Salvage Station 23

Chapter 2, Part 1

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The early morning sun cast long shadows across the train yard of Salvage Station 23 as the supply run team made their final preparations. The modified school bus, a behemoth of reinforced metal and improvised armor, idled quietly, a testament to David's mechanical skills.

Olivia stood before the assembled group, her face a mask of determined calm. "Alright, team," she said, her voice carrying across the yard. "We've been over the plan, but let's review one last time."

She turned to David, who stood by the driver's side door. "David, you're our wheel man. You know that bus better than anyone. Keep it running and get us out of there if things go south."

David nodded grimly, his weathered face set with resolve. "Count on it," he replied.

"Max," Olivia continued, "you're our scout. Your job is to run ahead, check for dangers, and guide us to the safest routes."

Max grinned, despite the tension in the air. "Don't worry, I'll keep my eyes peeled for any ugly surprises."

"Eli," Olivia said, turning to the young inventor, "you're in charge of identifying and collecting the supplies we need. Focus on materials for reinforcing our defenses and anything that might help against these new Jack variants."

Eli nodded, his eyes bright with determination. "I've got the list memorized. We'll come back with everything we need, and then some."

Olivia paused, her gaze falling on Aiden, who stood at the ready with his gear packed. "Aiden, I know this was a last-minute decision, but I'm glad you're going. Your combat skills could make all the difference out there."

Aiden's face remained stoic, but he gave a short nod. "I'll watch their backs," he said simply.

Zoe stepped forward, handing each member of the team a walkie-talkie. "I've tweaked these to extend their range," she explained. "They should work within about a five-mile radius now. Use them to stay in touch if you get separated."

Eli grinned, examining the modified device. "Nice work, Zoe. These could be a real lifesaver out there."

"Just remember," Zoe added, her expression serious, "battery life is still limited. Use them sparingly."

The team nodded, clipping the walkie-talkies to their belts or stowing them in easily accessible pockets. The familiar weight of the devices was reassuring, a tangible link back to Salvage Station 23 and the friends they were leaving behind.

As the team checked their gear one last time, the rest of the Salvage Station 23 residents gathered around. Liam approached his brother, worry etched on his young face.

"Be careful out there, okay?" he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Aiden's expression softened for a moment as he placed a hand on Liam's shoulder. "Always am, little brother. You focus on getting stronger while I'm gone."

Mia hugged her father tightly. "Come back safe, Dad," she murmured into his chest.

David held her close for a moment before gently pulling away. "I will, sweetheart. Keep the home fires burning for us."

As the team began to board the bus, Olivia addressed them one last time. "Remember, this isn't just about supplies. We need information too. Keep your eyes open for any signs of these new Jack variants or anything else that might help us understand what we're up against."

She paused, looking each of them in the eye. "Most importantly, watch out for each other. You're no good to us dead. If things look too dangerous, you pull out. Understood?"

A chorus of affirmatives answered her.

"Good luck," Olivia said finally, her voice carrying the weight of their hopes and fears. "Come back to us."

With a final wave, the team boarded the bus. David fired up the engine, its low rumble a stark contrast to the usual silence of their world. As the gates of Salvage Station 23 creaked open, the modified school bus rolled forward, carrying its precious cargo of brave souls into the unknown.

Olivia watched until the bus disappeared from view, the knot of anxiety in her stomach tightening. She felt a presence beside her and turned to see Zoe, her face a mirror of Olivia's own concern.

"They'll be okay, right?" Zoe asked, her voice small.

Olivia put an arm around the younger girl's shoulders. "They have to be," she replied, as much to convince herself as Zoe. "Come on, we've got work to do. Let's make sure we're ready for whatever they bring back."

As they turned back to the station, the sun climbed higher in the sky, promising another long day in this harsh new world. But for the residents of Salvage Station 23, it was also a day of hope - hope that their friends would return safely, hope that they'd find the supplies they desperately needed, and hope that somehow, they'd find a way to survive whatever challenges lay ahead.

Little did they know that miles away, in a small forgotten town, a survivor were about to cross paths with their friends, setting in motion a chain of events that would change all their lives forever.

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