Chain of Command (2000) Movie Script
[music playing]
MAN: Just like yesterday.
Back hand and four-hand drill.
WOMAN: Yes, sir.
MAN: You're fine.
There we go.
Forehand--
MEG: Yeah.
Marty, please.
Meg Danforth.
He's expecting Mike.
MAN: You've got to step in.
Yeah.
Marty, where the hell have you been?
I need those numbers.
Yes.
I'm sitting.
Holy shit.
Are you kidding?
I'm ecstatic.
If you were here, I'd kiss you.
I'll talk to you first thing tomorrow.
Well, Jack, have another mimosa.
Latest polls show we've jumped six points.
You are now officially ahead of the incumbent.
You see that, Jack.
What'd I tell you?
Choosing Valdez as your running mate
set our numbers through the roof.
I should say, America loves Jack Cahill.
[laughing] Tell that to the militia crazies.
He's gotten some death threats.
That's what you got those guys over there for.
Wish they'd wrap this up.
It's getting a tad warm out here.
I'm actually breaking a sweat.
Well, it's nice to know you actually do sweat there, Mikey.
It's reassuring to us mortals.
Of course, a lot of our success
has been due to your generosity as well, Cameron.
The support you've rallied for us in the industry.
I just hope we can continue to--
Jack and I go back a long ways.
Whatever you need, I'll make it happen.
She can't hit a tennis ball for shit but what
a wonderful piece of ass, eh?
MEG: That's no way to talk about your wife.
Yes.
Ain't that right, sweetheart?
What?
Keep playing.
No wonder she's what?
Number four?
BOTH: Five.
Oh, god.
[phone ringing]
That's me.
Yup? Nope.
No, I'm just finishing breakfast.
What's up?
You've got to be kidding.
Christ.
MAN: Don't wait for the bounce.
No, no.
No, I'll be by--
give me about a half hour.
Jack.
What?
He's an old friend.
[moaning]
You believe this guy?
[moaning]
Yeah, you better get used to it.
I'll bet you $5 he takes this thing in November.
You're on.
Hey, Connelly, What's a four letter word for,
"I told you so?"
How about, fuck you?
Yeah.
That'll work.
Oh, yeah. Perfect.
Perfect.
Thank you so much.
He's-- hi, taking a rest.
You know, I seem to recall a wager being involved.
There wasn't any kind of wager involved.
I beg to differ.
Substantial sums are at stake.
[champagne pop] MEG: Ow!
Whoa!
Whoa!
[clapping]
WOMAN: Thank you.
Thank you.
Haven't we had enough celebrating?
Never.
There's no such thing, Mr. President.
Meg, I'm not president yet.
Oh, come on.
MAN: Four more years.
It feels like somebody is using a jack hammer on me.
And you call yourself an Irishman?
Well, perhaps the new first lady.
Don't mind if I do.
MAN: Yes.
Everyone, a toast.
To a new beginning.
MAN: New beginning. MAN: Yeah.
WOMAN: Yes.
New begin--
MAN: Mr. President.
MAN: Four more years.
[laughter]
[chatter]
[beeping]
[music playing]
Excuse me.
Too much coffee.
I've got a few more thank yous to say this weekend.
I'll be back.
(WHISPERING) Meet me in the back.
[scoffs] Is this guy unstoppable or what?
Not 20 feet from the wife, no less.
[music playing]
Guys, sit up.
The San Francisco office just called in.
We ran the background check on one of our media friends
and it turned up a big red flag.
Word is Steven Howard, seat 49E.
Original check was clean.
Yeah.
They got an anonymous tip.
All right.
I'm going to need to speak with the pilot.
I want you guys to find our friend
and cut him out of the herd.
Discreetly.
[music playing]
There he is.
Nice to see you.
Congratulations.
Gun!
Get down, everybody!
Now!
[gunshots]
- Get down, sir. - Sir.
Sir, you have to get down.
Right now.
Sir.
Sir?
[groaning]
WOMAN: No!
[moaning]
MAN: We're losing pressure.
Burke, get me a doctor.
Get me a doctor.
Now.
Mike, come on, we've got to go.
There's going to be a debriefing as well as a counselor standing
by to talk to if you need him.
Cahill wanted me to be sure and thank
you for what you did for him.
He also said that he hoped that men
like you would always be there for him when he needed you.
You did your duty, Mike.
Sometimes innocent people get caught in the middle.
One now dead.
Listen, Mike.
I mean, this is a hell of a thing to have happened.
I grant you that.
I mean, but that's what we're here for.
It's part of the job.
That woman died for a guy who can't
keep it in his past for more than five fucking minutes.
It's not worth it.
No, wait.
It is not about whether he's worth it.
And it's not about whether you approve or you disapprove.
He's the next president.
It ends right there.
Christ, Mike.
You can't treat this thing like a-- like
you're some kind of boy scout.
It's not like he's the first president in the history of US
ever to get a woman on the side.
And besides, I mean, that is part of the job too.
That's the bottom line.
The bottom line is, if it comes down to it,
I have to take a bullet for this son of a bitch.
All right. Look, forget Cahill.
Forget him.
I need men like you.
You give me six months and you still want out after that,
I make sure you go wherever you want.
[chuckles] As a matter of fact, I've got a better idea
than-- how about this, you stick it out,
come in inauguration day, I promise you,
you will not have to take a bullet for this guy.
How's that?
Gentlemen, you're now being given
responsibility for the president's
mobile command center.
The Football.
This is an exact non-functioning replica, the item itself
being at this moment exactly where it should be,
which is never more than 40 feet from the president, rain
or shine, day or night.
It may not be in the same room with the man,
but he must always be within 30 seconds of contact
should the need arise.
Three people will know the combination to this case
at any given moment.
Yourself and the two other agents on Football
duty with you.
The case can only be opened under presidential order.
Nine agents rotate Football duty with three
alternates standing by.
The president has the absolute, complete power,
to launch nuclear war.
He controls all commands going to Norad, The Looking Glass,
into the satellite's controlling our missile silos
and nuclear submarines throughout the world.
This is Armageddon in a box.
Your purpose is to provide the president with this power
should the need arise.
Only the president has the access
codes required to launch.
Activation of the control panel is achieved by via two keys.
One is carried by you.
The other stays on the president's person
at all times.
Control access requires thumbprint
and retinal analysis.
The president and his successors are encoded
into the failsafe system.
If the president is killed, the agent in charge
must change the access codes to accept
his next immediate successor.
Your prime directive is to protect
this briefcase and the men protecting this briefcase.
The president is not your concern.
Other agents handle that duty.
If somebody makes a play for the president,
you cover the briefcase.
No matter what happens.
The care and the protection of this briefcase
is your primary job function.
That is all.
MEG: We need a statement, Jack.
You've got to give me something, anything.
Mr. President, we have less than five minutes.
Megan, for once, shut the hell up.
OK?
You really think you're going to do this?
Invade.
The Chinese have never ruled out the use of force.
Vis-a-vis, reunification with Taiwan.
This could be the usual posturing.
I feel there's a but here.
I think they're serious this time.
They're testing us, for Christ's sake.
They're testing me, you mean.
Of course.
You've been in office what?
Six months?
Timing for them is--
well, don't get no better than this.
DAVID LEHMANN: He's right, Sir.
They probably feel they have right where they want you.
And our friends in the Senate aren't helping
matters any with his investigation
into your political finances.
MEG DANFORTH: You can't even dignify
what the committee is doing with the title of investigation.
Be that as it may, the situation
is problematic as well, sir.
Mr. President, when you send the Nimitz
battle group into the South China Sea, they will back down.
They always do.
And a little saber rattling always drives the poll numbers
up a point or two as well.
I'll worry about the polls, General,
it's all right with you?
Your recommendations, David?
Well, condemn the Chinese actions in public, obviously.
Boycott the Pacific Rim summit next week, if necessary.
In the meantime, there are other private channels that you might
avail yourself of, which, although risky,
might keep the dialogue with the Chinese leadership open.
Ken Fung.
MEG DANFORTH: Oh, wha-- wait a second.
Wait a second, Jack.
That is, pardon my French, political fucking suicide.
You meet with Fung and the media,
not to mention the Judiciary Committee will
hand you your ass on a platter.
Yes.
But the beauty of it is, Meg, is that it's my ass.
What time is it in Taiwan?
[music playing]
KEN FUNG: Truly, Jack, there's no need to apologize.
I've been up for several hours.
And it's always good to hear from my old professor.
JACK CAHILL (ON PHONE): Now, Ken, did you have to say old?
I'm sorry, Jack.
No offense intended.
I meant to former.
JACK CAHILL: Good.
That-- that'll be fine.
I'll see you in a couple of days.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
He'll do it.
We're going to meet two days before the Pacific Rim summit.
Not in Washington, I hope?
JACK CAHILL: No, no, no, no, no.
Aboard his boat, the Su-Maru.
There's one condition one on one.
I know, David, I know.
But these are his rules, not mine.
Where are you going?
I thought I'd might it some work done, Sir.
Wait a minute.
Gentlemen, would you excuse us?
Sit down.
Smile, Meg.
You knew there'd be days like this.
All right, look, I'm sorry I told you to shut up,
if that's what this is about.
MEG DANFORTH: Oh, please, Jack.
By now, my skin is a little thicker than that.
Give me some credit.
No, this is about me doing my job, which basically adds up
to me trying to keep you from stepping in dog shit
and cleaning your shoes when you do.
I know.
I know.
No.
Sir, I've got to strenuously advise you not to do this.
More dealings with Fung will do nothing
but exacerbate the situation on the hill.
Hey, I didn't raise those campaign contributions,
you did.
With all due respect, Sir, I also did not sleep with Cameron
Ellis's wife, you did.
And you'd rather it be you?
That's low.
I think I've adjusted damn well to the way
you wanted things between us.
No, you said do anything to win, Sir.
No punches were to be pulled.
That's exactly what you told me.
The money had to come from somewhere.
I think I know where this is going,
but I want to hear it from you.
Go ahead.
You meet with Fung, you leave me no choice but to resign.
That'll save me the trouble of firing you.
And don't think I wouldn't.
And don't think I don't know that you know
where the bodies are buried.
I don't like being threatened, Meg.
Don't try it again.
That wasn't a threat, Jack.
I'll type up a resignation letter just for the hell of it.
But it's effective as of right now.
Good for a beer, Gary?
Can't.
MICHAEL CONNELLY: Not now.
I'm talking about when you're finished.
I'm buying.
JOE LAMBERT: I'm in.
Anything for free beer.
You don't have to tell us that?
You calling me cheap?
MICHAEL CONNELLY: Take it however you want to.
I'm hurt, Mike.
Deeply.
So where we going?
You call it, Gary.
Look, guys, I'd love to go, but I can't.
It's my kid's birthday today.
I got to stop on the way back from work,
pick him up something.
JOE LAMBERT: You know there's a Toy-O-Rama right
across from the King Arthur Pub?
Since when?
They just built it.
Since last week?
Swear to God.
Anybody going to King Arthur tonight
better be drinking club soda.
How about milk?
Shut up, Connelly.
Burke might have put up with that shit, but I don't have to.
The advance team arrived in Taipei.
Burke's meeting Thornton on the ship
tomorrow to solidify security arrangements.
