EXT. HICKAM FIELD - DAY The wrecked planes have been pushed off the runway and lie in piles. A transport plane is fueling, and Rafe and Danny wait in the shade of a shelter.
DANNY:
I told her not to come.
The Major, watching the fueling, gets a wave from the ground crew and turns and motions to Rafe and Danny that they're ready. They pick up their duffel bags -- and then Evelyn comes around the corner of the shelter.
Rafe sees her first, but stops and looks away as Danny moves to her. For a moment he studies her eyes, and she does not look away.
DANNY:
This hasn't been easy for any of us. I feel awful for how it's happened. But I've seen my first spring too. Thanks for knowing that's true.
He takes her into his arms, kisses her tenderly but briefly, a final time. Evelyn's eyes find Rafe, but he can't look at her until the embrace is over.
Rafe and Danny move to the plane and hurry up the steps.
They turn before the door closes and wave to her.
Evelyn's still standing there as the plane lifts away.
INT. U.S. MILITARY INSTALLATION - NIGHT The transport has landed and taxied right to the door of a low, dark bunker, mostly underground. The Major leads Rafe and Danny inside.
INT. BUNKER Rafe and Danny follow the Major down a spartan corridor; the whole place reeks of secrecy.
INT. BUNKER - SECRECY ROOM - NIGHT The Major opens the door for Rafe and Danny, then leaves, closing it behind him. Doolittle is alone at a desk. Rafe and Danny walk in and salute. Doolittle motions to the two chairs in front of the desk without looking up from the papers he's studying.
DOOLITTLE:
I heard what you did.
RAFE:
We can explain, Colonel.
DOOLITTLE:
Explain what?
DANNY:
Whatever is was you heard about us.
DOOLITTLE:
You mean the hula shirts you were flying in?... Or the six planes you shot down?
You're both being awarded the Silver Star, and promoted to captain.
RAFE:
Is that the good new, Sir, or --
DOOLITTLE:
You're just about the only pilots in the Army with actual combat experience, so you're volunteering for a mission I've been ordered to put together. Do you know what top secret is?
RAFE:
Well sure, Colonel --
DOOLITTLE:
Top secret means you help me pick the other pilots, train, and go -- without knowing where you're going until it's too late.