"Red Angels" [excerpt #5]
Aug. 7th, 2011 11:21 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
nebrisNatalya and Sasha, naked on her cot, intertwine with intense passion.
cut to:
They lay quietly in each others arms. After a beat, the sky outside lights up, followed by the RUMBLING "CHUMP-CHUMP" SOUND of ARTILLERY, a massive barrage. C/U the wine glasses: circular ripples vibrate in the wine. Natalya looks at her watch, kisses Sasha.
Natalya
(coy)
We still have another two hours.
He smiles, rolls on top of her. They kiss passionately, their bodies illuminated by the FLASHING of ARTILLERY.
ext. 586th-296th airfield - night
The entire horizon FLASHES and RUMBLES.
dissolve to:
The rosy light of dawn is punctuated by the DISTANT SOUND of HEAVY ARTILLERY FIRE.
ext. sky/east of Kursk - dawn
DOZENS of JU-88's and ME-109's roar in 'on the deck'.
ext. 586th-296th airfield - dawn
It is very still, no movement of any kind.
ext. sky/east of Kursk - dawn
The German Aircraft are in sight of the airfield. The Fighters peel off as the Bombers head in. High above them, TWO FORMATIONS of YAKS fly side by side.
int. Baranov's cockpit - dawn
Baranov
(keys throat mike)
Rooster Six, this is Falcon One. The
bombers are yours.
int. Natalya's cockpit - dawn
Natalya
(keys throat mike)
This is Rooster Six. Acknowledged.
Rooster Six to all hatchlings.
(wistful smile)
Let's go break up their party.
ext. sky/east of Kursk - dawn
The Two Formations of Yaks break in opposite directions.
int. Ju-88 cockpit - dawn
The airfield can be seen through the nose. The PILOT looksperplexed.
pilot
(in German/sub-titles)
Where the hell are all the aircraft?
SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING the aircraft. The Pilot's head explodes in a spray of blood and bone.
ext. 586th-296th RUNWAY - day
It is a beautiful summer morning. The WRECKAGE of a JU-88 smolders just beyond the Runway as Two Yaks come in for a landing, followed by another Two Yaks. PULL BACK TO REVEAL: the airfield bustles with activity. Several Aircraft taxiing to the revetments, Ground Crew everywhere refueling and rearming Aircraft, Fuel Trucks driving around, etc.
C/U of rockets being attached to underwing mounts.
cut to:
Pairs and Pairs of Yaks taking off, one after another.
ext. sky/above the Orel front - day
Two Formations of Yaks fly through the clear summer sky. Below, a HUGE LAND BATTLE is underway: HUNDREDS of VEHICLE DUST TRAILS, endless FLASHES of ARTILLERY FIRING and ROUNDS EXPLODING.
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
Natalya looks down at the Battle with a strange calmness.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya looks down at the Battle with her 'Mona Lisa' smile, then looks at her instrument panel. Aleksei's PHOTO is framed by fresh wildflowers.
ext. German fighter airfield/north of Orel - day
It resembles the 586th's field: Lots of activity, AA-GUNS, revetments, ME-109's landing and taking off, being rearmed and refueled by NUMEROUS GROUND CREW, etc.
ext. sky/north of Orel - day
A PAIR of ME-109's fly air patrol above the field.
int. first me-109 cockpit - day
The PILOT keeps a watchful eye, sees something, keys his throat mike. A 'shadow' passes over him, rounds rip through the cockpit, tearing him to pieces.
ext. sky/north of Orel - day
Lilya and Sergei pursue the Second Me-109 as the First Me-109 spirals down in flames.
ext. German fighter airfield/north of Orel - day
SOUND of AIR RAID SIREN. Ground Crew start scattering, Aircraft try to take off, AA-GUNS start banging away. A 'Swarm' of Yaks come roaring in 'on the deck', all guns
blazing. Tracers lance out, rockets "WHOOSH" from underwing. Ground Crew and Pilots are 'shot to pieces', Aircraft and Bunkers explode. All is chaos and destruction as
Yak after Yak strafes and rockets the field.
INT. BARANOV'S COCKPIT - DAY
Baranov
(keys throat mike)
Falcon One to all aircraft. Pull back and
provide cover for the bombers.
ext. sky/north of Orel - day
SIX RUSSIAN ATTACK BOMBERS (PETLYAKOV PE-2's, slim, twin engines, twin rudders) flying in formation, peel off and dive straight down.
ext. German fighter airfield/north of Orel - day
Exploding bombs 'walk' across the flight line and runway, completing the airfield's destruction.
ext. 586th-296th flight line - day
Dozens of Yaks taxi towards their revetments as Ground Crew swarm around them.
cut to:
Natalya talks to Valya. Ria waits nearby.
Natalya
We're back up in thirty minutes. Check
for flak damage first.
Valya
Yes, Comrade Colonel.
They salute. Natalya turns, walks with Ria.
Natalya
Tell the girls to get some tea, a snack,
take a pee. You know the drill. And if
anyone needs me, I'm in my office with
my boots off.
Ria
Yes, Comrade Colonel.
They salute.
int. Natalya's office/586th-296th - day
Natalya enters to find Lilya looking through 'Marina's Album'. Lilya goes to salute, Natalya waves her off.
Lilya
(indicating Album)
I didn't realize how much work you've done
on this.
She flips through the pages revealing NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS, PHOTOS, LETTERS, DOCUMENTS, etc. all about 'Soviet Military Women': TANK CREWS, PARTISAN SNIPERS, MARINE ASSAULT TROOPS BOMBER PILOTS, etc.
Natalya
Vera helped. And you. It's been a way to
honor Marina Nicolaivna. I kept thinking
of Barkagan's toast the night before she
died.
Lilya
To Mother Russia and all Her ferocious
daughters?
Natalya
Yes. All of this needs to be remembered.
For our daughters, for the daughters of
those we will never know.
They turn to a NEWSPAPER PHOTO of LILYA and KATYA in front of a YAK. The CAPTION: "HERO PILOTS LITVYAK AND FEDOTOVA".
Lilya
(soft)
For all of our sisters.
Baranov enters energetically.
Baranov
Flight Control is putting out a general
call. Part of the line is in danger of
collapsing and the counter attack needs
more air support. Lilya Atomova, the Two
Ninety Sixth is refueled and rearmed, so
we'll go immediately.
Lilya
Yes, Nicolai Sergeiavich.
Baranov
Natalya Andreivna, have the Five Eighty
Sixth armed with rockets and follow as
soon as possible.
(looks at Album, the photo of Katya, 'softens')
Ah, dear, sweet Katchinka.
('snaps back')
Comrades, the war is calling.
They all salute. Baranov exits. Lilya and Natalya hug and kiss on both cheeks.
Natalya
(soft)
Good hunting, Comrade Litvyak.
Lilya
(soft)
Good hunting, Comrade Savitskaya.
