(1)
I can live with what I did, Captain Hayley Park says.
All you had to do was keep your mouth shut, Lieutenant Jenna Skelley says.
Say nothing and I could have had the career I wanted, Captain Park says. The one my father always wanted for me.
The first female Captain of a United States submarine, Lieutenant Skelley says. Armed with nuclear missiles. The fate of the world at your fingertips.
I had to choose between my career and my country, Captain Park says. It wasn’t even close.
The two female officers face each other in a small conference room with the door closed at the Headquarters for the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps for the United States Navy’s Pacific region at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Captain Hayley Park, an Asian-American, is 40 years old and not quite small enough to be called petite. Lieutenant Jenna Skelley, an African-American, is volleyball-tall and almost young enough to be the Captain’s daughter—but almost too young to be her lawyer.
You can say the word, Captain. You need to say it. For you it will always be a badge of honor. For me, too.
You want me to say it?
You have to. Out loud.
I had to mutiny, the Captain says.
Damn right you did, says the Lieutenant.
(2)
Hayley is singing but her singing has nothing to do with dreams of soldout concert tours at stadia where you can only hope to see a star on a distant stage.
In her dreams she is always singing back and forth with a submarine crew before they take to the water—but now, at Pearl Harbor, this is no dream. She is not a great singer, not even a good one, but singing with dog tags swinging and the breeze blowing sweat dry on your skin is meant to move her new submarine crew and not a crowd.
I don’t know but I’ve been told…. Hayley sings.
I don’t know but I’ve been told…. The crew answers.
Her singing is counterpoint to the military drumbeat of feet, the rhythmic and relentless CLOP-CLOPPING with everyone half-running and half-marching as one alongside their Captain. They run past docks with PT boats, warships, an aircraft carrier—enough firepower to destroy the world.
U.S. nukes are good as gold....
U.S. nukes are good as gold....
Hayley’s crew is stomping right on the beat. Enjoying the ride. More diverse than might be expected from the U.S. Navy in the near-future, like someone hit the fast-forward button and never let up. Multiple women, blacks, Hispanics, Asians, one Samoan. Fewer than half are white males.
Never need to show our might....
Never need to show our might….
Call. Response. Call. Response.
‘Cause we know that might is right!
‘Cause we know that might is right!
Sound off.... Kayley sings.
Sound off....
One-two…
One-two…
Three-four….
Three-four….
Sound off.... Kayley sings.
One-two-three-four! the crew shouts.
The Captain and her crew chug past floating instruments of war singing for a cause: to keep the peace.
(3)
A wedding-gown white banner, “BON VOYAGE MAIDEN,” hangs at the Hickham’s Officer Club on a beautiful night in Pearl Harbor before the submarine’s big day. Threads of sunset lace the water. A wiry Hawaiian-American Sailor, AKA DJ Hani-Ha, spins hip-hop as lubricated sailors celebrate their last night on shore with civilians.
A U.S. Navy Captain in his late thirties elbows through the crowd—a tall balding man who would be handsome if not for the big goofy glasses.
Spill, Dougie, Kayley says to him.
Captain Douglas Strait towers over Kayley and reaches down to her with a glass of champagne.
When you go to sea, he says, I feel like I’m only renting. And you’re going to sea tomorrow.
Would you like a lease-to-buy?
Lend-Lease works. Like the Brits in World War II.
Kayley leans up and kisses him with real heat.
I’m never really sure you’re coming back, Dougie says. Especially with the President talking about turning North Korea into a mushroom cloud. What if there is a nuclear war, Kayley? A real one?
Then there’s no coming back for any of us.
Dougie looks at her like he might want to say something.
I hate it when you do that, Kayley says.
What?
You’re about to ask me something you already know.
Just doing my job, ma’am, says Dougie.
They kiss again. Kayley, buoyant, smacks him playfully on the butt.
Weapons Officer Marina Saldana, a bodybuilder in dress whites, pulls her Captain aside.
So, she whispers. Did the Strait Man pop?
Pop? Kayley says.
The question!
Kind of, Kayley says. Sort of.
The Coward Douglas Strait.
I could ask him to marry me, you know. There’s nothing stopping me, Weps.
Yeah. Right. Like they need a law to stop a girl from asking.
What about you? Kayley says.
Everything is great until I take off my shirt, Weps says. Then they think I’m some kind of freak.
Well you are. Kind of. Sort of. That’s what’s so great about you, Weps. You’re a normal person. But you look like a superhero.
And that’s why I love you, Cap. You never tell me what I want to hear. Until you do.
And? Kayley says.
They want me to do weird things to them. Things I don’t do with anybody. I bring it out in them. Or something.
Maybe you should keep your shirt on. As an experiment.
They always want to know when I’m shipping out, Weps says. So they can pop me.
“Pop” you?
A one-nighter. Then I ship out and they never have to see me again.
That sucks, Weps.
Usually, Weps says.
They toast each other
Weps makes a muscle pose with no enthusiasm whatsoever.
There’s more to me than these, for God’s sakes! Weps says.
Obviously, Weps. You’re in charge of all the weapons on a nuclear submarine.
Does Dougie know the mission yet?
What do you think?
Son of a bitch!
Weps laughs. Kayley raises her glass.
To The Bodybuilder Formerly Known As Marina Saldana. I love you Weps, and I don’t ever want to go to sea without you.
Aye-aye, Captain. I love you, too. And I’ll always have your back.
They drink down the bubbly.
You smell that, Captain Park?
Yeoman first class Tom Johnstone, a boyish but not bashful African-American from Queens, New York—is known, natch, as “Queenie.” He inhales the sea air.
Kayley looks at Queenie looking sidelong at Weps. He’s really talking directly to Weps.
When I grew up in Queens, Queenie says, all I ever wanted was to smell that smell without having to take the subway. Now I spend my whole life on the ocean. I can’t even believe how lucky I am!
Queenie is staring at Weps outright as he walks away. Weps is staring back over her shoulder at him.
He really likes you, Weps.
They all do, Weps says. Until I take my shirt off.
(4)
Kayley and Dougie are so hot for each other uniforms come off by mutual force—with kissing, grabbing, panting, rubbing, unsnapping and unbuckling. Kayley flips him onto his back, climbs on top, and finally takes off his goofy glasses.
After the ship sails they are breathing hard but not too.
Thank you, Dougie says.
You don’t have to thank me every time we have lift-off, Kayley says.
I like to thank you, Dougie says. Because I’m grateful. So thank you.
You’re welcome, Kayley says.
What?
I know you know, Captain Strait. Don’t try to distract me with sex.
It’s my job to know. I’m a Cyber Superiority Officer. Remember?
And I could do without your Cyber Superiority complex, Kayley says..
Let me see if I’ve got this straight, Dougie says. The Maiden not only launches nuclear missiles, she also knocks them out of the sky. The old Reagan Star Wars missile defense system. First time ever on a sub. That’s the secret. A big one.
Not anymore, Kayley says. But you don’t know all my secrets.
Kayley is wearing Dougie’s glasses to go with his oversized U.S. Navy cap—and nothing else—when she pushes him naked backwards into the shower.
I’m marrying you, Kayley says.
Don’t you have to give me a ring or something? Dougie says. To make it official? Something romantic?
I’m supposed to get the ring, Kayley says. Officially. Because I’m the girl. You should be on your knees proposing to me. If you weren’t such a stick in the mud.
Kayley adjusts Dougie’s big glasses before they fall off her face. She looks cross-eyed with them on.
Say “yes” or I’m going to take it back, Kayley says.
But you didn’t actually propose, Dougie says. And there’s no ring.
Kayley, slinkily slides down his body until he can see only the top of his hat on her head moving up and down faster and faster.
You... seem... so… sure.... Dougie says.
Kayley reaches up, hands him his glasses back without looking up or missing a beat. He puts them on, looks down below—and groans. In a good way.
(5)
The U.S.S Maiden war machine, in all its phallic glory, towers over a crowd of Sailors and thousands of civilians lining the dock whistling, clapping, cheering.
Many hold posters and signs for President Leilani Kaine: “We love you, President Kaine.” “Le-lain-i!” “President Kaine Rules!” “The First and The Best!”
The crew stands at attention in gender-neutral dress whites facing Hayley and Captain Roderick Rollins, the legendary underwater warrior known to all as “Rollo.” His steely gray hair stands up straight in a brush cut like his hair is in a military formation.
A platform by the ship holds the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Navy, both middle-aged men in dark suits. President Kaine is between them at the podium in a wedding-gown white dress with an American flag broach.
We stand here at Pearl Harbor today, President Kaine says, at a crossroads of history, certain the United States of America will never let its guard down again!
The President grabs the champagne bottle swinging on a lanyard. Winds up. Ready to let it fly whistles and wild cheering.
In the name of the greatest country on earth, I christen thee the United States Ship Maiden! Long may she sail!
The bottle of champagne breaks spectacularly against the bow on the first try with bubbly and bits of the bottle flying every which way. The broken bottle swings in the wind. The President high-fives the Secretaries of the Navy and Defense. The Pacific Fleet Band breaks out into a punchy, brassy “Anchors Aweigh.”
The crew boarding the Maiden in formation walks past the two Captains, Hayley and Rollo. Family members form behind a barricade for a final goodbye. Spouses and children large and small cry like babies while the band plays on.
Local television and media swarm Captain Park and Captain Rollins.
Don’t let her fool you, folks, Rollo says. Captain Kayley Park is the future of the Navy. She knows it. I know it. Everybody knows it. You can quote me on that. She is as ready to command a submarine as any Officer I’ve ever seen in the Navy.
What’s it like to be the first female Captain of a U.S. submarine? says a reporter. The Jackie Robinson of subs? For women?
I’m just happy Captain Rollins has the time to show me the ropes. It’s very generous of him. I’ll be learning from the best.
Kayley finds him at the front of the barrier. He motions with an imaginary phone that he will call her. She motions back with her own imaginary phone. Kayley pounds her heart with a fist and blows her fiancée a kiss. Dougie blows back.
President Kaine, surrounded by Secret Service Agents, comes up to Rollo and Kayley before they board.
I’ve missed you, Mrs. President, Rollo says. How is Washington in the winter?
Cold, Captain Rollins.
After growing up in Hawaii? It must be freezing.
President Kane fake-shivers and smiles.
You’re good to do this one last mission for me, Captain Rollins. I won’t forget it. Neither will your country.
Their eyes lock. Then the President turns to Kayley.
Do you know why I ran for President, Captain Park?
I’m afraid I don’t, ma’am.
The nuclear scare in 2018. Do you remember how many minutes they said we had before the North Koreans destroyed Hawaii?
Fifteen? Twenty?
Twelve. Twelve minutes to say goodbye to your family. To say goodbye to your life. In twelve minutes, I said goodbye to everyone and everything I ever loved. We were completely at the mercy of the North Koreans.
The President chokes up. So does Kayley.
I will not let that stand under my watch, the President says.
Thank you, Mrs. President, Kayley says. For everything you do to keep us safe.
A rising tide lifts all boats, Captain, the President says. Take good care of her, would you Captain Rollins?
It will be an honor, Mrs. President.
The two Captains salute President Kaine again and The President returns their salute. Then the Captains head on board their boat with the broken bottle of champagne still swinging from the rope.
(6)
Organized chaos is everywhere within the U.S.S. Maiden with the crew carrying gear every which way, bumping into each other up and down the sub.
A woman moving through the mob is stylish in her Navy blue fatigues but with too much perfume and too much hair for a submariner. She wears a tiny gold cross around her neck.
Make a hole, y’all! She says in the deep syrupy sing-song of a Southern belle used to getting her way.
The woman ducks through a hatch. Two Sailors sniff at her perfume on their first day at sea.
An older, white-haired, red-faced man—tie loose, uniform rumpled—presents in a spotless, state-of-the-art sick bay. Medical Officer Morgan Seefert, known as “Doc” though with no medical degree, flicks the lights on a shiny brand-new shrine to health care on the high seas. A red-haired helmsman named Harry Markbrite, the youngest sailor on the boat, wanders in.
