The Battle of Midway/Transcript

== Cutscene ==
=== MIDWAY 1942 ===
A fleet of American destroyers, battleships, and aircraft carriers sails through the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Arthur Kingsley (voice): Wade had talked himself out of worse situations. If you heard him talk about Midway, you could tell he was no stranger to hyperbole.
The camera focuses in on the USS Enterprise and pans up to a group of SBD Dauntless fighter planes docked on the flight deck.
Arthur Kingsley (voice): Every time Wade told the story, it was a little different. He added a wing of Zeros or another aircraft carrier to his tally. 
The flight deck crewmen on the aircraft carrier prep the fighter planes for launch.
Arthur Kingsley (voice): But I read the reports about what happened that day. If Wade was exaggerating, it was only by a little.
Two flight deck crewmen spin an SBD Dauntless' propellers. The plane's engines roar to life as the camera focuses in on the propellers.
Fade to black.
== Gameplay ==
Fade in to Wade Jackson's POV as he, his co-pilot Mateo Hernandez, and several fighter pilots attend a mission briefing under Sam Davis. The room is dark, except for a slide projector.
Sam Davis: Remember, our primary objective is destroying the two Japanese carriers. VS and VB Squadrons will each take one. Fighting Squadron 6 will provide cover. If the weather holds, we'll be in and out before they know what hit them. This win will give us the Pacific. Now go out there and get the carriers.
Davis turns on the lights. The pilots leave exit the briefing room. Mateo turns to Wade.
Mateo Hernandez: As if this operation wasn't hard enough. Now the entire war is on the line?
Wade Jackson: Relax, Hernandez. I was born for this.
Mateo Hernandez: (chuckles) Not too sure I was.
Mateo hands Wade his flight helmet.
Mateo Hernandez: Vamos, Jackson.
=== THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY ===
GET THE CARRIERS
JUNE 1942
MIDWAY ATOLL, PACIFIC OCEAN
LT. WADE JACKSON
Wade and Mateo exit the briefing room and make their way through the ship's corridors to reach the hangar.
Mateo Hernandez: They finished repairs on the plane this morning. She's waiting for us on the flight deck.
Wade Jackson: She has a name.
Mateo Hernandez: You named the plane? Our plane. And you didn't say anything.
Wade Jackson: You never asked!
Wade follows Mateo up to the hangar where flight crews are hard at work in maintaining and repairing planes.
Mateo Hernandez: You think the intel boys got the fleet position right?
Wade Jackson: They better. If we pull this off, they'll be writing about us in the history books.
Mateo Hernandez: Yeah, well I'd rather not be history today, so do us both a favor and keep the crazy stunts to a minimum.
Wade Jackson: Stunts? Ouch, buddy.
Mateo Hernandez: Pendejo... You ever wonder why you haven't been promoted yet?
Wade Jackson: Why's that, smart ass?
Mateo Hernandez: 'Cause this isn't the Wade Jackson show, amigo. This is war. All of us just want to win and go home.
Wade Jackson: You worry about keeping the Zeros of my tail and I'll get us home.
Up ahead, a lift carrying an SBD Dauntless ascends from the hangar deck. Mateo sprints up to the lift operator.
Mateo Hernandez: Hey! Hold the elevator!
The lift operator stops the lift from moving. Mateo climbs up to the edge of the lift and offers a hand to Wade.
Mateo Hernandez: I got you, Jackson.
Mateo helps Wade up to the lift and Mateo turns back to the operator.
Mateo Hernandez: Take us up!
The lift resumes its ascent to the flight deck. On the SBD Dauntless, another fighter pilot named John Miller inspects his plane before turning his attention to Wade and Mateo.
John Miller: How many medals you think we'll win if we pull this off, Jackson? 
Wade Jackson: After today, they're gonna have to name one after me, Miller.
Mateo Hernandez: Just remember we're a team up there. And stay in formation this time or the SAG will have both your stripes.
The lift reaches the flight deck topside.
Wade Jackson: Eh, formations just slow me down.
Mateo Hernandez: You see what I have to deal with?
