President Gustavo Barros quotes from The Last Ship

I will now speak directly to our enemies in a language they can understand. Americans, you are on notice. The people of Central and South America are united! We will no longer cower in fear of your big stick. For you do not offer us protection, but enslavement. Today marks the beginning of a new equilibrium. Gran Colombia will no longer sit at the children's table of international politics. It is our turn! Be warned. If the United States wants a fight, you will lose. For in the words of Simón Bolívar, a people who love their freedom will, in the end, be free. And we are united... as a continent... to fight for that freedom. We are one nation under God! La Gran Colombia! Al Norte!

I'm curious if your thinking has changed or if you regret starting a war with the United States.

We didn't start this war.

You sank a US fleet in Mayport on the very day that your loyalists murder the duly-elected leader of Panama. That sounds textbook.

Barros

Mayport wasn't an attack, nor was it the beginning. You're young, but smart enough to know the US's history of murder and political insurrection in Latin America. Guatemala '54, Cuba '61, D.R. '65, Chile '73, Nicaragua '82, Grenada '83. This war is a battle for the survival of the people of Gran Colombia.

So, is this your justification for the forced conscription, the purges, the death squads?

Barros

Where do you get this information from?

Several accounts from defectors...

Barros

Defectors from what? Our borders are not closed. People are free to come and go as they wish.

Their accounts are remarkably consistent.

Barros

This isn't a war of public opinion. This is about taking a fresh look at the world... Post-virus, post-famine. It's about adjusting the balance. United States have been bullies for too long. This movement is a rebirth. Take your camera and your notepad and go to the countryside. Go to the cities of Central and South America and see the pride in people's faces. Freedom from tyranny is what they demanded. And it's what I'm giving them. And I'm inviting the people of all of the Americas to join.

Tavo, you did it. You beat the president. You have his high command. Push now for surrender.

Not yet, brother.

Forget Chandler. He is not worth it. Get out now, and you win.

Barros

You know, that's your problem, Hector. You don't know what it means to win! I win when Tom Chandler is on his knees, bowing to me, chanting my name.

Viva Tavo.

Bad news, Hector. The generals? They were plotting against me.

Who, Tavo?

Barros

Eat, Hector. Gazpacho shouldn't be allowed to warm to room temperature. It's good.

There must be a mistake. You're telling me there was a coup amongst my generals?

Barros

Your generals? I hope they aren't your generals, Hector. No. They're cowards. And I warned you against them.

[Spanish] Are you sure? I've known these men a very long time. I would have heard something.

Barros

There is no mistake, Hector.

So you have proof?

Barros

Conchita saw it. In the cards.

Tavo. We cannot play with men's lives. These cards cannot always be trusted.

Barros

They confessed. Chacon, Bianchi, Rodriguez, Munos, Moreno. Every single one of them.

Oh, my God.

Barros

But it doesn't matter, not really. All I wanted to know... the only thing I asked them before I removed their intestines was, did Hector know? Of course, none of them gave you up. But they gave each other up real quick. But you? Not you. Then I started feeling bad. For doubting you. [sees Maza distraught] It's... it's okay.

No, no, no, no. With all the pressure from the war, I've...

Barros

I know I've gone a little crazy. And I'm sorry about that.

You don't have to apologize, Tavo. I support you. Always.

Barros

Of course you do. Of course, I know. That is why I want you to lead the investigation to see just how far down this conspiracy goes. I want it torn out by the roots!

Sí, Tavo. I will handle it personally. Like always.

Barros

Like always. Conchita. [Conchita leaves] Hector, my friend. My brother. [Barros' bodyguard suddenly stabs Martinez] If you're gonna stab a man in the back, the least that you can do is look him in the eye!

Where is he... Tom Chandler? Where is he?

Danny Green

He couldn't be bothered.

Sasha Cooper

The war's over. Your army surrendered. Your turn.

I will only surrender to Tom Chandler, soldier to soldier.

We'll send your regards. Get on the floor. Now. [shoots Tavo when he tries to reach for a pistol; as he dies] Viva Tavo.