Show: NCIS - 22x9
"'But you were always a good man of business, Jacob,' "faltered Scrooge.
'Business,' cried the ghost..."
"...wringing its hands again. "
'Mankind was my business. "
'The common welfare was my business. "
'Charity, mercy, forbearance and benevolence were all my business.'" Man, what is this crap?
Cut it out, Zanella.
Give it back.
It's bad enough we inherited this hellhole from the Brits.
Now we got to listen to their boring books, too?
Respect the classics, Marine.
Yes, Lieutenant.
Let's see this.
Ah.
Stay alert.
We're moving out in about 20 minutes.
It's almost dawn.
Never understood ghost stories at Christmas anyway.
Pay attention.
It's a reminder.
That mankind is our business?
Damn straight.
Especially the man to our left and the man to our right.
Understood?
Oorah.
Contact!
Enemy fire!
Down!
Down!
Down!
Watch your six!
Guard your six!
Left side, left side!
Left side, left side!
Changing positions!
Changing positions!
Evan, get down!
Grenade!
Grenade!
Morning, McGee.
Reflecting on this special season?
No, actually, I was thinking about how if this was real snow, it wouldn't melt.
It's been three days, we still have no heat on in here.
Yeah.
Maintenance says it's coming.
In the meantime, might as well get warm by the fire.
God bless paperwork.
And warm kringla, the heart of Norwegian "hygge," otherwise known as "coziness."
Mmm.
Good food, good people, warm fire.
Just in time, too.
I'm all right.
Because our fire is about to run out of paper.
And the peoples are going to get frostbite.
Holidays are all about making the best of things.
Everybody got plans?
We got kids, Santa and Delilah.
Doesn't get cozier than that.
I got board games and listening to my dad complain about retirement.
How about you, Torres?
Family time with your sister?
She's out of town.
You want to come over to my place or...?
Oh, thank you, man, but, uh, Jimmy already booked me.
Christmas with the Palmers.
I hope you're ready for some caroling.
Lots and lots of caroling.
Brutal.
Well, speaking of unexpected guests, looks like Deputy Director Laroche is back in the building.
He's been overseas.
Are you stalking him?
No, I'm just keeping tabs.
Because he got the job over you?
I thought you had moved on.
I did.
There-there is something off about this guy.
Okay, Laroche just spent the last two months doing a "friendly" tour of every NCIS office in the world.
Friendly?
That guy?
Exactly.
I mean, the guy's had the job five minutes, he's using it as a political stepping stone?
Or maybe he's just spreading Christmas cheer?
Happy holidays, everyone.
Ah, same to you, Deputy Director.
Oh, please call me Gabe.
Interesting place for a copier.
Uh...
Lot of paperwork.
It's just, uh, end-of-year reports.
And makeshift handwarmers?
Relax.
I am not here for a lecture on wasting office supplies.
My job is simply to help you do yours.
All set.
Although I should mention that each ream costs this agency $7.29.
Mm, there it is.
Deputy Director Laroche.
Media blackout order from the DoD?
Wonder why they don't want us talking to the press.
Yes, sir.
On our way.
The, uh, director wants to talk to us.
Good morning, sir.
We got a problem.
Yeah, you're hogging all the heat.
Must be pushing 90 in here.
It's being worked on.
Right now this is the real issue.
Excerpts from an upcoming tell-all book have just been leaked.
That explains the media blackout.
Darkness at Dawn?
I take it this, uh, tell-all isn't flattering?
No, they never are.
The book accuses a Marine of gross negligence during a Taliban ambush in 2010.
That was a long time ago, sir.
Maybe, but the ambush resulted in the deaths of three Marines.
Also, the Marine in question is Lieutenant Merritt Hastings.
Hastings?
That rings a bell.
Well, should.
He famously threw back a Taliban grenade during that same ambush.
Lost the use of his arm when the shell exploded midair.
Attacking a wounded vet at Christmas?
Who wrote this book, the Grinch?
Since his medical retirement, Hastings has become a veterans' advocate.
He's also the face of a veterans' bill which is up for vote in the New Year.
A bill with SECNAV's backing.
And if these allegations are true, that bill collapses.
Yeah, along with Hastings' reputation.
SECNAV wants these claims investigated before the book hits shelves after the holidays.
All right.
On it, Director.
I wasn't finished.
DoD is afraid that this could land us on some political thin ice.
Oh, well, we'll watch our step.
SECNAV is offering a little extra help.
Deputy Director Laroche has been assigned to oversee the case.
He'll be working with you directly.
I appreciate your trust, Director.
Observing your team up close will be a gift.
Can't wait.
These excerpts are kind of vague.
Yeah, but the prose is tight.
They accuse Lieutenant Hastings of dereliction of duty without a shred of evidence.
Yeah, they're baiting the readers.
The big reveal's probably in the full book.
Or it's smoke and mirrors.
Have you ever heard of this author?
Marley Jaggers?
No, there's no record of 'em.
Probably a pen name.
Yeah, what kind of coward hides behind a fake name?
What?
I use a pen name for my books.
Yeah, but you're not attacking anyone.
This feels like a PR stunt.
-If it is, the publisher could use the investigation to build buzz.
So we might be doing their job for them.
Reminds me of someone else we know.
Laroche?
Getting assigned to our case?
You think he planned this?
Well, he's been in and out of SECNAV's office for weeks.
That dude is definitely looking to score some points.
Maybe he'll be too busy brownnosing to bug us.
There you are.
Thought you were avoiding me.
Why are we meeting down here again?
It's where the bodies are, right?
Also, it's warmer.
Yeah, barely.
Do me a favor and stop that.
Excuse me?
No eating or drinking down here.
Right.
Down to business.
How does this work?
Do I ask questions or...?
We usually start with an update.
Do your thing.
Pretend I'm not here.
Like, uh, Jane Goodall with gorillas.
Mm.
Go.
Book excerpts focus on an ambush in the early hours of December 19, 2010.
Lieutenant Merritt Hastings, uh, led a squad outside of Sangin.
It's a Taliban stronghold and one of the deadliest zones in the war.
The squad was staged and awaiting predawn orders to move out.
Until they were hit from the northwest.
With rifle fire and RPGs.
Uh, including a grenade that Hastings managed to throw back.
Saving lives.
But by the time it was over, there were still six Marines wounded, three killed: Privates Howard Rane and Yancy Bickell and Lance Corporal Evan Cross.
In each case, cause of death was bullet wounds.
7.62-millimeter Soviet rounds.
AK-47.
Taliban standard issue.
Entry wounds all match.
No signs of friendly fire.
Despite having shrapnel in his arms, Hastings still managed to drag a man to safety.
He's a hero.
So...
there's no case?
-Sure there is.
Straight-up slander.
Attacking the face of a veterans' bill right before the vote?
It's not a coincidence.
But who would vote against the veterans?
Nobody.
That's the thing.
