JAG (1995–2005): Season 8, Episode 13 - Standards of Conduct - full transcript
A Navy lieutenant ostensibly blows a whistle on an allegedly defective high-tech combat system. Mac helps him to resign and to get out of his remaining active-duty obligation. However, she discovers his sabotage of the system and his theft of the source code, which he then delivers to his new prearranged civilian employer, who gives him a lucrative high-end job in the electronic-gaming industry. Harm and Mac learn more about the lieutenant and his service, and they present him with a major surprise, including another change in his career plan. Meanwhile Harm and Sturgis receive more awards, and Harm by accident meets a little old lady and her shyster.
♪ ♪
( sound of helicopter passing )
( rapid beeping )
( electronic gunfire )
MAN:
You are now one dead Marine.
Pretty slick, huh?
It's like a video game.
It's what ground warfare's
going to be like
in the 21st century.
Come see how you did.
So...
I gave you an enemy
above and behind you.
You hear him...
you target him...
you shoot...
but you are now
one dead Marine.
Can I quote you
on this?
You can quote me on
a lot more than this.
I didn't bring you
in here for video games.
If the Marine Corps
goes ahead with this...
men are going to die.
Good morning, sir.
Morning, Lieutenant.
Tiner, do you know where
the military justice
CD-ROMs are?
We moved them, sir.
They're right over here.
At least,
they used to be.
Looking for
the M-J CDs?
Commander Manetti
has them.
They're supposed
to be put back.
Have either of you
see Commander Rabb
yet this morning?
He called to say he
was on his way, sir.
I don't think he'll be late
to his own award ceremony, sir.
Hmm. No doubt.
Colonel, take a look
at this
and join me
in my office, please.
Yes, sir.
Wow.
What?
A Navy lieutenant
down at Quantico,
working on a new combat helmet
system for the Marines--
he says the system
doesn't work
but the D.O.N.'s going
ahead with it anyway?
Hmm, a whistle-blower.
"Lieutenant Jeremy Duncan
is quoted in the local paper
"accusing the Secretary
of Defense
of pimping for
private enterprise."
A violation of Article 88.
Unbelievable.
He called
campaign contributions
to the Governor
of Virginia "bribes."
The Lieutenant not only
pushed the envelope,
he broke right through.
It could be slander.
( knocking )
Enter.
Have a seat.
So what do you think
of Lieutenant Duncan's
contemptuous words?
Textbook Article 88
violation, sir.
His command wants
him court-martialed.
However, the SECNAV
does not want him
brought up on charges.
He wants this
handled quietly.
Understood, sir.
Apparently, Lieutenant Duncan
is some sort of a specialist
in psychoacoustics
on T.A.D. to the
Combat Development Command.
When this ceremony's over,
I want you to go to Quantico,
interview Lieutenant Duncan.
Speak to his
Officer in Charge.
See if you can
put this fire out
before it gets completely
out of control.
Aye, aye, sir.
Something else?
There is one thing
that bothers me, Admiral.
He said Marines
are going to die.
What if he's right?
( horns honking )
( car horn honking )
( car horn honking )
( sighs )
Are you all right, ma'am?
I don't know.
I think so.
That was quite a little jolt.
You must be in the Navy.
Yes, ma'am, I am.
I'm really sorry
about this.
Yes, well, accidents
will happen, won't they?
Look, here's my ownership
and insurance.
I'll write down the rest
of my information for you.
Oh, my.
Uh, this seems
to have expired.
Oh, no.
Mr. Roberts.
ROBERTS:
Attention to orders.
Person to be decorated
front and center.
"The President of
the United States
"takes pleasure
in presenting
"the Bronze Star medal
to Commander Sturgis Turner
"United States Navy
"for meritorious achievement
while on T.A.D.
"to the USS Watertown,
in the Arabian Sea,
"on 21 May, 2002.
"By his courage
and effectiveness,
"Commander Turner reflected
great credit upon himself
"and upheld
the highest traditions
of the United States
Naval Service."
Commander Rabb,
front and center.
Sorry I'm late, sir.
I had an accident.
Let's give you this medal
before I decide to take
the damn thing away.
Mr. Roberts.
"The President of
the United States
"takes pleasure
in presenting
"the Silver Star medal
"to Commander Harmon Rabb Jr.,
United States Navy,
"for conspicuous gallantry
and heroism in an F-14 Tomcat
"on 21 May, 2002.
"By his superb airmanship
and loyal devotion to duty,
"Commander Rabb defeated
a grave threat to the fleet
"from an enemy missile,
"reflecting great
credit upon himself
"and upholding the
highest traditions
of the United States
Naval Service."
I'm proud
of both of you.
JAG dismissed.
ALL:
Aye, aye, sir.
( applause )
Congratulations.
Thank you.
What happened?
Oh, I rear-ended
a nice little old lady
on the parkway.
Anybody hurt?
Only my bank account.
I let the auto insurance
lapse.
How'd you manage
to do that?
I didn't receive
the renewal notice,
like I usually do.
Probably thought
it was junk mail,
threw it away.
That fiberglass is going
to cost a few thousand.
Tell me about it.
( men counting cadence )
MacKENZIE:
Lieutenant, when you
made your comments
to the reporter who quoted you
were you aware that using
contemptuous words
against the Secretary
of Defense
and the governor
of the State of Virginia
would constitute
a violation
of Article 88
of the UCMJ?
I've never been very good
at regs, ma'am.
I guess it just
never crossed my mind.
Why did you have
an unauthorized meeting
with a reporter
in the first place?
I didn't know how
to get my message
through the chain
of command.
This is real
high-tech stuff, ma'am.
A Marine doesn't
just carry a weapon
into combat anymore,
he wears a complete
computer system.
I have degrees in physics
and electrical engineering
and even I have
trouble sometimes.
The Navy paid for
the engineering
degrees, didn't it?
Yes, ma'am.
I've got three years left
on my service obligation.
I thought I was doing
the right thing.
By being a whistle-blower?
I wanted to make my point.
There's a serious bug
in the DSP algorithm
of the HRA
for the Integrated
Helmet Assembly.
English, please.
Sorry, ma'am.
This will be a lot easier
once I give you
the demonstration.
( keypad buttons beeping )
This...
is your Integrated
Helmet Assembly.
It includes...
your head orientation sensors,
audio pickups,
laser detector...
video camera...
boom mic, and your
helmet-mounted display.
What this gives you...
is complete
situational awareness.
Try it out, ma'am.
Stand over here.
I'll feed the first
simulation into the helmet.
See anything?
No.
You will.
I'm going to start
the first simulation.
What you want to do
is see how fast
you can put the gunsight
on the sniper
when you hear the warning.
( typing )
( beeping )
( electronic gunfire )
( rapid beeping )
( electronic gunfire )
MacKENZIE:
Am I dead?
Yes, ma'am.
Because the digital
signal processing algorithm
has a flaw in it.
Here's the problem:
The high-resolution
audio subsystem
is designed to give you
a three-dimensional
holographic sound field,
so you know exactly
where a sound
is coming from
without having
to turn your head,
but... it's locating the sound
in the wrong place.
That's why
the system thinks
it's acquired the target...
when it hasn't.
Very convincing, Lieutenant.
Thank you, ma'am.
I just wish the Marine Corps
thought so.
Why do you think
the Corps doesn't?
The system works properly
some of the time.
I just don't think
some of the time is good enough.
MacKENZIE:
Sir, Lieutenant Duncan has been
relieved of duty.
His Officer in Charge has
agreed to no court-martial
and nonjudicial punishment
with immediate resignation.
Basically, they
want to flush him
from the service ASAP.
What does Lieutenant Duncan
want?
