Air Force One

This film contains some strong language

Check.

Head count. Two...three...four...five...

six.

Demo set.

Let's move.

GUARDS SHOUT

(Clear.)

Low Boy, this is Black Cat. ETA Romeo LZ, one-niner.

We are hot. Copy.

Get out there. Go! Go!

Come on!

Get in!

Get in!

Cover! Cover!

Go!

BEEPING

'This is Low Boy. Package is wrapped.'

MAN SPEAKS RUSSIAN

-TRANSLATOR:

-'Ladies and gentlemen.

-RUSSIAN CONTINUES

'Three weeks ago, Russian and American special forces

'apprehended the self-styled leader of Kazakhstan, General Ivan Radek.

'The forces of Radek were directed toward the suppression of democracy

'His nuclear arsenal could have brought the world a new Cold War.

'But thanks to the support of one of the world's greatest leaders,

'Radek is now in prison.

'Today, we are honouring this brave man.

'Ladies and gentlemen, my friend,

'the President of the United States of America.'

HIS WORDS ARE TRANSLATED FROM THE RUSSIAN

The dead remember our indifference. The dead remember our silence.

I came here tonight to be congratulated.

When I visited the Red Cross camps,

overwhelmed by refugees fleeing from the horror of Kazakhstan,

I realised I don't deserve to be congratulated. None of us do.

-What's he doing? Let's speak the truth.

-It's not the speech.

The truth is, we acted too late.

Only when our own national security was threatened did we act.

Radek's regime murdered over 200,000 men, women and children,

and we watched it on TV.

We let it happen. People were being slaughtered for over a year.

We issued economic sanctions, hid behind the rhetoric of diplomacy.

How dare we?

The dead remember.

Real peace

is not just the absence of conflict, it's the presence of justice.

I come to you with a pledge to change America's policy.

Never again

will I allow our political self-interest

to deter us from what we know to be morally right.

Atrocity and terror are not political weapons.

To those who would use them...

..your day is over.

We will never negotiate.

We will no longer tolerate and we will no longer be afraid.

It's your turn to be afraid.

APPLAUSE

-The Russian was a nice touch.

-My mother wanted me to study French.

Know what you committed us to, sir?

I know exactly what I committed us to.

Gentlemen, welcome to Air Force One.

Please present equipment for inspection.

RUSSIAN ACCENT: We just did.

Sir, we carry the President...

I understand. I'm sorry. Poshli.

Please place your thumb on the ID pad.

CROWD CHEERS

I'm Melanie Mitchell, Deputy Press Secretary.

I'll take you in from now.

Miss Mitchell, nice to finally meet you.

The President and I were delighted we could accommodate your news crew.

Now, you know the President's on a very tight schedule.

Two of your crew are allowed outside the press area for filming.

Ten minutes with the President.

Gary, the President will take Congress on. He won't kiss their ass

for each vote. Let 'em vote us down and stand on their record.

I'll call you from the plane.

Reaction to the speech?

It's leading the news. They call it the "Be Afraid" speech.

Sir, if making a big policy change, you might want to discuss it

with your National Security Advisor first.

We did discuss it, Jack.

In private where I thought it would remain.

Well, now it's public.

Now it's policy.

Get behind it.

The allies weren't consulted.

It may bite us in the ass, November.

It's the right thing to do - and you know it.

REPORTERS TALK IN RUSSIAN

There goes the neighbourhood.

We've time for a quick tour.

That would be delightful.

-Good.

-Andrei? Boris?

-Just follow me.

Ahead of this staff cabin is Secret Service. Here.

Never try to go past 'em without an escort, you'll be sorry.

Hello.

-Hi.

-Thanks for the warning.

Here we have our in-flight offices.

REPORTERS SHOUT QUESTIONS

The plane's features are classified. It's bullet-resistant,

and protected against the pulse of a nuclear blast.

I'm not sure that's very comforting.

Upstairs is the cockpit, with the most advanced communication centre

on the face of the Earth.

We could run the whole country from here - even a war.

Last week, the President called the astronauts from here.

-Melanie?

-Yes?

The President. They should take their seats. Right away?

I'll get out of here and let you all get some sleep.

Mr President, welcome aboard, sir.

Hey, Danny, how are you?

Mr President.

William.

Change in plan, Danny - let's go to Barbados.

Anything, you're President.

-Boy, I wish.

-Mr President?

Mr Gibbs, where's my bunch?

Ballet ran late. Here in five.

Tape the game?

Oh, it was a real squeaker, sir.

Don't brief me on it, Lewis, I wanna watch it.

-DANNY:

-Underway in 30, sir.

OK.

Mr President.

Yeah, could you put the game on now, please? Yeah, Jack?

Iraq's mobilised two brigades...

Just got it. Give me 15 minutes, get the guys together.

"Repel them, repel them, make them relinquish the ball."

-Hear about Notre Dame, Jim?

-Don't say the score.

Great game.

-Mr President?

-We need to smooth things out.

What was that?

Oh, unimportant.

Damage control...

Give me a minute alone.

What if a high-ranking official...

Give me a few moments alone.

