Original subtitles

Take your shot when you're ready.

No!

Status!

I'm good. Package is secure.

I have to make my way back to you as soon

as I get a visual on the enemy.

Pile Driver, this is Storm. We have a man down.

We have the package. I repeat, we have the package.

We need a dust off immediately.

Copy. Confirmation understood.

Dust off should be there any second.

Hang in there, Storm.

Get your ass back here, Oliver.

We have 24 hours to get that package in containment.

Make it quick, soldier.

I've got movement over here.

Hold them off while we scan for ID.

Sir, they're comin' in hot and fast.

Pile Driver, we need to get this package to containment now!

Landing now! 16 degrees southwest.

Valkyrie's landed, let's move out.

It's no secret the Air Force is short on pilots these days.

However, candidates must still meet strict physical,

medical, vision and academic requirements.

After that, applicants must score well on the AFOQT

and pass a selection board.

Becoming a pilot is a service to one's country.

It is a privilege and a way of life that is not for everyone.

But occasionally, and I stress occasionally,

the Air Force finds itself with candidates that surpass

those measures, candidates that by God's grace,

or whatever you believe in, are made to be Air Force pilots.

Those born with exceptional skills and talents.

However, sometimes those rare few fall pray

to the Icarus paradox if left unchecked.

While one must be prepared to take it to the edge,

one must remain always in control of their actions.

Those actions can be a matter of not only life or death,

but of all those engaged in the battle with them.

Only the very best rise to Top Gunner.

Blue 42!

Blue 42!

Blue 42! Set! Hut!

1-1000! 2-1000, 3-1000 here I come.

Oh, shit! She hits hard!

How about that!

All right, cadets! Clean up!

We got air drills in 30 minutes.

Woo hoo hoo!

- Not a fan of "princess". - Whatever.

Marcus, Brown, Spieling, you three cadets are training

to become pilots in the U.S. Air Force.

This is a training base. No messin' around up here.

We need you ready for combat, no stunts this time.

I'll be watching your every move.

The choices you make today will determine the course

of your trajectory in the Air Force.

Lookin' mighty sexy, Sparrow.

Focus, Cowboy.

I can see those baby blues from here.

Hey, where's my kiss?

Okay, Cowboy, eyes on the road. You make Spielman jealous.

You guys good?

All right, let's take it to 'em.

Ho-ho, wow!

Woo hoo hoo!

Cowboy, what are you doing?

You're gonna get us all in trouble!

You'd have to catch me first.

Woo!

I can't help myself, Sparrow.

You totally have me turned...

- No, no, no, no... - ...upside down!

Aw, damn it! Knock that off!

Ah...

Hope you're happy, Cowboy.

Herring's gonna ground us for three weeks!

Oh, man, grounded with this beautiful lady?

Sounds like my perfect date.

In your dreams, showoff.

Guys... Guys, I'm stalling out.

I'm trying to get her back up. I've got nothing!

Oh, he's dropping.

You got this, Spielman.

Nice catch, man. Nice!

All right, let's wrap this up so we get some chow.

No arguments here.

Amateurs.

Oh, man, I thought he was in a brief.

Look, he's obviously excited to see us.

Nice knowin' you.

I mean, I saw enemy fighters up there.

I saw 'em.

Yeah, I did too. Those enemies were all over you.

If it wasn't for my maneuvering skills...

Oh, in your dreams.

In somebody's dreams.

- Hey, hey. - You guys looked hot up there.

Yeah, you like that?

Yeah, get some pointers from me, maybe you'll be a pilot one day.

Naturally.

What she said, you either got it or you don't, you know.

I don't know. I can't describe it.

I'll get back to you on that.

- Really? - Probably not.

I wouldn't trust anything this guy has to say.

He's still in his proverbial diapers.

Probably doesn't have anything to teach you.

Sounds about right.

Hey, look on the bright side.

Maybe Spielman can take some time out of his busy day

to teach you how to stall out.

Great.

Oh, you know what?

It looks like you guys have shit to deal with on your own.

I'm out.

Sir.

- Sir. - Sir.

The Air Force has invested a lot in you three

and I'm gonna see to it we get a return on that investment.

The property you treat like toddler toys are not yours!

They are the property of the United States military!

They are not to be treated like the BMWs and Mercedes

your daddies bought you when you were 16.

They belong to the Air Force.

Do you understand?

Do you understand!