He doesn't seem to be
sure about that,
but what he doesn't want
is for the Navy to go ahead
with a contract for
Psycoustics, Incorporated.
Hmm. Well, he got
what he wished for.
D.O.N.'s pulled the plug
on the project
before it gets
any more bad publicity.
What?
Sir, I think the Lieutenant
was right in what he did
just wrong in the way
he went about it.
Truth is not a defense
in an Article 88 violation
so what's your point?
The Navy wants
to punish him for being
a whistleblower
while the Marine Corps
might just owe him
a debt of gratitude.
Project's canceled, Colonel.
It's a moot question.
Yes, sir.
I'll wrap things up.
( sighs )
TROOPS:
My Corps!
Your Corps!
Your Corps!
Our Corps!
Our Corps!
Marine Corps!
( helicopter passing )
How do you do,
Colonel MacKenzie?
My name is Harlan Bradford.
I'll be representing
Lieutenant Duncan
in this matter.
Ma'am.
Lieutenant,
I didn't expect you
to have
civilian representation.
As you can understand,
Lieutenant Duncan
doesn't want to be
where he's not appreciated.
We've drawn up
his letter of resignation.
What if you got orders
to a new duty station,
Lieutenant?
The Navy's made
a big investment in you.
I feel like I've done
my part, ma'am.
Served my country.
If even one Marine's life
gets saved,
that's something, isn't it?
That's more than
something, Lieutenant.
Do you not want
to stay in the Navy?
I don't think the Navy
wants me, ma'am.
"Formal hearing waived,
"punitive letter
of reprimand accepted,
commission resigned."
Official boilerplate downloaded
from the JAG Web Site.
So I see.
Looks like you've done
your homework, Lieutenant.
I'll advise the convening
authority of your wishes
and recommend approval.
Thank you, ma'am.
Pleasure doing business
with you.
Yes, I realize
it's my responsibility
to pay the premium on time.
I don't understand
why I didn't get
my renewal notice
like I usually do.
I never received it.
( mouthing )
Thank you, anyway.
There's a Raymond Harrick
on line two for you, sir.
Raymond Harrick?
My name is Raymond Harrick,
Commander.
I represent Mrs. Eleanor Motley
the woman whose car
you hit yesterday.
Represent?
Yes. I'm her lawyer.
Why would she need a lawyer?
Mrs. Motley just called me
from her doctor's office.
It seems that
she's in
a considerable amount of pain.
( sighs )
She was fine yesterday morning.
I understand you have no
insurance coverage.
I would just suggest
that you contact an attorney,
Commander.
I am an attorney.
Is that so?
Well, may I suggest
we have a meeting
with Mrs. Motley?
How about this afternoon,
say, uh, 2:00,
my office?
That would be fine.
Good.
And Commander,
bring your checkbook.
( button clicks )
( dial tone )
MacKENZIE:
You wanted to see me, sir?
Um, close the door, have a seat.
Yes, sir.
What's the status
of Lieutenant Duncan's case?
Concluded, sir.
Lieutenant Duncan's letter
of resignation
was forwarded
by his commanding officer
and accepted by the Chief
of Naval Personnel.
Well, Psycoustics, Incorporated,
has filed a bid protest
with the GAO and a complaint
with the Navy
for canceling their contract
and going with
a competitor's product.
The governor of the state
has asked for an inquiry
into the entire matter.
I'm sorry
to hear that, sir.
I thought I'd successfully
put out the fire.
Oh, it gets worse.
Psycoustics is accusing
Lieutenant Duncan
of hacking their code,
specifically
and I quote, "Duncan modified
the DSP algorithm
"without authorization
so as to cause the HRA subsystem
of the combat helmet system
to malfunction."
You know what
the hell that means?
Yes, sir.
Lieutenant Duncan sabotaged
the high-resolution
audio-digital,
signal-processing program
and then he lied about it
to the Navy, to the press
and to me.
Well, I suggest that you find
Lieutenant Duncan.
I will, sir.
Dismissed.
Aye, aye, sir.
HARRICK:
Mrs. Motley is a widow,
Commander,
living on a fixed income.
She's 61 years old,
so she doesn't qualify
for Medicare.
I have a letter
from her doctor.
"Pain in the back,
pinched nerve in the neck
double vision."
HARRICK:
As you can see,
he says surgery
may be necessary,
but we won't know
until she's completed
the six-month course
of physical therapy.
I've advised against it,
but she's willing
to settle with you now,
even thought the
projected costs
may not cover all the
treatment she'll need.
What are the
projected costs?
Mmm. Take a look.
Physical therapy: $5,000.
Doctors and specialists:
$10,000.
In-home care: $5,000.
Special equipment: $5,000.
Contingency: $5,000.
Legal fees: $5,000.
Very reasonable,
under the circumstances.
Also, $500 for the damage
to her car.
You wouldn't want
to forget that.
$35,000-- I don't have
that kind of
money right now.
The accident wasn't
my fault, Mr. Robb.
It's Commander Rabb, ma'am.
HARRICK:
The longer you wait,
the more it'll cost,
Commander.
Well, I'll just have
to take my chances.
I'm sorry.
Take this with
you, Commander.
In an abundance
of caution,
I filed today
in Superior Court.
You've been sued.
( sighs )
Sturgis, you got a minute?
Yeah, sure.
You're being sued
over the auto accident?
Yeah.
And so far, I've got
a fool for a client.
You're representing yourself?
Well, I sincerely hope not.
You don't want me
to represent you.
Well, you know,
the thought did
cross my mind.
I've never done
civil litigation.
You should hire
a competent lawyer, Harm.
Well, you know,
if you took a look
at my bank account,
you'd see I was
financially challenged
at the moment.
Look, this is going
to take some research,
and I'm swamped.
I might be able
to get to this
in a couple of weeks,
but then you got
a fool for a lawyer.
I'd be happy to help you
fix your car, buddy,
but this? I'm sorry.
Good luck.
Thanks.
Oh, sir, finished
proofing your brief.
It's very good.
Thank you, Bud.
Were there
many mistakes?
Hardly any at all.
Is there anything else
I can do for you?
Uh, you look like a man
who wants a case of his own,
Lieutenant.
I am anxious
to get up to speed, sir.
Understandable.
I don't have a case
I can turn over,
but Commander Rabb might.
( indistinct conversation )
Thank you, sir.
Good afternoon, sir.
Oh, hey, Bud.
How you doing?
Good... sir.
Come on in. I'm on hold.
"Your First Computer"?
Is that for Chloe?
No, it's for little A.J.'s
fifth birthday.
Isn't that in four months?
So? I like to get
my shopping done early.
Yeah, I'm still here.
Five years from this moment,
if neither of us
is in a relationship,
we'll go halves
on a kid.
You and me, have
a baby together?
What do you say...
deal?
Don't make a promise
you can't keep.
I see.
Thank you.
I don't believe it.
Believe what?
( sighing ):
Lieutenant Duncan's lawyer
doesn't exist.
There's no Harlan Bradford
licensed to practice law
in Virginia.
He downloaded the boilerplate
from the Web Site.
Anybody could do that.
( baby crying )
Are you all right?
Yeah.
Did you want to see me
about something?
No.
( stammering ):
It can... it can wait.
Excuse me.
If you're looking to rent,
the unit's not ready yet.
I'm looking
for Lieutenant
Jeremy Duncan.
This is his
apartment, right?
Was. He's gone now.
But his car's parked
in the garage.
Not his car.
Not anymore.
I don't understand.
When did he move out?
Day before yesterday,
just like that.
And he left his car?
Oh, damnedest thing ever,
if you ask me.
He had six months left
on his lease.
Said he wanted out.