Lilya exits. Natalya looks at the Album, flips it closed, exits.
ext. 586th/296th flight line - day
Ground Crew pull hand carts loaded with rockets, attach them to underwing mounts. Natalya talks with Vera by her aircraft.
Natalya
A favor, Vera Semyonova?
Vera
Which is, Natalya Andreivna?
Natalya
Would you check on the status of the Nine
Hundred Fourteenth Fighter Regiment?
Vera
Sasha Kukov?
Natalya
Yes, Sasha Kukov. And don't worry Comrade
Commissar, I made him work for it.
Vera
(grins)
I'm sure you did.
ext. sky/above the Kursk salient - day
The rocket armed Aircraft of the 586th fly over the Battle. In the sky, HUNDREDS of CONTRAILS criss cross as locust like SWARMS of AIRCRAFT twist and turn in 'escape and pursuit'. This is punctuated by BURSTS of FLAME as Aircraft explode, or plummet flaming, leaving stark black trails.
On the ground, swathed in greasy, black smoke, DOZENS of VEHICLES burn fiercely, as HUNDREDS of TANKS maneuver against each other, amid FLASHES of HEAVY WEAPONS FIRING and SHELLS EXPLODING.
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
She watches the Battle with grim wonder, keys throat mike.
Natalya
This is Rooster Six to all hatchlings.
Come to heading two-seven-nine.
ext. sky/above the Kursk salient - day
The Aircraft of the 586th turn in formation.
ext. trench complex/Orel front - day
C/U of a GERMAN SOLDIER and a RUSSIAN SOLDIER struggling hand to hand in a TRENCH COMPLEX. ROARING SOUND of BATTLE. Suddenly, an explosion vaporizes both their upper bodies, leaving their hips and legs standing up right.
The CAMERA ZOOMS BACK and UP REVEALING: a VAST ZIG- ZAG TRENCH COMPLEX, 'moonscaped' by SHELL CRATERS, bordered and bisected by THREE LINES of EARTH COVERED LOG and CONRETE BUNKERS. The Germans have broken through to the SECOND (CENTER)LINE of BUNKERS with INFANTRY and ARMORED VEHICLES, and are in the process of breaking through there as well. HUNDREDS of RUSSIAN and GERMAN CORPSES lay strewn about. A DOZEN GERMAN ARMORED VEHICLES burn furiously as SEVERAL DOZEN MORE push forward at the Second Bunker Line. In and around the Trench Complex, THOUSANDS of RUSSIAN and GERMAN SOLDIERS fight and die. Artillery Shells fall sporadically among the fighting Soldiers.
int. anti-tank bunker/second bunker line - day
FOUR RUSSIAN ARTILLERY MEN work a 76MM ANTI-TANK GUN: the Gun ROARS. The spent Casing pops out, hits the PACKED EARTH FLOOR with a "CLANG". Another Round goes into the Breach, which is then locked. The Gun Commander, a STOCKY SERGEANT, 21, looks through the Gun Sight and out the Narrow Gun Port of the Log and Concrete Bunker. German and Russian Soldiers can be seen fighting right outside.
stocky sergeant
Three degrees left.
(checks sighting)
Fire!
The Gun ROARS.
ext. anti-tank bunker/second bunker line - day
The Muzzle Blast dismembers a German Soldier running past the Gun Port, flings several Russian and German Solders aside.
int. anti-tank bunker/second bunker line - day
The Artillery Men reload. The Stocky Sergeant looks through the Gun Sight.
ext. trench complex/Orel front - day
A JU-88 comes in low, heading towards the Second Bunker Line.
int. anti-tank bunker/second bunker line - day
The Stocky Sergeant looks up from the Gun Sight with alarm. The Ju-88 can be seen looming through the Gun Port.
stocky sergeant
Quick! Fire it now!
The Gun ROARS.
ext. second bunker line/Orel front - day
The Ju-88 releases TWO BOMBS, pulls up. The Bombs slam into the Anti-Tank Bunker.
int. anti-tank bunker/second bunker line - day
A FIRE BALL BLASTS through the Bunker. SOUND of MEN SHRIEKING in AGONY is 'cut short'.
ext. second bunker line/Orel front - day
As the Ju-88 zooms over the Second Bunker Line, secondary explosions rip out the back of the Anti-Tank Bunker. German Soldiers swarm around its burning wreckage.
ext. birch forest/Orel front - day
It is a Forest of densely packed Birch Trees. CAMOUFLAGE NETTING is hung between the Trees for as far as the eye can see. Throughout the Forest, THOUSANDS of RUSSIAN SOLDIERS are waiting quietly in TRENCHES. SPORADIC SOUND of ARTILLERY ROUNDS SCREAMING OVERHEAD, followed by SOUND of EXPLOSIONS. SCATTERED SOUND of MEN SCREAMING in AGONY.
MAJOR GENERAL IGOR KATUTIN, 38, short, ugly, fierce, stands in a Trench, surrounded by a DOZEN OFFICERS, looks through a pair of binoculars towards the Trench Complex.
POV BINOCULARS:
In the distance, the attack on the Trench Complex rages. In the foreground, a FIELD of TREE STUMPS. Scattered through out this Field are HUNDREDS of RUSSIAN CORPSES and a HALF DOZEN BURNING T-34's.
Katutin lowers the binoculars, sighs deeply. A MAJOR hands him a Field Telephone.
Katutin
(into Phone)
Comrade General, I need air support if
I am to-
(listens)
I understa-
(listens)
Yes, Comrade General.
He hands the Phone back as if was diseased.
Katutin
(to Officers, unhappy)
The good Comrade General says air support
is coming. So, we counterattack now.
(looks toward Trench Complex, grim)
As if we had any choice.
(looks back to Officers)
Very well, Comrades.
The Officers come to attention, salute.
Katutin
(returns salute)
Good luck to all of you.
cut to:
All along the Tree Line DOZENS of T-34's emerge accompanied by the SOUND of WHISTLES. Thousands of Russian Soldiers follow the Tanks, moving forward into the Field of Stumps.
ext. field of stumps/Orel front - day
The Tanks and Soldiers move forward rapidly through the Field. A few Artillery Rounds land, sending up fountains of dirt.
ext. birch forest/Orel front - day
Katutin lifts the binoculars to his eyes.
pov binoculars:
As the Tanks and Soldiers advance, a PAIR of JU-88's circle around to attack. Katutin's jaw clenches as he looks through the binoculars.
pov binoculars:
Above the Field of Stumps, the First Ju-88 is making its attack run. Suddenly, a Stream of Tracers rips into the Ju-88, which veers off trailing smoke.
Katutin looks up. ROARING SOUND of FIGHTERS OVERHEAD.
DOZENS of YAK-3's scream over the Birch Forest at tree top level, the Lead Aircraft firing at the fleeing Ju-88's.
Katutin grins fiercely.
Katutin
You took the Devil's own time!
He notices something, looks through the binoculars.
POV BINOCULARS:
The View tracks Lilya's 'White Rose' Yak.