Mission packs for the trip.
I want everybody here at 0430 sharp.
See you then.
[honking]
[music playing]
Honey?
Welcome to the party, Agent Phillips.
Don't let go of either bag or things
will get very unpleasant.
On your knees.
Who are you?
And what do you want?
CHANG: What I want, Agent Phillips,
it's for you to listen very carefully.
Now, no one's going to get hurt as long as you do
exactly what we tell you to do.
Exactly.
The moment you disobey an order, someone is going to die.
Do you understand?
Good.
[music playing]
Sit down.
All right, this is not just any guest we're dealing with.
The President of the United States
is never in a room with our men or women
other than his own Secret Service agents,
who work for an organization which I am privileged to have
served with for--
hell, I'm not even going to tell you how long.
I know some of you have been with Mr. Fung longer than I.
And you're trained to trust no one.
And that's a good thing.
But let me say this, I know these men.
I have worked by their side.
And I can assure you, they present no danger whatsoever
to Mr. Fung.
And I'll stake my life on that.
Therefore, we will show our good faith and spirit of cooperation
during the President's visit by relinquishing our weapons.
Placing them in the care of our guests
for the duration of the President's
visit aboard the Su-Maru.
Anyone not willing to abide by this rule
will be left here in Taipei 'till we return.
In addition, some of you may be reassigned
other service duties.
[grumbling]
It's not going to kill you to serve a couple of drinks.
And you'll be saving my friend here the time
of doing security checks on the regular service
staff as well as us.
Questions?
All right, we meet back here in an hour to go over specifics.
Guy's, got all the toys, huh?
Oh, yeah.
I noticed, though, one of your men was missing.
I think his name is Wu.
He had a family emergency he had to take care of.
OK.
You know, I really do appreciate your cooperation
on this, Craig.
You made this a lot easier than it could have been.
No problem.
Happy to do it.
Yeah.
They weren't.
Well, no professional willingly gives up
the tools of his trade.
Well, they sure as hell snapped to.
I'll say that.
Must be doing a hell of a job to get that kind of loyal.
That's what it's all about.
Yeah, loyalty.
Oh, I've always thought so.
I just didn't think you did any more.
What are talking about?
Well, I don't know.
I mean, I take a look around, it's
not that hard to figure out.
I mean, it's nice work if you can get it.
This suit, it'd cost me a month's salary.
What?
You think it's the money?
Yeah, isn't it?
I don't give a shit about the money.
I mean, it's nice, but it's Cahill.
The guy's a scumbag.
I was praying he didn't elected.
When he did, I knew I couldn't take a bullet for him.
[laughs] Wow.
What's so funny?
Nothing, I was just having a deja vu experience.
Someone else just, uh, told me the exact same damn thing.
Yeah?
Who?
This isn't like him.
Is here yet?
We just paged him.
He'll be here any minute.
He was supposed to be here five minutes ago.
Well, it's his kid's birthday.
Cut him some slack.
I'll try and cover for him, Connelly.
This isn't a goddamn school playground.
I know it's not a playground.
He'll be here any second.
Excuse me.
Sorry.
Couldn't be avoided.
It God damn well coulda.
Could've left 5 minutes earlier.
It won't happen again.
You better believe it won't.
And if it does, your kid better be on his damn deathbed
not just having a fucking birthday party.
What are you-- what you-- huh?
What are you-- - Whoa.
Whoa.
Whoa. - Come here.
- Mike. - Look at me.
Relax.
Relax.
You consider yourself on report, mister,
Relax, Gary.
Kurt's on the rag again today.
Just relax.
Fuck you, Connelly.
I'll report your ass, too.
Like I said, Kurt's on the rag.
Hey.
Hey, I'm talking to you.
Put that in your report.
Oh, Burke won't be able to help you this time, Connelly.
You're done.
Oh, shit.
JOE LAMBERT: So, Mike, what are your plans now that you'll be
retiring from public service?
[music playing]
MICHAEL CONNELLY: So how'd the presents go over?
Huh?
The presents?
how'd your kids like 'em?
Oh, great.
Is everything all right, Gary?
Yeah, I'm fine.
Karen and I are going through a rough time, that's all.
[deep breath] Well, I know how that one goes.
Sorry to hear it.
We'll get through it.
I hope you're luckier than I was.
Hey, Mikey, Wolverine wants to speak with you.
He want's to speak with me?
How's your cholesterol, Connelly?
I haven't had mine checked in a while, Sir.
Mine sucks.
You look fit, Sir.
Looks can be deceiving.
I'm on this frigging machine every day.
I guess there's a price for everything, right?
Yes, Sir, there is.
Ellroy tells me you're leaving this detail.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Tell you the truth, I felt like popping him a few times myself
every now and then.
Toss me that, will you?
Thanks.
You know, I--
I'm never going to be able to repay you for what you did.
I'm really grateful.
That's just part of the job, Sir.
No, it's more than that.
You're a loyal man.
That's valuable.
Thank you, Mr. President.
I'm curious, though, why the switch to the football
after the plane?
Personal reasons, Sir.
I've got a lot of faults, Connelly.
Stupidity is not one of them.
People are going to be coming to you for all kinds of reasons.
I'm hoping that I can rely on your discretion.
I found out that in this business,
making the right kind of friends makes all the difference.
I'll keep that in mind, Sir.
Thank you.
Good luck to you.
[music playing]
[thunder]
Thank you, Iris.
To, uh, old times, right?
Yes, to old times.
Jack, you look well.
You seem surprised by that.
I see the news.
Yeah, so does everyone.
I regret, I seem to have been the cause
of some real problems.
No, no, no, no, Ken.
It's not your fault. It's a two way street.
We appreciated your generosity, and our opponents didn't.
KEN FUNG: Well, in any event, your cares rest
upon you as lightly has to first snow on autumn leaves.
[laughter]
The reason I felt that you--
Jack, I know the reason you've come.
[thunder]
Got to love this weather, huh?
Jesus.
I gotta say this patch thing is working, though.
It's a lot better in those pills.
You guys are lucky you don't get seasick.
[sigh] Hey, what do you think it's costing this guy Ken Fung,
taking this tub out on a pleasure cruise
with no paying customers.
The question is, who cares?
It's his money.
I mean, for the sake of argument.
According to Burke, there's less than 50 people on board.
10 of us, 10 of Non's guys, the President, a few crew members.
I mean, for one night only.
So what do you think?
How much?
What do you think, Gary?
Probably give even less of a shit than Mike does.
JOE LAMBERT: All right.
All right.
Be that way.
[radio chatter]
You hear that?
There it is again.
Yeah, I heard it, Joe.
Ellroy said he's taking care of it.
Chinese, German, French, this Fung guy's
got the whole God damn United Nations working for him.
Joe.
Shut up?
[thunder]
KEN FUNG: What you ask is out of the question, Jack.
Why?
You're the perfect man for the job.
Jack, I'd do almost anything you wish me to do,
but not this.
I simply cannot act as intermediary between
my country and the mainland.
But you've been doing business with the mainland for years.
As long as they will not threatening my country,
I was willing to do that.
But the present situation makes this impossible.
And as to the main issue.
I know.
The same men who now rule China are the same men who,
when my father defected, had his family shot
and then sent him a bill for the cost of bullets.
This atrocity, I've overlooked in the hope
that peaceful trade between our two countries
would lead to greater peace.
And eventually, perhaps even democracy on the mainland.
I was hoping that your act of reconciliation
would be an example for your countrymen.
And what would my countrymen think of me
after the forced repatriation as they watch their rights,
their human dignity stripped away?
China's making some progress in the area of human rights.
Oh, Jack, save that for the American public.
Any progress being made is in-- is in the backward direction.
You and I both know, your policy of engagement
is nothing but a thin disguise to allow your corporations
the illusion that they have access to the single largest
market on Earth.
I know this only because until recently,
I was a victim of the same illusion.
Your own history teaches you that freedom is a gift
bought with steel, not gold.
We are not getting into a shooting war with China
over Taiwan.
It's as simple as that.
We're both getting overheated, Jack.
Tamarind sorbet, Mr. President,
to clear the palette.
[sighs] To clear the air.
Perhaps a moratorium on the subject
would be an order, at least during dinner.
Agreed.
[music playing]
Deck Two, how's it look down there?
All clear, Deck Two.
Detail One, this is Ellroy.
Detail One, go ahead.
We solved the communication problem.
Thornton brought in some new headsets for his men.
They're running a higher frequency than ours.
So no more crosstalk.
Well, that's too bad.
I was started to think I was going to learn to speak Chinese
before this trip was over.
Hey, how's the food out there?
ELLROY (ON RADIO): Fine.
Why?
Thought maybe you could bring us some pot stickers
or some egg rolls or something.
[static]
Apparently, that's too much to ask.
Bunch of fucking idiots.
[music playing]
Excuse me, uh, do you have a cigarette?
No, I don't smoke.
Hey, Joe, you mind taking over a few minutes early?
I'm gonna take a leak.
Not a problem.
You think Fung would have the money
to keep the air conditioner running on this thing.
The can, it's on the right side of the boat, right?
Not right, starboard.
So it's on left?
No, left is port.
Right here starboard.
So wha-- what side is it on?
Starboard.
That's the-- that's the right?
Correct.
Just fucking with you, Joe.
Just go take your goddamn leak.
Jesus, relax, Gary.
What's up, Johnson?
[music playing]
It's three minutes since the last time you checked.
You OK?
I'm fine.
Problems at home?
Did Mike tell you that?
No.
Just a guess.
You were fine when you left the office last night.
I'd rather not get into it.
Fine.
I'm not going anywhere if you want to talk about it.
Thanks.
I guess Ellroy's not coming through with the food thing,
huh?
[music playing]
Compliments of the chef.
You're a mind reader.
Looks great.
Argh!
All clear.
[music playing]
Do not let anybody in, OK?
OK.
How's it going?
Where's Agent Johnson?
Men's room.
Ask me to watch the door.
Oh, I see.
What's going on in there?
Private.
No access.
Well, sorry, pal.
This is an all access pass.
[gunfire]
Gary, secure the door.
Joe, please don't move.
[gun shots]
Execute plan Tiger.
I repeat, execute plan Tiger.
[music playing]
[gun shots]
Argh!
[gun shots]
What the hell was that?
Condition red.
Condition red.
We have intruders on deck 5.
Security all corridors, we got a breach.
Security team, we have a condition red.
Status as soon as you got it.
Connelly, how many intruders?
Unknown.
But they have automatic weapons.
Stay down.
Keep your heads down.
Connelly.
Oh, sorry about that.
Conne-- Connelly?
[static] - Shit.
Burke?
Go.
Burke?
[gunfire]
Go.
He's not the priority.
Come on.
Joe, real slowly, put the gun on the table.
[music playing]
What's going on?
Shit.
We have men downstairs with automatic weapons, Sir.
I'm ignorant to the status of that situation right now
due to communications failure.
Can you get the comm room?
Communications.
Comm room, go ahead.
Comm room, we have an emergency.
I need an all frequency mayday distress
signal to the USS Nimitz.
We are requesting immediate assistance.
Yes, sir.
Right away.
All right, they're less than 350 miles away.
Good.
SEAL Team Six is onboard.
