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Chapter 5

Exoneration

Captain Ericson stared out the small-pane window onto the drill area in front of the grouping of K-Span buildings that housed the administration officers. His eyes were vacant. After a minute of this, he abruptly turned and walked briskly to his desk. Next to a box filled to the brim with papers needing attention was the manila envelope that held the results of the investigation. He opened the envelope and slid the papers out in front of him one more time. This was the fourth time that he had examined the contents of the envelope.

Since the meeting with Lieutenant Commander Stevens, Ericson had made several phone calls and considered his options for both Lawrence and Bryant. It was an easy, obvious decision that, at the very least, both would have to be transferred and to different units, if not different teams. One of the other officers he consulted suggested that he discharge Bryant but agreed it didn’t make sense, given his stellar military record. The other three he consulted with recommended that both Bryant and Lawrence be placed on probation with a reduction of pay for three months, then transferred. That was assuming Lawrence was not interested in filing charges against Bryant and that he substantially agreed with the other information in the report. If he objected or claimed to be the victim, the outcome would likely be turned over to a court-martial process. Captain Ericson briefly thought that would be the easiest thing to do, but Captain Stevens’s report regarding Bryant’s premilitary history gave him pause.

It had been a week since Ericson received the investigation results on Bryant, and he was now waiting for a report on an interview with Petty Officer Lawrence. Ericson had learned a long time ago that it didn’t pay to hope for a particular outcome, and this time was no exception. If Lawrence insisted he was attacked by Bryant without provocation or denied other parts of the story, he would have to remand the case to a court-martial process. Were that to happen, he would appoint a legal team to prepare for the military court. It would be out of his hands after that. From what he had gathered from the anecdotal information on Lawrence, he expected this as an outcome. The interview was held yesterday, and he expected a report on the interaction with Lawrence soon, possibly today.

If, for some reason, Lawrence corroborated the story offered by Bryant and the other unit members, the captain could decide and expedite the change. He knew that both parties would be transferred to another unit, and Lawrence would be sent to another SEAL team. That was assuming one would take him.

The following day, Captain Ericson made his way toward his office. A rare November rain had fallen on the base in the early morning hours, and his shoes bore the evidence. When he reached his office, he cursed and asked seaman Chris Ballmer, his administrative assistant, for a towel to wipe the mud from his shoes. While cleaning his shoes, Ballmer approached him and cautiously informed him of a call from the team investigating Lawrence.

“Lieutenant Baker said he could bring the report over as soon as you arrived today. What would you like for me to say in response?”

The captain paused to consider what he had been told. Then he responded, “Tell him to bring it to my office at ten hundred hours.”

Ericson had a mixture of emotions. Despite his years functioning as a legal services supervisor for the Navy in Afghanistan, there were times when his emotions became entangled with the process. This seemed to one of those times.

“One more thing, sir,” Ballmer added.

“Go on,” Captain Ericson said.

“Captain David Fredericks of SEAL Team 8 just called a few minutes before you came in. He wants you to call him back. Wouldn’t say what it was about.”

Ericson finished cleaning the Afghan soil from his shoes and, with a nod toward Ballmer, walked to his office, hoping he didn’t leave a muddy trail behind him.

As soon as he was seated, he grabbed the phone and dialed a familiar number. Captain Fredericks was one of the people he had consulted with when he was considering the disposition of the case regarding Bryant and Lawrence. He was also an old friend. He had participated in many legal processes in prior years and was disappointed when Fredericks was assigned to another region.

“Captain Fredericks’s office,” a young female voice answered.

“This is Captain Ericson.”

Before he could add anything, the female voice said, “Oh, yes, sir, Captain Fredericks is waiting for your call. I’ll let him know it’s you.”

A deep, gravelly voice came on the line, “Hey, Cap, thanks for calling back so quickly.”

“No problem, Fred,” he answered, using his nickname for Captain Fredericks.

“What do you have for me?” Ericson continued.