Katutin(o.s.)
(whispered)
The White Rose.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya closes in on the Ju-88.
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
The Ju-88 is banking hard to escape Lilya.
int. Ju-88 cockpit - day
The PILOT concentrates on his steep turn. SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING his aircraft. The glass shatters as ROUNDS hammer the cockpit. The Pilot SHRIEKS in PAIN.
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
As the Ju-88 tumbles burning through the air it explodes in a ball of fire.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya watches with satisfaction as the burning wreckage falls from the sky.
int. Baranov's cockpit - day
Baranov quickly looks around, goes to key his throat mike.
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
C/U of a 150MM ARTILLERY SHELL (in slow motion) whirling through the air.
int. Baranov's cockpit - day
Baranov
(keys throat mike)
This is Falcon One to all-
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
Baranov flies right into the path of the oncoming 150mm Artillery Shell. The explosion totally vaporizes his aircraft.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya checks her headphones.
Lilya
(keys throat mike)
Falcon One, do you read me?
(listens, 'decides')
This is Snowflake Two to all aircraft.
Attack the advancing Germans. Concentrate
on the half tracks. Snowflake Two out.
ext. third bunker line/Orel front - day
Lilya's "White Rose" and Dozens of Yaks roar overhead towards the advancing Germans. The Russian Ground Troops CHEER at them.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya lines up a ARMORED HALF TRACK(SdKfz 251, open topped) in her gunsight. Tracers stream up at her.
ext. trench complex/Orel front - day
From the German Vehicles multiple streams of tracers lance at the approaching Yaks, which quickly return fire.
int. German half track/trench complex - day
A DOZEN PANZER GRENADIERS fire at the "White Rose" Yak, but it is on top of them, firing steadily. SOUND of RICOCHETING ROUNDS. As the rounds ricochet inside the armored hull, the Panzer Grenadiers are literally torn to pieces, SHRIEKING and SCREAMING, blood and bone spraying everywhere.
ext. trench complex/Orel front - day
Lilya roars over the Half Track, which begins to burn.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya lines up another Armored Half Track in her gunsight.
Sergei(o.s./radio)
Snowflake Two, this is Snowflake Four!
Multiple bandits, dead ahead! Over!
Lilya looks into the distance, smiles.
Lilya
(keys throat mike)
This is Snowflake Two! The first group are
Yaks! Repeat! The first group are Yaks. The
bandits are behind them! Over!
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
Natalya looks down at ROWS of GERMAN ARMORED VEHICLES advancing towards the Bunker Line.
Natalya
(keys throat mike)
This is Rooster Six to all hatchings! Break
into pairs and start with the heavies, work
your way down! Rooster Six out!
Lilya(o.s./radio)
Rooster Six, this is Snowflake Two! Over!
Natalya
I copy, Snowflake Two! Over!
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya
Rooster Six, you have bandits on your
tail! We'll do a fly through and engage
them! Over!
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
Natalya
(looks back with concern)
Acknowledged, Snowflake Two, I see them!
Rooster Six to all hatchlings! Open up
for a fly through!
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya
Snowflake Two to Falcon and Snowflake
Flights! Follow me!
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
The 296th flies right into the 586th's formation.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria laughs and "whoops" as a Yak roars close by: "VROOOM!"
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
The two formations fly past and through each other: "VROOOM!" "VROOOM!" "VROOOM!"
INT. ME-109 COCKPIT - DAY
The GERMAN PILOT concentrates on pursuing the 586th. Suddenly, he looks alarmed. The 296th is flying right at him. Tracers stream at him.
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
A FORMATION of ME-109'S scatters as the 296th roars into them, guns blazing.
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
Natalya lines up the rear of a GERMAN TANK in her gunsight, smiles a "Mona Lisa" smile.
ext. trench complex/Orel front - day
The 586th roars in low. DOZENS of ROCKETS "WHOOSH" towards the German Tanks, scoring multiple hits. The advancing German formation literally begins to disintegrate.
ext. above trench complex/Orel front - day
The 586th rocket and strafe the Germans. Dozens of German Tanks and Half Tracks burn and explode in the Trench Complex as Russian Tanks and Infantry reach the Third Bunker Line.
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
A furious 'dog fight' is underway: YAKS and ME-109's attack and pursue each other in a swirling mass.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya flies right up the tail of an ME-109, fires short bursts. Tracers lance out, pieces tear off the Me-109.
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
A LARGE FORMATION of ME-109's arrives over the dog fight.
int. me-109 cockpit - day
The GERMAN FLIGHT COMMANDER keys his throat mike.
flight commander
(in German/sub-titles)
This is Dagger Nine. Prepare to-
(something 'catches his eye')
Attention! Attention! The Yak with the
white rose is a priority target! Repeat.
The Yak with the white rose is a priority
target! Engage! Engage!
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
The Formation of Me-109's dive down into the dog fight.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
The Me-109 in Lilya's gun sight is trails smoke as she hammers at it.
Sergei(o.s./radio)
Fighters! Fighters! Eleven o' clock!
Lilya looks up. SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING her aircraft.
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
The Me-109's close in on Lilya, who dives and corkscrews away. This loses some of them, but the rest hang on.
int. Sergei's cockpit - day
Sergei maneuvers violently, fires at an ME-109. SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING his aircraft.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya 'turns and dives and loops'. SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING her aircraft. Her windscreen 'stars' from an impact. Lilya flinches with pain, collapses back against her seat. Her white scarf blossoms RED with BLOOD. Lilya smiles wistfully, looks at ALEKSEI'S PHOTO. Smoke billows into the cockpit.
Lilya
(whisper)
I think it's me they want, my love.
C/U ALEKSEI'S PHOTO: Lilya's gloved hand enters the FRAME, finger tip touches the PHOTO, falls away. Flames sweep across the FRAME, igniting the wildflowers and the PHOTO, which burns and CRACKLES.
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
Lilya's Aircraft, trailing smoke and flames, plunges into a cloud of dust and smoke, followed by FIVE Me-109's, still firing at her.
ext. third bunker line /Orel front - day
Up and down the Third Bunker Line the Russian Tanks fire into the Trench Complex.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria lines up a Half Track in her gunsight.
Ria
Come to Mama.
ext. trench complex - day
Ria launches two rockets at the Half Track. It explodes so violently it literally vaporizes.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Her aircraft is buffeted violently. SOUND of IMPACT. Ria flinches in pain.
Ria
(clenched teeth)
Oh, great! My favorite.
She touches her leg, grimaces, looks at her blood covered hand, takes a deep breath, keeps flying.