They can be here in 30 to 45.
[music playing]
- Gary. - Shut up.
What the hell are you doing?
Exactly what I was told to do.
No.
[gun shot]
That's what you were told to do.
Now get that case and let's go.
[gunfire]
They're getting close.
AGENT: Grenade.
[explosion]
You set?
CRAIG THORNTON: Oh, yeah, I'm set.
[gun shot]
Floor's yours, Mr. Fung.
Jack, please don't be alarmed.
Everything's under control.
Trust-- ah, the start of the evening show has arrived.
You son of a bitch.
[music playing]
[gun shots]
[speaking chinese] Mr. Thornton, I have a little
problem to take care of.
Do it.
Open the case, Mr. Phillips.
GARY PHILLIPS: Nobody said anything
about opening the case.
Mr. Phillips--
Even if he opens it, there's absolutely nothing
he can do with it.
You're quite right, Jack.
I'm waiting, Mr. Phillips.
He can't do anything without me.
Yes he can, Jack.
Thornton, have comm room call Washington.
Communications.
We need Washington.
Don't do it.
They've got my family, Sir.
They'll kill them if I don't.
Phillips, they're probably already dead.
I have them, sir.
Thank you.
Mr. Phillips, would you like to speak to your daughter?
CHILD (ON PHONE): Daddy, is that you?
Hello?
CHILD (ON PHONE): Daddy?
Hello, sweetheart.
CHILD (ON PHONE): I don't like this, Daddy.
I want to go home.
Sweetheart, give the phone back to the man now.
CHILD (ON PHONE): OK.
Hello, Chang.
Could you count to 10.
If I don't reach 10, do nothing.
If I reach 10, execute your order.
1, 2, 3--
GARY PHILLIPS: Wait. no, wait. - --4--
GARY PHILLIPS: Wait, no.
KEN FUNG: --5, 6, 7, 8--
Mr, Phillips. GARY PHILLIPS: Wait!
Wai--wai--wai-- wait! Wait!
Wait!
Gah!
They key, please.
[music playing]
Thank you for your cooperation.
[gun shot]
Jack, now it's your turn.
[music playing]
You're threatening the US and China with a launch?
I don't make empty threats, Jack.
Once I have the codes, I will launch a limited nuclear strike
on China, Beijing specifically.
Is this revenge for your family?
No.
What then?
The devastation destabilize the government.
And then a number of generals I'm in league with
will seize control of the country.
And I'll lead the Chinese people into a new dawn
of enlightenment.
Freedom for a people we have historically
known only enslavement.
To borrow your own campaign slogan,
Jack, and new beginning.
[music playing]
Fire on China, there will be a massive retaliation.
And your point is?
It's total annihilation.
There won't be any God damn people for you to enlighten.
[laughs] You forget, Jack, I have the control case.
Oh, I'll make sure no other US missiles
are launched in response to a Chinese assault.
[music playing]
Jack, I need your thumbprint.
No.
Please, Jack, cooperate with me.
I'm not going to cooperate.
If you don't allow a clean scan,
Thornton will only be too happy to cut off your thumb
and use it without you.
Same goes for your eye.
Do it. KEN FUNG: Oh, for goodness sake.
I love you, Jack.
How can I decide the fate.
Tang, Jack, this is Tang.
Tang was forced from medical practice
by the enlightened reforms of the Cultural Revolution.
The government decided one day that he should farm instead.
When he protested, they cut his tongue out.
I'm afraid, he wasn't a very good farmer.
So he's quite grateful for the opportunity
to practice medicine again.
Now, in a little while, whether you want to or not,
you will cooperate.
Team Leader.
Come in, Team Leader.
This is Team Leader.
Identify yourself.
Thornton?
This is Mike Connelly.
Shh.
Mike, you all right?
What the hell's going on?
I haven't any communications with anybody.
We have the situation under control.
Where are you?
I'm in the, uh--
I'm in the purser's office.
Are the-- are the President and the football secure?
Affirmative.
I'm looking at them both right now.
Good.
Let me talk to Burke.
I'm sorry, Mike.
Burke's dead.
You stay where you are.
I'll send someone down to bring you back up here.
How long before these guys get here?
They should be there any time.
[music playing]
[gun shots]
[gunfire]
Go.
[gunfire]
Find him.
[music playing]
Earth to Michael.
Sorry.
Where were you?
I'm here.
You here now, but you were off somewhere a million miles away.
The idea of this picnic was so we
could spend some time together, you know, away from everybody.
Hmm?
Everybody?
They come with a job, Michael.
So tell me, what is it?
Estoy bien.
I-- I'm fine.
I'm fine.
I think you're worried about the kids.
I just can't stand the thought of them in LA.
You can't stand the thought of them with my mom.
I don't have a problem with your mom.
Uh-huh. Yeah, you do.
- I don't. - I don't.
Do. Do.
Do. Do.
Do. Don't deny it.
[laughs]
She did raise five children.
S.
And she did a pretty good job with me, no?
Uh, average, I suppose.
[laughs]
[music playing]
DAVID LEHMANN: We lost contact with the security team,
uh, 25 minutes ago.
There's no indication of any satellite malfunction
or any sudden loss of communication
from, uh, unnatural phenomena.
This is not good.
And it gets worse.
Someone has opened the football.
[beep]
Thank you, Jack.
Just one last favor.
The access codes?
Remember our little talk, Jack, about cooperation?
It's been 15 minutes.
It's time to contact the Vice President.
[music playing]
[gun shot]
Hey, Mr. Team Leader.
Mike, is that you?
You can stop them Mike crap now.
I know exactly whose team you're leading.
You and Mr. Fung are going to have
to go on one hell of a recruiting drive
when this is over with.
CRAIG THORNTON: What are you talking about?
MICHAEL CONNELLY (ON RADIO): Stop the bullshit, Craig.
You know exactly what I'm talking about.
Thornton, this is growing tiresome.
Terminate all conversation.
Better listen your boss, Craigy.
You don't want him to forget you when the Christmas
bonuses come around.
[music playing]
So all you're really telling me is that you
can't tell me anything.
The Nimitz has monitored some faint signals.
Probably from handheld radios.
They're weak, but they might indicate a possible--
Look, we can speculate 'till the cows
come home about what's happened to the President.
But the fact is, if the case has been opened--
and we know it has--
it's for one purpose.
Now, his captors-- now, that is assuming he's been kidnapped--
are planning a nuke or assault.
What about the football? Can we--
No, there's nothing we can do about that because--
The President's mobile command post can not be superseded.
That's the purpose of the device.
Absolute control.
if any link between the device and the nuclear arsenal
is broken, that would jeopardize the entire chain of command.
Now, as long as that signal is working,
we can't do a goddamn thing.
General Peterson, I have Ken Fung on a secure channel.
He wishes to speak to the Vice President, Sir.
KEN FUNG: Good evening, Vice President Valdez.
Where is the President?
KEN FUNG (ON PHONE): The President?
Oh, he's quite safe, I assure you.
I am not at a trusting time.
KEN FUNG (ON PHONE): I'm afraid in this situation,
you have no other choice but to learn to be.
[laughs] First, to begin, any intrusion
by air or sea within 200 miles radius of this ship
will result in the death of your President,
as well as the launch of your entire nuclear arsenal.
Oh, ho, ho.
That got your attention.
He's bluffing.
KEN FUNG (ON PHONE): I'm quite serious, I assure you.
Thanks to your President's cooperation, however reluctant.
You see, I have the access codes to launch
every missile the United States government currently possesses.
And I will not hesitate to do so if provoked.
Brutal.
Don't touch that dial.
What is it you want from us, Mr. Fung?
It's quite simple really.
You have 24 hours to obtain diplomatic recognition
of Taiwan by the People's Republic of China,
along with a signed pledge ratified by your Congress
to bring the full weight of US military might
to bear should the Chinese ever attack on Taiwan.
GLORIA VALDEZ (ON PHONE): Neither the Chinese government,
nor mine, will ever agree to that.
Then I'm afraid you have a rather large
problem on your hands, Gloria.
MICHAEL CONNELLY (ON PHONE): We interrupt this program to bring
you a very special report.
Mr. Fung, it's come to our attention
that you haven't paid your ship to shore bill this month.
I'm afraid we're going to have to disconnect your ass.
The codes, now!
Who the hell is this?
Identify yourself.
This is Special Agent Michael Connelly
of the presidential detail.
I'm assigned to protect football.
GENERAL PETERSON (ON PHONE): Well,
is that right, Mr. Connelly?
Well, you're doing one hell of a job.
Agent Connelly, the football, can you get to it?
Destroy it.
I'm working on it, Ma'am.
I'm a little shorthanded here.
I have reason to believe I'm the only agent
left alive on the ship.
GLORIA VALDEZ: Well, that briefcase must be destroyed
at all costs, Mr. Connelly.
One moment.
I have just been informed that, on its present course,
the ship will enter Chinese territorial waters
within 10 minutes.
We risk war with the Chinese if we attempt a rescue operation
once it is inside these limits.
Give me my orders, Ma'am.
I need you to stop the ship and destroy the football.
Yes, Ma'am.
GLORIA VALDEZ (ON PHONE): Good luck, Connelly.
Stop the ship.
[music playing]
GENERAL PETERSON: Well, I say we call an air strike on that ship
before Fung knows what hit him.
Those planes can be on top of them
in way less than 10 minutes.
DAVID LEHMANN: Ma'am, Fung has given us 24 hours to come
up with a solution for this.
An airstrike is a premature response to this crisis.
It's simple arithmetic.
The Chinese have been historically
preoccupied with the Russians.
Now the number of missiles they have
that can actually reach our shores
estimated to be 30 DF-5s.
That's right, 30.
All single warhead ICBMs.
DAVID LEHMANN: We don't know that.
We still don't have an accurate intelligence assessment
as to whether they've been able to MIRV
their warheads with the miniaturization
technology they stole from us.
It's possible some or all of them may be MIRV.
It's also possible that the DF-41 has
been deployed in certain silos.
GENERAL PETERSON: That risk is manageable.
DAVID LEHMANN: If you consider mutual annihilation manageable,
then, yes, I'd have to agree.
Ma'am, I-- I urge you to let these events
play themselves out before taking precipitous action.
Perhaps Agent Connelly will be successful,
at least in buying us time.
Connelly, is he the one that--
Yes.
GENERAL PETERSON: He's head case.
That's what he is.
Here's a file on him.
He saw to shrinks in the last year.
Family counseling and mandatory sessions regarding
the shooting on the plane.
You call that a head case?
GENERAL PETERSON: I call that enough for me
not to put my eggs in that basket.
Now, you thinking about it, Ma'am.
You really think that one man can stop
that ship in eight minutes?
[music playing]
[sighs] I would like to speak to the commander of the Nimitz,
please.
Yes, Ma'am.
COMM TECH (ON RADIO): Stand by, Nimitz.
I have Rear Admiral Harrington for the Vice President.
This is Harrington.
GLORIA VALDEZ (ON PHONE): This is Vice President Valdez.
We have a situation with the President.
We've lost communications with him.
I need you to stand by to launch an airstrike on the Su-Maru.
Say again?
I need you to stand by to launch
an airstrike on this Su-Maru.
The President is on board that ship, Ma'am.