He paid me $2,000 in cash,
signed over the car
to cover the rest.
It's a pretty nice car, too.
But he didn't even
leave a forwarding
address, huh?
Nope.
He didn't even want
his cleaning deposit back.
What do you make of that?
I'd say the Lieutenant came
into some money, suddenly.
Thank you
for your help.
You're welcome.
Oh, the apartment's
available
the first of the month.
( sighs )
MacKENZIE:
You little rat.
You lowlife scum.
What is it?
I checked every bar association
on the eastern seaboard,
guess what I found?
There is a Harlan Bradford
in the legal department
of a company in Maryland
called Mad Hampster, Inc.
It's a game company.
MAN:
Ground Strike: Force III.
Isn't that what the whistle-
blowing was all about?
Damn right it was.
He stole it.
He stole Psycoustics'
technology.
I'd bet on it.
( sighing )
Hang on, I wonder...
( dialing )
MAN:
Mad Hampster, Incorporated.
How may I direct your call?
Jeremy Duncan, please.
One moment, please.
Hi, this is Jeremy.
You've reached my voice mail.
Leave me a message and I'll get
right back as soon as I can.
Gotcha.
MacKENZIE:
We've located
Lieutenant Duncan, sir.
Good.
He's working at an electronic
game company in Maryland.
And, uh...
The whole thing was a setup.
He knew exactly
what he was doing
when he gave the interview
to the reporter, sir.
He wanted out
of the Navy
and he wanted Psycoustic''
contract canceled,
so he could take the technology
with him when he left.
You sure about this?
Not yet,
not completely
but it's so obvious,
the way he disappeared,
throwing money around...
Colonel...
Arrogant little S.O.B. is not
going to get away with this.
Sounds like the Lieutenant...
He made a fool out of me, sir.
Colonel.
I'm sorry, sir.
I'd like to request permission
to pursue Lieutenant Duncan
and rectify the situation.
How do you plan to do that?
I don't know, sir.
You don't know?
Hmm.
Commander, do you have time
to assist the Colonel
on this case?
Maybe between the two of you
we can find
a certain balance.
Yes, sir.
You okay with that, Colonel?
Yes, sir.
Thank you, sir.
Good night.
Well, something tells me
that Lieutenant Duncan
will be sorry he messed
with this Marine.
( sighing )
( door slams )
RABB:
Hey, slow down a little.
MacKENZIE:
I don't want to be late
for this appointment.
RABB:
We're not going to be late.
Okay, maybe a little late.
Mac, hold on.
What?
Are you upset
because I'm here with you?
No.
I mean, I'm usually the one
who needs the minder.
Well, I don't need a minder...
but I don't mind the help.
What is bothering you?
Is it the lawsuit?
There's nothing bothering me.
Sure seems like something is.
Well, maybe it's just
a clock I hear ticking.
What's that
supposed to mean?
Oh, nothing.
GUARD:
Who are you
here to see?
Jeremy Duncan.
He's expecting us.
Sign these, please.
What are they?
Nondisclosure agreements.
This is a high-security campus.
No one's allowed
in the building
without an escort.
An intern will take you
to Mr. Duncan's office.
All this for video games.
Electronic gaming
is a $15 billion a year
industry, sir.
That's more than
movies and music combined.
We take industrial
espionage very seriously.
So do we.
( phone ringing )
Hello, Colonel.
Come on in.
This is Commander Rabb.
Hi.
RABB:
Lieutenant.
Not anymore, sir.
Welcome to
the private sector.
Sure beats
the Navy, huh?
Actually, I'm a little surprised
you agreed to see us.
I've got nothing to hide.
What is it you want
to see me about?
I'm a little
curious about something.
Does the word "ethics" mean
anything to you?
Sure.
It means loser.
Let me do the math for you.
This new game of ours,
Ground Strike: Force III,
was an $80 million title
before we incorporated
3-D sound.
Now, it's $100 million title.
You put these babies on
and play the game
and it's as close as you can get
to virtual reality at home.
The military just doesn't
know what to do
with this kind of technology.
So that makes it okay
for you to steal it?
Was that just
the way you were raised?
Come on.
The physics
has been around for years
it just wasn't proprietary,
though it is now.
This place knows how
to protect its assets.
Psycoustics didn't.
Hey, you snooze, you lose.
It's the law of the jungle.
No conscience at all,
huh, Jeremy?
I'm sorry,
but it was
the chance of a lifetime.
No one in the service got hurt,
so what's the problem?
We're bound by a different
standard of conduct
in the service, Jeremy.
When you agreed
to accept your commission,
you, too, were bound
by that standard.
So sue me.
Let me ask
you a question.
What do you two make
as lawyers in the Navy?
Come on, Harm, let's go.
I'm losing the struggle.
I was making $50,000
a year as a lieutenant.
Now I'm making
ten times that
plus $50,000
for a signing bonus.
What are you two making?
Chump change.
Want to try
these on, Commander?
They're a lot of fun.
Yeah, maybe
some other time.
I used to have a bumper sticker
that said, "Die, Yuppie Scum."
I'm going to
get another one.
Well, at the very least
you've got to admire
his honesty.
Or not.
I'm going to take
him up on his offer.
I'm going to get Psycoustics,
Incorporated to sue him.
Oh, don't mention
that word around me, huh?
He is right
about one thing, though.
With all our trial experience,
we could be
making a fortune
in private practice.
I tried that, remember?
Yeah, but that
was four years ago.
What were you
offered then?
A lot.
I still think about it.
You know what it costs
to raise a kid and put him
through college these days?
Why would I know that?
Almost $300,000.
Problem is, I didn't
like myself very much
in private practice.
Yeah, but things change,
you know, Mac.
Hell, I could be
using you right about now.
Yeah, I'd probably
be the one suing you.
MacKENZIE:
Thank you for
meeting with us.
I'm Lieutenant Colonel
MacKenzie,
this is Commander Rabb.
Greetings,
I'm Ashok Pradesh.
This place is so empty.
Oh, we've had to lay
off our entire staff
due to the lost contract.
Can you explain to us
what Lieutenant Duncan did
to your DSP source code?
Yes, of course.
This way, please.
MacKENZIE:
Thank you.
Just compare
the original waveform
created by the DSP algorithm
and this contaminated copy
created by Lieutenant Duncan.
Take a look at the phase shift
in the pinna cues.
It is clear that early
reflections have been distorted
so as to place the sound source
in a completely
incorrect location.
Well, it might be
clear to you, Ashok,
but it is not clear
to the rest of humanity.
How was Lieutenant Duncan
able to get away with this?
Well, we allowed it, Commander.
With this transformation
going on in your military,
there is so much
competition to be first.
The Marine Corps,
the Army...
both are developing
new combat systems.
Does the Army system
work better?
Not if the Marine
Corps system
is deployed first.
And so we worked
on weekends and at night
and because we trust the Navy,
we allowed Jeremy full access
to our source code to debug.
To help us succeed.
Why didn't you file criminal
charges against him?
But why?
He broke no laws.
We failed to lock
the chicken house.
MacKENZIE:
You're not just going
to let him get away with it?
PRADESH:
But this is life
in high-tech, Colonel.
We lose, we move on.
There's no time for regret.
MacKENZIE:
That's ridiculous.
That's actually kind of healthy
if you think about it.
Colonel,
why look back?
Just over the horizon
is the next big thing.
Yeah, maybe.
But in my world,
there's a thing called justice.
CHEGWIDDEN:
You're telling me
he got away with it?
MacKENZIE:
The Navy cleared his
record with his discharge
and Psycoustics isn't
interested in pursuing
the matter,
which means Lieutenant Duncan
used Navy regulations
for his own benefit and stole
technology from Psycoustics.