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
Natalya looks down at the battle. The Germans are retreating. Russian Tanks and Infantry are coming over the Third Bunker Line, advancing into the Trench Complex. Natalya looks exhausted.
ext. 586th-296th runway - day
Numerous Yaks circle the field as a DAMAGED YAK comes in for a landing.
cut to:
The Aircraft land in pairs. The Damaged Yak is parked to the side, Ground Crew attending to it. The other Aircraft taxi to the Flight Line, except for one Yak which keeps going down the Runway. Its engine cuts off. It rolls to a stop, sits there. A CRASH TRUCK pulls up to the quiet Aircraft. TWO CREWWOMEN dismount. CREWWOMAN #1 climbs on the wing, pulls back the canopy. Ria, her skin gray, sits staring ahead with a faint smile. She is dead.
CREWWOMAN #2
(under fuselage)
There's blood dripping out from under here.
crewwoman #1
(shakes head sadly)
I'm not surprised.
ext. sky/above 586th-296th airfield - day
More Yaks are 'on approach'.
ext. 586th-296th runway - day
A badly shot up Yak comes in for a landing. Its gear folds up on touch down. It 'belly's in', throwing up a cloud of dust, grinds to a halt. Sergei, crying, his face bleeding from glass cuts, climbs from his cockpit, as a Crash Truck races up.
int. 586th-296th infirmary - day
Natalya and Vera look down at Ria's body. In the B/G, MALE and FEMALE MEDICS tend the WOUNDED.
Vera
A piece of shrapnel severed her femoral
artery. She should have been dead twenty
minutes before she landed.
Natalya
(sad smile)
Bend, but never break.
Natalya leans in, kisses Ria's eyes and lips, pulls a sheet over her face, turns to Vera, 'all business'.
Natalya
What shape is the Two Ninety Sixth in?
Vera
Over fifty percent casualties. Baranov is
missing..
(hesitates)
Natalya
(stricken)
Lilya?
Vera
Her wingman is over there.
Sergei lays on a table. A FEMALE MEDIC sews up his face. Natalya and Vera approach.
Natalya
(to Female Medic)
How is he?
female medic
His wounds are basically superficial.
Sergei
(starts crying)
I'm sorry, Comrade Colonel, I couldn't..
Natalya
(gentle)
Easy now, Comrade Lieutenant.
Sergei
They swarmed all over her. Ignored the rest
of us. It was Lilya they wanted. I..
(chokes)
Natalya
(strokes his hair)
Breathe, just breathe.
Sergei
The last I saw of Lilya, she was on fire.
She went into a cloud of smoke with four
or five Fascists on her tail.
(SOBS)
I couldn't save her.
Natalya
(sad smile)
That was always her fate. From the beginning,
she belonged to the sky.
Sergei calms down, looks at her with amazement.
Natalya
Are you fit for duty, Comrade Pasternak?
Sergei
(strong)
Yes, Comrade Colonel.
Natalya
Good. The battle isn't over yet.
ext. 586th-296th flight line - day
Natalya and Vera walk towards the Flight Line. The field bustles with activity.
Natalya
Consolidate the Two Ninety Sixth into their
own flight. We'll sort them out..
Ludmilla approaches, salutes.
Ludmilla
You wanted me, Comrade Colonel?
Natalya
Yes. I'm afraid Captain Tikomarova is dead.
You are to assume her duties immediately.
Ludmilla
(ashen)
Yes, Comrade Colonel. Is it true about
Lilya?
Natalya
Yes, it seems so.
(puts hand on Ludmilla's shoulder)
We will cry for her and Ria Illyavna later,
those of us who survive. Until then..
Ludmilla
(snaps to attention)
Yes, Comrade Colonel!
They salute. Ludmilla exits. Vera smiles grimly.
Vera
Marina Nicolaivna would be very impressed.
Natalya
(sighs)
I suppose. By the way, what about the Nine
Fourteenth?
Vera
I had hoped you wouldn't ask. They were very
badly shot up and Colonel Kukov was missing..
(looks at watch)
..as of thirty minutes ago.
Natalya
(deep sigh)
Fortunes of war, Comrade Commissar. Fortunes
of war.
ext. 586th-296th runway - day
The Aircraft taxi out to 'take off' position. A JEEP comes racing out onto the Runway, its HORN HONKING madly. Natalya looks around from her cockpit as the Jeep comes up to her Aircraft. Sasha, bandaged arm in a sling, jumps out, climbs up on her wing, kisses her deeply.
Natalya
(misty eyed)
I thought you were..
Sasha
(puts a finger to her lips)
Just come back to me, Babushka.
He kisses her again, jumps down from the wing.
cut to:
The Aircraft of the 586th are silhouetted darkly against the sky as they take off into the late afternoon sun.
Natalya(v.o.)
The battle lasted another ten days. We
suffered terrible losses.
dissolve to:
ext. sky/above the Kursk salient - day
WIDE SHOT of the BATTLE: CLOUDS of BLACK SMOKE and DUST roll across a landscape marked by FIRES and EXPLOSIONS.
Natalya(v.o.)
But, we broke the back of the Fascists.
And for the next two years, we burned
and blasted them..
dissolve to:
ext. Reichstags/Berlin - day
LONG SHOT of the REICHSTAG with the 'SWASTIKA in WREATH' on its roof.
Natalya(v.o.)
..all the way back to Berlin. And there..
The Swastika explodes spectacularly!
Natalya(v.o.)
..we buried them.
The CAMERA PANS UP into the clouds.
Natalya(v.o.)
Sometimes, it feels like a dream.
The CAMERA moves through the clouds.
Natalya(v.o.)
They are almost all gone now, Comrades and
enemies. Hitler is gone. Stalin is gone.
Even the Soviet Union is gone.
ext. sky/above Stalingrad war memorial - day
WIDE SHOT looks down on the 270 FOOT TALL STATUE of MOTHER RUSSIA brandishing a SWORD, 'beckoning Her People forward'.
Natalya(v.o.)
But Mother Russia still lives.
ext. Stalingrad war memorial - day
The CAMERA ZOOMS DOWN to a GROUP of FIGURES: A 'thirtyish' Natalya and Sasha, holding TWO LITTLE GIRLS, 6 & 9, by the hands in between them, walking towards Mother Russia.
Natalya(v.o.)
And I have taken my daughters to see the
names of my fallen Sisters.
C/U NATALYA'S DAUGHTERS: They look up at Mother Russia with awe. The CAMERA follows their VIEW up past the Statue into the sky.
dissolve to:
ext. abandoned runway/Gorky - day
The CAMERA PANS BACK to the RUNWAY: 'Old' Natalya stands on the edge of the asphalt, smiles through her tears. At her feet, the 'Five Women' PHOTO and the wildflowers.
C/U PHOTO and WILDFLOWERS: The wind picks up, blows the wildflowers down the Runway. ZOOM IN TIGHT on PHOTO until it fills the FRAME.
Natalya(v.o.)
(hushed)
My God, we were all so young.
go to black:
TITLE CARD Lilya's grave was not found until 1979. She had been buried under the wing of her aircraft by persons unknown. Ten years later, she was given an official burial. In May of 1990, Mikhail Gorbachev made her Hero of the Soviet Union.
dissolve to:
TITLE CARD During the "Great Patriotic War" of 1941-45 over half a million women served in direct combat roles in the Soviet Armed Forces.
