Chapter 46
Tribunal: Part 1
2 Months Later…
0030 hours local time, 26 May 2002, 18 miles north of Mazar-i-Sharif, along the Afghan/Uzbek border, Afghanistan.
It was just after Zero Dark Thirty, and the moon shown brightly in the night sky. Outside the small cave, 2 men, both armed with Ak-47s, stood guard. Not too far away, another man, armed with only a machete, tended to the horses. "Howitzer, when you have the shot, take it" Tony ordered quietly as he and Three crawled towards the cave.
"Taking the shot" Lieutenant Galtier replied. A high pitched wine was heard, followed by a thud as the target dropped to the ground. "Target down" he replied, in his accented English.
"Now!" Tony said. Tony and Three lunged forward, knives drawn. They quickly grabbed the guards, pulled back their heads exposing their throats, and quickly slit them, before dropping the lifeless bodies to the ground. They quickly sheathed their knives and unslung their M4A1s, as Deeks and Chester came running up. Tony gave a nod and the 4 men entered the cave, which was only lit by a campfire and lantern light.
As Deeks entered the cave, he stepped on a stick, which sent a loud "snap" echoing throughout the cave.
"Go!" Tony yelled. They men quickly fired on all the men they could see, except for the man at the back of the cave. When said man dove forward trying to garb his pistol, Tony quickly jolted forward and kicked him in the face. The man tried to rebound as Tony slide on his brass knuckles, and delivered a powerful blow to the man's jaw, knocking him out. Deeks and Three quickly rushed forward and bound the man's hands with rope and zip ties "Red Cap, this is Movie Buff, we have the package" Tony said proudly.
1502 hours, 25 May 2002, Tactical Operations Center, Unit Compound, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
"Copy that, Movie Buff" replied Bridget from the T.O.C. "Standby" she added. "Colonel" she said as she turned to Colonel Colleton. "Movie Buff has the package" she informed him.
"Excellent, he is cleared for rotorwing exfil, 2 klicks south" he said. "Inform Blue Star in Haifa, he and the SEALs are cleared to hit the Athena" he ordered.
"Yes Sir" she said. "Movie Buff, you are cleared for rotorwing exfil 2 klicks south" she said.
0035 hours local time, 26 May 2002, 18 miles north of Mazar-i-Sharif, along the Afghan/Uzbek border, Afghanistan.
"Copy that, Movie Buff out" he said. "We're cleared for exfil, 2 klicks south, let's hustle" he said. Three and Deeks were forced to drag the prisoner out of the cave, but otherwise, they were on the move. When they exited the cave, they were immediately pinned down by heavy MG fire from the distance. "Everybody stay down!" Tony yelled as red traces flew over their heads. "Dragnet, Sky Train, get the prisoner out of here!" he ordered. "Howitzer, does Bravo have eyes on?" he yelled into his radio.
"Negative, Movie Buff" Howitzer replied.
"Top, fire is coming from a rock formation, we have no shot" Master Sergeant Gardocki clarified.
"Ok" Tony said as thoughts raced through his head. "Ironman, with me" he said. "Vegas, send up a flare" he ordered. About half a minute later, a red popup flare lit up the night sky. "There!" Tony pointed. He and Chester quickly opened fire, Chester firing off his M-203 for good measure. "Move!" Tony yelled. They rushed the DShK position, but when they did, it was deserted. "Fuck" Tony yelled in disgust.
2315 hours local time, 25 May 2002, Dock 9A, Pier 71, Port of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
It was just before Midnight in Israel as Sergeant Major Malachi Ben-Gidon and US navy Lieutenant Nathan Westbourne carefully watched the deck of the FV Athena, a Russian Fishing Trawler that was currently docked in Haifa. A few days eailor, Tony had informed Vice Admiral Tobias Engels, the commander of JSOC, of a shipment of Nuclear Materials that was to be shipped out on The Athena at 0100 on the 25th.
"I count a dozen plus hostiles" Nathan said. "You wanna take the perimeter, me and my men will take the ship" he said.
"Why do you get all the fun?" Mal asked.
"Tony's orders, and he out ranks us" Nathan said as Mal's sate phone rang.
"Blue Star" he answered, still using his Unit callsign.
"It's Red Cap" Bridget said. "Movie Buff has the package, you are cleared for a perfect storm" she spoke in code.
"I'm 'cleared for a Perfect Storm'?" Mal replied. "Seriously?" he asked.
"Just fuckin do it" she yelled. "Red Cap out" she said before hanging up. "Tony has the target, we're clear to move" Mal told him.
"With pleasure" Nathan said as he grabbed his MP-5 and hurried off.
"Mars!" Malachi called over.
"Yes Sergeant Major" said Corporal Peter Mars as he came running over.
"The SEALs are taking the Athena, setup a perimeter, take Liat with you" he ordered.
"Yes Sergeant Major" he replied as he hurried off.
"What do you think of him?" Dana asked. "Mars" she clarified.
"He seems familiar, his accent, its too clean, like he grew up speaking English" Mal said.
"Maybe he did" Dana said. "Israel is full of immigrants, maybe he's from the US, or spent a lot of time there, you did" she pointed out.
"True" Mal said. "So I take it, it was you who phoned in the tip to Tony" He said.
"Wasn't me, I spent the past few days out at sea with Marcus" she said. "I thought it was you or Liat" She said.
"Me and Liat spent the weekend with her Uncle" Mal said.
"Then who was it?" Dana asked.
"Fuck if I know" Mal said.
"Speaking of Liat's Uncle, how did the sit down with Lansky go?" she asked.
"Good" Mal said. "If you don't count that he jerked us around for nearly 2 months, then it went well. He's gonna back us against Fainberg. "Me and Marcus are gonna hit him in the morning" Mal said.
"I don't like you using Marcus all the time" Dana complained. "I don't want him hurt" she said.