The President is under the control of a foreign power.
For all we know, he's dead by now.
So no matter what his fate, he has ceased
to be your Commander in Chief.
By executive order, I am commanding
you to destroy the vessel by any means necessary.
Do you understand?
Yes, Ma'am.
I'll give the order.
[music playing]
[muffled yelling]
Let me out of this.
My hands are killing me.
I get-- uh. - Where is he?
What the hell you doing?
Let me out of this.
My--
Where is he?
I don't know.
He said something about stopping the ship.
Where the hell you going?
Come back here.
Cut me [muffled].
The ship has crossed the 12 mile limit.
Obviously, Agent Connelly failed.
General Peterson, contact the Nimitz.
What for?
I'm calling off the strike.
What?
Just do it.
Yes, Ma'am.
[music playing]
Ken, don't do this.
I'm sorry, Jack.
This is not the greater good.
We have activation codes on one silo.
[alarm]
We have a confirmed lunch.
Destination?
MISSLE TECH 1: Specific target information
will become apparent for the next 10 to 12 minutes.
But the silo's last pre-entered codes
we're designated for China.
General Peterson, contact President Andreanof
and assure him that the missiles are not targeted for Russia.
Get me Chairman Tzu.
Yes, Ma'am.
MAN: Su-Maru, this is Patrol One.
Rendezvous in two minutes.
We'll be down momentarily.
The boat is here.
Mr. Chairman, we are not responsible.
We have no quarrel with you.
Ken Fung seized the President and launched the missile using
his portable command center.
And how do you think we should respond?
Should I just believe your fairy tale.
Shall we just sit still and let you rain death on us?
We're trying to find a way to get
the missile to self-destruct.
And if you fail?
We will provide you with the precise trajectory.
Perhaps you can shoot it out of the sky.
You and I both know that it's impossible.
[alarm]
MISSLE TECH 1: I'm showing missile activity over China.
One ICBM headed our way.
ETA for possible target, 27 minutes.
There's no need for retaliation, Mr. Chairman.
We are not attacking you.
I am speaking of reality.
You are speaking of fantasy.
One of your missiles is headed for our country.
And now one of our missiles is being
launched in retaliation, whether or not you see the need for it.
An eye for an eye.
Mr. Chairman, please.
Please, you mustn't do this.
It is already done.
Mr. Chairman, we will--
I told you their arsenal was no match for ours.
That's why they're only countering with equal force.
Now in a full scale shoot up, we would decimate their country.
They know that.
What do you suggest?
You tell that bastard we'll fire
everything we got at him if he doesn't self-destruct
that ICBM.
[music playing]
Fuck this.
Shit.
Leave the gun where it is, Agent Connelly.
[thunder]
Put your hands on top of your head.
All right. All right.
Take it easy.
Don't shoot.
This whole room is wired to blow.
I guess you already knew that.
Yes.
And there's at least 50 more just like that
placed throughout the ship.
Tell Iris to return, whether or not she has found Connelly.
Tiger One any sign of him?
No sign of Connelly yet, sir.
CRAIG THORNTON (ON RADIO): Abort the search.
Our ride is here. IRIS (ON RADIO): Yes, sir.
I'll be right up.
All right.
You win.
I'm confused as hell.
I work for the Chinese government.
A deep cover operative.
For over five years, my mission has been to gather intelligence
about Fung's organization.
So what?
I thought his plan was simply to steal the football.
I planned to steal it back from him in order
to take it back to Beijing.
I didn't know he would actually launch
missiles against my homeland.
He did what?
My leaders, in turn, would undoubtedly
retaliate against the US.
So I believe you and I have a common interest.
Yes?
[music playing]
Yes.
[beeping]
Who did that?
Thornton did.
Fuck that guy.
Come on.
[thunder]
[music playing]
Ma'am, I have the coordinates of the incoming missile.
Makes sense.
Eye for an eye.
What are we going to do now?
This thing's going to blow.
Come on, quickly.
[music playing]
On three.
[explosion]
I have Admiral Harrington, Ma'am.
Ma'am.
Admiral Harrington.
Admiral, have the planes returned?
Yes, all aircraft have returned.
With all ordnance aboard and accounted for.
I can't say the same for the target though.
What do you mean?
Ma'am, the Su-Maru has vanished
from our radar screens here.
I have double checked with other vessels on the task force
and they confirm.
Ma'am, I have a search and rescue chopper sitting
on our flight deck ready to go.
I'll send her up with your permission.
Go ahead.
Yes, Ma'am.
Send her up.
CREWMAN: Aye aye, sir.
The blocking signal seems to be
transmitted from the President's mobile command post.
Seems to be heading for Hong Kong.
So they've escaped?
Can we intercept them?
Ms. Vice President, you risk escalating this crisis
by violating their sovereignty.
Their military would be on the highest alert status.
If-- if their coastal radar picks up any
of our ships or our aircraft as being
even remotely threatening--
So he still has the case.
He still is capable of launching a full attack.
And we can't stop it.
[music playing]
[explosion]
GLORIA VALDEZ (ON PHONE): Chairman Tzu, I deeply regret
what's happened.
But for the sake of both of our countries,
it is imperative that you self-destruct the missile
that's headed for Washington.
Is it?
Less than a kilometer above my head,
my own capital is in flames.
And you have the audacity to ask for such a thing.
[ducks quacking]
[children playing]
[explosion]
We have multiple warheads impacting on Washington.
GENERAL PETERSON: Well, I think it's time we called
our chips with Mother Russia.
If we can bluff Andreanof into believing we still
have our strike capabilities intact,
maybe we can convince him to attack China while they're
still on the ropes.
You can't play Andreanof like that, he's too smart.
We're not bringing Russia into this.
Well, how in the hell do you suggest
we divert attention from us while we override that signal?
[alarm]
No.
I can't.
MISSLE TECH 2: Oh, geez.
I've got DF-5s, DF-3s, DF-4s.
MISSLE TECH 3: Come in.
Whoa.
They are shooting their wad.
Well, I told you this would happen.
Get me the Chairman.
MISSLE TECH 2: We need to get Patriots to get them down.
- Now. - Yes, Ma'am.
MISSLE TECH 4: I need SAT. I need SAT.
MISSLE TECH 5: Watch the screen.
MISSLE TECH 4: I need that right now.
I'm not fucking around with these people anymore.
[music playing]
[barking orders in chinese]
Can I worry now?
I have an idea.
Yeah, somehow I knew that.
General Wei, allow me to present the President
of the United States.
I believe you have met.
Yes, several times.
Hey.
Shh.
Jesus.
What kind of guy let's check kick ass?
I woulda kicked your ass, too, if you
woulda put up a better fight.
What are you talking about?
Back on the boat?
You had a gun.
So did he.
Just get into his clothes.
What do you mean reconsidering?
It's too late to reconsider.
You're with me or against me.
I won't tolerate disloyalty.
Tough to get good help these days, huh?
Wu, go tell the soldiers that I
will be ready in five minutes.
Hey.
[speaking chinese]
This is never going to work.
You have a better idea?
Speak up.
We need the element of surprise.
[gun shots]
So much for surprise.
[gun shots]
Go up top.
Cover me.
I gotta get in that building.
[gunfire]
KEN FUNG: Come out, Mr. Connelly.
I think I'll pass.
KEN FUNG: Come out or I'll shoot the President.
So we finally meet, Mr Connelly.
Allow me to present General Wei.
He was kind enough to lend me his pistol.
How nice of him.
Does he speak English?
Of course.
Good.
General Wei.
I don't have any personal problem with you,
but I will not hesitate to shoot your ass if I have to.
I suggest you leave.
Drop the case.
KEN FUNG: No!
You drop your weapon or I'll kill the President.
And if he doesn't, I will.
Give it up, Mike.
He's not worth it.
Drop the case.
You don't want to be responsible for the death
of your President, do you?
Connelly, remember your duty.
KEN FUNG: Yes, Mr. Connelly, remember your duty.
You're a member of the Secret Service,
sworn to protect the President of the United States.
No.
That's some other guy's job.
I'm on football duty.
[music playing]
[gunfire]
Open it up, son.
Working on it, Sir.
[non-english speech]
You did right thing, Connelly.
Even if you did have to shoot me.
You did the right thing too, Sir.
[music playing]
Mr. President?
Mr. President?
Don't you worry, Sir.
I'm going to get you out of here.
I'm a lot of things, but not stupid, thanks.
This makes us even.
[music playing]
[beep]
Wait.
The blocking signal has disappeared.
You have control and command.
Open a channel to NORAD, and keep it open.
MISSLE TECH 1: Yes, Ma'am.
NORAD, stand by for orders from Eagle One.
I repeat, NORAD, stand by for orders from Eagle One.
GLORIA VALDEZ (ON PHONE): Mr. Chairman, we have good news.
We have overridden the President's mobile command
unit.
You may now instruct your generals to self-destruct
your incoming missiles.
I'm afraid that's impossible Vice President Valdez.
Well, it's-- it's possible their missiles
have gone past the range of their self-destruct signal.
GENERAL PETERSON: Bullshit.
They're willing to risk this exchange thinking we still
don't have complete control.
Chairman Tzu, let me be absolutely clear on this.
If you do not order your missiles to self-destruct
immediately, we will have no choice but to order
a full-scale retaliation.
The theatrics are unnecessary.
We both know--
NORAD, this is Eagle One.
Stage one is a go.
I repeat, stage one is a go.
This is really quite pathetic.
With all due respect, Mr. Chairman,
shut your fucking mouth and watch your screen.
Some interesting things are happening in the world
you might want to know about.
[alarm]
If you will permit me a moment?
No, Mr. Chairman, I won't.
I'm going to make it real simple for you.
We are in control of our nuclear arsenal once again.
You have exactly 1 minute to self-destruct those weapons.
If you destroy your missiles, we will destroy ours.
I understand.
GLORIA VALDEZ (ON PHONE): Good.
Because you don't want to know what stage 2 is.
[music playing]
Ma'am, their time is up.
You need to order a full-scale counterattack
before it's too late.
[music playing]
He's doing it.
MISSLE TECH 5: All right!
[cheering]
[deep breath]
[applause]
As you requested, we have ordered
the destruction of our ICBMs.
Please, order the destruction of yours.
Wise choice, Mr. Chairman.
NORAD, order self-destruct.
[music playing]
GENERAL PETERSON: Ma'am.
Good job.
Thank you, General.
Thank you.
You took a bullet for him.
Yeah.
So did you.
I suppose that makes us both a couple of assholes.
No.
Just you.
[music playing]
GLORIA VALDEZ: My fellow Americans,
today, I come to you to enlist your help as we all
begin the first steps on the long road
to rebuilding our capital.
But more important, the first steps
in ensuring the safety of our planet
and the future for our children.
To those countless many of you who have lost loved ones
in this incomprehensible tragedy,
I can offer only my deepest condolences
and say that I share the pain with you every minute
I draw breath.
But if there is to be any hope at all for this nation,
for this planet, we must rise above our grief and our anger
with those who are different from us
and who have endured us.
And try with all that is within us to fulfill the promise
that our late President and myself
made to you so long, to create a new beginning for all of us.
In this effort, I ask for your help and your prayers.
God bless you all.
