71

FROM THE EAST, THREE pink F/A-18 Super Hornets cross from the Sinai Desert and are now over open water heading due west at almost twice the speed of sound. In the lead aircraft, Jimbo opens communications, until now suppressed lest their electronic signatures be picked up by US signal-monitoring satellites overhead. “In four to engage. Reducing to attack speed. How you ladies doin’? Over.”

Stan: “Reducing speed. Guys, not too late to turn back. My war. Over.”

Chris: “Shut your pie hole. Over.”

Stan: “I’ll never forget this. Over.”

Chris: “Ain’t happened yet. Over.”

Jimbo: “Happenin’ in two. Ourah! Over.”

Stan: “Roger that. Ourah! Over.”

Jimbo: “We have tally. Repeat, we have visual at nine o’clock. Careful of them cargo tubs, ladies. Ourah and shaalome!”