The last city sprawls below—a hodgepodge of rooftop slums. With the deafening thump of helicopter blades pounding in my skull, I radio the pilot. “Target below. Keep us steady.”
One finger trembling on the switch, I repeat my mantra. We tried everything.
A small group hails us from a hospital helipad, arms flailing madly. Leaning out, I spot a single child, starved and dirty. My breath catches. The remains of a plushie dangle from their hand. I swear they look right into my eyes.
I swallow my guilt, convince myself they’re infected, and drop the payload.
We tried everything.
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