YOUR FINEST HOUR

Screenplay
by

Thomas Anthony Harmer

LOGLINE: A cocky Air Force Pilot is introduced to a strict obscure Colonel and is forced to change.

FADE IN:

EXT. OCEAN

Sunny, mystic setting of blue skies with a cloud here & there. Slowly overhead of calm, blue waters. A slight pinch noise of something resembling jet exhaust is heard. 

At geometric speed an F-16 storms out into our view like a bat out of hell. The once calm blue waters are no longer. This plane shows true skill by the person commanding it, it touches down near the ocean water, but it does not touch the water, instead is storms straight up into the air and performs a 360 as it continues on.

INT. F-16 COCKPIT

The pilot behind the cockpit is 1st Lieutenant John Paar of United States Air Force, young guy, late 20's, defiantly a crackerjack. Though Paar's skill is obvious his recklessness & immaturity as an officer is also.

PAAR
Yee Ha! Here we go again.

Paar once again performs another daring stunt; the way this guy flies you'd think he was the red baron. He swoops up & over in a succession of aerial moves.

INT. FLIGHT CONTROL ROOM

Military Personal observes on radar screens looking on at air-traffic activity. One officer closely monitors these exercises and becomes a little disturbed by what he observes. This is CO Captain Curt Watkins.

WATKINS
(On a microphone)
That's enough Paar, get on with the mission.

PAAR
Roger that, Cap!

Paar's F-16 circles around, searching for something, we see the crosshairs homing in on brief object in the distance.

PAAR
I have a visual, El-Cappy-Tain.

WATKINS
Proceed with caution, maintain speed and dammit watch your horizon!

F-16 moves in closer on the target, which is now visual identified as an A-10. We a good view of the guy in the A-10. Paar pushes forward in hot pursuit. The A-10 spots Paar and becomes frantic.

PAAR
Target acquired, I‘m moving in.

At the control booth, Watkins looks on at the radar. He notices Paar is creeping closer to the A-10.

Missile Technician officer is watching the speed & distance on radar from across Watkins.

TECH
Air speed is normal he's right on schedule, sir.

Watkins takes a deep breath and speaks once again into the microphone.

WATKINS
All right Paar are you locked on target?

PAAR
Locked on tighter than a snare drum, going in for the kill.

The A-10 tries to duck and weave away from Paar, but to no avail, Paar is too skilled and crafty to fall for the A-10's tricks.

WATKINS
Fire when ready

PAAR
Missile 1 locked...

The crosshairs of missile aiming of Paar's F-16 blink red.

PAAR
In 5,4,3...

Something disturbs the Technician monitoring.

TECH
Sir, he's moving forward and not keeping a safe distance

WATKINS
Paar pull back now!

Paar is dipping below the horizon; he's flying directly below the A-10

PAAR
2,1, Good night Sweetheart!

PAAR presses the switch on the stick, zooms right under the A-10 and makes a dramatic path up the tip of it's nose and right back around. An explosion on the A-10's screen appears and big red words appear YOUR DEAD, the A-10 pilot shouts some obscenities the result is clear, it's a SIMULATION practice.

PAAR
See ya back at Burgess!

In the A-10 Cockpit is 1st Lieutenant Nelson Burgess, part of the same unit as Paar, he shaken up and furious at the way Paar terminated him.

Back in the control booth, it's mayhem.

WATKINS
Godammit! What the hell was he doing?!

In a violent temper of Watkins is fling on the ground and tosses a chair making everybody duck for cover. He leaves the control booth and heads for the landing zone.

EXT. LUKE AFB ARIZONA (SUPER)

ANGLE ON: Large Runway, F-14s, F-16s, Military Personal.

Officers standing at a safe distance outside, including Watkins who is shown very much still in distress see PAAR's F-16 in the sky. Landing Gear is activated and Paar lands safely on base with perfection.

Paar takes a moment to gather himself and climbs out of the cockpit to crowd of congrats from his Air Force associates.

Lt. Burgess looks on in jealousy & anger towards the man who so easily picked him off in the flight drill.

PAAR
Hey Burgess, next time you might want think about flying a Stealth.

Crowd around Paar laughs, Burgess shows no expression.

Some pushing & shoving insures through the crowd, somebody tries to get near Paar. Enter, 2nd Lieutenant Perry Morse, clean cut, mid 20s. Morse is the Paar's best friend, the two have known each other for years and have a great friendship for on another.

MORSE
John! John! 

PAAR
Hey eh Perry! You're next on my menu.

MORSE
Well save your appetite cause Watkins is pissed

PAAR
Why? I completed the mission didn't I?

Captain Watkins enters through and greets Paar.

WATKINS
What the hell were you doing up there, Lieutenant! I give the orders not you!

PAAR
Relax don't get your panties in a twist, I just thought I'd give ya little curve.

WATKINS
What? Who the hell do you think you are?!

Paar puts on a pair sunglasses and grins.

PAAR
I am an Air Force Aviator and the best one you got...
(pause)
sir.

Paar exits leaving Watkins in disbelief.

INT. BRIGADIER GENERAL PARCHMENT'S OFFICE

The office is passably big, a potted plant lies just right of the door, and various types of medals, photographs are displayed on the walls. General Alan Parchment is the Base Commander at LUKE AFB. A very powerful looking man, early 50s, and distinguished with metals on his uniform. We see General Parchment seated at his desk with glasses on talking on the phone.

PARCHMENT
Yes I know...

Captain Watkins enters

PARCHMENT
Wait, he just walked in.
(Hangs up phone)

WATKINS
I'm here to see you, sir.

PARCHMENT
Yes I know, have a seat Captain.

Watkins reaches for the nearest seat

PARCHMENT
I know why your here Captain, so I'm going to get to the point. I'm transferring you to Bitberg Germany, I've decided to bring a new commander in here. Your plane leaves at 0700 hours.

WATKINS
Sir, I didn't want things to happen like this.

PARCHMENT
We all didn't want them to happen like this, but Lt. Paar is one of the best pilots this military has...

WATKINS
(irate)
But Sir..

PARCHMENT
And he's a cocky sonfabitch who pretends to be John Wayne up there, yes I know, but I found solution for that.

PARCHMENT reaches for a gray colored pen displayed on his desk and writes something on a sheet of paper.

PARCHMENT
Here's your transfer and the officer taking your position.

Watkins examines the transfer and his eyes begin open like a surprise had landed on his lap, only briefly it lasts. We than see tiny little grin on his face and he gives his farewell salute to Parchment.

CUT TO:

INT. JACK'S ALE HOUSE - NIGHT

Jack's a cushy little place where officers from the O-Club come off base for a little drinking, dancing, and fun. The place is pretty full on this night, the ladies are flashy, and drinking is getting started.

We see Lt. Paar on the bar stool guzzling away on a glass of beer, right beside him Lt. Morse shares his own drink.

PAAR
Bartender another round and anything the broad at the end wants.

A beautiful blond smiles her way at Paar. He returns her smile and gives her a little wink.

MORSE
Well another CO out, how many is that? 4?

Paar downs a shot of liquor.

PAAR
Five. Hey what can I say, their loss.

MORSE
I wonder who's going to fill in for Watkins.

PAAR
Ah they'll probably fly in some Major in from Pope. But Perry, you understand I don't do what I do up their on purpose, it just comes natural.

MORSE
Let’s just hope one day it doesn't become fatal for one us.

PAAR slaps Morse on his back.

PAAR
Ha! C'mon Perry, have a little faith in your fellow aviator.

Across the bar, Paar spots Lt. Burgess.

PAAR
Hey Burgie, how you doing over there?

BURGESS
Eat Shit, Paar.

PAAR
Oh come on now, you're not still mad about what happened today? 

Nelson shrugs at Paar's site, but still keeps his attention toward him.

PAAR
C'mon let me buy you a drink, hey bartender!

BURGESS
Save it Paar, you're paying for something else.

PAAR
What's that suppose to mean?

BURGESS
I figured you already know by now, since you know everything else.

PAAR looks for an answer at MORSE. Morse just dismisses his friend by a clueless look.

BURGESS
That new CO there bringing is coming from El Paso.

PAAR
And that's supposed to mean something to me?

BURGESS
It would if then new CO's name was Colonel Willard T. Grey.

MORSE facial expression gives the sign of concern. Paar doesn't react; he's too puzzled. He tries to figure out what this means.

MORSE
John, you've never heard of Col. Willard Grey?

PAAR
Should I have?

BURGESS interrupts as MORSE was getting to explain.

BURGESS
Let him find out Morse, in fact all of us will.

BURGESS finishes his drink and exits the bar.

PAAR 
Am I missing something here? What's so special about this CO?

MORSE
I don't know too much about him, but he has a reputation for being hard.

PAAR
Aw c'mon, look I've dealt with slack jaw officers all my life, I’m use to them.

Beautiful Blond woman enters with her sights on Paar.

PAAR
Besides, how many officers can excel at flying an F-16 and dance like me?

Paar takes the young lady off onto the dance floor. Morse watches with optimism.

BARTENDER
Another round?

MORSE
Yea, I think this will be the final round.

Morse just looks on and laughs.

Paar dances on the floor, he's a real swinger, displaying dance moves with ladies around him. Others cheer on.

CUT TO:

EXT. WATER/DESERT PLAINS LUKE AFB

MH-53J PAVE HELICOPTER

Helicopter glides over Overcast skies with gray and white clouds.

Helicopter touches down on base. Skies in the air now turn entirely gray.

Door opens, officer personal exit, but one is still yet to leave.

Shinny pair of black shoes are seen from somebody

Medals & Ribbons displayed his Chest. 

Now we view the nameplate on his uniform GREY

Col. Willard T. Grey, a decorated officer, 53, with a faded scar just below his right eye. Grey's displays a true warrior appearance, head up, shoulders back. Not someone to be taken lightly.

OFFICER
Welcome Colonel, glad to have you on board. General Parchment will brief you about your crew, just this way.

An escort of status quo directs Grey into the main quarters.

INT. PARCHMENT'S OFFICE

Parchment is seat in his chair, looking around at some paperwork. Grey enters and shuts the door.

PARCHMENT
At ease, Colonel. Have a seat.

GREY
That's all right, General I'll stand.

PARCHMENT
Suite yourself. Let me brief you about your the crew.

Parchment slides over a manila folder filled with files. Grey glances at the information inside.

GREY
(Direct)
I'll sit now.

PARCHMENT
These men are good Colonel, skilled, but one in particular is a little over skilled, shall we say.

Grey turns a page, in the upper left hand we see PAAR, JONATHAN O-2.
Col. Grey immediately recognizes this and jumps on it.

GREY
Paar.

PARCHMENT
Right. We know your reputation down at El Paso Colonel, which’s why I wanted you hear. With the right attitude, Lieutenant Paar could be on of the finest pilots in this military.

Grey continues reading the file.

GREY
Five Commanding Officers in six years.

PARCHMENT
I stress the term "could be".

Grey's looks up at Parchment.

GREY
General, I didn't fly in from El Paso to take command of a normal crew.

Parchment now begins to realize the command has started.

GREY
I will now see what God's next challenge is.

CUT TO:

INT. COMPANY AREA

Paar and his squad, eight to be precise are sitting and standing around waiting to be introduced to the new Commanding Officer of the squad. 

Morse still has that concerned look on his face, Paar picks up on this and runs with it like a football.

PAAR
Christ, you talk about this guy like he’s Patton or something.

MORSE
Pretty damn close, John.

PAAR
Look I'm the leader of the squad; I got it under control.

A door opens. Enter Col. Grey.

GREY
Fall out!

Each man lines up side by side.

GREY
Good afternoon officers, my name is Colonel Willard Grey; I will the commanding officer of this squad. From what I hear, this is supposed to be one of best group of pilots in the entire military. That's going to be my job to find out. From here on in I will be testing you all to the limits that your previous COs couldn't.

Grey walks slowly up and down, getting a good look at each face as he does. He reaches the final man, Paar, and stops.

START WITH MEDIUM 2 SHOT

GREY
You are the great Lieutenant Jonathan Paar, I've heard so much about?