Sir.

My father left when I was 12.

My mother worked tirelessly three jobs

just to make sure I could be here.

Kind of a rags to riches story... sort of.

Spielman, I don't like you.

I don't think you're funny and I'm not impressed.

Okay. The three of you will be spending a long holiday weekend

with myself and Master Sergeant Kelley.

Also, starting now, you're assigned as of 2200 to 20200,

Duty Office Squadron Base Ops and Security

each and every night for the next six days!

Yes, sir.

One more time!

Yes, sir!

You still have PT training at 0900.

Now get outta my sight.

Get outta my sight!

From what I hear Colonel Herring and I

won't be alone this holiday week.

It was so nice of you to give up your leave to stay here with us.

I wanna make sure to have extra turkey and cranberry sauce

flown in from stateside just for you.

All right. Let's start this week off with a little 5k jog.

Attention! Right face!

Lieutenant Brown, will you kindly lead us?

Yes, Master Sergeant.

Forward march!

♪ I don't know what I been told ♪

♪ I don't know but I been told ♪

♪ Air Force wings are silver and gold ♪

♪ Air Force wings are silver and gold ♪

♪ To take a jet up in the stream ♪

♪ To take a jet up in the stream ♪

♪ Is every pilot's wettest dream ♪

♪ Is every pilot's wettest dream ♪

Left, left, left, right, left.

Why are we descending?

Captain. Captain Cushing?

Ah!

What are you doing?

You were completely out!

I got it!

Why didn't you tell me you were hurt?

Don't worry about it.

Looks like you took a bullet through the floorboard.

Bullet went straight through the floor,

hit my leg and nicked my shoulder.

I'll be fine.

It looks like it might have blown through our fuel pump.

We're not makin' it.

Oh!

Ah!

Where can we set her down? Off the grid.

There's a new air base, Asan.

It's not on everyone's radar yet.

Osan? That's not new.

No.

Asan. It's in Baja, California.

There's a base set up there temporarily for SERE training

and initial phase basic flight school.

But they have a runway. I'll set us down there.

We'll call for another EXFIL.

Okay. Do it.

You sure you can still fly this thing?

Yeah, I'll get us there.

But the hydraulics for a vertical set-down are shot.

We'll take us in the old-fashioned way.

Asan TAC!

This is Yankee, Charlie, Echo, One, Niner.

We're on a classified mission.

We need to set down on your base.

Do you copy?

This is Asan TAC.

Yankee, Charlie, Echo One Niner,

you are transmitting over a restricted channel.

Authorized clearance is required,

or you will be subject to intercept.

Brace yourselves.

Zero, Gulf, Echo,

Niner, Niner,

X-ray, Niner, Lima, Oscar...

Confirm.

Aircraft's damaged. Got two critical.

I need to take us down.

All right, here we go. Here we go.

Brace for impact!

Ten, nine, eight...

That's a Valkyrie ATC.

...five, four, three,

two, one!

Everybody okay?

- Yeah. - Copy that, sir. Yes, sir.

How's the CRISPR?

Package intact, sir.

I've never seen one of those.

Whoa! You guys don't need to be here!

It's off the books. Understood?

- Yeah. - Yes, Master Sergeant.

- Yes, sir. - You'll be briefed shortly.

Head on back to the barracks until we call for you.

Colonel Herring?

Yes, I am.

We've got one critical and one deceased.

I need a medical team dispatched to the tarmac immediately!

Can they keep their mouths shut?

Yeah.

Unmarked para-military gear, state of the art.

My bet's on CIA or private sector.

What do you think is in that metal case?

Whatever it is, it's important enough

for Herring to pay his respects.

Let's get outta here.

I don't see any windows on that thing.

Think it's a drone?

How do they navigate in close proximity?

Must be some extremely accurate GPS.

I understand it's all classified,

and don't give me the "need to know" foolishness!

You're on my base, Mr. Lassen.

I have lives I'm responsible for.

And I need to know if that thing

is gonna jeopardize our situation.

Have you heard of CRISPR?

Yeah. Gene Editing Compound, alters and disrupts DNA.

Correct.

However, this particular CRISPR was used by

the Russian government to engineer a deadly

airborne pathogen.

They have plans to distribute it to terrorist organizations

and place it into countries

that were struggling to obtain democracy.

The Russians will come in, offer to quell any terrorist factions.

Now the past few months this has been around,

we weren't able to get our hands on it.