Right, but discredit Hastings and the whole bill falls apart.
It's smart.
Politically speaking.
So we're looking for lobbyists, political rivals...
Anyone on the Hill with something to gain.
I'll put out some feelers.
In the meantime, we should talk to Hastings.
I've got a call into his motorcycle shop in Falls Church.
Ooh, custom bikes.
I'm in.
Actually, uh, maybe I should go instead.
Yeah.
A political operative might be more useful.
Wouldn't want Hastings to say something to make things worse.
It's looking good, Paul.
Billy, double-check the valve timing on Ms.
Caskey's Sportster.
It's running too lean.
And, Zanella, pay attention.
There's oil all over the place.
Yes, Lieutenant, on it.
Whoa-ho-ho, watch your step, buddy.
Wouldn't want to ruin your fancy loafers.
Oh.
I'm guessing you're here to talk to the LT?
Good luck.
He's in a mood.
Can I help you?
If you're here for a bike, we're booked through April.
Actually, sir, we're with NCIS.
Deputy Director Laroche, Special Agent Parker.
We'd like to talk to you about some recently released book excerpts.
Have you heard?
I think he's heard.
- I'm done hearing.
Got so many reporters calling, I had to unplug the phone.
We'd like to discuss what happened that day.
During the ambush.
No need.
You've got the reports.
So your official statement is that you did everything right?
I lost three Marines.
There's nothing right about that.
Sure.
But we're gonna need more.
You are the face of a high-profile veterans' bill.
That's not about me.
Someone thinks it is.
They want to drag you through the mud.
You have any idea who that might be?
Even if I did, I don't need NCIS to fight my battles.
Excuse me.
Hey.
Want to know what really happened that day?
This happened.
And it would've been a lot worse if it wasn't for the lieutenant.
He saved me out there.
And back here, too.
And not just me.
I mean, look around.
He only hires wounded vets.
Pays fair.
Don't let the giant stick up his butt fool you.
Zanella?
Back to work.
That man would do anything to protect his people.
♪ Fold the corner, nice and tight ♪ ♪ Wrap it snug ♪ ♪ That's just right.
♪ Where did you learn that?
Daddy desperation.
It's the only way that Victoria would go to sleep for the first six months.
Now I'm forbidden in her room.
Ooh.
Double tuck and tug, very impressive.
The cold is killing my equipment.
Oh, well, why won't you use that thing?
Oh, Torres brought it down for me, but Laroche made me unplug it after he recited the fire code violations.
Yeah, of course he did.
Speaking of Torres, I heard he's spending Christmas with you guys, Tim?
That's so nice.
What?
Wait, no, he said he was spending it with you.
No.
Why would he lie about that?
Ooh, mystery.
Maybe Torres is going somewhere super nice, didn't want to make you jealous.
While we're on the topic of Christmas mysteries, any luck IDing our author Marley Jaggers?
Well, I was kind of hoping it was an anagram of the author's real name.
Kind of like our very own Thom E.
Gemcity.
Hmm, I tried all the combos.
Dead ends, all of 'em.
Well, I've been tracking the online discussion forums that reference the ambush in the book.
Found a few IP addresses.
Oh, that's more than a few, Kasie.
Not sure we can run all those.
We don't have to.
I cross-referenced these IPs with ones that filed Freedom of Information Act requests for the after action reports.
-Have no idea what any of that means.
Sounds promising, though.
- I doubt it.
Most people use VPNs to mask their IPs.
One person didn't.
Seriously, in 2024?
Yep, just waiting on the tracking results.
Ooh, okay.
The IP address belongs to...
a Samuel Cross of Herndon.
Running the name now to see if there's-- Oh.
That was fast.
Because Samuel Cross is a former corporal.
A fellow Marine?
He's from the same platoon.
Yeah, not just that.
His younger brother is one of the Marines that died in the ambush-- Evan.
Well, if Samuel Cross is the author, this is not a smear campaign.
No, it's personal.
Samuel Cross?
NCIS.
Yeah, door's open.
Did he just invite us in?
Be right out.
I think we found our writer.
Sorry, I forgot to leave a tip on the app.
And you didn't bring pad thai.
NCIS.
Special Agents Parker and Torres.
I know why you're here.
And I've got nothing to say.
Well, it looks like you got plenty to say here.
It's all in the book.
And I am not retracting a word.
Hastings got my brother killed.
You served with Hastings.
You know what kind of man he is.
He threw a grenade back.
He tried to save lives.
Yeah.
Great story.
But I've got a different one.
And the world is about to read it.
Samuel, if you've got proof, why not come to us?
So you can bury the truth?
Like they did 14 years ago?
No.
This was a government cover-up.
Whoa, whoa, what cover-up?
You'll see.
And everyone will know what Hastings did, and my brother will finally get some justice.
And nobody is stopping that!
Hey.
Easy, Sam.
Just here to talk, okay?
I'm not.
Get out.
Samuel...
Get out!
Now.
You shouldn't have met with Cross without me.
The last thing we need is for him to run to the press and scream harassment.
We got out before it escalated.
That's not the point.
He said the magic words: "cover-up."
Exactly what SECNAV wants to avoid.
All right, where are we?
Stuck.
If Cross has proof of wrongdoing, we haven't found it.
And we're pulling every report from the two weeks before and after the ambush.
We have patrol logs, comms, mission briefs.
And so far, nothing.
Either Cross is sitting on something big or this is some kind of personal vendetta.
It felt pretty personal.
The guy's in a bad place.
That's not our business.
Well, maybe it should be.
Our job is to find out what's in that book.
How do we get our hands on the full version?
Well, with all the media buzz, publisher has it on lockdown.
Ooh, maybe Thom E.
Gemcity could get an advance copy.
Who?
- It's my pen name.
I'm a published author.
At least I was.
It's been years.
I don't know, I doubt my influence is what it was, you know?
Mm.
Then it's a waste of time.
We need real leads, not gimmicks.
Leads aren't always black and white.
Sometimes you have to think in color.
This isn't an art class.
Well, maybe it should be.
Uh, excuse me, this a bad time?
Uh, Brian Zanella from the shop?
Of course.
What can we do for you?
Well, I came to drop off letters of support for the lieutenant, but seeing that?
Yeah, I'm thinking we talk about him instead.
Thanks.
Here you go.
Thanks.
Yeah, you were right.
Warmer out here.
So, you know Samuel Cross?
Uh...
shouldn't we waitfor him?
He won't mind.
I never thought it'd be Sam writing that book.
We didn't fight for ourselves out there.
We fought for each other.
Oorah?
Oo-right.
That's what the lieutenant drilled into us.
We followed his lead, even Sam.
What changed?
When his brother died, Sam just...
broke.
Finished the tour in silence.
And that's the last any of us ever saw him.
He claims that Hastings got his brother killed.
Says he has proof.
Nah, I don't buy it.
