1205 ZULU
WEST ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA
United States Marine Corps Major General Gordon M. Cresswell tightens the necktie on his Marine dress uniform as he prepares for his duties as the Judge Advocate General of the United States Navy, a position he hasheld for over a year now. As he gets his olive-green coat out of the closet, he hears the telephone ring.
"Hello," says his wife Dora. "Tell me where she is."
"What was that?" asks the general.
ooooooooooooo
1302 ZULU
JAG HEADQUARTERS
FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
United States Navy Petty Officer First Class Jennifer Coates hears the telephone ring as soon as she gets within five feet of her office in JAG headquarters. She picks up the pace and then picks up the receiver.
"JAG headquarters," she says. "Petty Officer Coates speaking. How may I help you?"
"This is General Cresswell," says General Cresswell.
"What may I do for you, sir?"
"I have a bit of a family emergency, Coates. Tell Commanders Turner and Austin that I won't be in this morning. Just take messages until I return."
"Will you be back today?"
"I don't know. I'll keep you posted. Cresswell out."
"Yes, sir."
Coates hangs up the telephone and sits on her desk. She briefly ponders the general's family emergency before looking at her to-do list for things she will have to take care of this morning.
"Coates," says Lieutenant Commander Bud Roberts as he enters her office. "Is the general in?"
"No, sir," replies the petty officer, standing at attention to her superior officer. "He just called me to inform he's attending to an emergency."
"This is my report," says the commander. "Get it to him when he gets here."
"Yes, sir."
oooooooooooo
1330 ZULU
U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY HOSPITAL
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND
The hospital for the United States Naval Academy services the midshipmen, faculty, staff, and support personnel for the Naval Academy. Doctors and orderlies walk along the halls tending to patients. General Cresswell and his wife walk down one of the hallways and enters one of the rooms.
"Cammie," says Mrs. Cresswell.
"Mom, Dad," says Midshipman Third Class Cameron Cresswell, who is lying down on the bed. "How are you?"
"We were going to ask you the same thing," says General Cresswell.
"I still feel a little sick," she says.
"What happened?" asks her mother.
"I was in my room studying," says their daughter. "I felt dizzy and I got sick. My roommate Dana told me she found me unconscious and called for an ambulance.
"Hello there," says a man with short, tightly-curled black hair with a long white coat over his torso. "Dr. Hubbard. I'm the physician in care of Midshipman Cresswell."
"Major General Gordon Cresswell," says General Cresswell. "Cammie's my daughter."
"What happened?" Dora Cresswell asks the doctor. "What was wrong?"
"We still have a tox screen to do," says the Navy physician. "There was a case a few weeks ago where a mishipman spent two weeks in the hospital due to complications for food poisoning. You can't imagine the staff having to inspect the kitchen at King Hall. I would like to ask you a favor, sir."
"What?" asks the general.
"I need Midshipman Cresswell's pediatric records," says Hubbard. "I want to know if this fainting spell was due to any pre-existing medical condition."
"I'm fine, sir," says Cammie. "I ..I think it was just stress from the all the schoolwork."
"Don't I know it," says her father, recalling his days at the Academy. He had wondered at times if he could even make it to tommorow, let alone make it to graduation.
"Let the doctor be the judge of that, dear," says her mother.
"I don't think it's anything serious," says the doctor. "I have to make sure though. I can release her once the tox screen results come back. You will get me a copy of her pediatric records in the meantime, right?"
"We will," says General Cresswell. He then takes out his Nokia cell phone and calls his office. "Coates, this is the general. I'm calling to let you know that I'm going to JAG Headquarters. I'll be there in an hour and a half."
"Take care, Cammie," says Mrs. Cresswell. "You just rest while the doctors take care of you."
"Okay, Mom, Dad," says the midshipman.
oooooooooooo
1450 ZULU
JAG HEADQUARTERS
FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
General Cresswell's arrival at JAG Headquarters is later than expected, due to traffic on U.S. Highway 50. The main office is as busy as ever when he arrives there. Everyone in the office stands at attention as the general enters.
"General Cresswell," says Petty Officer Coates. "I took down three messages for you."
"Anything else, Petty Officer?" asks Cresswell.
"Yes, sir. Commander Roberts and Lieutenant Vukovic submitted some reports as you requested yesterday, Commander Austin is going to debrief you on the Smart case."
"Very well then. By the way, in case you are wondering, the emergency situation I was attending to is over now. It was just some stress. Carry on, Petty Officer."
"Yes, sir."