We finally did that.

Okay, explain to me exactly how it works.

A terrorist cell will place this in a public place,

probably a trash can or a bus stop.

Once the pathogen is unstable,

it will cause rapid and immediate thrombocytopenia

in any organism it comes into contact with.

Okay, now what is this thrombocytopenia...

how'd you say it?

It's a condition where the body destroys its platelets.

Massive internal hemorrhaging occurs.

Anyone exposed will need to be treated in less

than an hour before death.

And you brought that here? What is wrong with you?

We didn't have much of a choice, sir.

We've already called another EXFIL to come pick us up,

get this to Kirkland and get a vaccine.

We have less than 13 hours to do so.

I don't know.

These guys just showed up here with a Valkyrie on the base.

The whole place is on lockdown.

I don't know... I don't know what I'm going to be able to do.

Who're you talking to?

My sister.

Letting them know I'm not gonna be home for the holidays.

Hey, look, I have to call you guys back.

Tell Mom I love her.

You, too.

You know,

I think this is gonna my mom's last Thanksgiving.

You know what they're saying, right?

Yes, I do, but that's not what that phone call was about.

We were just buzzed by one Russian bogey.

Cease all further radio transmission.

I repeat, cease all radio transmission at once.

By 4:00. I'll be there.

You don't believe in knocking?

You said your cadets weren't gonna be a problem.

And?

Now my dust off is compromised

and we're losing time to get the CRISPR to safety.

I'm aware of that, and I apologize.

Apparently, one of 'em, Lt. Barret,

he called his sister stateside that he has

an emergency situation and he wouldn't be home

for the holiday.

His mother's not in good health...

That was enough to send out Russian scouts who have probably

already figured out our flight plan to this location.

There's gonna be more surveillance

and possibly an assault attack sent out.

You need to get us to the states now!

The only aircraft we have at this base are AT-38s

and they don't have the fuel to get you back.

Mid-air refuel.

All our seasoned pilots are on leave for the holiday.

This is a training base.

None of my cadets know how to do mid-air refuel.

Get 'em all in here now.

Now?

Hold on.

I need to see the Sergeant right now.

One, two! One, two!

One, two, one...

Kelley.

Yes, sir. Understood.

On your feet!

Mr. Barret, do you understand the meaning of "off the books"?

- Sir, yes, sir! - Apparently not!

Because a short while ago, you placed a cellphone call

to your sister stateside declaring we had

an emergency situation here in Asan!

Sir, that is all I said, sir!

Let's move! We have a briefing in the C.O.'s office.

Mr. Lassen.

We have a package that needs to be delivered

to Kirkland Air Base in the United States

within the next 12 hours.

It's absolutely essential there be no further

personal communication outside of the desert.

There's a better than average chance

we'll be subjected to further reconnaissance.

Sir?

Second Lieutenant Alex Marcus.

I'd like to volunteer our squad for air defense.

Kid, you have no idea what's coming for us.

No, sir, I guess I don't.

Most likely, Russian military.

A trio of green, untested Air Force cadets

lacking surface to air support

is hardly a match for Russian U47s.

Yes, your only option is to run this mission, sir.

You may get that chance, Lieutenant.

Second Lieutenant Spielman, sir.

Second Lieutenant Brown, sir.

If the Russian military attacks this base,

is that not considered an act of war?

Unfortunately, in the court of international law,

our actions to date would be considered terrorism.

- Great. - Joy.

And Colonel Herring could be regarded as harboring fugitives.

Here's how I would like to proceed

with your permission, sir.

Let's hear it.

I don't mind the idea of having three pilots

available for the FA-18 Hornets.

If you have anybody available to repair

our aircraft, I would appreciate that.

Master Sergeant Kelley, Mr. Oliver, Mr. Rapp and myself

will give a refresher on basic infantry skills.

Master Sergeant, can we get some weapons, please?

We can, sir.

Need I remind you, Mr. Lassen,

these kids are fresh out of Air Force Academy.

They've never put a bullet in anyone.

Everybody's gotta start somewhere.

Good stance, Lieutenant.

Thank you, sir.

Elbows tucked in and down!

Hold that rifle like you mean it!

Got it. Thank you, ma'am.

Keep it up, keep it up. Right there. Right there.

Pull it tight.

Elbows tucked in and down.

Hold that rifle like you mean it!

Widen your stance.