That's grief talking.
Sam's got a chip on his shoulder, and some publisher saw a chance to milk it.
A book tearing down one of his own.
It sells copies.
Never mind that it's not true.
Or that Sam wasn't even there that day.
He was in a med tent ten miles away.
Yeah, knee injury.
We pulled his record.
It's spotless.
Sam was a good Marine.
Still is.
He's just...
lost his way.
Here, I brought this.
Video from a combat cameraman taken two days before the ambush.
You'll see how tight we were.
Like brothers?
Hey, Lance Corporal Cross, you got something you want to say to the wife back home?
Uh...
maybe later, sir.
Oh.
My little brother likes to keep those messages private.
Newlyweds.
Here, that's Hastings with the two Cross boys.
Okay.
So you're keeping those home fires burning bright, huh?
Wow, Hastings really cared for his guys.
What are we missing?
You know it, you know it, sir.
What happened?
Harsh weather is rough on electronics.
Uh, scorching desert or frozen lab.
Been meaning to ask.
What's the deal with your Christmas plans?
What?
Come on, Jimmy, McGee?
It's not exactly your best cover story.
Why you lying?
Ooh, let me guess.
You dress up like Santa and hand out presents, right?
Seriously.
Who you spending Christmas with?
Nobody, nobody.
I just, uh, I just want to be alone.
You know, recharge.
I didn't want anybody to worry about me.
Hmm.
Hmm.
Hey, I might have a way to get that book.
The full version.
Oh, ask Santa?
Publisher won't hand it over, but Cross's literary agent might.
Out of the goodness in his heart?
No, out of greed.
Put out the word that Thom E.
Gemcity's looking for new representation, and Cross's agent wants to meet.
We just need to convince him to hand over the full manuscript.
And who's "we"?
What are you doing?
Getting into character.
Gemcity is very worldly, he drinks like a European.
Hmm.
And what about his manager?
Is she European?
No, she's all business.
Oh, good.
Thom E.
Gemcity.
Martin Gates, big fan.
Deep Six is brilliant.
The words, they come to me.
Hi.
Jessica.
Thom's manager.
Thank you for meeting.
Are you sure you want to do this here?
I know the maître d' at Renata's.
Yeah, let's just cut to it.
So, with the subject of Thom's next novel, we're looking for somebody who can handle sensitive material.
Well, that's my specialty.
I'm not afraid to push boundaries.
Mm, right, like your work with, uh...
Marley Jaggers.
You heard?
Those leaked excerpts?
They're my idea.
Hmm.
Wanted to build buzz without spoiling the surprise.
And just in time for people to spend all those holiday gift cards.
Hmm.
Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like profiting from other people's pain.
God bless us, every one.
Hmm.
Uh, Jess, remember why we're here.
The money's not the point.
Right.
Thom is looking for a true partner.
Someone to elevate his work.
We'd love to take a look at Jaggers' full manuscript, see how you shepherd talent.
That's tricky.
Security issues.
Ah.
That is, unless you've got something to sweeten the pot?
How about an exclusive preview of Thom E.
Gemcity's next thriller?
Excuse me?
Full book for full book.
Well, no, that's not happening.
So it's not written?
It's written, but...
Then we have a deal?
Thom, remember why we're here.
Deal.
Excellent.
Martini?
Martini?
Ugh!
I've read encyclopedias shorter than this book.
Stop whining.
It's why we split it up.
Has anybody finished their part?
- Yeah, I have.
I'm onto, uh, Laroche's and Parker's section now.
No bombshells yet.
Oh.
Wait a second.
You got something?
Yeah.
Page 312.
There's a mention of a radio transmission.
A transmission about what? "
There's a radio call warning of enemy advancement toward the squad."
It says the warning came from company headquarters ten minutes before the ambush.
That was plenty of time to get out.
But why didn't they?
- According to this, Hastings blatantly ignored the warning and sent his men to danger.
There's no record of this warning in any of these reports.
Could be fake.
- I wish it was.
But that transmission is legit.
I just talked to my contact at DoD.
Turns out, the original record of that transmission was lost due to a data corruption issue.
No wonder Cross thinks it's a cover-up.
How did he even find out?
Special Ops team in the same area also got that warning.
And their logs were intact, but the op was classified till recently.
Cross dug through the declassified records.
His obsession paid off.
Kind of how your coloring outside the lines has also paid off.
Nice work getting the full book.
There has to be a reason Hastings ignored the warning.
Yeah, maybe he never got it.
That's the million-dollar question.
This is all in the book?
And Sam Cross is the author?
That's right.
How's he doing?
That's not the issue here.
This warning came via forward intelligence units, but we don't have confirmation that your squad ever received it.
The radio operator died in the ambush, and he was the only one who could verify.
Except you.
Mr.
Hastings, this is your chance to set the record straight and clear your name.
It's not about me.
Then think about the bill.
The DoD can push back on this whole thing.
All you have to do is say you never received that transmission.
I can't do that.
Why not?
The book's right.
The warning came in, and I ignored it.
Lieutenant, what are you doing?
Stay out of it, Zanella.
Sir, if there's more you're not telling us, then...
It was my squad, my call.
I got those men killed.
Yes, I...
I understand you are upset.
No, we don't comment on ongoing investigations.
Hello?
Hung up.
Same here.
More calls from the shop?
Yeah.
Angry ones.
The employees are convinced that Hastings confessed to something that he didn't do.
They think he's protecting someone.
So what do we think?
I think it's a job well done.
We might not have got the outcome that we wanted, but we have enough to move forward.
With what?
Hastings' confession gives SECNAV and the DoD exactly what they needed.
A chance to distance themselves and keep the veterans' bill alive.
And let Hastings take the fall?
He made his choice loud and clear.
That wouldn't be the first time that he sacrificed himself to protect his men.
You know, I'm checking the unit radio logs, and something's off here.
There's a history of missed transmissions and incomplete data.
That's not unusual for desert operations.
That's true, but these gaps are due to failed handoffs, delayed relays.
No, this suggests a human element.
Operator error?
Possible.
Maybe the warning got lost.
And Hastings is covering for his radio operator.
That doesn't make any sense.
The operator died during the ambush.
Why protect him now?
The author's brother was the radio operator.
-Evan Cross.
Turns out, Hastings recently assigned him to the job.
You think inexperience explains why that warning transmission didn't get through?
I think it explains Hastings' confession.
Protecting Evan's name could be his way of making amends for assigning somebody unqualified.
At the cost of a veterans' bill that could help thousands?
Marines don't usually worry about politics.
Just my experience and what I gleaned from working round here.
Should I step out, Director?
I'd rather you fix the heat, Mr.
Kincaid.
Okay.
Look, if Hastings is going to accept responsibility publicly, then our options are limited.
We need to accept the facts.
We don't have all the facts.
That's why we need to keep digging.
Blaming a dead Marine for an ambush that killed three men?