This sick bay? he says
Or the Mayo Clinic, Doc says.
You the Doc? the Sailor says.
Close enough, Doc says.
You doing the pecker checker?
By order of Captain Rollins, Doc says. All peckers must be checked!
Doc rifles through drawers and shelves with no luck until he finally finds what he’s looking for.
Gotcha! Doc says.
Doc holds up a bottle of alcohol, a gauze pad, and a pair of blue rubber gloves.
I never had my own sick bay on a sub before, Doc says. So I never had to put anything away. There was no room.
I never had my pecker checked, either. Markbrite unzips his fly. You want it hard—or soft?
Whatever you’ve got handy, Doc says.
(7)
The engine kicks in slowly and them all at once. Deliberately, majestically, the Maiden leaves on its maiden voyage with Kayley and Rollo alone up top. The boat cuts the water lightly, lithely, a modern sculpture in motion with untold power.
From the shore a crowd watches the boat under full steam, made for war but beautiful in a moment of peace. Rollo and Kayley watch the people recede as the Maiden puts Pearl Harbor behind them.
The first female President of the United States, Rollo says. Never thought I’d see the day.
He cups his hands to light his cigar with a lighter.
I like her, Kayley says. I voted for her.
You know what? Rollo says. So did I. Leilani is like a sponge. I’ve known her since she was a teenager running for class president.
Rollo puffs as the cloud of smoke disappears behind him.
You know, I remember Sonny Park, Rollo says. Chief of the Watch. Your Dad was as good as they come.
He was a huge fan when he served under you in the Pacific, Kayley says..
He tell you I was an asshole?
He may have mentioned it, sir. But he said you were always fair. With a soft spot for the enlisted man.
Whatever happened to your old man? Rollo says.
He opened a restaurant in San Diego, sir.
I bet it was Italian.
Italian seafood, sir. How did you know?
I swear that man ate pasta every day of his life on board. Sometimes twice a day. And he loved anything with a shell on it. Lobster. Crabs. You name it. Tell Chief Park his old C.O. says hello.
Kayley looks off toward Pearl Harbor falling away in the distance.
I wish I could, sir. But he passed.
I am truly sorry to hear that, Captain. He was a great guy and a good man. How old were you?
Seventeen. A junior in high school. Still a kid.
Rollo blows a smoke ring over the ocean gone with the wind as soon as it leaves his mouth.
I can only imagine how tough that must have been for you. Losing a Dad like that. If you ever need anything, Captain—even a shoulder to cry on—
That’s kind of you, sir. I’m good—but it’s good of you. And good to know.
I wish Sonny could see his little girl now. Taking on board a boatload of hopes and dreams.
It’s an honor to be under your command, sir, Kayley says. Even for a week.
Let’s get wet before the Russians wake up, Rollo says.
Sir yes sir, Kayley says.
Hayley salutes. Rollo salutes back and takes another puff and they head below before the U.S.S. Maiden, the most advanced weapons systems on earth, dives gracefully beneath the waves.
(8)
Rollo and Kayley come onto the Bridge together. Communications Officer Charlotte Bellaire—the Southern belle with the perfume and big hair known of course as “Comms”—is ready and waiting.
Captain Rollins, Captain Park, she says. Welcome to Starship Maiden.
Translucent, transparent 3-D screens circle the crew in the round. Touchscreens and graphical user interfaces have taken over where dials and switches used to be—a cross between virtual reality and the holodeck on Star Trek.
No “up periscope” on this baby. Not even as a backup. It’s all data and video now.
Comms? Show me what we got up top.
Their eyes lock. Charlotte can’t take her eyes off Rollo.
Aye-aye, Captain. Happy to show you everything I’ve got.
Charlotte punches up four oversized 3-D video screens with views port and starboard, fore and aft. The Pacific Ocean a thing to see in 360-degree 3-D video.
What do we do when the TV breaks, Comms?
We pray, sir. Or we surface. Or both.
Rollo, inhaling her perfume, smiles: he likes what he sees. And smells.
Let’s stop dicking the dog, Rollo says. Last man down? Hatch secured?
Last man down, says Chief of the Watch Barney Graves. Hatch secured, Captain. The crew of the mighty Maiden is ready to follow you anywhere underwater on the high seas.
Chief, with a gold ring in his ear and a pure white Afro, is the top enlisted man on board and a side of beef. He is happy to be sitting down under any circumstances, and heavy enough to be ballast.
Very well, Chief. R.J.? Make your depth 100 feet.
Officer of the Deck Arjun “R.J.” Gupta is as calm and cerebral as an on-board computer.
Aye-aye, Captain.
Depth 100 feet, Rollo says.
Depth 100 feet, sir, the Helmsman Harry Markbrite, pecker checked, says to Rollo.
Captain Park? Rollo says. You have the Con. And the boat. You’re more than ready for it.
No one expects Kayley to take over so soon: the baton is passed just like that.
Aye-aye, Captain Rollins. Thank you, sir. It’s an honor.
Kayley—ramrod straight and ready for the moment—looks sharp in her blue camo combat fatigues and matching hat.
Ahead flank gravitate, Kayley says. Time to make the world safe.
(9)
What the fuck, Captain? the Chief Judge says to Hayley.
Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps Chief Judge Gio Martinelli, as ornery as he is old, charges into his chambers unbuttoning his Marine uniform before falling butt-first into the swivel chair behind his desk.
I can’t do it, Judge, Kayley says.
The Judge is facing Kayley and her JAG lawyer, the elegant, silver-haired Commander Elaina Stein, on the other side of the desk.
Can’t or won’t? The Judge asks.
Can’t, Kayley says. Won’t.
I have told Captain Park she is in no position to negotiate, Commander Stein says. But Captain Park is apparently in no position to listen.
The best JAG lawyer in the Navy made you the best deal you’re ever going to get, the Judge says.
And I’m grateful to her, Judge. Thank you, Commander Stein. I am grateful.
Stein glares at Kayley like she can’t believe what is going down.
Show her your gratitude by agreeing to the agreement, Captain, the Judge says. Or cover the U.S. Navy in a bucket of piss and shit.
Rank of Captain, Captain Park, Commander Stein says. Full pension. Honorable discharge.
What about “sweetheart deal” don’t you understand? the Judge says.
You do not want this to go to trial, Captain Park, Commander Stein says. You could be locked up for years. They could put you to death for God’s sake!
Haven’t you heard? the Judge says. I’m a hanging judge. And you’ve waived your right to a jury trial.
I won’t plead guilty to doing the right thing. And I want my boat back.
She wants her boat back! the Judge growls. How romantic!
Fine, Commander Stein says. But this is suicidal. I am truly sorry, Judge Martinelli. I never saw this coming.
The Judge waves her away. Stein walks out without her ex-client.
You will get your trial, Captain, the Judge says. With the candy-ass, candy-striper you deserve as your lawyer. And I will make sure it’s fair. With no muss and no fuss. And no media. But walk out that door now and you are in this up to your neck. When I see you drowning I will not throw you a rope. You’re in a boatload of trouble, Captain Park.
Kayley is lost at sea with nothing left to say.
Now get the fuck out of here—and don’t come back until you find a JAG lawyer dumb enough to take your case.
(10)
Kayley’s quarters on the U.S.S. Maiden are smaller than small with a grand total of no square feet. A tiny desk and one folding chair is folded into one corner and her bunk into another. She is unpacking a duffel bag and doing her best to make her quarters cozy. An old Teddy bear goes on the shelf. So does a Naval Academy mug next to a framed photo of her father and mother on opening night outside Pesce, her father’s Italian seafood restaurant in San Diego.
Kayley pulls out the old bucket hat required for women in the Navy, looks at it upside up down, then flips it rightside up onto the shelf.
Kayley hears something ringing and fumbles to open her laptop.
Dougie’s face pops up on the screen.
Hey, Dougie says. There you are. I miss you already.
I missed you all day, Kayley says. I always do when I’m on board. Even with this new lend-lease plan.
How’s the asshole?
I’m trying to see what my father saw in him.
Why is Rollo on the Maiden in the first place? Dougie says. My shit detector is way past red.
Let it go, Dougie. He’ll be gone in a week.
That’s the problem. Why would he come on board for a week?
A victory lap? Kayley says.
There’s a lot of noise on the wire about North Korea, Dougie says. Maybe—
The connection is fritzing out.
Rollo... he... if... I....
I’m losing you. Dougie? Dougie?
Kayley tries three times to re-connect before she finally gives up and shuts the laptop.
Dammit! Kayley says.
Kayley touches her engagement ring and moves it in a circle around her finger, admiring it from every angle. As she unpacks her duffel bag, she finds Hershey bars, Oreos, Snickers, trail mix, granola bars in the bottom—and holds up each one up for careful inspection.
Really, Mom? Kayley says.
She keeps unpacking the duffel bag until she finds her father’s gold “dolphins” signifying his submarine service. Kayley puts the dolphins on the shelf leaning against the bucket hat, then gets under the covers to read a worn-out paperback, “A Room of One’s Own” by Virginia Woolf.
There’s a knock on the door.
Captain Park? Rollo says. May I? I just need a minute.
Of course, sir. Kayley jumps up out of bed and opens the door. Kayley offers him the only chair but Rollo wants to stand.
We got our orders, Rollo says.
He hands her a piece of paper and Kayley reads it out loud: “Intercept any and all North Korean missiles regardless of purpose or intent”?
This came straight from President Kaine, Rollo says.
Test launches, too? Kayley says.
Anything that flies, Rollo says. Be ready to go tomorrow.
Always, sir.
Rollo starts to turn away but stops.
Did you like having the con today? Rollo says
I appreciated it, sir. It was a nice gesture on your part.
Those your father’s dolphins?
Yes, sir.
You wear them well, Rollo says. Good night, Captain Park.
(11)
You’ve never tried a case before? Kayley says.
Kayley and her new lawyer sit by themselves at the far end of a long conference table. Even sitting Lieutenant Jenna Skelley is impetuous and even a little imperious—very smart but very green.
Jenna is redlining the settlement Kayley turned down when another Naval Officer knocks on the door.
Lieutenant Skelley? Commander Keiger says. Didn’t expect to run into you so soon. Certainly not on the first mutiny case in 75 years.
You have to start somewhere, sir, Skelley says. Why not at the top? Or is this the bottom?
You two know each other? Kayley says.
Commander John Keiger, in his fifties, is buttoned-up and commanding with a deep baritone voice.
Commander Keiger was my Professor at Annapolis. And my advisor.
Lieutenant Skelley comes well-recommended to JAG Corps, Keiger says to Kayley. By me. Do you remember what I taught you in mute court?
Always keep a few surprises in your briefcase.
She’s going to be a very expensive lawyer someday, Captain Park. But you got her on the cheap. I’ll see you both in court. Best of luck.
I might have a few surprises for him, Skelley says after Keiger closes the door. If I can think of anything.
So what’s your specialty? Kayley says. Drugs on the base? DUIs off it? Plea bargains?
I’ve tried a case before! Skelley says.
One case? Kayley says. Wow!
I lost, actually. So I’m on an oh-fer. But I won the mock trial competition at Georgetown Law.
We don’t stand a chance, Kayley says.
Skelley points at Kayley.
No matter how much I suck as a lawyer, this trial is still going to be your
fault, Captain.
My choice, Lieutenant.
I don’t want to hear it, Skelley says. You could be home shopping at home right now. Collecting seashells by the seashore. Reading Jane Austen on a full pension at age 40. You could do anything you want with your life.
I like Jane Austen. What’s wrong with Jane Austen?
Have you read the depositions?
Yes.
Good, Skelley says. Because they’re the perfect storm.
I know how this looks. But there’s more to it.
Kayley picks up her phone off the table. Taps on the Photo app. Taps again. Takes a deep breath. Hands the phone over to her wet-behind-the-ears lawyer.