Your feet should be under your shoulders.

Yes, sir!

Ah!

How does it feel to have a loaded rifle

in your face even though it is jammed?

- Sorry. - You made your point.

If you all can't think clearly right now

when you're not being shot at,

how are you gonna perform when you are being shot at?

I understand you're pilots.

The saying that goes for up here goes for down here.

Keep your head in the game at all times.

Still got a little time left.

Mr. Oliver, assist them for another 30.

I'm gonna get a SITREP and find out where our EXFIL is.

All right, let's keep going, guys.

Who's the best pilot out of that group?

Marcus.

He's cocky, but talented.

I'm not opposed to Marcus's idea of providing

some sort of diversion as an attack using the FA-18 Hornets.

Well, Lieutenant Barret,

who I know isn't on the top of your list presently,

is a fine mechanic as well.

Okay, put Barret on our aircraft.

Hey, earlier in that briefing,

you said there was a chance of an assault on our base.

Yes?

How likely is that?

Jamie, you all right?

There's something I need to tell you.

I put in for reassignment.

Reassignment?

To who, where?

Just here, but just as support.

I'm not cut out to fly.

What makes you say that?

You.

Alex, Kathryn.

You know, in handling that gun today

it just made me realize that, if it came to it,

I couldn't shoot an enemy plane down.

Well, at least you don't have to shoot your enemy in the face.

That's supposed to make me feel better?

I didn't mean it like that.

I'm just... I'm trying to help.

Yeah, I know.

God, that was such a stupid thing to say.

It's fine. It's fine.

I'm sorry.

It's fine.

Colonel Herring and Lassen want me to try and fix that Valkyrie.

So I'm gonna give that a try, at least.

Good.

Good, I'm glad.

Fix that futuristic jet of theirs

and get 'em to hell outta here, right?

I don't like these guys.

Everything we've heard about Black Ops, they reek of it.

You saw how that one put his gun in Barret's face?

Who do these people think they are?

Who knows what they are or were.

They all have that look.

We don't know what they've seen.

You see the good in everyone, huh?

It's just not our place.

When my brother first got back from Afghanistan, he...

I know.

Hey, but we're not them, right?

Lights out in 10!

Get some rest.

Master Kelly forget our P.T.?

Get up now!

We just had hostiles doing a flyover!

I want you, Brown, and Spielman ready for flight

before they come back!

Looks like you got your wish.

Barret, with me. Move!

Oliver. I want you to rig an M152 RAMS

to that building structure.

Yes, sir.

Worse cast scenario,

Russians blindside us and take over the base.

Explosives will be rigged to any structures

containing classified intel.

Oliver will carry a remote detonator.

We lose control of the base, hit the detonator.

Why we rigging the tents?

If this package falls in the wrong hands again,

we're all expendable.

Can't argue with that point.

I'd liked to have been briefed on the topic a little earlier.

Well, I'm to blame for that Master Sergeant.

I failed to inform you of that detail.

Understood, sir. My apologies.

Rapp, I want you to find the best vantage points possible.

Copy that.

- Where do you want me, sir? - With me.

Colonel Herring, do you have a safe bunker to go to?

I'm stayin' with you.

We have confirmed visual.

Four Russian MI-20 attack helicopters headin' this way.

They're flying below 4,000 feet.

That's why they aren't registering on radar.

This is a full recon, okay?

Ground forces are not far behind.

They're gonna try to take out our defenses

and our communication.

Roger that. We're ready, sir.

Everybody, take your positions.

Eyes to the skies!

Dutch? Sparrow? Radio check!

Sparrow. Copy.

Dutch here.

All right. Let's get ready to go.

Here goes nothing.

Come on! That's not the fightin' spirit, Sparrow.

- I'm good. - That's more like it.

Yeah, that's what I thought.

All right, all systems are go.

All right, guys, this one's for real.

Okay, folks, now that we're at our cruising altitude

of 10,000 feet, let's drop it down to 5,000,

see if we can get eyes on.

Copy that. Descending to Eagles 5.

Copy.

Bogeys at 3:00 low, 2,000 feet, heading east at 260 knots!

No joy, Sparrow, no joy.

Got a visual on four bogeys.

Dutch, Sparrow, drop to 3,500.

I'm gonna take to 3,000 and see if I an shake 'em up a bit.

Whoa! Wait! Are you trying to draw fire?

They fire at us, we fire at them.