FADE TO BLACK
cut to:
They lay quietly in each others arms. After a beat, the sky outside lights up, followed by the RUMBLING "CHUMP-CHUMP" SOUND of ARTILLERY, a massive barrage. C/U the wine glasses: circular ripples vibrate in the wine. Natalya looks at her watch, kisses Sasha.
Natalya
(coy)
We still have another two hours.
He smiles, rolls on top of her. They kiss passionately, their bodies illuminated by the FLASHING of ARTILLERY.
ext. 586th-296th airfield - night
The entire horizon FLASHES and RUMBLES.
dissolve to:
The rosy light of dawn is punctuated by the DISTANT SOUND of HEAVY ARTILLERY FIRE.
ext. sky/east of Kursk - dawn
DOZENS of JU-88's and ME-109's roar in 'on the deck'.
ext. 586th-296th airfield - dawn
It is very still, no movement of any kind.
ext. sky/east of Kursk - dawn
The German Aircraft are in sight of the airfield. The Fighters peel off as the Bombers head in. High above them, TWO FORMATIONS of YAKS fly side by side.
int. Baranov's cockpit - dawn
Baranov
(keys throat mike)
Rooster Six, this is Falcon One. The
bombers are yours.
int. Natalya's cockpit - dawn
Natalya
(keys throat mike)
This is Rooster Six. Acknowledged.
Rooster Six to all hatchlings.
(wistful smile)
Let's go break up their party.
ext. sky/east of Kursk - dawn
The Two Formations of Yaks break in opposite directions.
int. Ju-88 cockpit - dawn
The airfield can be seen through the nose. The PILOT looksperplexed.
pilot
(in German/sub-titles)
Where the hell are all the aircraft?
SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING the aircraft. The Pilot's head explodes in a spray of blood and bone.
ext. 586th-296th RUNWAY - day
It is a beautiful summer morning. The WRECKAGE of a JU-88 smolders just beyond the Runway as Two Yaks come in for a landing, followed by another Two Yaks. PULL BACK TO REVEAL: the airfield bustles with activity. Several Aircraft taxiing to the revetments, Ground Crew everywhere refueling and rearming Aircraft, Fuel Trucks driving around, etc.
C/U of rockets being attached to underwing mounts.
cut to:
Pairs and Pairs of Yaks taking off, one after another.
ext. sky/above the Orel front - day
Two Formations of Yaks fly through the clear summer sky. Below, a HUGE LAND BATTLE is underway: HUNDREDS of VEHICLE DUST TRAILS, endless FLASHES of ARTILLERY FIRING and ROUNDS EXPLODING.
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
Natalya looks down at the Battle with a strange calmness.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya looks down at the Battle with her 'Mona Lisa' smile, then looks at her instrument panel. Aleksei's PHOTO is framed by fresh wildflowers.
ext. German fighter airfield/north of Orel - day
It resembles the 586th's field: Lots of activity, AA-GUNS, revetments, ME-109's landing and taking off, being rearmed and refueled by NUMEROUS GROUND CREW, etc.
ext. sky/north of Orel - day
A PAIR of ME-109's fly air patrol above the field.
int. first me-109 cockpit - day
The PILOT keeps a watchful eye, sees something, keys his throat mike. A 'shadow' passes over him, rounds rip through the cockpit, tearing him to pieces.
ext. sky/north of Orel - day
Lilya and Sergei pursue the Second Me-109 as the First Me-109 spirals down in flames.
ext. German fighter airfield/north of Orel - day
SOUND of AIR RAID SIREN. Ground Crew start scattering, Aircraft try to take off, AA-GUNS start banging away. A 'Swarm' of Yaks come roaring in 'on the deck', all guns
blazing. Tracers lance out, rockets "WHOOSH" from underwing. Ground Crew and Pilots are 'shot to pieces', Aircraft and Bunkers explode. All is chaos and destruction as
Yak after Yak strafes and rockets the field.
INT. BARANOV'S COCKPIT - DAY
Baranov
(keys throat mike)
Falcon One to all aircraft. Pull back and
provide cover for the bombers.
ext. sky/north of Orel - day
SIX RUSSIAN ATTACK BOMBERS (PETLYAKOV PE-2's, slim, twin engines, twin rudders) flying in formation, peel off and dive straight down.
ext. German fighter airfield/north of Orel - day
Exploding bombs 'walk' across the flight line and runway, completing the airfield's destruction.
ext. 586th-296th flight line - day
Dozens of Yaks taxi towards their revetments as Ground Crew swarm around them.
cut to:
Natalya talks to Valya. Ria waits nearby.
Natalya
We're back up in thirty minutes. Check
for flak damage first.
Valya
Yes, Comrade Colonel.
They salute. Natalya turns, walks with Ria.
Natalya
Tell the girls to get some tea, a snack,
take a pee. You know the drill. And if
anyone needs me, I'm in my office with
my boots off.
Ria
Yes, Comrade Colonel.
They salute.
int. Natalya's office/586th-296th - day
Natalya enters to find Lilya looking through 'Marina's Album'. Lilya goes to salute, Natalya waves her off.
Lilya
(indicating Album)
I didn't realize how much work you've done
on this.
She flips through the pages revealing NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS, PHOTOS, LETTERS, DOCUMENTS, etc. all about 'Soviet Military Women': TANK CREWS, PARTISAN SNIPERS, MARINE ASSAULT TROOPS BOMBER PILOTS, etc.
Natalya
Vera helped. And you. It's been a way to
honor Marina Nicolaivna. I kept thinking
of Barkagan's toast the night before she
died.
Lilya
To Mother Russia and all Her ferocious
daughters?
Natalya
Yes. All of this needs to be remembered.
For our daughters, for the daughters of
those we will never know.
They turn to a NEWSPAPER PHOTO of LILYA and KATYA in front of a YAK. The CAPTION: "HERO PILOTS LITVYAK AND FEDOTOVA".
Lilya
(soft)
For all of our sisters.
Baranov enters energetically.
Baranov
Flight Control is putting out a general
call. Part of the line is in danger of
collapsing and the counter attack needs
more air support. Lilya Atomova, the Two
Ninety Sixth is refueled and rearmed, so
we'll go immediately.
Lilya
Yes, Nicolai Sergeiavich.
Baranov
Natalya Andreivna, have the Five Eighty
Sixth armed with rockets and follow as
soon as possible.
(looks at Album, the photo of Katya, 'softens')
Ah, dear, sweet Katchinka.
('snaps back')
Comrades, the war is calling.
They all salute. Baranov exits. Lilya and Natalya hug and kiss on both cheeks.
Natalya
(soft)
Good hunting, Comrade Litvyak.
Lilya
(soft)
Good hunting, Comrade Savitskaya.