This will look like scapegoating.
The last thing SECNAV wants.
I agree.
Thank you.
With both of you.
Sir?
Our job is to find the truth.
And if Evan was responsible for that communication breakdown, then we need to prove it without a doubt.
How?
Hastings won't talk, and Evan Cross is dead.
They're the only two who could have known about those radio issues.
Maybe not.
We know that Evan sent messages to his wife.
If he was struggling with the new assignment, he could've confided in her.
You expect a Marine widow to tarnish her husband's memory?
Marine's family wouldn't see it as tarnishing.
More like telling the truth to protect the unit.
I was gonna say talking to the widow is all we got, but I like his answer better.
It's political suicide.
Talk to her.
Carefully.
Evan will always hold a place in my heart.
That's what makes this so surreal.
I became a grief counselor to help others move on, but with Sam's book, the reporters, I'm the one that needs therapy.
We'd just like to clear up a few things about Evan's time as a radio operator.
Such as?
Did he ever mention challenges with the assignment?
No.
Evan was proud of it.
He loved anything tech-related.
He was always tinkering with gadgets, learning everything he could about that radio.
But it was new for him.
He wasn't some rookie.
Evan wasn't careless.
He knew exactly what was at stake.
I-I don't normally share this.
It's one of the few things I've held onto all these years.
Hey, babe.
Can't talk long.
We're moving out soon.
Everything's good.
I miss you, and I can't wait to see you.
The team's leaning on me, and I'm making sure we all are safe, coming home.
Love you.
Evan wanted to protect his team.
Now I want to protect him.
- We understand.
Sounds like Samuel is trying to protect Evan in his own way, too.
He's not writing this book for his brother.
It's for him.
Another way to bury all the grief.
After Evan died, Sam pushed everyone away, shut himself off.
Some people need isolation to sort things out?
Not if they already feel alone.
Then isolation can lead to anger, obsession, and the bottle.
Is Sam an alcoholic?
Whatever he is, this book isn't going to change anything.
Sam needs help.
Something on your mind?
Old ghosts.
Hmm.
Maybe you and Parker should compare notes.
Bad joke.
You want to talk about it?
I want to talk about the radio operator.
Sounds like he didn't make a mistake.
Then why would Hastings feel compelled to cover for him?
He wouldn't.
Unless they never got that warning in the first place.
Better turn around.
Hey, what's going on?
Disturbance at Samuel Cross's apartment.
What kind of disturbance?
The kind that attracts attention.
You dishonor Hastings, you dishonor all of us!
Hey, federal agent.
Stand down, guys.
Open the door!
Stop hiding behind a damn book!
All right, that's enough!
Everybody, back up.
Back up.
Back up, back up.
There's nothing to see here.
I've got nothing to say.
Get out here!
That's enough!
Show your face!
Hey, hey, hey, hey!
No, no, come on, come on.
Whoa, whoa!
Get back.
You hear me, Zanella?
I'm pressing charges!
Stand down!
Look at me.
Get your hands off me!
Hands off me!
Is it just me, or is it really hot in here?
Not just you.
Of course.
I understand.
I warned you, Agent Parker.
This could've been prevented.
Yes, ma'am.
Will do.
That was SECNAV.
She isn't thrilled to see NCIS on the front page.
Of Hill Hype, not the Post.
Doesn't matter.
She's worried about the optics and where this case is heading.
You briefed her on the case?
No.
I didn't.
I did.
You went behind our backs.
Right after you and your team decided to press your luck.
We were just doing our job.
And look where that got us.
That's got nothing to do with it!
All right, that's enough.
DoD wants to contain the situation.
So they're accepting Hastings' confession and handing over the case to JAG.
Leon!
NCIS has been ordered to stand down.
It's over.
I suggest your team start their holiday break.
And be thankful you still have one.
Laroche is still hovering around upstairs.
Like the Ghost of Christmas Future?
He finds out we're still working, we might not have a future.
Where's Torres?
Digging into Samuel Cross's background.
Said something about the guy "needing help."
Yeah, that's what his sister-in-law said.
Right now we're the ones that need help.
Hastings confessed to ignoring the warning, but there's no proof he ever got it.
Radio operator knew what he was doing, so, most likely wasn't human error.
So, that leaves a technical malfunction.
A malfunction that we still can't prove.
Um...
Password? "
Santa sent me."
Hey.
I thought I'd help heat things up.
Trying to keep a low profile here, Jimmy, okay?
Yeah, don't worry, I-I made sure I wasn't followed.
Figured as long as we're ignoring SECNAV's orders to go home, we might as well ignore Laroche's fire code warning.
Oh.
Maybe he was right.
This thing is malfunctioning.
Must be putting out some kind of interference.
Hold on, hold on.
You might be onto something, Jimmy.
McGee, pull up the footage from Afghanistan, of Hastings' squad.
Yeah.
Uh, which part?
The interference.
You know it, sir.
Okay, roll it back.
You know it, you know it, sir.
Look at that.
You know it, you know it, sir.
The static only happens when the radio equipment is nearby.
The message Evan sent to his wife has that same static.
Com radios are not supposed to mess with other equipment.
So why did this one?
KASIE [shouting]: This is definitely the wrong frequency.
Look.[shouting]: Okay.
What does that mean?
What?
What does that mean?
I-I can't hear you.
Yeah, turn...
I can't hear you.
Okay.
Thank you.
All right, you've duplicated the faulty frequency in a lab.
What does that tell us about the radio in Afghanistan?
That radio had an internal flaw, one that would not have been obvious.
And the warning transmission?
A radio stuck on the wrong frequency drains power, making it nearly impossible to receive a warning on the correct frequency.
So it was a technical failure?
Exactly.
And there is no way Evan could have known that.
No one's to blame.
That's the truth, and we can prove it.
Ooh.
Isn't this good news?
I'm not sure the truth matters to Hastings or the author.
Once that book hits the shelves, the public damage is done.
You really think Cross won't retract?
Even after this?
I think he's hurting.
And I might know why.
Been digging through his record.
Think I found something.
Something we can use?
Maybe, but I'd like to take the lead on this, if that's okay.
Alone?
Not exactly.
I don't believe this.
I'm disappointed, Em.
Didn't realize this was a setup.
Hear him out.
Sam, please.
Have a seat, Marine.
I know about the faulty radio.
My agent told me, and I told him it doesn't change anything.
This is not about the radio or the book or Hastings.
What's left?
You.
What are you doing with my service record?
We know about the knee injury.
The deeper I went in...
...the more it all started making sense.
You don't know anything about me.
I know you were a radio operator like your brother.
So what?
That knee injury kept you off patrol, didn't it?
Hastings promoted your brother to take your place, and that's...
well, that's what's eating you up.
Hastings tell you that?
No.
You just did.
I know what it's like, carrying guilt, pushing people away, thinking they can never understand.
They can't.
Why?