We can already shoot. This is international air space.

Okay, everyone. Adjust your altitude now.

Cowboy?

And here we go.

Woo! Got their attention now, baby!

Nice, Cowboy!

All right, let's see if our new friends bite.

Reducing speed to 300 knots.

Let's give those Archers a chance to heat up.

Copy.

They're on my ass, guys! Please buzz them now!

On it.

Hey, guys, they're on my ass!

Guys, I'm flying blind here! Where are you?

Hard left... now!

Got a hit! Two bogeys down!

There's a lock on me!

Dutch, break left, and flares!

Oh, damn it!

Guys, I'm out.

Heading back to the barn.

Copy that, Dutch! Get outta here!

Coming around on their six for another pass.

All right. I got a lock.

Firing now.

Sparrow, what are you doing?

Sparrow, do you copy? What are you doing?

Sparrow, slow down! You're goin' too fast!

Sparrow, you need to roll now!

Nice shot, Sparrow, nice shot!

We did it!

We did...

but please don't give me a heart attack like that again.

Spielman.

Brown.

Marcus.

Impressive work up there, Lieutenants.

Thank you, sir. We learned from the best.

Colonel Herring, sir!

FA-18s one and two are both grounded

with structural damage, sir.

Lieutenant Barret, let's get you on Mr. Lassen's jet.

See if those repairs are within our capabilities.

All right. I can do that, sir.

Already visual confirmation of another enemy aircraft...

- No. - An SU-57.

Colonel, with all due respect,

if we don't go and bring it to them right now,

they're gonna bring it to us.

Then let's move.

Looks like we're gonna have to rely on visuals.

That SU-57's equipment is state of the art stealth technology,

radar absorbent materials, serrated edge panels, the works.

I heard they actually have beyond visual range missiles.

Well, you heard correct, my friend.

All right, boys, knock it off.

Copy that, Sparrow.

Guys, I have a lock on me!

No joy.

Dutch, I don't see him!

It's those BVRs, man. I'm telling you!

Dutch, you need to recalibrate.

Cross-check your instrumentation!

Guys, they're still locked on me!

Break right, Dutch. Now! Break right!

The SU-57 is still locked on me!

Shit! I'm hit!

Dutch, you need to eject!

I'm hit, I'm hit!

You need to eject! Right now!

Eject, Dutch!

Okay, Sparrow, drop to 3,000.

We need to see if we can ball up his grid.

I'm gonna stay up here at five, to see if I can get a visual.

Come on. Where is this guy?

There he is!

Sparrow, watch out!

Shit! He's messing with us!

We can't outmaneuver this guy.

Cowboy, respond!

Gotcha.

Firing now!

Damn!

We need to abort, Head back to the barn.

I don't care what international laws that it violated.

We're not equipped to deal with this.

We need real help.

No. I got an idea.

We're going to run a continuous scissor pattern.

We're gonna force him to lock onto one of us.

When he does, the other one drops off and gets on six.

Copy, Cowboy.

All right. Let's give it a shot.

He's locked on!

You need to keeping moving!

Pull up and break left!

I can't shake him!

When I give you the word, I want you to go full vertical.

What?

Trust me, Sparrow. We need to do this.

I'll stall out!

No, you need to do it, okay? Just do it.

On my word. Are you ready?

Yeah.

Now! Do it! Pull up!

What happened?

Had to eject.

The plane?

We were no match for that SU-57.

I don't know what we were thinking.

Marcus and Brown?

I don't know.

Shit.

What?

Oh, you gotta be kidding me.

So two planes are grounded and three are complete losses.

We have one left, without a weapons system.

- Sorry, sir. - Don't be sorry.

If you hadn't stopped that Su-57,

it would have surely destroyed all our aircraft

and Mr. Lassen's jet.

We have to break radio silence and put out a distress call.

- Can't do that. - Why?

Right now, it's just a skirmish.

You send out your fleet, they send out theirs.

Now we're at war, one that no one's gonna win.

I don't understand.

A skirmish? This is an act of war.

They're trying to attack us!

This desert?

Is it official U.S. territory or is it on a trial run?

It's on loan.

I don't mean to be disrespectful,

but this type of shit happens all the time,

stuff that you guys will never hear about.

This particular procedure, it goes beyond the knowledge

of any national agency, even the president.

Plausible deniability.

Yes, exactly.

It's just us.