I think the Navy should
reinstate the contract, sir.
That's not going to happen.
Navy refuses
to rebid the contract.
Then Psycoustics is going
out of business, sir.
Nature of capitalism,
the weak fail.
Yes, sir.
RABB:
Hey, what do you say
I buy you dinner?
Not hungry.
Did you even bother
to eat lunch?
I don't remember.
Mac, you got a raging case
of low blood sugar.
I don't care, I'm beat.
I feel dirty.
I need a long, hot bath.
What, are you going to wash
Lieutenant Duncan
out of your hair?
Is that it? You're giving up?
It's over, isn't it?
Well, maybe not.
Good morning, sir.
Good morning, Lieutenant.
Good morning, Commander.
You're pregnant too,
Petty Officer?
Due any day now, sir.
How are you today, sir?
I'm fine, Harriet.
You're going to make
such a wonderful father.
Ugh.
Hey.
Hey.
Got a surprise
for you.
Hope it's a good one.
I think you're
going to like it.
Made some calls
to Quantico this morning--
our Lieutenant Duncan was in
such a hurry to get out of there
I had a hunch he might
have made a mistake.
Like what?
Well, it seems he's accumulated
some leave on the books--
60 days worth.
I like it already.
It gets better.
He didn't stick around
for his out briefing,
so he didn't get
his final orders.
They've got two paychecks
waiting for him already
and two more
before his discharge
becomes effective.
Harm, those are the best words
I could ever hope to hear--
"before his discharge
become effective."
Ah, you just
made my day.
Maybe even my week.
What's the matter?
Nothing.
Sir, can I see
you for a moment?
Sure.
Uh, I was wondering
if I could ask you
a personal question?
Yeah. Go ahead.
Sir, do you feel
that I'm handicapped
as far as my
legal abilities
are concerned?
No, I don't feel
that at all, Bud.
Why are you asking?
Well, Commander Turner
told me about...
your problem, sir,
and that you asked
him for his help.
Yeah.
Well, sir, I was wondering,
why didn't you ask me?
I don't know, Bud.
I, uh... I guess
I'm guilty
of underestimating
your recovery.
Would you consider
representing me
in this lawsuit,
Lieutenant?
I've already started
work on it, sir.
Been investigating
this lawyer--
Raymond Harrick.
He's an ambulance
chaser, sir.
He files literally
hundreds
of lawsuits,
and as far as I can tell,
he always settles
out of court.
So I went down
to legal assistance
to see if there were
any local Navy people
who'd been involved in
automobile accidents
within days of their
insurance lapsing.
Turns out there
were quite a few.
Over 20 this year.
All fender-benders within days
of lapsed insurance.
The accident was a total setup.
Someone from
the insurance office
"forgets" to mail out
the renewal notice--
this guy Harrick waits
for the policy to expire
and sets up an accident.
Then he starts harassing
the victim until they
decide to settle.
Yeah, and it almost
worked, Bud.
Almost.
Why don't you and I
go see the Admiral.
You're being sued?
RABB:
Yes, sir.
And what does Lieutenant Roberts
have to do with it?
I've asked the Lieutenant
to help me
with the court case, sir.
With your
permission,
obviously.
You don't think I have anything
better for you to do?
Well, sir, any assignment
that you would give me
would certainly
take precedence.
Got a strategy?
Yes, sir.
( sighs )
All right. Good luck.
Thank you, sir.
HARRICK:
Right this way,
Mrs. Motley.
Commander Rabb
requested this meeting.
This time he brought
counsel with him.
Lieutenant Roberts.
There you go.
Commander, I hope
you've come
to put an offer
on the table.
As you can see,
she's having
a difficult time
getting around.
Yes, it would appear
your condition
is getting worse,
Mrs. Motley.
Physical therapy isn't
easy for a person my age,
young man.
Your therapist's
name is Preston,
isn't it, Mrs. Motley?
Dr. Preston. Yes, mm-hmm.
And you've seen him
before, haven't you?
Tell me,
was it this hard
the previous
three times?
I don't know what
you're talking about.
We've checked into
Mrs. Motley's doctors.
This is the fourth accident
in the last 18 months.
Rear-ended each time.
That's some pretty bad luck,
I'd say, Mrs. Motley.
I will not allow you
to intimidate my client.
Oh, we're not here to do that,
Mr. Harrick.
We're here to intimidate you.
Now... this here
is a list
of the Navy personnel
who have been sued
by you
in the last three years.
The names look familiar?
Each of them
have had an accident
right after their
auto insurance lapsed.
Quite a coincidence,
wouldn't you say?
What's going on
here, Raymond?
Sit down.
Why, you said
that they would pay
like all the others.
Sit down!
I will not
sit down!
I am not listening
to you any more!
I... I'm sorry, young man.
I'm ashamed of myself.
Was any of it true,
Mrs. Motley?
Well, I certainly
wasn't hurt.
But I am a widow,
and on a fixed income.
Well, I know that's
not an excuse, but...
I used to be an actress,
you know.
A very good one.
I... I'm going to need
a lawyer, aren't I?
ROBERTS:
Yes, ma'am.
I'd call one soon.
ROBERTS:
And this...
is a bill for the damages
to Commander Rabb's Corvette.
RABB:
We've notified
the insurance company
and the U.S.
Attorney's Office.
The renewal notices
that never got sent--
that's fraud and conspiracy
to commit fraud.
Both federal offenses,
Mr. Harrick.
We'll be seeing you
in court.
You have a nice day now.
ROBERTS:
Oh...
you might consider getting
yourself a lawyer.
( sighs )
You want to see me
about something?
Printed out some more
JAG boilerplate
for you, Mr. Bradford.
Subpoena to appear
for a court-martial?
Jeremy...
Hang on a minute.
I'll be
right with you.
On your feet,
Lieutenant.
Hey!
What's this?
Orders, Lieutenant,
to report for duty
at 1500 today.
What are you talking about?
I'm out.
No, you're not.
You should have paid
more attention
to those Navy regs,
Lieutenant.
Maybe if you'd
shown up for
your out briefing
or picked up
your orders.
RABB:
You still have leave
on the books, Jeremy.
The government
still owes you money.
Until you're paid everything
you're entitled to,
you're still on
terminal leave.
And still in
the Navy.
You're kidding.
Government owes you $8,000.
$8,000?
MAN:
Will the Senior Member
please publish
the court's findings.
Lieutenant Jeremy Duncan,
United States Navy:
As to charge one and the
specification alleging
violation of Article 92,
disobedience of DOD
standards of conduct,
a lawful general regulation:
Guilty.
As to charge two and its
specification alleging violation
of Article 108, willful damage
of military property: Guilty.
This court sentences you
to confinement at hard labor
for a period of one year,
to be fined $50,000,
and to be dismissed
from the Naval Service.
This court is adjourned.
Well, congratulations.
Thanks.
You got a minute?
Sure.
Can we talk
in your office?
Okay.
Um...
You, uh, you said
that you bought this
for little A.J.'s
fifth birthday.
I did?
But he's not going to be five,
he's going to be four.
Exactly.
That's what's been
bothering you--
our deal to have a baby together
after five years?
Well, I wouldn't exactly say
it was bothering me, but...
Well, something
was bothering you.
Like the comment about
the clock ticking.
Was that supposed to be
my biological clock?
Harm, why didn't you
just tell me what
was on your mind?
Well, because you seemed to have
a little too much
on your mind.
You know, I'll bet that
you were afraid to ask.
Why would I be?
Maybe you didn't
want to hear the answer.
Or maybe you were afraid
that I'd want
to up the timetable.
Now, that never occurred to me.
Do you?