Lilya exits. Natalya looks at the Album, flips it closed, exits.
ext. 586th/296th flight line - day
Ground Crew pull hand carts loaded with rockets, attach them to underwing mounts. Natalya talks with Vera by her aircraft.
Natalya
A favor, Vera Semyonova?
Vera
Which is, Natalya Andreivna?
Natalya
Would you check on the status of the Nine
Hundred Fourteenth Fighter Regiment?
Vera
Sasha Kukov?
Natalya
Yes, Sasha Kukov. And don't worry Comrade
Commissar, I made him work for it.
Vera
(grins)
I'm sure you did.
ext. sky/above the Kursk salient - day
The rocket armed Aircraft of the 586th fly over the Battle. In the sky, HUNDREDS of CONTRAILS criss cross as locust like SWARMS of AIRCRAFT twist and turn in 'escape and pursuit'. This is punctuated by BURSTS of FLAME as Aircraft explode, or plummet flaming, leaving stark black trails.
On the ground, swathed in greasy, black smoke, DOZENS of VEHICLES burn fiercely, as HUNDREDS of TANKS maneuver against each other, amid FLASHES of HEAVY WEAPONS FIRING and SHELLS EXPLODING.
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
She watches the Battle with grim wonder, keys throat mike.
Natalya
This is Rooster Six to all hatchlings.
Come to heading two-seven-nine.
ext. sky/above the Kursk salient - day
The Aircraft of the 586th turn in formation.
ext. trench complex/Orel front - day
C/U of a GERMAN SOLDIER and a RUSSIAN SOLDIER struggling hand to hand in a TRENCH COMPLEX. ROARING SOUND of BATTLE. Suddenly, an explosion vaporizes both their upper bodies, leaving their hips and legs standing up right.
The CAMERA ZOOMS BACK and UP REVEALING: a VAST ZIG- ZAG TRENCH COMPLEX, 'moonscaped' by SHELL CRATERS, bordered and bisected by THREE LINES of EARTH COVERED LOG and CONRETE BUNKERS. The Germans have broken through to the SECOND (CENTER)LINE of BUNKERS with INFANTRY and ARMORED VEHICLES, and are in the process of breaking through there as well. HUNDREDS of RUSSIAN and GERMAN CORPSES lay strewn about. A DOZEN GERMAN ARMORED VEHICLES burn furiously as SEVERAL DOZEN MORE push forward at the Second Bunker Line. In and around the Trench Complex, THOUSANDS of RUSSIAN and GERMAN SOLDIERS fight and die. Artillery Shells fall sporadically among the fighting Soldiers.
int. anti-tank bunker/second bunker line - day
FOUR RUSSIAN ARTILLERY MEN work a 76MM ANTI-TANK GUN: the Gun ROARS. The spent Casing pops out, hits the PACKED EARTH FLOOR with a "CLANG". Another Round goes into the Breach, which is then locked. The Gun Commander, a STOCKY SERGEANT, 21, looks through the Gun Sight and out the Narrow Gun Port of the Log and Concrete Bunker. German and Russian Soldiers can be seen fighting right outside.
stocky sergeant
Three degrees left.
(checks sighting)
Fire!
The Gun ROARS.
ext. anti-tank bunker/second bunker line - day
The Muzzle Blast dismembers a German Soldier running past the Gun Port, flings several Russian and German Solders aside.
int. anti-tank bunker/second bunker line - day
The Artillery Men reload. The Stocky Sergeant looks through the Gun Sight.
ext. trench complex/Orel front - day
A JU-88 comes in low, heading towards the Second Bunker Line.
int. anti-tank bunker/second bunker line - day
The Stocky Sergeant looks up from the Gun Sight with alarm. The Ju-88 can be seen looming through the Gun Port.
stocky sergeant
Quick! Fire it now!
The Gun ROARS.
ext. second bunker line/Orel front - day
The Ju-88 releases TWO BOMBS, pulls up. The Bombs slam into the Anti-Tank Bunker.
int. anti-tank bunker/second bunker line - day
A FIRE BALL BLASTS through the Bunker. SOUND of MEN SHRIEKING in AGONY is 'cut short'.
ext. second bunker line/Orel front - day
As the Ju-88 zooms over the Second Bunker Line, secondary explosions rip out the back of the Anti-Tank Bunker. German Soldiers swarm around its burning wreckage.
ext. birch forest/Orel front - day
It is a Forest of densely packed Birch Trees. CAMOUFLAGE NETTING is hung between the Trees for as far as the eye can see. Throughout the Forest, THOUSANDS of RUSSIAN SOLDIERS are waiting quietly in TRENCHES. SPORADIC SOUND of ARTILLERY ROUNDS SCREAMING OVERHEAD, followed by SOUND of EXPLOSIONS. SCATTERED SOUND of MEN SCREAMING in AGONY.
MAJOR GENERAL IGOR KATUTIN, 38, short, ugly, fierce, stands in a Trench, surrounded by a DOZEN OFFICERS, looks through a pair of binoculars towards the Trench Complex.
POV BINOCULARS:
In the distance, the attack on the Trench Complex rages. In the foreground, a FIELD of TREE STUMPS. Scattered through out this Field are HUNDREDS of RUSSIAN CORPSES and a HALF DOZEN BURNING T-34's.
Katutin lowers the binoculars, sighs deeply. A MAJOR hands him a Field Telephone.
Katutin
(into Phone)
Comrade General, I need air support if
I am to-
(listens)
I understa-
(listens)
Yes, Comrade General.
He hands the Phone back as if was diseased.
Katutin
(to Officers, unhappy)
The good Comrade General says air support
is coming. So, we counterattack now.
(looks toward Trench Complex, grim)
As if we had any choice.
(looks back to Officers)
Very well, Comrades.
The Officers come to attention, salute.
Katutin
(returns salute)
Good luck to all of you.
cut to:
All along the Tree Line DOZENS of T-34's emerge accompanied by the SOUND of WHISTLES. Thousands of Russian Soldiers follow the Tanks, moving forward into the Field of Stumps.
ext. field of stumps/Orel front - day
The Tanks and Soldiers move forward rapidly through the Field. A few Artillery Rounds land, sending up fountains of dirt.
ext. birch forest/Orel front - day
Katutin lifts the binoculars to his eyes.
pov binoculars:
As the Tanks and Soldiers advance, a PAIR of JU-88's circle around to attack. Katutin's jaw clenches as he looks through the binoculars.
pov binoculars:
Above the Field of Stumps, the First Ju-88 is making its attack run. Suddenly, a Stream of Tracers rips into the Ju-88, which veers off trailing smoke.
Katutin looks up. ROARING SOUND of FIGHTERS OVERHEAD.
DOZENS of YAK-3's scream over the Birch Forest at tree top level, the Lead Aircraft firing at the fleeing Ju-88's.
Katutin grins fiercely.
Katutin
You took the Devil's own time!
He notices something, looks through the binoculars.
