The Last Ship quotes

ADM Thomas Chandler

I was gonna wait till we were on the flight home, but it looks like we got a couple minutes, so let's take some time. You're the architect of Gustavo's war machine. What's the sequel to Plan Azul? Haiti, Puerto Rico, Bahamas?

I fight for the Latin American people. So that we will no longer be dependent on the whims of the north.

Chandler

Now you sound like your boss.

You're a man of war, Admiral. And a professor, as I understand. You tell me... how many invasions, bombs, coups, CIA black ops, and other interventions does it take before people push back?

Chandler

America's not your enemy.

America is a continent, not a country, Admiral. Learn that... maybe you'll understand La Revolución. Gustavo's not a revolutionary. He's not fighting to right old wrongs.

Chandler

He's a strong man and an opportunist, and he's killing more of your people than ours.

I did not say I support Gustavo.

Chandler

You're not in Jamaica guarding Gustavo's secrets. You're running away.

Yes, Admiral.

Chandler

In another of the great post-plague ironies, one of the great strategists of war has become a pacifist.

The first time I heard him speak was in his home town. A little place called Rubi. He was a man of humble beginnings, speaking of hope, belonging... Listening to Tavo was a revelation. He put words to the pain and the shame of the South American experience... all we'd been feeling for so long. The plans we made together were going to do great good.

Chandler

So what changed?

Tavo changed.

Chandler

Or he stopped hiding his true intentions.

And it wasn't just rebels being killed, it was whole villages... anyone who fed into Tavo's paranoia. You can only see a child be burned alive so many times before you question your part in it all.

Chandler

You know his next moves. Help me stop him, help me end this.

If I help you, will that save my nation?

Chandler

If you don't, will your nation still be worth saving?

If I join you... I'm still an instrument of death. The only difference is the person delivering it.

ADM Thomas Chandler

I just don't know what it is you're telling me. What are you telling me? [Ashley walks off] Get back here, I'm talking to you! Come back here, I'm talking to you.

Mom knew it, too! She knew you hated being home. You were never happy unless you were on your damn ship!

Tom

I'm sorry I'm the one you got stuck with. I'm sorry your mom died!

And you weren't here.

Tom

Ashley. Ashley....

You don't belong here. You belong out there.

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.

They built our Command Center. This is what Camp-X is for! They're training to take SOUTHCOM.

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!

Guess Gator's got the right idea. Try and keep their minds off things, even just for a few hours. So, tell me, Admiral. What's going through your head on the night before D-Day?

Admiral Chandler

Nathan James.

The ship?

Chandler

The sailor. Ship's namesake. Captain Nathan James skippered a PT boat during the war in the Pacific. His fleet was decimated. His boat was all that was left standing against nine Japanese destroyers. The boat sank beneath him. Not before he stopped the enemy's advance. He single-handedly saved a fleet of newly-repaired American destroyers coming out of Pearl Harbor carrying thousands of sailors into the fight. Captain James said, "war is a beast." It appears in many forms. Sometimes it's the beast you face head on, out on the field of battle. As equals. Sometimes the beast hides out. Lurking somewhere in the deep, biding its time "until, when your guard is dropped, it comes for you." "Bloodthirsty and merciless." "And it drags you under. On any given day, you never know which beast you're gonna face."

Which beast is it for you, Admiral?

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.

President Jeffrey Michener

I'm proud to honor you today for your service to the U.S. Navy, our great nation, and the world. Captain Chandler, are you ready to be relieved of command?

Who am I passing off command to?

We have the watch, sir.

We have the watch.

We have the watch.

We have the watch.

We have the watch.

We have the watch.

We have the watch, sir.

Bosun, stand by to pipe the side. Shipmates going ashore. [everybody stands up]

It's time, pal. God bless you and God bless America.