"It's been almost 3 months for you 2" he smiled.
"Let's finish this later" Dana said. "Lieutenant Westbourne is making his move" she said.
Down on the docks, Lieutenant Westbourne's SEAL Team moved into position.
"McKinnon, take 1st section and take stern, Langston, take the bow" Nate ordered. "Let's move he ordered". Nate's Team quickly rushed the trawler. While his men seized the rest of the ship, Nathan made his way for the pilot house. He fired a few bursts through the door and glass, before kicking it in. "Hands up" he yelled in Arabic. When one of them reached for a gun, Nathan opened fire, killing the lot of them. He emptied his clip, ejected it, and quickly inserted a new one. "This is Westbourne, Pilot house secure" he said into his radio.
A few minutes later, at 2345 hours local time, the entire ship was declared secure.
1700 hours, 25 May 2002, Oval Office, West Wing, White House, Washington D.C.
At most jobs, people worked 9-5. For Rex Bartlett, he arrived at 0630, and was lucky if he left by 2100. While everyone else was leaving, Rex's day was far from over. Rex was looking over some papers when his phone rang. "Bartlett" he said when he answered.
"Hi Honey" said Bridget over the phone.
"Hi Ma" Rex said as he cradled the phone on his shoulder. "What's up?" he asked.
"I need to speak with President McCain" she said. "Official Business" she added.
"Hang on" Rex said as he put her on hold. He got up from his desk, walked over to the door and knocked.
"Enter" bellowed the President's voice. Rex opened the door and stepped inside. "What is it Rex?" the President asked him as he was going over something with Sonny, his Chief of Staff.
"Captain Sullivan is one the line for you. Official business" eh said.
"Stay here" The President said as he put the phone on speaker. "You're on speaker, Bridget" The President said.
"Mr. President, it is my duty to inform you that the Athena is in American hands. She will be transported to our Forward Operating Base in Cyprus by the SEAL Team" she said.
"And Afghanistan?" Sonny asked.
"Movie Buff is en-route to the Seahawk with the package" Bridget said.
"Out fucking standing, Captain Sullivan" The President said. "Is it possible you can connect me with my godson?" he asked, referring to Tony.
"One moment Mr. President" Bridget said. Connecting you now"
0205 hours local time, 26 May 2002, over the Arabian Sea
"Go for Movie Buff" Tony answered over the roar of the chopper blades.
"Tony, it's me" said The President.
"Yes Mr. President" Tony replied.
"I'm in my office with your father and son" he told him, referring to Sonny and Rex.
"Yes Sir"
"Captain Sullivan informs me the mission was a complete success"
"That's an affirmative Mr. President" Tony replied.
"Tony, do you have any objection to the Navy JAGs handling the prosecution?"
"A Military tribunal sir?" Tony asked.
"That's correct"
"I have no objections, but I have one reservation" Tony said.
"I know" The President replied.
"Tony, you've earned this more than anyone, give me some names, and I'll recommend them to Admiral Chegwidden" he said.
"You got a pen and paper?" Tony asked.
"I got it dad" said Rex.
"Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. and Lieutenant Loren Singer" Tony said.
"I got it" Rex replied.
"I'll have arrangements made for dress uniforms to be delivered to the Seahawk" Sonny said.
"Thank you" Tony said.
"You've done good kid" The President complimented him. "Congrats again"
"Yes Sir, thank you Sir" Tony said as he hung up.
0300 hours local time, 26 May 2002, USS Seahawk, Task Force 84, Arabian Sea.
When the CH-47 Chinook touched down on the deck of the Seahawk, Tony knew they had to move fast. "Secure the package in the brig" Tony ordered. "At least 3 of us on guard at all times. Ironman, Phantom and Shark Bait will have 1st watch. In 2 hours, Dragnet, Sky Train and myself will relieve you. Howitzer, Vegas and Panther will take the 3rd" Tony ordered. "In the meantime, Howitzer, with me, we need to report into Captain Johnson" Tony said.
As a Captain (0-6) in the Navy, Captain Scott Johnson out ranked both Tony and Chris. Fortunately for them, they were under direct orders of Colonel Colleton, who had the Captain on date of rank, meaning that Tony and Chris technically didn't have to listen to the skipper. But none the less, they would have to report into him anyway. "Lieutenant Colonel Anthony DiNozzo Jr. and Junior Lieutenant Christopher Galtier reporting as requested" Tony said as he and Chris snapped to attention.
"At ease" Captain Johnson said. "I'm gonna be frank Colonel DiNozzo, I don't like being roused at 3 in the morning" he complained.
"My apologies Captain" Tony said.
"I noticed you've brought a friend aboard by boat"
"I'm sorry sir?" Tony asked for clarification.
"You brought a prisoner aboard, stowed him in my brig" The Captain replied. Tony sighed as he knew he had to give him something.
"Yes Sir, we did" Tony reluctantly informed him.
"His name?"
"Classified"
"Will my JAG be able to question him?"
"No" Tony replied flat out.
"Then why the hell is he on my ship?"
"Don't worry about it" Tony said as he exited the Bridge.
Down in the hold, Three and Deeks dragged the bound prisoner into one of the cells. They threw him on to floor, before picking him up, and handcuffing him to a table in the middle of the room. However, they still kept the blackout bag over his head, in case anyone nosey got a peek inside the cell. Once they got outside the cell, Clayton Webb and Tony were waiting for them. "I take it Captain Johnson wasn't too thrilled about us have a prisoner onboard his ship" Three said.
"Well that's just too damn bad" Tony said. "If he doesn't like it, he can take it up with The President" he added.
"Speaking of which, how long do I have?" Clay asked.
"The President will inform Admiral Chegwidden at 0845. The JAGs will arrive here no later than 2100 hours" Tony said.
"Less than 24 hours then" Clay concluded.
"Just give me 10 minutes, and I'll have that fucker singing like a canary" Tony said.