And God bless America.
[music playing]
MAN: Just like yesterday.
Back hand and four-hand drill.
WOMAN: Yes, sir.
MAN: You're fine.
There we go.
Forehand--
MEG: Yeah.
Marty, please.
Meg Danforth.
He's expecting Mike.
MAN: You've got to step in.
Yeah.
Marty, where the hell have you been?
I need those numbers.
Yes.
I'm sitting.
Holy shit.
Are you kidding?
I'm ecstatic.
If you were here, I'd kiss you.
I'll talk to you first thing tomorrow.
Well, Jack, have another mimosa.
Latest polls show we've jumped six points.
You are now officially ahead of the incumbent.
You see that, Jack.
What'd I tell you?
Choosing Valdez as your running mate
set our numbers through the roof.
I should say, America loves Jack Cahill.
[laughing] Tell that to the militia crazies.
He's gotten some death threats.
That's what you got those guys over there for.
Wish they'd wrap this up.
It's getting a tad warm out here.
I'm actually breaking a sweat.
Well, it's nice to know you actually do sweat there, Mikey.
It's reassuring to us mortals.
Of course, a lot of our success
has been due to your generosity as well, Cameron.
The support you've rallied for us in the industry.
I just hope we can continue to--
Jack and I go back a long ways.
Whatever you need, I'll make it happen.
She can't hit a tennis ball for shit but what
a wonderful piece of ass, eh?
MEG: That's no way to talk about your wife.
Yes.
Ain't that right, sweetheart?
What?
Keep playing.
No wonder she's what?
Number four?
BOTH: Five.
Oh, god.
[phone ringing]
That's me.
Yup? Nope.
No, I'm just finishing breakfast.
What's up?
You've got to be kidding.
Christ.
MAN: Don't wait for the bounce.
No, no.
No, I'll be by--
give me about a half hour.
Jack.
What?
He's an old friend.
[moaning]
You believe this guy?
[moaning]
Yeah, you better get used to it.
I'll bet you $5 he takes this thing in November.
You're on.
Hey, Connelly, What's a four letter word for,
"I told you so?"
How about, fuck you?
Yeah.
That'll work.
Oh, yeah. Perfect.
Perfect.
Thank you so much.
He's-- hi, taking a rest.
You know, I seem to recall a wager being involved.
There wasn't any kind of wager involved.
I beg to differ.
Substantial sums are at stake.
[champagne pop] MEG: Ow!
Whoa!
Whoa!
[clapping]
WOMAN: Thank you.
Thank you.
Haven't we had enough celebrating?
Never.
There's no such thing, Mr. President.
Meg, I'm not president yet.
Oh, come on.
MAN: Four more years.
It feels like somebody is using a jack hammer on me.
And you call yourself an Irishman?
Well, perhaps the new first lady.
Don't mind if I do.
MAN: Yes.
Everyone, a toast.
To a new beginning.
MAN: New beginning. MAN: Yeah.
WOMAN: Yes.
New begin--
MAN: Mr. President.
MAN: Four more years.
[laughter]
[chatter]
[beeping]
[music playing]
Excuse me.
Too much coffee.
I've got a few more thank yous to say this weekend.
I'll be back.
(WHISPERING) Meet me in the back.
[scoffs] Is this guy unstoppable or what?
Not 20 feet from the wife, no less.
[music playing]
Guys, sit up.
The San Francisco office just called in.
We ran the background check on one of our media friends
and it turned up a big red flag.
Word is Steven Howard, seat 49E.
Original check was clean.
Yeah.
They got an anonymous tip.
All right.
I'm going to need to speak with the pilot.
I want you guys to find our friend
and cut him out of the herd.
Discreetly.
[music playing]
There he is.
Nice to see you.
Congratulations.
Gun!
Get down, everybody!
Now!
[gunshots]
- Get down, sir. - Sir.
Sir, you have to get down.
Right now.
Sir.
Sir?
[groaning]
WOMAN: No!
[moaning]
MAN: We're losing pressure.
Burke, get me a doctor.
Get me a doctor.
Now.
Mike, come on, we've got to go.
There's going to be a debriefing as well as a counselor standing
by to talk to if you need him.
Cahill wanted me to be sure and thank
you for what you did for him.
He also said that he hoped that men
like you would always be there for him when he needed you.
You did your duty, Mike.
Sometimes innocent people get caught in the middle.
One now dead.
Listen, Mike.
I mean, this is a hell of a thing to have happened.
I grant you that.
I mean, but that's what we're here for.
It's part of the job.
That woman died for a guy who can't
keep it in his past for more than five fucking minutes.
It's not worth it.
No, wait.
It is not about whether he's worth it.
And it's not about whether you approve or you disapprove.
He's the next president.
It ends right there.
Christ, Mike.
You can't treat this thing like a-- like
you're some kind of boy scout.
It's not like he's the first president in the history of US
ever to get a woman on the side.
And besides, I mean, that is part of the job too.
That's the bottom line.
The bottom line is, if it comes down to it,
I have to take a bullet for this son of a bitch.
All right. Look, forget Cahill.
Forget him.
I need men like you.
You give me six months and you still want out after that,
I make sure you go wherever you want.
[chuckles] As a matter of fact, I've got a better idea
than-- how about this, you stick it out,
come in inauguration day, I promise you,
you will not have to take a bullet for this guy.
How's that?
Gentlemen, you're now being given
responsibility for the president's
mobile command center.
The Football.
This is an exact non-functioning replica, the item itself
being at this moment exactly where it should be,
which is never more than 40 feet from the president, rain
or shine, day or night.
It may not be in the same room with the man,
but he must always be within 30 seconds of contact
should the need arise.
Three people will know the combination to this case
at any given moment.
Yourself and the two other agents on Football
duty with you.
The case can only be opened under presidential order.
Nine agents rotate Football duty with three
alternates standing by.
The president has the absolute, complete power,
to launch nuclear war.
He controls all commands going to Norad, The Looking Glass,
into the satellite's controlling our missile silos
and nuclear submarines throughout the world.
This is Armageddon in a box.
Your purpose is to provide the president with this power
should the need arise.
Only the president has the access
codes required to launch.
Activation of the control panel is achieved by via two keys.
One is carried by you.
The other stays on the president's person
at all times.
Control access requires thumbprint
and retinal analysis.
The president and his successors are encoded
into the failsafe system.
If the president is killed, the agent in charge
must change the access codes to accept
his next immediate successor.
Your prime directive is to protect
this briefcase and the men protecting this briefcase.
The president is not your concern.
Other agents handle that duty.
If somebody makes a play for the president,
you cover the briefcase.
No matter what happens.
The care and the protection of this briefcase
is your primary job function.
That is all.
MEG: We need a statement, Jack.
You've got to give me something, anything.
Mr. President, we have less than five minutes.
Megan, for once, shut the hell up.
OK?
You really think you're going to do this?
Invade.
The Chinese have never ruled out the use of force.
Vis-a-vis, reunification with Taiwan.
This could be the usual posturing.
I feel there's a but here.
I think they're serious this time.
They're testing us, for Christ's sake.
They're testing me, you mean.
Of course.
You've been in office what?
Six months?
Timing for them is--
well, don't get no better than this.
DAVID LEHMANN: He's right, Sir.
They probably feel they have right where they want you.
And our friends in the Senate aren't helping
matters any with his investigation
into your political finances.
MEG DANFORTH: You can't even dignify
what the committee is doing with the title of investigation.
Be that as it may, the situation
is problematic as well, sir.
Mr. President, when you send the Nimitz
battle group into the South China Sea, they will back down.
They always do.
And a little saber rattling always drives the poll numbers
up a point or two as well.
I'll worry about the polls, General,
it's all right with you?
Your recommendations, David?
Well, condemn the Chinese actions in public, obviously.
Boycott the Pacific Rim summit next week, if necessary.
In the meantime, there are other private channels that you might
avail yourself of, which, although risky,
might keep the dialogue with the Chinese leadership open.
Ken Fung.
MEG DANFORTH: Oh, wha-- wait a second.
Wait a second, Jack.
That is, pardon my French, political fucking suicide.
You meet with Fung and the media,
not to mention the Judiciary Committee will
hand you your ass on a platter.
Yes.
But the beauty of it is, Meg, is that it's my ass.
What time is it in Taiwan?
[music playing]
KEN FUNG: Truly, Jack, there's no need to apologize.
I've been up for several hours.
And it's always good to hear from my old professor.
JACK CAHILL (ON PHONE): Now, Ken, did you have to say old?
I'm sorry, Jack.
No offense intended.
I meant to former.
JACK CAHILL: Good.
That-- that'll be fine.
I'll see you in a couple of days.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
He'll do it.
We're going to meet two days before the Pacific Rim summit.
Not in Washington, I hope?
JACK CAHILL: No, no, no, no, no.
Aboard his boat, the Su-Maru.
There's one condition one on one.
I know, David, I know.
But these are his rules, not mine.
Where are you going?
I thought I'd might it some work done, Sir.
Wait a minute.
Gentlemen, would you excuse us?
Sit down.
Smile, Meg.
You knew there'd be days like this.
All right, look, I'm sorry I told you to shut up,
if that's what this is about.
MEG DANFORTH: Oh, please, Jack.
By now, my skin is a little thicker than that.
Give me some credit.
No, this is about me doing my job, which basically adds up
to me trying to keep you from stepping in dog shit
and cleaning your shoes when you do.
I know.
I know.
No.
Sir, I've got to strenuously advise you not to do this.
More dealings with Fung will do nothing
but exacerbate the situation on the hill.
Hey, I didn't raise those campaign contributions,
you did.
With all due respect, Sir, I also did not sleep with Cameron
Ellis's wife, you did.
And you'd rather it be you?
That's low.
I think I've adjusted damn well to the way
you wanted things between us.
No, you said do anything to win, Sir.
No punches were to be pulled.
That's exactly what you told me.
The money had to come from somewhere.
I think I know where this is going,
but I want to hear it from you.
Go ahead.
You meet with Fung, you leave me no choice but to resign.
That'll save me the trouble of firing you.
And don't think I wouldn't.
And don't think I don't know that you know
where the bodies are buried.
I don't like being threatened, Meg.
Don't try it again.
That wasn't a threat, Jack.
I'll type up a resignation letter just for the hell of it.
But it's effective as of right now.
Good for a beer, Gary?
Can't.
MICHAEL CONNELLY: Not now.
I'm talking about when you're finished.
I'm buying.
JOE LAMBERT: I'm in.
Anything for free beer.
You don't have to tell us that?
You calling me cheap?
MICHAEL CONNELLY: Take it however you want to.
I'm hurt, Mike.
Deeply.
So where we going?
You call it, Gary.
Look, guys, I'd love to go, but I can't.
It's my kid's birthday today.
I got to stop on the way back from work,
pick him up something.
JOE LAMBERT: You know there's a Toy-O-Rama right
across from the King Arthur Pub?
Since when?
They just built it.
Since last week?
Swear to God.
Anybody going to King Arthur tonight
better be drinking club soda.
How about milk?
Shut up, Connelly.
Burke might have put up with that shit, but I don't have to.
The advance team arrived in Taipei.
Burke's meeting Thornton on the ship
tomorrow to solidify security arrangements.