Harm, it wasn't
a Freudian slip, okay?
It was just a mistake.
You're sure?
You want to go back
on your promise?
No.
Then why the sudden worry?
It's over a year away.
Well... well, I mean...
I mean, Singer got pregnant,
and then Harriet and...
And you just assumed that
I'd want to join the club.
You're funny.
( sound of helicopter passing )
( rapid beeping )
( electronic gunfire )
MAN:
You are now one dead Marine.
Pretty slick, huh?
It's like a video game.
It's what ground warfare's
going to be like
in the 21st century.
Come see how you did.
So...
I gave you an enemy
above and behind you.
You hear him...
you target him...
you shoot...
but you are now
one dead Marine.
Can I quote you
on this?
You can quote me on
a lot more than this.
I didn't bring you
in here for video games.
If the Marine Corps
goes ahead with this...
men are going to die.
Good morning, sir.
Morning, Lieutenant.
Tiner, do you know where
the military justice
CD-ROMs are?
We moved them, sir.
They're right over here.
At least,
they used to be.
Looking for
the M-J CDs?
Commander Manetti
has them.
They're supposed
to be put back.
Have either of you
see Commander Rabb
yet this morning?
He called to say he
was on his way, sir.
I don't think he'll be late
to his own award ceremony, sir.
Hmm. No doubt.
Colonel, take a look
at this
and join me
in my office, please.
Yes, sir.
Wow.
What?
A Navy lieutenant
down at Quantico,
working on a new combat helmet
system for the Marines--
he says the system
doesn't work
but the D.O.N.'s going
ahead with it anyway?
Hmm, a whistle-blower.
"Lieutenant Jeremy Duncan
is quoted in the local paper
"accusing the Secretary
of Defense
of pimping for
private enterprise."
A violation of Article 88.
Unbelievable.
He called
campaign contributions
to the Governor
of Virginia "bribes."
The Lieutenant not only
pushed the envelope,
he broke right through.
It could be slander.
( knocking )
Enter.
Have a seat.
So what do you think
of Lieutenant Duncan's
contemptuous words?
Textbook Article 88
violation, sir.
His command wants
him court-martialed.
However, the SECNAV
does not want him
brought up on charges.
He wants this
handled quietly.
Understood, sir.
Apparently, Lieutenant Duncan
is some sort of a specialist
in psychoacoustics
on T.A.D. to the
Combat Development Command.
When this ceremony's over,
I want you to go to Quantico,
interview Lieutenant Duncan.
Speak to his
Officer in Charge.
See if you can
put this fire out
before it gets completely
out of control.
Aye, aye, sir.
Something else?
There is one thing
that bothers me, Admiral.
He said Marines
are going to die.
What if he's right?
( horns honking )
( car horn honking )
( car horn honking )
( sighs )
Are you all right, ma'am?
I don't know.
I think so.
That was quite a little jolt.
You must be in the Navy.
Yes, ma'am, I am.
I'm really sorry
about this.
Yes, well, accidents
will happen, won't they?
Look, here's my ownership
and insurance.
I'll write down the rest
of my information for you.
Oh, my.
Uh, this seems
to have expired.
Oh, no.
Mr. Roberts.
ROBERTS:
Attention to orders.
Person to be decorated
front and center.
"The President of
the United States
"takes pleasure
in presenting
"the Bronze Star medal
to Commander Sturgis Turner
"United States Navy
"for meritorious achievement
while on T.A.D.
"to the USS Watertown,
in the Arabian Sea,
"on 21 May, 2002.
"By his courage
and effectiveness,
"Commander Turner reflected
great credit upon himself
"and upheld
the highest traditions
of the United States
Naval Service."
Commander Rabb,
front and center.
Sorry I'm late, sir.
I had an accident.
Let's give you this medal
before I decide to take
the damn thing away.
Mr. Roberts.
"The President of
the United States
"takes pleasure
in presenting
"the Silver Star medal
"to Commander Harmon Rabb Jr.,
United States Navy,
"for conspicuous gallantry
and heroism in an F-14 Tomcat
"on 21 May, 2002.
"By his superb airmanship
and loyal devotion to duty,
"Commander Rabb defeated
a grave threat to the fleet
"from an enemy missile,
"reflecting great
credit upon himself
"and upholding the
highest traditions
of the United States
Naval Service."
I'm proud
of both of you.
JAG dismissed.
ALL:
Aye, aye, sir.
( applause )
Congratulations.
Thank you.
What happened?
Oh, I rear-ended
a nice little old lady
on the parkway.
Anybody hurt?
Only my bank account.
I let the auto insurance
lapse.
How'd you manage
to do that?
I didn't receive
the renewal notice,
like I usually do.
Probably thought
it was junk mail,
threw it away.
That fiberglass is going
to cost a few thousand.
Tell me about it.
( men counting cadence )
MacKENZIE:
Lieutenant, when you
made your comments
to the reporter who quoted you
were you aware that using
contemptuous words
against the Secretary
of Defense
and the governor
of the State of Virginia
would constitute
a violation
of Article 88
of the UCMJ?
I've never been very good
at regs, ma'am.
I guess it just
never crossed my mind.
Why did you have
an unauthorized meeting
with a reporter
in the first place?
I didn't know how
to get my message
through the chain
of command.
This is real
high-tech stuff, ma'am.
A Marine doesn't
just carry a weapon
into combat anymore,
he wears a complete
computer system.
I have degrees in physics
and electrical engineering
and even I have
trouble sometimes.
The Navy paid for
the engineering
degrees, didn't it?
Yes, ma'am.
I've got three years left
on my service obligation.
I thought I was doing
the right thing.
By being a whistle-blower?
I wanted to make my point.
There's a serious bug
in the DSP algorithm
of the HRA
for the Integrated
Helmet Assembly.
English, please.
Sorry, ma'am.
This will be a lot easier
once I give you
the demonstration.
( keypad buttons beeping )
This...
is your Integrated
Helmet Assembly.
It includes...
your head orientation sensors,
audio pickups,
laser detector...
video camera...
boom mic, and your
helmet-mounted display.
What this gives you...
is complete
situational awareness.
Try it out, ma'am.
Stand over here.
I'll feed the first
simulation into the helmet.
See anything?
No.
You will.
I'm going to start
the first simulation.
What you want to do
is see how fast
you can put the gunsight
on the sniper
when you hear the warning.
( typing )
( beeping )
( electronic gunfire )
( rapid beeping )
( electronic gunfire )
MacKENZIE:
Am I dead?
Yes, ma'am.
Because the digital
signal processing algorithm
has a flaw in it.
Here's the problem:
The high-resolution
audio subsystem
is designed to give you
a three-dimensional
holographic sound field,
so you know exactly
where a sound
is coming from
without having
to turn your head,
but... it's locating the sound
in the wrong place.
That's why
the system thinks
it's acquired the target...
when it hasn't.
Very convincing, Lieutenant.
Thank you, ma'am.
I just wish the Marine Corps
thought so.
Why do you think
the Corps doesn't?
The system works properly
some of the time.
I just don't think
some of the time is good enough.
MacKENZIE:
Sir, Lieutenant Duncan has been
relieved of duty.
His Officer in Charge has
agreed to no court-martial
and nonjudicial punishment
with immediate resignation.
Basically, they
want to flush him
from the service ASAP.
What does Lieutenant Duncan
want?
He doesn't seem to be
sure about that,
but what he doesn't want
is for the Navy to go ahead
with a contract for
Psycoustics, Incorporated.
Hmm. Well, he got
what he wished for.
D.O.N.'s pulled the plug
on the project
before it gets
any more bad publicity.
What?
Sir, I think the Lieutenant
was right in what he did
just wrong in the way
he went about it.