Mateo directs Jackson's attention to the gorgeous weather as the planes take off from the USS Enterprise.
Mateo Hernandez: Look at that. It's a beautiful day for flying. Let's hope it stays that way. It's time, manos a la masa! Our lady awaits.
John Miller: Ten bucks says I take down more Zeros than you, Jackson!
Mateo Hernandez: Come on, man! Don't encourage 'em!
Mateo and Wade run towards their plane and hop into the cockpit. Wade puts on his flight helmet.
Mateo Hernandez: Radio check for Sugar 17.
John Miller: (over radio) Hear you loud and clear.
Wade Jackson: Intercom's workin' fine.
Wade buckles up.
Mateo Hernandez: Hey, they're signaling for pre-flight check. Check the elevators in the back.
Wade moves his center stick up and down to test their vertical aim. The player can choose to invert the aim if they so desire.
Mateo Hernandez: Alright, elevators are good. Okay Jackson, let's check the ailerons.
Wade tests out the aileron on the starboard-side wings.
Wade Jackson: Right wing's good.
Mateo Hernandez: Great! Now the left aileron.
Wade tests out the aileron on the port-side wings.
Wade Jackson: Left wing's good.
Mateo Hernandez: Alright, do an engine run up. Make sure she doesn't blow out.
Wade revs up the plane's engines to test their acceleration.
Wade Jackson: She's purring!
Mateo Hernandez: She sounds good. Ease off, Jackson.
Wade throttles back on the engine and exchanges thumbs up with a nearby flight deck crewman.
Carrier Tower: (over radio) Sugar 17, this is tower, you're cleared for takeoff. 
Mateo Hernandez: Okay, let's get her in the air!
Wade Jackson: Ready, Hernandez?
Mateo Hernandez: As ready as I'll ever be strapped to you. Alright, here we go! Full power!
Wade revs up the engine once more.
Mateo Hernandez: Release those brakes!
Wade releases the handbrake, allowing the plane to take off at full speed. The plane launches off the flight deck of the USS Enterprise and flies over the Pacific Ocean with the rest of the wingmates.
Mateo Hernandez: Por favor (Please), no fancy tricks.
Wade Jackson: You're no fun.
Mateo Hernandez: This isn't supposed to be fun, pendejo. 
Wade and Mateo fly in formation with the other planes.
Mateo Hernandez: So, you gonna tell me her name or what?
Wade Jackson: Which one?
Mateo Hernandez: The plane! This plane!
Wade Jackson: You're still hung up on that?
Mateo Hernandez: Well, what do you wanna talk about?
Wade laughs out loud.
Mateo Hernandez: Fine, keep your secrets.
Wade and Mateo ascend up into the clouds and join a vast formation of fighter planes. Another group of unidentified planes appears in the skies, flying towards the American planes.
American Pilot: Sugar 10 to all Victor aircraft, who's out of formation?
John Miller: Something's not right...
American Pilot: Oh my...
The unidentified planes reveal themselves to be Japanese Zeros who swoop in and attack the American fighter planes and the torpedo bombers.
Wade Jackson: Holy shit!
American Pilot: Damn Zeros out of nowhere!
John Miller: They're on our torpedo bombers!
Sam Davis: Fighters aren't here yet, S17, get on those bandits.
Wade Jackson: Already on it! You got our tail, Hernandez?
Mateo Hernandez: MG's out!
Wade weaves in and out among the clouds, shooting down any Japanese Zero planes he encounters.
John Miller: Keep 'em off the torpedo bombers!
One of the Japanese Zeros takes down an American torpedo bomber plane.
American Pilot: Mayday mayday--I gotta bail, boys--; They're on my six, I need some help--; Might be punching out!; Taking too much heat!; On the bug here!
Eventually, Wade and Mateo shoot down all Japanese Zeros in the area.
Wade Jackson: All splashed.
Sam Davis: Nice job, S17. Pay attention boys and someday you'll be in Jackson's seat.
Mateo Hernandez: I hope not.
Flak explosions rip through the skies around the American fighter planes. Wade and his wingmates fly through to avoid the explosions.