What really happened?
Sam.
You've been blaming yourself
'Business,' cried the ghost..."
"...wringing its hands again. "
'Mankind was my business. "
'The common welfare was my business. "
'Charity, mercy, forbearance and benevolence were all my business.'" Man, what is this crap?
Cut it out, Zanella.
Give it back.
It's bad enough we inherited this hellhole from the Brits.
Now we got to listen to their boring books, too?
Respect the classics, Marine.
Yes, Lieutenant.
Let's see this.
Ah.
Stay alert.
We're moving out in about 20 minutes.
It's almost dawn.
Never understood ghost stories at Christmas anyway.
Pay attention.
It's a reminder.
That mankind is our business?
Damn straight.
Especially the man to our left and the man to our right.
Understood?
Oorah.
Contact!
Enemy fire!
Down!
Down!
Down!
Watch your six!
Guard your six!
Left side, left side!
Left side, left side!
Changing positions!
Changing positions!
Evan, get down!
Grenade!
Grenade!
Morning, McGee.
Reflecting on this special season?
No, actually, I was thinking about how if this was real snow, it wouldn't melt.
It's been three days, we still have no heat on in here.
Yeah.
Maintenance says it's coming.
In the meantime, might as well get warm by the fire.
God bless paperwork.
And warm kringla, the heart of Norwegian "hygge," otherwise known as "coziness."
Mmm.
Good food, good people, warm fire.
Just in time, too.
I'm all right.
Because our fire is about to run out of paper.
And the peoples are going to get frostbite.
Holidays are all about making the best of things.
Everybody got plans?
We got kids, Santa and Delilah.
Doesn't get cozier than that.
I got board games and listening to my dad complain about retirement.
How about you, Torres?
Family time with your sister?
She's out of town.
You want to come over to my place or...?
Oh, thank you, man, but, uh, Jimmy already booked me.
Christmas with the Palmers.
I hope you're ready for some caroling.
Lots and lots of caroling.
Brutal.
Well, speaking of unexpected guests, looks like Deputy Director Laroche is back in the building.
He's been overseas.
Are you stalking him?
No, I'm just keeping tabs.
Because he got the job over you?
I thought you had moved on.
I did.
There-there is something off about this guy.
Okay, Laroche just spent the last two months doing a "friendly" tour of every NCIS office in the world.
Friendly?
That guy?
Exactly.
I mean, the guy's had the job five minutes, he's using it as a political stepping stone?
Or maybe he's just spreading Christmas cheer?
Happy holidays, everyone.
Ah, same to you, Deputy Director.
Oh, please call me Gabe.
Interesting place for a copier.
Uh...
Lot of paperwork.
It's just, uh, end-of-year reports.
And makeshift handwarmers?
Relax.
I am not here for a lecture on wasting office supplies.
My job is simply to help you do yours.
All set.
Although I should mention that each ream costs this agency $7.29.
Mm, there it is.
Deputy Director Laroche.
Media blackout order from the DoD?
Wonder why they don't want us talking to the press.
Yes, sir.
On our way.
The, uh, director wants to talk to us.
Good morning, sir.
We got a problem.
Yeah, you're hogging all the heat.
Must be pushing 90 in here.
It's being worked on.
Right now this is the real issue.
Excerpts from an upcoming tell-all book have just been leaked.
That explains the media blackout.
Darkness at Dawn?
I take it this, uh, tell-all isn't flattering?
No, they never are.
The book accuses a Marine of gross negligence during a Taliban ambush in 2010.
That was a long time ago, sir.
Maybe, but the ambush resulted in the deaths of three Marines.
Also, the Marine in question is Lieutenant Merritt Hastings.
Hastings?
That rings a bell.
Well, should.
He famously threw back a Taliban grenade during that same ambush.
Lost the use of his arm when the shell exploded midair.
Attacking a wounded vet at Christmas?
Who wrote this book, the Grinch?
Since his medical retirement, Hastings has become a veterans' advocate.
He's also the face of a veterans' bill which is up for vote in the New Year.
A bill with SECNAV's backing.
And if these allegations are true, that bill collapses.
Yeah, along with Hastings' reputation.
SECNAV wants these claims investigated before the book hits shelves after the holidays.
All right.
On it, Director.
I wasn't finished.
DoD is afraid that this could land us on some political thin ice.
Oh, well, we'll watch our step.
SECNAV is offering a little extra help.
Deputy Director Laroche has been assigned to oversee the case.
He'll be working with you directly.
I appreciate your trust, Director.
Observing your team up close will be a gift.
Can't wait.
These excerpts are kind of vague.
Yeah, but the prose is tight.
They accuse Lieutenant Hastings of dereliction of duty without a shred of evidence.
Yeah, they're baiting the readers.
The big reveal's probably in the full book.
Or it's smoke and mirrors.
Have you ever heard of this author?
Marley Jaggers?
No, there's no record of 'em.
Probably a pen name.
Yeah, what kind of coward hides behind a fake name?
What?
I use a pen name for my books.
Yeah, but you're not attacking anyone.
This feels like a PR stunt.
-If it is, the publisher could use the investigation to build buzz.
So we might be doing their job for them.
Reminds me of someone else we know.
Laroche?
Getting assigned to our case?
You think he planned this?
Well, he's been in and out of SECNAV's office for weeks.
That dude is definitely looking to score some points.
Maybe he'll be too busy brownnosing to bug us.
There you are.
Thought you were avoiding me.
Why are we meeting down here again?
It's where the bodies are, right?
Also, it's warmer.
Yeah, barely.
Do me a favor and stop that.
Excuse me?
No eating or drinking down here.
Right.
Down to business.
How does this work?
Do I ask questions or...?
We usually start with an update.
Do your thing.
Pretend I'm not here.
Like, uh, Jane Goodall with gorillas.
Mm.
Go.
Book excerpts focus on an ambush in the early hours of December 19, 2010.
Lieutenant Merritt Hastings, uh, led a squad outside of Sangin.
It's a Taliban stronghold and one of the deadliest zones in the war.
The squad was staged and awaiting predawn orders to move out.
Until they were hit from the northwest.
With rifle fire and RPGs.
Uh, including a grenade that Hastings managed to throw back.
Saving lives.
But by the time it was over, there were still six Marines wounded, three killed: Privates Howard Rane and Yancy Bickell and Lance Corporal Evan Cross.
In each case, cause of death was bullet wounds.
7.62-millimeter Soviet rounds.
AK-47.
Taliban standard issue.
Entry wounds all match.
No signs of friendly fire.
Despite having shrapnel in his arms, Hastings still managed to drag a man to safety.
He's a hero.
So...
there's no case?
-Sure there is.
Straight-up slander.
Attacking the face of a veterans' bill right before the vote?
It's not a coincidence.
But who would vote against the veterans?
Nobody.
That's the thing.
Right, but discredit Hastings and the whole bill falls apart.