Truth is not a defense
in an Article 88 violation
so what's your point?
The Navy wants
to punish him for being
a whistleblower
while the Marine Corps
might just owe him
a debt of gratitude.
Project's canceled, Colonel.
It's a moot question.
Yes, sir.
I'll wrap things up.
( sighs )
TROOPS:
My Corps!
Your Corps!
Your Corps!
Our Corps!
Our Corps!
Marine Corps!
( helicopter passing )
How do you do,
Colonel MacKenzie?
My name is Harlan Bradford.
I'll be representing
Lieutenant Duncan
in this matter.
Ma'am.
Lieutenant,
I didn't expect you
to have
civilian representation.
As you can understand,
Lieutenant Duncan
doesn't want to be
where he's not appreciated.
We've drawn up
his letter of resignation.
What if you got orders
to a new duty station,
Lieutenant?
The Navy's made
a big investment in you.
I feel like I've done
my part, ma'am.
Served my country.
If even one Marine's life
gets saved,
that's something, isn't it?
That's more than
something, Lieutenant.
Do you not want
to stay in the Navy?
I don't think the Navy
wants me, ma'am.
"Formal hearing waived,
"punitive letter
of reprimand accepted,
commission resigned."
Official boilerplate downloaded
from the JAG Web Site.
So I see.
Looks like you've done
your homework, Lieutenant.
I'll advise the convening
authority of your wishes
and recommend approval.
Thank you, ma'am.
Pleasure doing business
with you.
Yes, I realize
it's my responsibility
to pay the premium on time.
I don't understand
why I didn't get
my renewal notice
like I usually do.
I never received it.
( mouthing )
Thank you, anyway.
There's a Raymond Harrick
on line two for you, sir.
Raymond Harrick?
My name is Raymond Harrick,
Commander.
I represent Mrs. Eleanor Motley
the woman whose car
you hit yesterday.
Represent?
Yes. I'm her lawyer.
Why would she need a lawyer?
Mrs. Motley just called me
from her doctor's office.
It seems that
she's in
a considerable amount of pain.
( sighs )
She was fine yesterday morning.
I understand you have no
insurance coverage.
I would just suggest
that you contact an attorney,
Commander.
I am an attorney.
Is that so?
Well, may I suggest
we have a meeting
with Mrs. Motley?
How about this afternoon,
say, uh, 2:00,
my office?
That would be fine.
Good.
And Commander,
bring your checkbook.
( button clicks )
( dial tone )
MacKENZIE:
You wanted to see me, sir?
Um, close the door, have a seat.
Yes, sir.
What's the status
of Lieutenant Duncan's case?
Concluded, sir.
Lieutenant Duncan's letter
of resignation
was forwarded
by his commanding officer
and accepted by the Chief
of Naval Personnel.
Well, Psycoustics, Incorporated,
has filed a bid protest
with the GAO and a complaint
with the Navy
for canceling their contract
and going with
a competitor's product.
The governor of the state
has asked for an inquiry
into the entire matter.
I'm sorry
to hear that, sir.
I thought I'd successfully
put out the fire.
Oh, it gets worse.
Psycoustics is accusing
Lieutenant Duncan
of hacking their code,
specifically
and I quote, "Duncan modified
the DSP algorithm
"without authorization
so as to cause the HRA subsystem
of the combat helmet system
to malfunction."
You know what
the hell that means?
Yes, sir.
Lieutenant Duncan sabotaged
the high-resolution
audio-digital,
signal-processing program
and then he lied about it
to the Navy, to the press
and to me.
Well, I suggest that you find
Lieutenant Duncan.
I will, sir.
Dismissed.
Aye, aye, sir.
HARRICK:
Mrs. Motley is a widow,
Commander,
living on a fixed income.
She's 61 years old,
so she doesn't qualify
for Medicare.
I have a letter
from her doctor.
"Pain in the back,
pinched nerve in the neck
double vision."
HARRICK:
As you can see,
he says surgery
may be necessary,
but we won't know
until she's completed
the six-month course
of physical therapy.
I've advised against it,
but she's willing
to settle with you now,
even thought the
projected costs
may not cover all the
treatment she'll need.
What are the
projected costs?
Mmm. Take a look.
Physical therapy: $5,000.
Doctors and specialists:
$10,000.
In-home care: $5,000.
Special equipment: $5,000.
Contingency: $5,000.
Legal fees: $5,000.
Very reasonable,
under the circumstances.
Also, $500 for the damage
to her car.
You wouldn't want
to forget that.
$35,000-- I don't have
that kind of
money right now.
The accident wasn't
my fault, Mr. Robb.
It's Commander Rabb, ma'am.
HARRICK:
The longer you wait,
the more it'll cost,
Commander.
Well, I'll just have
to take my chances.
I'm sorry.
Take this with
you, Commander.
In an abundance
of caution,
I filed today
in Superior Court.
You've been sued.
( sighs )
Sturgis, you got a minute?
Yeah, sure.
You're being sued
over the auto accident?
Yeah.
And so far, I've got
a fool for a client.
You're representing yourself?
Well, I sincerely hope not.
You don't want me
to represent you.
Well, you know,
the thought did
cross my mind.
I've never done
civil litigation.
You should hire
a competent lawyer, Harm.
Well, you know,
if you took a look
at my bank account,
you'd see I was
financially challenged
at the moment.
Look, this is going
to take some research,
and I'm swamped.
I might be able
to get to this
in a couple of weeks,
but then you got
a fool for a lawyer.
I'd be happy to help you
fix your car, buddy,
but this? I'm sorry.
Good luck.
Thanks.
Oh, sir, finished
proofing your brief.
It's very good.
Thank you, Bud.
Were there
many mistakes?
Hardly any at all.
Is there anything else
I can do for you?
Uh, you look like a man
who wants a case of his own,
Lieutenant.
I am anxious
to get up to speed, sir.
Understandable.
I don't have a case
I can turn over,
but Commander Rabb might.
( indistinct conversation )
Thank you, sir.
Good afternoon, sir.
Oh, hey, Bud.
How you doing?
Good... sir.
Come on in. I'm on hold.
"Your First Computer"?
Is that for Chloe?
No, it's for little A.J.'s
fifth birthday.
Isn't that in four months?
So? I like to get
my shopping done early.
Yeah, I'm still here.
Five years from this moment,
if neither of us
is in a relationship,
we'll go halves
on a kid.
You and me, have
a baby together?
What do you say...
deal?
Don't make a promise
you can't keep.
I see.
Thank you.
I don't believe it.
Believe what?
( sighing ):
Lieutenant Duncan's lawyer
doesn't exist.
There's no Harlan Bradford
licensed to practice law
in Virginia.
He downloaded the boilerplate
from the Web Site.
Anybody could do that.
( baby crying )
Are you all right?
Yeah.
Did you want to see me
about something?
No.
( stammering ):
It can... it can wait.
Excuse me.
If you're looking to rent,
the unit's not ready yet.
I'm looking
for Lieutenant
Jeremy Duncan.
This is his
apartment, right?
Was. He's gone now.
But his car's parked
in the garage.
Not his car.
Not anymore.
I don't understand.
When did he move out?
Day before yesterday,
just like that.
And he left his car?
Oh, damnedest thing ever,
if you ask me.
He had six months left
on his lease.
Said he wanted out.
He paid me $2,000 in cash,
signed over the car
to cover the rest.
It's a pretty nice car, too.
But he didn't even
leave a forwarding
address, huh?
Nope.
He didn't even want
his cleaning deposit back.
What do you make of that?
I'd say the Lieutenant came
into some money, suddenly.
Thank you
for your help.
You're welcome.