Mission packs for the trip.
I want everybody here at 0430 sharp.
See you then.
[honking]
[music playing]
Honey?
Welcome to the party, Agent Phillips.
Don't let go of either bag or things
will get very unpleasant.
On your knees.
Who are you?
And what do you want?
CHANG: What I want, Agent Phillips,
it's for you to listen very carefully.
Now, no one's going to get hurt as long as you do
exactly what we tell you to do.
Exactly.
The moment you disobey an order, someone is going to die.
Do you understand?
Good.
[music playing]
Sit down.
All right, this is not just any guest we're dealing with.
The President of the United States
is never in a room with our men or women
other than his own Secret Service agents,
who work for an organization which I am privileged to have
served with for--
hell, I'm not even going to tell you how long.
I know some of you have been with Mr. Fung longer than I.
And you're trained to trust no one.
And that's a good thing.
But let me say this, I know these men.
I have worked by their side.
And I can assure you, they present no danger whatsoever
to Mr. Fung.
And I'll stake my life on that.
Therefore, we will show our good faith and spirit of cooperation
during the President's visit by relinquishing our weapons.
Placing them in the care of our guests
for the duration of the President's
visit aboard the Su-Maru.
Anyone not willing to abide by this rule
will be left here in Taipei 'till we return.
In addition, some of you may be reassigned
other service duties.
[grumbling]
It's not going to kill you to serve a couple of drinks.
And you'll be saving my friend here the time
of doing security checks on the regular service
staff as well as us.
Questions?
All right, we meet back here in an hour to go over specifics.
Guy's, got all the toys, huh?
Oh, yeah.
I noticed, though, one of your men was missing.
I think his name is Wu.
He had a family emergency he had to take care of.
OK.
You know, I really do appreciate your cooperation
on this, Craig.
You made this a lot easier than it could have been.
No problem.
Happy to do it.
Yeah.
They weren't.
Well, no professional willingly gives up
the tools of his trade.
Well, they sure as hell snapped to.
I'll say that.
Must be doing a hell of a job to get that kind of loyal.
That's what it's all about.
Yeah, loyalty.
Oh, I've always thought so.
I just didn't think you did any more.
What are talking about?
Well, I don't know.
I mean, I take a look around, it's
not that hard to figure out.
I mean, it's nice work if you can get it.
This suit, it'd cost me a month's salary.
What?
You think it's the money?
Yeah, isn't it?
I don't give a shit about the money.
I mean, it's nice, but it's Cahill.
The guy's a scumbag.
I was praying he didn't elected.
When he did, I knew I couldn't take a bullet for him.
[laughs] Wow.
What's so funny?
Nothing, I was just having a deja vu experience.
Someone else just, uh, told me the exact same damn thing.
Yeah?
Who?
This isn't like him.
Is here yet?
We just paged him.
He'll be here any minute.
He was supposed to be here five minutes ago.
Well, it's his kid's birthday.
Cut him some slack.
I'll try and cover for him, Connelly.
This isn't a goddamn school playground.
I know it's not a playground.
He'll be here any second.
Excuse me.
Sorry.
Couldn't be avoided.
It God damn well coulda.
Could've left 5 minutes earlier.
It won't happen again.
You better believe it won't.
And if it does, your kid better be on his damn deathbed
not just having a fucking birthday party.
What are you-- what you-- huh?
What are you-- - Whoa.
Whoa.
Whoa. - Come here.
- Mike. - Look at me.
Relax.
Relax.
You consider yourself on report, mister,
Relax, Gary.
Kurt's on the rag again today.
Just relax.
Fuck you, Connelly.
I'll report your ass, too.
Like I said, Kurt's on the rag.
Hey.
Hey, I'm talking to you.
Put that in your report.
Oh, Burke won't be able to help you this time, Connelly.
You're done.
Oh, shit.
JOE LAMBERT: So, Mike, what are your plans now that you'll be
retiring from public service?
[music playing]
MICHAEL CONNELLY: So how'd the presents go over?
Huh?
The presents?
how'd your kids like 'em?
Oh, great.
Is everything all right, Gary?
Yeah, I'm fine.
Karen and I are going through a rough time, that's all.
[deep breath] Well, I know how that one goes.
Sorry to hear it.
We'll get through it.
I hope you're luckier than I was.
Hey, Mikey, Wolverine wants to speak with you.
He want's to speak with me?
How's your cholesterol, Connelly?
I haven't had mine checked in a while, Sir.
Mine sucks.
You look fit, Sir.
Looks can be deceiving.
I'm on this frigging machine every day.
I guess there's a price for everything, right?
Yes, Sir, there is.
Ellroy tells me you're leaving this detail.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Tell you the truth, I felt like popping him a few times myself
every now and then.
Toss me that, will you?
Thanks.
You know, I--
I'm never going to be able to repay you for what you did.
I'm really grateful.
That's just part of the job, Sir.
No, it's more than that.
You're a loyal man.
That's valuable.
Thank you, Mr. President.
I'm curious, though, why the switch to the football
after the plane?
Personal reasons, Sir.
I've got a lot of faults, Connelly.
Stupidity is not one of them.
People are going to be coming to you for all kinds of reasons.
I'm hoping that I can rely on your discretion.
I found out that in this business,
making the right kind of friends makes all the difference.
I'll keep that in mind, Sir.
Thank you.
Good luck to you.
[music playing]
[thunder]
Thank you, Iris.
To, uh, old times, right?
Yes, to old times.
Jack, you look well.
You seem surprised by that.
I see the news.
Yeah, so does everyone.
I regret, I seem to have been the cause
of some real problems.
No, no, no, no, Ken.
It's not your fault. It's a two way street.
We appreciated your generosity, and our opponents didn't.
KEN FUNG: Well, in any event, your cares rest
upon you as lightly has to first snow on autumn leaves.
[laughter]
The reason I felt that you--
Jack, I know the reason you've come.
[thunder]
Got to love this weather, huh?
Jesus.
I gotta say this patch thing is working, though.
It's a lot better in those pills.
You guys are lucky you don't get seasick.
[sigh] Hey, what do you think it's costing this guy Ken Fung,
taking this tub out on a pleasure cruise
with no paying customers.
The question is, who cares?
It's his money.
I mean, for the sake of argument.
According to Burke, there's less than 50 people on board.
10 of us, 10 of Non's guys, the President, a few crew members.
I mean, for one night only.
So what do you think?
How much?
What do you think, Gary?
Probably give even less of a shit than Mike does.
JOE LAMBERT: All right.
All right.
Be that way.
[radio chatter]
You hear that?
There it is again.
Yeah, I heard it, Joe.
Ellroy said he's taking care of it.
Chinese, German, French, this Fung guy's
got the whole God damn United Nations working for him.
Joe.
Shut up?
[thunder]
KEN FUNG: What you ask is out of the question, Jack.
Why?
You're the perfect man for the job.
Jack, I'd do almost anything you wish me to do,
but not this.
I simply cannot act as intermediary between
my country and the mainland.
But you've been doing business with the mainland for years.
As long as they will not threatening my country,
I was willing to do that.
But the present situation makes this impossible.
And as to the main issue.
I know.
The same men who now rule China are the same men who,
when my father defected, had his family shot
and then sent him a bill for the cost of bullets.
This atrocity, I've overlooked in the hope
that peaceful trade between our two countries
would lead to greater peace.
And eventually, perhaps even democracy on the mainland.
I was hoping that your act of reconciliation
would be an example for your countrymen.
And what would my countrymen think of me
after the forced repatriation as they watch their rights,
their human dignity stripped away?
China's making some progress in the area of human rights.
Oh, Jack, save that for the American public.
Any progress being made is in-- is in the backward direction.
You and I both know, your policy of engagement
is nothing but a thin disguise to allow your corporations
the illusion that they have access to the single largest
market on Earth.
I know this only because until recently,
I was a victim of the same illusion.
Your own history teaches you that freedom is a gift
bought with steel, not gold.
We are not getting into a shooting war with China
over Taiwan.
It's as simple as that.
We're both getting overheated, Jack.
Tamarind sorbet, Mr. President,
to clear the palette.
[sighs] To clear the air.
Perhaps a moratorium on the subject
would be an order, at least during dinner.
Agreed.
[music playing]
Deck Two, how's it look down there?
All clear, Deck Two.
Detail One, this is Ellroy.
Detail One, go ahead.
We solved the communication problem.
Thornton brought in some new headsets for his men.
They're running a higher frequency than ours.
So no more crosstalk.
Well, that's too bad.
I was started to think I was going to learn to speak Chinese
before this trip was over.
Hey, how's the food out there?
ELLROY (ON RADIO): Fine.
Why?
Thought maybe you could bring us some pot stickers
or some egg rolls or something.
[static]
Apparently, that's too much to ask.
Bunch of fucking idiots.
[music playing]
Excuse me, uh, do you have a cigarette?
No, I don't smoke.
Hey, Joe, you mind taking over a few minutes early?
I'm gonna take a leak.
Not a problem.
You think Fung would have the money
to keep the air conditioner running on this thing.
The can, it's on the right side of the boat, right?
Not right, starboard.
So it's on left?
No, left is port.
Right here starboard.
So wha-- what side is it on?
Starboard.
That's the-- that's the right?
Correct.
Just fucking with you, Joe.
Just go take your goddamn leak.
Jesus, relax, Gary.
What's up, Johnson?
[music playing]
It's three minutes since the last time you checked.
You OK?
I'm fine.
Problems at home?
Did Mike tell you that?
No.
Just a guess.
You were fine when you left the office last night.
I'd rather not get into it.
Fine.
I'm not going anywhere if you want to talk about it.
Thanks.
I guess Ellroy's not coming through with the food thing,
huh?
[music playing]
Compliments of the chef.
You're a mind reader.
Looks great.
Argh!
All clear.
[music playing]
Do not let anybody in, OK?
OK.
How's it going?
Where's Agent Johnson?
Men's room.
Ask me to watch the door.
Oh, I see.
What's going on in there?
Private.
No access.
Well, sorry, pal.
This is an all access pass.
[gunfire]
Gary, secure the door.
Joe, please don't move.
[gun shots]
Execute plan Tiger.
I repeat, execute plan Tiger.
[music playing]
[gun shots]
Argh!
[gun shots]
What the hell was that?
Condition red.
Condition red.
We have intruders on deck 5.
Security all corridors, we got a breach.
Security team, we have a condition red.
Status as soon as you got it.
Connelly, how many intruders?
Unknown.
But they have automatic weapons.
Stay down.
Keep your heads down.
Connelly.
Oh, sorry about that.
Conne-- Connelly?
[static] - Shit.
Burke?
Go.
Burke?
[gunfire]
Go.
He's not the priority.
Come on.
Joe, real slowly, put the gun on the table.
[music playing]
What's going on?
Shit.
We have men downstairs with automatic weapons, Sir.
I'm ignorant to the status of that situation right now
due to communications failure.
Can you get the comm room?
Communications.
Comm room, go ahead.
Comm room, we have an emergency.
I need an all frequency mayday distress
signal to the USS Nimitz.
We are requesting immediate assistance.
Yes, sir.
Right away.
All right, they're less than 350 miles away.
Good.
SEAL Team Six is onboard.
They can be here in 30 to 45.