"Easy Tony, I'll break em" Clay said confidently, just depends on how much screaming there'll be" he added. Tony was about to leave, when Chris Galtier came running towards them.
"Mon Colonel, Mon Colonel" Chris repeated. "Capitaine Johnson is on his way with an armed squad. He intends to stop us from questioning the prisoner" he informed the group. As he said that, Gardocki, Garris, Cole and Weston came running towards them, M4A1s in hand, except for Gardocki, who carried an M-16. Before another word was spoken, Tony heard oncoming footsteps. The aforementioned men quickly raised their rifles, as did Deeks. At the same time, Chester drew his 45., Three drew his Berretta, Clay his Browning High Power, and Tony his Berretta Inox.
When Captain Johnson and his men appeared, Tony was mere inches away from ordering his men to fire. "Stand down, Colonel" Captain Johnson demanded.
"You first" Tony replied.
"Never!" Captain Johnson yelled as he stepped forward. Tony did the same, as he cocked his sidearm and placed it to he Captain's forehead.
"God damn it!" a voice yelled as a men stepped in between them. Tony recognized him, as did Captain Johnson. "What the hell is going on here" he demanded. The man was no ordinary sailor. He was Rear Admiral Samuel Carsten Jr., the Commander of Task Force 84. Like Admiral Chegwidden, Sam had made his bones as a SEAL in Vietnam. Having had graduated from Annapolis at the young age of 19 in 1959, Carsten went on to serve 15 tours in Vietnam, from 1960-1975. During the war, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, 2 Silver Stars, and 2 Purple Hearts. Following the war, he was an outspoken critic of The US Government's treatment of Vietnam veterans, and an advocate for the American POWs still in Southeast Asia. He was also a longtime friend of fellow Vietnam veterans John McCain, Wesley Clark, and Sonny Corinthos. This however, would cost him. He had left Vietnam with the Rank of Captain (O-6), and would remain there for over 25 years, until 2001, when he was promoted to Rear Admiral (Upper Half, 0-8). Even at nearly 62, Sam Carsten was a force to be reckoned with.
Tony had always liked Sam, now even more so. By the time he was 30, Tony had been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Now, 4 years later, he was still a Lieutenant Colonel, and his chances of promotion had to be measured with a magnifying glass. "What the fuck is going on here" the Admiral demanded.
"They have a prisoner they refuse to identify, and plan to interrogate and possibly torture" Captain Johnson argued.
"Take it up with the boss" Tony replied confidently. Most people would have assumed Tony was referencing his CO, but Admiral Carsten knew Tony was talking about the President.
"Admiral, aren't you going to do something?" Captain Johnson demanded.
"No" Admiral Carsten said. "In fact, I'm giving you a direct order to stand down, and let Lieutenant Colonel DiNozzo, his men, and Mr. Webb conduct their business uninterrupted" he ordered. he then turned to Tony and Clay. "If you need me, I'll be on the Dakota" he said. The USS Dakota was the lead-ship in a new class of modern, 21st Century Battleships.
"Good to see you Admiral" Tony said.
"You too Tony" Sam said before walking away. Once the Admiral was out of sight, Chester and Chris walked over.
"What now?" Chester asked him.
"No less than 4 guys here at all times until the JAGs arrive" Tony said. "I'm not taking any chances. Once word gets out that we have this motherfucker, any intel his has will be worthless. We need intel, and we need it quick" Tony said.
"Clay will get it, no doubt about that" Chester said.
0630 hours local time, 26 May 2002, Vulture's Row, USS Seahawk, Task Force 84, Arabian Sea
The one thing that Three DiNozzo absolutely loved about being at see was being able to watch the sunrise. But on this particular morning, the sunrise was the last thing on his mind. He couldn't get the thought of his new lady friend out of his mind. He fondly looked back on their 1st date only a couple of months earlier.
Three and Jenn had had a wonderful evening. Three had taken Jenn to the nearby Hamlet of Lake Surf, which was only a few miles from Fort Bragg. Much like the rest of the men in his family, Three had a flair for 3-piece suits. On this night, he was dress in a smart navy blue 3-piece, which matched almost perfectly with Jenn's blue dress. Three took her to the Bellagio, a lakeside Italian restaurant, which also shared a name with the Las Vegas Casino.
Three and Jenn got a seat out on the deck, and after they ordered, they finally got sometime to talk. "So, why Three?" she inquired about the origin of his nickname. Usually, Three would never be so open about his life, but it was different with Jenn. Ever since Chechnya, it was obvious Jenn knew what Three did for a living, and thanks to Commander Rabb, Jenn knew who Three was and where he and his family lived.
"My full name is Anthony Dominick DiNozzo III" she said. "My dad is Tony, and Anthony is a dull name. My parents have called me Three as far as I can remember, so it stuck" he said.
"I like it" she said. "It's cute" she added.
"How long have you been in?" he asked.
"Almost 3 years. You?"
"Same Three replied.
"And already a Staff Sergeant" Jenn said. "You moved quick"
"That tends to happen in my line of work" he said. "So why'd you join the Navy?"
"No choice" she smiled. "A judge back in Hagerstown gave me 2 options, serve my country, or serve my time" she said.
"Unless I'm mistaken, the Supreme Court ruled that was illegal" Three said as he sipped his coke.
"They did" Jenn confirmed. "It just hasn't managed to filter it's way down to rural Maryland" Jenn said. "Why did you join?"
"Family tradition" he said. "I can trace my family lines back to the days of Julius Caesar and King Leonidas" Three said. "We're military men" he said.
"Commander Rabb never mentioned anything about the rest of your family, just you and your father" Jenn said. "Who else serves?"
"My mother is a Secret Service Agent with the Presidential detail. My Godfather, you've actually already met, believe it or not."
"Who?"
"Clayton Webb" Three took a sip of his water.