PAAR
(slight grin)
That's what they say, sir.

GREY
Wrong. They say other things..Paar.

Paar takes some offense to the way Col. Grey says PAAR to him.

GREY
They say your ego has gotten the best of you and that you have no respect for anyone but yourself. Am I right so far?

PAAR
Not entirely, Sir.

GREY
So you are calling me a liar?

PAAR
No..Si...

GREY
You are calling me a liar! 

GREY begins to chuckle. Morse tilts his head slightly to the ground.

GREY
You're getting off on the wrong foot, Paar. Don't think that I haven't heard about five COs you chased out during your tenure here. Is that lie, Lieutenant?

PAAR sighs.

PAAR
No, Sir.

GREY
Well I have news for you, Lieutenant Paar. You won't have to worry about that problem anymore, cause if there's one person who's not going to leave this base, it's me. Is that clear?

PAAR
Yes, Sir. 

GREY
Yes Sir Colonel!

Paar gets annoyed.

PAAR
Yes Sir, Colonel.

GREY
Good. Now Lieutenant Paar you are the squad leader of this group is I correct?

PAAR
Yes sir, Colonel.

GREY
Not anymore. Lieutenant Nelson Burgess! Step forward!

Burgess steps forward.

GREY
Lieutenant Burgess will be taking over responsibilities as new squad leader for Lieutenant Paar, whose services will not be required in that position anymore. Is that clear?!

BURGESS
Yes sir Colonel!

GREY
You may step back, Lieutenant Burgess.

Burgess steps back in the line with a smile that no one can see. Paar can not believe what just happened. He feels cheated but still manages to keep his posture.

END WITH 2 SHOT, BEGIN WITH C.U.
GREY
Now Lieutenant Paar, I expect you to extend your new squad leader the kind of respect that you got squad leader, are we clear?

Paar is now very angered at Grey.

PAAR
Yes, Sir Colonel.

Col. Grey steps closer to Paar. The two are both eye to eye.

GREY
Good. You will learn Paar from here on in about meaning the respect of an air force pilot or else you will be sorry that you ever wished you had a pair of wings on your uniform.

A long pause as GREY eyes PAAR, no words are spoken, just a silence.

EXT. AIR FORCE BASE - DAY

HIGH ANGLE SHOT

The squad of eight is are all in flight gear suits, preparing for flight drills. Technicians and engineers inspect the planes making sure there are no malfunctions and everything is good to go. 

SLOW LOW RESOLUTION

We see Lieutenant Paar examining all the controls and switches in the cockpit. He is still visibly disturbed by the decision that Colonel Willard Grey made giving command of the squad to Burgess.

Paar gazes to his left and spots Burgess sitting in his cockpit, with sly grin from ear to ear on his face. Paar is now extremely disturbed and returns his attention back to his prep.

Grey standing along the path walks down giving all the pilots heads up. He notices one of the pilots hesitant in getting into the cockpit of the F-16.

GREY
You have a problem, pilot?

JAMES
No problem sir, I guess there always the fear there.

GREY
Son, I said the same thing to my CO when I getting set to bomb an enemy village in Laos. You know what he said?

JAMES
No sir.

GREY
Shut the fuck up and fly the plane.

CUT

Grey continue his stroll along the down the planes, eyeballing each of his men. He gets to Burgess's plane.

GREY
Follow the procedures Burgess, pretend it's real, I expect you to control your fellow aviators.

BURGESS
You can count on me sir.

GREY tilts his head slightly and looks directly at the Paar who in turn looks directly at him, the two still have that conflicted stare that just wont go away.

INT. CONTROL ROOM

Officers, Technicians, and other personal scramble around, they gather information and head for their seats. Colonel Grey is seen standing amongst the crowd.

GREY
Is everyone set?

TECH 1
Standing by sir.

EXT. AIR FORCE BASE RUNWAY

SEQUENCE OF SHOTS: PLANE HATCHES CLOSING ONE BY ONE.

LAST HATCH CLOSING OF PAAR'S.

CUT TO:

EXT. CONTROL ROOM

GREY grabs the microphone dispatched to every pilot.

GREY
Burgess are your men secured and ready?

BURGESS in the cockpit.

BURGESS
Hatches are sealed; we're ready sir!

GREY
Paar? Do you copy?

PAAR hesitates to the GREY's question.

GREY
Paar?! Do you copy godamnit?!

PAAR now is quick to respond in anger.

PAAR
Loud and clear Colonel!

GREY
(Direct)
Listen Paar, you follow orders, and do not deviate, understood?

PAAR looks to be reaching his breaking point, but keeps himself calm.

PAAR
Yes Sir Colonel!

GREY
All right lets see what kind of fighters you are. IGNITION!

SEQUENCE: IGNITION OF EACH PLANE'S REAR, BLAZING INFERNOS!

GREY
(to engineers)
Bionics Check?

ENGINEER
Bionics are good Colonel.

F-16s are now ready and awaiting the sign.

GREY
All right on my command...Go! Go! Go!

Each plane takes over one by one into the air. A marker flag catches heat exhausts from Paar's plane and catches on fire, and is quickly extinguished.

All F-16s are now airborne; each plane keeps a safe distance from one another. 

A few planes spin and descending others stay on course speed. 

AERIAL SHOT: F-16s over wide spread landscape.

Radar in the control booth displays all eight aero planes each at different speeds.
GREY
All right let’s get on with it we don't have all day. Air-To-Air.

BURGESS
Set a course speed MACH 1.

All planes accelerate in MACH-1. Paar however decides to give it a little more juice unknowingly to his new squad leader Burgess.

PAAR
Roger on course speed, dad.

Burgess is irritated by the reference but shrugs it off and knows there's more important things to worry about.

GREY
Let dogs out, begin!

Aerial Dog-Fighting begins, as all eight begin to separate.

SEQUENCE: AEROBATICS

Start with Burgess, Morse, Johnson, Birdman, Karpy, Fields, James, and finally Paar.

f.g.: Paar's planning coming right at us at the speed of sound.

PAAR
Target acquired, I think it's a little birdy.

BIRDMAN
(chuckles)
You’re only going to catch the feathers this time Paar.

Dog Fighting, Goose Chase ensues between Paar & Birdman. Birdman's attempts at maneuvering no match for the skill of Paar. Paar quickly with blast of speed reach over 250 mph on the speedometer flies over Birdman. A red blinking light appears over on the birdman's switchboard indicating he's been eliminated.

PAAR
The have feathers have been ruffled.

CUT TO:

CONTROL ROOM:

GREY
Slow it down Paar, get on with it.

Burgess's plane finds Paar's and is right on his trail.

BURGESS
I have visual. I am now chasing the dog.

PAAR
As am I.

Paar now begins to chase his best friend Morse. Now it's a trio. Morse in the front, Paar in the Middle, and Burgess at the end.

BURGESS
Closing on my target.

CUT TO:

RADAR status screen showing the 3 F-16 and Grey looking on.

ZOOM IN: Speed acceleration on Burgess's speedometer 250, 255, etc. Paar is in danger of being tagged, but shows no sign of panic.

BURGESS
Closing in for the kill.

PAAR
I don't think so.

In the blink of an eye, Paar climbs straight up, does a 180, and accelerates right over both Burgess and Morse. Both red lights give a flicking sound.

BURGESS
Shit!

Paar is heard laughing and celebrates a victory.

MORSE
Good hit, Johnny.

PAAR
Roger that.

CUT TO:

Grey is little disgruntled at the Radar screen.

GREY
All right knock it off Paar. Squadron move onto next exercise. AIR-TO-MUD. No bullshit, follow orders.

The planes all line up for the exercise, all the seven are accounted for. The eighth and final F-16 charges on in, it's Paar's plane, he glides by all planes above and gets himself lined up for position.

PAAR
Ready when you are Colonel.

GREY
Go!

All the planes once again take their separate paths.

GREY
Listen up squad, I set up a simulation in the water. Find the target, descend to 20 feet above sea level, and lock on to the target. 20 feet! No more, no less.

BURGESS
Roger that. C'mon you hogs lets go.

The target simulation is founded nearby in the deep waters of the ocean. It's an abandon submarine, ropes are attached to the body keeping it afloat.

The F-16s find the target.

RAPID SUCCESSION OF SHOTS:
BURGESS
Locked On!

JOHNSON
Locked On!

BIRDMAN
Locked On!

KARPY
Locked On!

FIELDS
Locked On!

JAMES
Locked On!

MORSE
Locked On!

Each pilot dives down below, going no more no less than 20 feet above sea level, just as Col. Grey request. 

The planes soar by the sub, beeping sounds on the computer screens in the control room are heard, Each pilots name lights up signaling that he took out the target. One name however is still not lit.

GREY
Where the hell is Paar?

Out of the clouds, emerges Paar.

CLOSE UP: The Horizon indicator

PAAR
Going in for the kill, sir.

GREY watches patiently by the radar screen, keeping a good eye on the horizon.

Paar shifts the control stick down. We see the sub lying in wait.

PAAR
Locked On!

Paar takes a final decent and glides. 

CLOSE UP: HORIZON READS 18 FEET!

GREY
Paar keep that nose up!

PAAR
I have repressed Colonel.

GREY
Damn it I said pull it up now!

Suddenly a blast of wind shear reaches the left wing of the plane as it's head toward the sub!

PAAR
Shit!

Paar quickly veers to his right. The F-16 skims the side of the sub. Paar maneuvers quickly to avoid a full-scale crash!

GREY slams the microphone on the ground it frustration and dread.

MORSE
What the hell happened John?!

PAAR
Wind Shear, the damn plane shifted.

GREY controls himself and grabs another microphone, his authority has been disobeyed, but he maintains himself like the true warrior he is.

GREY
Burgess order your men to return to bass and immediately.

INT. OFFICERS CLUB

Everyone is seated around, some are drinking some coffee, and others are conversing with one another. 

Paar and Morse are seen by the vending machine. Paar is very disappointed; Morse tries to support his friend.

MORSE
It's all right John.

PAAR
No it's not all right; I should coasted by that submarine with ease.

MORSE
Ya can't blame the wind. You keep your altitude above 20 didn't ya?

PAAR hesitates.

PAAR
Well I dipped to 18, but I've done that in the past and had no problems with wind shear, turbulence, or anything like that.

MORSE
I know, but Grey doesn't care.

BURGESS
Way to go, Paar. Maybe next time will be your last time if you're not careful.

Paar just looks in anger at Burgess ready to erupt. Morse holds him back.

MORSE
Relax John, relax. Don't get court marshaled for him, that just what he wants.

Paar calms down thanks to the support of Morse. 

PAAR
I don't know maybe it was God teaching me a lesson.

Colonel Grey enters.

MORSE
Speaking of God.

Paar looks slightly over his shoulder to discover Colonel Grey starring daggers towards him.

GREY
Line up!

Everyone quickly scatters and line up.

GREY
Good round today squad, but not good enough! I still see that some of you are still doing things your own way, but that's what I expect. I want to advise all you to work on these things until they corrected expeditiously! Reminder, 0700 tomorrow there will be a de-briefing at Corridor B, be there! That is all dismissed.

Everyone begins to leave. Grey halts Paar on the spot.

 GREY
Not you Paar. I want to see you in my office in 10 minutes.

Grey exits. Paar looks at little intimidated by nothing too obvious. 

INT. COLONEL WILLARD T. GREY'S OFFICE

Grey is seated at his desk, guzzling down mug of coffee looking out beyond the distance of the lone window behind him.

A knock on the door is heard.

GREY
Come in.

Paar enters.

PAAR
Colonel, you wanted to see me.

GREY
I've been in this military for a long time, Paar. What these eyes have seen and these legs have traveled, probably more than anyone can ask for.

Paar seems a little confused.

GREY
I've also seen a lot of good pilots come and go, if some of them had half talent you do, they probably be general's today. So why Paar, why are you letting your talent endanger lives when it could be saving them?!

Paar is silent.

GREY
You just think your some crack jack who can do whatever he wants. I thought stripping you of your leadership responsibilities would send you a little message, obviously it hasn't.