So the faster you guys realize that, the better off we'll be.

So what's the plan?

We're losing time.

They'll be back with bigger and better weaponry.

Maybe take the CRISPR in the woods

and wait for the EXFIL there.

Sir? I don't like it.

I don't like it either,

but sometimes we need to just get going.

Why not just secure the CRISPR here?

This package does not leave my sight

unless you have some type of vault.

No, sir.

You three were really good with M-16s.

I'm gonna need your skills rather than staying here.

Kelley, I want you to accompany us.

We're gonna go into the woods with the CRISPR

and wait for the EXFIL there.

We're gonna protect the CRISPR at all costs, understand?

- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.

So pack whatever you can for the next 12 hours.

Barret?

Yes, sir?

How work going with Mr. Lassen's jet?

It's good.

I identified the problem and I'm gonna fix it.

Excellent news.

You will continue to work on Mr. Lassen's jet.

Should you need to make radio contact...

Yes, sir?

Use your standard encrypted call sign.

- Understood, sir. - Good deal.

I need to go.

All right.

They're coming back.

And when they do, you need to find a place to hold out.

I'm coming back for you, okay?

All right.

Hey...

Pardon me, sir.

With all due respect, Sir,

don't you think it's best that you stay behind?

That's the plan, Mr. Lassen.

I'm gonna remain at the base and oversee Barret's work.

But advise your men this is high altitude desert.

You could be trudging through several feet of snow

on your way to a secure location.

Why not just stay at the base

instead of freezing our asses off?

Lower visibility out here.

At the base, anyone can spot us.

If the EXFIL's going to happen, this is the best place to do it.

Just feels like the increased exposure

is gonna make us more vulnerable.

How do we know they're not out here already?

We don't, but at least we can buy Barret more time

to make the Valkyrie repairs.

It's our only option if the EXFIL falls through.

Still don't like having to freeze my ass off.

Take deep breaths, guys.

Breathe.

So do you guys know what this thing is or let me guess?

You're not gonna tell is.

It's a lethal viral agent.

It's airborne.

That sounds serious.

It is, if we don't get it back to the lab in time

for them to develop a vaccine.

Hey, whatever you need from us, just let us know, okay?

Looks like a good spot up there.

The higher vantage will help us see if we're being followed.

Okay, let's drop here.

This is the highest ground and the best cover we're gonna find.

I hope you shoot better than you fly.

Yeah, me too.

Brown, make sure to watch his back, please.

No matter what happens, we watch each other's backs, okay?

Okay.

Colonel Herring?

Lassen. Do you copy?

Loud and clear. What's your SITREP?

We've established a secure perimeter

and we're hunkered down.

But we can't hold this position for long.

What's the situation on your end?

How's the EXFIL looking?

I'm gonna need you to hold on a little longer.

My men are working diligently on your aircraft.

Hang in there. We'll get you on your way.

We can't hold out here much longer, Colonel.

We're burning valuable time out here.

We need to get the CRISPR off this island!

I understand that.

We're doing everything we can on our end to make that happen.

Herring out.

Okay.

Looks like we're clear for now.

Master Sergeant, have you started with the traps?

No, sir, I haven't.

This might be a good time to do so.

Yes, sir.

Lieutenants! You're with me!

We're gonna set up a defensive perimeter

using good old Mother Nature.

Let's go.

That's right.

Time to go.

Just had two MI-28s fly by.

Sent Barret out to investigate.

He will report.

Copy. Standing by.

Hard to believe booby traps are gonna make a dent

in a platoon of an elite Russian infantry.

I think that's the point. They won't be expecting it.

Thought I heard a helicopter flying over to the east.

Wonder if they've sent in reinforcements.

Hard to be blind like this, hidden behind all this cover.

Not sure we'll be able to handle more than 10,

especially with our little stick traps.

They did this in Vietnam, right, Sarge?

That's right.

My uncle stepped on one of these in Da Nang,

almost died from infection.

They used to wipe shit on the tips.

- Say what? - We're not doing that, are we?

We're not savages, Lieutenant Brown.

Is this deep enough, Sarge?

That's good.

Lieutenant Brown, keep these two alive, please.

Yes, sir.

You okay?

Yeah.

I'm just worried about Jamie, though.

I'm sure he's okay.

Our north flank is open.

We could use some traps over there.

We looking good?

For now.

So what were you before whatever you are now?

Force Recon.