"Mr. Webb is your Godfather?"
"He grew up with my parents."
"Wow." Jenn was genuinely impressed at that. "Who else?"
"My Godmother is a Naval Officer, Lieutenant, Surgeon. My Dad's bestfriend, my Aunt Liz, is currently in the reserves but prior to that she was Army Intelligence. Her Husband, my Uncle Allen is an Army officer, Major, with the 75th. My eldest Sister, Erica Jane is an NYPD Detective, my twin sister Liat is in the IDF…"
"The IDF?" Jenn questioned.
"Very long story," Three assured her, motioning with his hand.
"Is it now?" Jenn smiled as she leaned forward slightly.
"Oh yeah, like 6th date material at least." Three grinned.
"Ah, so there will be more dates then?" Jenn inquired.
"Well, only if you put out." Three tried to hold a straight face but absolutely failed miserably within seconds as he began to crack up.
"My god, given what you do, how the hell are you still alive?" Jenn started laughing as well.
"Oh I'm very good at shooting my way out of trouble," Three was very self-confident about that fact. "Think the exact polar opposite of MacGyver."
"Somehow that seems like a less interesting show," she observed.
"Yes, but in real life Angus MacGyver would have been shot dead in the pilot, so," Three spread his hands.
"Fair enough," Jenn concurred. "Anyone else?"
"My dad's other best friend, by Uncle Mal is a Senior NCO in the IDF…"
"Again with the IDF?"
"That one is a lot easier to explain. Mal is an operator, like me. He was 'on loan' to the Unit for about 10 years" Three used air quotes.
"Ah, ok," Jenn nodded.
"My younger brother Rex works in the White House and Grandmother was a nurse in Vietnam; but she left after my Uncle Rick was born in '69."
"What about your Grandfather?" Jenn asked. "Did he serve too?"
"11 tours in 'Nam, a few years in the Middle East after that" he said.
"Why did he leave?" she asked.
"He resigned in protest, and received an honorable discharge following Operation Eagle Claw" Three said. "The rescue of the hostage s from Tehran in 80'" he said.
"What does he do now?" she asked.
"He's the White House Chief of Staff" Three said. Jenn nearly spat out her mineral water when she heard. It was a well known fact that "alleged" New York Mob Boss, Michael "Sonny" Corinthos Jr. was President McCain's Chief of Staff. "I take you've heard of him" Three said with a smile.
"I might have" Jenn replied.
"The grandson of Sonny Corinthos not your ideal date?" Three asked sincerely and honestly.
"On the contrary, I think it's pretty cool" she smiled. "Just one question, if you're Anthony DiNozzo III, then how is your grandfather Sonny Corinthos?" Jenn asked.
"Sonny adopted my father when my dad was a teenager" Three said. "My Parents were 15 when I was born. My biological grandfather, Anthony DiNozzo Sr. disowned my father and kicked him out on the street. My Mom's parents tried to do the same thing, but didn't succeed until after my parents were away at college" Three said.
"Did your ever meet him, DiNozzo Sr?" she asked
"Nope" Three said. "Never have, hopefully never will" Three said.
"Any other siblings?"
"Just my younger sister Molly. She'll be 8 in October."
"Aww" she said.
"What about you? Any siblings?" Three asked.
"No" Jenn said
"Parents?"
"My mom died when I was a kid, and my dad is a Reverend" she said averting her eyes.
"You see your dad much?" he asked.
"No" she said as she brushed her hair back behind her ear. On her hand was a long scare. It was old, which meant it wasn't from her time in Chechnya. Before Three had a chance to ask her about it, their food arrived and the question went unasked.
The Rest of the night went by in a flash, after dinner, Three and Jenn went for a walk around town, before he took her back to her motel. "Goodnight Jenn" Three said.
"Goodnight" she said. As for who made the 1st move, neither of them were sure. But it didn't really matter either. Three and Jenn stepped towards each other and their lips met. The kiss was soft and sweet. Quickly, the kiss became more passionate as they're tongues began to duel for dominance. Three quickly broke off the kiss, told her goodnight, and promised her that he would call her when he could, before returning to his car and driving away into the night.
As he drove away, eh pulled out his cell phone and dialed his sister's number.
"Detective Barrett" EJ answered after a few rings.
"Hey Sis, it me" Three said.
"What's up little brother?" EJ asked.
"Can you pull police records from other cities?" he asked her.
"Sure" EJ said. "Give me the details" she said.
"Reverend John Coates, Hagerstown, Maryland" Three said.
"Hagerstown?" EJ asked. "Let me get back to you, my partner grew up not too far from there" she said.
"Just get me anything that you can find."
"Will do little brother" EJ said as they both hung up.
Three was knocked from his thoughts by his father, who walked up next to him and leaded up his back up against the rail. "Hey" Tony said as he reached into his pocket, pulled out a cigar case and handed it to Three. "Happy Birthday" he smiled. Three opened the case and gave the cigars a whiff.
"Are these what they smell like?" Three asked with a smile.
"They are indeed" Tony smiled.
"Thanks Dad" Three said, tucking them in his back pocket.
"Ya know, it hasn't escaped my noticed that that girl is aboard" he smiled.
"Yeah, I know, in the legal office" Three replied.
"Problems in paradise?" Tony joked.
"Last night, we nearly riddled her CO with bullets" Three said.
"And you thought our job was boring" Tony joked.
"Dad, if it wasn't for Admiral Carsten, some serious shit could've gone down" Three said.
"Sam Carsten is one of your grandfather's oldest friends; they went through a lot of shit together in 'Nam" Tony said.
"Ya know, I've always wanted to know something" Three said.
"What?" Tony asked.
"Speaking of shit in Vietnam, I remember when it was about 4-years old, the summer of 87' I believe" Three said.