POV BINOCULARS:
The View tracks Lilya's 'White Rose' Yak.
Katutin(o.s.)
(whispered)
The White Rose.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya closes in on the Ju-88.
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
The Ju-88 is banking hard to escape Lilya.
int. Ju-88 cockpit - day
The PILOT concentrates on his steep turn. SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING his aircraft. The glass shatters as ROUNDS hammer the cockpit. The Pilot SHRIEKS in PAIN.
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
As the Ju-88 tumbles burning through the air it explodes in a ball of fire.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya watches with satisfaction as the burning wreckage falls from the sky.
int. Baranov's cockpit - day
Baranov quickly looks around, goes to key his throat mike.
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
C/U of a 150MM ARTILLERY SHELL (in slow motion) whirling through the air.
int. Baranov's cockpit - day
Baranov
(keys throat mike)
This is Falcon One to all-
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
Baranov flies right into the path of the oncoming 150mm Artillery Shell. The explosion totally vaporizes his aircraft.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya checks her headphones.
Lilya
(keys throat mike)
Falcon One, do you read me?
(listens, 'decides')
This is Snowflake Two to all aircraft.
Attack the advancing Germans. Concentrate
on the half tracks. Snowflake Two out.
ext. third bunker line/Orel front - day
Lilya's "White Rose" and Dozens of Yaks roar overhead towards the advancing Germans. The Russian Ground Troops CHEER at them.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya lines up a ARMORED HALF TRACK(SdKfz 251, open topped) in her gunsight. Tracers stream up at her.
ext. trench complex/Orel front - day
From the German Vehicles multiple streams of tracers lance at the approaching Yaks, which quickly return fire.
int. German half track/trench complex - day
A DOZEN PANZER GRENADIERS fire at the "White Rose" Yak, but it is on top of them, firing steadily. SOUND of RICOCHETING ROUNDS. As the rounds ricochet inside the armored hull, the Panzer Grenadiers are literally torn to pieces, SHRIEKING and SCREAMING, blood and bone spraying everywhere.
ext. trench complex/Orel front - day
Lilya roars over the Half Track, which begins to burn.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya lines up another Armored Half Track in her gunsight.
Sergei(o.s./radio)
Snowflake Two, this is Snowflake Four!
Multiple bandits, dead ahead! Over!
Lilya looks into the distance, smiles.
Lilya
(keys throat mike)
This is Snowflake Two! The first group are
Yaks! Repeat! The first group are Yaks. The
bandits are behind them! Over!
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
Natalya looks down at ROWS of GERMAN ARMORED VEHICLES advancing towards the Bunker Line.
Natalya
(keys throat mike)
This is Rooster Six to all hatchings! Break
into pairs and start with the heavies, work
your way down! Rooster Six out!
Lilya(o.s./radio)
Rooster Six, this is Snowflake Two! Over!
Natalya
I copy, Snowflake Two! Over!
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya
Rooster Six, you have bandits on your
tail! We'll do a fly through and engage
them! Over!
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
Natalya
(looks back with concern)
Acknowledged, Snowflake Two, I see them!
Rooster Six to all hatchlings! Open up
for a fly through!
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya
Snowflake Two to Falcon and Snowflake
Flights! Follow me!
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
The 296th flies right into the 586th's formation.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria laughs and "whoops" as a Yak roars close by: "VROOOM!"
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
The two formations fly past and through each other: "VROOOM!" "VROOOM!" "VROOOM!"
INT. ME-109 COCKPIT - DAY
The GERMAN PILOT concentrates on pursuing the 586th. Suddenly, he looks alarmed. The 296th is flying right at him. Tracers stream at him.
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
A FORMATION of ME-109'S scatters as the 296th roars into them, guns blazing.
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
Natalya lines up the rear of a GERMAN TANK in her gunsight, smiles a "Mona Lisa" smile.
ext. trench complex/Orel front - day
The 586th roars in low. DOZENS of ROCKETS "WHOOSH" towards the German Tanks, scoring multiple hits. The advancing German formation literally begins to disintegrate.
ext. above trench complex/Orel front - day
The 586th rocket and strafe the Germans. Dozens of German Tanks and Half Tracks burn and explode in the Trench Complex as Russian Tanks and Infantry reach the Third Bunker Line.
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
A furious 'dog fight' is underway: YAKS and ME-109's attack and pursue each other in a swirling mass.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya flies right up the tail of an ME-109, fires short bursts. Tracers lance out, pieces tear off the Me-109.
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
A LARGE FORMATION of ME-109's arrives over the dog fight.
int. me-109 cockpit - day
The GERMAN FLIGHT COMMANDER keys his throat mike.
flight commander
(in German/sub-titles)
This is Dagger Nine. Prepare to-
(something 'catches his eye')
Attention! Attention! The Yak with the
white rose is a priority target! Repeat.
The Yak with the white rose is a priority
target! Engage! Engage!
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
The Formation of Me-109's dive down into the dog fight.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
The Me-109 in Lilya's gun sight is trails smoke as she hammers at it.
Sergei(o.s./radio)
Fighters! Fighters! Eleven o' clock!
Lilya looks up. SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING her aircraft.
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
The Me-109's close in on Lilya, who dives and corkscrews away. This loses some of them, but the rest hang on.
int. Sergei's cockpit - day
Sergei maneuvers violently, fires at an ME-109. SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING his aircraft.
int. Lilya's cockpit - day
Lilya 'turns and dives and loops'. SOUND of ROUNDS HITTING her aircraft. Her windscreen 'stars' from an impact. Lilya flinches with pain, collapses back against her seat. Her white scarf blossoms RED with BLOOD. Lilya smiles wistfully, looks at ALEKSEI'S PHOTO. Smoke billows into the cockpit.
Lilya
(whisper)
I think it's me they want, my love.
C/U ALEKSEI'S PHOTO: Lilya's gloved hand enters the FRAME, finger tip touches the PHOTO, falls away. Flames sweep across the FRAME, igniting the wildflowers and the PHOTO, which burns and CRACKLES.
ext. sky/above trench complex - day
Lilya's Aircraft, trailing smoke and flames, plunges into a cloud of dust and smoke, followed by FIVE Me-109's, still firing at her.
ext. third bunker line /Orel front - day
Up and down the Third Bunker Line the Russian Tanks fire into the Trench Complex.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Ria lines up a Half Track in her gunsight.
Ria
Come to Mama.
ext. trench complex - day
Ria launches two rockets at the Half Track. It explodes so violently it literally vaporizes.
int. Ria's cockpit - day
Her aircraft is buffeted violently. SOUND of IMPACT. Ria flinches in pain.
Ria
(clenched teeth)
Oh, great! My favorite.