The general enters his private office and sits behind the varnished wooden desk. His shoed feet resting on the carpet which covers the floor, he looks at the stack of folders containing reports and forms which he as Judge Advocate General would have to personally deal with. He already has meetings scheduled with the Navy Staff.
At least he can put that hospital visit behind him, he thinks at the moment.
oooooooooooooo
0142 ZULU
BANCROFT HALL
U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND
Bancroft Hall is a huge dormitory complex where the midshipmen for the United States Naval Academy reside. Many people have resided in these halls over the decades, including two United States senators and the present Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Right now, Midshipman Cameron Cresswell walks towards the hall.
"Cammie," calls out a male voice.
Cammie looks and sees a young man with short-cropped black hair. "Hi, Mike."
The two of them run towards each other and embrace.
"I heard you were in the hospital," says Midshipman First Class Mike Roberts. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I'm gonna have to see the doctor again in a few days."
"What happened?"
"It was just stress I think."
"I know what you mean. I've been studying all last week, and I still need to get more done for these midterms."
"Cresswell!" barks another male voice.
"Midshipman Grant," says Cammie, looking at a young man with short blond hair.
"Good to see you back on your feet," says Midshipman First Class Roy Grant.
"I agree, sir."
"I'm sure you have a lot of coursework to catch up on, Cresswell. Dismissed."
As Midshipman Grant departs, a woman with short, tightly curled black hair comes along.
"Cammie," she says. "You're out of the hospital."
"You didn't know about it, Dana?" asks Cammie.
"I was studying in the library mostly. You know that these tests are coming up."
"It was just overwork, that's all."
"I wonder if it has to do with your prescription medication."
"What prescription medication, Harris?" asks Mike.
"Midshipman Roberts," acknowledges Midshipman Third Class Dana Harris. "How are you doing, sir?"
"What was this thing about prescription medication?"
"I saw Midshipman Cresswell pop some pills just last week. She told me it was a prescription. I even saw the bottle with the label."
"Cammie," says Mike, "you should tell the doctor about this."
"I'm sure it's nothing," says Cammie.
"You should let the doctor know anyway," says Dana Harris. "Just to be on the safe side."
"Right," says Cammie. "Well, I've got some studying to do in my room. Are you going to our room or to the library?"
"I can go to our room," says Dana.
"I've quyite a bit of studying to do myself," says Mike Roberts. "Good night."
He then kisses Cammie on the lips.
"Good night," she replies.
oooooooooooooo
DAY 5
1622 ZULU
KING HALL
U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND
It is lunchtime at King Hall, and the midshipmen of the Academy take noon meal. Most of the midshipmen brought books along to study, as the vast bulk of the Brigade of Midshipmen have tests this week or the following week.
"Are you still trying to study?" asks Dana Harris.
"I have a test in less than two hours, Dana," says Cammie. "It's very important I score high on this one."
"Cresswell!"
Cammie turns and sees Midshipman Grant, who is escorted by two sailors who clearly are not midshipmen.
"Is there anything, sir?" she asks as she puts down her fork.
"You will have to come with these men, Midshipman Cresswell," says Grant.
oooooooooooooooooooo
1740 ZULU
JAG HEADQUARTERS
FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
Two men enter the office of General Cresswell. One of them wears a United States Navy uniform, his sleeve markings indicating his rank as a lieutenant. The other man wears a United States Marine Corps uniform, the silver bars on his shoulders and collar indicating his rank as a captain.
"Vukovic, Bullrider," says Cresswell as he faces the two lawyers. "A U.S. Naval Academy midshipman is accused of using methamphetamines. The staff judge advocate's office requested two lawyers from JAG to conduct a JAGman investigation."
"Who is the midshipman?" asks Lieutenant Gregory Vukovic.
"She is Midshipman Third Class Cameron Cresswell. My daughter."
"Sir, that could be a conflict of interest," says Captain Carlos Bullrider.
"The request was probaky submitted by a paralegal who did not know whom I was," says the general. "But it does not have to be a conflict of interest. You two will conduct your investigation, and then report to Commander Pike- she is the staff judge advocate for Annapolis. Once you are done, you will return here and I will assign you other cases."
"Yes, sir," the two officers reply.
oooooooooooooo
1903 ZULU
U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND
"It sure brings back memories," says Captain Bullrider as he looks at the Yard, which is what campus of the U.S. Naval Academy is called.
"Nice place they got here," says Lieutenant Vukovic.
The two men walk towards one of the buildings which houses the offices of the Naval Academy staff. A sailor guides them to a small office. The office is simply furnished, with desks and file cabinets.