“Well, something came across my desk yesterday, and I thought of your investigation. I know it’s a long shot, but if it doesn’t go to court-martial, I might have something that would work for both of us.”

“Hmmm, what’s that, Fred?”

There was a pause, then, “This is just between you and me at this point,” Captain Fredericks explained.

“Okay,” Captain Ericson drawled his puzzlement.

“So there has been some scuttlebutt about an Army infantry unit that has been involved in drugs. Not just using it, but the latest is that some of the unit members have been involved in moving opium poppies or at least protecting a warlord who was moving them into Kabul,” Fredericks revealed.

“That’s big,” Ericson acknowledged.

“Yep, really big. And we need someone who is not a familiar to help with an investigation before it goes any further. I remember what you said about Petty Officer Bryant, and I thought that if this didn’t go to court-martial, he could be perfect for this assignment.”

“I can see why you would think that,” Ericson said. “Okay, I will keep that in mind. It’s too early to commit to transferring anyone yet, but I will let you know as soon as I know. Thanks, Fred.”

Captain Ericson was relieved that he had a ready-built solution for one of the SEAL team members if court-martial could be avoided. Bryant would require some training specific to this assignment, but Captain Fredericks could make that happen.

It was 0953 hours when Ballmer arrived at Captain Ericson’s office.

“Lieutenant James Baker is waiting to see you, sir,” he announced.

Ericson looked up from his office and said without enthusiasm, “Send him in.”

Ballmer escorted Lieutenant Baker through the door into the captain’s office. Baker strode in and stood at attention with his cap under his left arm and a manila envelope held by his right hand.

“This is the report on our interview with Petty Office Casey Lawrence and the rest of the SEAL team unit in question, sir,” he stated stiffly.

Captain Ericson responded, “Thanks, Lieutenant. Just put it on the desk. I assume the report discusses Lawrence’s perception of how the incident began and who he thought was responsible.” While awaiting his response, Ericson studied Baker’s chiseled face and cleft chin, imagining him as a superhero.

“Yes, sir, I did include Casey Lawrence’s response, but it doesn’t include my thoughts on him. So I thought I would tell you informally and let you decide what to do with the information.”

“Okay, have a seat, Lieutenant.” After Lieutenant Baker was seated, Captain Ericson said, “So since I haven’t looked at the report, could you fill me in on his response and your subjective impressions?”

“Certainly, sir.”

Lieutenant Baker cleared his throat and shifted in his seat as if uncomfortable with what he was about to reveal. “Well, sir, soon after we clarified what the interview was all about, I asked Lawrence to describe the incident. I had heard a little about it from the unit he and Petty Officer Bryant were assigned to. So I was surprised when Lawrence said that he had shot the dog, and then he had challenged Bryant to do something about it. He also said there was some pushing and shoving before the actual fight began. That was not quite what I heard from the others, and the report from Shawn Bryant implied that Bryant had attacked Lawrence after the dog was shot. So I questioned him some more, suggesting that he may have forgotten just exactly how the incident started. But he insisted that it was the way he described it. He also admitted that he pulled a knife fairly early in the fight.

“Finally, he said he didn’t blame Bryant for being angry, and he just wanted it all to be settled quickly. He did say that he would prefer to be transferred after this investigation was concluded because he thought that the other unit SEAL team members might be uncomfortable with him after the fight,” Baker concluded.

Captain Ericson relaxed some in his chair and looked down at his desk to compose his next response. He felt some relief from this report but realized he had to address the lieutenant’s discomfort.

“I can see why you might be a little confused by Lawrence’s interview responses, Lieutenant. So tell me about your ‘impressions,’” Ericson said.