PAAR
Sir, I cannot control the wind.

GREY
But you can control the godamn altitude! If that sub had been an enemy battle zone with an artillery the size of Texas and you had to descend in order to wipe it out, you be would dead.

GREY lights a cigarette.

GREY
Starting tomorrow you will come to pre-flight drills an hour early, going over all the basics step by step and than you will tested on those materials.

PAAR looks stunned.

PAAR
What? Sir, Colonel, I am certified pilot, one of the best on this base, I scored at the top 2 in my graduating class. This is not fair.

GREY
This is not godamn junior high school! I don't give two shits where you graduated. You will do as you're told or you will be discharged. That is all, dismissed.

The threat not phase PAAR, he exits very calm.

ZOOM IN, CLOSE IN on MEDAL OF VALOR, it's elegantly framed & matted, there is an inscription plate below "VIETNAM 1972"

We see Grey looking at his medal, he takes a few more drags and quickly extinguishes the cigarette in an ashtray.

C.U. On Cigarette in Ashtray.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT.TAVERN - NIGHT

Paar sits alone, guzzling down beer, looking very tired and very disturbed.

FEMALE enters.

FEMALE
Is this seat taken?

PAAR
No not at all, have a seat.

FEMALE
Thanks, bartender can I get a Manhattan.

PAAR seems mildly interested in the girl, but doesn't not disturb her.

FEMALE notices a set of metallic wings on PAAR's collar.

FEMALE
That's real nice.

PAAR
Excuse me?

FEMALE points at PAAR's collar with the wings.

PAAR
Oh, those are my wings; I’m a pilot.

FEMALE
Really? Do you get to fly all over the world in those big 747's?

PAAR
Nope, I fly those big F-16s that bomb enemy territories.

The lady is intrigued.

FEMALE
So you're a military man?

PAAR
At least for now.

She doesn't understand.

PAAR
I'm sorry; I'm a little down right now cause of some stuff. I'm John.

FEMALE
John...Lieutenant John Paar?

PAAR is surprised.

PAAR
Yea, how did you know that?

FEMALE
Because my father is so angry that's all he's been saying.

PAAR
Your father?

FEMALE
I'm sorry, I'm Kathryn Grey.

PAAR is dumbstruck, but shakes her hand anyway.

PAAR
Colonel Grey has a daughter?

KATHRYN
Surprised? He's not all that bad you know.

PAAR
He hasn't show that he's good.

KATHRYN
I hardly use to see him when I was growing up, he always either in somewhere doing something, me and my mother use to see him about twice a year sometimes less. My mother died when I was 10, after that me & daddy moved to El Paso, I didn't really enjoy it, plus I hardly ever saw him, he was always busy down there, training troops, preparing them for battle situations. So I moved up here when I was an adult and that's one of the reasons why he's here.

PAAR
So what do you do for a living?

KATHRYN
I'm a consultant for a disease-researching center.

PAAR gets more intrigued.

PAAR
Interesting field. You married?

KATHRYN
(smiles)
You sure don't hesitate to ask any personal questions do you?

PAAR
Well my job depends on being...personal at times.

KATHRYN
I bet. I guess that's why you're considered to be best and worst according to my father.

PAAR grins and takes a sip of his beer. KATHRYN finishes her drink.

KATHRYN
I'm gonna go home now. Just remember Lieutenant, sometimes being the best can bring out the worst in you, an eagle may be an endangered species, but that doesn't mean someone wouldn't hesitate to clip its wings.

PAAR
I'll try to remember that next time your father lays wrath on me.

KATHRYN
Just keep your nose up and believe in yourself.

KATHRYN exits. PAAR gulps down the rest of his beverage.

INT. DE-BRIEFING ROOM - DAY

We see PAAR writing down notes on notebook paper, reading the books, doing just as he was ordered to do by GREY.

MORSE enters.

MORSE
Knock-Knock.

PAAR
Shouldn't you be getting some rest?

MORSE
Already did. How's that uh studying going?

PAAR
I almost forgot how long it's been since read these books; in fact I should have put some dust jackets on them.

PAAR wipes off some dust from the cover of his textbook.

MORSE
Did you hear the news?

PAAR
What news?

MORSE
Incident near Iran, a convoy was attacked by militants.

PAAR
What else is new?

MORSE
This is. That convoy was suppose to reach the Afghan/Pakistan border to attend to summit meeting with Israeli & Saudi political figures.

PAAR's attention is now drawn completely off his studies.

PAAR
Am I missing something here Morsey?

MORSE
There were twenty-five people on board that convoy, all were killed. But one certain individual perished.

PAAR
Who?

MORSE
The US Secretary of State.

PAAR
Oh Shit.

MORSE
Yea, the General has been on phone all day, something very big is going to happen.

PAAR
I'm sure when the time is right we'll get the call, we will be ready.

MORSE
Will we?

PAAR displays a shocking look on his face. Does his own best friend doubt him?

MORSE
John, you're my best friend. You're the best pilot on this base perhaps in the whole damn air force. We need you up there to be the man; Burgess doesn't have balls to go into battle leading the way.

PAAR
You know me all a long time, Perry, you probably the only friend got right now. I'd tell you if I weren’t ready to go up there.

PAAR closes his books and begins to walk out.

PAAR
Perry I'm not ready.

PAAR exits leaving a MORSE in a baffled look.

INT. HANGER

PAAR is seen leaning on the wing of an F-16. He is alone, mellowing in his own self-pity about the treatment he is receiving from GREY. 

MORSE enters to join his friend. PAAR sense his presents immediately. MORSE does not say a word.

C.U. PAAR, OUT OF FOCUS: MORSE

PAAR
When I was growing up the only thing I wanted more anything in the world was to be the guy everyone looked up to. But I was always the outsider, I was always the kid who got left out during games at recess, always forced to watch others take part in receiving awards. I was just a slow kid, who just couldn't catch up to the parade that was going by.

PAAR turns around and looks directly at MORSE.

PAAR
I said to myself, if it's last thing that I will do on this earth, I'm going to be the one leading the parade all the way. While everybody else was moving on to their normal lives graduating from college with a degree, working some shit 40-hour a week job, I would have the last laugh. So I join the Air Force and have dreams have becoming a pilot. I excel throughout everything, I get my wings and bingo I'm pilot for the most powerful nation in world. So what happens to me now? I get shuffled around and end up trailing the parade once again.

MORSE
Then maybe you aren’t John. Maybe you we're never ready. Everything you
did, all the pre-flight drills, hours, and months you spent, it's all bullshit.

PAAR
Maybe I am bullshit.

MORSE
You aren't bullshit man! You're the best pilot we got, you're number one, but you keep doubting yourself so much, I think in your heart, you're afraid to be the man.

PAAR
Look Perry, I know you're trying to be a friend and help me through this, but...

MORSE
No buts pilot! You're not a friend anymore, this is not I'm talking to, this is godamn loser. Somebody who justs gives up just because he can’t handle authority that’s not my friend. My friend had confidence, he was cocky and naive, but he had the balls and he believed in himself and didn't let a godamn person tell him who he was otherwise.

PAAR just gives the look of complete emptiness.

PAAR
It's just too hard now and Grey, he's making it worse.

MORSE
Jesus Christ! Listen to yourself (mocking Paar) it's too hard, Grey's too much. You know something John, don't even come to the pre-flight, just ask for your discharge, go buy a nice little place right beside the ocean, and live life like the failure you are!

PAAR gets instantly angered and grabs MORSE with rage.

MORSE
Yea, that's it, hit me, be a man. Show how much GREY has gotten the best of you. C'mon! Do it! Hit me! Do it!

PAAR abruptly lets go and exits the hanger.

MORSE stands in utter disappointment, he see's his friend has no heart.

INT. SHAW AFB - AIRPLANE HANGER - PRE-FLIGHT OVERVIEW BRIEFING

Colonel Grey is seen mapping out different scenarios on a chalkboard. Flight group as assembled, seated on metal chairs, one chair is vacant and so is one face, PAAR.

We see MORSE looks on, his concentration is not sharp, and he stares at the empty chair.

GREY
Hey Morse! The instructions are here (points to the board) there not up here (gestures to his behind). Pay attention.

MORSE
I'm sorry sir.

GREY
We're going to go over this again and again and again, till all of you begin to understand it. You are fighter pilots, diaper-shitting toddlers. Let us begin again.

Some chuckling develops between BURGESS & BIRDMAN. MORSE listens behind them.

BURGESS
Looks like little Johnny finally decided call it quits.

BIRDMAN
He quit?

BURGESS
From what I hear, he went to Parchment’s office today and asked for his dishonorable discharge.

This aggravates MORSE; he looks as if he is going to explode.

THEN....

Out of nowhere, PAAR enters in full flight gear. GREY and the crew notice his presence.

PAAR
Forgive my tardiness sir! I had some business I had to take care of.

GREY
Business and what business might that be?

MORSE is waiting for what he fears is the last time PAAR will be seen.

PAAR
(looks at MORSE)
I lost my lucky helmet, cant fly without it, Colonel.

MORSE displays a huge grin on his face.

GREY
Well don't forgot it again, otherwise you're going out of luck. Take a seat.

PAAR
Yes sir.

PAAR takes his seat with MORSE. MORSE gives PAAR a look of support. The friendship is back and the bond is stronger than ever.

INT. GENERAL PARCHMENT'S OFFICE.

Parchment is seated behind his desk looking over different all sort of strategic plans. GREY and an advisor officer stand and look on.

The time for attack is soon. The preparations are being made for the best way to execute the objective.

PARCHMENT
I am intrusting you're power & ingenuity that these plans have well thought and are completely accurate.

GREY
I have confidence we'll be ready when the time is called.

PARCHMENT
All your men will ready, you mean.

GREY pauses.

GREY
Yes sir, all of our men.

PARCHMENT
You know better than anybody Willard that this is no time to be amateur. The country depends on it.

PARCHMENT looks over some more plans and takes a sip from his coffee cup.

PARCHMENT
Revise plans B and C polish them up. The President is still discussions with Congress and the administration. We have no timetable on the order. Just tell your men to be ready. That is all.

GREY
Yes sir!

GREY and his advisor exit.

INT. HALLWAY - FROM PARCHMENT'S OFFICE

GREY and his advisor walk down post haste.

GREY
No time to waste, we're taking one final flight drill. Tomorrow at 0700 make sure each man gathers at the runway strip. Go now.

ADVISOR 
Yes Colonel.

ADVISOR exits.

GREY
Paar better you better be ready for this.

INT. DR. IRON'S GYM - MAIN AREA

A grand facility indeed, people from all ethnic backgrounds, all physique types, and all occupations come this gym for a good workout.

A Vietnamese Male is seen on the chin up bar

An Arabic Weightlifter is doing crunches

INT. DR. IRON'S GYM - RECREATION AREA

John Paar & Perry Morse are seen on the treadmill, there heartbeats are ticking faster than the deadline for response in the Middle East.

LOW ANGLE: Heartbeat Sensor.

PAAR
You were just being a good friend. I never doubted you in that Perry.

MORSE
I could have been a lot worse than that; you never saw my Jimmy Cagney impression.

PAAR & MORSE share in a good laugh.

PAAR
I was almost gone, very close to being gone Morsy. I've spent 11 years of my life in this Air Force. There wouldn't be anything in this world to take the wings off my shirt; you made me realize that again.

MORSE
It's too bad we never realize how many calories we have burn on these damn things.

Morse's fatigue is settling in.

Paar looks beyond out in the gym and notices a familiar face on the shoulder press. It's KATHRYN GREY.

MORSE
All right that's it, I'm done.

PAAR
You get cleaned I'll see ya back on base, I'm going to stay behind a little more.

MORSE nods and exits.

INT. DR. IRON'S GYM - MAIN AREA

Paar has made his way are over to the Shoulder Press, where Kathryn is. He watches her from behind.

CLOSE UP SHOT: Weight Amount 130 lbs.

Paar is impress, giving a nod to his head.

PAAR
I see where all the strength comes from.

KATHRYN stops in her tracks, a bit startled, but only briefly.

KATHRYN
I didn't know you worked out her.