It's smart.
Politically speaking.
So we're looking for lobbyists, political rivals...
Anyone on the Hill with something to gain.
I'll put out some feelers.
In the meantime, we should talk to Hastings.
I've got a call into his motorcycle shop in Falls Church.
Ooh, custom bikes.
I'm in.
Actually, uh, maybe I should go instead.
Yeah.
A political operative might be more useful.
Wouldn't want Hastings to say something to make things worse.
It's looking good, Paul.
Billy, double-check the valve timing on Ms.
Caskey's Sportster.
It's running too lean.
And, Zanella, pay attention.
There's oil all over the place.
Yes, Lieutenant, on it.
Whoa-ho-ho, watch your step, buddy.
Wouldn't want to ruin your fancy loafers.
Oh.
I'm guessing you're here to talk to the LT?
Good luck.
He's in a mood.
Can I help you?
If you're here for a bike, we're booked through April.
Actually, sir, we're with NCIS.
Deputy Director Laroche, Special Agent Parker.
We'd like to talk to you about some recently released book excerpts.
Have you heard?
I think he's heard.
- I'm done hearing.
Got so many reporters calling, I had to unplug the phone.
We'd like to discuss what happened that day.
During the ambush.
No need.
You've got the reports.
So your official statement is that you did everything right?
I lost three Marines.
There's nothing right about that.
Sure.
But we're gonna need more.
You are the face of a high-profile veterans' bill.
That's not about me.
Someone thinks it is.
They want to drag you through the mud.
You have any idea who that might be?
Even if I did, I don't need NCIS to fight my battles.
Excuse me.
Hey.
Want to know what really happened that day?
This happened.
And it would've been a lot worse if it wasn't for the lieutenant.
He saved me out there.
And back here, too.
And not just me.
I mean, look around.
He only hires wounded vets.
Pays fair.
Don't let the giant stick up his butt fool you.
Zanella?
Back to work.
That man would do anything to protect his people.
♪ Fold the corner, nice and tight ♪ ♪ Wrap it snug ♪ ♪ That's just right.
♪ Where did you learn that?
Daddy desperation.
It's the only way that Victoria would go to sleep for the first six months.
Now I'm forbidden in her room.
Ooh.
Double tuck and tug, very impressive.
The cold is killing my equipment.
Oh, well, why won't you use that thing?
Oh, Torres brought it down for me, but Laroche made me unplug it after he recited the fire code violations.
Yeah, of course he did.
Speaking of Torres, I heard he's spending Christmas with you guys, Tim?
That's so nice.
What?
Wait, no, he said he was spending it with you.
No.
Why would he lie about that?
Ooh, mystery.
Maybe Torres is going somewhere super nice, didn't want to make you jealous.
While we're on the topic of Christmas mysteries, any luck IDing our author Marley Jaggers?
Well, I was kind of hoping it was an anagram of the author's real name.
Kind of like our very own Thom E.
Gemcity.
Hmm, I tried all the combos.
Dead ends, all of 'em.
Well, I've been tracking the online discussion forums that reference the ambush in the book.
Found a few IP addresses.
Oh, that's more than a few, Kasie.
Not sure we can run all those.
We don't have to.
I cross-referenced these IPs with ones that filed Freedom of Information Act requests for the after action reports.
-Have no idea what any of that means.
Sounds promising, though.
- I doubt it.
Most people use VPNs to mask their IPs.
One person didn't.
Seriously, in 2024?
Yep, just waiting on the tracking results.
Ooh, okay.
The IP address belongs to...
a Samuel Cross of Herndon.
Running the name now to see if there's-- Oh.
That was fast.
Because Samuel Cross is a former corporal.
A fellow Marine?
He's from the same platoon.
Yeah, not just that.
His younger brother is one of the Marines that died in the ambush-- Evan.
Well, if Samuel Cross is the author, this is not a smear campaign.
No, it's personal.
Samuel Cross?
NCIS.
Yeah, door's open.
Did he just invite us in?
Be right out.
I think we found our writer.
Sorry, I forgot to leave a tip on the app.
And you didn't bring pad thai.
NCIS.
Special Agents Parker and Torres.
I know why you're here.
And I've got nothing to say.
Well, it looks like you got plenty to say here.
It's all in the book.
And I am not retracting a word.
Hastings got my brother killed.
You served with Hastings.
You know what kind of man he is.
He threw a grenade back.
He tried to save lives.
Yeah.
Great story.
But I've got a different one.
And the world is about to read it.
Samuel, if you've got proof, why not come to us?
So you can bury the truth?
Like they did 14 years ago?
No.
This was a government cover-up.
Whoa, whoa, what cover-up?
You'll see.
And everyone will know what Hastings did, and my brother will finally get some justice.
And nobody is stopping that!
Hey.
Easy, Sam.
Just here to talk, okay?
I'm not.
Get out.
Samuel...
Get out!
Now.
You shouldn't have met with Cross without me.
The last thing we need is for him to run to the press and scream harassment.
We got out before it escalated.
That's not the point.
He said the magic words: "cover-up."
Exactly what SECNAV wants to avoid.
All right, where are we?
Stuck.
If Cross has proof of wrongdoing, we haven't found it.
And we're pulling every report from the two weeks before and after the ambush.
We have patrol logs, comms, mission briefs.
And so far, nothing.
Either Cross is sitting on something big or this is some kind of personal vendetta.
It felt pretty personal.
The guy's in a bad place.
That's not our business.
Well, maybe it should be.
Our job is to find out what's in that book.
How do we get our hands on the full version?
Well, with all the media buzz, publisher has it on lockdown.
Ooh, maybe Thom E.
Gemcity could get an advance copy.
Who?
- It's my pen name.
I'm a published author.
At least I was.
It's been years.
I don't know, I doubt my influence is what it was, you know?
Mm.
Then it's a waste of time.
We need real leads, not gimmicks.
Leads aren't always black and white.
Sometimes you have to think in color.
This isn't an art class.
Well, maybe it should be.
Uh, excuse me, this a bad time?
Uh, Brian Zanella from the shop?
Of course.
What can we do for you?
Well, I came to drop off letters of support for the lieutenant, but seeing that?
Yeah, I'm thinking we talk about him instead.
Thanks.
Here you go.
Thanks.
Yeah, you were right.
Warmer out here.
So, you know Samuel Cross?
Uh...
shouldn't we waitfor him?
He won't mind.
I never thought it'd be Sam writing that book.
We didn't fight for ourselves out there.
We fought for each other.
Oorah?
Oo-right.
That's what the lieutenant drilled into us.
We followed his lead, even Sam.
What changed?
When his brother died, Sam just...
broke.
Finished the tour in silence.
And that's the last any of us ever saw him.
He claims that Hastings got his brother killed.
Says he has proof.
Nah, I don't buy it.
That's grief talking.