What if a White House official were to qualify what you said?

Drop it. Drop it. It's policy.

Drop it or get another ride home.

Mr President,

Russian TV want a soundbite on life in the White House.

There's no life in the White House.

You said it.

The President needs time alone.

14-13, Michigan!

All right, Mr President!

That wasn't you napping during the performance, was it, Tom?

No, ma'am, it was very enjoyable.

Alice? Let's not keep your father waiting.

Let's try and smile, sweetheart.

PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOUT

(Shhhh, Daddy's asleep.)

How was the ballet?

It was great!

Ohhh!

-Trying to kill me?!

-Daddy!

Did you enjoy it?

Did you love it? Men in tights?

-Hear my speech?

-Yeah.

-Yeah?

-You'll be re-elected.

That's what I keep telling them.

-PA:

-'Ladies and gentlemen,

-'this is the commander.'

-Comfortable?

Yes, very.

I brought you VIP press kits.

Oh, thank you.

You're welcome.

ENGINES DRONE

Pass interference. That's cheating.

Only if they get caught.

-Dad...!

-Way of the world, kiddo.

Why didn't you take me with you when you went to the refugee camp today?

For one thing, it's not 100% secure.

You got your whole life to live.

You don't need to see that kind of stuff now.

Come on, Dad,

I see it on the news.

It's different on the news.

I'm saying I'm ready for things you don't think I'm ready for.

Maybe I'm not ready.

I'm 12 years old, Dad!

In the caveman days,

I'd be having children of my own.

We call that progress, young lady. Hey, best part of the game.

(Oh, God...!)

We're so looking forward to seeing you.

(She is so anxious to grow up.)

Oh, I know. She's... ..Yes.

The both of us.

OK. Bye-bye.

She can't stay your little girl forever, Jim.

I was hoping it'd last till 14, 15,

or...

50.

They hated your speech, didn't they?

They're afraid we won't have the guts to back it up.

And if we do, it'll be political suicide.

Remember our first campaign?

In the House?

Yeah. Downstate, driving around with, er...

That kid?

-That...

-Henry.

-Henry, with the convertible?

-Yeah.

-The broken top.

Snow coming in...

We were the only three who thought you could win that.

You didn't give a damn. You did it.

You spoke from your heart. That's what I heard tonight.

Well, it felt good.

Yeah, I'll bet it did.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Mmm...

Sorry to interrupt. Everybody's ready.

HE GROANS

'United States Air Force One.

'It is an honour to clear you for take-off on runway 25.'

Air Force One, cleared for take-off.

Thank you for your hospitality.

'In Moscow tonight,

'President Marshall defended the joint military action against Radek,

'an act the administration had called a one-time intervention.

'But, in a rare display of emotion,

'he alluded to a major change in US foreign policy,

'stating that America will no longer tolerate any terrorist regime.'

These Republican Guard brigades

have been moved north.

Saddam knows we'll retaliate, so why is he sending tanks to the border?

His response to your speech?

Maybe he's got a son-in-law there.

I think there's one or two he hasn't shot yet. What does State say?

Iraqi ambassador says it's an exercise.

Let's not waste more time. Send the Nimitz in.

Gibbs.

-Gibbs.

-Guys.

Sleeping on the job?

No, sir.

Hey, guys.

This is the Advance Team reports from the Miami field agent.

Thank you.

HE SPEAKS IN RUSSIAN

Smoke!

There's smoke!

Oh, my God!

SHE SCREAMS

Steward! Steward, there's smoke in the cabin!

Everybody move to the back! Now! Please!

Smoke! Notify the cockpit!

HE SHOUTS IN RUSSIAN

MACHINE-GUN FIRE

Mr President, stay back.

Everybody, down!

Code Red! We have Code Red! Shots fired on board!

Flight Deck. Code Red acknowledged.

-Lock the door.

-Sir.

Air Force One, emergency.

Stay back!

Move up! I'll cover you!

Go! Go, go!

What's going on?!

-Shots fired, sir!

-My family?!

-Handling it, sir.

Boy Scout coming out! Cover!

-Daddy?!

-Alice, get back!

-Alice, get down!

-Daddy!

Take him around here! Get down!

Air Force One.

'We are Code Red. Shots fired. Request emergency assistance.

'ETA 15 minutes.'

We are scrambling our fighters. Emergency equipment standing by.

Boy Scout headed to the vault!

The football!

The football!

Get him down here!

Get him down to the pod!

RUSSIAN:

They're on us!

-Get in the pod, sir!

-My family?!

Arggh!

Air Force One landing runway zero nine. Repeat, zero nine.

'Roger. Heading 185. Descending, 5,000 feet.

Aaah!!

'This is Air Force One. Emergency pod deployed.

'Repeat, emergency pod deployed.'

We have the homing beacon and deploying search and rescue.

-Ready to look at?

-Yes, sir.

General Northwood here?

Yes, he is.

Give me an update!

Madam Vice President, this way.

The President secure?

Not yet. But very soon.

'Air Force One. You are under escort. Airspace cleared.'

'Alert Force mobilised.'

Is everyone here?