PAAR
Me? I come here all the time, I kind of...

KATHRYN
...Have to in your line of work.

PAAR
You have a good memory.

KATHRYN
It's hereditary.

PAAR
Yes I have no doubt about that.

KATHRYN
You're so sincere aren't you?

PAAR
Only to women who have fathers more powerful than me.

KATHRYN
In that case I speculate what you would be like as a general.

PAAR is humored & his curiosity is running on all four cylinders about KATHRYN, the attraction is unmistakable.

KATHRYN finishes on the shoulder press.

KATHRYN
Well I have get going.

PAAR
Oh wait...

PAAR stops KATHRYN and looks her hands. He holds them in his hand, the first physical contact between the two. KATHRYN looks into PAAR's eyes and likewise.

PAAR
I don't see any white circle on these fingers.

KATHRYN
Not yet, I'm still waiting for my knight in shinning armor.

PAAR
Maybe your wait has ended.

KATHRYN
Maybe, but only time will tell of that.

PAAR
Why don't we discuss so more about that over some dinner, I know this nice little place.

KATHRYN
I'll think about it.

The thought rings in PAAR's ear like church bells.

PAAR
I don’t have to get permission granted from your father do I?

KATHRYN
One thing you have to learn about my father, I love him very much and he loves me very much. But we both have a respect others lives.

PAAR
Love is something science cannot prove, but I’m sure you do not need to be reminded of that.

VOICE (O.S.)
Kathryn!

GREY enters. He is a bit shocked by whom his daughter is talking to. PAAR's attitude changed to discomfort.

KATHRYN
Daddy. What are you doing here?

GREY
I just stopped to see if wanted to go to lunch, what are you talking to him for?

KATHRYN
Daddy, I just on my way out when I bumped into Lieutenant Paar.

PAAR
My apologizes sir, I wasn't aware she was daughter.

GREY doesn't buy the story. He is too smart for that.

GREY
Kathryn, could leave me alone with Lieutenant Paar for a minute, I'll meet you outside.

KATHRYN gives a look of concern towards PAAR's way.

KATHRYN
Sure daddy.

Eye to eye with PAAR, GREY gives a look of dread.

GREY
I want you to listen to me very carefully, Paar. That little girl is the most important thing in my life; I'd sacrifice my life for her. I don't want her to have anything to do with you Is that clear?

PAAR
But sir, she just...

GREY
IS THAT CLEAR?!

The voice of authority echoes throughout the entire gym, everyone in the place freezes.

PAAR
Yes sir.

The entire place is still focused on GREY & PAAR. Grey looks around at everybody looking at him; he's extremely annoyed.

GREY
What the hell are you all looking at, get back to what you doing!

Everyone resumes as they were before GREY exploded in fury. They don't even know who Colonel Willard T. Grey is, but his voice and presence is felt and the respect is all too obvious.

One final look of dread by GREY at PAAR before he exits. GREY has degraded PAAR down for second time.

INT. JOHN PAAR'S APARTMENT

A knock on the door.

PAAR
Who is it?

MESSENGER
Telegram for 1st Lieutenant Jonathan Paar.

Paar opens the door, and greets the messenger.

PAAR
Who's it from?

MESSENGER
Colonel Willard Grey. Would you sign here please?

PAAR signs the confirmation slip and receives the telegram.

MESSENGER
Thank you Lieutenant.

Paar begins to wonder what test Grey wants him to pass this time. He opens the letter.

Paar pauses for a second and than crumbles it up and tosses it in the trash, he seems annoyed. He goes for the phone.

PAAR
Yea, this Lieutenant Paar serial number ZN4256973. I want you to tell Colonel Grey I want to meet him in his office in one hour.

CUT TO:

INT. GREY'S OFFICE

Paar is already waiting in his office and very impatient. Grey walks in with authority, very annoyed and very frustrated.

GREY
This better be important.

PAAR
Colonel, I am not some gift-wrapping package.

GREY
Hey listen up aviator, this was General's decision not mine.

PAAR
So you had no say in it.

GREY
Yea I had a say, I agreed with him, getting you're head cleared away overseas will do you some good.

Paar believes none of it.

GREY
Don't stare at me like I got mule shit coming out of my ears. You will get on that chopper, fly to SPANGDABLEM, and that's end of it!

PAAR
Than I would like your permission to take someone with me.

GREY
I had a feeling you were going to say that. I have the taken the liberty of having Lieutenant Morse joining, but I'm holding you responsible for him.

PAAR
Thank you sir.

Paar exits.

GREY
One more thing Paar...

Paar turns around.

GREY
You screw up; you best just stay over in Europe and never return this country again.

A big pause.

EXT. AIRSTRIP - THE NEXT DAY

The loud roaring sounds of the MH-53J PAVE Helicopter makes its presence felt throughout the entire Base. 

Paar and Morse scurry to the chopper post haste. Both lag their gear behind them.

The Chopper fly's off into the air over the gray rapid waters.

EXT. AIR FORCE BASE - DAY

SUPER TITLES: SPANGDABLEM AFB (SOUTHERN GERMANY)

The Chopper slowly descends upon its arrival at the base. Military Personal is there to greet Paar and Morse. 

BANDER
Glad to have you on board Lieutenant Paar, I'm Sergeant Bander welcome to Spangdablem.

PAAR
Really had no choice in being here, but I'm glad to make your acquaintance. Lieutenant Perry Morse right here one best guys in the sky.

BANDER and MORSE shake hands

BANDER
Welcome aboard. Alright here's the deal Lieutenant, we've got order from you're CO Colonel Willard Grey that you are to take command of small squad, along with Lieutenant Morse has you're counter part. The men are waiting for your arrival at command post area C, Airman Barnes will direct you to it, and I’ll see you in the booth Lieutenant.

BANDER exits.

PAAR
Ya know Morsey this might be just thing I need, the Colonel has good consonance after all.

MORSE
I thought you were in favor this?

PAAR
I wasn't, but I said I wouldn't come unless my best friend would join me, and a friend who will kick my ass when I'm feeling doubt.

MORSE & PAAR share in a good laugh.

GLIDING SHOT of an F-16 flying high into the sky.

INT. COMMAND POST HALLWAY - DAY

Descending down a mildly lit hallway, Paar, Morse, and Airman Barnes walk steadily. 

Airman Barnes hands Paar a clipboard to sign some paperwork information. Paar than hands it off to Morse to sign as well.

PAAR
Nice place you have here, I can only remember traveling to here once, but I never recalled how nice it was.

BARNES
It's Americana Lieutenant, you see a lot of it spreading.

MORSE
Sure could use a lot of more it overseas.

PAAR
Airman how long have these men been trained?

BARNES
Some are relatively new, just graduating, a few are seasoned vets, but I’m sure you and Lieutenant Morse will provide them with crash course, Sir.

PAAR
Never say the word crash, Airman; it's bad luck to a pilot.

BARNES
Of course sir.

The Airman seems a little tense, keeping his head to the ground, keeping up with the pace of Morse and Paar.

PAAR
You seem a little nervous Airman.

BARNES
No sir, just thinking about what happened to the Secretary of State.

PAAR
Shouldn't concern yourself with it Airman. Armed Forces as we speak are taking care of the situation.

PAAR pats Airman Barnes on the back leaving an echo through the hallway. Barnes jumps slightly.

PAAR
Relax, this is the Air Force, we're the wings of freedom.

MORSE
I could use wings now, I'm starved.

PAAR
Savor the appetite my friend, you'll need it.

PAAR, MORSE, and BARNES enter the final stop AREA C

BARNES
This is Lieutenant, good luck.

CUT TO:

INT. COL. GRAY'S OFFICE

Young enlisted Airman walks into Colonel Grey's office unexpectly. Grey is seen using a ruler, plot pointing on a map of different strategies. He visually disturbed by the Airman's deliberate intrusion.

GREY
Don't you know how to knock, Airman?

AIRMAN
I'm sorry sir, but it's urgent. General Parchment asked me to request that you meet him at the Helipad near Barracks.

GREY gets up from his chair, grabs his jacket and hat, and rushes out post haste.

CUT TO:

INT. SPANGDABLEM AFB (SOUTHERN GERMANY) - AREA C

Seated in single file in desks, 15 pilots, starring directly up front at Parr and Morse who are standing looking at the faces they see before them.

C.U. PAAR - Starring at the faces.

PAAR
All right, gentleman, my name Lieutenant John Paar, and this is Lieutenant Perry Morse. We've been transferred here to help train some you inexperienced pilots.

A few faces look down to the floor and some look across the other way.

PAAR
Now Lieutenant Morse and myself have flown in missions that concerning national security, but as of right now nothing in the last year and half. We're going to try to you the best training we can to serve you when the time comes and you're called to defend your country. Are there any questions?

No one speaks.

PAAR
Very well, gather yourself in full flight gear attire and fall out at 1000 hours in the strip.

All the pilots rush out and to prepare themselves.

MORSE
A little nervous?

PAAR
It's not even a word in my vocabulary right now. Just remember when you're up there with them, don't try to cowboy like me, take it slow and most importantly don't let them deviate from orders.

CUT TO:

EXT. LUKE AFB (ARIZONA) - HELIPAD

The chopper's large blades fling into high speed. General Parchment is seen with other officers, he checks his watch, anticipating something.

Colonel Gray enters and approaches the General.

PARCHMENT
Colonel, we an emergency request at Washington, we're ordered to meet General Bloomberg along with other US intelligence to discuss the methods of attack.

GREY
After you sir.

Parchment and Gray enter the chopper and the door shuts. Airman down below signals its safe to go airborne.

INT. CHOPPER

Parchment is seated along with others on one side, Grey on the other side with others. Grey sports a pair of reading glasses looking over some files.

PARCHMENT
We'll be at Camp David is 30 minutes. What do you have so far, Colonel?

GREY
I've look over all the plans, calculated different scenarios, executing it all to perfection is the hard part.

PARCHMENT
Colonel, you know we're going to need the best up there.

GREY looks up, doesn't say a word, he still won't say that Paar is his best, but for right now, he doesn't have to.

GREY
It‘s not a problem.

The chopper glides fast over landscape with defying accelerations as it zero's in on its destination.

INT. THE PENTAGON - WASHINGTON D.C.

Grey, Parchment, and other military personal walk vastly down an open hallway. A young marine standing adjacent can hear the loud thuds of their crystal mirror shoes. The stands guarding two large wooden doors.

Grey, Parchment, and company reach the door, the young marine requests Identification that they quickly provide and conceal. As the door opens and everyone enters it shuts just as fast.

C.U. NAMEPLATE ON DOOR: DO NOT ENTER

CUT TO:

EXT. SPANGDALBEM AFB - RUNWAY AIRSTRIP - DAY

The young pilots stationed at Spangdalem have fallen out in single file in full flight gear. Each carries their helmets securely around their arm starring straight ahead at the command post leader Paar.

Loud roars of A-10s swarms the skies, engages ignite and detonate a hellish blaze of fuel exhaust and they take flight.

PAAR
You've all been trained to fly, but I have yet to see that. I have entrusted the expertise of my colleague Lieutenant Morse to accommodate you while you're up there. Listen to what he says and do not deviate for any reason from his directions. Perry, do the honors.

MORSE
Fall out to your designated flight carriage, let’s go!

The men run out to the strip.

PAAR
You're going to be all right?

MORSE
You're not up there so I'd say our chances are better than 50 percent.

Both share in a laugh.

PAAR
You were always ready Perry, no matter what anyone said, people always said I had a gift for flying, but I didn't believe them until you made me believe, I'll never forget that.

MORSE
Grey was right; this trip did clear your head.

PAAR
Yea, I guess he can be a sonfabitch when we wants and genius when he has to.

MORSE
After I get back, drinks are on you.

PAAR
(Humorously)
Get out of here, pilot!

Paar stands in the glaze down at Morse instructing the pilots who have already adjusted themselves in the cockpits.

An airman walks up to Paar.

AIRMAN
Lieutenant, weather conditions are stable, but they could change would you like cancel today's sessions. 

PAAR
No, I think God wants Morse lead the way, he'll cooperate. Let us move to higher grounds.