"You must be Lieutenant Vukovic and Captain Bullrider," says a woman in a Navy uniform. She has dark hair tied in a bun. Her sleeve markings indicate that she is a commander. "I am Commander Caitlin Pike, staff judge advocate for the Academy."
"Are you aware of the relationship between the accused and our commanding officer?" asks Bullrider.
"I just became aware of it, Captain," says the commander. "My aide was unaware. We already have a full caseload and we needed two additional people for the investigation."
"We've been specifically ordered to conduct this investigation impartially," says Vukovic. "And to make recommendations to you directly."
"What are we looking at, ma'am?" asks Bullrider.
"We can let the midshipmen themselves handle the matter, which would probably mean expulsion for Midshipman Cresswell," says Pike. "Or the convening authority can order up a special court-martial. My aide will give you all relevant reports. The two of you better get to work."
"Yes, ma'am," the two men say.
oooooooooooooo
1923 ZULU
U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY HOSPITAL
"Midshipman Cresswell was brought in by ambulance a few nights ago," says Dr. Ron Hubbard. "There weren't any obvious signs of injury. We monitored her heart rate and breathing. We even put her through the MRI."
"And there was nothing on the MRI, right?" asks Captain Bullrider.
"No sighn of brain injury. All the girl needed was some rest."
"When did you do the tox screen?" asks Lieutenant Vukovic.
"We drew blood as soon as it was safe to do so," says Hubbard. "We sent it to the lab. Stnadard procedure for these type of cases."
ooooooooo
"Our test results are consistent with someone who used methamphetamines," says Warrant Officer Jessica Spencer, a lab technician at the Naval Academy Hospital. "I can give you copies of detailed reports?"
"is it possible for there to be false positives?" asks Bullrider.
"It is possible if they were exposed to chemicals with a similar structure to methamphetamines. I know that methamphetamines are made from common household chemicals."
"So a midshipman who was assigned to mop a floor could test positive because of that," says the Marine captain.
"Depends on what they used as a solvent," says the Navy warrant officer.
oooooooooooooo
"Cammie Cresswell was my roommate for this year," says Midshipman Dana Harris as she walks through the Yard. "We met during our plebe summer. God, that was so awful."
"What is your opinion of her?" asks Captain Bullrider.
"She's smartand works hard. She studied a lot the past two weeks," says Harris. "Can I go now, sirs?"
"Do you know of any drug use by Midshipman Cresswell?" asks Lieutenant Vukovic.
"Drug use? Is this what it's about?"
"Yes," says the Navy lieutenant. "Was there any behavior from her indicating any drug use?"
"I saw her take some pills," says the midshipman. "She told me it was prescription. I even saw the bottle with the label."
"What did the label say?' asks Bullrider.
"I didn't read it," says Harris. "But now that I think of it, she was startled when I asked her about those pills."
"Thank you, Midshipman Harris," says Bullrider. "We'll contact you if we need more information from you."
"We still have a couple of leads," says Vukovic.
"You can talk to the basketball coach," says Bullrider. "I'll talk to the midshipman herself."
oooooooooooooo
"Midshipman Cresswell's a fine player," says Lieutenant Stephanie Hiller, the coach for the Naval Academy's women's basketball team. "She made every practice."
"Was the schedule grueling?" asks Lieutenant Vukovic.
"We practice hard, just as I did when I went here over ten years ago. I did cancel practice because of all of the exams my players were taking."
"Have there been any inidents of drug use this year?"
"Was Midshipman Cresswell using drugs?" asks the coach.
"The authorities found an unusual drug test and they requested a JAG investigation."
"Last test was two weeks ago," says Hiller. "No one tested positive. If, and I am speaking hypothetically, if any of my players are using drugs now, they didn't use it at the time of the urine test."
ooooooooooooo
Captain Bullrider approaches a dormitory room inside Bancroft Hall. He sees a young woman standing in front of the door.
"Captain Bullrider from JAG," the Marine says to the midshipman. "Here to speak with Midshipman Cresswell."
"Go ahead, sir," replies the midshipman as she stands aside.
The Marine captain enters the dormiatory room. The room verry much resembles his Academy quarters from many years back.
"Captain," Midshipman Cresswell says, standing at attention.
"At ease," says Bullrider. "I am Captain Carlos Bullrider from JAG."
"Is therre anything you want, sir?" asks Cammie.
"Just want to talk. You can tell me anything."
"I..I am going through a hard time, sir."