-We're working on it.

-How the hell did this happen?

Gentlemen. Mr Secretary.

'Ramstein Tower, we are at ten miles, coming in red hot.'

Roger, Air Force One. Wind is 0-9-0.

You are cleared.

Hey, what're you guys...

GET DOWN! DOWN!

-OPEN THE DOOR!

->

-OPEN THE DOOR!

->

OPEN UP! OPEN THE DOOR!

No matter what happens, we land. Understood?

Come on, come on...flaps 30.

Flaps 30.

What's that?!

NO!

GET THE FUCK IN THE AIR!

NOW! TAKE THIS PLANE UP!

UP! UP!

-GET US BACK IN THE AIR!

-Artie!

-TAKE IT UP!

-ARTIE!

UP! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!

-GET US UP!

-NO!

RAPID BEEPING

Jesus!

TYRES SCREECH

SIRENS WAIL

HE SHOUTS

'Air Force One, this is Ramstein...'

Contact the F-15s.

-Sir.

-Get them to keep AFO in sight.

The airborne scenarios?

There are none.

Start generating them, General! And make 'em good!

How long will their fuel last?

Depends on airspeed, wind...

-Altitude.

-We need an AFO pilot.

Destination - educated guesses?

Iraq, Libya, Algeria...

No, educated guesses.

Tell our allies we need secure airspace. Can we keep it quiet?

-We'll try.

-Relax, Kathryn, I'm in charge.

Walter, seems to me they're in charge.

'Air Force One, this is Ramstein Control Tower... '

Go.

Go.

Nevsky?

HE SCREAMS IN RUSSIAN

Moscow police found six members of a Russian TV news crew murdered.

-The crew cleared to fly on AFO.

-Oh, Jesus.

Please say it's not that easy.

It'd need fake ID, photo, prints...

Maybe with Moscow's help.

How would they get weapons on?

There's no way, it's impossible.

Well, who has access to the weapons already on board?

Think someone on board helped?

What if someone did and they're still on board?

Who do we trust?

Madam Vice President, Mr Secretary.

Compromised nuclear launch codes cancelled, new codes active.

'Ramstein, the President's escape pod has been located.

'We're homing in at 285 degrees.

'There it is. Ramstein,'

we have a strong signal. ETA, two minutes.

WOMEN SCREAM

Oh, my God...!

Where is the wife and daughter?

MUTTERING

No! Let me!

Where is my husband?

He has fled.

The coward chose to save himself.

SHE GASPS

But one can always... strike a bargain.

You listen to me. I don't know who you are or what you want,

but you will never get it - he will not negotiate.

Really?

His wife,

his daughter,

a man could not live with himself,

and it would be such... bad politics.

COCKS GUN

CREW GASP

I think he'll negotiate.

No...!

'Escape pod visually acquired. Location off Ramstein 284 degrees,

'12 miles out.'

It's Air Force One! They wanna talk to the Vice President.

'Can you hear me?

'This is the Vice President. To whom am I speaking?'

'This is the person who controls Air Force One.'

The world's most...secure aircraft.

What is it that you want?

We'll get to that.

I would like to speak to the First Lady.

'No.

'No. Why?'

I need to know they're safe.

Well, the President is safe.

But, then, you must know that.

He ran like a whipped dog.

I'm sure you can't wait for him to get back to making the decisions,

so you can stop sweating through your silk blouse.

What is the condition of the people on board?

Some are dead.

What are your intentions?

What arrogance to think you could ever understand my intentions.

I want to understand what you want.

What do I want...?

When Mother Russia becomes one great nation again,

when the capitalists are dragged from the Kremlin

and shot in the street,

when our enemies run and hide in fear at the mention of our name,

and America begs our forgiveness -

on that great day of deliverance,

you will know what I want.

We can give you a forum for your grievances.

'We can contact the Russian government.

'But it will take some time.'

'Oh, really (?)

'When you talk to the President,'

you might remind him that I am holding his wife, his daughter,

his Chief of Staff, National Security Advisor,

his classified papers... and his baseball glove.

If he wants them back,

he will encourage the puppet regime in Moscow...

'to release General Radek.

'Fifty for one.'

It's a good deal.

How's your blouse?

What assurances do I have that you'll keep your word?

I'll wait for confirmation that General Radek has been released.

Until then,

I will execute a hostage every half an hour.

'You have my word.'

You must understand that we...

LINE GOES DEAD

Hello?

-They're off!

-Hello?

Nobody does this to the United States!

The President'll get back his baseball glove

and play catch with this guy's balls.

We can't do anything without time.

Zealots are tough to negotiate with. All you can do is wear them down.

Mr Secretary!

Mr Secretary, sir...

We found the escape pod.

It's empty.

So where's the President?

I think we have to... acknowledge the possibility

that the President

may be dead.

Why wouldn't they tell us?

Diversion. Try to buy some time.

It could've happened in a crossfire and they're afraid we'll retaliate.

Damn right.

We'll release Radek into the atmosphere.

It doesn't add up.

The terrorist knew we'd recover the pod quickly.

He expected we'd talk to Marshall.