Oh, the apartment's
available
the first of the month.
( sighs )
MacKENZIE:
You little rat.
You lowlife scum.
What is it?
I checked every bar association
on the eastern seaboard,
guess what I found?
There is a Harlan Bradford
in the legal department
of a company in Maryland
called Mad Hampster, Inc.
It's a game company.
MAN:
Ground Strike: Force III.
Isn't that what the whistle-
blowing was all about?
Damn right it was.
He stole it.
He stole Psycoustics'
technology.
I'd bet on it.
( sighing )
Hang on, I wonder...
( dialing )
MAN:
Mad Hampster, Incorporated.
How may I direct your call?
Jeremy Duncan, please.
One moment, please.
Hi, this is Jeremy.
You've reached my voice mail.
Leave me a message and I'll get
right back as soon as I can.
Gotcha.
MacKENZIE:
We've located
Lieutenant Duncan, sir.
Good.
He's working at an electronic
game company in Maryland.
And, uh...
The whole thing was a setup.
He knew exactly
what he was doing
when he gave the interview
to the reporter, sir.
He wanted out
of the Navy
and he wanted Psycoustic''
contract canceled,
so he could take the technology
with him when he left.
You sure about this?
Not yet,
not completely
but it's so obvious,
the way he disappeared,
throwing money around...
Colonel...
Arrogant little S.O.B. is not
going to get away with this.
Sounds like the Lieutenant...
He made a fool out of me, sir.
Colonel.
I'm sorry, sir.
I'd like to request permission
to pursue Lieutenant Duncan
and rectify the situation.
How do you plan to do that?
I don't know, sir.
You don't know?
Hmm.
Commander, do you have time
to assist the Colonel
on this case?
Maybe between the two of you
we can find
a certain balance.
Yes, sir.
You okay with that, Colonel?
Yes, sir.
Thank you, sir.
Good night.
Well, something tells me
that Lieutenant Duncan
will be sorry he messed
with this Marine.
( sighing )
( door slams )
RABB:
Hey, slow down a little.
MacKENZIE:
I don't want to be late
for this appointment.
RABB:
We're not going to be late.
Okay, maybe a little late.
Mac, hold on.
What?
Are you upset
because I'm here with you?
No.
I mean, I'm usually the one
who needs the minder.
Well, I don't need a minder...
but I don't mind the help.
What is bothering you?
Is it the lawsuit?
There's nothing bothering me.
Sure seems like something is.
Well, maybe it's just
a clock I hear ticking.
What's that
supposed to mean?
Oh, nothing.
GUARD:
Who are you
here to see?
Jeremy Duncan.
He's expecting us.
Sign these, please.
What are they?
Nondisclosure agreements.
This is a high-security campus.
No one's allowed
in the building
without an escort.
An intern will take you
to Mr. Duncan's office.
All this for video games.
Electronic gaming
is a $15 billion a year
industry, sir.
That's more than
movies and music combined.
We take industrial
espionage very seriously.
So do we.
( phone ringing )
Hello, Colonel.
Come on in.
This is Commander Rabb.
Hi.
RABB:
Lieutenant.
Not anymore, sir.
Welcome to
the private sector.
Sure beats
the Navy, huh?
Actually, I'm a little surprised
you agreed to see us.
I've got nothing to hide.
What is it you want
to see me about?
I'm a little
curious about something.
Does the word "ethics" mean
anything to you?
Sure.
It means loser.
Let me do the math for you.
This new game of ours,
Ground Strike: Force III,
was an $80 million title
before we incorporated
3-D sound.
Now, it's $100 million title.
You put these babies on
and play the game
and it's as close as you can get
to virtual reality at home.
The military just doesn't
know what to do
with this kind of technology.
So that makes it okay
for you to steal it?
Was that just
the way you were raised?
Come on.
The physics
has been around for years
it just wasn't proprietary,
though it is now.
This place knows how
to protect its assets.
Psycoustics didn't.
Hey, you snooze, you lose.
It's the law of the jungle.
No conscience at all,
huh, Jeremy?
I'm sorry,
but it was
the chance of a lifetime.
No one in the service got hurt,
so what's the problem?
We're bound by a different
standard of conduct
in the service, Jeremy.
When you agreed
to accept your commission,
you, too, were bound
by that standard.
So sue me.
Let me ask
you a question.
What do you two make
as lawyers in the Navy?
Come on, Harm, let's go.
I'm losing the struggle.
I was making $50,000
a year as a lieutenant.
Now I'm making
ten times that
plus $50,000
for a signing bonus.
What are you two making?
Chump change.
Want to try
these on, Commander?
They're a lot of fun.
Yeah, maybe
some other time.
I used to have a bumper sticker
that said, "Die, Yuppie Scum."
I'm going to
get another one.
Well, at the very least
you've got to admire
his honesty.
Or not.
I'm going to take
him up on his offer.
I'm going to get Psycoustics,
Incorporated to sue him.
Oh, don't mention
that word around me, huh?
He is right
about one thing, though.
With all our trial experience,
we could be
making a fortune
in private practice.
I tried that, remember?
Yeah, but that
was four years ago.
What were you
offered then?
A lot.
I still think about it.
You know what it costs
to raise a kid and put him
through college these days?
Why would I know that?
Almost $300,000.
Problem is, I didn't
like myself very much
in private practice.
Yeah, but things change,
you know, Mac.
Hell, I could be
using you right about now.
Yeah, I'd probably
be the one suing you.
MacKENZIE:
Thank you for
meeting with us.
I'm Lieutenant Colonel
MacKenzie,
this is Commander Rabb.
Greetings,
I'm Ashok Pradesh.
This place is so empty.
Oh, we've had to lay
off our entire staff
due to the lost contract.
Can you explain to us
what Lieutenant Duncan did
to your DSP source code?
Yes, of course.
This way, please.
MacKENZIE:
Thank you.
Just compare
the original waveform
created by the DSP algorithm
and this contaminated copy
created by Lieutenant Duncan.
Take a look at the phase shift
in the pinna cues.
It is clear that early
reflections have been distorted
so as to place the sound source
in a completely
incorrect location.
Well, it might be
clear to you, Ashok,
but it is not clear
to the rest of humanity.
How was Lieutenant Duncan
able to get away with this?
Well, we allowed it, Commander.
With this transformation
going on in your military,
there is so much
competition to be first.
The Marine Corps,
the Army...
both are developing
new combat systems.
Does the Army system
work better?
Not if the Marine
Corps system
is deployed first.
And so we worked
on weekends and at night
and because we trust the Navy,
we allowed Jeremy full access
to our source code to debug.
To help us succeed.
Why didn't you file criminal
charges against him?
But why?
He broke no laws.
We failed to lock
the chicken house.
MacKENZIE:
You're not just going
to let him get away with it?
PRADESH:
But this is life
in high-tech, Colonel.
We lose, we move on.
There's no time for regret.
MacKENZIE:
That's ridiculous.
That's actually kind of healthy
if you think about it.
Colonel,
why look back?
Just over the horizon
is the next big thing.
Yeah, maybe.
But in my world,
there's a thing called justice.
CHEGWIDDEN:
You're telling me
he got away with it?
MacKENZIE:
The Navy cleared his
record with his discharge
and Psycoustics isn't
interested in pursuing
the matter,
which means Lieutenant Duncan
used Navy regulations
for his own benefit and stole
technology from Psycoustics.
I think the Navy should
reinstate the contract, sir.
That's not going to happen.
Navy refuses
to rebid the contract.
Then Psycoustics is going
out of business, sir.
Nature of capitalism,
the weak fail.
Yes, sir.
RABB:
Hey, what do you say
I buy you dinner?