“Well, when I was asking about the fight, Lawrence seemed to pause a lot and frequently stared off into space. At one point, when describing the need for a transfer, he seemed to tense his jaw and immediately grimaced, I assume from the pain. He did this a few times. I asked him about it, but he said it was nothing. It was difficult to discern what was behind this behavior. I asked him if he had spoken with any of the other team members, thinking that maybe he had been harassed or threatened, but he emphatically denied that he had any contact with anyone from his team. When I got the chance, I had one of the other investigators explore the possibility that someone from the team had knowledge of any contact with Lawrence, but got nothing that suggested that it happened, and no one from the hospital staff had seen anyone visit Lawrence. If you take it on face value, it looks like a mutually engaged fight that got out of hand. As I state in my report, the fact that Lawrence pulled a knife explains the escalation by Bryant. It might possibly justify further charges against Lawrence, but his broken jaw could be deemed punishment enough,” Lieutenant Baker concluded.

A long silence followed Lieutenant Baker’s summary. Captain Ericson slowly looked up from his desk. His eyebrows were lowered, and his mouth slightly twisted. He said, “Well, we have to go with the information we have. It looks like I will have to address this incident with each participant, and it appears we will not be bringing charges against Petty Officer Bryant. Thank you for your report and evaluation, Lieutenant.”

“Yes, sir!” Baker replied.

“I will call you if I need any other information,” he said. “Meanwhile, you can consider this case closed on your end.”

“I understand, sir,” Baker said as he rose to leave.

Captain Ericson met with Petty Officer Lawrence two days later and informed him that the investigation was concluded, and that he was to be transferred out of his current unit. Lawrence mildly protested, but when Captain Ericson made it clear that the decision was not negotiable and added that his drawing a knife on another SEAL was potentially a criminal act, Lawrence became quiet and nodded his acceptance.

Next was the meeting with Petty Officer Shawn Bryant. Ericson had taken some time to prepare for this meeting. First, he wanted to let Bryant know that although this incident was considered important and a breach of SEAL conduct, he would not be prosecuted for his actions. Second, he was to let Bryant know that he was to be transferred out of his unit and inform him his new assignment would have some unusual aspects to it.

Petty Officer Bryant entered Captain Ericson’s office in his Navy dress uniform. The only designation that he was a SEAL team member was the trident above his Afghanistan Campaign Medal. He was followed by two Marines, who had been assigned to escort him to the captain’s office. As soon as they entered the office, Captain Ericson dismissed the Marines and told Bryant to have a seat.

“So, Petty Officer Bryant, you understand that this meeting is in lieu of a captain’s mast. I decided to make this a little less formal due to the results of the investigation into the incident between you and Petty Officer Lawrence,” Captain Ericson explained.

“Yes, sir!” Bryant responded with a strong yet surprised sound to his voice.

“The information I am about to convey to you is to be kept in strictest confidence. Do you understand, Petty Officer?”

Captain Ericson gazed at Bryant with a firm look and unwavering eye contact.

“Yes, sir?” Bryant responded with a bit of uncertainty in his voice.

“You’ll understand better in a few moments, but the final orders will be provided by Captain David Fredericks of SEAL Team Eight. You will be transferred immediately to SEAL Team Eight and will report to Captain Fredericks in three days. You are to be assigned to a special action in the Kandahar region, and you will be released from the brig tomorrow morning at 0900 hours. Although your records regarding this incident will be sealed for the present, they may be considered in the future if you engage in any activity that we deem to be outside the expected behavior of a SEAL team member. Do you understand that, Petty Officer Bryant?”

Bryant dropped his eyes and nodded. “Yes, sir!”

Shawn was puzzled by the abrupt change in his circumstances, but he had learned long ago that this was how the Navy worked. He felt an enormous relief that he would not be prosecuted for the fight. He wondered how this had happened, and he was very curious about his next assignment.

“One other thing. Commander Stevens expects to meet with you today to conclude your therapy sessions. He told me to have you go to his office at 1430 hours. After that, you can prepare for your departure.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Do you have any questions?”

“I guess the questions I have will be answered when I meet with Captain Fredericks, sir.”

“That’s correct. And keep your nose clean. If you do a good job for Captain Fredericks, this incident may be expunged from your records.”

