Original subtitles

I'm sure that many of you are familiar with the story of the nail missing from

the shoe of the king's horse as he rode into battle.

Now, the moral of that story is a small thing neglected can lead to a large

consequence. A kingdom can be lost.

While you're considering the fate of petty officer Lawson, I ask you to

keep that in mind.

He is accused of what may seem to be a small offense. He failed to maintain the

starboard gun mount properly. But that neglect led to the injury of three of

fellow sailors.

And it is for that reason that I am asking for the maximum penalty possible

under the law.

Good morning, Your Honor.

One moment, Colonel.

Lieutenant, state your business, and you better have a good reason for

interrupting this court -martial.

Order, sir, from Admiral Checklinton.

Can't it wait?

Sorry, sir.

Commander, I've been directed to apprehend you.

Excuse me?

Is this some kind of joke? No joke, ma 'am. We've been ordered to take you into

custody until such a time as formal charges can be brought against you.

for conduct unbecoming and fraudulent appointment.

Please accompany us, ma 'am.

Do as they say, Commander.

I'd like to see defense counsel in my chambers immediately.

Yes, Your Honor. Members are excused, and this court's in recess until my

Commander, I'm placed under arrest 1 ,100 hours this morning on my orders.

On what ground, sir?

Well, she was in line for a new security background check, found that she was

not a member of the Michigan Bar, as she claimed. In fact, she was not and is

not a member of any bar.

Did she graduate from law school, sir?

She did after, uh...

Taking night courses for five years.

How's she accepted into the JAG course, sir? Oh, we don't know for sure.

All we do know is that around the time that she presented proof that she

belonged to the State Bar, she had her name legally changed to that of a member

of the Michigan Bar who had just passed away. She requested a duplicate license

and then presented it as her own.

Admiral, I know Commander Irons pretty well from a previous tour at JAG. She's

good lawyer. That's why I brought her back from Europe to take over Commander

Rabb's caseload. Now this.

Instead of lightening our load, she's added to it.

Sir? Coach, every case in which Commander I'm served as defense counsel

reversed. Well, several of these are murder cases, Admiral. Are you

we let the guilty parties go free? I'm telling you, we're going to start over.

We're going to reevaluate each and every case and decide if they need to be

retried. Sir, a quick review of these cases indicates that Commander Rabb

as a prosecutor in 27 of them.

Your point?

I think it may be useful to bring him in to help evaluate those cases.

Considering we're short -staffed on senior attorneys, it may be a way to

expedite matters.

Expedite all you want, Colonel. Expect a full accounting by the end of the week.

Just when you thought things couldn't get worse.

Ma 'am, when was the last time you saw Commander Rapp? A couple months ago.

Harm has moved on, Lieutenant.

It has a new lifeline for the CIA.

You better get used to it.

I'm fired.

As of today.

I've flown 37 missions in the last six months. And you flew them with

distinction, especially that high -profile landing of a C -130 on a

at night?

I had no choice.

The point is your face was on every television program in the known

cost you your job.

This doesn't strike you as a tad ungrateful?

Rab, CIA operations are supposed to operate in secrecy.

Was this your idea?

I'm the one telling you.

This has web written all over it.

So I guess using you as a reference is out of the question, huh? Anybody calls,

they get the standard response.

I never worked for the company, you never heard of me.

You knew that when you signed up, or you should have.

Well, my life is a constant surprise, especially to me.

What about Beth O 'Neill? Well, Beth was smart enough to be camera shy. She

still has her job. You, you, you can fly for the Department of Defense.

I'm done with government work.

Well, get your out briefing and turn in your ID at personnel.

Rab, if you ever want to talk about Air America in the good old days,

I'll buy you a beer.

Well, you're going to have to buy.

You're the only one still collecting a paycheck.

Enter.

Commander, you'll prosecute. Colonel, you'll defend.

That'll be all.

Sir, it would help if we had a little more information.

Colonel, Commander Imes.

You'll find her restricted quarters at Anacostia.

You want a court -martial of the commander?

No. I want to throw her a damn party.

Dismissed. Bud!

I'm going to ask Bud to be my co -counsel.

Ah, better you than me.

Almost starting to miss harm.

Why's that?

Because he used to take most of the heat.