"Drop it" Tony said. Before Three could protest, the door to the Vulture's nest opened, and Navy Lieutenant Bud Roberts, the Battle Group JAG, stepped out, accompanied by his legalman, Petty Officer 3rd Class Jennifer Coates. Jenn gave Three a smile, but Three didn't return it, as it was clear that Lieutenant Roberts was about to shoot his mouth off.
"DiNozzo, it was brought to my attention by Captain Johnson, that as we speak, the prisoner you brought in is being tortured by Mr. Webb and your men" he said.
"Whoa" Three said as he stepped in front of the Lieutenant. "1st off Lieutenant, in case your tiny brain hasn't figured it out, you are speaking with a superior, improve your attitude, or I'll do it for you" Three told him as he crossed his arms across his chest, tapping his fingers on the butt of his Beretta, which rested in his shoulder holster.
"Lieutenant Colonel DiNozzo, Sir" Bud rephrased.
"Much better" Three said, arms still crossed.
"Yes, Lieutenant Roberts, what is it I can do for you on this lovely morning?" Tony said sarcastically.
"Do you intent to continue the torture of the prisoner?"
"What prisoner?" Tony replied, deadpan. Tony pulled a pack of cigarette from his breast pocket and proceeded to light one up.
"It's in violation of both the Geneva Conventions and of the prisoner's 5th Amendment rights"
"And don't forget the Interstate Commerce Commission" Three joked. His father offered him the pack, but Three waived him off.
"Again, what prisoner?" Tony repeated himself as he tucked the pack back in his breast pocket.
"Don't play dumb," Roberts snapped.
"What was that?" Three spoke up again.
"Lieutenant Colonel DiNozzo, Sir," Bud had to pause, as he tried, and failed, to keep his composure. "Officially or not, there is a prisoner in your custody aboard this vessel."
"No there isn't." Tony denied again.
"Then you wouldn't mind if I had a look through the brig, then… Sir." Roberts had a smug grin on his face.
"Staff Sergeant DiNozzo!" Tony barked.
"Sir." Three echoed the tone and volume.
"Staff Sergeant draw your sidearm," Tony ordered.
"Sir!" Three did so. in one fluid motion, Three drew his Beretta, flicking off the safety and cocking the hammer as he did. He brought the weapon up to his face.
"Staff Sergeant DiNozzo, until the prosecuting JAG officers arrive aboard this vessel, you are to accompany Lieutenant Roberts at all times. If he should so much as set his foot on the same level as the Brig, you are to execute Lieutenant Roberts. Am I understood?"
"Sir!" Three replied, leveling his weapon towards Bud.
"Are you insane?"
"I'm doing my job."
"Any you, Staff Sergeant?"
"Following orders, Sir." Three grinned.
"So were the defendants at Nuremberg," Bud snarled.
"I do love that 6th grade Michael Moore logic." Tony grinned. "Holster your weapon, Staff Sergeant," he ordered. Three did so. "He's too much of a coward to actually try anything. "But be forewarned, Lieutenant," Tony paused. "All of your communications off of this ship, including the Instant Messages you've been swapping with your wife, are being monitored. Should you in anyway endanger your mission, I swear to god I will have you keel-hauled." Tony faced still refused to show emotion. "And no, that is not a metaphor, nor is it hyperbole."
"You are a disgrace to the flag and your country" Bud spat out. That got Tony's attention in a hurry.
"Excuse me?" Tony said as he flicked away his cigarette. "You snot nosed little bastard" he began.
"Did you order Mr. Webb to torture that man?"
"You want answers" Tony replied, getting a small chuckle from Three, who knew exactly what was coming next, as it was one of his favorite movies.
"Yes!" Bud demanded.
"You want answers?" Tony repeated, baiting the young Lieutenant
"I want the truth" Bud stated, falling right into Tony's trap.
"You can't handle the truth!" Tony yelled. Behind him, Three pumped his fist, as he eagerly anticipated the rant that was about to be unleashed on the unsuspecting Lieutenant. "Son, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You, Lieutenant Roberts? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for that terrorist and you curse the Rangers. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know, that torture, saves lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives! You don't want the truth, because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall. You need me on that wall. We use words like "honor", "code", "loyalty". We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it! I would rather you just said "thank you", and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to!"
"Did you order that man tortured?"
"I did what was required"
"Did you order that man tortured?"
"Your GODDAMN fuckin right I did" Tony yelled, ending what Three considered the greatest monologues in movie history. "In the movie, this would be the part when you try and have me arrested, to bad this ain't a movie" Tony said.
"You both are disgraces to the uniform; I can't believe Jordan threw in with you guys"
"You son of a bitch" Three yelled as the lunged for the Lieutenant. Tony quickly stepped in and held his son back. "I'll ripe the eyeballs out of your head, and piss your dead skull; you fucked with the wrong Ranger!" Three yelled as Tony held him back. Before anything else happened, Lieutenant Roberts quickly retreated.
0915 hours, 26 May 2002, Conference Room, Judge Advocate General Headquarters, Falls Church, Virginia.
"As you were" Admiral Chegwidden said as he stepped into the room for the morning staff meeting. "I just got off the phone with the President, and he has authorized the convening of a Military Tribunal aboard the USS Seahawk" he said.
"Who's being tried sir?" asked Commander Sturgis Turner.
"Captain Sullivan will explain" Admiral Chegwidden stated. They all turned to Bridget, who was in her Class-A Greens dress uniform.
"Early this morning, an Army Special Ops Team, inserted into Northern Afghanistan and successfully captured Mustafa Atef, #3 in Al Qaeda, and the chief architect of the September 11th Attacks" Bridget said.
"At the request of the President, Commander Rabb, will chair the prosecution" the Admiral informed him. "Lieutenant Singer will sit 2nd chair. "Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie and Lieutenant Roberts will defend him" he told them.
"Yes Sir," the group spoke as one.