“By expunge, you mean removed, sir?”

Captain Ericson suppressed a slight smile. “That’s correct, Petty Officer. So if you have no further questions, you may return to your cell. I will dismiss the Marines guarding you. Don’t forget the meeting with Lieutenant Commander Stevens.”

Bryant’s brain was unsettled as he walked back to his cell. He felt relief and even elation. He had essentially been returned to normal status. It was hard to believe. For the past seven weeks, he had been confined to the brig with Marine guards as his only companions. The only exception to his confinement had been the repeated and lengthy sessions with Lieutenant Commander Carl Stevens and the required meetings with interviewers and investigators, until this meeting with Captain Ericson. He shook his head and smiled.

What was this new assignment all about? His mind was filled with questions. Where would he be going? What would he be doing? Would he be alone? He felt excited and puzzled. But he knew it would be better than being in the brig—or would it?

At 1425 hours, Bryant was standing just outside Lieutenant Commander Steven’s office. He reflected on the time he had spent with the SEAL psychologist; he felt a mixture of fondness for their interactions and relief that this chapter of his life was about to be over. At first, Bryant was reluctant to accept anything that Stevens tried to convey, but slowly their relationship became much more relaxed. Some of the things that Stevens did during the session were difficult. He thought specifically about the photos of injured or dead animals, mostly dogs, that Lieutenant Commander Stevens had shown him. He had wanted to turn away, but the Lt. Commander insisted that he look. Bryant hated that, but after a while, he managed to stay focused on the photos. He and Stevens had discussed how it was odd that he could see the death and mutilation of people and still be a focused and competent SEAL team member, but seeing animals suffer was hard for him.

Lt. Commander Stevens helped him to connect this to the death of his dog “Nick.” Shawn understood why Lt. Commander Stevens kept showing him the photos of animals suffering, and eventually Bryant could recognize his reaction. In time, he learned to take a breath and talk to himself about controlling his emotions and behavior.

“Petty Officer Bryant, I see you did not require an escort today,” Lieutenant Commander Stevens said, interrupting Bryant’s reverie.

Bryant turned to see a smile and a twinkle in Steven’s eyes. He returned the smile and replied, “No, sir! And I’m glad I don’t need one.”

“Come on in. I have some things to talk to you about before you leave for your new mission.”

Bryant seated himself in the now familiar chair across from Stevens.

Stevens looked at the petty officer and acknowledged to himself that Bryant appeared much more relaxed than when the interviews began. He even seemed to slump some in his chair. He smiled inwardly.

“I just wanted to review the things we have talked about over the past few weeks and explore what you will take with you into your next assignment and hopefully beyond,” Stevens explained.

They talked about the desensitization exercises and how Bryant could think of them helping him to control his response to brutal behavior toward animals, especially dogs. Lieutenant Commander Stevens acknowledged that Bryant may not experience anything like this last incident in the future, but that using his new tools might be useful for managing any situation that evokes his anger. He explored how he could choose between rapid, almost instinctual response and a measured, thoughtful response. Stevens reminded Bryant to use the cue word time to apply to the decision to react or slow down his response. They explored several scenarios to help Bryant learn when to apply more “time” to his actions.

“You may not have the same experience in the future, but you can practice using this cue word to make decisions on reaction time in all of your experiences, except the most dire. The more you use it, the easier and more normal it will seem,” he added.

Bryant nodded. The exercise seemed awkward at first, but he had already become more comfortable with the “behavior-management technique.” He believed that he could continue to use it.

“Okay, that about does it. You have done well in our sessions, and I expect you will continue to benefit from what you have learned in our time working together. I’m glad that it has worked out this way for you, and I wish you the best in your new assignment,” Stevens concluded.

Lieutenant Commander Stevens rose from the desk, and Petty Officer Bryant followed.

“Thank you, sir. Thank you for helping me.”

Bryant was feeling like he had just graduated from something. He couldn’t wait to get back to the real world, even if that world was filled with bullets and blood.