Now that he's gone, we're in the line of fire.

Just a few simple questions.

Why? I didn't think it would matter. You were practicing law without a license.

Yeah, that's a technicality. So you did at least earn a law degree.

Yes, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, class of 87.

That was before you joined the Navy?

Yes. I was working as a paralegal 40 hours a week, going to law school nights

and weekends.

Do you have any idea how hard that is?

I think maybe I do.

I came from nothing, Mac.

My father deserted us when I was six. We lived on welfare and food stamps.

I did everything on my own. Including changing your name in order to obtain a

bar certificate.

I regret that, but I was desperate.

Now, you have no idea what that's like. I grew up poor. My mother deserted the

family. My father was a drunk.

I went to law school while serving on active duty in the Marine Corps, and I

made my share of early mistakes. So don't tell me I don't know what it's

be desperate.

Sorry. Did you ever take the bar?

Yes.

Once.

And I missed the cut by one point. So why not take it a second time?

A friend told me that there were openings available in JAG, openings that

not occur again for some time. None of that excuses what you did.

No, it doesn't.

But I have played it straight ever since. You were lying every time you set

in that courtroom. You're wrong.

Article 27B of the UCMJ states I needed to be either a graduate of law school or

a member of the state bar.

Not both.

And I had my diploma.

But the 1991 JAG regulations clarify that bar membership is mandatory. And I

accepted in 88.

You knew you were violating the spirit of the code. I took it at face value.

Do you really believe that in your heart?

Yes.

Mac, I have 14 years of outstanding service.

So what do you want?

A chance to start over again in civilian life without a federal conviction

hanging over my head.

Long shot.

You're running the risk of break time.

I'm willing to take that chance.

I'd be happy to be here.

Well, where else would I be?

Out of town. I've left 17 messages in the last five months.

Yeah. I guess I have been gone a lot.

Look, I know you're mad at me.

I'm not mad at anybody.

Why, you just decided to move on?

Leave the rest of us behind?

Trying to get on with my life, you know?

I know you were upset.

You don't know anything about what I'm feeling. Well, I would know what you

feeling if you would talk to me.

Hey, I thought we'd done our talking. You made that pretty clear.

I need your help.

Do you remember Commander Imes?

Beat her six times running.

Now that you were keeping score.

Well, I have bad news.

All those convictions are being overturned.

Why? She isn't a lawyer.

I could have told you that.

Kidding.

She never passed the Michigan bar.

Really?

So they're reviewing all her cases?

Yep.

Harmon Rabb's greatest hits.

Will you help me, or do you have some secret mission to fly?

Webb didn't tell you?

We don't spend a lot of time talking about you.

Gee. That's a surprise.

He canned me.

What?

I just saw you all over the TV.

Oh.

He really fired you.

Ask him about it next time you two are together.

Give you an opportunity for a little pillow talk.

You ever miss it?

What? Being a lawyer?

Everything.

Things change, Max.

You have a lot of company for a recluse.

You busy?

A little.

That's okay, Miss Gale. I was just leaving.

Read through the files and call me.

I need your input quickly.

Good night.

Good night.

You're pregnant.

That's why I'm here.

So, how far along are you?

Five months.

It was before we met.

By the way, does Colonel McKenzie know about our marriage?

Oh, uh, I don't know. I might have mentioned it to her.

That's why I got the look.

What look?

The getaway from my man look.

Oh, that look.

So, uh, congratulations in order?

Always when a baby's concerned.

And the father?

Doesn't know.

Your mother?

Doesn't have a need to know.

Wow.

CIA agents are cold.

How is your mom?

Doing well. She's at the long -term care center at Kresge.

Does she still think that you and I... I haven't found a way to tell her that

our wedding was fake.

Listen, I want your advice.

Are there times when you wonder if life is ever going to be the same?

The same as what?

As before.

If you're looking for bad advice, you've come to the right place.

Hey, yourself.

Pops Grohowski around?

How long since you've been here?

A little too long by the looks of things. Grohowski sold out.

It's Grace the aviation singer now.

I'm Matilda Grace.

Friends call me Maddie.

Hey. We got your message when we pulled her up.

Thanks. She's a beauty.

You here to take her out?

I'm going to change the plugs.

You want a hand?

You know how to change plugs?

