Salvage Station 23

Chapter 2, Part 6

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The corridors of Salvage Station 23 were dimly lit as Max led Rosie through the labyrinth of repurposed train cars and makeshift structures. The sound of their footsteps echoed softly in the quiet night.

"So," Max began, breaking the silence, "that was quite a story back there. Former leader, huh?"

Rosie nodded, her eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. "It feels like a lifetime ago now."

Max chuckled softly. "Yeah, I bet. This world has a way of making yesterday feel like ancient history." He paused, glancing at her. "You know, for what it's worth, I believe you."

Rosie's cyan eyes met his, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. "Why?"

"Call it intuition," Max shrugged. "Plus, anyone who can handle a double-ended katana like that has got to have some serious training."

A ghost of a smile touched Rosie's lips. "It's served me well."

They turned a corner, entering what appeared to be a residential area. Converted train cars lined the walls, each serving as a small living space.

"Here we are," Max said, stopping in front of one of the cars. "Home sweet home, at least for tonight."

Rosie peered inside. The space was small but clean, with a narrow bed, a small table, and a battery-powered lamp.

"It's not much," Max admitted, "but it's safe. Well, as safe as anything can be these days."

Rosie nodded, stepping inside. "It's more than I've had in months. Thank you."

Max leaned against the doorframe, his expression turning serious. "Look, I know Olivia can seem... intense. But she's just trying to protect us all. Give her time, show her what you can do, and she'll come around."

"And the others?" Rosie asked, setting her katana within easy reach of the bed.

"They'll follow Olivia's lead, mostly. Eli and Zoe are pretty open-minded. Aiden might take some convincing, but he's a good guy underneath all that gruff exterior."

Rosie sat on the edge of the bed, her posture still tense. "And you? What's your story, Max?"

Max's usual grin faltered for a moment. "That's a tale for another time. Let's just say we've all got our reasons for being here." He straightened up, his smile returning. "Get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be a big day – Zoe's tests, meeting everyone properly, maybe even seeing what you can do with that blade of yours."

As he turned to leave, Rosie called out softly, "Max?"

He paused, looking back. "Yeah?"

"Thank you. For giving me a chance."

Max nodded, his expression warm. "That's what we do here. Second chances are hard to come by these days. Might as well make the most of them."

With that, he closed the door, leaving Rosie alone with her thoughts.

As silence settled over the station, Rosie lay back on the bed, her hand instinctively reaching for her necklace. So much had changed in just a few hours. She closed her eyes, memories of her old camp mixing with images of her new surroundings.

As the night deepened, Salvage Station 23 settled into an uneasy quiet. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new tests, and perhaps, new alliances. For Rosie, it was the first step on a new path – one that could lead to redemption or ruin. Only time would tell which way the scales would tip in this precarious new world.

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