"Oh, and one more thing. Lieutenant Singer pack your bags., upon completion of the Tribunal, you will replace Lieutenant Roberts as the Seahawk's battle Group JAG" he said.
"Any reason why, Sir?" Sturgis asked.
"Admiral Carsten has charged him with conduct unbecoming and disrespecting a superior officer" Admiral Chegwidden said. "Dismissed" he ordered. As the JAGs vacated the room, Bridget walked over.
"Letting the kiddies out to play?" she asked.
"I hope DiNozzo knows what he's getting himself into," the Admiral mused.
"I wouldn't worry about him, Sir. It's your prosecutors I'd be worried about," she grinned.
2105 hours local time, 26 May 2002, Flight Deck, USS Seahawk, Task Force 84, Arabian Sea.
It was just after 2100 hours when the chopper calling the JAGs and Bridget touched down. There to greet them, well, to greet Bridget at least, were Tony and Admiral Carsten.
Commander Rabb and Lieutenant Singer were the 1st ones off the chopper. "AC Hammer" Tony said as he gave Harm a fist bump.
"How many of those ya got left?" Harm joked.
"Come on Harm, you oughta know by now, I'm the king of nicknames," Tony joked before turning to Lieutenant Singer. "Hey Cuz" Tony smiled as he and Loren exchanged kisses on the cheek. "Longtime no see" he said. Loren Singer was Tony's 1st Cousin, via his Aunt Connie's 1st marriage, of which she had many. "Petty Officer Coates will get the two of you settled" he said before turning to Bridget and giving her a smile.
"Hey you!" Bridget smiled as she and Tony embraced in a warm, hug. Tony smiled at her before leaning over and giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"Happy belated Birthday" he smiled. 'Wanna go see your present?" he asked.
Tony and Bridget made their way down to the Brig, where Webb was just finishing up. "So this is him?" Bridget said as she stared at the man. He was dressed in a orange jumpsuit and was resting on the cot in his cell.
"He give us what we need?" Tony asked.
"He confessed, after some coercion, but that's all" Clay said disappointed. "I ran out of time" he said. Before anything else was said, Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie and Lieutenant Roberts walked in.
"I didn't know that you two were aboard" she sneered at Tony and Clay.
"We're not" Tony said before he, Bridget and Clay left the room.
0900 hours local time, 27 May 2002, United States Military Tribunal, Storage Area B, USS Seahawk, Task Force 84, Arabian Sea.
The Tribunal began early the next morning. "All rise" The Bailiff yelled as the panel of five judges entered the room, and took their seats at the table atop the make-shift stage. The panel was led by US Navy Captain Owen Sebring, the same Judge that had sentenced Billy Hazard last December. "be seated": he instructed. "Commander Rabb, is the government prepared to proceed?"
"We are your honor" Harm said as he stood up.
"Your honor, I object" Colonel MacKenzie said, cutting Harm off. "I object to my client being shackled like an animal"
"Your honor, the shackles are they to ensure security and proper order" Harm argued.
"Remove the cuffs, the leg irons remain. If there are any incidents, the cuffs will be placed back on" Judge Sebring ruled. "Ready Commander?" he asked Harm once again.
"We call US Army Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Dominick DiNozzo Jr." Harm said. Tony, dressed in his full Class-A's, officers cap in hand, made his way to the stand. After being sworn in, he took a seat.
"Please state your name, rank, DoB, and current billet" one of the other judges instructed him.
"Anthony Dominick DiNozzo Jr., 21 July 68', Lieutenant Colonel, Executive Officer, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta" Tony said.
"Colonel, how long have you served in the United States Army?" Harm began.
"Since 1989"
"And with the Delta Force?"
"September 1990"
"Since then, you have attained numerous awards and decorations"
"Yes Sir"
"Your Honors, at this time I would like to introduce Government exhibit 1A: a selected portion of Lieutenant Colonel DiNozzo's 201 File" Harm said as Loren handed copies for the bailiff to distribute. "The classified sections have been redacted and blacked out, but all relevant portions are present" Harm said. "Since September 1990, the Lieutenant Colonel has been the recipient of numerous awards and ribbons, including the following: 3 Army Commendation Medals, a POW Medal, 3 Bronze Stars, 5 Silver Stars, 8 Purple Hearts, 2 Legions of Merit, the Romanian Cross of Honor, The Quebecois Cross, 3 Distinguished Service Crosses, and finally, the one which hangs around his neck, The Congressional Medal of Honor" Harm said.
"The Defense stipulates" Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie said. The last thing she wanted was the prosecution going on and on and on about Tony's record.
"So noted" said Judge Sebring.
"Colonel, on the night in question, could you describe in as much detail as possible, your mission"
"2 Delta Teams, led by myself and Junior Lieutenant Christopher Galtier, inserted into Northern Afghanistan via HAHO. That's High Altitude, High Open" he explained. "Our mission was to apprehend Mustafa Atef, also known as Mohandes" Tony answered.
"Objection, motion to strike, it has not been established that my client and Mohandes are one in the same" MacKenzie said.
"Sustained, so stricken." said Captain Sebring. "Please continue Colonel DiNozzo" he said.
"On 21 May, I received information from a classified source about 2 things: 1- that a shipment of weapons grade U-235 Uranium was being shipped out of Palestine through a port in Israel to be delivered to Mohandes in Afghanistan, and the location of Mohandes in Afghanistan. "At 0030 hours local time on 26 May, my team inserted into Afghanistan and secured Mr. Atef for transport to the USS Seahawk. 20 minutes later, a SEAL Team, in conjunction with an IDF Commando Team, seized the shipment of nuclear materials before it left port."
"Objection, Hearsay" Mac objected.
"Your Honor, this is not a Court martial, it is a Military tribunal. The evidentiary rules permit hearsay, not to mention, Colonel DiNozzo's source is highly placed, and revealing his identity would jeopardize his mission and his life" Harm argued back.
