Salvage Station 23

Chapter 2, Part 3

~~~

The modified school bus rolled into the abandoned town, its occupants tense and alert. As they navigated through debris-strewn streets, Eli spotted a promising target.

"There," he pointed, his flashlight beam cutting through the gloom. "Looks like an old supermarket."

David maneuvered the bus into the cracked parking lot, the vehicle's reinforced frame groaning as it navigated around rusted car husks. "Good eye. Remember, we're in and out fast. Max, take point."

Max nodded, gripping his makeshift spear - a sturdy shaft with a wicked point, a powerful flashlight duct-taped near the business end. Aiden carried a similar weapon, while David clutched a heavy wrench. They'd agreed to save the ammo in their newly acquired Glock 22s for dire emergencies.

The team moved swiftly, entering the darkened store. Sunlight filtered through dirty windows, casting long shadows across aisles of long-expired goods. The smell of rot and mold hung heavy in the air.

"Spread out, but stay within earshot," David instructed. "Eli, keep that flashlight moving. We don't want any surprises."

They fanned out, quickly filling their bags with any usable supplies. The beam of Eli's flashlight danced across shelves, illuminating their prizes.

"Canned goods over here," Aiden called out softly, shoving tins into his backpack.

"Some medical supplies," Eli added from another aisle, carefully selecting bandages and antiseptics.

Max, ever vigilant, kept his spear at the ready as he moved between shelves. Something felt off, but he couldn't put his finger on it. The shadows seemed to shift when he wasn't looking directly at them.

As they worked, none of them noticed the subtle movements in the darkest corners of the store - the Jacks, waiting silently for their moment to strike.

Time passed quickly as they looted. David checked his watch, frowning. "We've been here too long. Let's wrap it up."

Suddenly, he noticed a change in the light filtering through the grimy windows. "Guys, it's getting dark. We need to move. Now."

As if on cue, rain began pattering against the roof. The team exchanged worried glances, knowing what this meant.

"Run!" David shouted as the first inhuman screech echoed through the store.

They bolted for the exit, Jacks emerging from hiding spots all around them. Max and Aiden used their spears to push back the closest creatures, the attached flashlights momentarily blinding the light-sensitive Jacks.

David swung his wrench in wide arcs, creating space for Eli to navigate with their precious supplies. They didn't dare use the Glocks, knowing the sound would only attract more attention.

The team fought their way through the parking lot, rain now pouring down in sheets. Jacks swarmed from every direction, their inhuman shrieks filling the air.

They reached the bus, David fumbling with the keys as the others formed a defensive circle. Max jabbed his spear at an approaching Jack, the creature recoiling from the bright light with a hiss.

"Go, go, go!" Aiden yelled as they piled into the bus.

David gunned the engine before the doors fully closed. As they sped away, tires screeching on wet asphalt, none of them noticed the slim figure that had slipped aboard in the chaos - Rosie, who had been looting their bus, now hiding in the very back.

Heart pounding, Rosie tried to steady her breathing. Rain lashed against the windows as David navigated the treacherous streets, Jacks in pursuit. As she shifted, her necklace caught on a piece of metal, snapping off. She reached for it desperately but couldn't grasp it in time.

The bus swerved and jolted, throwing everyone around. Max nearly lost his grip on his spear, while Eli clutched their hard-won supplies. Aiden kept watch out the rear window, calling out directions to help David evade their pursuers.

"Left! No, your other left!"

"Watch out for that overturned truck!"

Gradually, the sounds of pursuit faded. The team was too focused on escape to notice anything amiss within the bus.

But Max, ever observant, had caught a glimpse of movement in his peripheral vision. He kept quiet, eyes scanning the bus interior while the others celebrated their narrow escape.

"That was too close," Eli gasped, still clutching his flashlight like a lifeline.

"Yeah, but look at this haul," Aiden replied, gesturing to their bags of supplies. "It was worth it."

David, hands still white-knuckled on the steering wheel, just nodded grimly.

As the adrenaline began to fade and the bus settled into a steady rhythm on the rain-slicked road, Max made his move. Silently, he made his way to the back of the bus, spear at the ready.

Rosie, thinking she was safe, peeked out from her hiding spot - only to find Max standing there, her necklace dangling from his fingers. His spear was pointed at her, the attached flashlight illuminating her shocked face.

With a mischievous grin that didn't quite reach his eyes, Max asked, "Looking for this?"

Rosie froze for a split second, realizing her cover was blown. Then, in one fluid motion, she unsheathed her Double-ended katana, the twin blades gleaming in the flashlight's beam. She held it defensively, her cyan eyes locked on Max.

Max's eyebrows shot up, clearly not expecting such a formidable weapon. He adjusted his stance, spear still pointed at Rosie, but with more caution now.

"Whoa there," he said, his voice a mix of admiration and wariness. "That's quite a toothpick you've got."

Rosie didn't respond, her grip on the katana steady despite the bus's movement.

Max's voice cut through the post-escape chatter at the front of the bus. "Hey guys, I think we picked up an extra passenger. And she's armed to the teeth!"

As the others turned in surprise, the tension in the bus ratcheted up several notches. David struggled to keep the vehicle steady while trying to assess the new threat. Aiden moved to back up Max, his own spear at the ready, while Eli's flashlight beam joined Max's in illuminating the standoff.

Rosie knew she was in for the fight of her life. But as she stood there, Double-ended katana in hand, facing down four battle-hardened survivors, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of respect. In this world, being prepared for anything was nothing new - and these guys clearly knew what they were doing.

The rain continued to lash against the windows as the bus hurtled through the darkness, its occupants now facing a new kind of tension. The real challenge was just beginning, for both Rosie and the supply run team.

~~~