"I went here a long time ago. It was definitely a grueling four years." Bullrider's mind rewinds back to his Academy days. "I remmeber my plebe summer. I was fresh out of high school. I thought I knew everything. But it was hard, very hard. And that was coming from someone who graduated from junior NROTC with honors. All that yelling, being told what to do by the first class midshipmen. I was basically nothing. And then came the actual school, having to keep my quarters clean, marching to meals, policing the galley and the Yard. Not to mention the academic and athletic curriculum. I had to pull all nighters just to make sure I can even understand the test questions. I probably used up a plantation's worth of coffee."
"I know what you mean, sir," says Cammie.
"And that's not all," says Bullrider. "In third class and fourth class I had to watch out for the lower classes in addition to watching out for myself. Their screwups became my screwups. I even had to be drill instructor for plebe summer. I can understand why my instructors yelled at me so much. I thought I had it hard back them."
"Mike was a drill instructor last summer."
"Who?"
"Midshipman First Class Mike Roberts. He's someone I'm dating."
"The life of a midshipman is hard. It's like marching through the Crucible ten times in a row."
"Well, sir, there's all this pressure on me. My dad's a major general in the Marine Corps. You don;t know the pressure on me because I'm a general's daughter."
"I think I can relate," says the captain, recalling his own experience. "I know it was a difficult time for you, what with all theexams and stuff,. and these accusations now. I want to know one thing. Did you use meth?"
Cammie looks at the Marine captain's eyes. They look so familiar, so friendly, as if he were just talking as a friend rather than interrogating her as a suspect. "Yes. I was having trouble keeping up with all the demands. I needed a boost."
"Okay then," says Bullrider. "Listen, it's best if you keep your mouth shut about this at least until formal hearings begin. Most likely your career in the Academy is over, but until you face actual disciplinary proceedings, it is best not to talk about this. Trust me, I'm a lawyer."
"Yes, sir," says Cammie.
oooooooooooo
DAY 6
1453 ZULU
U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND
"We've got statements from Midshipman Cresswell's fellow midshipmen as well as her instructors," says Lieutenant Vukovic, sitting inside Commander Pike's private office. "We also have statements from the hospital."
"Any recommendations?" asks Commander Pike.
"I recommend a closed Article 32 evidentiary hearing," says Captain Bullrider.
"This is an unusual request for a midshipman infraction not involving homicide or espionage," says Pike.
"I know, ma'am. But I have prosecuted a drug case before," saysd the Marine captain. "The only evidence was a drug test, and the defense attorney managed to provide an alternate explanation for the drug tests. A closed evidentiary hearing, with counsel for Midshipman Cresswell, can determine the accuracy of these test results. We shouldn't throw away a midshipman's career on an inaccurate lab tests."
"There was no indication the lab test was inaccurate," says Vukovic.
"I agree with Captain Bullrider," says Pike. "I see no harm in an evidentiary hearing. I'll speak with the convening authority."
ooooooo
1505 ZULU
"An evidentiary hearing?" asks Vukovic, walking through the Academy's Yard. "Why not just let the midshipmen handle this?"
"Maybe they will," says Bullrider. "After all..."
the teo men stand at attention as a man in an olive-green Marine uniform apporaches. He appears to be in his late fifties, with salt-and-pepper hair under his cap. Four silver stars adorn each shoulder and the two sides of the collar. Vukovic notices a Congressional Medal of Honor ribbon on the general's decoration.
They salute the general, who returns the salute.
"Lieutenant, Captain," says the general. "What business have you?"
"We are finishing up on a formal JAG investigation, sir," says Bullrider. "Permission to speak freely, sir?"
"Granted."
"What are you doing here, sir?"
"I'm scheduled to make a speech to the midshipmen today," says the general. "I understand they had some exams the past two weeks."
"Yes, sir, they did."
"I must be going now. Dismissed!"
"Aye aye, sir," say Vukovic and Bullrider.
As the general leaves, the Navy lieutenant asks, "Who was that?"
"General Thomas Bullrider. My dad."
oooooooooooooo
1803 ZULU
JAG HEADQUARTERS
FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA
General Cresswell sits behind his desk catching up on some late assignments. He hears the door open and sees who walksa inside.
"Captain Bullrider," says the general. "Is your TAD assignment over?"
"The convening authority has decided to convene an Article 32 hearing to look into the accusations against Midshipman Cameron Cresswell," says Bullrider. "The preisding judge will then recommend any further action after its conclusion.
"You know I can not be involved, Bullrider. In fact, there should not even be any appearance of involvement."
"That can not be avoided, sir. I am Midshipman Cresswell's counsel. And I intend to call you as a witness."
"I see."
"Before you dismiss me, sir, I would like to take the time to ask you some questions."
"Go ahead, Captain."