"I'll allow it" Judge Sebring said. "Objection overruled"
"And is the man your sourced identified as Mohandes in this courtroom today?"
"Right there" Tony said as he pointed to Mustafa Atef.
"Nothing further" Harm said as he took a seat, and Colonel MacKenzie stood to begin her cross-examination.
"Colonel DiNozzo, if your source was so confident in his knowledge of Mohandes, why couldn't he capture him himself?" she asked.
"His job is to do what he does, my job is hunting down terrorists" Tony replied.
"Colonel DiNozzo, who is Kyra Blaine?" Mac asked.
"Objection!" Harm and Loren yelled at the same time as they stood up.
"Your Honor, this has nothing to do with the matter before the Court, and its purpose is nothing more than to antagonize the witness" Loren argued.
"Your Honor, the Government based Lieutenant Colonel DiNozzo's testimony on his character and credibility" Mac said.
"Your Honor, I could not more possibly stronger object to this line of questioning. It is beyond the scope of both this trial and human decency,"
"Objection overruled."
"Exception?" Loren requested.
"Noted." The Judge nodded to the court reporter. "You're on very thin ice Colonel MacKenzie" said Judge Sebring. "But you may proceed"
"Colonel DiNozzo, who is Kyra Blaine?" Mac asked again.
"My late sister-in-law" Tony replied begrudgingly.
"When did she die?" Mac asked.
"September 11th, 2001, aboard United Airlines Flight 93, over Shanksville, Pennsylvania" Tony said.
"That plane was hijacked, by men who looked like my client? Who believe in the same God as my client? Isn't that correct?"
"Yes" Tony said.
"Colonel DiNozzo, can you say with 100% certainty, that my client is Mohandes?"
"No" Tony admitted.
"Nothing Further" Mac said as she took a seat.
"Re-Direct?" Harm asked the Panel, to which they nodded yes. "Colonel DiNozzo, prior to landing aboard the USS Seahawk, did you stop at an ANA Detention Facility run by ANA Major General Kamran Shah?"
"Yes Sir"
"Were you actions there videotaped?"
"Yes Sir" Tony replied. Harm then played a video tape, which shoed Tony and Chester dragging Mustafa Atef to 2nd Helicopter. In the background, other prisoners were chanting "Mohandes, Mohandes" repeatedly.
"Sounds like the other prisoners thought you had the right man" Harm said.
"Indeed it does" Tony smiled as Harm sat down and Mac stood up.
"Colonel DiNozzo, according to your after action report, prior to your exfil from the target area, an incident occurred. Could you please describe it"
"As we exited the cave where we had captured Mr. Atef, we took fire from a DShK Heavy Machine gun position. Myself and Master Sergeant Chester Martin flanked the gun, but when we arrived, the shooter was gone" Tony explained.
"In fact, that shooter could have been Mohandes, and you wouldn't have known it, would you"
"No, we wouldn't have," Tony said.
"Nothing more" she said.
"Re-Direct again your honor" Harm said. "Colonel, who do you think the shooter was?"
"Honestly,. It could've been anybody, we encounter snipers numerous times everyday" Tony said. Finishing his testimony, taking the court to it's 1st 10-minute recess.
When they resumed, Bridget was called to testify about the Tactical side of the operation. However, when she was cross-examined by Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie, it wasn't good. "Captain, you are the 1st SFODD's S-2; it's Intelligence Officer, correct?"
"Yes Mam" Bridget replied.
"Captain, who is Lieutenant Colonel DiNozzo's classified source?"
"I don't know" Bridget replied.
"You don't know?" Mac echoed. "You are the Intelligence Officer of the US Military's most Elite Special Forces Unit, and you don't know?"
"That's correct, I wasn't previed to the information" Bridget said.
"Who would know?"
Q "Lieutenant Colonel DiNozzo"
"Anyone else?"
"Not to my knowledge"
"So, it's possible that Colonel DiNozzo is making it all up"
"No" Bridget said. "The shipment of nuclear materials was seized in Haifa on the 25th" Bridget said.
"Fair enough" Mac said. "But you still have no proof that my client is Mohandes, do you? In fact, its quite possible that Lieutenant Colonel DiNozzo picked someone at random. We've already established that Colonel DiNozzo has a desire for revenge following the death of his sister-in-law. So, I asked you again, based on what I've laid out for you, is it possible?" Mac demanded. Bridget 's eyes began to well up with tears.
"No" she replied.
"No?" Mac echoed.
"No, Bridget repeated herself.
"It's not possible that Lieutenant Colonel DiNozzo is making it up?
"Objection, asked and answered," Harm spoke as he stood up.
"Overruled."
"Captain Sullivan, less than an hour ago, Colonel DiNozzo admitted on that very stand that it would be impossible for him to know if my client was Mohandes with 100% certainty. And now you're saying its impossible that he's wrong."
"That isn't what you said. You said…"
"Captain Sullivan, is it true that you would say any and do anything for Colonel DiNozzo, including perjure yourself?"
"Your Honor, counsel is harassing the witness!" Harm yelled. Bridget didn't know what to do or say as tears began streaming down her face. "Your Honor, I must object to any further questioning of this witness. It has become clear that Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie only intends to harass the witness in order to draw attention away from her own client."
"Enough, from both of you!" the judge ordered. "Captain Sullivan, you may step down," he nodded. "We're in a 30-minute recess." Once she was excused, Bridget made a beeline out the door, running off.
"Handle things here" Tony whispered to .Chester, who nodded in reply. "Clay is up next, he'll be able to handle himself" Tony said before exiting the Courtroom and chasing after Bridget.
When the session resumed, Clay was sworn in. "Clayton Webb, Deputy Director for Operations, Southwest Asia, 2 Dec 68'" he said.
"Mr. Webb, what was your role in Operation Double Play?" Loren asked, using the Operation's codename.