He could be alive on the plane!

He's a Medal of Honour winner.

He flew more helicopter rescue missions in Vietnam than anyone.

He knows how to fight.

Then he's taking a terrible chance with his life.

The element of surprise is a formidable combat advantage.

If he's up there, he's the best chance that we have.

That pod was designed for a reason.

He has no right to take chances with his life.

FAINT CONVERSATION IN RUSSIAN

NO SOUND

What does the psyche profile say?

He's a Radek loyalist. That tells us all we need to know, huh?!

He'll endure to the last hostage.

-Or his own death.

-Release Radek, Central Asia erupts.

-I'm aware of...

-Restore the USSR

under a flag of genocide?! Radek with a nuclear arsenal?!

I hate to say it, but 50 people is a small price to pay to avoid that.

Even if one of them is the President?

The presidency is bigger than a man.

-Didn't they teach you that at Yale?!

-Can't we release him today, catch him again tomorrow?

If Petrov releases Radek, his government falls.

Then who stands up to Radek? Go to catch him again, he'll be in Moscow.

With respect, sir, we don't need dramatics, we need options.

-Not an option.

-A decision.

-Not her decision.

-No?

-It's a military situation, I'm the Secretary of Defense.

In the absence of the President - the buck stops here.

Get the Attorney General with a copy of the Constitution. We've...

Oh, God, 19 minutes. I'm gonna consult with President Petrov.

TV ON

MAN SPEAKS RUSSIAN

BEEPING

FAINT BEEPING

RUSSIAN VOICES

BEEPING

BEEPING STOPS

KEYS RATTLE

RUSSIAN VOICES

SHOUTING IN RUSSIAN

'Madam Vice President, I'm sorry, I cannot release him.'

We'd train our military might against the one target.

'He won't stay free.'

But millions of lives are at stake. I am trying to save a nation!

As am I. No nation can easily survive the loss of a great leader.

Let us be pragmatic. 50 lives means nothing

'in the grand scheme.'

Let me be equally pragmatic. Our President risked coming to your aid,

against strong opposition in both parties, among allies.

If it meant saving his life, I would gladly do it.

'But I would have to know for sure and you cannot tell me he's alive.

'Can you?'

No, Mr President, I cannot.

'Then there is nothing I can do.

'I am sorry. Goodbye.'

Walter, get your generals to work.

OK. They can't keep the plane in the air forever.

Four landing sites in Kazakhstan are controlled by Radek's forces.

Can we go in and take all of them?

I'd take my chances in the air.

The airborne scenarios are no good.

Can we do this?

In the time we have? Messy.

Three minutes and they kill a hostage.

You have to buy us some more time.

All right.

You. Both. Come here.

No!

NOW!

They will transfer the call here.

So,

let's just wait.

Excuse me.

Sir, if you will permit me,

I am the National Security Advisor at the White House.

You're negotiating with the Vice President.

But the Vice President is like the Queen of England!

She can't even get airline tickets without talking to someone like me.

Therefore, let me speak to the White House. I promise you,

I'm the guy who can make it all work out.

PHONE RINGS

Has he been released?

I've contacted the Russian government. We've set it in motion.

But, at this point, we have to be realistic. It'll take more time.

More time...

Your National Security Advisor has been executed.

He's a very good negotiator.

'He bought you another half-hour.'

Mrs Marshall,

Alice,

if you please, come with me.

That's the first time you've ever seen a man killed, huh?

Leave her alone.

You think I'm a monster?

That I would kill this man?

Somebody's...son?

Somebody's father?

I am somebody's son, too.

I have three small children.

Does that surprise you?

-Tell her to answer.

-Leave her alone!

SHUT UP!

Why did you kill him?

Because I believe.

When I shoot this man, I know, in that instant,

how deep was my belief.

That I would turn my back on God himself...

for Mother Russia.

My doubts, my fears,

my own private morality... Pff!

It dissolve in this moment...

..for this love.

You know, your father, he has also killed.

Is he a bad man?

That's not true.

Why?

Because he does it in a tuxedo with a telephone call and a smart bomb?

You are a monster,

and my father is a great man.

You're nothing like my father.

BEEP

(What's the goddamn number?)

'What city?'

(Washington DC. The White House.)

'Here's the number.'

Can you connect me to it?

'Connect fee is one dollar, sir.'

Fine.

White House. How may I direct your call?

All right, listen. Listen carefully.

'I'm on Air Force One. It's the President.'

Connect me to the Vice President.

'Who did you say is calling?'

(This is the President!)

'Yeah, right, I'm the First Lady.'

(Please, it's an emergency.)

'The President doesn't call here.

-'Whoever you are... '

-(Trace the call. Follow standard security procedure.)

(Trace the goddamn call!)

OK, sir - if you wanna make a federal case outta this, fine by me.

(Hello.)

(Is anyone there?)

Don't move.

'I'm tracing the call, sir.'

Give me the gun.

'You there?'

Very slowly.

'Oh, my God!'

IN RUSSIAN

'Mr President!'

Go.

A call from a man claiming to be the President.

It was traced to the White House satellite account.

