Before we can recover from the blow, the thunderous sound of a MOAB detonating chases the pressure wave and tears through us. If the others are shouting, I have no idea. Even with headphones on, designed to protect the wearer from the constant beat of the rotor blades, the roar has set my ears buzzing. My body feels like it’s been liquefied, and I find myself puckering my asshole, just in case.Warning lights flash across the dash. Betty’s insides have been shaken loose. The chopper levels out, but shudders violently. Woodstock is shouting, pulling on the controls. I’ve seen him go through a lot. I know what his surprised face looks like. This is different. This is worse. I can see it in his eyes. Betty’s fate is sealed.Woodstock’s voice crackles to life in my ear, pushing its way past the buzz. “Satan’s taint!” He’s fighting the controls, somehow keeping us in the air despite the warning lights and the shaking.“Can we make it back to shore?” I ask.He glances at me, his mustache bending up with a lopsided smile.