[music playing]
- Gary. - Shut up.
What the hell are you doing?
Exactly what I was told to do.
No.
[gun shot]
That's what you were told to do.
Now get that case and let's go.
[gunfire]
They're getting close.
AGENT: Grenade.
[explosion]
You set?
CRAIG THORNTON: Oh, yeah, I'm set.
[gun shot]
Floor's yours, Mr. Fung.
Jack, please don't be alarmed.
Everything's under control.
Trust-- ah, the start of the evening show has arrived.
You son of a bitch.
[music playing]
[gun shots]
[speaking chinese] Mr. Thornton, I have a little
problem to take care of.
Do it.
Open the case, Mr. Phillips.
GARY PHILLIPS: Nobody said anything
about opening the case.
Mr. Phillips--
Even if he opens it, there's absolutely nothing
he can do with it.
You're quite right, Jack.
I'm waiting, Mr. Phillips.
He can't do anything without me.
Yes he can, Jack.
Thornton, have comm room call Washington.
Communications.
We need Washington.
Don't do it.
They've got my family, Sir.
They'll kill them if I don't.
Phillips, they're probably already dead.
I have them, sir.
Thank you.
Mr. Phillips, would you like to speak to your daughter?
CHILD (ON PHONE): Daddy, is that you?
Hello?
CHILD (ON PHONE): Daddy?
Hello, sweetheart.
CHILD (ON PHONE): I don't like this, Daddy.
I want to go home.
Sweetheart, give the phone back to the man now.
CHILD (ON PHONE): OK.
Hello, Chang.
Could you count to 10.
If I don't reach 10, do nothing.
If I reach 10, execute your order.
1, 2, 3--
GARY PHILLIPS: Wait. no, wait. - --4--
GARY PHILLIPS: Wait, no.
KEN FUNG: --5, 6, 7, 8--
Mr, Phillips. GARY PHILLIPS: Wait!
Wai--wai--wai-- wait! Wait!
Wait!
Gah!
They key, please.
[music playing]
Thank you for your cooperation.
[gun shot]
Jack, now it's your turn.
[music playing]
You're threatening the US and China with a launch?
I don't make empty threats, Jack.
Once I have the codes, I will launch a limited nuclear strike
on China, Beijing specifically.
Is this revenge for your family?
No.
What then?
The devastation destabilize the government.
And then a number of generals I'm in league with
will seize control of the country.
And I'll lead the Chinese people into a new dawn
of enlightenment.
Freedom for a people we have historically
known only enslavement.
To borrow your own campaign slogan,
Jack, and new beginning.
[music playing]
Fire on China, there will be a massive retaliation.
And your point is?
It's total annihilation.
There won't be any God damn people for you to enlighten.
[laughs] You forget, Jack, I have the control case.
Oh, I'll make sure no other US missiles
are launched in response to a Chinese assault.
[music playing]
Jack, I need your thumbprint.
No.
Please, Jack, cooperate with me.
I'm not going to cooperate.
If you don't allow a clean scan,
Thornton will only be too happy to cut off your thumb
and use it without you.
Same goes for your eye.
Do it. KEN FUNG: Oh, for goodness sake.
I love you, Jack.
How can I decide the fate.
Tang, Jack, this is Tang.
Tang was forced from medical practice
by the enlightened reforms of the Cultural Revolution.
The government decided one day that he should farm instead.
When he protested, they cut his tongue out.
I'm afraid, he wasn't a very good farmer.
So he's quite grateful for the opportunity
to practice medicine again.
Now, in a little while, whether you want to or not,
you will cooperate.
Team Leader.
Come in, Team Leader.
This is Team Leader.
Identify yourself.
Thornton?
This is Mike Connelly.
Shh.
Mike, you all right?
What the hell's going on?
I haven't any communications with anybody.
We have the situation under control.
Where are you?
I'm in the, uh--
I'm in the purser's office.
Are the-- are the President and the football secure?
Affirmative.
I'm looking at them both right now.
Good.
Let me talk to Burke.
I'm sorry, Mike.
Burke's dead.
You stay where you are.
I'll send someone down to bring you back up here.
How long before these guys get here?
They should be there any time.
[music playing]
[gun shots]
[gunfire]
Go.
[gunfire]
Find him.
[music playing]
Earth to Michael.
Sorry.
Where were you?
I'm here.
You here now, but you were off somewhere a million miles away.
The idea of this picnic was so we
could spend some time together, you know, away from everybody.
Hmm?
Everybody?
They come with a job, Michael.
So tell me, what is it?
Estoy bien.
I-- I'm fine.
I'm fine.
I think you're worried about the kids.
I just can't stand the thought of them in LA.
You can't stand the thought of them with my mom.
I don't have a problem with your mom.
Uh-huh. Yeah, you do.
- I don't. - I don't.
Do. Do.
Do. Do.
Do. Don't deny it.
[laughs]
She did raise five children.
S.
And she did a pretty good job with me, no?
Uh, average, I suppose.
[laughs]
[music playing]
DAVID LEHMANN: We lost contact with the security team,
uh, 25 minutes ago.
There's no indication of any satellite malfunction
or any sudden loss of communication
from, uh, unnatural phenomena.
This is not good.
And it gets worse.
Someone has opened the football.
[beep]
Thank you, Jack.
Just one last favor.
The access codes?
Remember our little talk, Jack, about cooperation?
It's been 15 minutes.
It's time to contact the Vice President.
[music playing]
[gun shot]
Hey, Mr. Team Leader.
Mike, is that you?
You can stop them Mike crap now.
I know exactly whose team you're leading.
You and Mr. Fung are going to have
to go on one hell of a recruiting drive
when this is over with.
CRAIG THORNTON: What are you talking about?
MICHAEL CONNELLY (ON RADIO): Stop the bullshit, Craig.
You know exactly what I'm talking about.
Thornton, this is growing tiresome.
Terminate all conversation.
Better listen your boss, Craigy.
You don't want him to forget you when the Christmas
bonuses come around.
[music playing]
So all you're really telling me is that you
can't tell me anything.
The Nimitz has monitored some faint signals.
Probably from handheld radios.
They're weak, but they might indicate a possible--
Look, we can speculate 'till the cows
come home about what's happened to the President.
But the fact is, if the case has been opened--
and we know it has--
it's for one purpose.
Now, his captors-- now, that is assuming he's been kidnapped--
are planning a nuke or assault.
What about the football? Can we--
No, there's nothing we can do about that because--
The President's mobile command post can not be superseded.
That's the purpose of the device.
Absolute control.
if any link between the device and the nuclear arsenal
is broken, that would jeopardize the entire chain of command.
Now, as long as that signal is working,
we can't do a goddamn thing.
General Peterson, I have Ken Fung on a secure channel.
He wishes to speak to the Vice President, Sir.
KEN FUNG: Good evening, Vice President Valdez.
Where is the President?
KEN FUNG (ON PHONE): The President?
Oh, he's quite safe, I assure you.
I am not at a trusting time.
KEN FUNG (ON PHONE): I'm afraid in this situation,
you have no other choice but to learn to be.
[laughs] First, to begin, any intrusion
by air or sea within 200 miles radius of this ship
will result in the death of your President,
as well as the launch of your entire nuclear arsenal.
Oh, ho, ho.
That got your attention.
He's bluffing.
KEN FUNG (ON PHONE): I'm quite serious, I assure you.
Thanks to your President's cooperation, however reluctant.
You see, I have the access codes to launch
every missile the United States government currently possesses.
And I will not hesitate to do so if provoked.
Brutal.
Don't touch that dial.
What is it you want from us, Mr. Fung?
It's quite simple really.
You have 24 hours to obtain diplomatic recognition
of Taiwan by the People's Republic of China,
along with a signed pledge ratified by your Congress
to bring the full weight of US military might
to bear should the Chinese ever attack on Taiwan.
GLORIA VALDEZ (ON PHONE): Neither the Chinese government,
nor mine, will ever agree to that.
Then I'm afraid you have a rather large
problem on your hands, Gloria.
MICHAEL CONNELLY (ON PHONE): We interrupt this program to bring
you a very special report.
Mr. Fung, it's come to our attention
that you haven't paid your ship to shore bill this month.
I'm afraid we're going to have to disconnect your ass.
The codes, now!
Who the hell is this?
Identify yourself.
This is Special Agent Michael Connelly
of the presidential detail.
I'm assigned to protect football.
GENERAL PETERSON (ON PHONE): Well,
is that right, Mr. Connelly?
Well, you're doing one hell of a job.
Agent Connelly, the football, can you get to it?
Destroy it.
I'm working on it, Ma'am.
I'm a little shorthanded here.
I have reason to believe I'm the only agent
left alive on the ship.
GLORIA VALDEZ: Well, that briefcase must be destroyed
at all costs, Mr. Connelly.
One moment.
I have just been informed that, on its present course,
the ship will enter Chinese territorial waters
within 10 minutes.
We risk war with the Chinese if we attempt a rescue operation
once it is inside these limits.
Give me my orders, Ma'am.
I need you to stop the ship and destroy the football.
Yes, Ma'am.
GLORIA VALDEZ (ON PHONE): Good luck, Connelly.
Stop the ship.
[music playing]
GENERAL PETERSON: Well, I say we call an air strike on that ship
before Fung knows what hit him.
Those planes can be on top of them
in way less than 10 minutes.
DAVID LEHMANN: Ma'am, Fung has given us 24 hours to come
up with a solution for this.
An airstrike is a premature response to this crisis.
It's simple arithmetic.
The Chinese have been historically
preoccupied with the Russians.
Now the number of missiles they have
that can actually reach our shores
estimated to be 30 DF-5s.
That's right, 30.
All single warhead ICBMs.
DAVID LEHMANN: We don't know that.
We still don't have an accurate intelligence assessment
as to whether they've been able to MIRV
their warheads with the miniaturization
technology they stole from us.
It's possible some or all of them may be MIRV.
It's also possible that the DF-41 has
been deployed in certain silos.
GENERAL PETERSON: That risk is manageable.
DAVID LEHMANN: If you consider mutual annihilation manageable,
then, yes, I'd have to agree.
Ma'am, I-- I urge you to let these events
play themselves out before taking precipitous action.
Perhaps Agent Connelly will be successful,
at least in buying us time.
Connelly, is he the one that--
Yes.
GENERAL PETERSON: He's head case.
That's what he is.
Here's a file on him.
He saw to shrinks in the last year.
Family counseling and mandatory sessions regarding
the shooting on the plane.
You call that a head case?
GENERAL PETERSON: I call that enough for me
not to put my eggs in that basket.
Now, you thinking about it, Ma'am.
You really think that one man can stop
that ship in eight minutes?
[music playing]
[sighs] I would like to speak to the commander of the Nimitz,
please.
Yes, Ma'am.
COMM TECH (ON RADIO): Stand by, Nimitz.
I have Rear Admiral Harrington for the Vice President.
This is Harrington.
GLORIA VALDEZ (ON PHONE): This is Vice President Valdez.
We have a situation with the President.
We've lost communications with him.
I need you to stand by to launch an airstrike on the Su-Maru.
Say again?
I need you to stand by to launch
an airstrike on this Su-Maru.
The President is on board that ship, Ma'am.
