Salvage Station 23

Chapter 2, Part 2

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The modified school bus rumbled down the cracked and overgrown highway, its reinforced frame creaking softly as it navigated around abandoned vehicles and debris. Inside, the atmosphere was tense but focused, each member of the supply run team lost in their own thoughts.

David sat at the wheel, his weathered hands gripping it tightly as his eyes scanned the road ahead. In the seat behind him, Max fidgeted restlessly, eager to be out scouting.

"How much further to the town Mia mentioned?" Eli asked, breaking the silence. He was hunched over a makeshift map spread across his knees, various markers and notes scribbled across its surface.

David glanced at the old, cracked GPS unit he'd jerry-rigged to the dashboard. "Should be coming up in about ten miles," he replied. "We'll head straight in. Time's not on our side, and we need those supplies."

Aiden nodded from his position near the rear of the bus. "Agreed. We should be ready for anything though. Max, you take point once we're in town."

"Got it," Max replied, his usual grin replaced by a look of determination.

As they continued down the road, the landscape gradually changed. The sprawling suburbs gave way to more rural areas, fields overgrown and dotted with the rusting hulks of farm equipment.

Suddenly, Max leaned forward, pointing. "There! That looks promising."

Off to the side of the road stood an old gas station, its windows boarded up and pumps long since run dry. Behind it, barely visible through the encroaching vegetation, was what looked like a small mechanic's garage.

David slowed the bus, carefully pulling off the main road and into the crumbling parking lot. As the engine died, the silence that fell was almost oppressive.

"Alright," David said, turning to face the team. "We do this by the book. Max, you're up first. Scout the perimeter, make sure we're alone out here."

Max nodded, his usual grin replaced by a look of intense focus. He slipped out of the bus, moving with a stealth that belied his lanky frame.

"Aiden, you're on overwatch," David continued. "Find a good vantage point and keep an eye out for any movement, Jack or otherwise."

Aiden nodded silently, retrieving his weapon before exiting the bus.

"Eli, you're with me," David finished. "Once Max gives the all-clear, we'll check out that garage. Might be some useful supplies in there, and it could make a good temporary base."

As they waited for Max to return, the tension in the air was palpable. Eli fiddled nervously with one of his inventions, while David double-checked their weapons and supplies.

After what felt like an eternity, Max's voice crackled over the walkie-talkie. "Perimeter's clear. No signs of recent activity, Jack or human. But guys... you're gonna want to see this."

David and Eli exchanged a look of concern before David responded. "What is it, Max?"

As Max's voice came through again, there was a mix of excitement and curiosity in his tone. "Guys, you're not going to believe this. There's a generator in here, and it looks like it's in working condition."

David and Eli exchanged surprised glances before David responded. "That's a great find, Max. Anything else?"

"Yeah," Max replied after a brief pause. "I've found two Glock 22s. They seem to be in good shape too."

The implications of these finds hung in the air. A working generator and two firearms were valuable resources in their world.

"Alright," David said, his voice steady but with a hint of urgency. "Let's get these back to the bus. We don't want to linger here too long."

The team worked quickly and efficiently to load the generator and weapons onto the school bus. They moved with practiced ease, always keeping an eye on their surroundings. Despite the excitement of their find, they knew better than to let their guard down.

Once everything was secured, David took his place behind the wheel once more. "Good work, everyone," he said, starting the engine. "Now, let's continue on to the town. Stay alert."

As the modified school bus rumbled back onto the road, the team felt a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The unexpected bounty they'd found was encouraging, but they all knew that in this world, good fortune often came hand in hand with new dangers.

The bus continued down the cracked highway, carrying its occupants towards the town and whatever challenges awaited them there. The supply run was far from over, and they all knew that in this harsh new world, anything could happen.

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