Why do you think they wanted me to settle? Kayley says.
Jenna flips through photographs with growing disbelief. Expands one shot with her thumb and forefinger. Awful. Then another. Worse. Flinches. Flips to the end. All of it unimaginable. She hands the phone back to Kayley like it’s radioactive.
Time to blow up the boys club, Skelley says, while there’s still time.
(12)
Heading for the Bridge the next morning, Kayley sees Charlotte, perfectly turned out, exiting Rollo’s quarters. Their eyes lock but Charlotte is not the least bit embarrassed.
Comms? Kayley says. A word?
Charlotte, either flush or blushing, spins to face Kayley in the narrow hall.
Captain, Charlotte says. You snuck up on me.
It’s good to have you on board, Comms. I don’t think there’s ever been a Crew quite like us.
We are certainly ethno-bio-diverse, ma’am, Charlotte says.
Sorry?
I know we’re supposed to be pioneers and all that blah-blah-blah but I ran a sorority in college. Sisterhood is powerful, but it can be a real pain in the ass. A girl’s got to look out for herself.
Captain Park? Rollo’s voice booms over the loudspeaker. Report to the Bridge. This is your Captain speaking.
Kayley looks at her watch and tucks her hair under her cap and behind her ears. Then she double-times it to the Bridge.
You’re late, Rollo says when she gets there.
Kayley looks at her watch again: she’s actually five minutes early.
It won’t happen again, sir, Kayley says.
Damn right it won’t, Rollo says. Zulu time, hell. You’re on “Rollo time” now.
Even though it’s not her fault. R.J., Harry, and the rest find somewhere else to look—everyone except Charlotte smoothing her hair and staring unapologetically at Kayley.
Do we have any steely-eyed killers of the deep on board the U.S.S. Maiden? Rollo says to everyone on the bridge.
Sir yes, sir! The crew shouts
Steely-eyed sir! says the Chief.
Maybe you didn’t hear me. DO WE HAVE ANY STEELY-EYED KILLERS OF THE DEEP ON THIS SHIP?
SIR YES SIR! The crew, all but Kayley, shouts back.
Rig the boat to dive, Chief, Rollo says.
Rigging the boat to dive, sir! Chief says.
A horn sounds and keeps blaring.
Dive! Rollo says.
Diving, sir! R.J. says.
The boat dives so sharply everyone on deck leans at a 15-degree angle.
Officer of the Deck? Rollo says. Crush depth?
Three thousand feet, sir. R.J. says.
Make your depth to one thousand feet, R.J. Let’s see if we can crush a $7 billion submarine like a beer can on the first date.
Yes, sir. Making depth one thousand feet, sir.
The depth is superimposed on one of the virtual 3-D screens in front of the two Captains, like numbers hanging in mid-air. Now 100 feet... 200... 300.... as the Maiden seamlessly descends.
One thousand feet, sir. R.J. says.
Hold steady at 1,000 feet, Rollo says. Rig for another Dive, Chief.
Rigged to dive, sir.
On my mark... Dive! Rollo says. Full throttle!
Diving, sir! R.J. says. Full throttle, sir!
The Maiden again descends so sharply the entire crew—Rollo and Kayley included— have no choice but to lean into it. Kayley is watching the gauge with accelerating trepidation: 1,100... 1,250... 1,500....
Stretching to its outer limits, the boat is now making weird groaning noises. Kayley looks around but can’t tell where the noise is coming from as she watches the gauge go to 2,000... then 2,400....
Depth is 2,400 feet, sir! Chief says.
Very well, Chief, Rollo says. Mr. Gupta? Make your depth 3,000 feet.
R.J. is doing the math in his head before he follows orders.
Making depth 3,000 feet, Captain, R.J. says.
I like to make my boats cry like a little bitch, Rollo says. And I like to squeeze the Russians till they scream. My favorite spectator sport.
The Russians, sir? Kayley says. Here?
I know they’re out there, Rollo says. I know they’re here—right below us. Do you know why? Because they rule the ocean floor. And nowhere else.
I don’t know any data to support that, sir, Kayley says.
Come out, come out, you dumb Commie bastards! Rollo says.
The Maiden is descending even faster, to 2,500 feet... 2,750... 3,000.... The boat, moaning and groaning, whining and complaining, passes the point of no return. The crew jumps at every strange sound. Even Kayley ducks at one of the sounds.
Three thousand feet, sir, and holding! Harry says.
A loose bolt shoots across the bridge like a rocket and just misses Kayley: she jumps out of the way, way too late. Then another flies past Rollo—but he doesn’t flinch, as if he saw it coming.
Keep going, Chief, Rollo says. We’ve got them right where we want them. Up our ass.
If you say so, sir, Chief smiles.
Make your depth 3,500 feet, Rollo says to R.J.
Thirty-five hundred feet, sir. Five hundred feet below crush depth.
Depth of 3,500 feet, Captain, Harry says.
The blinking red danger zone on the dial looks like it’s on fire. Two more bolts go flying. Then another. Chief ducks. So does Harry.
She’s definitely not happy, sir! Chief says. Not even the least little!
Mechanical clanking and complaining proliferates in all corners of the sub.
Captain Park? Rollo says. You have the Con.
Sir? Kayley says.
You heard me, Captain. Unless you’re not ready to take command of a United States nuclear submarine with Russian hostiles inbound.
Born ready, sir, Kayley says.
She takes a deep breath.
Officer of the Deck? Make your depth 2,400 feet.
2,400 feet, R.J. says. Yes Ma’am.
Depth 2,400 feet! Harry says.
The boat tilts upward. Rollo and Kayley lean forward. The sounds of pain within the sub dissipates.
Steady as she goes, Kayley commands.
Steady as she goes, ma’am, R.J. repeats.
Steady as she goes, ma’am, Harry repeats.
Kayley calm. In control. In command.
The sonar ping jockey is Hani Iona, known on shore as DJ Hani-Ha. Headphones work for both jobs.
Captain? Hani says. Two Russian subs making their way beneath us with hostile intent. Depth of 5,000 feet and closing!
They’re so predictable, Rollo sighs. Sorry, Captain. Hate to do this to you. Give me back the Con.
Rollo’s not asking. He’s taking. Everyone goes quiet. Kayley flushes redder than red.
I’ve got this, Captain, Kayley says.
Not on my ship you don’t, Rollo says. Not yet.
Rollo steps in front of her and Kayley is forced to step back.
Activate cloaking protocols, Chief, Rollo says.
Cloaking protocols activated, sir, Chief says.
Rig for silent running, Rollo says.
Rigged for silent running, sir, Chief says.
Hani presses the headphones to his head with both hands.
The Russians just hit the gas, sir! Hani says. Two thousand feet and closing!
Time to play a little “Marco Polo,” Rollo says. My favorite game. Especially the “Polo” part.
Hani is listening hard for Russians through his headphones.
One ping, Hani, Rollo whispers. On my mark....
Ready to drop one ping, sir, Hani says.
You’ll give away our location! Hayley says to Rollo.
That’s the whole idea, Captain, Rollo says. R.J.? Prepare to surface. Fast as you can.
Kayley is now completely bewildered.
Surface? she says Now?
Live and learn, Captain, Rollo says.
Ready to surface, sir, R.J. says.
Maintain cloaking, Chief, Rollo says.
Cloaking maintained, sir, Chief says.
DJ Hani? Rollo whispers. Give me that ping.... Now!
Hani sends out a single ping.
Ping away, sir! Hani says.
Prepare to launch counter-measures, Chief, Rollo says.
Preparing to launch counter-measures, sir, Chief says.
But they haven’t shot at us! Kayley says. There’s no torpedoes to counter!
Launch counter-measures! Rollo ignores her.
Counter measures launched, sir! R.J. says.
Two swirling counter-measures zoom into the water. In opposite directions. Going every which way at once.
Kayley’s head is spinning.
Surface, R.J.! Rollo says. Full right rudder!
Rollo talks to Kayley without bothering to look at her.
Relax, Captain. I’m just trying to fuck with them on my last trip around the Soviet Bloc. With your permission, of course.
Surfacing at maximum speed, Captain! R.J. says. Full right rudder, sir!
Full throttle, sir, Harry says.
Maintain cloaking, Rollo says. And silent running. Keep playing our little game.
Cloaking maintained, Captain., Chief says. Silent running.
Very good and very well, Rollo says. Now comes the fun part.
The Maiden is moving upward this time. Everyone on the bridge leans against gravity.
They’re chasing our ping, sir! Hani says like a little boy.
Of course they are, Hani, Rollo says. Full left rudder.
Full left rudder, Captain, R.J. says.
Full left rudder, sir, Harry says.
Hold steady at 100 feet, Rollo says.
Holding steady at 100 feet, sir, R.J. says.
Steady at 100 feet, sir, Harry says.
Prepare to surface, Rollo says.
Why would we surface? Kayley says to Rollo. With a Russian sub on our tail?
Rollo ignores her.
R.J.? On my mark... surface!
Surfacing now, sir, R.J. says.
The U.S.S Maiden pops up in the middle of the Pacific Ocean like a toy in a tub. Nothing is visible in any direction.
Full Stop! Rollo says. Shut ‘er down! Not a peep from anyone!
Full stop, R.J. whispers. Shutting down engines, sir.
Full stop, sir, Harry says. Shutting down.
The only thing we’re missing is popcorn, Rollo says.
Ping jockey Hani is listening hard for the enemy.
They’re just sitting there, Captain, Hani says.
Hard to move with your thumb up your ass, Rollo says.
The crew is elated. Ready to explode. But still quiet. Like Rollo. You can see it in his eyes. In theirs. Everyone except Kayley. She’s numb. Dumbstruck.
Chief is watching his screens with equal parts glee and disbelief.
The Commies can’t find us, Chief says. You did it again, sir!
They must be telling President Put-Put about our magical $7 billion disappearing spaceship, Rollo says.
The Russians are descending into the Mariana Trench at top speed, sir, Hani says.
Because they’re bottom-feeders, Rollo says. Because they have no idea where we are or where we’re going. The last place they’d look for us is on the surface. Because they’ve got no creativity. No imagination!
They’re gone, sir, Hani says. Completely gone. Never seen anything like it, sir!
Hani takes off his headphones. Grins. Pumps one fist. Then both.
A Russian sub with its tail between its legs is a beautiful sight, Rollo says.
The Crew cheers. Even Kayley smiles. Humiliated but happy the crisis has passed.
Rollo picks up the intercom.
This is your Captain, he says. Time to rub their noses in it. Prepare the Maiden for Seal Beach.
Cheers and whistles come from the crew for a cookout in the middle of the Pacific. Hayley is speechless.
Aye-aye, Captain! Chief says. Preparing for Seal Beach. Let’s get this party started!
(13)
Captain Kayley Park is reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen before lights out. Her laptop buzzes with Dougie calling. She hops up in bed happy, flips open the laptop, and clicks on the link.
How’s the future Missus Captain?
Missing you, Captain Dougie. Missing you bad.
Got a question.
Is it romantic?
Not even a little.
Then you should stow it, Kayley says. I had a terrible day.
Why would they not give you a boat? Dougie says.
Maybe I’m not ready, Dougie. Ever think of that? Maybe I won’t ever be.
Are you kidding me? Dougie says. The Navy could put you on a recruiting poster for the “New Navy.” You’re a woman. And a hyphenated-American. You even needed Senate confirmation to be a submarine captain. So why not give you your own boat from the start? Why stick you with Captain America for a week?
Is this one of your fishing expeditions? I don’t need conspiracy theories right now.
All I do is fish. So I’m asking myself a simple question. Who wants Rollo to fire a nuclear missile?
No one’s that crazy.
I know, Dougie says. That’s what’s driving me nuts.
First he needs the launch codes from the President. Then he still can’t fire a nuke without my assent. So it’s not happening.
I know. But could he fire an ABM on his own authority? Could he knock down a nuke on his own say-so?