Put it through.

'Listen to me.'

Listen to me. You know who I am.

I'm the President of the United States.

CHEERING

'That means I don't shoot you?'

Hands behind your head, move!

GO ON!

Your lucky day. What more can my people do?

Tell the F-15s to fire?!

'We've tactical countermeasures.'

(He's talking to us.)

'What do you mean?'

'I want you to feel secure. That way no-one gets hurt.

'The computer'll fly circles round any missile they fire.'

Telling us what to do.

And all that'd happen is we'd get knocked off our feet!

-SHUT UP!

-My God...is he saying what I think he's saying?!

-We must act now.

-Too risky!

-Too risky!

-He has a gun to his head!

Asked us to fire on Air Force One?!

He's not asking.

Your Commander in Chief has issued a direct order. Do it!

Sir, are you sure that's what you want me to do?

'You heard me, Carlton.'

'Boys, give me some room.

'I've just been ordered to fire on Air Force One.'

I'm in position.

Missiles armed.

HE SHOUTS ORDERS IN RUSSIAN

Target acquired. I have a good lock.

God, I hope this works. Fox 3.

BEEPING

SILENCE

GRUNTING FROM STRUGGLE

STATIC

(This is Marshall.)

'Anyone there?'

We're here, sir.

(Are my family safe?!)

The terrorists may have them - unconfirmed.

'Who are they?'

What do they want?

They're Russian ultra-nationalist radicals.

'They want Radek.'

Radek...

What are our tactical options?

'We're working on that,

'but they do have us in a corner.'

No rescue attempt?

'I ruled it out. There's nothing we can do in mid-air.'

We get on the ground.

Get me off the speaker-phone.

'Where's Bennett?'

Mr President.

We CANNOT release Radek.

They'll shoot a hostage every half-hour till we do.

'I don't want dozens of corpses.'

Jim, they shot Jack Doherty.

Oh, Christ...

Kathryn, we can't give in to their demands. It won't end there.

And if you die in that plane, does it end there?

We've a job to do,

'whatever the cost.'

Mr President...

-Mr President...

-Kathryn,

if you give a mouse a cookie...

He's gonna want a glass of milk.

We gotta get the plane on the ground.

HE CALLS OUT IN RUSSIAN

SHOUTING IN RUSSIAN

SHOUTING

(Get the plane on the ground...)

DRIPPING >

I thought I'd ask you to come and join us.

It's starting to feel empty up here.

Sit down.

Please.

Come.

'Tell me your name again. For the record.'

'Melanie.'

Melanie Mitchell.

You...travel often

'with the President?'

'Yes.'

'So you... you know everyone on the plane.'

'Yes.'

'I bet they like you.'

You're a nice person, yes?

OK.

I guess so.

Oh!

You are trembling.

Why are you afraid?

Because...I don't wanna die!

I don't wanna die...!

Tell me,

'what am I doing at this moment?'

'You're pointing a gun at me.'

'Thank you, Melanie.'

This is to the Secret Service agent in the baggage deck.

'I will count to ten,

'and if you do not surrender,

'this nice woman will die.'

No.

-No.

-One.

-'Oh, my God, don't!'

-'Two.'

'Don't do this!'

'No!'

-'Three.'

-'Let me talk to him!'

'Four.'

'I beg you!'

'Five.'

'Let me talk to the agent!'

-'Six.'

-'He might listen to me!'

-Aah!

-Seven.

I beg you! Don't do it!

Eight.

'Don't do this!'

'Nine.'

'No!'

GUNSHOT!

(Oh, God...)

'Let's think about that for a moment.'

And then we'll start again.

Next time...I'll choose someone more important.

I know what you are thinking.

You want me dead.

Well, it may come to that.

In a war, people die.

This isn't war!

You just murdered an unarmed woman!

You, who murdered 100,000 Iraqis to save a nickel on a gallon of gas,

are going to lecture me about THE RULES OF WAR?! DON'T!

'Mr President, how can I help you?'

Chief, you can help me dump fuel.

The Russian says it's a Secret Service guy. Who?!

No idea, sir...

Melanie was shot cos one of your men wouldn't...

-I'd like to know myself.

-Sir?

He knows if you hunt with one bullet, you wait for a clean shot.

What do you mean, Major?

Sir, whoever that is down there may be our only hope.

Our only hope is that Washington complies with this bastard.

Cos any minute now, another one of us is dead. You know what?

I'm afraid it might be me.

Sir, see the maintenance panel? >

'I see it.'

Open it. There should be a red switch. Toggle it up.

Hang on.

OK, we got some indicator lights.

Close the circuit for the pump.

'There's no switch, so you have to cross the wires.

-'Open the fuel control door.'

-Hang on.

'There should be...five of them.

'See them, sir?'

I see 'em, yeah.

(Jesus...a lot of goddamn wires.)

All right, wait a second... We got five - green, yellow,

red, white and blue.

Let me check something.

Come on, man, hurry up!

Sir, wrong wire and you cut the engine feeds.

We don't wanna get the wrong wire(!)

Cut the green wire.

Green wire. OK. Green.