Marines.

Whole team Devil Dogs?

No, only a chosen few.

My brother was in 5th Marines.

Oh, yeah? Where's he at now?

He didn't come back from Afghanistan.

Tough break, soldier.

It comes with the oath.

That it does, soldier. That it does...

Echo, Bravo, Juliet One, Authenticate.

Victor, Romeo, Two. Authenticating.

Authentication confirmed. What's your SITREP?

Home base is compromised.

I'm off base.

MI-28 returned and Colonel Herring

asked me to investigate.

They dropped additional troops and they're headed to base.

Unknown number.

They're armed.

I count at least eight of them.

Copy that.

Sit tight and await further instructions.

How many?

Eight lightly armed hostiles.

They ain't out here looking for us, though.

Bring it.

How's that doin'?

Still here.

How much time we got?

Less than 10 hours.

CRISPR?

They haven't gotten it yet.

Pile Driver? Storm.

Go ahead, Storm.

What's the ETA on that EXFIL?

Waiting for confirmation of gun support.

Your position has been compromised.

But we're less than 10 hours away from losing containment.

Copy that, Storm. We're doing what we can.

Will update and advise. Out.

We have an armed patrol heading this way!

How many?

Couldn't tell.

All right. This is it.

Basic Infantry skills.

Keep your selector on "semi".

Conserve your ammo.

Nobody fires until they hit the traps or I give the word.

- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.

Yes, sir.

Visual.

Five staggered on the main trail.

Three meters apart... close grouping.

All carrying AKs.

Okay, let the first one hit the punji stakes.

Then take your shots.

Copy that.

Maintain a field of fire!

Reloading!

One, 3:00,

two, 1:00.

- I'll take 3:00. - Copy that.

Go, go!

I got eyes on tripwire.

They're flanking us on the right!

- Cover me! - Covering!

Let's go, let's go.

We got 'em.

Oh my God.

It was either them or us.

We gotta go!

I'll come back.

Colonel Herring, we've cleared the area

and are circling back to the base.

Copy that.

I'll link up with you and the team

when you reach the perimeter.

I've lost contact with Barret, have you seen him?

Negative.

Any casualties?

Yes. One.

Rapp.

Jamie?

What's he doing?

Sergeant Barret! I lost you!

What's wrong?

Where in the world did you go?

I'm so sorry.

Drop your weapons, gentlemen!

I have snipers in position. Please, do as I have asked.

I will ask you again, please lower your weapons.

I will ask you again. Please lower your weapons.

Okay. Put 'em down.

Very good, very good.

Now if you will all kindly come this way,

away from your weapons.

Yes.

Against wall.

Good.

You have something that is ours.

We would like it back.

On your knees!

Please remember my snipers.

Do not be a hero.

- Marcus... - On your knees.

I sent five men.

They're dead.

You are... proficient.

Is this the correct word?

Thorough.

Thorough, thorough.

I... I am proficient.

No talking!

Do not move!

He's gone.

It's gonna be some time before any jet could reach your area.

We do recommend that if the Valkyrie

is in flying condition that your pilot should take it

and see if they can secure the package.

Again, take the Valkyrie and secure the package.

Looks like visuals are made by the screens

fed through some sort of 360 camera system.

She's all yours.

I... I don't know if I can do this.

No time to debate.

I think these are weapons stations.

Alex.

If anyone can do this, it's you.

All right.

Well, it can't be that difficult, right?

Uh, instrumentation's the same,

give or take a few gadgets and...

We got it! Okay!

All right, right?

Okay.

G.A.T. What do you think that is?

Gatling gun?

Oh, no, I just did something.

Yes! That's what it is!

- All right. - That's awesome!

All right, guys. Prepare for take off.

All right, here we go.

- Ready. - Ready, Dutch?

- Oh my God. - Here we go.

Let's do this.

Slow and steady. Slow and steady.

Okay, all right.

Here we go, slowly, and let's pull up now slowly...

And there we go!

Cadets, this is Colonel Herring.

I've requested backup from home.

They're a long way out,

so it's unlikely they will reach you in time.

If you're able to take possession of the CRISPR,

you are to proceed to Kirkland Air Force Base.

Do you copy?

Copy that, sir.

We got it, okay.

Woo!

Amazing. We're up.

Enemy in sight, guys!

Incoming 200 knots.

Intercepting course in about 20 miles.

There's a weapons panel here, a missile panel.