Yes, Kayley says. So could I if I were in command. I need to tell you something I shouldn’t be telling you.
Don’t worry. I have a docu-signed lease to become your husband.
The Maiden has authority to shoot down anything North Korea puts into the air, Kayley says. Including test missiles. Rollo says the order comes straight from President Kaine.
Jesus, Kayley! Shooting back could start a nuclear war!
Is that enough conspiracy theory to keep you happy for one night?
Is Rollo’s capable of something like that? Dougie says.
No. It’s too crazy, Kayley says. And he’s too good at what he does to go off the reservation for no reason.
You sure? Dougie says. This is his last dance.
I don’t want to think about it right now, Kayley.
She reaches a hand under her blanket and touches herself with erotic intent.
Do you have any idea how much I miss you, Captain Strait?
She moans a little.
No idea whatsoever, Captain Park? Why don’t you show me?
Is that an order from my Superiority Officer?
Dougie reaches down himself. Unbuckles. Flips the switch. Immediate lift-off.
Permission to come aboard, Captain.
Kayley is moving on her tiny bunk, finding the groove even this far beneath the waves.
Oh Dougie! she says.
(14)
Surrounded by nuclear missiles arranged like pillars, a tiny space is carved out on the sub to sweat, with barbells in every spare inch along the perimeter. Kayley is kickboxing, a whirling dervish working over a heavy bag with a kick then a punch then another reverse kick the other way around. Weps is holding the bag.
Jesus, Cap! Weps says. You’re killing me here!
That’s the idea, Weps.
Kayley is sweating, bouncing.
Rollo wasn’t really messing with the Russians, Weps says. He was messing with you.
Weps and Kayley are both in singlets showing off their pipes. Weps is popping out of hers with her shoulder into the heavy bag.
This your way of kicking the shit out of him? Weps says.
The next blow comes: two left kicks from Kayley.
Ouch! Weps yelps. Can we change the subject?
You can try, Kayley says.
Kayley continues with two left jabs followed by a right-left-right combination.
We finally got internet on a sub. So all the guys are watching porn.
I got a better way to get busy, Kayley says.
A little coochie-coo with Snoop Dougie Dog on the walkie-talkie? Weps cackles.
I want to cherish these moments before we get married and stop having sex. If things go south, we’ll always have the internet.
They laugh through another reverse-turn and kick by Kayley.
Your turn, Weps. How’s Yeoman Queenie?
I’ve never been with a real gentleman before. I didn’t even know what that’s supposed to mean. But Queenie is so nice to me—and he’s rich! His family owns three apartment buildings in Queens! He’s going back to run them after he retires in ten years.
Yo! You go, girl.
Kayley is shadow boxing, dancing in place. She head fakes. Weps flinches but the blow is not forthcoming.
I tried to keep my shirt on like you said, Cap. But he ripped it off anyway. Popped all the buttons.
Yup. A real gentleman. Bona fide. Hard to find.
Kayley rips off a vicious combination—right-left-right, left-right-left-left—before she hops away from the bag.
What? Kayley says.
He likes to go aft, Weps says.
Shut up, girl! Kayley slugs her hard on the arm.
Ouch! Weps says. That really hurt.
Kayley doubles over, laughing so hard she can’t catch her breath. Weps is laughing even harder.
Sweating heavily, Kayley head-fakes twice before unloading the final barrage of kicks and punches on the heavy bag. Weps finally holds up both hands in surrender. She throws Kayley a “Beat Army” towel.
Remind me not to get you mad, Weps says.
(15)
Lieutenant Jenna Skelley pushes through a mob of journalists in front of JAG headquarters. On the front steps her briefcase falls open and everything falls out—pens and legal briefs, portfolios, and even a Navy stapler. Flustered, she puts Humpty Dumpty back together helter-skelter. Reporters buzz her with questions but she won’t say a word.
With Judge Martinelli presiding the courtroom is closed, cavernous. Jenna and Kayley sit side-by-side at the Defense table. Commander Keiger stands up for the Prosecution with not a single spectator to be seen.
What did the Maiden crew think of Captain Rollins? Keiger asks
Lieutenant Charlotte Bellaire, AKA Comms, is sitting on the witness stand looking almost too prettified—and smelling of too much perfume—to be a U.S. Navy Officer.
He played the Maiden like a Stradivarius, Charlotte says. But he could be harsh. And demanding. He isn’t the nicest Captain in the fleet, I can promise you that. He’s always saying things he shouldn’t be saying.
But fair?
He was famous for it.
And what did you think of him as a person? As a man?
For someone his age he was very sexy, Charlotte says. If that’s what you’re fishing for. I like older men. I always have.
Charlotte looks directly at Kayley. Kayley stares back with no love lost.
Is that why you had sex with him in his quarters on the Maiden? Keiger says.
Skelley is surprised Keiger would go there.
Why not? Charlotte says. I don’t apologize for it. He was going to be gone in a week. Sleeping with the Captain—I mean, it could be worse. And I guess I was—you know, horny. Is that an okay word to say in court, Your Honor?
Only if it’s true, Officer Bellaire, the Judge says.
Was your sex with Captain Rollins consensual? Keiger keeps going.
Nobody forced him to do it, Charlotte says. Or me.
Did Captain Park find Captain Rollins attractive? Keiger says.
Skelley jumps to her feet.
Objection! she says.
Sustained, Judge Martinelli says.
I withdraw the question, Keiger says.
Good idea, Counselor, the Judge says.
Keiger walks away from the witness, stops, and comes back.
Officer Bellaire? Did Captain Rollins ever sexually assault you on board the U.S.S. Maiden?
No, sir, Charlotte says.
Did Captain Rollins ever rape you on board the Maiden?
No, sir. If anything he was kind. Gentle even. He was almost... paternal. The opposite of what you’re saying.
No further questions, Keiger says. Your witness, Lieutenant Skelley.
Skelley moves across the courtroom like she’s in a hurry.
Officer Bellaire? she says. Did you ever have cause to go into Captain Kayley Park’s quarters on the Maiden?
No ma’am, Charlotte says. I surely did not.
Did you ever see Captain Rollins go into Captain Park’s quarters?
No ma’am. But I did see Weps and Queenie—Officer Marina Saldana and Yeomen Johnstone—come out of there once. They were still buttoning up.
Did you ever see Captain Rollins and Captain Park touch each other?
No, ma’am. I did not.
Hold each other?
No, ma’am.
Kiss each other?
No, Charlotte says. Never.
Did you ever witness sexual relations between Captain Rollins and Captain Kayley Park on board the U.S.S. Maiden?
No, ma’am.
No further questions, Your Honor, Skelley says.
The witness is dismissed, Judge Martinelli says. Thank you, Officer Bellaire.
Charlotte leaves the stand. As she sashays past, Kayley sniffs her perfume as if Comms stinks to high heaven.
Skelly sits back down.
Request for a short recess, Your Honor.
I don’t see why not, Judge Martinelli says. Any objections, Commander Keiger?
Keiger shakes his head no.
Granted, Judge Martinelli says. Court will resume at 1100 hours.
What’s going on? Kayley says to Skelley.
We need to talk, Skelley says to Kayley. Alone.
(16)
In the conference room Skelley throws down her bag and starts pacing.
That could have been worse, Skelley says.
What do you mean? Kayley says.
She could have nominated him for “Sexiest Man Alive.” Hell, I was ready to screw Rollo myself.
Rollo is a predator!
To you he is, Skelley says. I get that. But to the rest of the world he is the decorated Captain of U.S. Navy submarines. With no reason to do what you say he did. None.
You don’t believe me? Kayley says.
I don’t have to believe you. I have to defend you.
But it would help! Kayley says. You’re my attorney.
What can I say, Captain? I don’t not believe you. But what I believe makes no difference. I need to prove Rollo did what you said he did or you’re going to jail for a long time. “Kayley Park” will be in the same sentence as “Benedict Arnold.”
We’ve been over this, Kayley says. I told you. Rollo snapped.
Says you. But you don’t know why. Why should a guy who can stand up to the Russians and the Chinese in a nuclear confrontation suddenly “snap” when someone second-guesses his commands?
Because I’m a woman, Kayley says.
That’s a real winner! Might as well call off the trial!
We’ve got the pictures, Kayley says. The video. We’ve got proof.
Skelley finally stops pacing.
I like you, Captain Park. I like your husband. I even like your mother, for God’s sake. She’s the cutest thing. But I have nothing to work with here. No admissible evidence. No witnesses other than you and Rollo. You’ve given me nothing.
Skelley slams the table so hard the pencils jump.
I’m about to lose my second case, damn it, Skelley says. And I hate to lose!
I’ve told you everything, Kayley says.
That’s what’s keeping me up at night, Skelley says. Because everything is not nearly enough.
(17)
Rollo has the Con. On the bridge he is talking to Weps and the unsmiling Bull Nuke Officer Billy Costabile, a pale yet somehow weathered man in his forties. Kayley is looking over their shoulders at a see-through 3-D map on the screen showing their position at sea—with North Korea not nearly far enough away.
Nothing but blue skies, sir, Costabile says.
We ready, Weps? Rollo says.
Yep, Weps says. For anything, sir.
Weps winks at Kayley and wiggles her butt ever so slightly—a reference to her romance with Queenie. Kayley, not included in the conversation, is not happy.
Rollo picks up the intercom.
This is your Captain, he says. Man battle stations! Man battle stations! Now!
Is this a drill, Captain? Kayley says.
An urgent siren instantly echoes throughout the boat. Weps and Costabile have no idea what’s happening. Neither does Kayley.
This is your Captain, Rollo says into the intercom. I repeat: man battle stations! This is not a drill!
Kayley is completely discombobulated: how can Rollo know what’s going to happen before it happens?
Sailors are banging into each other all over the boat, barely squeezing past to get to their tasks. In the missile room sailors prepare torpedoes and missiles for launch.
I don’t understand, sir, Kayley says.
I don’t have time to explain what I’m doing when I’m doing it, Rollo says. Watch and you might learn something. Take notes if you can.
Rollo looks around the bridge.
Anyone bring a set of Crayons for Captain Park? he says
The Chief stares at Rollo in disapproval and disbelief.
Captain Rollins, sir? Costabile shouts. The North Koreans have launched!
Kayley is genuinely shocked: how did Rollo know it was coming?
How many? Rollo says.
One missile confirmed, sir. It could be a test, but it’s on a bearing for Guam! For Guam, sir! U.S. soil!
Weps, Rollo says, prepare ABMs for launch.
Preparing ABMs for launch, sir, Weps says.
Time before missile reaches space? Rollo says.
One minute at most, sir, Weps says.
Prepare to fire Anti-Ballistic Missile, Rollo says.
We’re not locked in yet, Captain! Weps says.
Fire! That’s an order, Weps! We’ll take our chances.
ABM firing, sir! Weps says.
Weps looks at Kayley. They both know she has no idea where the missile is going. Neither has any idea what’s going on. Or why.
The missile launches with enormous force and bursts through the seawater into the air, powering up all the way up into the upper atmosphere.
Impact? Rollo says.
Thirty seconds, sir, Costabile says.
All the screens show 3-D images of the ABM heading toward the North Korean nuke.
C’mon now.... c’mon.... Rollo stares down the trajectory of the missiles on the screen.
That’s a good boy, Rollo says. Come to Poppa.
Everyone on the Bridge transfixed as the twin trajectories intersecting on the screen.
Ten seconds, sir! Costabile says. 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... impact now.
But there is no impact because the ABM misses and continues into space. The North Korean nuke continues on its even higher trajectory. Toward Guam.
No impact, sir, Weps says. We missed.
Weps is steaming and Kayley is flummoxed. Only Rollo is unsurprised as they watch the North Korean missile heading for Guam on all screens for a certain nuclear explosion on American soil—and complete destruction—until the missile misses Guam and plunges into the ocean.
It came up short, sir! Costabile says. Thank God!
Detonation? Rollo says.
Negative, sir! Costabile says.