OK, cut.

-'Then cross the... '

-VOICE BECOMES FAINT

With the what?!

Hello? Cross it with the what? Say again? Green wire with the...?

For Christ's sake!

Green...

yellow... red, white, blue. Cross over...

green...

I'm counting on ya, red, white, and blue.

Sir, it looks like AFO is losing fuel.

HE SHOUTS IN RUSSIAN

'Madam Vice President,

'the time has come for you to show your good faith.

'I've read your press kit.'

I understand Air Force One is able to refuel in mid-air.

Well, we need fuel,

and we need it now.

I'm sure we can come to some sort of arrangement.

If you land the plane, we'll trade fuel for hostages.

Bullshit! It's simple physics - without fuel, the plane crashes.

Everybody dies!

We're trying to do all we can...

Tell me what I want to hear or I will execute a senior staff member

and continue killing one hostage every minute, until the plane crash,

or refuelling plane arrive!

Well, what do you say?

Fuel's on its way.

Thank you.

Move.

VOICES >

< KEYS RATTLE

Jim, what are you doing here?!

I never left.

Gibbs?

Watch the door.

Where's my family?

They took 'em to another section.

We should try to retake the plane.

No, they've got Grace and Alice.

Disable the plane, force a landing?

I tried. I dumped some fuel. Now they're gonna refuel us in mid-air.

A refuelling tanker? Jesus!

Sir?

There may be a way to get these people off!

What do you mean?

We have emergency parachutes in the tail cone, but we're too high.

If we get a message to the tanker, make him drop to 15,000, we jump.

They disabled the phones, they control the radios.

Mr President? Sir?

The fax machines.

No, the phone lines are out.

Voice lines and faxes are on different encryption systems.

Disable one, you may miss the other.

If this works, you get to be Postmaster General.

Get people ready to go.

Sir, remember, 15,000 feet, 200 knots, or it's suicide.

You'll need this.

Good luck, people.

Give me a pen.

Where we sending it?

Situation Room.

It makes me so proud, Mr President, that you stuck with us.

Thanks.

Whatever happens.

(Yesss!)

Madam Vice President, the Attorney General's here.

Andrew.

-Kathryn.

-Good that you're here.

You want my interpretation on what the Constitution says about this?

My understanding is

that if the President is out of contact in a military situation,

the Secretary of Defense is in charge.

Yes, of course.

Good, that settles it.

Doesn't settle it at all.

The President is not merely out of contact. He is also under duress.

His family is held hostage, possibly himself a hostage.

There's an incapacity to discharge the office under the 25th Amendment,

just as if he'd had a stroke.

He'd say no incapacity exists.

It exists if a majority of the Cabinet says it exists.

The President may be alive, but he may not be the President.

Madam Vice President? You need to see this.

'This is CNN breaking news.'

We interrupt programmes to bring you this breaking news.

CNN has unconfirmed reports that Air Force One has crashed.

-Oh, my God! How did they get that?

-The President's plane was en route from Moscow

-We have to issue a statement.

-'..the President's plane... '

Walter? General?

'..crashed in Eastern Europe, according to reports...'

Did Air Force One crash?

That is a only a rumour.

Where did it start?

I don't know where the story came from. Listen!

I cannot confirm anything at this point!

Ladies and gentlemen, I have a statement.

The President's plane, Air Force One, has been hijacked.

Please?

Ladies and gentlemen, please let me finish.

I cannot divulge the hijackers' identity or who was on board.

But I assure the American people that we are doing all we can

to resolve the situation.

QUESTIONS SHOUTED

For the safety of all the people on the plane, I can say no more.

I'm sure you understand that.

Is Mr Marshall still President?

I am co-ordinating with the National Security Council.

James Marshall is still President.

At this time...

At this time, I would like to ask all Americans...

..to pray for the safety of all on board Air Force One.

Thank you.

The President...

HE SPEAKS IN RUSSIAN

Where is the President?

YELLING IN RUSSIAN >

Folks, listen up. This is your main rip cord.

As soon as you clear the plane, give it a yank.

If your chute doesn't open, this is the reserve. Pull it down. Clear?

'Air Force One, Air Force One, do you read?'

Yes, we read. Go ahead.

'Air Force One, this is Extender 10.

'We are instructed to refuel you.'

Go ahead.

'Drop to 15,000 feet

'and slow to 200 knots.'

Acknowledged. 200.

Sir, your chute.

-No, no.

-Please, sir!

I won't leave without my family.

'OK, Air Force One, you need to open your receptacle door.

Pull the yellow lever, upper panel.'

Done.

'Go on and close distance.'

HIGH-SPEED BEEPING

Almost there.

-Where are your chutes, guys?

-We stay with the President, sir.

Thank you.

That's close enough. Here we go!

RUSSIAN

Go!

Come on, come on!

Sergei!

We got... OK,

so far, 25 chutes.

MAN YELLS

I can't hold her. I can't hold her!

'Air Force One, break away!'

Sir, take my hand!

Everybody break now!

HE GRUNTS

Don't move!

Let me save him!

He's the President,

for God's sake!