CUT TO:

INT. THE PENTAGON - WASHINGTON D.C. - WAR ROOM

Seated around brown oval shaped table are the top elite officers of the United States Military among them Grey, Parchment, and General Steven J. Bloomberg, elder gentle, clean cut, with piercing eyes that could through glass almost exactly the same mentality as Grey.

BLOOMBERG
I'm sure you all know why you've sent here, members from the United States Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, and Coasts Guards. It is in the nature of security that what it being discussed here today cannot leave room. Now, General Parchment.

As parchment opens up a portfolio Grey interrupts.

GREY
If it pleases the others, I would like permission to discuss the operation, sir.

BLOOMBERG
General?

Parchment considers for a second or two.

PARCHMENT
I grant Colonel Grey his request.

BLOOMBERG
Very well, Colonel you may proceed.

GREY
In front of everyone is a folder of the detail Intel and various sites that we believe are housing biological and chemical weaponry. But that's why our secretary of defense is dead.

A few faces in the room seem puzzled.

NAVY ADMIRAL
We we're told he was assassinated because he was in very close proximity to these weapons.

GREY
Yes, that was the initial understanding, but further analysis reveals something different. 72 hours prior to the assassination, and satellite communication feed in Kuwait intercepted a message warning someone or something to vacate immediately.

Grey reaches on the table for a projector remote and pushes a button, a face is revealed onto the screen, there is silence amongst the room.

GREY
I'm sure you all have heard of Mr. Al Jazzier Asan, one of the most wanted terrorist in the world. We've seen photographs and various videos of his charred remains, DNA testing even proved they were his, but what it didn't prove was that DNA profile in Asan's records we're switched. We are believe that Asan is alive and well and taking refuge somewhere in Iran.

MARINE GENERAL
Colonel, why wasn't this information present to us in the dossier?

GREY
It was in the best interest of the country not proceeding until we we're giving proof that he was alive. And we were not sure that he was alive until we received this.

Grey goes to the next slide and reveals a letter written in Arabic, only a few words however.

GREY
This letter was obtained during an arrest in New York City of man of Muslim background, thanks to a disorderly conduct charge. When somebody posted that man's bail he was shot to death in home 15 minutes later no suspects no witnesses. Anyway, our staff translated the letter and it reads as follows.

EXTREME C.U. GREY'S FACE

GREY
Launch designated attack plan resistance with significant toxin against the infidel at all costs.

CUT TO:

EXT. SPANGDALBEM AFB - SKY

The young pilots graze the sky along with Lt. Morse; Paar is seen looking at things up in the control tower with binoculars. He smiles at the wide horizon of the flying objects in distance over cloudy blue skies.

PAAR
All right Morsy, take command.

MORSE
Affirmative, let goes boys, side to side.

All the planes light up in perfect vertical line form.

MORSE
First two pilots on my right descend 200 feet; two pilots on my left descend 200 feet. You guys when you climb your altitude make sure it’s at one thousand feet, rest of you follows me.

The practice begins.

E.C.U. SHOT- MORSE'S PLANE FLYING RIGHT INTO US AT GEOMETRIC SPEED!

The sky begins to turn cloudier.

ADVISOR
Lt. Paar condition is starting to get a little foggy, should I tell the crew to return to base?

PAAR
No will wait, we still got time.

PAAR gets on the mic.

PAAR
Morsey make sure you keep your nose up watch your self in those clouds.

MORSE
Copy that.

PILOT #1
Climbing to altitude requested Sir.

Four pilots are seen climbing to reach one thousand feet.

A bleeping on the radar is heard Morse's name disappears off it. 

TECH#1
Lieutenant Paar, Morse just disappeared off radar.

PAAR grabs the mic in an urgent fashion.

PAAR
Morse are you there?

Clouds begin to over take the skies completely; a huge clamp thunder is heard. Bits & pieces of feedback can be heard via Morse's radio.

PAAR
We've lost contact with Lieutenant Morse, call everyone back to base now.

TECH#2
Abort, return home to base.

PILOT #1
Copy that, radio transmission breaking up.

We now see Morse inside a cloud. There is no vision

MORSE
(into the radio)
Is anyone there? I've lost contact with base, mayday.

There is nothing but silence; no radio communication is heard Morse removes his oxygen mask.

MORSE
Fuck it.

In the control tower, things begin to get tense. Paar becomes frantic.

PAAR
What's the status anybody?!

TECH#1
All the pilots in check & key returning to base except for two.

PAAR
Give me a bionics test.

TECH#2
Lietuentent, everything is fine, it's he's in the clouds out of contact.

Suddenly a few planes are seen coming through the clouds and they descend upon the base.

PAAR
Where's Morse the other guy?

Morse's F-16 finally escapes the fogginess of the clouds and breaks through them with great.

TECH#2
Lieutenant, we have Lieutenant Morse back on radar.

ADVISOR
There he is.

PAAR
(into the microphone)
Morse Morse are you there?! Perry answer damn it?!

Morse puts back on his oxygen mask. He begins to calm himself down from a frantic wild goose run through the clouds.

MORSE
Affirmative, Johnny! Just a little adventure the fog that's all.

PAAR
All right, smartass, back to the base.

Morse gives a hardly laugh, an assurance laugh that everything's okay.

PAAR
That other pilot shows up on radar, yet?

TECH #1
No Sir.

Suddenly from the skies emerges the missing pilot, from the clouds unknowingly he regains his vision, but right as he see's Lieutenant Morse's plane.

ADVISOR
Lieutenant!

MORSE
Jesus!!!

The pilot slams his wings right into the rear end of Morse's F-16, debris is everywhere.

PAAR
Perry! No! Perry!

Morse's planes crashes right into down in the ground of the base in huge explosion, Morse perishes.

C.U. Paar's face now pale white

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. ARLINGTON CEMETERY - DAY

Decorated Military personal of all branches of the service can be seen seated. The casket with the remains of 2nd Lieutenant Perry W. Morse is in the middle. There is absolute silence, not even birds chirping in the background. We seen Col. Grey with daughter Kathryn, Grey's facial expression can not be expressed in words, the anger is written all over his face. Lt. Paar is directly seated adjacent to Grey. The two exchange deep looks, if looks could destroy one another, these two would destroy the Universe.

A podium is set up right beside the coffin; General Parchment slowly gets up to finally break the silence.

PARCHMENT
Today we lost a good man and a good solider. Lt. Perry W. Morse served his country proudly as one its most skilled fighter pilots. I along with the rest of the United States military would like to offer my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. To deliver one these final words, one Perry's dearest friends has prepared a Eulogy, Lieutenant John Paar.

Parchment exits off the podium. Paar steps up, obviously trying to hold his composure with the shades. 

MEDIUM SHOT (PAAR ON PODIUM)

PAAR
There's a lot I can say about this man, but if he were here today, he probably just wouldn't want any of the soft-spoken talk. He was my best friend and he saved my life. I'm sorry Perry.

Paar leaves the podium. He takes one last look at Grey.

Grey just looks in disgrace at Paar; the look of hatred and unforgiveness is now displayed on display full perspective.

A gun salute begins; military officers fold an American flag and present it to the family.

No words, just sadness and grief on Paar's now stone face.

DISSOLVE TO:

CEMETERY - LATER

Paar is still standing over the grave of his late friend. A woman walks up beside him, it's Kathryn.

KATHRYN
My father never lost a man under his command. People always say there's a first time for everything, but what they never say is how to deal with it.

PAAR
Don't take this the wrong way Kathryn, but I don't think it's a good idea that anybody see's me with you right now. Please, leave me alone.

Kathryn starts to sob a little; she turns and begins to walk away. Momentarily she stops to look back at Paar. She than proceeds to walk again. Paar is left alone.

ZOOM OUT - AERIALLY INTO THE SKY.

INT. AIRPLANE HANGER

Paar enters in, still with his emptyness expression on his face he looks at all the various aircrafts stored in the hanger.

WIDE SHOT- AIRCRAFTS SITUATED WITH NOSE DIRECTLY POINTING AT PAAR.

INT. PAAR’S APARTMENT - DAY

We see Paar sitting at his kitchen table sipping Jack Daniels, an empty bottle of Jim Bean lies beside it, Paar hasn’t sleep in sometime. A knock is heard at his door. At first Paar ignores it, but after a few more knocks, he picks himself up and goes to open it.

Grey appears, the two one again exchange looks, but Paar can barely hold his to his own Commanding Officer. Paar walks away apparently to get himself another drink.

GREY
Don’t bother.

PAAR
Coming to serve me Colonel Sir?

GREY
Serve you? No I think we’ve gone past that part.

Paar’s frustration finally erupts, he takes a swing at Colonel Grey, Grey is skilled, ducks the punch and lands a stiff gut punch into Paar’s stomach. Paar begins coughing and lying in pain.

Grey walks over to Paar’s kitchen, gets out a large glass pitcher, fills it up with tap water. He walks back to Paar and begins to pour it all over his head.

GREY
You take a seat.

Paar gets himself together and grabs a seat. Grey tosses a towel to him.

GREY
I’ve been in this military for 35 years Paar and yesterday it all ended. All because of one man.

PAAR
Bullshit man! I knew Perry, we were like brothers! When that plane crashed a part of me died that day! I don’t care if you’re my CO or the President of United States, you won’t say anything more unless your prepared to die yourself.

GREY
You listen to me Pilot! You ever repeat a statement like to me ever as long as you reside on this earth, so help me God I will kill you!

PAAR
Than kill me! Go ahead do it! Cause I don’t want to live anymore!

GREY
I’m not going to kill you, I’ve seen too much bloodshed in my life than to add another drop to the mix. I didn’t fly from El Paso to have you get one of my men killed!

Paar’s tempers goes overboard again and he goes and attack Grey, Grey counter and grabs Paar’s throat and begins to choke him, Paar struggles.

GREY
You didn’t let me finish, now sit down!

Grey with Paar’s throat in his hands slams him back down into his chair.

GREY
Saigon, 1972, the war was beginning to wind down, and I was on my last mission before heading back to the states. It was me, one F4, and my best friend.

Paar doesn’t speak he now starts to begin hearing Grey’s story as it could have a meaning to it to aid in Morse’s death.

PAAR
I was at the top of my game, I could pinpoint any target and drop a missile on it with my eyes closed. I come upon the target and instead of following the proper procedures of neutralization, I get cocky and than I get hit. We crash land right in the heart of NVA territory. My best friend laying there being burnt to death in crash, I take five bullets to back thanks to a gook and am left for dead.

PAAR
I didn’t know.

GREY
You know now, and now you know what I feel.

Grey reaches in his coat pocket, pulls out a paper. It’s an honorable discharge form and a pen. Put it’s on the table.

GREY
I want you to think real whether or not you want to be here anymore…

Grey than takes out a firearm, 9 mm, stuffs a clip inside.

GREY
And I don’t mean the United States Air Force.

Grey gets up and leaves Paar to examine his decisions. A faint silence with a inflatable door slam follows.

INT. GREY’S OFFICE - DAY

Grey is seen with other personal, discussing different routes of attack for the upcoming strike in Lebanon. A knock on the door is heard.

GREY
Come in.

Paar enters, he holds the discharge paper in his hand. Grey signals to the other officers to leave him and Paar alone.

Paar places his discharge on Grey’s desk. Grey looks up in disgust and dread.

GREY
You should have used that gun instead…

Grey opens the paper up, there is no signature, only a message written in a black sharpie.

WHEN DO WE STRIKE?

The momentum has shift and it appears Paar is ready for the comeback. Grey eyes him, leans back on his reclined chair.

GREY
Two weeks.

PAAR
Two weeks, sir.

Paar exits. Grey pulls out a smoke, lights it up, looks up at the framed and matted medal he received in Vietnam.

SHOT: GREY’S REFLECTION OFF THE GLASS FROM HIS MOUNTED DISPLAY MEDAL.

TRAINING MONTAGE BEGINS

INT. GYM

Paar running on treadmill.

Paar lifting 60 lb bar bells. He’s weakened, regains composure, sticks with it.