Everyone cheers. Exhales.
Stay on your toes, Billy, Rollo says to Costabile. The fun has just begun. You can count on it.
Kayley looks dazed but keeps staring at Rollo. How did he see it coming?
(17)
In her tiny quarters Kayley puts on yoga pants and a “Beat Army” sweatshirt with the arms cut off over a sports bra. She flips open her laptop and clicks on to find thirteen messages from Dougie.
Jesus, Dougie! Kiley says under her breath. Calm the bleep down!
Dougie connects immediately.
They’re setting you up! Dougie says.
Conspiracy theories are not helping right now, Kayley says.
They chose you to Captain the Maiden because you’re Korean-American. And a woman. If this goes south, they’re going to pin the whole thing on you. This is not a theory. This is already happening.
If what goes south? What are you talking about, Dougie?
Rollo missed on purpose! To goad North Korea into war! And they’re going to blame it on you!
He went to battle stations before the North Koreans even launched, Kiley says. Rollo knew something was coming. He had intel.
My intel says it was just a test, Dougie says. The North Koreans had no intention of taking out Guam. So Rollo did what he was ordered to do by President Kaine. He missed on purpose—to make it look like North Korea finally attacked us with nuclear weapons. It’s all over the news. Kaine is blaming North Korea! For provoking us! For pushing us into war!
Why would Rollo miss on purpose?
Because his real mission is to blame them for firing on us. The President’s got an 88 percent approval rating overnight on this!
But you’re still guessing, Kayley says. I can hear it in your voice.
It’s a damn good guess, Kayley. One of my best. We’ve never fired at North Korea before. Not since the Korean War. Now we’re daring them to fight back just a few months into the President’s first term. So we can blow them into a trillion pieces. And Leilani Kaine becomes the President who refused to back down. Voters love a war until we fight it. And if it goes south they’re putting it on you, Kayley. The rogue Captain with Korean DNA. In command for the first time. You are their insurance policy.
I need you to be sure, Dougie.
Inexperienced. Clueless. And Korean.
I’m not Korean, Kayley says. I’m American.
If you say so, Dougie says.
She hears a knock on her door.
Hang on, Dougie, she says.
Kayley opens the door.
Weps? she says.
It’s Rollo not Weps. Kayley automatically closes the lid on her laptop and her husband without thinking.
Sir? she says.
Permission to come aboard? Rollo says.
He closes the door behind him without being asked to. There is barely enough room in her quarters for both of them to stand.
The laptop buzzes—Dougie—but Kiley ignores it.
I thought you might want to talk, Rollo says. I thought you might need to. I’m worried about you, Captain. Really and truly.
I’m okay, sir, Kayley says. I’m good.
You’re fighting me on the Bridge as if your life depends on it, Rollo says.
Sir, I don’t think—
Maybe you’re not used to having a strong man in your life, Rollo says. And I am a very strong man. That’s no secret.
Sir? Nothing could be further from the—
You don’t need to cut a guy’s balls off when he gets in your way.
I’m just trying to help, sir. Nothing more.
You want to help? Don’t you ever contradict me on the bridge, Captain Kangaroo! That is my house and you’re just renting. You understand?
Something had to be said, Kayley says.
You will address me at all times as either “Captain” or “sir.”
You just called me “Captain Crunch,” sir. Did you know he was a Captain in the Marines in World War II? An actual hero.
Kayley leans as far from Rollo as she can get but it’s only a matter of inches. They are practically touching and there’s nothing she can do about it. Dougie buzzes her again on the laptop with no luck.
Let’s sit down, Kayley says. And calm down.
Rollo stays standing. So does she. Rollo presses himself against Kayley without warning. She pushes him away but he’s still within inches.
You know what I hate? Rollo says. I hate that. What you just did. As if I don’t know what you want. I knew it from the first time you told me about your dead Daddy.
I want you to leave, Kayley says.
We’re going to work this out right here and now. You and me. Rollo and Kayley. Just a man and a woman on a boat to nowhere.
You just told me to address you as “sir” or “Captain.”
Rollo laughs in a way that’s not funny.
On my boat I make the rules, Rollo says.
She holds up her ring finger with the engagement ring.
I’m engaged to be married, Captain. To someone I love.
So much the better, Kayley. One last trip around the world before you put on the ball and chain.
Sir? You can address me as “Ma’am” or “Captain.”
Aye-aye, Captain. Rollo gives a cock-eyed salute.
You need to leave. Kayley pushes him away. Now!
Rollo goes at her suddenly and hard, pinning both her arms with one of his and holding her in a death grip. He bangs her head against the wall in the tiny space hard enough for Kayley to see stars.
The room is spinning for her. Dougie is buzzing again on the laptop but he’s out of reach. So is everyone else in the world.
Rollo moves behind her. Tears off her bottom with malice aforethought. Gags the ripped fabric into her mouth.
Kayley is fighting for her life now—punching, scratching, kicking, biting.
What are you, the Karate Kid? Rollo says. Is that some Korean shit your old man taught you?
Rollo unbuckles his belt with one hand and pulls down his pants and boxer briefs with the same hand. He jams himself into Kayley from behind in the most painful way. Her eyes are exploding out of her head but she can’t scream because she’s gagged. He knows she can’t stop him now but she keeps up the good fight in a losing battle.
Rollo bangs away until he’s got nothing left and bounces her face-first off the wall to the floor. Then he buckles up and steps over her body on his way out the door.
That would have been fun, Captain America, Rollo says. If you weren’t such a bitch.
He slams the door to her quarters behind him.
Kayley is on the floor. Too weak to move. She curls up into a fetal position with both hands between her legs but not enough room for her on the floor. She is weeping but not ready to answer a final call from Dougie on the laptop. She feels as good as dead.
(18)
Doc?
Kayley, still on the floor of her quarters hours later, is wrapped in a blanket but shivering. She stands up to open the door.
Doc Seefert, drunk again, is weaving on his feet—but seriously sobered by what he sees in front of him.
Captain Park? Doc says. My God!
Do you have a rape kit?
I have no idea, Doc says.
He half-carries her to the sick bay. Kayley looks in the mirror and takes off the sweatshirt with only a Navy blue sports bra underneath. Her face and arms are turning black-and-blue. Her whole body is horribly bruised—especially where Rollo held her arms. His fingerprints are like ugly tattoos on her skin.
Take my picture, Doc, Kayley says.
Doc does not move.
I’m not asking! Kayley shouts.
Doc takes her phone like it’s radioactive.
My face first, Kayley says.
Kayley looks forward with a face full of welts like a prizefighter’s after a bout. Doc snaps. Kayley turns her swollen face to one side. Snap. Then the other. Snap. Like a mug shot and she’s the criminal. Then the back of her head. Snap. And both arms. Snap. Snap.
Kayley stands up and turns around. Her backside is a bloody mess. Doc turns his face away like he might cry.
I can’t, Captain, Doc says. I just can’t.
Do it, Doc.
She spreads her cheeks: angry red marks and bruises are everywhere.
Just do it, Doc! Kayley screams
Doc finally does it. Snap. Snap. Snap.
He gives back her phone.
I am so sorry, Captain, Doc says.
He helps Kayley to lay flat on her back on the examining table. She yelps in pain.
Doc starts going through every drawer. Then every shelf.
You’re a great Officer, Kayley, Doc says. You’re going to be a great Captain. Anyone can see that.
Doc tosses aside tape, gauze, Ace bandages, Band-aids, more gauze, Vaseline, rubber gloves. He is looking everywhere for the rape kit with no luck.
Now is not the time to rock the boat, Doc says.
Kayley looks down at her battered body in shame and pain.
Doc? Hayley says. Shut the fuck up.
Doc finally finds the rape kit.
Do you have any idea what to do with this? Doc says.
Give it to me, Kayley says.
Kayley is crying openly now. She rips the kit with her teeth and spits out the wrapper. She reads the instructions and holds up a swab.
You need to watch everything I do, Doc. You’re a witness.
I can’t do that, Doc says.
You don’t have a choice. Watch!
Her voice is the cry of a wild animal if animals could weep.
I can’t, Doc says.
Doc pukes into the sink and wipes his mouth on his sleeve. Kayley taps record and hands him back her phone to capture this on video.
Get it all, Doc, Kayley says.
(19)
In his dress whites, with his hair slicked back, Doc finishes the courtroom oath and sits down on the stand.
He looks like he needs a drink, Kayley says to Skelley.
The Fleet Admiral saw fit to extend your retirement to 68, Keiger says. So you could continue to serve on submarines. That’s quite an honor.
For an old seadog like me? Doc says. Yes, sir.
You’re the Medical Officer but also a very popular fellow.
I hope so, sir Doc says.
You’re the guy who brings all the booze on board, Keiger says.
Doc has no answer for that but leaves his mouth open.
Were you drunk on the night in question, Officer Seefert?
To be honest, Doc says. I had a few.
Are you familiar with the U.S. Navy regulations prohibiting alcohol on nuclear submarines? Keiger says
I know there’s a regulation, Doc says, but I—
Your answer is “yes”?
Yes. Of course I’m aware. Alcohol of any kind is against the rules.
How many times did you defy those rules on the orders of Captain Rollins?
There was never an order, Doc says. Never!
You are stating under oath that Captain Rollins never ordered you to break Navy regulations and bring alcohol on board a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine? Not even once?
No, sir, Doc says. I swear.
What kind of Captain was Captain Rollins, Doc?
He was Houdini in a sub, Doc says.
Have you ever witnessed Captain Rollins acting inappropriately with a woman on board any ship he Captained in the U.S. Navy?
No, sir, Doc says. I have not. Never.
Prior to your time on the Maiden, have you ever examined anyone on board a submarine for sexual assault while under the command of Captain Rollins?
No, sir. Never had to. Not for fifteen years.
And no sexual assaults on board under his watch for all those years before he assumed command of the Maiden? By him or anyone else?
Not a single one, sir, Doc says.
Doc looks around for approval but instead Kayley looks like she’d like to kill him.
Did you witness any sexual assaults by Captain Roderick Rollins against Captain Kayley Park on board the U.S.S. Maiden? Keiger says.
I didn’t witness anything, sir, Doc says.
When you found Captain Park alone in her quarters, did you ask her about her level of sexual activity before leaving on the mission?
Skelley launches onto her feet.
Objection! Irrelevant!
Let’s see if this goes anywhere, Judge Martinelli says. Overruled. For now.
Keiger smiles at Skelley: he is showing his old student how it’s done.
Captain Park was engaged to be married the night before the Maiden went to sea, Keiger says. Did you notice any bruising on Captain Park prior to the time she summoned you to her quarters?
She may have had a bruise, Doc says. I didn’t check. Why would I?
Fair enough, Keiger says. But bruising can sometimes come from normal consensual sexual behavior.
There’s no way to know, Doc says.
Jenna jumps to her feet again.
Objection! Speculation.
Sustained, Judge Martinelli says. Strike that last exchange from the record. That’s enough, Commander Keiger. I’m in a bad mood already.
Yes, Your Honor, Keiger says. Submarine duty can be perilous, of course. Is it possible for those serving at sea to get bruised, Doc? Even severely bruised? To break bones? To be injured in the line of duty?
That’s my reason for being, Doc says. To keep everyone on the boat ship-shape.
Thank you, Doc. No more questions. Your witness, Lieutenant Skelley.
Skelley wanders across the courtroom as if on a walkabout—until she is within an inch of Doc’s face.
Captain Rollins was your reason for being, wasn’t he, Officer Seefert? Skelley says. He could always count on good old Doc Seefert to break U.S. Naval regulations and to bring the booze on board every time.
That’s not the way it was! Doc says,
Is that why Captain Rollins had the Fleet Admiral extend your service beyond the mandatory retirement age of 62? So you could continue to be his personal bartender?
I was a good Medical Officer. My judgment was never—
Don’t ever go there, Officer Seefert. Don’t even try. You were drunk that night on the Maiden. Captain Park could smell it all over you. But that was no surprise. Because a “few” for you meant you were dead-drunk. Am I right?