My dad taught me how to change out plugs when I was six.

Why would he do that? I couldn't take no for an answer.

And he needed the help.

What do they call you?

Well, my friends call me Harm.

Well, Harm.

I got one thing in common.

We both got goofy names.

So what are you offering?

We're going to take our chance at court -martial.

Are you crazy?

Apparently.

I expect that from Rav.

Not from you, Colonel.

Really? And what would you expect of me?

You generally take a conservative position.

Safe position.

What else?

My fault.

As long as you're listening to me.

You're sanctimonious.

And a bit of a prig.

Where did that come from?

It's been building for a while.

If you'll excuse me.

How old are you, anyway?

Old enough to know not to answer that question.

Three -quarter open end.

Want a job crop dusting?

Oh, I look that desperate to you?

No. I figure you know how to fly a seaman and our pilot's short.

One of our regular guys had a wire strike two days ago.

You okay?

Well, let's just say it didn't do any good.

And what's it pay?

$300 a day.

You're going to need to talk to your dad then, I guess.

He's best in the back 40 on the Pearson Ranch. But you can talk to me. I handle

all the hiring and the paperwork for your mom.

What happened?

It's precisely none of your business.

Besides, I don't know you well enough.

For you to see me cry.

You know, I may know exactly how you feel.

You lose someone, too?

Yeah, I, uh... I lost my dad.

When I was five.

He was a pilot.

Did you ever get over it?

No.

That's comforting.

Well, I figured you could handle the truth.

Sometimes.

Sometimes I have a hard time sleeping at night.

Dreaming about her?

Yeah.

And when I wake up in the morning, she dies all over again.

Now think what you've done.

No, don't.

That just makes it worse.

Sorry.

Not much of a hand with kids, huh?

Lieutenant, do you think I always take the narrow view?

No, ma 'am.

Do you find me sanctimonious?

No, ma 'am.

Priggish? No, ma 'am.

Good.

Would you tell me if you did?

No, ma 'am.

Have you talked to the commander, ma 'am?

I... I left him copies of the cases he promised to get back to me.

How's he doing?

He doesn't call you either?

Once, to congratulate Harriet and me on the new baby.

Do you think he'll ever come back?

That means you think the Admiral would ask him back.

Not as things stand.

But maybe if you talk to the Admiral?

For the past few months, the Admiral and I are having a failure to communicate.

Oh. We're communicating excellently. He yells at me and I say I'm sorry.

Kind of like married life.

Wouldn't know.

So does Grace Aviation have a health plan?

Most guys don't last long enough to qualify.

So you can start tomorrow.

So by 11, I'll give you your orders.

You'll be here, right?

Yeah, I'll be here.

Bring a lunch.

Commander. Hi.

I thought I'd stop by, see how you're doing.

Well, we're still above ground.

I hadn't seen you for five months, and I see you on television.

Yeah, well, who didn't?

And now you're working for the company?

Well, not anymore. Like I can't. Oh, that's unfortunate.

And now?

Well, now I'm working for a 14 -year -old dusting crops.

You do lead a varied life.

Well, if you mean I can't hold down a job.

What I mean is, it's too bad you're not in love with my daughter.

You didn't really marry her, did you?

How long have you known?

I suspected it that night.

But I wanted to give Catherine the pleasure of pleasing me.

And I didn't expect to live long enough to let her know I was on to her.

Darling, what are you doing here? Oh, put a cork in it, Catherine.

And you can take that coat off. It's not hiding anything.

You didn't have anything to do with that, did you?

I'm told no.

I'm sure you'd remember if you did.

Well, if I'm going to be a grandmother, maybe you can tell me the name of the

father.

I think I'm going to be sick.

You look like you have a lot on your mind, Commander.

Oh. You ever had your life turned upside down? You ever had your heart stop

beating?

Touche.

Tell me, why did you come by?

I enjoyed being part of your family, I guess.

Even for that brief moment.

That's sad and touching at the same time.

It's all so refreshing.

I haven't felt this alive in years. Mock weddings, the prospects of bastards in

the family, reckless aviators.

Is it exciting, dusting crops?

I'll know tomorrow.

You do know what you're doing.

I hope so.

Didn't know?

No.

Well, taking your office wasn't my idea.