"To develop intelligence on the movements of Mohandes and identifying him as a target for Special Forces. More recently I supervised his interrogation" Clay said .
"What did you learn from this interrogation?" Loren asked.
"The accused confessed to being Mohandes, and directing the training of over 4,000 Al Qaeda fighters" he said.
"Including those responsible for September 11th Attacks?"
"Yes" Clay affirmed.
"Nothing further." Loren took her seat. Bud stood up for his cross.
"Mr. Webb, how long was Mr. Atef interrogated.
"21 hours" Webb said.
"And according to transcripts of said interrogation, under your orders, Mr. Atef was severely beaten by Sergeant 1st Class Jonathan Cole and Staff Sergeant Michael Weston, is this correct?" Lieutenant Roberts asked.
"I don't know their names" Clay lied, but Bud knew he couldn't prove it.
"Are you aware that under the Rome Accords of 1997, torture is in violation of International Law?"
"The United States is not a signatory of the Rome Accords" Clay replied.
"Did you also know that torture is illegal in the US, under executive orders from both Presidents Reagan and Clinton?" Clay could only shrug. He knew, but he wasn't going to give the little pissant any satisfaction.
"And following these hours of beatings, did Mr. Atef confess?"
"No" Clay said. "We were forced to introduce a pentothal agent"
"These are commonly know as 'truth serums' are they not?"
"Yes"
"And isn't it also true that once injected with sodium pentothal, it is possible that the subject could give a false confession.
"Yes" Clay said, ending his testimony.
"Your Honor, I motion to exclude Mustafa Atef's confession" Mac said standing up. "21 hours of beatings to get an involuntary, drug induced confession, violates the spirit and the letter of the 5th amendment" Mac argued.
"Your Honor, Mustafa Atef is not a United States Citizen and is not entitled to protections under the 5th Amendment. Moreover, we are at war, and the 5th amendment does not apply to our enemies" Harm argued.
"The Government is correct" The panel ruled. "The 5th amendment does not apply to the defendant. However, we are going to toss Mr. Atef's involuntary confession as lacking probative value to a reason able person" The Judge ruled.
As the trial continued, Tony tracked Bridget all the way back to the fantail, the ass end of the ship. When he got there, he found Bridget leaning against the metal, he knees up against her chest. Not saying a word, Tony stepped forward and slide down the wall next to her. Again not saying a word, he reached over and pulled her against his chest. Bridget's head came to a rest in the crook of Tony's neck. As her head lay on his chest, she could hear his heart beating. "It's gonna be ok" Tony assured her when he finally spoke.
"I made you out to be a horrible person" Bridget sniffed a few times. "I let her use me."
"I'll be fine; you really think I give a shit about what Sarah MacKenzie or Bud Roberts think of me?" Tony asked rhetorically. "Fuck them" he added. "Come on, it'll be fine, Mustafa Atef is gonna fry for what he's done, I guarantee it" Tony promised .After that, Tony and Bridget made their way back to the courtroom, where they ran into Webb and Chester.
"They tossed the confession" Chester said.
"What!?" Tony and Bridget said at the same time.
"Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie got it tossed" Clay said.
"Fuck" Tony said.
"What do we do?" Bridget asked.
"Harm has a plan to get another confession, but we need to speak with Admiral Carsten, we have bigger problems then that." Clay said.
1155 hours local time, 27 May 2002, Admiral Carsten's Stateroom, USS Dakota, Task Force 84, Arabian Sea.
"So what is it you have in mind?" Admiral Carsten asked.
"We think we've ID'd the shooter that opened fire on Tony's men," Webb said as he opened his briefcase and pulled out a file. "Recognized him?" Webb asked Tony when he showed him the photo. Tony nodded the affirmative. "Kabir Atef, Mustafa's Brother. He's Al Qaeda's top intelligence operative" Webb said. "We think he got wind of the plan to snatch his brother"
"But he got there too late" Bridget said.
"Exactly" Clay confirmed. "Like his brother, Kabir was trained the British SAS and MI-6. They're both ex-Saudi Intelligence. Kabir is a skilled marksmen, and is supported by a cadre of loyal operatives and had a network of intelligence contacts that spans the globe. Kabir was spotted last week in Pakistan. Over the past month, there has been a huge spike in chatter between Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. The sheer volume of it suggests that an attack is imminent" Webb said. "Our biggest concern is that Mustafa Atef knew it was a huge risk staying in country, and yet he remained anyway"
"He was waiting for Kabir to return from Pakistan" Bridget guessed.
"Whatever Kabir was doing must've been VERY important" said Commander Padraig Michaels, a Commander in The Irish Naval Service who was acting as Admiral Carsten's Chief of Staff.
"Which is why it's important to us" Webb said. "I need the Unit to get back on the ground and to start netting up these motherfuckers"
"The Unit Operators need to be available for testimony," Admiral Carsten spoke.
"Then I'll go myself, I'll bring. Spooky Doo here with me" Tony said.
"I'm not sending you two idiots out there alone" Admiral Carsten said.
"Then I'll take Bridget with me" Tony said.
"Bridget isn't a field operative" Admiral Carsten said.
"She'll be with me, she'll be fine" Tony replied.
"What do you think Captain?" The Admiral asked Bridget.
"I'm ready Sir" she replied.
"Good" he said. "Good Hunting, dismissed" the Admiral said.
PLEASE REVIEW!
(Webb's Voice)- Next time on "28 Seconds: Strength & Honor"-
The Tribunal continues, as Chester, Three and Cole are called to testify. The search for Kabir on, as Tony, Bridget and Webb head back to Afghanistan. Meanwhile, AJ and Malachi's battle against their rivals comes to an epic conclusion. In Cyprus, Nathan makes a startling discovery that changes everything. Finally, tragedy strikes Tony's family.
It's the Final 4 Chapters of Strength & Honor, and each one is more explosive than the last. Be sure not to miss it.