorney -client privilege.

Anything you tell us is confidential.

Don't ask, don't tell didn't apply here.

Ma 'am, you could have told us you were gay at the outset. I don't tell anyone

I'm gay.

In any case, it wouldn't have done you any good. You couldn't use it. As soon

you bring it out, I'm out.

We'll talk about that.

Why don't you resign? Clear your name. Live openly.

Because I like what I do as much as who I am? Would you ask that of yourself?

I don't know, Commander.

But are the alternatives any less palatable?

I've been dealing with it.

How long did you know before you told your husband?

I've always known.

You have a don't ask, don't tell policy in your marriage agreement?

It's not easy revealing that kind of thing to someone you care about.

Well, you can't even reveal it to people you don't care about.

Commander, I spent the better half of this hearing disbelieving you and not

knowing why.

We wasted time.

Ma 'am.

Just so I understand, your attraction to Lieutenant Kersey, that was all just a

smokescreen? Yes. I admit I overcompensated, especially around

But if this is a problem, I could request new counsel.

Commander, you're innocent of the charges.

Why would we bail?

We wouldn't.

We won't.

Doesn't mean we can win.

Is everything all right, sir?

Just an old injury.

Did you get it from combat, sir?

Hand to hand.

Excuse me, Admiral.

Something amusing, Tyner?

No, sir.

Oh, Admiral, Miss Cavanaugh called, sir. She said she hopes you're feeling

better. Good.

And that you should continue to ice it, sir.

It's not what you're thinking, Tyner.

I'm not thinking anything, sir.

Who's liked you best that way?

We caught a break this morning.

That's why it hurt so much.

Dismissal. No confinement.

Commander O 'Neil's innocent, Mac.

Have to play this one out.

Suddenly you believe me.

What makes you think I didn't?

You were considering the last deal.

Maybe for a second.

Well, enough to let me know you had doubt.

Not anymore.

She's clearly covering harm.

Think what you will. I think you're in denial.

You ever considered a career in psychiatry?

No.

It's good I'd follow that instinct.

Maybe you're the one who's in denial.

I don't ogle junior officers and advertise my interest in having sex with

Are you interested in sex with junior officers? The woman's got a serious

problem, huh?

Don't I know any? Female officer role models don't act like 14 -year -olds at

the mall.

She may be tops in performance, but she's at the bottom in behavior.

It's rather insensitive coming from someone who got a law school

From a senior officer with whom she was having a torrid affair.

Or maybe it's just arrogance.

That was a mistake.

I was young, and at the time, no one was looking to me as an example of

leadership.

Because of her status, the commander's actions have damaged the integrity of

female officers everywhere.

Pure and simple.

The truth is rarely pure and never simple, Mac.

What's wrong, Robert?

The shrapnel wound in my good leg is hurting.

It's always hurting and you always get past it.

Not today.

What happened to my early achiever?

I came in his place.

Roberts, you're confusing me.

That makes two of us.

Stiles.

What happened to you the other day, sir?

I went home. I wasn't feeling good.

Well, I thought you might be mad at me or something, sir.

I wanted to make sure America's number one sack racing team is still not for a

medal.

We're good.

My feelings were hurt, sir.

Sorry.

I wasn't even going to come today, but Melissa talked me into it.

Who's Melissa?

Where'd you go, girl?

I was putting money in the meter.

Close your mouth, dogs.

Melissa, this is Lieutenant Roberts and Lieutenant Carpenter. Hello.

Hi. Hello.

Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you, too.

His is different than yours.

Oh, it's a different injury.

Does it work the same way?

What, can he take it off and play it like a saxophone?

Yeah. And Sean says you're doing great.

I've got a long way to go.

He's actually ahead of schedule.

Well, you know, I think you guys are an inspiration.

My ex started losing his hair, ruined his mood for six months, and couldn't

it, so I needed to find someone who wakes up smiling.

Anyway, I just wanted to reconnect with you, sir.

I'm glad that you did.