That doesn't matter to me, sir.

Mac and butter in the conference room.

Thanks.

You get a beer?

I'll call.

Nice to see you, sir.

Nice to see you, Jennifer.

The Admiral's in. I'll let him know you're here. That won't be necessary.

I believe it is, sir. You two really need to talk to each other. I have

to say to the Admiral.

Hey, bud. Here are the rocks for the baby.

Thank you. It's good to see you, sir.

Thanks. You too. All right. Let's get down to it, huh?

Salve, Admiral.

Oh, yeah. It's all up here and the other way.

Why, he's just embarrassed.

End of discussion.

Yeah, but he... Mac, look.

I don't work here. I have precious little time. I said I'd do you a favor.

get on with it.

All right. Before we go over the cases, I want you to know I'm calling you as a

witness for the defense and Commander Isaac. Oh, come on. I don't have time

this, man. Then I'll subpoena you.

You know her, and you can testify to her confidence.

Enter.

What can I do for you, Petty Officer?

I wanted to explain my actions. No.

Let me explain them for you.

You are meddling in affairs that are none of your business.

All I wanted was... Petty Officer, I'm not...

interested in what you want. I'm interested in what I need, and what I

an administrative assistant who does her job and that job only. Understood?

Sir, I'm still defining the parameters of my duties, with your input, of

being paramount.

Petty officer, did you just handle me?

Of course not, sir.

You're not by chance going to law school at night, are you?

No, sir. Why do you ask?

I'm starting to parse the truth like a lawyer. No, sir.

I am, however, starting to look deeper into the truth, like a psychologist.

The Human Mind 101.

Of course, I'm taking online.

Vivian? Yes, ma 'am.

Ma 'am, what does parse the truth like a lawyer mean?

It means that you massage the truth to get what you want.

Has he ever accused you of that? All the time.

I like to think he means it as a compliment.

Enter.

What can I do for you, Colonel?

I wanted to update you on the Imes case, sir.

Go ahead.

First, I wanted to tell you that Commander Rabb has been a great help.

Glad to hear it.

While reviewing his cases, I was just reminded what a fine lawyer you are.

Colonel.

That is so pathetic.

And transparent.

No, no, I was just... Commander is done here.

So don't come in here and start singing his praises. They fall on deaf ears.

That'll be all?

Yes, sir.

When someone is that angry, you know they're hurting inside.

Petty officer?

Sir, I'm so sorry.

I can't do anything right, ma 'am.

None of us can.

Hurry up. This should have been loaded by now.

You'll be spraying death on 200 acres of mature cotton.

What is death, and why would I spray it on a mature crop?

Death is a defoliant. It tricks the cotton into dropping its leaves.

Makes it easier for the mechanical harvesters.

Got it.

The application is five gallons per acre.

We'll take care of the mix.

Spray nozzles are set at the correct pressure.

Anything else?

That's just you walk the field first to check for power lines or any other

obstacles. And also make sure you watch your wind speed and direction.

You want to avoid any off -target drift, so stay low.

Hey, hey, hey.

Frank. How low is low?

Optimum, eight feet above the deck.

Commander Imes, can you tell the court what kind of fitness reports you

received? Generally outstanding, Colonel.

Is this one of those reports?

Yes. Who's the reporting senior?

Admiral Ched Wiggin. And what does it say?

That I received the highest fitness marks across the board.

So you have an exemplary record, Commander Imes. One...

Free of blemish for the last 14 years. Your Honor, does counsel have a question

for the witness?

Colonel? Commander Imes, at any time, did you mean to bring disgrace upon the

United States Navy?

I did not.

Are you sorry for what you did?

I am.

Would you do it again?

No, absolutely not. And I would like to apologize to this court and the Navy for

my actions.

Thank you. No further questions.

Commander Imes, did you pass the Michigan Bar?

No.

You recognize this?

It's a letter stating that I am a member of the Michigan Bar.

There's an explanation. Please wait for the question.

Did you legally change your name in order to obtain a certificate stating

were a member of the Bar?

Yes. And you did that in order to be accepted into the JAG Corps?

I believed I was qualified for the appointment. It was a youthful

committed in civilian life.

I'm not interested in your justifications, Commander.