Not hungry.
Did you even bother
to eat lunch?
I don't remember.
Mac, you got a raging case
of low blood sugar.
I don't care, I'm beat.
I feel dirty.
I need a long, hot bath.
What, are you going to wash
Lieutenant Duncan
out of your hair?
Is that it? You're giving up?
It's over, isn't it?
Well, maybe not.
Good morning, sir.
Good morning, Lieutenant.
Good morning, Commander.
You're pregnant too,
Petty Officer?
Due any day now, sir.
How are you today, sir?
I'm fine, Harriet.
You're going to make
such a wonderful father.
Ugh.
Hey.
Hey.
Got a surprise
for you.
Hope it's a good one.
I think you're
going to like it.
Made some calls
to Quantico this morning--
our Lieutenant Duncan was in
such a hurry to get out of there
I had a hunch he might
have made a mistake.
Like what?
Well, it seems he's accumulated
some leave on the books--
60 days worth.
I like it already.
It gets better.
He didn't stick around
for his out briefing,
so he didn't get
his final orders.
They've got two paychecks
waiting for him already
and two more
before his discharge
becomes effective.
Harm, those are the best words
I could ever hope to hear--
"before his discharge
become effective."
Ah, you just
made my day.
Maybe even my week.
What's the matter?
Nothing.
Sir, can I see
you for a moment?
Sure.
Uh, I was wondering
if I could ask you
a personal question?
Yeah. Go ahead.
Sir, do you feel
that I'm handicapped
as far as my
legal abilities
are concerned?
No, I don't feel
that at all, Bud.
Why are you asking?
Well, Commander Turner
told me about...
your problem, sir,
and that you asked
him for his help.
Yeah.
Well, sir, I was wondering,
why didn't you ask me?
I don't know, Bud.
I, uh... I guess
I'm guilty
of underestimating
your recovery.
Would you consider
representing me
in this lawsuit,
Lieutenant?
I've already started
work on it, sir.
Been investigating
this lawyer--
Raymond Harrick.
He's an ambulance
chaser, sir.
He files literally
hundreds
of lawsuits,
and as far as I can tell,
he always settles
out of court.
So I went down
to legal assistance
to see if there were
any local Navy people
who'd been involved in
automobile accidents
within days of their
insurance lapsing.
Turns out there
were quite a few.
Over 20 this year.
All fender-benders within days
of lapsed insurance.
The accident was a total setup.
Someone from
the insurance office
"forgets" to mail out
the renewal notice--
this guy Harrick waits
for the policy to expire
and sets up an accident.
Then he starts harassing
the victim until they
decide to settle.
Yeah, and it almost
worked, Bud.
Almost.
Why don't you and I
go see the Admiral.
You're being sued?
RABB:
Yes, sir.
And what does Lieutenant Roberts
have to do with it?
I've asked the Lieutenant
to help me
with the court case, sir.
With your
permission,
obviously.
You don't think I have anything
better for you to do?
Well, sir, any assignment
that you would give me
would certainly
take precedence.
Got a strategy?
Yes, sir.
( sighs )
All right. Good luck.
Thank you, sir.
HARRICK:
Right this way,
Mrs. Motley.
Commander Rabb
requested this meeting.
This time he brought
counsel with him.
Lieutenant Roberts.
There you go.
Commander, I hope
you've come
to put an offer
on the table.
As you can see,
she's having
a difficult time
getting around.
Yes, it would appear
your condition
is getting worse,
Mrs. Motley.
Physical therapy isn't
easy for a person my age,
young man.
Your therapist's
name is Preston,
isn't it, Mrs. Motley?
Dr. Preston. Yes, mm-hmm.
And you've seen him
before, haven't you?
Tell me,
was it this hard
the previous
three times?
I don't know what
you're talking about.
We've checked into
Mrs. Motley's doctors.
This is the fourth accident
in the last 18 months.
Rear-ended each time.
That's some pretty bad luck,
I'd say, Mrs. Motley.
I will not allow you
to intimidate my client.
Oh, we're not here to do that,
Mr. Harrick.
We're here to intimidate you.
Now... this here
is a list
of the Navy personnel
who have been sued
by you
in the last three years.
The names look familiar?
Each of them
have had an accident
right after their
auto insurance lapsed.
Quite a coincidence,
wouldn't you say?
What's going on
here, Raymond?
Sit down.
Why, you said
that they would pay
like all the others.
Sit down!
I will not
sit down!
I am not listening
to you any more!
I... I'm sorry, young man.
I'm ashamed of myself.
Was any of it true,
Mrs. Motley?
Well, I certainly
wasn't hurt.
But I am a widow,
and on a fixed income.
Well, I know that's
not an excuse, but...
I used to be an actress,
you know.
A very good one.
I... I'm going to need
a lawyer, aren't I?
ROBERTS:
Yes, ma'am.
I'd call one soon.
ROBERTS:
And this...
is a bill for the damages
to Commander Rabb's Corvette.
RABB:
We've notified
the insurance company
and the U.S.
Attorney's Office.
The renewal notices
that never got sent--
that's fraud and conspiracy
to commit fraud.
Both federal offenses,
Mr. Harrick.
We'll be seeing you
in court.
You have a nice day now.
ROBERTS:
Oh...
you might consider getting
yourself a lawyer.
( sighs )
You want to see me
about something?
Printed out some more
JAG boilerplate
for you, Mr. Bradford.
Subpoena to appear
for a court-martial?
Jeremy...
Hang on a minute.
I'll be
right with you.
On your feet,
Lieutenant.
Hey!
What's this?
Orders, Lieutenant,
to report for duty
at 1500 today.
What are you talking about?
I'm out.
No, you're not.
You should have paid
more attention
to those Navy regs,
Lieutenant.
Maybe if you'd
shown up for
your out briefing
or picked up
your orders.
RABB:
You still have leave
on the books, Jeremy.
The government
still owes you money.
Until you're paid everything
you're entitled to,
you're still on
terminal leave.
And still in
the Navy.
You're kidding.
Government owes you $8,000.
$8,000?
MAN:
Will the Senior Member
please publish
the court's findings.
Lieutenant Jeremy Duncan,
United States Navy:
As to charge one and the
specification alleging
violation of Article 92,
disobedience of DOD
standards of conduct,
a lawful general regulation:
Guilty.
As to charge two and its
specification alleging violation
of Article 108, willful damage
of military property: Guilty.
This court sentences you
to confinement at hard labor
for a period of one year,
to be fined $50,000,
and to be dismissed
from the Naval Service.
This court is adjourned.
Well, congratulations.
Thanks.
You got a minute?
Sure.
Can we talk
in your office?
Okay.
Um...
You, uh, you said
that you bought this
for little A.J.'s
fifth birthday.
I did?
But he's not going to be five,
he's going to be four.
Exactly.
That's what's been
bothering you--
our deal to have a baby together
after five years?
Well, I wouldn't exactly say
it was bothering me, but...
Well, something
was bothering you.
Like the comment about
the clock ticking.
Was that supposed to be
my biological clock?
Harm, why didn't you
just tell me what
was on your mind?
Well, because you seemed to have
a little too much
on your mind.
You know, I'll bet that
you were afraid to ask.
Why would I be?
Maybe you didn't
want to hear the answer.
Or maybe you were afraid
that I'd want
to up the timetable.
Now, that never occurred to me.
Do you?
Harm, it wasn't
a Freudian slip, okay?
It was just a mistake.
You're sure?
You want to go back
on your promise?
No.
Then why the sudden worry?
It's over a year away.
Well... well, I mean...
I mean, Singer got pregnant,
and then Harriet and...
And you just assumed that
I'd want to join the club.
You're funny.