She touches her leg, grimaces, looks at her blood covered hand, takes a deep breath, keeps flying.
int. Natalya's cockpit - day
Natalya looks down at the battle. The Germans are retreating. Russian Tanks and Infantry are coming over the Third Bunker Line, advancing into the Trench Complex. Natalya looks exhausted.
ext. 586th-296th runway - day
Numerous Yaks circle the field as a DAMAGED YAK comes in for a landing.
cut to:
The Aircraft land in pairs. The Damaged Yak is parked to the side, Ground Crew attending to it. The other Aircraft taxi to the Flight Line, except for one Yak which keeps going down the Runway. Its engine cuts off. It rolls to a stop, sits there. A CRASH TRUCK pulls up to the quiet Aircraft. TWO CREWWOMEN dismount. CREWWOMAN #1 climbs on the wing, pulls back the canopy. Ria, her skin gray, sits staring ahead with a faint smile. She is dead.
CREWWOMAN #2
(under fuselage)
There's blood dripping out from under here.
crewwoman #1
(shakes head sadly)
I'm not surprised.
ext. sky/above 586th-296th airfield - day
More Yaks are 'on approach'.
ext. 586th-296th runway - day
A badly shot up Yak comes in for a landing. Its gear folds up on touch down. It 'belly's in', throwing up a cloud of dust, grinds to a halt. Sergei, crying, his face bleeding from glass cuts, climbs from his cockpit, as a Crash Truck races up.
int. 586th-296th infirmary - day
Natalya and Vera look down at Ria's body. In the B/G, MALE and FEMALE MEDICS tend the WOUNDED.
Vera
A piece of shrapnel severed her femoral
artery. She should have been dead twenty
minutes before she landed.
Natalya
(sad smile)
Bend, but never break.
Natalya leans in, kisses Ria's eyes and lips, pulls a sheet over her face, turns to Vera, 'all business'.
Natalya
What shape is the Two Ninety Sixth in?
Vera
Over fifty percent casualties. Baranov is
missing..
(hesitates)
Natalya
(stricken)
Lilya?
Vera
Her wingman is over there.
Sergei lays on a table. A FEMALE MEDIC sews up his face. Natalya and Vera approach.
Natalya
(to Female Medic)
How is he?
female medic
His wounds are basically superficial.
Sergei
(starts crying)
I'm sorry, Comrade Colonel, I couldn't..
Natalya
(gentle)
Easy now, Comrade Lieutenant.
Sergei
They swarmed all over her. Ignored the rest
of us. It was Lilya they wanted. I..
(chokes)
Natalya
(strokes his hair)
Breathe, just breathe.
Sergei
The last I saw of Lilya, she was on fire.
She went into a cloud of smoke with four
or five Fascists on her tail.
(SOBS)
I couldn't save her.
Natalya
(sad smile)
That was always her fate. From the beginning,
she belonged to the sky.
Sergei calms down, looks at her with amazement.
Natalya
Are you fit for duty, Comrade Pasternak?
Sergei
(strong)
Yes, Comrade Colonel.
Natalya
Good. The battle isn't over yet.
ext. 586th-296th flight line - day
Natalya and Vera walk towards the Flight Line. The field bustles with activity.
Natalya
Consolidate the Two Ninety Sixth into their
own flight. We'll sort them out..
Ludmilla approaches, salutes.
Ludmilla
You wanted me, Comrade Colonel?
Natalya
Yes. I'm afraid Captain Tikomarova is dead.
You are to assume her duties immediately.
Ludmilla
(ashen)
Yes, Comrade Colonel. Is it true about
Lilya?
Natalya
Yes, it seems so.
(puts hand on Ludmilla's shoulder)
We will cry for her and Ria Illyavna later,
those of us who survive. Until then..
Ludmilla
(snaps to attention)
Yes, Comrade Colonel!
They salute. Ludmilla exits. Vera smiles grimly.
Vera
Marina Nicolaivna would be very impressed.
Natalya
(sighs)
I suppose. By the way, what about the Nine
Fourteenth?
Vera
I had hoped you wouldn't ask. They were very
badly shot up and Colonel Kukov was missing..
(looks at watch)
..as of thirty minutes ago.
Natalya
(deep sigh)
Fortunes of war, Comrade Commissar. Fortunes
of war.
ext. 586th-296th runway - day
The Aircraft taxi out to 'take off' position. A JEEP comes racing out onto the Runway, its HORN HONKING madly. Natalya looks around from her cockpit as the Jeep comes up to her Aircraft. Sasha, bandaged arm in a sling, jumps out, climbs up on her wing, kisses her deeply.
Natalya
(misty eyed)
I thought you were..
Sasha
(puts a finger to her lips)
Just come back to me, Babushka.
He kisses her again, jumps down from the wing.
cut to:
The Aircraft of the 586th are silhouetted darkly against the sky as they take off into the late afternoon sun.
Natalya(v.o.)
The battle lasted another ten days. We
suffered terrible losses.
dissolve to:
ext. sky/above the Kursk salient - day
WIDE SHOT of the BATTLE: CLOUDS of BLACK SMOKE and DUST roll across a landscape marked by FIRES and EXPLOSIONS.
Natalya(v.o.)
But, we broke the back of the Fascists.
And for the next two years, we burned
and blasted them..
dissolve to:
ext. Reichstags/Berlin - day
LONG SHOT of the REICHSTAG with the 'SWASTIKA in WREATH' on its roof.
Natalya(v.o.)
..all the way back to Berlin. And there..
The Swastika explodes spectacularly!
Natalya(v.o.)
..we buried them.
The CAMERA PANS UP into the clouds.
Natalya(v.o.)
Sometimes, it feels like a dream.
The CAMERA moves through the clouds.
Natalya(v.o.)
They are almost all gone now, Comrades and
enemies. Hitler is gone. Stalin is gone.
Even the Soviet Union is gone.
ext. sky/above Stalingrad war memorial - day
WIDE SHOT looks down on the 270 FOOT TALL STATUE of MOTHER RUSSIA brandishing a SWORD, 'beckoning Her People forward'.
Natalya(v.o.)
But Mother Russia still lives.
ext. Stalingrad war memorial - day
The CAMERA ZOOMS DOWN to a GROUP of FIGURES: A 'thirtyish' Natalya and Sasha, holding TWO LITTLE GIRLS, 6 & 9, by the hands in between them, walking towards Mother Russia.
Natalya(v.o.)
And I have taken my daughters to see the
names of my fallen Sisters.
C/U NATALYA'S DAUGHTERS: They look up at Mother Russia with awe. The CAMERA follows their VIEW up past the Statue into the sky.
dissolve to:
ext. abandoned runway/Gorky - day
The CAMERA PANS BACK to the RUNWAY: 'Old' Natalya stands on the edge of the asphalt, smiles through her tears. At her feet, the 'Five Women' PHOTO and the wildflowers.
C/U PHOTO and WILDFLOWERS: The wind picks up, blows the wildflowers down the Runway. ZOOM IN TIGHT on PHOTO until it fills the FRAME.
Natalya(v.o.)
(hushed)
My God, we were all so young.
go to black:
dissolve to:
FADE TO BLACK