Sam's got a chip on his shoulder, and some publisher saw a chance to milk it.
A book tearing down one of his own.
It sells copies.
Never mind that it's not true.
Or that Sam wasn't even there that day.
He was in a med tent ten miles away.
Yeah, knee injury.
We pulled his record.
It's spotless.
Sam was a good Marine.
Still is.
He's just...
lost his way.
Here, I brought this.
Video from a combat cameraman taken two days before the ambush.
You'll see how tight we were.
Like brothers?
Hey, Lance Corporal Cross, you got something you want to say to the wife back home?
Uh...
maybe later, sir.
Oh.
My little brother likes to keep those messages private.
Newlyweds.
Here, that's Hastings with the two Cross boys.
Okay.
So you're keeping those home fires burning bright, huh?
Wow, Hastings really cared for his guys.
What are we missing?
You know it, you know it, sir.
What happened?
Harsh weather is rough on electronics.
Uh, scorching desert or frozen lab.
Been meaning to ask.
What's the deal with your Christmas plans?
What?
Come on, Jimmy, McGee?
It's not exactly your best cover story.
Why you lying?
Ooh, let me guess.
You dress up like Santa and hand out presents, right?
Seriously.
Who you spending Christmas with?
Nobody, nobody.
I just, uh, I just want to be alone.
You know, recharge.
I didn't want anybody to worry about me.
Hmm.
Hmm.
Hey, I might have a way to get that book.
The full version.
Oh, ask Santa?
Publisher won't hand it over, but Cross's literary agent might.
Out of the goodness in his heart?
No, out of greed.
Put out the word that Thom E.
Gemcity's looking for new representation, and Cross's agent wants to meet.
We just need to convince him to hand over the full manuscript.
And who's "we"?
What are you doing?
Getting into character.
Gemcity is very worldly, he drinks like a European.
Hmm.
And what about his manager?
Is she European?
No, she's all business.
Oh, good.
Thom E.
Gemcity.
Martin Gates, big fan.
Deep Six is brilliant.
The words, they come to me.
Hi.
Jessica.
Thom's manager.
Thank you for meeting.
Are you sure you want to do this here?
I know the maître d' at Renata's.
Yeah, let's just cut to it.
So, with the subject of Thom's next novel, we're looking for somebody who can handle sensitive material.
Well, that's my specialty.
I'm not afraid to push boundaries.
Mm, right, like your work with, uh...
Marley Jaggers.
You heard?
Those leaked excerpts?
They're my idea.
Hmm.
Wanted to build buzz without spoiling the surprise.
And just in time for people to spend all those holiday gift cards.
Hmm.
Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like profiting from other people's pain.
God bless us, every one.
Hmm.
Uh, Jess, remember why we're here.
The money's not the point.
Right.
Thom is looking for a true partner.
Someone to elevate his work.
We'd love to take a look at Jaggers' full manuscript, see how you shepherd talent.
That's tricky.
Security issues.
Ah.
That is, unless you've got something to sweeten the pot?
How about an exclusive preview of Thom E.
Gemcity's next thriller?
Excuse me?
Full book for full book.
Well, no, that's not happening.
So it's not written?
It's written, but...
Then we have a deal?
Thom, remember why we're here.
Deal.
Excellent.
Martini?
Martini?
Ugh!
I've read encyclopedias shorter than this book.
Stop whining.
It's why we split it up.
Has anybody finished their part?
- Yeah, I have.
I'm onto, uh, Laroche's and Parker's section now.
No bombshells yet.
Oh.
Wait a second.
You got something?
Yeah.
Page 312.
There's a mention of a radio transmission.
A transmission about what? "
There's a radio call warning of enemy advancement toward the squad."
It says the warning came from company headquarters ten minutes before the ambush.
That was plenty of time to get out.
But why didn't they?
- According to this, Hastings blatantly ignored the warning and sent his men to danger.
There's no record of this warning in any of these reports.
Could be fake.
- I wish it was.
But that transmission is legit.
I just talked to my contact at DoD.
Turns out, the original record of that transmission was lost due to a data corruption issue.
No wonder Cross thinks it's a cover-up.
How did he even find out?
Special Ops team in the same area also got that warning.
And their logs were intact, but the op was classified till recently.
Cross dug through the declassified records.
His obsession paid off.
Kind of how your coloring outside the lines has also paid off.
Nice work getting the full book.
There has to be a reason Hastings ignored the warning.
Yeah, maybe he never got it.
That's the million-dollar question.
This is all in the book?
And Sam Cross is the author?
That's right.
How's he doing?
That's not the issue here.
This warning came via forward intelligence units, but we don't have confirmation that your squad ever received it.
The radio operator died in the ambush, and he was the only one who could verify.
Except you.
Mr.
Hastings, this is your chance to set the record straight and clear your name.
It's not about me.
Then think about the bill.
The DoD can push back on this whole thing.
All you have to do is say you never received that transmission.
I can't do that.
Why not?
The book's right.
The warning came in, and I ignored it.
Lieutenant, what are you doing?
Stay out of it, Zanella.
Sir, if there's more you're not telling us, then...
It was my squad, my call.
I got those men killed.
Yes, I...
I understand you are upset.
No, we don't comment on ongoing investigations.
Hello?
Hung up.
Same here.
More calls from the shop?
Yeah.
Angry ones.
The employees are convinced that Hastings confessed to something that he didn't do.
They think he's protecting someone.
So what do we think?
I think it's a job well done.
We might not have got the outcome that we wanted, but we have enough to move forward.
With what?
Hastings' confession gives SECNAV and the DoD exactly what they needed.
A chance to distance themselves and keep the veterans' bill alive.
And let Hastings take the fall?
He made his choice loud and clear.
That wouldn't be the first time that he sacrificed himself to protect his men.
You know, I'm checking the unit radio logs, and something's off here.
There's a history of missed transmissions and incomplete data.
That's not unusual for desert operations.
That's true, but these gaps are due to failed handoffs, delayed relays.
No, this suggests a human element.
Operator error?
Possible.
Maybe the warning got lost.
And Hastings is covering for his radio operator.
That doesn't make any sense.
The operator died during the ambush.
Why protect him now?
The author's brother was the radio operator.
-Evan Cross.
Turns out, Hastings recently assigned him to the job.
You think inexperience explains why that warning transmission didn't get through?
I think it explains Hastings' confession.
Protecting Evan's name could be his way of making amends for assigning somebody unqualified.
At the cost of a veterans' bill that could help thousands?
Marines don't usually worry about politics.
Just my experience and what I gleaned from working round here.
Should I step out, Director?
I'd rather you fix the heat, Mr.
Kincaid.
Okay.
Look, if Hastings is going to accept responsibility publicly, then our options are limited.
We need to accept the facts.
We don't have all the facts.
That's why we need to keep digging.
Blaming a dead Marine for an ambush that killed three men?
This will look like scapegoating.
The last thing SECNAV wants.