American Pilot: Watch that flak, boys! Comin' up on the fleet!
Sam Davis: Japanese fleet's below us. Keep steady.
American Pilot: Mayday mayday--I gotta bail--
Wade and the fighter pilots keep flying until they are directly above the Japanese fleet below them.
Sam Davis: Bombers, start your run.
Wade Jackson: Here we go!
Sam Davis: Dive!
Wade seals the cockpit windows and dives down nose first through the clouds.
Wade Jackson: Hold on to your ass, Hernandez!
Wade flies down and finds himself directly above the Japanese aircraft carrier.
American Pilot: Keep it tight, watch that tracer fire!
Wade and his wingmates continue descending at top speed, while trying to avoid anti-aircraft fire from the Japanese ships below them.
Wade Jackson: Altitude?
Mateo Hernandez: Angels three!
American Pilot: Steer clear of those AAs!
Wade aims down his bombing target reticule at the Japanese aircraft carrier.
Mateo Hernandez: Angels two!
American Pilot: All bombers: we're getting close, use your scopes!
Wade Jackson: Almost there!
Mateo Hernandez: Now, dammit, now!
At an optimal height, Wade releases a bomb right onto the aircraft carrier's weak spot.
Mateo Hernandez: Pull up! Pull up!
Wade pulls up hard and fast just as the carrier explodes and sinks. 
Wade Jackson: Woohoo!
Sam Davis: Good job, S17.
Wade opens the cockpit hatch and engages in another dogfight with Japanese Zeros that counterattack.
Mateo Hernandez: We really kicked the hornets' nest! Sky's full of Zeros! We gotta shoot our way outta this.
John Miller: Can't ascend without those AA guns taking us out. Stay low for now, boys.
American Pilot: They're launching more Zeros!
Mateo Hernandez: Damn, there's so many...
American Pilot: It's getting crowded out here!; He's on my tail!
Wade shoots down a Japanese Zero that was pursuing Miller's plane.
John Miller: Thanks for the assist, Jackson.
A Japanese Zero plane pursues Wade and Mateo.
American Pilot: Got one on your five, hot.; On your eight, bogey!; Hot on your four, Zero coming!
Mateo Hernandez: Come on, come on...; Nice try, pendejo!; Not today.; Watch our nine!
Wade sets his sights on another Japanese Zero plane.
Wade Jackson: You're not gettin' away!
More Japanese fighter planes arrive and attack the American pilots.
American Pilot: Incoming reinforcements. There's more of 'em!
Wade shoots down an Japanese Zero plane.
John Miller: Alright, S17!
(If Wade accidentally shoots one of his allies...)
American Pilot: Not me, idiot!
More Japanese reinforcements arrive.
American Pilot: They're launching another wave! This is insane, where are they all coming from?
Sam Davis: Need to thin out these Zeros fast!
American Pilot: More Zeros headed our way! They're picking us off.
A Japanese Zero plane shoots down one of the American pilots.
American Pilot: I'm hit, I'm hit--!
Mateo Hernandez: Damnit!
American Pilot: All torpedo bombers are down. We're getting picked off, we need to climb!; VT squadron is not responding.; We're losing too many...; Could use help!; I'm on fire, I gotta bail--; Mayday mayday mayday mayday--; Got a Zero on my six!; Oh!
More Japanese fighter planes arrive,
American Pilot: More Zeros incoming, we're outmanned here! We're losing too many, there won't be anyone left for a bombing run. We gotta go for it.
Sam Davis: Keep it together, boys!
(If Wade deviates from the mission area)
Mateo Hernandez: Get back over there!
Wade continues dogfighting with the Japanese planes until the Americans start to suffer losses of their own.
American Pilot: We're getting killed down here. Flak or not, we gotta climb.
Sam Davis: All VS and VB aircraft regroup for the second dive. Climb and get in the clouds.
If Wade doesn't immediately climb up into the clouds...)
Mateo Hernandez: This isn't the time for a joyride, Jackson.
Wade and the other pilots begin climbing up amid a heavy storm of flak fire and Japanese Zero planes.