Paar works his strength on a punching bag

CUT TO:

EXT. TRACK FIELD

Paar takes his mark, goes mildly, jumps some hurdles, falls over top one. Gets up and dusts himself off.

CUT TO:

INT. GYM

Paar continues his unruliness training.

Agony, pain, determination using the chin-up bar.

Time for the bench press, Paar goes for 110 lbs. Grips the bar with his hands, a spotter is there, he lifts the bar up and 3 reps later he’s winded. Gives the thumbs up and does some more!

CUT TO:

EXT. HIGHWAY 

Paar now is moving faster, using strength in his legs to his pinnacle.

f.g. F-16 storms by at a geometric speed.

CUT TO:

INT. EYE DOCTOR’S OFFICE

An old check of the eyes, the eye lenses machine lowers down

PAAR’s P.O.V. - RAPID SOS Letter Cards.

C.U. Doctor’s Clipboard 20/20.

CUT TO:

INT. PAAR’S APARTMENT

A large trashcan resides beside him, alone with several empty liquor bottles.

The contents being dumped down the sink, Paar goes cold turkey on booze.

CUT TO:

INT. GYM

The weights get heavy, the exercise more stringent.

BENCH PRESS 110...130...150...160...190!

Paar lets out a big grunt of noise.

“NO PAIN NO PAIN” the voice echoes in his ear.

CUT TO:

INT. AIR FORCE TRAINING ROOM

A flight simulator is activated, Paar seats himself in the cockpit, all the key factors are examined

ACTIVATION OF ENGINES

Panel lights fire on 1,2,3,4,5,6.

Airborne it goes. Paar has to completely accurate. He hands firmly on the control nozzle.

On the computers screen “ENEMY AIRCRAFTS NOW ACTIVATED”

A craft fly’s by into Paars left direction he sets and appears to get locked, it’s an aircraft on his side. Paar immediately recognizes and now finds the enemy.

Enemy is sighted, “LOCKED ON” appears on the screen, “MISSLE ENGAGED”.

A fantastic explosion and execution.

A target down below sighted, Paar looks at his radar, flips up a switch.

“LOCKED ON”

Smart Bomb ready to be dropped.

Turbulence is forthcoming, Paar’s aircraft shakes. Remains calm and focused, flies into higher altitudes.

When turbulence is clear, he dives down.

Quick burst of speed, the bomb is dropped on started and aircraft is outta there before it’s even half way there. 

“TARGET DESTROYED”

One last message on the computers screen “YOU HAVE JUST COMPLETETED…”

“YOUR FINEST HOUR”

INT. PENTAGON - CHIEF OF MILITARY INTELLIGENCE CONFERENCE ROOM

All branches of the United States military are seated around and oval table. Only the most decorated and accomplished officers are in this room. 

All men and women are patiently waiting for the anticipation of the Chief of Staff. Or in other words THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

Secret service makes there entrance into the room, a couple of seconds later the President appears. All men in the room stand up. The president makes his way to the head of the table. A dignitary pours him a glass of water.

PRESIDENT
Please be seated everyone.

Everyone takes their seats.

PRESIDENT
General Bloomberg and General Parchment?

Bloomberg & Parchment rise.

PRESIDENT
You two have organized quite strategic plan, I’m very pleased with it. Now General Parchment, who will be responsible for the accomplishment of this mission.

PARCHMENT
Mr. President, the two men who be mainly responsibly for the execution of this mission should along shortly. They are the best of the best, the United States Air Force have placed the responsibility in their hands, sir.

INT. HALLWAY

TWO SHOT - COLONEL GREY & LIEUTENTANT PAAR walking down the hallway side by side.

They reach the doors of the conference room and shine their validated badges for entrance to the security.

INT. CONFERENCE ROOM

Paar and Grey makes there way steadily into the room.

GREY
Sorry for the tardiness, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT
That’s quite alright Colonel.

They make their ways to their seats.

GREY
Mr. President, members of the joint, this is 1st Lieutenant Jonathan Paar. He will be the pilot administering the mission in the air.

PRESIDENT
Than let us begin.

Dossiers are passed out.

A rear computerized projection overhead opens up from large wooden shelve like doors in the center of the room.

PRESIDENT
This is target area.

A large bunker we see. YAZD, IRAN - 400 MILES EAST OF THE AFGHAN BORDER.

PRESIDENT
We have infiltration units making there way through the terrain via Army Rangers and Marines. Am I correct on that General Nord.

NORD
Yes sir.

PRESIDENT
Very well, insurgents are embedded from there onto the site. Intelligence says that the Bio Chemical DONKUR along with Mr. Asan. Now we’re confident Mr. Asan is unaware of the attack that is forthcoming, Intel says waiting patiently to exported out the area and into Taiwan, we cannot let that happen. Colonel Grey Lieutenant Paar, you must not fail, we only have one shot at this, is that clear?

GREY
Sir, if I may, I recently a man on my crew, he was also a very dear friend to Lieutenant Paar, this is one man mission, one man in the sky as God looks on. I have my faith and my reputation to give you my word Lieutenant Paar will succeed.

PRESIDENT
Lieutenant would you like to add to anything

PAAR
Mr. President, when I first became a pilot, I felt like I was born to be one and I was the best out there, nothing was going to stop me. Over these last few months things have happened in my life to make me realize that it’s not about being the best, it’s about people who put their lives in your hands and my commanding officer has taught me that well. I’m ready and if I die, I die with pride that was bestowed upon me.

PRESIDENT
Your very honest and straight forward Lieutenant, it does make the file on you now, seem faux. God be with you, son.

PAAR
Thank You sir.

INT. PAAR’S APARTMENT

Paar sits on his sofa chair, watching the news on his television.

REPORTER
In the Middle East today more violence as extremists battle United States Armed Forces. This of course coming in the wake of the death of Secretary of State Andrew Owens. Forces patrolling the area near the Lebanese and Afghan border continue battling, but intelligence now says they will be vacating for an anticipation of an air strike somewhere between the borders…

Paar flips off the switch via remote.

There’s a knock on his door. He goes to answer it. Kathryn appears, she looks vulnerable, Paar catches it immediately, but has matured enough to not completely jump on it.

PAAR
Kathryn, what are you doing here?

KATHRYN
I just wanted to see you one last time before you left.

PAAR
Please come in.

Kathryn kindly accepts the invitation.

PAAR
Look I’m sorry about what I said at the funeral, I just thought that Colonel Grey……it just wasn’t the right…

Paar is searching for the words he cannot express.

KATHRYN
You don’t have to apologize, I should have given you some space.

PAAR
It’s not that, I just didn’t want your father to see me with you.

KATHRYN
What are you trying to say John?

PAAR
I love you, Kathryn, ever since the first time I saw you, I felt something inside me change a little.

Paar walks back embarrassed, humiliated, he’s confident he embarrassed her and even more confident the relationship between them irreversibly never will be the same.

Paar goes into the kitchen and pulls out a bottle of 100 proof Vodka and pours himself a glass.

PAAR
You should go, I shouldn‘t have said that.

Paar reaches for the glass, from under his hips he grabs Kathryn’s hand. He turns around and the two finally osculate with one another.

Paar turns around, he appears to want to resist, he goes for the glass, picks it up, and dumps it.

Kathryn and Paar are now sensually in love with one another. They caress and fondle.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. PAAR’S BEDROOM

Paar and Kathryn now firmly in the disposal of Paar’s bed.

The love really begins to sparkle like fireworks on the forth of July. Kathryn slowing runs her tongue up and down Paar’s torso with Paar in total arousal and euphoria.

Paar arms are loosely clenched around Kathryn, caressing her with simple gentle hands and pilots hands to precision guiding.

They smile at one another and continue the collaboration of affection that has transformed them from flirtation and curiosity to soul-mates that have a realized this strong bond for one another.

DISSOLVE TO:

CLOCK READS 4:00 AM

Paar awakens with Kathryn still sleeping beside him. He sits up on the side of his bed, trying to get himself awake. He looks over at Kathryn, love still in his eyes, smile bright on his face. He thought it might have been a dream, but is glad it was real.

Paar gathers himself quickly, a yawn or two, and kisses Kathryn. She awakens and sees him.

PAAR
It’s ok go back to sleep.

KATHRYN
I can see the fear you have, but you’re not letting it bother you.

PAAR
I live with fear every time I’m up there. I’ve said this for a long time and I’m going to stick by it. God put certain people on this earth to be the leaders, to lead humanity, to become the torch runners. And until last night I’m not questioning myself on that subject anymore, cause I know it now more than ever.

KATHRYN
I swore to myself I never would get involved in relationship unless I knew the guy was sure of himself. Just come home safe.

PAAR
You have my word.

KATHRYN
I love you.

PAAR
And I love you.

The two share in one last kiss, lasting a while longer and with an impact that could shatter tall buildings.

EXT. LUKR AFB - ARIZONA - DAYBREAK

A few planes fly overhead, we see the flight engineers making sure the engines on the planes are good to go, air men tighten up landing gear attachments, and inspecting every square inch of all the    F-16’s in the hanger surrounding the base.

The control tower’s radar revolves around, ready for the mission.

The sun slowly rises from the pale Grey waters overlooking the base and reflecting it’s powerful rays from windows of the base onto the planes.

INT. OFFICER’S CLUB

Paar grabs a cup coffee, trying not to put too much pressure on himself. He’s not pacing back in forth moving around too much. Just sitting at the table overlooking different methods of the strike.

Paar’s crew enters the room. Burgess leads the way, he’s the squad leader and has worn the stripe proudly.

Paar looks at Burgress, wonders why he brought the crew, there not scheduled to there until 2 hours.

BURGESS
Paar.

PAAR
Nelson.

Burgess does something that is unexpected by Paar. He removes his squad leader patch and holds it in his hand.

BURGESS
We’re all sorry about Morse. I know this is one man mission.

BURGESS suddenly grabs Paar’s hand slams the squad leader patch in his and closes Paar’s fist.

BURGESS
But we’re all behind ya, one-hundred percent. Take em’ down Lieutenant and take em’ down to hell!

Burgess gives Paar a big slap on the back and the support of the entire squad along with it. Paar remains speechless, but shed’s a tiny grin that further boosts his confidence.

INT. PLAN ROOM

We see Paar, Grey, Parchment, techs, and other personal surround. An overhead projector is pulled down, hand-outs are being read, and last minute preparations finalized.

Col. Grey stands up in the front, laser pointer in hand, a map displayed with quadrants on the screen.

We see the different paths of entrance into the hostile region of Iran. Danger Zones are indicated via red dots. Anti Aircraft artillery and small arms fire noted. 

PARCHMENT
…Sounds good, ok Colonel lets review everything.

Grey steps forward.

GREY
This is where is starts…

CUT TO:

A small arms resistance team of US military soldiers are barricade in trenches seen battling insurgents in Iran. 

The firefight escalates into a deadly battle, bodies are bloodied, horrific carnage.

CUT TO:
GREY
The resistance patrol it taking command closing in the location, but it’s chewing them like hamburger and only getting worse.

CUT TO:

A enemy bunker is shown.

Insurgents and militants scramble franticly all around.

A man a shouting out orders in Arabic. We are introduced to Al Jazzier Asan. The men follow him and he is hailed by the people among the ruthless dictatorship of the Iranian government.

The Arabic people start blasting away more fire fighting. US troops all protected by body armor, but it’s slowly turning dull. M16 rounds shot in the North direction at the insurgents

Insurgents fire AK-47 rounds. Boxed ammo with Arabic writing is seen. On the other side we see written in the English language ARMOR PIERECING ROUNDS. 

GREY
The Iranian people caught in the middle of this and Mr. Asan using them as human shields. As we speak there being liberated, but the pace is very slow.

A new map appears showing in depth location of the toxin mention from the Conference room. 

GREY
This is the base where Mr. Al Jazzier Asan is believed to be. This location is also source of toxin known as CULAMIN.

PARCHMENT
Colonel, what exactly is this toxin culamin?

GREY
To put it short and simple, if released Airborne, it achieve the results similar to the Black Plague.