I followed the appropriate procedures in applying to JAG. And what might those

be? According to Article 27B, I did not need to be a member of the bar to be

qualified to try court -martials as a judge advocate.

That was the law then.

But not its implementing regulation.

And it hasn't been for 12 years.

You were appointed and remained a JAG by fraudulent means.

I dispute that.

The facts speak for themselves, Commander.

Whoa! Commander, in the course of 14 years, how many times did you

your status as a lawyer?

I can't come up with a number.

Let me help you.

Every time you went into a courtroom, you lied. Every time you filed a

you lied. Your Honor.

I'll allow it. So I make it hundreds, perhaps thousands of times. And in all

those times, did it ever once occur to you... Your Honor, counsel is

Commander, do you have a question?

Yes, Your Honor, and I was just getting to it.

Then please ask it.

I apologize, Your Honor.

So what's it like living a lie?

Well, that's not really... Or disgracing the uniform that you wear?

Your Honor, counselor is badgering and harassing the witness.

Pick one, Lieutenant.

Harassing, sir.

Commander, I agree with Lieutenant Roberts. Please move on.

Nothing further, Your Honor.

You're good.

Real good.

Thanks. I've been flying since I was your age.

So how long have you been driving?

Sheriff knows me, so it isn't a problem.

Here's your pay.

We do an all -cash business here, so it's up to you to poor your income, pay

your taxes.

You're not going to count it?

I'm sure it's all there.

Well, I got work for you tomorrow.

Good.

See you later, boss.

What's your hurry? You got a hot date?

Let's give it a shot.

It? Our relationship.

I'm pregnant.

Nobody's perfect.

What the hell is going on with your life?

You're a skilled attorney, but you're crop dusting for a living.

You're an attractive man, and the only woman on the horizon is pregnant by

somebody else.

Look, we've already walked down the aisle together.

Flattered, really.

But you are way too high risk.

What are you talking about?

You're grasping at straws. Come on, let's try it. See what happens.

With a woman you hardly know and a child who isn't yours?

Or is that what you're really after?

An instant family?

Let's make this simple.

When you're sure of what you want, let me know.

What is your appraisal of Commander Ein's legal skills?

Outstanding. And her character?

Impeccable.

Would you consider her a friend?

I consider her a respected colleague.

Thank you, Mr. Rabb.

No further questions.

Commander Turner?

Mr. Rabb, did you take an oath when you were certified to try court -martials

under Article 27B?

I did.

What was that oath?

To faithfully perform the duties of counsel in any court -martial to which I

detailed as counsel.

So help me God.

So Commander Imes lied to her God as well. Well, I'm not really qualified to

answer that question, Counselor. Neither are you qualified to ask it.

Did you take that oath seriously?

I did. And did Commander Imes take a similar oath?

I presume so.

Do you believe that the violation of such an oath is conduct unbecoming?

Well, that's for Judge Morris to determine, isn't it? Answer the

please.

Yes. So all her fitness reports are based on a lie and a fraud. They count

nothing. Objection.

Argumentative. Nothing perfect.

I'm going to talk to him.

Petty officer, you're not going to make me sorry I made you my yeoman, are you?

I can't promise you that, sir.

Petty officer, you are flirting with... Insubordination, sir.

Do you think I'm incapable of finishing a sentence?

Sorry, sir.

Bad habit.

I do not want to... Hear what you have to say. Yes, sir. Not one word. No, sir.

I'm not interested in you taking the commander's side. Or if you think I

take him back.

I'm not interested in... If you think I'm being unreasonable or...

Pig -headed, or... It's fair.

No, sir, there's no need for that.

Because you already know it.

Sorry, darling.

You know, Petty Officer, people don't like to be handled. Yes, sir. So if you

it, you damn sure better be right.

As you were this time.

They opened the doors at both ends of the hangar.

Uncle Dick flew right through.

Upside down.

Damn straight.

Well, your uncle's a pretty crazy guy.

Oh, you ought to know.

How are you, Commander?

Well, A .J., I'm fine.

And it isn't Commander anymore, is it?

Of course I have it.

How about a drink?

You buying?

That's a treat.

All right.

What exactly do you do around here?

Crop dusting.

Enjoy it?

Pays 300 a day.

Well, uh, don't you think this is kind of a waste of your talents?