Mateo Hernandez: Ah shit, we're as good as dead, aren't we?
Wade Jackson: Today's not the day. S17 to all pilots with bombs: tighten and head up, we're going for the last dive.
American Pilot: Woah, what?
Wade Jackson: Get as high as we can, do the second dive.
Wade and the rest of the squadron ascend into the clouds to lose their Japanese pursuers.
Mateo Hernandez: They're right on our tail!
American Pilot: Oh shit, boys, they're still shooting at us!
Wade Jackson: Haul ass! Almost outta range...
The American fighter planes ascend into the midst of a tropical thunderstorm.
American Pilot: Did we lose them?; I don't see them.
More Japanese Zeros appear in the sky and attack the American planes.
American Pilot: Watch it, watch it!
A Japanese Zero fires on Jackson's plane and scores a hit. The left wing trails smoke and fire.
Wade Jackson: Ah fuck!
John Miller: S17, you took a beating there. You good?
Wade Jackson: She's fine!
American Pilot: Zeros dead ahead, comin' hot! Take 'em out!
Wade and the pilots fight off the attacking Zeros.
American Pilot: Don't break formation, we gotta punch through 'em!; Zeros comin' right at us!
One of the American fighter planes is shot down.
American Pilot: Shit, shit, shit...
Wade and the pilots proceed further through the storm.
American Pilot: Keep gaining altitude until we're back over the fleet. Gun 'em down!
Eventually, the American pilots force the Japanese Zeros to withdraw from the area.
American Pilot: See any more of 'em?; Almost at dive altitude!
Wade and the pilots find themselves directly above the Japanese fleet.
American Pilot: Fleet's below! Line up for another run!
Sam Davis: We need to get that second carrier. Who has bombs?
John Miller: S18 has bombs.
American Pilot: S3 has--
The pilot's aircraft explodes in midair. Wade seals the cockpit hatch once again.
Mateo Hernandez: S17 has one.
Sam Davis: Anyone else? Okay... S17 and S18, it's all on you. Form up behind us and take the shot.
Wade and his wingmates descend out of the clouds and commence their last bombing run on the second Japanese aircraft carrier below them.
Mateo Hernandez: Gonna be by the skin of our teeth, isn't it?
Wade Jackson: It'll be close enough.
Wade sights through his bomb targeting reticule at the aircraft carrier.
Sam Davis: All aircraft, draw fire from S17!
Wade Jackson: Altitude?
Mateo Hernandez: Altimeter is busted.
Wade Jackson: Then you better hang on back there!
Wade and Mateo fly down nose-first directly in line with he Japanese carrier. Miller's plane is hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire and flies away.
John Miller: I'm hit. Punching out. Jackson-- it's on you.
Wade's plane reaches closer and closer to its target.
Mateo Hernandez: Feeling steady... Few hundred more... A little farther... Almost... Now, dammit, now! Now Jackson!
Wade releases the last bomb. 
Mateo Hernandez: Pull up! Pull up!
Wade Jackson: Woohoo!
The camera tracks with the bomb as it flies precisely toward the aircraft carrier's weak spot. The level ends just at the last second that the bomb hits the carrier.
== Cutscene 1 ==
The bomb's explosion rips throughout the entire Japanese aircraft carrier, incinerating both planes and personnel onboard. Wade watches the carrier explode and lets out a triumphant shout, just before narrowly missing a Japanese destroyer's tower. He lets out a sigh of relief as he and his wingmates fly away from the area. The scene transitions to Wade and his mates as they return to the American fleet and the USS Enterprise.
Arthur Kingsley (voice): Wade would rather have been called a hotshot than a hero. That was his contradiction. He is one of the war's greatest pilots, but he needed a team. The problem was getting him to admit it.
Cut to black.
== Cutscene 2 ==
The Nazi guard hauls a physically weakened Wade into the cell where the rest of Vanguard is held.
Wade Jackson: Get your hands off me!
The guard shoves Wade to the floor and closes the cell door. He looks up to see the rest of his team regard him with suspicion and waves sheepishly.
