By order of the PotUS a military tribunal takes place aboard a ship at sea. The defendant is a top member of the Al Qaeda. Harm and Mac prosecute, and the admiral and Sturgis defend. Loren, as the senior officer, runs the place her own way.

Harm and Mac in Afghanistan investigate a failed air strike against a leader of the Al Qaeda, and they encounter problems. Bud at sea successfully interrogates a suspect by using Star Trek concepts. Harriet makes an impression on Loren.