I agree.
Thank you.
With both of you.
Sir?
Our job is to find the truth.
And if Evan was responsible for that communication breakdown, then we need to prove it without a doubt.
How?
Hastings won't talk, and Evan Cross is dead.
They're the only two who could have known about those radio issues.
Maybe not.
We know that Evan sent messages to his wife.
If he was struggling with the new assignment, he could've confided in her.
You expect a Marine widow to tarnish her husband's memory?
Marine's family wouldn't see it as tarnishing.
More like telling the truth to protect the unit.
I was gonna say talking to the widow is all we got, but I like his answer better.
It's political suicide.
Talk to her.
Carefully.
Evan will always hold a place in my heart.
That's what makes this so surreal.
I became a grief counselor to help others move on, but with Sam's book, the reporters, I'm the one that needs therapy.
We'd just like to clear up a few things about Evan's time as a radio operator.
Such as?
Did he ever mention challenges with the assignment?
No.
Evan was proud of it.
He loved anything tech-related.
He was always tinkering with gadgets, learning everything he could about that radio.
But it was new for him.
He wasn't some rookie.
Evan wasn't careless.
He knew exactly what was at stake.
I-I don't normally share this.
It's one of the few things I've held onto all these years.
Hey, babe.
Can't talk long.
We're moving out soon.
Everything's good.
I miss you, and I can't wait to see you.
The team's leaning on me, and I'm making sure we all are safe, coming home.
Love you.
Evan wanted to protect his team.
Now I want to protect him.
- We understand.
Sounds like Samuel is trying to protect Evan in his own way, too.
He's not writing this book for his brother.
It's for him.
Another way to bury all the grief.
After Evan died, Sam pushed everyone away, shut himself off.
Some people need isolation to sort things out?
Not if they already feel alone.
Then isolation can lead to anger, obsession, and the bottle.
Is Sam an alcoholic?
Whatever he is, this book isn't going to change anything.
Sam needs help.
Something on your mind?
Old ghosts.
Hmm.
Maybe you and Parker should compare notes.
Bad joke.
You want to talk about it?
I want to talk about the radio operator.
Sounds like he didn't make a mistake.
Then why would Hastings feel compelled to cover for him?
He wouldn't.
Unless they never got that warning in the first place.
Better turn around.
Hey, what's going on?
Disturbance at Samuel Cross's apartment.
What kind of disturbance?
The kind that attracts attention.
You dishonor Hastings, you dishonor all of us!
Hey, federal agent.
Stand down, guys.
Open the door!
Stop hiding behind a damn book!
All right, that's enough!
Everybody, back up.
Back up.
Back up, back up.
There's nothing to see here.
I've got nothing to say.
Get out here!
That's enough!
Show your face!
Hey, hey, hey, hey!
No, no, come on, come on.
Whoa, whoa!
Get back.
You hear me, Zanella?
I'm pressing charges!
Stand down!
Look at me.
Get your hands off me!
Hands off me!
Is it just me, or is it really hot in here?
Not just you.
Of course.
I understand.
I warned you, Agent Parker.
This could've been prevented.
Yes, ma'am.
Will do.
That was SECNAV.
She isn't thrilled to see NCIS on the front page.
Of Hill Hype, not the Post.
Doesn't matter.
She's worried about the optics and where this case is heading.
You briefed her on the case?
No.
I didn't.
I did.
You went behind our backs.
Right after you and your team decided to press your luck.
We were just doing our job.
And look where that got us.
That's got nothing to do with it!
All right, that's enough.
DoD wants to contain the situation.
So they're accepting Hastings' confession and handing over the case to JAG.
Leon!
NCIS has been ordered to stand down.
It's over.
I suggest your team start their holiday break.
And be thankful you still have one.
Laroche is still hovering around upstairs.
Like the Ghost of Christmas Future?
He finds out we're still working, we might not have a future.
Where's Torres?
Digging into Samuel Cross's background.
Said something about the guy "needing help."
Yeah, that's what his sister-in-law said.
Right now we're the ones that need help.
Hastings confessed to ignoring the warning, but there's no proof he ever got it.
Radio operator knew what he was doing, so, most likely wasn't human error.
So, that leaves a technical malfunction.
A malfunction that we still can't prove.
Um...
Password? "
Santa sent me."
Hey.
I thought I'd help heat things up.
Trying to keep a low profile here, Jimmy, okay?
Yeah, don't worry, I-I made sure I wasn't followed.
Figured as long as we're ignoring SECNAV's orders to go home, we might as well ignore Laroche's fire code warning.
Oh.
Maybe he was right.
This thing is malfunctioning.
Must be putting out some kind of interference.
Hold on, hold on.
You might be onto something, Jimmy.
McGee, pull up the footage from Afghanistan, of Hastings' squad.
Yeah.
Uh, which part?
The interference.
You know it, sir.
Okay, roll it back.
You know it, you know it, sir.
Look at that.
You know it, you know it, sir.
The static only happens when the radio equipment is nearby.
The message Evan sent to his wife has that same static.
Com radios are not supposed to mess with other equipment.
So why did this one?
KASIE [shouting]: This is definitely the wrong frequency.
Look.[shouting]: Okay.
What does that mean?
What?
What does that mean?
I-I can't hear you.
Yeah, turn...
I can't hear you.
Okay.
Thank you.
All right, you've duplicated the faulty frequency in a lab.
What does that tell us about the radio in Afghanistan?
That radio had an internal flaw, one that would not have been obvious.
And the warning transmission?
A radio stuck on the wrong frequency drains power, making it nearly impossible to receive a warning on the correct frequency.
So it was a technical failure?
Exactly.
And there is no way Evan could have known that.
No one's to blame.
That's the truth, and we can prove it.
Ooh.
Isn't this good news?
I'm not sure the truth matters to Hastings or the author.
Once that book hits the shelves, the public damage is done.
You really think Cross won't retract?
Even after this?
I think he's hurting.
And I might know why.
Been digging through his record.
Think I found something.
Something we can use?
Maybe, but I'd like to take the lead on this, if that's okay.
Alone?
Not exactly.
I don't believe this.
I'm disappointed, Em.
Didn't realize this was a setup.
Hear him out.
Sam, please.
Have a seat, Marine.
I know about the faulty radio.
My agent told me, and I told him it doesn't change anything.
This is not about the radio or the book or Hastings.
What's left?
You.
What are you doing with my service record?
We know about the knee injury.
The deeper I went in...
...the more it all started making sense.
You don't know anything about me.
I know you were a radio operator like your brother.
So what?
That knee injury kept you off patrol, didn't it?
Hastings promoted your brother to take your place, and that's...
well, that's what's eating you up.
Hastings tell you that?
No.
You just did.
I know what it's like, carrying guilt, pushing people away, thinking they can never understand.
They can't.
Why?
What really happened?
Sam.
You've been blaming yourself