I was not drunk, Doc says. I was just drinking.
Just pour it directly into your wooden leg and get a nice buzz on? “Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum” like a pirate?
Keiger slams his hand on the table.
Objection! Lieutenant Skelley is addressing a distinguished United States Naval Officer with decades of service!
Sustained, Judge Martinelli says. Steady as she goes, Lieutenant.
You act like I was drunk on purpose! Doc says. But I was off-duty!
You were on a $7 billion United States Navy Columbia-class submarine carrying 24 nuclear warheads. With more than 700 times the nuclear payload dropped on Hiroshima. With enough firepower to destroy the known world and every living person many times over. And your only job that night was to administer the rape kit to Captain Kayley Park. You didn’t even have to let her cry on your shoulder.
Objection! Krieger shouts.
I’ll let it stand, the Judge says. You’ve made your point, Lieutenant. Move on.
I didn’t know how to administer a rape kit, Doc says. I’d never done it before. I’m not a Doctor. I never said I was. I never even had a real sick bay before the Maiden.
Kayley shivers as she re-lives that night.
Just to be clear, Skelley says. Are you saying you had never seen a rape kit on board a U.S. Navy submarine? Until the night Captain Park was raped by Captain Rollins?
Keiger, caught by surprise, leaps to his feet.
OBJECTION, Your Honor! Lieutenant Skelley has crossed over into contempt!
I’m drawing the line right here, Lieutenant Skelley, the Judge says. Do not cross it again!
Apologies, Your Honor, Skelley says
Skelley walks away and comes back matter-of-fact this time.
One other thing, Doc, Skelley says. Had there ever been a female Captain or an XO on a boat with Captain Rollins before the Maiden? Or any woman of comparable rank?
No, Doc says.
Rollo just had to have her, didn’t he? To dominate her. To destroy her. Because she was a Captain! Because she was a woman!
Objection, Your Honor! Keiger says. This is so far over the line you can’t even see it anymore.
Sustained, Judge Martinelli says. Lieutenant Skelley? I am warning you for the last time!
I’m not a psychologist, Doc says. I’m not qualified—
No, Doc, Skelley says. You’re not “qualified” for much of anything. But you are part of a coverup, aren’t you?
Objection! Krieger jumps to his feet again. This is just too much, Your Honor!
We’re done here, Your Honor, Skelley says. Medical Officer Seefert? You are dismissed.
Doc shuffles away from the stand, on his feet but somehow no longer standing. He can’t even look at Kayley.
Skelley sits down. The Prosecutor stands to face the Judge.
You Honor? I ask that all putative evidence from the rape kit be rendered inadmissible—because said evidence was improperly gathered and the chain of evidence never established. I also request all photographs and video from Captain Park’s mobile phone be ruled inadmissible for the same reason.
Lieutenant Skelley? Judge Martinelli says. Objection?
Skelley is writing notes without looking up.
None, Your Honor, she says.
So ruled, the Judge slams down his gavel. That’s enough for one day. More than enough. Court is adjourned until 0900 tomorrow.
You sure? Kaley whispers.
The evidence can’t save you, Skelley tells her. Only I can.
(20)
Kayley curls up on her tiny bed in a brown San Diego Padres hoodie with the hood up. She has bloody cuts on her cheek and bruises everywhere. A blanket flecked with blood is tucked under her chin. That night Kayley can’t sleep as her shock and sorrow turn into rage that actually makes her shiver and shake.
Her eyes go to the cherished objects in the room. The picture with her parents in front of Pesce restaurant. The bucket cap. She breaks down when she sees the dolphins from her father.
When morning finally comes Kayley dresses in her best camo blues and matching hat. In the mirror her bruises and blotches compete with the puffy rainbow of a black eye. She puts a Band-aid on the biggest cut and holds the dolphins in her hand for good luck. Even in uniform she looks like a cold night in hell.
Captain Park?
Kayley winces at the sound of Rollo’s voice booming over the loudspeaker again.
Captain Park? Report to the Bridge immediately!
Kayley ignores the summons and hurries down a long hallway to the top bunk where Weps is sleeping between nuclear warheads. She puts her hand over Weps’s mouth to wake her up.
Cap? Weps says. What the hell happened to you?
Rollo, Kayley says.
Shit! Weps says.
Kayley is ready to start crying all over again but won’t.
It was really bad, Weps.
I can see that, Weps says.
I need your help.
You got it.
He’s going down for this.
Goddamn right! Weps says.
Get Queenie, Kayley says. Go to the weapons locker. Get as many guns as you can carry. Then meet me on the Bridge.
You got it, Cap!
Weps is already up off the bunk, pulling on her pants, getting dressed ASAP.
Captain Park? Come out, come out, wherever you are!
Kayley looks at Weps. Weps looks at the loudspeaker.
Here she comes, you son of a bitch! Weps says.
Kayley comes onto the bridge with nowhere to hide her bruises and no need. Chief, R.J., Harry, Hani, Billy, and Charlotte stare at Kayley, a black-and-blue casualty of war. They look at Rollo and immediately put two and two together. Even on a nuclear submarine it’s not rocket science.
Comms? Rollo says to Charlotte. Have you sent that message through to Commander Salchow at Pearl Harbor?
I have, Captain, Charlotte says. Yes, sir. He confirmed.
You all right, Captain? Chief whispers to Kayley.
I will be, Kayley says.
Weps and Queenie come in behind Kayley on either side. Both have holsters with service handguns. Both hold rifles pointed at Rollo.
Rollo is chuckling.
You can have the Con, Captain Park. If it means so much to you. I was going to give it to you anyway. You don’t need those guns.
You, Captain Roderick Rollins, are under arrest for violations of the Unified Military Code of Justice, Kiley says. I am taking immediate command of the Maiden.
Rollo burst out laughing.
Arrest him, Kayley says. Confine him to quarters until we get to port.
What is this? Rollo says. A feminist mutiny? For missing with an ABM? Give a guy a break!
You are under arrest for the crimes of sexual assault and rape of a fellow Naval Officer, Kayley says.
What a joke! Rollo says.
Look at my face, asshole! Kayley turns to the crew and screans. Look!
Chief makes his choice and stands behind Kayley. So do R.J., Harry, and Billy—everyone but Charlotte
You’re done, Captain Queeg, Kayley says to Rollo.
To Weps and Queenie, Kayley says: Get him out of my sight.
Weps puts plastic handcuffs on Rollo behind his back. She and Queenie take either side and pull him off the Bridge.
You’re in so far over your head, Rollo says to Kayley, you don’t even know you’re drowning.
Rollo is chuckling again and lets it happen without putting up a fight. Weps and Queenie take him away. Those left behind on the bridge look at each other like the world just changed forever whether they like it or not.
What I was a boy, Chief says, I swore I’d never let another man hit a woman and get away with it. Not if I’m still breathing.
That means a lot, Chief, Kayley says. That means everything right now.
Captain Park? Hello? Charlotte says. The United States of America has gone to DEFCON 4.
That’s impossible, Kayley looks over Comms’s shoulder at the screen. We haven’t gone past DEFCON 3 since the Cuban Missile Crisis. And that was 75 years ago.
DEFCON 4 confirmed, Captain, Charlotte says.
Captain? Billy says. North Korea has launched a nuclear warhead. The United States is under attack.
Target? Kayley says.
Pearl Harbor, Billy says.
Time to impact? Kayley says.
Twelve minutes, Billy says
Can we get it on the way up? Kayley says.
Too late, Captain, Billy says. It’s too fast. Fastest I’ve ever seen. They’ve been saving this one.
Trajectory? Kayley says.
Heading zero-point-222, Captain, Billy says.
Let’s hit it as soon as it leaves outer space.
Nobody’s ever tried that, Captain. Probability of impact is less than minimal.
First time for everything, Billy. Dial in the trajectory. Optimum strike range? On the way down?
Five hundred and fifty-five miles.
Open bay doors, Kayley orders.
Bay doors open, Ma’am, Billy says.
Prepare to fire ABMs, Kiley says.
Preparing to fire, Captain.
The countdown appears on the 3-D screen
Twenty seconds… Billy says.
Billy? Kayley says.
Yes Captain, Billy says.
Don’t miss, Kayley says.
Billy counts down: 10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1...
Fire! Kayley says.
Missile off! Billy says
A missile emerges through the water and rockets into the atmosphere.
Impact? Kayley says.
Thirty seconds, ma’am, Billy says.
The seconds tick off on screens around the Control Room: 15... 10... 9... 8... 7... 6...
Kayley and the Crew look up.
5-4-3-2-1...
On the 3-D screen Kayley and the crew see the Maiden’s ABM intercept the North Korean nuclear missile in a massive explosion.
We have impact, Billy says. The target is destroyed.
Gotcha! Kay punches the air with a fist.
The nuclear missile evaporates on the 3-D monitor like a target in a videogame. The crew is cheering and pounding each other on the back. Even Charlotte cheers.
Did it detonate, Billy? Kayley says.
No, Captain! Billy says.
Don’t mess with the Maiden, suckers! Chief shouts.
(21)
Judge Gio Martinelli re-fills his glass from a bottle of whiskey half-gone. Skelley’s glass of whiskey, half-full, is still untouched.
I’m old as dirt, Lieutenant, the Judge says. A million years too old for this.
The Judge swirls his drink around in the glass.
Grumpy is a good day for me now, the Judge says.
He takes a sip of the whiskey and holds up the glass to admire the contents.
An Admiral buddy of mine needed a favor, the Judge says. She needed a retired Marine who had been a JAG Chief Trial Judge. Because this one case was so damn important.
The Judge ticks off the boxes with his fingers.
Marine—check. Chief Trial Judge—check. Retired to Pearl Harbor—check. The only Chief Trial Judge stupid enough to try a mutiny—check.
He finishes off his drink, smacks his lips, and turns in his chair to face Skelley.
Do you know why I took this piece-of-shit trial? the Judge says.
Because this is a mutiny and there are no mutiny trials. Except in the movies.
The mutiny on the Maiden will set all the precedents. And you’re part of that, too, Skelley. A big part. This one will be one for the history books.
I’m going to dine off this one for a long time, Skelley says. After we win.
Judge Martinelli looks at her stone-faced. Swivels back to look out the window with the hint of a smile he quickly shuts down. He finishes off his drink in one gulp.
Lieutenant Skelley? Can I offer you some advice?
Yes, Your Honor, Skelley says.
Doc is pathetic. We all know that and we all know how sad that is. And you had to carve him up into tiny little pieces because that’s your job as Captain Park’s attorney because the Navy didn’t send Doc out with the tide twenty years ago.
Yes, Your Honor, Skelley said.
You had a job to do and you did it well, Skelley. Brava! You played hardball. That’s all well and good. But there was no honor in it, Lieutenant. Was there?
Not even a little, Skelley says.
Do you understand what I’m saying here?
You’re saying cross-examining Captain Rollins is another kettle of fish, Skelley says. Because of his service to the Navy. And country.
Men of honor deserve respect, the Judge says. Even if they make mistakes.
Especially when they make bad ones.
You’re saying Captain Rollins is a man of honor? Skelley says.
I’m saying you’ve been forewarned, the Judge says.
Yes, Your Honor, Skelley says.
Skelley gets up to leave without touching her drink.
You going to drink that? the Judge says.
No sir.
So much the pity, the Judge says.
He takes the drink. Admires it. Finishes off the whiskey in Skelley’s glass and grimaces when it kicks in.
You’re going to be one hell of a lawyer someday, the Judge says. If you don’t blow yourself up first.
(22)
Kayley leads the crew off the U.S.S. Maiden at Pearl Harbor. To the rear—with handguns in their holsters, Weps and Queenie march an unshaven Rollo, in handcuffs behind his back, from the Maiden onto the dock.