I'll call you tonight.

Excellent.

Lieutenant? Ma 'am? Keep up the good work.

Okay. I have something for you, Commander.

What is it?

Old tradition, sir.

When I was young, I'd take the paper rings off my daddy's cigars and give

to my friends.

You consider me your friend?

I will, when you learn to trust me.

Well, feelings mutual, Commander.

That's why I have two.

Does this mean we're engaged?

Only in a struggle of will, sir.

So you thought Commander O 'Neill was covering? I thought she was innocent. We

were both right.

None of it's going to matter if we don't come up with a workable strategy.

I'm looking to you, sir.

Commander, so far we've been focusing on trying to disprove the allegations. I

think we need to take the offensive and start trying to prove something like...

Commander O 'Neill had every right to give Lieutenant Kersey a bad fit rep,

regardless of what he perceived.

The only error the plane's air crew will cause is the one that the lieutenant

has already acknowledged.

We need to establish a pattern of errors to make that fly, and Commander O

'Neill's after -action reports are clean.

Well, I'm thinking this has more to do with Commander O 'Neill and less with

Lieutenant Kersey's performance.

I'm not sure what you mean, sir. When the commander testified, she said, I

couldn't let this one go.

It got by me at the time. You're saying there were maybe other incidents?

Undocumented ones.

Well, if Commander O 'Neill didn't feel they were important enough to report,

then they're probably not important enough to count.

Let's find out.

Lieutenant, these are after -action reports from missions in which you

served. This first is dated last Tuesday. It's from Lieutenant Commander

Drost, your current aircraft commander.

He notes you've failed to update the plane's position relative to its ton of

buoy fuel.

I'm aware of the mistake, sir. Commander Dross pointed it out.

This is from this past Monday.

He said you gave him a dead channel. He had to find the correct frequency in the

cockpit and switch it on.

Yes, sir.

Twice.

I know, sir.

Suddenly you're making a lot of mistakes, Lieutenant.

I've been tense, sir.

Or maybe you've been making them all along.

Commander O 'Neill aware that you get tense.

Let them slide.

The minor ones, at least. But, sir, if that's true, couldn't that mean she's

currying favor?

If she'd made you aware of them at the time, but she didn't, did she?

No. Because these are the type of mistakes, Lieutenant, that are easily

up and ignored.

Did you ever consider that given the commander's leadership style, that she

didn't want to undermine your confidence by continually harping on the small

mistakes, mistakes she knew you were aware of, until you made a mistake that

couldn't be overlooked?

Maybe you got it all wrong, Lieutenant.

Maybe you're so used to being defined by your looks that a whole host of

scenarios has failed to occur to you.

Must be overwhelming to feel that everybody wants a piece of Jack Kersey.

Honor. Sustained.

Ask questions, Commander.

I only have one, Your Honor.

Is it possible, Lieutenant, that you failed to get back the one thing you

you deserved from your mentor?

That night in her quarters.

The benefit of the doubt.

Do you think, Lieutenant, that maybe you misinterpreted Commander O 'Neill's

intentions?

It's... It's possible.

Sir?

Thank you.

Would the defense please rise?

Commander O 'Neill, based on Lieutenant Kersey's lack of faith in his own

allegations, I have determined the evidence insufficient to support the

and recommend against court -martial.

However... I would take a good long look at what you project to those with whom

you serve.

This hearing's adjourned.

Thank you both.

You have yourself to thank, Commander. Lieutenant Kersey finally displayed the

character you always believed he had.

If only I were as noble. Is that what you want to say?

Those are your words.

I've been thinking about your situation, Commander.

And regardless of policy...

We do owe it to ourselves to live our lives truthfully.

Think about that, Commander.

Female role models are hard to find.

You two confused the hell out of me.

Dernick and I need some mediation. I stand convinced Lieutenant Kersey was

mistaken. I think you snowed him into believing he was.

Mm -hmm.

What was she hiding, Lauren? What is it that we don't know?

Don't ask.