No.

I put in my hours, I don't have to wear a suit and a tie, and I like my boss.

Harm, this bald guy, the jerk who fired you?

Well, I didn't, um...

I didn't really fire him. I, uh, just didn't ask him back.

Yeah, around here, that's called fired.

And you are, um... Maddie Grace.

I'm his new boss.

She's kidding, right?

No, Maddie runs the day -to -day operations for Grace Aviation.

Oh, now you're, uh, working for a little girl.

Hmm.

See you tomorrow?

Bright and early.

You got the Earl farm.

It's got a nasty crosswind, so watch out for the high -tension lines on the west

end.

See you, boss.

I thought it was time we had a talk.

I thought we'd done our talking.

How did I? It turns out there's more to say.

I can't imagine what that would be.

Boy, you're damned annoying.

Is that what you drove 100 miles to tell me?

Part of it.

Well, I'm also, and here I paraphrase, not a team player and controlled by my

emotions.

Oh, that's true.

Look, why are you here, Admiral?

What, you come looking for absolution?

Did you come to gloat?

Or you just want to ride in an airplane?

What are you, an insubordination or what?

I'm a civilian now, A .J. I'm not in your Navy.

Here he is.

As you know, the Imes debacle has forced us to review over 200 cases, many of

which you were involved.

And you did some fine lawyering.

Now, you're a crop duster.

I'm good at that, too.

I might consider asking Sipnev to reinstate your commission.

take you back a jag under the right circumstances.

I'm listening.

It's time to stop being Peter Pan, a boy that likes to fly and never grew up.

You're not going to have the life you want until you learn to take

responsibility for your actions, not at work, not with women, not in any facet

of your life.

Let me know what you decide.

You're here, Admiral, because you need me.

Because I'm an excellent lawyer.

And because the officer you chose to replace me is looking at seven years of

hard labor.

That's true.

Come back, we'll start fresh. Let me know.

Commander Carolyn Imes?

Judge Advocate General Corr, United States Navy, this court -martial finds

on all charges and specifications guilty. This court sentences you to

from the naval service.

In arriving at this sentence, I took two principal factors into consideration.

The offenses you committed are serious and cause a burden on an already

overburdened JAG Corps.

Two, you have 14 years of outstanding service, so I consider that an

in mitigation.

Upon your return to civilian life, I suggest you take the Michigan bar. I

no doubt you will pass it with flying colors.

The fact of this court -martial conviction will make your admission to

difficult, but not impossible.

You'll need good references, and I believe that among your friends and

colleagues at JAG, you'll find those references.

This court's adjourned.

So am I.

But thank you, Mac.

You're late.

Yeah, well, traffic was murder.

I didn't even know you were going to show up.

Oh, come on. A deal's a deal.

So what's up for today, boss?

You're going to quit.

Yeah.

Let's go back to the Navy, that mean old man.

Yep.

That sucks.

Well, that remains to be seen.

You know, I... I talked to my dad. He'll give you a raise.

Maddie, it isn't about the money.

Then what?

It's what I'm good at.

It's who I am.

How come I haven't met your dad?

He was driving the car when he got in the accident that killed my mom.

He was drunk.

After he killed her, he kept right on drinking.

Where is he?

Don't know. Don't care.

I don't even use his name. Grace is my mother's maiden name.

Well, where do you live? My mother's old house.

Well, what about relatives? There must be someone you can go to.

They're mostly all his family.

When they call, I tell them Dad's passed out on the couch.

What are you doing for money?

Got great deviation.

Pays the bill.

Well, what happens when he comes back?

He's not coming back.

Not after what he did.

Besides, I wouldn't let him in the house.

It's his house.

Mine.

My mom left me the airplanes and the house in her will.

What happens when they find out, Maddie?

I mean Child Protective Services, the FAA, because they will.

You going to tell?

No, I'm not going to tell.

What I will do, though, is I'll call you every day, and I'll come out here at

least once a week until I can file a petition with the court to become your

guardian.

Are you sure about this? Because you could back out now and I wouldn't hold

against you.

I'm going to find a neighbor to check in on you.

And then there's the question of school.

I know all I need to know. Oh, I doubt that.

You don't know how to fly a plane.

You want to take her?

Yeah!