As expected a phalanx of Military Police, more than two dozen, are waiting on shore, led by Lieutenant Commander Mike Salchow, a man cocky and grizzled enough to be Rollo’s brother. Salchow address Weps and Queenie.
Thank you, Sailors, Salchow says. We’ve got this from here.
The MPs quickly take the handguns, and gun belts from Weps and Queenie without resistance. Then they put both in plastic cuffs behind their backs.
Hey! Queenie says. What the hell?
Only Charlotte looks like she’s not shocked.
Let me go, dumbass! Weps shouts at the MPs
Salchow personally cuts Rollo free from the cuffs behind his back.
That her, Captain? Salchow says to Rollo.
Rollo, smirking, nods at Kayley.
Captain Kayley Park? Salchow says. You are under arrest. For the crime of mutiny.
Are you nuts, Weps says. She just saved us from a nuclear war!
More MPs secure Kayley in cuffs behind her back. The Crew watches in disbelief. Kayley is bewildered. No one saw this coming—except Charlotte, of course.
Chief pushes to the front of the crew and tries to grab Kayley from the MPs.
You boys got this all wrong! Chief says. You’ve got the wrong Captain!
An MP smashes him in the face with the butt end of his rifle. Chief falls in a heap with his nose instantly broken and his face turned to bloody mush. R.J. and Hani help him back to his feet.
Thanks, Mike, Rollo says to Salchow. Beers on me.
Salchow and the MPs take Kayley, Weps, and Queenie away as if they are the traitors.
What the fuck were you thinking? Salchow says to Kayley
(23)
Kayley, very pregnant, is sitting on the bed in her quarters at Pearl Harbor eight months later, with her uniform stretched to the limit. She is holding her stomach with both hands but leaning back in discomfort.
You don’t have to do it, sweepea, Ellen Park says. No one needs to know.
Ellen Park, Kayley’s tiny mother, is even more petite than her daughter.
The baby is Dougie’s, Kayley says. And we’re getting married. After the trial. After I get my boat back. After we get Weps and Queenie out of jail.
You could take the DNA test before you get married, Ellen Park says. I just want you to be sure.
What difference does it make, Mommy? Kayley says. We’ll take care of the baby no matter what. Even if its… his.
In the courtroom Skelley walks from the Defense table to the stand, where Kayley is shifting in her chair, searching for a more comfortable position.
You okay? Skelley whispers.
Nothing a Cesarian wouldn’t cure, Kayley whispers back. Or an acquittal.
Any time you’re ready, Counselor, Judge Martinelli says.
Captain Park? Skelley says. Did Captain Roderick Rollins rape you in your quarters on the Maiden?
He did, Kayley says.
Did he force you to have sexual intercourse without your consent?
He did.
And in the process of the sexual assault and the rape, Skelley says, did you resist him?
I did. But he was too strong for me.
Did he rip off your yoga pants and use them to gag you so you would not cry out?
He did.
Prior to the rape, did you at any time have sexual relations or physical intimacy with Captain Rollins?
I did not.
Had you allowed him into your private quarters on board the Maiden before?
He came in our first night at sea to tell me about our orders. It was brief and professional. That was the only other time. I had no reason to expect anything different the second time.
Did you report the rape to the Maiden’s authorities?
To the Medical Officer. To Officer Morgan Seefert.
And then you took over command of the boat under provisions enumerated in the Unified Code of Military Justice. The UCMJ. Why?
Because Captain Rollins had committed the act of rape, he was no longer fit to command the U.S.S. Maiden. Or any other vessel in the United States Navy.
But he raped you, Captain Park.
That made no difference, Kayley says. He had to be removed from his command.
Your witness, Skelley says to Keiger.
Commander Keiger stands and leans against the table holding a yellow legal pad crammed with his notes.
Captain Park? Are you proud of your heritage?
I’m not sure what you mean, Kayley says. I’m proud to be an American.
Are you proud of being Korean-American?
Objection! Skelley says. Irrelevant and possibly racist.
Overruled, the Judge says. Make it count, Commander Keiger.
It’s true my father was born in Korea, Kayley says. But he became a U.S. citizen after the Korean War. He served on U.S. Navy submarines for decades, including those under the command of Captain Rollins. My mother is Irish and Chinese. She was born in San Diego.
Your own father told you he admired Captain Rollins, did he not?
Very much so, Kayley says.
As a Korean-American yourself, would you say you understand the Korean mindset?
Objection! Skelley says. Irrelevant and insulting.
I will allow it, the Judge says
I guess I don’t. Because I have no idea what you’re talking about.
Things your father taught you growing up? Keiger says About his homeland? About being Korean?
He taught me about being American. How to hit a baseball. The difference between frozen custard and soft-serve. What was so great about drive-in movies. He loved everything about it here. Even the stupid stuff. America was his homeland. And mine of course.
What is your fiancé’s job in the Navy? Keiger says.
Captain Strait is a U.S. Naval Cyber Superiority Officer assigned to the base at Pearl Harbor.
Did you say Cyber “Superiority”?
That’s his actual title, Kayley says.
Did you divulge critical and classified information to your fiancée about the
Maiden’s mission?
Absolutely not.
Then how did your husband find out about “Star Wars on a sub”? How would your fiancée know about the Anti-Ballistic Missiles on board unless you compromised our national security?
He found out himself. That’s his job and he’s very good at it. He didn’t need my help. To tell you the truth I found it annoying. He always seems to know more about my missions than I do.
Captain Park, is it true you shared information with your husband from the
Maiden during the mission itself via the internet?
No.
Was that before or after you had online sex with your husband on board the
Maiden?
Your honor! Skelley jumps to her feet. Objection! Prurient and irrelevant.
Sustained. On the basis of “prurience.” There’s a first time for everything on the bench.
No further questions. Your Honor, I will have a rebuttal witness tomorrow morning. Captain Roderick Rollins.
Captain Park? Judge Martinelli says. You are dismissed. Anyone who tells the media Captain Rollins is testifying in this court will be buried at sea. We will reconvene tomorrow morning at 0900 hours.
Judge Martinelli pounds the gavel and leaves the bench.
(24)
You were Captain of the U.S.S. Maiden on her first voyage, were you not? Keiger says. On the first Columbia-class submarine in the U.S. Navy?
Captain Roderick Rollins is tanned and relaxed in his dress whites, the very model of a retired submarine captain without a care in the world.
They needed a little window-dressing on their big day, Rollo says. They wanted me to take it out for a spin, kick the tires, that kind of thing. Before I had to retire. I figured why not? There’s no harm in it.
Rollo looks across the courtroom at Kayley as if he might have her for breakfast. Takes a second look at her belly but looks away like that’s not his problem.
So this was really quite an honor, Keiger says. To skipper the first of these $7 billion submarines one week before your retirement.
If you say so, Rollo says. I won’t argue.
I’ve heard it described on base as your “victory lap,” Keiger says.
I never looked at it that way, Rollo says.
How did you look at it?
I was given orders, Rollo says. I had to job to do. It was my duty. Just like anything else the Navy needed me to do.
Were you supposed to groom Captain Park to take over command of the
Maiden?
I suppose, Rollo says. Though you can only do so much grooming in a week.
What was your impression of Captain Park?
The Crew liked her, Rollo says. That’s not nothing.
Did you?
I never looked at it that way. On a submarine, if anybody falls down on the job it puts all of us at risk. It’s not a matter of “like.” It’s a matter of duty. We’re all in this together.
A matter of doing your job?
That’s right, Rollo says. At the end of the day it’s pretty simple.
Did Captain Park do her job as XO?
She did what I told her to do, Rollo says. But she wasn’t happy with the way I handled the boat. Or the ABMs.
The Anti-Ballistic Missile System?
We tried to knock down a missile from North Korea, Rollo says. We missed. Fortunately the missile fell short of the target.
Guam?
That’s what they tell me, Rollo says. I guess Captain Perfect didn’t understand how anyone could miss. As if submarine Captains shoot down nuclear missiles all the time!
Judge Martinelli looks like he’s been ladled onto his chair after a head-splitting hangover.
Careful, Captain Rollins, he says.
Sorry, Your Honor, Rollo says. My bad. It won’t happen again.
Had an Anti-Ballistic Missile, or ABM, ever been fired before from a submerged U.S. Navy submarine?
Not to my knowledge, Commander, Rollo says. The “Star Wars” stuff was a new twist for a sub. And for me. Nobody ever tried to knock a nuke out of the sky from a sub before I did.
So it’s no surprise you missed.
It was to me, Rollo says.
Really? How so?
I think it’s obvious, Rollo says. When I shoot, I expect to hit the target. Every time. That’s what we train for. You don’t play to lose. You play the game to win.
Did you rape or sexually assault Captain Kayley Park in her chambers on board the Maiden?
We had consensual sex, Rollo says. I think that’s what they call it. She had a thing for me, okay? A Daddy thing. So I went with it. I don’t think you can blame me for that. She’s a good-looking woman.
Kayley bends over like she’s going to be sick to her stomach.
What about her bruising?
She liked it a little rough, Rollo says. Some girls do. I accommodated her.
Skelley takes Kayley’s hand under the table.
Did you also have consensual sex in your chambers on board the
Maiden with Officer Bellaire, as she previously testified?
I did, Rollo says. That was no secret.
Thank you, Captain Rollins, Keiger says. And thank you for your exemplary and extraordinary service to the Navy—and to your country. Your witness, Lieutenant.
Kayley, rubbing her belly, is rocking microscopically in her seat. Skelley stays seated for the moment and smiles at Rollo.
“Exemplary” and “extraordinary,” she says. That’s a bit of an understatement, isn’t it Captain?
That’s not for me to say, Rollo says.
How long have you been a Naval Officer, sir?
I graduated from Annapolis forty years ago, Rollo says.
How long were you a submarine Captain in the U.S. Navy?
I made the rank of Captain after 25 years. I had command of my own boats the last fifteen. While you were still in high school, Lieutenant.
And in all that time you have received many awards and commendations, have you not? Probably too many to name. Or count.
The usual, I guess, I guess. If you stick around long enough, they stick things on your chest. Not much you can do about it.
Skelley stands up and approaches Rollo for the first time.
Did you love being Captain of a submarine all those years, Captain? Would you call it “love.”
Rollo looks to Judge Martinelli with pride.
Damn right I would.
What did you love the most?
Your Honor? Keiger stands up. Do you think Lieutenant Skelley could get to the point before the next election?
I’m retired, Commander, the Judge says. Captain Rollins is retired. We’ve got all the time in the world for Lieutenant Skelley to make her point. Or we could die first. Continue, Lieutenant.
You loved being Skipper of a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine, did you not, Captain Rollins?
Best job in the free world, Rollo says.
Why is that, sir?
Hard to explain, Rollo says.
Try.
There’s love of country, of course. Love of the sea. Love of being in command of something that matters.
Why does commanding a United States Navy nuclear submarine matter, Captain Rollins?
I don’t think any of us want any of this to end. Democracy or whatever you want to call it. If you get to be Captain of a United States nuclear submarine, you’re the last man standing between the country and chaos.
Or the last woman standing? Skelley says. If the Captain of a United States nuclear submarine happened to be a woman?
I was using “man” as the universal, Rollo says. With your permission, Lieutenant.
Permission granted, Captain, Skelley says. But it’s only a temporary reprieve for the duration of this trial. After that you will be expected to acknowledge the existence of female submarine Captains. In all cases.
Really, Your Honor? Keiger says. A lecture?
Play fair, Lieutenant Skelley, the Judge says.
It must be hard to leave something you love, Captain Rollins. To wash your hands of it. Especially if you can do it better than anyone in the free world.
I don’t know about that, Rollo says. But I can Captain a submarine in my sleep.
Skelley goes to the defense table and comes back looking through a sheaf of papers.
Is that why you asked the Fleet Admiral to extend your retirement— once... twice... three times?
I liked being a Captain—
Why should you of all people stop doing what you love at 62? Skelley says. When you’re still at the top of your game?
I know it’s arbitrary, Rollo says. But I believe in the rules. I get it.