We have air to air missiles, guys!

Good, we got enemies in sight.

Here's the plan, guys.

We're gonna bank left, cut across their bow.

All right, Spielman, I need you on that Gatling gun.

We only have one chance at this.

If we destroy that chopper, we lose the CRISPR. Copy?

- I understand. - Okay

All right. Here we go.

Banking left now.

And take your shot!

This plane's got great horizontal speed,

but the stick is like moving through mud.

We got two S-80s incoming!

Hold on! Pulling up!

Pull up now! Let's go.

That's way closer than I want it.

Damn it. Shit.

Oh... Guys, any idea on how we can cripple this guy

without destroying him?

Maybe I can lock on to its rear rudder

with one of these air to air missiles.

No, Dutch. You and I both know we can't do that.

That's a serious crash right there we're talking.

So what do we do?

We're coming up on a field!

We'll shoot out his rudder, force him to land there!

Let me think.

Whatever we end up doing, the timing has gotta be perfect.

It's risky.

All right, Dutch. I need you on that gun.

We need to set the chopper down, all right?

We only have one chance!

You ready?

Ready.

Coming around his six again...

and...

Banking left now!

Come on, come on!

- Got it! Woo! - Good shot, Dutch!

Yeah!

Good shot, Dutch! Good shot.

Wait, wait, wait.

No, no, no, no!

He's headed to the trees! Come on, man.

No, no, no, no.

Pull up, man. Pull up!

Damn it, Spielman, we only wanted to take his rudder out,

not make him crash!

No! I know!

Pull up!

Pull up! Pull up!

Damn it!

I'm sorry, Alex.

Wait, wait!

No, no, no, look! He's running!

- There he is. - How'd he survive that?

Alex, take her down.

I'm goin' after the CRISPR.

Are you sure about this?

Time to Cowboy up, right?

Copy that.

Let's get ready to take her down.

Let's take her down.

Hold tight!

All right, guys.

It's gonna be a bumpy one, okay?

- All right. - Hang on!

Nice and slow, hold on.

Nice and slow.

All right. It's gonna be a rough landing.

Touchdown in three, two, one.

We'll have the Valkyrie ready to go.

Based on the way he's moving on the monitor,

he looks pretty banged up.

This one's yours, Spielman.

But if you're not back in 10, we're coming after you.

Oh! Oh!

Valkyrie ATC, what is your status?

- Do you copy? - We do copy.

We have the CRISPR, one injured.

Copy. We understand you have the CRISPR.

Please proceed to Kirkland Air Force Base.

Copy. Kirkland Air Force Base.

Looks good.

Well done.

Everything looks intact.

Thanks, guys. We'll get you briefed and back to Asan.

Who says I'm going back to Asan?

How are we gonna protect America without you?

Could we we technically say that we saved the whole world?

You've done your country a great service.

Saved a lot of lives.

And lost a lot of them, too.

We have them to thank.

I've trained a lot of pilots in my career,

some good, some real good.

And then a few that are truly exceptional.

To be an exceptional pilot, much like being

in Special Forces, sometimes you need to think outside the box.

You need to be a rebel, but not a mutineer.

Sometimes the answer lies right in front of you.

Other times, you need to search deep for it.

In combat, it is easy to lose your cool.

But those who can keep a cool head and stay calm

are the ones who've proved to be leaders,

leaders that we so desperately need in these desperate times,

those capable of heroic acts of courage

not only to protect one's country,

but be willing to lay down their life

for that of their fellow servicemen.

Most pilots like Marcus, Brown and Spielman will never be

called upon and do what those great pilots

have done: to actually engage in ground warfare.

It's another thing entirely to look your enemy

in the eye to see the life drain from them.

That's one advantage to being a pilot.

But even still, the knowledge of your actions

can still lay heavy on your conscience,

if you don't keep the mission and the reason

at the forefront of your thoughts.

Lieutenants Marcus, Brown and Spielman will have long,

successful careers ahead of them for as long as they wish.

It's a chance to forge pilots like these

that drives me to continue on.

Their actions enabled Lassen and his team

to get the CRISPR to where it needed to go.

It's been reported that the operation proved successful.

Even at my rank, you don't always get the full story.

Sometimes you just get "mission accomplished"

and that's all you can ask for.

I often wonder what would have happened

had Lassen and his men landed in another training base.

But, luckily, they landed in mine.