Wade Jackson: Hey, guys. Don't everybody rush over at once.
Arthur Kingsley gets up and walks over to lend a helping hand to Wade. Wade raises his hand to decline the offer as he groans in pain.
Wade Jackson: I'm fine.
Richter appears outside the cell with a smoking cigarette.
Jannick Richter: Isn't this a nice, little reunion?
Arthur walks up to address Richter.
Jannick Richter: You lied to me.
Arthur Kingsley: For all we knew, he was dead. So, you can fuck off.
Richter puts out his cigarette and looks at him malevolently.
Jannick Richter: Really?
Richter draws a Klaus pistol from the guard, aims at Richard Webb, and shoots him in the head.
Arthur Kingsley: NO! You bastard!!
Arthur rushes at Richter and tries to grab him, only to be stopped by the prison bars.
Jannick Richter: Do not lie to me again.
Richter and the guard leave the prison level. Arthur lets out an emotionally anguished scream and collapses in sorrow.
The scene cuts to Richter arriving at Freisinger's office as he hears shouting. A guard outside the office holds up Richter from entering.
Nazi Officer: What are you doing? Get away from me! Take- take your hands off me! Freisinger, this is treachery! 
Richter enters the office where he sees several Nzai officers being forcibly taken away by Freisinger's men. Freisinger looks over paperwork on the table.
Nazi Officer: It's treachery of the highest order! Freisinger! You haven't heard the last of this! Get your hands OFF me! Freisinger!!
The guard searches Richter's body and allows him to speak with Freisinger.
Jannick Richter: What is going on?
Hermann Freisinger: Hitler is dead.
Jannick Richter: (shocked) What? How!? W-was it the Allies?
Hermann Freisinger: Reports indicate he took his own life.
Jannick Richter: (stunned) But... Without the Fuhrer... We are lost.
Freisinger looks up at Richter menacingly.
Hermann Freisinger: Hardly. I trust you have new information.
Nazi voices are heard shouting in the room, only to be silenced by gunshots. Richter looks in the direction of the gunshots and stammers in fear.
Hermann Freisinger: Hm?
Jannick Richter: A-as you suspected... The American was the sixth man. But I believe I have finally broken them.
Freisinger goes over to the window and looks out at the war-torn city landscape.
Hermann Freisinger: It saddens me... To see the Fatherland defiled. By filthy Russians, no less. There is nothing left for us here. if the Reich is to live on... I must know there is safe passage to Templehof.
Freisinget leans over the table to look at Richter.
Hermann Freisinger: I was counting on you, Richter. But, you've proven non-essential.
Freisinger summons the guard to seize a panicked Richter.
Jannick Richter: No, N-no! Sir, no! I will get you what you require! I swear to you.
Freisinget pauses.
Hermann Freisinger: Your time is short.
Jannick Richter: I understand... (slight bow) Mein Fuhrer.
Richter leaves Freisinger's office with the guard in escort.
The scene cuts to the prison cell. A blanket is draped over Webb's corpse as Arthur broods over the loss of his friend. 
Arthur Kingsley: I'm gonna kill him.
Polina Petrova: Richter is on to us. We're out of time.
Wade steps forward nervously.
Wade Jackson: I, uh- I tried to nab us a getaway plane, but that didn't work. By the time I got here, you- You guys were already locked up. So I, uh- I borrowed a bomb from the Ruskies and turned myself in. We got about, uh- Well, about an hour before that wall blows wide open and we waltz right outta here.
Lucas Riggs: If we live that long.
Polina Petrova: (venomously) We can't trust him. He's just a fucking pilot.
Wade Jackson: A fucking "Ace" pilot is what you mean.
Lucas Riggs: I'm with the Lady, what the hell do you know about explosives?
Wade Jackson: (angrily) Yeah? Well, fuck you too then.
Arthur Kingsley: I'll tell you why we can trust him.
Wade Jackson: There we go.
Arthur stands up right next to Wade.
Arthur Kingsley: Wade's more than capable of getting us out, files in hand.
Cut to black.
Category:Call of Duty: Vanguard Transcripts