Skelley puts both hands on the witness stand and leans within touching distance of Rollo.
Is that why you tried to get your career extended three years ago? Skelley says. And then two years ago? And then just ninety days before you went off on your “victory lap” with Captain Park on the Maiden?
I tried, Rollo says. I failed. I got turned down a few times because I’m a persistent SOB. By the time I stepped on board the Maiden I knew it was over for me. I had a good run. It couldn’t last forever. I knew that. Say goodbye to Hollywood.
Unless we went to war, Skelley says.
Kayley stops rocking.
Sorry? Rollo says
Unless we went to war, Captain Rollins, Skelley says again.
Objection! Keiger stands up. Speculation!
Unless you went to war, Captain Rollins. Would that have been so bad?
That’s the most ridiculous thing I ever heard of, Rollo says.
Your Honor? Keiger says. Can the Defense confine its questions to the real world?
Cut to the chase, Lieutenant, Judge Martinelli says.
Why did you set foot on the Maiden in the first place? Skelley says.
You’d have to ask the higher-ups, Rollo says. They gave me my orders. Chop-chop. Maybe they felt Captain Park needed some seasoning.
“Seasoning”? Skelley says. Like a piece of meat you’re having for dinner?
See how it’s done, Rollo says. That kind of thing. You’d have to ask them.
The “higher-ups,” Skelley says. All the way up to President Leilani Kaine? I’ll make a note.
You do that, Lieutenant, Rollo says. You might learn something.
You were setting sail on the greatest submarine on the face of the earth——and then you were supposed to come home in one week to retire. After your “victory lap.” Like the good Sailor you are.
In the Navy you follow orders, Lieutenant, Rollo says. What about that don’t you understand?
But what if you encountered a crisis? Like the North Koreans launching a missile?
That changed everything, Rollo says. Of course.
Skelley turns away from him then turns right back.
It must have been so hard, she says. For someone like you. All those years.
Sorry? Rollo says
Commanding boat after boat, Skelley says. For months and months. For years and years. With massive nuclear capability. And never seeing any real action.
We saw plenty of action! Rollo says. I’ve been through things on my boats that would give a nice girl like you nightmares!
That’s enough of that, Captain Rollins, the Judge says.
But you were never in combat, were you, Captain Rollins? You never once got to fight. That was the story of your career before you took over the Maiden. That was your nightmare. Your personal nightmare.
Skelley lets that sink in.
I don’t know how you did it, Captain Rollins, she says. Forty years and never once pulling the trigger. Until you did. On the Maiden. In your last week on the job.
Damn right I did! Rollo says. I was always ready!
Ready for what? Skelley says.
For the ultimate sacrifice. That’s what these ribbons are for. To be ready when the time comes. That’s my job.
Was your job. You mean that was your job. You’re retired now, Captain Rollins. I know that can be confusing to a man with your “extraordinary” and “exemplary” record.
Rollo looks so mad he could swallow her in one bite.
Skelley walks back to put Rollo’s retirement request on the table in front of Kayley. She looks across the courtroom at Rollo with dead eyes. The target has been acquired.
A man like you—a U.S. Naval Officer for forty years, a Navy submarine Captain for fifteen—with ribbons covering your chest—a man’s man like you is not about to miss his one chance for glory. Is he, Captain Rollins?
Rollo stares her down without answering.
Not on his last voyage. No, sir. Not at the very last moment. Not when he has one last chance before it’s game over. Before he ends up in a box at the bottom of the ocean.
Skelley gets face-to-face with Rollo on the witness stand.
But you were ready when your chance came, weren’t you Captain Rollins? You fired too soon and you missed. You waited forty years for your one shot at history. And. You. Missed!
Keiger is back on his feet.
Is there a question in there somewhere, Your Honor? We all know the ABM launched by Captain Rollins did not hit the target. It has been so stipulated. As has the unprecedented degree of difficulty in such an attempt.
I will allow it, the Judge says.
Why did you assume command of the U.S.S. Maiden when you knew you were retiring one week later, Captain Rollins? Skelley says. Did you know the attack was coming before you set foot on the Maiden? Did you know you were going to miss on purpose when North Korea fired nuclear missiles? Is that why you assumed command?
Captain Rollins? Judge Martinelli says. You don’t have to answer.
How did you know the Russian subs were in the Mariana Trench? Skelley says. How did you know they were going to engage the Maiden before they appeared on the boat’s sonar?
After forty years you know some things, Rollo says.
Why did you go to battle stations for no reason? Without any provocation whatsoever from North Korea?
Call it a sixth sense if you have to call it something, Rollo says.
So you knew the North Koreans would launch a nuclear missile even before they pressed the button? Because you just happened to “know some things” thanks to your “sixth sense”? Do you expect us to believe that, Captain Rollins?
You can believe whatever you want to believe, Rollo says. It’s a free country.
Why did you miss, Captain Rollins?
Skelley pounds the table and pens jump. So does The Judge. Pencils scatter. A yellow legal pad slides to the floor.
Don’t answer that! Keiger points his finger at Skelley. Stand down, Lieutenant!
Captain Rollins is my witness, sir, Skelley says to Keiger, her old Professor. And he will answer my questions. And we will hear the truth about the U.S.S. Maiden! And you sir, not I, will stand down this minute!
Have a seat, Commander Keiger, Judge Martinelli says.
Keiger, defeated by his own student, slumps back down into his chair.
You want to know why they gave the Maiden to me? Rollo says. And not to her? Because I could still make a difference, that’s why. I was not going to let everything I believed in go down the drain. Not. On. My. Watch.
But your watch had ended, Captain, Skelley says. Your career was over. You were finished. A has-been. It was sad, really.
Rollo flinches as if Skelley just slapped him in the face.
That’s why you conspired with President Kaine to start a nuclear war with North Korea, Skelley says. So your watch would never end. So you could finally go to war as the commander of the most lethal killing machine on the planet. Sailing beneath the waves forever. Isn’t that right, Captain Rollins?
Rollo looks to the Judge for help but no help is to be found. He looks at Keiger but he, too, is out of ammunition.
But that’s not why you raped Captain Park, is it? Skelley says. That wasn’t part of President Kaine’s plan. That was just something you did all on your own. Am I right, Captain Rollins? Am I right?
Objection! Keiger crosses the courtroom. You honor! Please! You have to put an end to this!
You’re right, Rollo says to Skelley. She had to be stopped. By any means necessary. And I stopped her cold that night. Damn right I did. I took her down. And I would do it again. Because I wasn’t going to let that bitch destroy everything I believed in about America. We were at war!
No one—not Kayley or the Judge or the prosecutor—can believe what Rollo just said.
No, Captain. “We” were not at war. But you were. On a suicide mission.
Skelley turns to the Judge.
I ask the court to dismiss all charges against Captain Kayley Park and to immediately remand Captain Roderick Rollins to the Brig for the crime of rape—and for treason against the United States of America, punishable by death.
Judge Martinelli does not hesitate. Keiger drops his head as his historical mutiny conviction goes down the drain.
Sargent-at-Arms? the Judge says. Take Captain Rollins into custody pending the filing of formal charges. Commander Keiger?
Without objection, Your Honor, Keiger says without looking up.
My record is clear, Rollo says. And so is my conscience. Nobody ever served his country better!
The Sargent-at-Arms and two Military Police (MPs) come up beside Rollo on the stand. The two MPs each take an arm. Rollo pulls away. Tries again. No luck. They hold him tight enough to end the argument.
Bon voyage, Captain, Judge Martinelli says.
Captain Roderick Rollins is forcibly escorted out of the court room by the MPs. Keiger trails far behind. On the way out he nods to Skelley, the student who just schooled him in the trial she will dine out on for years to come.
President Kaine will pardon me! Rollo shouts over his shoulder. She said she would if this went south! You wait and see!
Captain Park? Judge Martinelli says.
Kayley and Jenna stand up side-by-side at the Defense table.
A grave, a grievous wrong has been done to you by your Superior Officer, the Judge says. And the United States Navy.
I know, Your Honor, Kayley says.
I just hope that in the course of an illustrious career we can make it up to you, Captain Park, the Judge says. You deserve at least as much if not far, far more. I apologize to you on behalf of the United States Navy and the United States of America.
Thank you, your Honor, Kayley says. That helps a lot.
All charges of mutiny against Captain Kayley Park of the U.S.S. Maiden are hereby dismissed, the Judge says. She will be returned immediately to active duty in command of her boat. At full rank after her maternity leave. It is so ordered.
I just want to do my job, Your Honor, Kayley says. Like my father did. That’s all I ever wanted since I was a little girl.
I will also recommend the U.S. Navy begin a proceeding with the intention of providing Captain Park with financial compensation, the Judge says, both for the crime committed against her—and for this unholy, misbegotten trial. I am profoundly sorry, Captain. I hope you can forgive us.
Just promise me you will release Officer Marina Saldana and Yeoman Tom Johnstone before nightfall, Kayley says..
Of course, the Judge says. But I do have one more question. When is the baby due, Captain?
In a week, sir. A girl named “Marina.” It means—
My mother is from Puerto Rico, Captain, the Judge says. I know what “Marina” means.
The Judge picks up his gavel.
Go get your boat, Captain Park, he says. Go to sea. And God bless you. The Navy needs more people like you. So does our country.
Judge Martinelli winks at Skelley, hammers the trial to a close, and leaves the bench for the last time.
Kayley jumps up and down holding her tummy like a beachball. She dances around in a little circle. She and Skelley embrace as Dougie and Kayley’s Mom rush into the courtroom. Kayley hugs her Mom and holds Dougie for a long time. Then she turns to Skelley.
Lieutenant, I’ve always wondered about something, Kayley says. What was your first case? You never told me.
An enlisted man, Skelley says. Drunk as a skunk in port. Guilty as sin. But he wanted his day in court. You know how that goes.
Well, Kayley says. You can’t lose them all.
Kayley takes Dougie in her arms.
I love you, Captain, she says. And I love our family. But we have to go now. My water broke.
Dougie looks down and then looks up.
We’re going to DEFCON 5! Dougie says.
(25)
Back at the Officer’s Club on a wonderful summer night in Hawaii, a big wedding-gown white-banner reads “BON VOYAGE KAYLEY AND DOUGIE!”
All the familiar faces are there. The Crew. Weps. Billy. Chief. DJ Hani-Ha. Lieutenant Jenna Skelley. Everyone is blissful and beaming at the happy ending and the new beginning. Kayley is spectacular in a beautiful dress with a long trane on her petite frame. She hands their tiny baby girl to her mother.
Thank you,” Ellen Park says. “For taking the test.
I hate to so I told you so, Kayley says. But I always knew it was Dougie’s from the way she kept kicking.
Dougie has finally replaced his glasses with contact lenses. He looks like a different man in his dress whites, sexy even, with his head shaved to the quick.
Kayley and her new husband start swaying ever so slowly to “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong—their first dance in wedlock.
My Dad’s favorite song, Kayley says.
That’s why I picked it, Dougie says.
I miss him so much Kayley says.
He’d be freaking proud of you, Captain Park, Dougie says.
And he would have loved you, Captain Strait. He always wanted me to marry someone tall.
And what would your father say about Rollo’s pardon by President Kaine, Dougie says. On the day of our wedding?
He would say don’t let a dick ruin a perfect day, Kayley says.
The music segues into hip-hop served up by DJ Hani-Ha, the Maiden’s
ping / disc jockey. Sailors and civilians flood onto the dance floor.
Kayley pulls on her trane and off it comes, transforming her wedding dress into a much shorter number cut above her knees.
Let’s get this party started, Kayley says.
In dress whites, Weps elbows through the revelers with two glasses of champagne. She gives one to Queenie at the edge of the deck with the hand that has an engagement ring on her ring finger.
I’m glad that’s over, Weps said.
You ever been a Maiden of Honor before? Queenie says.
Me? A maiden? Weps slugs him hard on the arm. What kind of question is that?