The President is under the control of a foreign power.
For all we know, he's dead by now.
So no matter what his fate, he has ceased
to be your Commander in Chief.
By executive order, I am commanding
you to destroy the vessel by any means necessary.
Do you understand?
Yes, Ma'am.
I'll give the order.
[music playing]
[muffled yelling]
Let me out of this.
My hands are killing me.
I get-- uh. - Where is he?
What the hell you doing?
Let me out of this.
My--
Where is he?
I don't know.
He said something about stopping the ship.
Where the hell you going?
Come back here.
Cut me [muffled].
The ship has crossed the 12 mile limit.
Obviously, Agent Connelly failed.
General Peterson, contact the Nimitz.
What for?
I'm calling off the strike.
What?
Just do it.
Yes, Ma'am.
[music playing]
Ken, don't do this.
I'm sorry, Jack.
This is not the greater good.
We have activation codes on one silo.
[alarm]
We have a confirmed lunch.
Destination?
MISSLE TECH 1: Specific target information
will become apparent for the next 10 to 12 minutes.
But the silo's last pre-entered codes
we're designated for China.
General Peterson, contact President Andreanof
and assure him that the missiles are not targeted for Russia.
Get me Chairman Tzu.
Yes, Ma'am.
MAN: Su-Maru, this is Patrol One.
Rendezvous in two minutes.
We'll be down momentarily.
The boat is here.
Mr. Chairman, we are not responsible.
We have no quarrel with you.
Ken Fung seized the President and launched the missile using
his portable command center.
And how do you think we should respond?
Should I just believe your fairy tale.
Shall we just sit still and let you rain death on us?
We're trying to find a way to get
the missile to self-destruct.
And if you fail?
We will provide you with the precise trajectory.
Perhaps you can shoot it out of the sky.
You and I both know that it's impossible.
[alarm]
MISSLE TECH 1: I'm showing missile activity over China.
One ICBM headed our way.
ETA for possible target, 27 minutes.
There's no need for retaliation, Mr. Chairman.
We are not attacking you.
I am speaking of reality.
You are speaking of fantasy.
One of your missiles is headed for our country.
And now one of our missiles is being
launched in retaliation, whether or not you see the need for it.
An eye for an eye.
Mr. Chairman, please.
Please, you mustn't do this.
It is already done.
Mr. Chairman, we will--
I told you their arsenal was no match for ours.
That's why they're only countering with equal force.
Now in a full scale shoot up, we would decimate their country.
They know that.
What do you suggest?
You tell that bastard we'll fire
everything we got at him if he doesn't self-destruct
that ICBM.
[music playing]
Fuck this.
Shit.
Leave the gun where it is, Agent Connelly.
[thunder]
Put your hands on top of your head.
All right. All right.
Take it easy.
Don't shoot.
This whole room is wired to blow.
I guess you already knew that.
Yes.
And there's at least 50 more just like that
placed throughout the ship.
Tell Iris to return, whether or not she has found Connelly.
Tiger One any sign of him?
No sign of Connelly yet, sir.
CRAIG THORNTON (ON RADIO): Abort the search.
Our ride is here. IRIS (ON RADIO): Yes, sir.
I'll be right up.
All right.
You win.
I'm confused as hell.
I work for the Chinese government.
A deep cover operative.
For over five years, my mission has been to gather intelligence
about Fung's organization.
So what?
I thought his plan was simply to steal the football.
I planned to steal it back from him in order
to take it back to Beijing.
I didn't know he would actually launch
missiles against my homeland.
He did what?
My leaders, in turn, would undoubtedly
retaliate against the US.
So I believe you and I have a common interest.
Yes?
[music playing]
Yes.
[beeping]
Who did that?
Thornton did.
Fuck that guy.
Come on.
[thunder]
[music playing]
Ma'am, I have the coordinates of the incoming missile.
Makes sense.
Eye for an eye.
What are we going to do now?
This thing's going to blow.
Come on, quickly.
[music playing]
On three.
[explosion]
I have Admiral Harrington, Ma'am.
Ma'am.
Admiral Harrington.
Admiral, have the planes returned?
Yes, all aircraft have returned.
With all ordnance aboard and accounted for.
I can't say the same for the target though.
What do you mean?
Ma'am, the Su-Maru has vanished
from our radar screens here.
I have double checked with other vessels on the task force
and they confirm.
Ma'am, I have a search and rescue chopper sitting
on our flight deck ready to go.
I'll send her up with your permission.
Go ahead.
Yes, Ma'am.
Send her up.
CREWMAN: Aye aye, sir.
The blocking signal seems to be
transmitted from the President's mobile command post.
Seems to be heading for Hong Kong.
So they've escaped?
Can we intercept them?
Ms. Vice President, you risk escalating this crisis
by violating their sovereignty.
Their military would be on the highest alert status.
If-- if their coastal radar picks up any
of our ships or our aircraft as being
even remotely threatening--
So he still has the case.
He still is capable of launching a full attack.
And we can't stop it.
[music playing]
[explosion]
GLORIA VALDEZ (ON PHONE): Chairman Tzu, I deeply regret
what's happened.
But for the sake of both of our countries,
it is imperative that you self-destruct the missile
that's headed for Washington.
Is it?
Less than a kilometer above my head,
my own capital is in flames.
And you have the audacity to ask for such a thing.
[ducks quacking]
[children playing]
[explosion]
We have multiple warheads impacting on Washington.
GENERAL PETERSON: Well, I think it's time we called
our chips with Mother Russia.
If we can bluff Andreanof into believing we still
have our strike capabilities intact,
maybe we can convince him to attack China while they're
still on the ropes.
You can't play Andreanof like that, he's too smart.
We're not bringing Russia into this.
Well, how in the hell do you suggest
we divert attention from us while we override that signal?
[alarm]
No.
I can't.
MISSLE TECH 2: Oh, geez.
I've got DF-5s, DF-3s, DF-4s.
MISSLE TECH 3: Come in.
Whoa.
They are shooting their wad.
Well, I told you this would happen.
Get me the Chairman.
MISSLE TECH 2: We need to get Patriots to get them down.
- Now. - Yes, Ma'am.
MISSLE TECH 4: I need SAT. I need SAT.
MISSLE TECH 5: Watch the screen.
MISSLE TECH 4: I need that right now.
I'm not fucking around with these people anymore.
[music playing]
[barking orders in chinese]
Can I worry now?
I have an idea.
Yeah, somehow I knew that.
General Wei, allow me to present the President
of the United States.
I believe you have met.
Yes, several times.
Hey.
Shh.
Jesus.
What kind of guy let's check kick ass?
I woulda kicked your ass, too, if you
woulda put up a better fight.
What are you talking about?
Back on the boat?
You had a gun.
So did he.
Just get into his clothes.
What do you mean reconsidering?
It's too late to reconsider.
You're with me or against me.
I won't tolerate disloyalty.
Tough to get good help these days, huh?
Wu, go tell the soldiers that I
will be ready in five minutes.
Hey.
[speaking chinese]
This is never going to work.
You have a better idea?
Speak up.
We need the element of surprise.
[gun shots]
So much for surprise.
[gun shots]
Go up top.
Cover me.
I gotta get in that building.
[gunfire]
KEN FUNG: Come out, Mr. Connelly.
I think I'll pass.
KEN FUNG: Come out or I'll shoot the President.
So we finally meet, Mr Connelly.
Allow me to present General Wei.
He was kind enough to lend me his pistol.
How nice of him.
Does he speak English?
Of course.
Good.
General Wei.
I don't have any personal problem with you,
but I will not hesitate to shoot your ass if I have to.
I suggest you leave.
Drop the case.
KEN FUNG: No!
You drop your weapon or I'll kill the President.
And if he doesn't, I will.
Give it up, Mike.
He's not worth it.
Drop the case.
You don't want to be responsible for the death
of your President, do you?
Connelly, remember your duty.
KEN FUNG: Yes, Mr. Connelly, remember your duty.
You're a member of the Secret Service,
sworn to protect the President of the United States.
No.
That's some other guy's job.
I'm on football duty.
[music playing]
[gunfire]
Open it up, son.
Working on it, Sir.
[non-english speech]
You did right thing, Connelly.
Even if you did have to shoot me.
You did the right thing too, Sir.
[music playing]
Mr. President?
Mr. President?
Don't you worry, Sir.
I'm going to get you out of here.
I'm a lot of things, but not stupid, thanks.
This makes us even.
[music playing]
[beep]
Wait.
The blocking signal has disappeared.
You have control and command.
Open a channel to NORAD, and keep it open.
MISSLE TECH 1: Yes, Ma'am.
NORAD, stand by for orders from Eagle One.
I repeat, NORAD, stand by for orders from Eagle One.
GLORIA VALDEZ (ON PHONE): Mr. Chairman, we have good news.
We have overridden the President's mobile command
unit.
You may now instruct your generals to self-destruct
your incoming missiles.
I'm afraid that's impossible Vice President Valdez.
Well, it's-- it's possible their missiles
have gone past the range of their self-destruct signal.
GENERAL PETERSON: Bullshit.
They're willing to risk this exchange thinking we still
don't have complete control.
Chairman Tzu, let me be absolutely clear on this.
If you do not order your missiles to self-destruct
immediately, we will have no choice but to order
a full-scale retaliation.
The theatrics are unnecessary.
We both know--
NORAD, this is Eagle One.
Stage one is a go.
I repeat, stage one is a go.
This is really quite pathetic.
With all due respect, Mr. Chairman,
shut your fucking mouth and watch your screen.
Some interesting things are happening in the world
you might want to know about.
[alarm]
If you will permit me a moment?
No, Mr. Chairman, I won't.
I'm going to make it real simple for you.
We are in control of our nuclear arsenal once again.
You have exactly 1 minute to self-destruct those weapons.
If you destroy your missiles, we will destroy ours.
I understand.
GLORIA VALDEZ (ON PHONE): Good.
Because you don't want to know what stage 2 is.
[music playing]
Ma'am, their time is up.
You need to order a full-scale counterattack
before it's too late.
[music playing]
He's doing it.
MISSLE TECH 5: All right!
[cheering]
[deep breath]
[applause]
As you requested, we have ordered
the destruction of our ICBMs.
Please, order the destruction of yours.
Wise choice, Mr. Chairman.
NORAD, order self-destruct.
[music playing]
GENERAL PETERSON: Ma'am.
Good job.
Thank you, General.
Thank you.
You took a bullet for him.
Yeah.
So did you.
I suppose that makes us both a couple of assholes.
No.
Just you.
[music playing]
GLORIA VALDEZ: My fellow Americans,
today, I come to you to enlist your help as we all
begin the first steps on the long road
to rebuilding our capital.
But more important, the first steps
in ensuring the safety of our planet
and the future for our children.
To those countless many of you who have lost loved ones
in this incomprehensible tragedy,
I can offer only my deepest condolences
and say that I share the pain with you every minute
I draw breath.
But if there is to be any hope at all for this nation,
for this planet, we must rise above our grief and our anger
with those who are different from us
and who have endured us.
And try with all that is within us to fulfill the promise
that our late President and myself
made to you so long, to create a new beginning for all of us.
In this effort, I ask for your help and your prayers.
God bless you all.
And God bless America.
[music playing]