Go get him!

Grab my hand!

Major!

I gotcha!

We've lost the tanker? What else?

They count 32 survivors.

-They still have hostages. The First Family?

-No word yet.

The terrorists will be even more desperate.

Madam Vice President? Air Force One.

This is Vice President Bennett.

We're listening.

'I now hold hostage

'the President of the United States of America.

'Soon we enter the sovereign airspace of Kazakhstan.'

You will cease your military escort at the border.

If you violate our airspace,

I will execute a member of the First Family.

Tell our fighters to back off.

Get me Obs.

You said a Presidential incapacity can be declared by cabinet majority.

Would you sign it?

In the circumstances...

See who else would.

Move! Come on, move!

Fast! Move! Fast!

Dad!

It'll be all right. It'll be all right.

You've been very busy downstairs.

Haven't you?

Killing my men...

-No!

-You don't wanna do this.

I'm what you came for. Don't forget that.

Then I kill them.

Just one.

You pick.

That's what you do in the White House. You play God.

Go ahead. Which one lives?

(I love you.)

Go ahead.

You're not here for this.

You want something.

What is it?

Radek.

How can I do that?!

Then you die. The three of you.

I'll do anything to save my family, but not that!

Most powerful man...

Suddenly you cannot do something.

This is very curious.

Stop with your fucking LIES!

No!

Petrov will never give up Radek.

Petrov is a dog. He does what you tell him.

Tell him to do this.

Petrov used me. I just wanted to stop the bloodshed.

He wanted a personal victory. Petrov hates Radek.

Of course he hates Radek.

Radek is all he is not - a great man, a strong man.

Are you saying...

..he would refuse you?

You'd be playing right into his hands. Are you an idiot?

You'd make him into a hero,

the man who stopped the terrorists, better yet, the man who stopped me.

You talk as if you have nothing to do with this. It is all your doing.

This infection...you call freedom.

Without meaning, without purpose.

You have given my country to gangsters...and prostitutes.

You have taken everything from us!

There's nothing left.

Call him.

No.

No!

No!

-No.

-I have no choice.

You have the choice.

Not her, it's between you and me.

You lose a child, it hollows you.

We're soldiers. Take my life.

Have you no honour?!

I'll count to five.

-No!

-It's gonna be OK.

One...

It'll be all right.

Two...

I'll do it.

I'll do it.

Just leave my family alone.

Leave 'em alone.

HE SPEAKS IN RUSSIAN

PHONE RINGS

Da.

Mr President!

We got an intercept. The President called Petrov

and asked him to free Radek.

He can't do that.

He must have no choice.

We have a choice.

I have the signatures of most of the cabinet,

attesting to the President's incapacity. Sign it, overrule him.

N-no, I won't do that.

The United States does not negotiate with terrorists.

Our bedrock principle for 25 years! You can't give in to them now.

It'll be open season on the US. More will die!

Jim isn't deciding as a President, but as a husband and a father.

History will judge you by what you do right now, Kathryn.

Sign it!

No.

No.

GUARDS SPEAK IN RUSSIAN

'I now confirm General Radek is being released.

'I repeat, General Radek is now being released.'

PRISONERS CHEER

Yes.

General Radek has been released.

IN RUSSIAN

IN RUSSIAN

It is confirmed.

They're releasing the General.

Now what?

Now we return to our homeland.

General Radek will decide how best to use you,

now we know you are...willing

to negotiate.

Our nation...

needs so many things.

You said you'd release us.

Forgive me. I lied.

CHEERING

THEY SING "L'INTERNATIONALE"

Listen.

PRISONERS SINGING

MAN SPEAKS RUSSIAN

SPEAKING IN RUSSIAN

-Jim!

-Aaah!

SHE SCREAMS

Dad!

Sir, are you hit?

Stay with the major, honey.

The cockpit.

Lie down.

Grace?!

PRISONERS' SONG CONTINUES

Grace!

Jim!

Jim!

Grace!

-Let her go!

-Not until Radek is safely away.

Jim! Call it off! Don't give up Radek!

If anything happens to the General, your wife will die!

-No! Jim!

->

Hear that?

It's almost over.

DROP THE GUN!

DROP THE GUN!

You made one mistake!

When you killed my pilot, Mr President!

No-one left to fly the plane!

And no parachute!

Whatever happens...

you lose!

And I win.

Get off my plane.

You all right?

OVER SPEAKERS:

PRISONERS CHANT

Go. Go!

Call Petrov!

PRISONERS CHANT

GUNSHOTS

They killed him!

Mr President!

CHEERING

'He almost got away! Radek is dead!'

YES! It's the President!

We retook the plane!

How's he doing?

Not good, sir.

I don't suppose you know how to fly.

-No, sir!

-You're co-pilot.

Yes, sir.

How long since you flew, sir?

25 years. Little planes. Never jets.

Nothing like this. Anyone there?

'Yes, we're here, sir.'

Got somebody

-'to help me fly?'

-Col Jackson, sir.

'Bob!'

We need you out of hostile territory.

'Good idea, Bob.'