Some faces begin to slowly drop the floor. Paar has a bit concern on his face, but conceals it with valor.

GREY
So Paar, we cannot let that toxin be activated. According to sources, Asan is awaiting an airborne evacuation is the next 7-10 hours. Now aboard the F-16 you’re taking off one, we have a very special weapon installed. When fired, it will drop on the target and completely neutralize it within the atmosphere.

PAAR
Enemy aircrafts, sir?

GREY
Surrounding the base, stealth is the key, fly low, avoid radar. Once you presence is within range of the area, allied troops will fall back and vacate. We’re anticipating Iranian civilians will be liberated well before Asan’s intended departure.

Paar notices that the red dot indicating the target base on the map displays a C.

PAAR
What’s the C for Colonel?

GREY
The base is camouflaged, you wont be able to spot from up above, a recon squad will be assembled within 5 mile radius of the target, one will paint with a laser that should give you the quadrants you need to destroy it.

PAAR
Radar?

GREY
They somehow have been able to jam frequency within the area.

PAAR
Slick little bastards.

PARCHMENT
The fastest route you can take will come from the Northwest direction.

GREY
Watch your horizon, anti-aircraft fire just loves low birds.

One final time we look at the map.

PAAR
Ok lets do it.

EXT. AIR BASE LAUNCH PAD

A steel door slowly creaks opens, bright light emerging through the background. In steps a pair of GI issued boots.

Paar holding his aviation helmet, pressed firmly against his hips, starring at the beautiful marvel of his F-16. The sun gleaming towards him in a fantastic transition from the gray cloudy skies.

He’s a man on a mission, walking stead fast. Other officers and airman look, some gossip at his appearance.

The F-16’s bubble canopy slides open. Paar takes his seat. Colonel Grey is nearby looking on. Paar spots him, the two exchange different looks this time, still some bitterness from Grey, but Paar shows only signs of concentration and dignity and it prepares for his finest hour.

MAINANCE ENGINEER
Good Luck, Sir.

Paar gives one final salute. Grey moves for higher ground.

CAPTAIN
You think he’ll do it sir?

GREY
Don’t ask me, he’ll make that decision.

Inside the cockpit Paar begins setup preparations. The avionics switch on and bits and pieces of data float on two screens near the dash.

Succession of Shots:

Fuel starter switch ignited
Throttle Idling
Caution light disappears
Engine warning light disappears
Fuel starter doors close - ground crew gives thumbs up
Engine ignites - blazing inferno seen at the rear  

INT. CONTROL ROOM

Computer screens display a countdown of initiation. Air Force personal stands around Grey waiting for him to give the order.

GREY
Go!

TECH ENGINEER
Lieutenant Paar, you have a go in T Minus 30 seconds.

INT. F-16

Paar makes some last minute priorities, checking the all the controls and switches making sure everything is ready. He reaches into his right breast pocket and pulls out a medallion. 

This was Perry Morse’s he wore it everyday. Paar looks at it and put it around his neck.

PAAR
This is for you Perry.

EXT. AIR BASE

The F-16 now with a blazing inferno. It now steam rolls forward at geometric speed along the runway.

Three ground controls direct him Paar’s flight path to successful airborne deployment.

The F-16 storms by with ground controls glow sticks raised high into the heavens.

PAAR
Airborne deployment successful, on course heading 264 niner into cloudy skies, over.

INT. CONTROL ROOM

TECH
Roger that, Lieutenant.

GREY
Paar keep communications frequent, updates on the two, is that clear?

PAAR
Roger that Colonel.

The F-16 slowly glides towards the distant clouds as disappears from our viewpoint

EXT. SOMEWHERE IN IRAN - DAY

A small infantry squad is embedded inside a deep trench holding a stranglehold on Iranian troops. An onslaught of gunfire erupts from the bunkers adjacent to the American outpost. Causalities are mounting. 

SOLIDER
Jesus Christ there everywhere, we must be on it.

SOLIDER #2
Get on the horn tell them we’re close, now damn it!

RADIO MAN
Red Leader 6 Red Leader 6, target agent is in proximity.

INT. CONTROL BOOTH

TECH
Colonel, infantry says they spotted the target, close near Iran border sir.

GREY
Tell the Army’s CO to order his men to stand hold, give Paar a little but of time get over there, he’s only got one shot at this.

EXT. SKY - OVER THE PERSIAN GULF - DAY

Paar whistling by at great speeds, message comes in from the base.

PAAR
I read you loud and clear, heading over by the location those boys won’t be there for long.

EXT. BATTLEFIELD - DAY

As the carnage ensues we see the enemy gaining the momentum. Brave allied soldiers are taking enormous amounts of punishment via gunfire. 

Bodies are being shot up, riddled with bullets. Screams, yells, and all sort of pandemonium echo through the vast regions of the battle area. 

INFANTRY COMMANDER
(in radio)
We’re taking too many causalities, we just can’t hold them back.

The Iranian Infantry continues its onslaught onto the Allies taking out anyone who gets into there path.

INFANTRY COMMANDER
Jesus! We need help now Damn it!

PAAR (O.S.)
You’re help has arrived Soldier.

Bombs from the sky explode unto the service taking out an unexpected amount of the Iranian resistance.

No fighter plan is seen from the skies.

Soldiers from the Allie standpoint are left surprised and relieved by the breathing room Paar has given them.

Now the Allies storm from the trenches and are putting the pressure against the Iranian Armed Forces.

INFANTRY COMMANDER
Stuff those bastards back into their mama’s crack! Thanks for the assist, I’m glad you’re on our side.

Paar’s F-16 hurdles at peak altitudes wheezing by vast open sky.

PAAR
Blue bird to Nest, come in.

GREY
Paar are approaching target?

Paar checks the radar from the specific location of the approaching target base holding the deadly toxin.

PAAR
God damn it. Ah negative, still searching around, I’ll check in 20.

INT. ENEMY IRANIAN BASE

Iranian Infantry is seen scrambling around chaotically, grabbing artillery, weapons, anything to hold the allies in tact. Some chief head Iranian commanders are seen over huge table marking blueprints of devised attack methods to be used.

Emerging from an opened door walks in the mastermind and confidant Al Jazzier Asan.

IRANIAN SOLDIER
Commander, American Fighter Plane transmission feed has been intercepted, the plane is approaching sir, we must vacate immediately with OTC7.

ASAN
Negative, we die he dies and everyone around will die. Allah has sent us a message and we must make our stand. Keep their ground army at arms length.

Asan walks over to control panel, he pulls out a key that is suspended around chain that he wears around his neck. He kisses the and says a little prayer to Allah.

The key opens a glass case with a black circular button revealed. Asan banks his fist straight down upon it.

This sparks off warning lights, and ticking counter with 30:00 minutes and counting revealed.

ASAN
Now we answered Allah’s calling, in one half hour, he will answer ours.

INT. CONTROL BOOTH - SHAW AFB

Grey pours himself a cup of coffee. An airman approaches Grey.

AIRMAN
Colonel, you’re requested on the main deck.

Grey moves fast with his coffee to the main deck.

INT. CONTROL BOOTH MAIN DECK

A small group is assembled around a radio decoder conversing with one another.

SERGEANT
Colonel…

GREY
What is it Sergeant?

SERGEANT
Our radio feed is being intercepted by the enemy.

GREY
Switch to a different frequency than.

SERGEANT
That’s just it Colonel all the frequency’s are vulnerable.

GREY
Are you telling me that communication between Paar & everyone else there is completely exposed?!

SERGEANT
We’re trying to jam there signal, but nothings working, we have to take out that base, chances the signal and the toxin are located there. 

GREY
He’s going to fucking deaf up there, Jesus Christ!

Everyone looks around at the furious Grey.

GREY
Get Paar on the horn right now.

EXT. - SKY

Paar’s F-16 continues to fly around searching for its objective. Paar is calm, cool, and collective in the cockpit.

GREY
(into the radio)
Paar come in over.

PAAR
Go ahead Colonel.

GREY
Bad news, radio com will expire after this convo.

PAAR
You’re shitting me.

GREY
Negative, the enemy has picked up all our frequency’s, you’re going to have to do this all by yourself, we’ll be tracking you on Radar.

PAAR
How the hell am I suppose to find this thing?

GREY
You’re going to have to think for yourself, it’s your hour. Out.

Paar removes his oxygen mask to think about this one.

INT. CONROL BOOTH

Grey stands looking out the giant windows into the skies. He knows that Paar’s thought process has already coasted him the life his best friend and the first man lost under Grey’s command.

TECH
Colonel, we’ve notified infantry on the ground of the situation, but there might still be hope.

GREY
Go on.

TECH
Smoke Signals will be ignited if the infantry finds the target. 

TECH #2
Colonel! We’re becoming up some feedback on the radio, it‘s not from us, sir.

GREY
Punch it up on the intercom.

ASAN
(recording)
To the infidels marching into our holy land, by now you have realized that all communications from your side are completely exposed. As gain towards us, in the hope to a battle win, you’re luck has run out. In precisely 25 minutes everything within 500 kilometers will no longer cease to exist. You punished for far too long, and this will be the first long line of havoc and mayhem in which we in the name Allah will proclaim and take back what it rightfully ours. I bid you all a fond farewell.

EXT. - SKY

PAAR
Jesus.

INT. CONTROL BOOTH

Grey has a deep sorrow on his face.

TECH
Colonel, voice forensics confirm that was Asan.

CAPTAIN
Colonel, General Parchment wants to have word.

Grey walks over to the phone.

GREY
Yes Sir, yes we just heard it sir, yes sir.

Grey hangs up the phone.

GREY
We have no choice, get the horn tell everyone to pull out.

INT. ENEMNY COMMAND BASE 

A solder jumps from his seat and throws his ear phones down.

SOLDIER
Great news Sir, the Allies are pulling out, we’ve done it!

Everyone cheers.

ASAN
Excellent, now everyone rendezvous in the helicopter in 10 minutes.

SOLDIER
But Sir, they are retreating, there’s no need to activate OTC7.

This infuriates ASAN, he pulls out his pistol and strikes the soldier across the face. He than proceeds to cock his firearm with one quick shot in the head the soldier dies.

ASAN
Don’t question my authority, that goes for all of you! This is not about them retreating. This is about the injustice they have paved onto the world, we are just giving them there overdue punishment, everyone out! Now!

INT. - CONTROL BOOTH

Grey grabs the radio dispatch to Paar’s plane.

GREY
Paar, come in it’s urgent.

PAAR
I was about to kill transmission Colonel.

GREY
The mission dead all together Lieutenant.

PAAR
What?!

GREY
We’re pulling out everybody, we just got a radio message from ASAN, he activating the toxin. Now get your ass out of there now!

PAAR
Negative Sir.

GREY
Excuse me?!

PAAR
I didn’t stutter Colonel. 

GREY
Listen to me Paar, you will not disobey my commands, cause this time I will kill you! Now vacate the area immediately!!

PAAR
You can do what you want with me Colonel, but this is one mission I am not pulling out on, no matter what the circumstances. I’m not leaving!

GREY
PAAR! PAAR!

A thumping echo and subsequent deadline beep is heard.

GREY
What the hell what that?

SERGEANT
We’ve lost radio feed Colonel. Somehow the enemy has disable are communications.

GREY is at a lost for words, he knows he cannot control Paar’s fate now.

INT. - ENEMNY COMMAND BASE

SOLDIER
Sir, allies have retreated completely, but one is still in flight.

ASAN
Scramble jets take the plane down at all cost. We are leaving, get to the chopper.

We see the clock slowly down T-Minus 15:49.
EXT. - SKY 

Paar’s F-16 is entering some turbulence with heavy cloud cover. He tries to push a few buttons inside getting for any signs of getting back communication with the base.

PAAR
Everything’s dead. You’re are your own now you lucky bastard.

EXT. ENEMNY COMMAND BASE

Solders are seen storming out of the hardened camouflaged Base, into air hangers. We see 4 hangers all carrying SU-37 Terminators. Russian planes told to the Iranians obviously at one point.

Three men jump into their own plane, but one stays vacate.

Each ignites its storming engine, one after the other.

They storms off from the Airplane Hangers.

Each carries it’s own arsenal of destruction.

INT. CONTROL BOOTH - AFB HOME

The Sergeant tears off a print out, takes a few glances at it, than franticly rushes.

SERGEANT
Colonel Grey!

He hands him the print out.

GREY
And I’m just learning this now?!

SERGEANT
We just received it from Washington, Colonel.

GREY
Four SU-37 Terminators. He’s going to be scrap metal up there. He better hurry back in time.

Grey looks outward to the skies which clouding up fast, rain begins to pour and hope seems enviable.

EXT. - SKY - SOMEWHERE OVER IRAN

Paar goes on his course, as he’s taking the mission into own hands.

Three simultaneous beeps pop up on his Radar screen.

Information screen directly below generates the description of the aircrafts.

ON THE SCREEN:

SU-37 TERMINATOR

RUSSIAN

30mm Cannon, 8200 kg pay load, 14 hard points.

CEILING 18,000 m.

PAAR
Holy Shit. Now we’re in trouble.

The three SU-37’s fly in triangle course.

Light signals from the planes, notify each pilot to split apart and go separate ways.

Paar’s radar now shows the aircrafts splitting up.

The first enemy pilot, picks up Paar’s plane on his radar.

PILOT#1
Falcon spotted

PILOT #2
Proceed.

He increases air speed and spots the F-16.

A cannon 30mm gun, spews out 1,000 rounds per minute.

Bullets ricochet off the planes rear and side.

Paar is a little shaken up, but still mains his course and composure.

PAAR
That the best you got boy!

The plane continues firing it’s cannon rounds at Paar, the experience is too obvious. Paar is alluding his fire.

PAAR
Lets see who gets a nose bleed first.

Paar elevates now the F-16 Falcons highest ceiling 20,000 feet.

Paar chuckles

We see obviously on the computer screen the SU-37’s Ceiling is only 18,000.

PAAR
Lets roll baby!

Paar rolls 90 degrees.

The enemy pilot is looking franticly around trying to locate Paar.

PILOT
AHH!

Now Paar has turned the tables and hunts the plane. 

The 20mm rounds blast towards the enemy, chucks of debris are seen coming off.

Paar now hovers over the plane and mocks the pilot.

PAAR
Give my regards to the people in hell!

Paar presses a button on his control stick, out shoots a sidewinder missile that makes a giant whistling sounds.

PILOT
NO!

The missile strikes the hull of the plane and blasts it to kingdom come.

PAAR
One down, two to go.

EXT. - ENEMY COMMAND SITE

ASAN is seen scurrying with top commanding officers into the helicopter. He rushes all with all sorts of equipment, ammunition, and baggage. 

The time ticker now indicates 5:00 minutes.

EXT. - SKY 

The second SU-37 craft beeps off on Paar’s radar.

PAAR
Contestant number two, come on down.

From the SU-37 out shoots a heat seeking guiding missile.

The missile tracks Paar, as he tries to invade it.

PAAR
You’re playing rough now huh.

The missile closes in on the F-16. A couple feet from one of the engines. 

PAAR
Adios.

Paar deploys a set of decoy objects. The missile runs right into them and is destroyed.

Paar turns the tables now and faces the enemy aircraft nose to nose, 100 feet apart.

PAAR
That’s it say goodbye you son of a bitch

Out of nowhere the other craft appears behind Paar. It’s an ambush, and the 30 mm starts pumping rounds into Paar’s planes, one of the engines, blows out.

Paar panics and uses extreme measures to escape the fury. The planes altitude is not taking him far

The enemy SU-37s show their targeting screen locking on. Flashing red targeting missile. There’s no way out for Paar!

PILOT #2
Fire!

PILOT #3
Fire!

The missiles shoot out

PAAR
No thanks, I’ll die another day.

In a blink of second, Paar climbs straight up, the missiles miss him by a fraction!

The missile strike both SU-37s and they destroyed. They killed each other.

PAAR
Terminated!

On the computer screen, warning lights beep out. Indicating significant damage to the F-16, the engine is severely damaged by the cannon rounds it took. 

INT. ENEMY BASE

T-MINUS 1:00. The clock is down counting down rapidly.

EXT. SKY - OVER IRAN

Paar now has to escape the plane, as it’s losing altitude and speed. He can barely control it.

PAAR
What the hell?

Paar looks down to the surface, he see’s something Camouflaged just ahead of him. It’s the BASE where the toxin is igniting in less than 30 seconds!

The Helicopter carrying ASAN, has given away it’s position. Paar directly notices.

PAAR
You’re not going win you bastard.
INT. ENEMY BASE

Clock now Twenty Five Seconds.

EXT. ENEMY BASE

ASAN is taking a huge risk, he see’s Paar in the sky. He pulls out a giant rocket launcher. He aims, and he fires.

The rocket strikes Paar’s at the other engine. It’s going to crash, but right into the enemy base!

ASAN
Get me out here!!

ASAN quickly hopes back into the Helicopter, the pilot find the stick to be jammed. As an is screaming, yelling, everyone panics.

Paar appears has sacrificed himself. The F-16 blasts into the Base. A Catastrophic explosion erupts, the exhilarating blast is spread through miles of the region.

EXT. MILES FROM THE ENEMY BASE - REGION OF IRAN

Allies are shaken up, they can feel the explosion. A few fall over, and topple over one another.

COMMANDER
What the hell was that?!

SOLDIER
Commander, radio communication is re-established.

COMMAND
Ground Squads get into HVs, we’re going to the site.

EXT. ENENY COMMAND SITE

What’s left of the base very little. Just a bunch of smoke, and fires everywhere, but it appear Paar’s sacrifice has neutralized the toxin and because of that, it has not spread.

Allied squads arrives at the seen, in Bio-Hazard attire. They search all around the site. The commander orders different squad to split up and search the scene. 

SOLDIER
Sir, you better come have a look at this.

The commander and his squad rush over to the scene.

Wreckage and debris from and F-16 is seen, but no body can be found.

COMMANDER
Has anyone found a body?

Nobody says nothing.

SOLDIER
He neutralized it sir. He did it.

COMMANDER
You’re right son, he did it. He did it!

Everyone cheers and raises their arms high to the Gods.

SOLDIER
Sir, radio feed back at SHAW Air Force Base.

Commander grabs the radio.

COMMANDER
We have arrived the enemy’s outpost base.

INT. CONTROL BOOTH - HOME - SHAW

TECH
Copy, I’m point you through to the Colonel.

Colonel Grey grabs the microphone.

GREY
Commander what’s your evaluation of the situation, over.

COMMANDER
Nothing left really Colonel, but we found sound wreckage of an F-16, but no bodies found, it appears that your pilot has neutralized the toxin, and ASAN in the process.

GREY has the look of concern, but proud ness.

GREY
Thank You, Commander, we’ll check back with you later, over and out.

SERGEANT
Colonel, you’ve got a visitor down stairs to see you.

GREY looks over, but no words.

SERGEANT
It’s your daughter sir.

INT. LEVEL ONE - CONTROL AREA

Grey walks in and see’s Kathryn standing across from him.

KATHRYN
Hi Dad.

GREY
Hello sweetheart.

Grey hugs and kisses Kathryn.

KATHRYN
Dad, I have to tell you something.

GREY
Can it wait Kathryn, now is not a good time.

KATHRYN
This is important, I’ve fallen in love, daddy. I’ve fallen in love with Lieutenant Paar

GREY
What?

KATHRYN
Please don’t be upset, I know he’s endured a lot of heartache these past couple month, but inside his heart is pure.

GREY
Kathryn…I.

KATHRYN
It’s alright, I know he’s on a dangerous mission right, now that’s why I was so worried I had to come down here to ask you how he was.

GREY
He just completed the mission, he’s a hero.

KATHRYN hugs her father with much joy.

GREY
Sweat heart, wait.

KATHRYN
What is it, daddy?

GREY takes a deep breathe.

GREY
We lost radio feed just before three aircrafts spotted Paar. There was blast that took out the enemy’s base with toxin inside.

KATHRYN
(becoming sad)
What are u saying?

GREY
He sacrificed himself Kathryn, wreckage was found at the site by and infantry unit. F-16 Wreckage. 

KATHRYN
(crying)
No! No! No!!!!

KATHRYN begins to break down. Her father is immediately there to support her with his open arms.

GREY
I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.

Grey feels the guilt that maybe pushed Paar over the edge too much, and that Paar’s constant disobeying of his direct orders feels as if Grey killed Paar.

EXT. ENEMY COMMAND SITE

More Solders search around the site, the airplane hangers are still standing, and all four are vacant.

INT. CONTROL BOOTH

Everyone is quiet. Grey and Kathryn arrive on deck. Kathryn still in shock, but her Father is sticking her like glue.

CAPTAIN
Colonel Grey, General Parchment wants have to word sir.

Grey picks up the phone.

GREY
Yes Sir.

PARCHMENT
Colonel, the boys in Washington just heard about it, and they personally going to take care of Lieutenant Paar’s memory by honoring him with full military honors for bravery.

GREY
With all do respect General, no amount of acclamation can attribute to the dedication and sacrifice of Lieutenant John Paar.

PARCHMENT
I can’t argue with you Colonel. You of all people know the meaning of the word sacrifice.

GREY
Yes I do sir.

PARCHMENT
The President and other member of the Joint Chief, would still like u to appear for the ceremony.

GREY
Thank You General, but..

Suddenly a bleep on the radar screen displayed.

TECH
 Colonel, we have bird approaching on radar. It’s a SU-37 Sir!

GREY
I’ll get back to General.

SERGEANT
He closing in fast Colonel.

GREY
Get me the frequency.

TECH
Go ahead Colonel.

GREY
Whoever is up there please identify yourself, you’re entering restricted airspace, over.

TECH
Still no word, Colonel.

GREY
I repeat, identify, or we will have no choice, but to open fire!

SERGEANT
15 seconds Colonel.

GREY
Have Strike Team Stand By

The cannon rounds are started outside the Air Force Base, ready for firing.

GREY
This is your final warning!

The aircraft is now visible in the air approaching the runway. The sun comes out and shines off the aircrafts bubble canopy. 

KATHRYN
Don’t Shoot!

KATHRYN runs out of the room like the wind.

GREY
KATHRYN, come back here!

GREY chases after her.

EXT. - RUNWAY

The cannons do not fire. And the plane makes a landing speeding down the runway.

A crowd swarms around down near the runway.

BURGESS
Come on guys.

Soon hundreds of air man and air force personal crowd the SU-37. 

Grey and Kathryn try and get through the crowd.

BURGESS and other member’s of Paar’s squad help pave for the Colonel and his daughter

BURGESS
Come on Move it! Move it! Move it!

GREY
Burgess you the men get everyone back. Give me some space. 

The bubble canopy slides open, the crowd looks on. Silence has once again started.

A hand appear out of the cockpit, with blood on it. The pilot still has his helmet on.

He jumps out of the plane, wounded on the shoulder and near forearms.

Everyone tries to see who it is.

He loosens his helmet and looks up. It’s PAAR! And he raises his arms.

The crowd screams and yells in celebration, they storm him, and hugs and admiration welcome the hero back home.

Grey holds his daughter, with a look of relief and respect, it’s finally happened for him. Grey has made Paar into the pilot he always had the potential to be.

KATHRYN
Are you ok, dad?

GREY has an angry look on his face. He walks towards Paar.

KATHRYN
No dad please, don’t do anything rational.

GREY
It’s ok sweat heart.

Grey approaches Paar.

GREY
Lieutenant!

The crowd goes silent.

PAAR
Colonel?

GREY
I didn’t fly from El Paso to look face to face to an ignorant disobey failure!

Paar and everyone looks shocked.

GREY
(smiles)
I flew to make a warrior from a man.

Paar smiles right back. The crowd erupts with cheers.

Grey extends his hand and Paar extends his and the handshake is now accepted and respect from both sides.

Kathryn runs into Paar’s open arms.

KATHRYN
Was this your finest hour?

PAAR
Now it is.

We slowly pull away into the skies. 

FADE OUT
-THE END