Above the central video screen,

'there's a series of LED numbers. One of them should read 110.'

Got it.

'The course heading.'

Just below, there's a knob surrounded by hash marks.

'Turn that knob counter-clockwise

'to 290.'

290.

We're turning, Bob.

'Takes you out of Kazakhstan.'

We'll be OK, baby.

'We can't land on autopilot, so we must go over a few things.'

The nearest safe landing site?

Incirlik, Turkey.

General Northwood.

-Madam?

-What's that?

Madam, that red dot represents MiGs.

They'll intercept!

Christ, from Akhtubinsk! The base commander there is loyal to Radek.

Send our fighters into Kazakhstan, use all means to protect AFO.

On final approach, keep the throttles mid-range...

Sir, can you hear me?

'Yes, Kathryn.'

We're tracking six MiGs

closing on you.

'I'm sending F-15s to protect you.'

Shit...!

Did she say MiGs?!

She said MiGs. Honey, sit down, put on a seat belt.

We have some trouble.

Guys, these MiGs get closer, I'll have to operate this thing.

How do I get off autopilot?

'Push the button on the yoke by your left thumb.'

'I'll try a little right turn.'

'Just keep your moves smooth and steady.'

Just...step on the ball, right?

That's right. Like riding a bike.

Halo Flight, cleared to commit, bearing 090. Jettison tanks,

'push it up!'

How far away are the MiGs?

BEEPING

Never mind.

PILOT SPEAKS IN RUSSIAN

-CALDWELL:

-One coming.

-Countermeasures activated.

-Left.

Jesus Christ!

We need some help.

US fighters,

'we are under attack - where are you?!'

'Halo Flight.

'Closing in on you, ETA two minutes.'

We may not be here!

SPEAKING RUSSIAN

CANNON FIRES

We're hit!

Christ. Erm, we're on fire.

An engine on fire. Number four engine is on fire.

OK, I got it, I got it.

We're rolling right!

'Left rudder.'

You must compensate.

Pull back on Number one engine?

'You'd slow down.'

Trim it out.

How?!

'Knob. Aft pedestal.'

Jesus Christ!

We got a red light here.

Looks like we're losing fuel!

'Halo Flight.'

Everybody, lock a bandit.

Stand by for max range...

and...Fox Three!

'Kill one! Kill one!'

Aaaaahhhh!!

'Kill two!'

Four bandit MiGs, 090. Halo Flight, engage!

Good guys are here!

AFO, bug out west, we'll cover you.

You got it!

Sir, one on your tail!

Get him off my tail!

Missile away! AFO,

'break left and climb!'

Shit! Sir! No countermeasures!

'They lost countermeasures.'

Halo 2, going in.

Two down! Halo two is down!

'Air Force One, still with us?!'

Yes, we're still here.

Not so fast, you son of a bitch...

Holy shit!

Last MiGs bugging out, sir.

'We're clear!'

Bob, you still there?

'Yes, sir.'

A problem.

Rudder is sluggish.

Let me look, sir.

(Oh, man...!)

'You're torn up pretty bad.

'Do you have any elevator control?'

It's sluggish, too. Still losing fuel.

'OK.

'We got a problem up here. Sirs, Air Force One is badly hit.

'With the damage, there's no way they can land.'

I'm sorry, sir.

Thanks for your help.

'I'll stay on your wing, sir.'

Go steady until we figure it out.

Sir...

..you did great.

The engines are failing, they're losing fuel.

Must be something we can do.

Is that our airstrip strike team?

Yeah, why?

I just had a wild idea.

'Time is critical. Start turning north. More details en route.'

'Yes, sir.'

Change of orders acknowledged.

'Try to hold your heading, sir.

'They'll be rejoining from the south in about 25 minutes.'

All right.

'It's risky.'

Understood.

'But we are out of options.'

Dad?

Yeah, baby?

It's OK. Everything's gonna work.

Concerned Americans have gathered here at the White House,

but CNN has learned that Air Force One is severely crippled

and virtually unlandable. Sources say the First Family is on board.

A daring mid-air rescue operation is said to be under way.

'Air Force One, Liberty 24, on your left. Do you read?'

AFO, loud and clear.

Gibbs? They're here. Get the door.

Yes, sir.

'To 10,000 feet, 200 knots.'

OK, we gotta slow it down.

'Air Force One and Liberty 24, this is AWACS Blue Star.

'We have you in radar contact.

'Liberty 24, they're almost out of fuel.'

'Roger, Blue Star. Air Force One,

'keep the wings level. If the engines fail, sacrifice altitude.'

Ready!

Liberty 24, Ramp Leader. First man on his way.

Back up.

Easy.

'Air Force One, come left-six.'

How's my speed?

It's good. See if you can hold it.

'A little more left, sir. Three, two...stop.'

-Take my arm!

-Here!

Pull me in! Come on!

COME ON!

Unhook me!

I got it!

Liberty locked in! Where's the President?

Up in the cockpit!

Just lost another engine.

Liberty, we lost another engine.

Acknowledged.

Sir, time to go.

Who's gonna fly the plane?!

I'll take care of it, sir.

Got it!