Salvage Station 23

Chapter 2, Part 7

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Rosie awoke to the unfamiliar sound of distant chatter and clanking metal. For a moment, panic gripped her as she tried to remember where she was. Then it all came flooding back - Salvage Station 23, the supply run, the interrogation. She sat up, her hand instinctively reaching for her double-ended katana.

A knock on the door made her jump. "Rise and shine, newbie!" Max grinned, far too energetic for the early hour. "Hope you like your eggs post-apocalyptic style - slightly radioactive with a hint of despair!"

Rosie raised an eyebrow. "Radioactive eggs? Is that your secret weapon against the Jacks?"

"Nah," Max chuckled, "but Eli's cooking might be. It's a toss-up whether it'll kill you or make you stronger."

Rosie allowed herself a small smile as she got ready. When she emerged from her makeshift room, Max was waiting, grinning ear to ear.

"Sleep well?" he asked, falling into step beside her.

"Better than I expected," Rosie admitted. "So, what's on the agenda for today?"

Max shrugged. "Oh, you know, the usual. Survive, scavenge, try not to get eaten by Jacks. But first, breakfast!"

As they entered the dining area, Rosie was struck by the lively atmosphere. A cacophony of voices and clattering utensils greeted them.

David was the first to notice their arrival. "Morning, Rosie," he nodded, his tone cautious but not unfriendly. "Hope you're ready for Eli's cooking. It's an... experience."

Eli stood behind a makeshift counter, proudly presenting his culinary creations. "Ah, our new guest!" Eli beamed, brandishing a spatula like a scepter. "Care for some of my world-famous 'End of Days' omelette?"

Aiden, overhearing this, snorted. "That's one way to put it. I'd say it's more like culinary Russian roulette."

Zoe, hunched over a battered notebook at a nearby table, looked up. "Don't listen to them, Rosie. It's not that bad. Usually."

As Eli started distributing plates of what looked like scrambled eggs mixed with... something. Rosie accepted a plate from Eli with a hesitant smile. "Thanks. It looks... interesting."

Rosie spoke up. "Actually, I could cook if you'd like. I'm pretty good at making something out of whatever's available."

The room fell silent for a moment, everyone exchanging glances.

"You cook?" Max asked, eyebrows raised.

Rosie nodded. "It was part of my duties back at my old camp. Had to keep morale up somehow."

Olivia, who had been quietly observing, nodded. "Alright, let's see what you can do. Eli, show her where everything is."

As Rosie familiarized herself with the makeshift kitchen, Zoe approached her, curiosity evident in her eyes. "So, Rosie, about your immunity..."

"Still wanting to run those tests?" Rosie asked, cracking eggs into a bowl.

Zoe nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely. But, well, most of my equipment was in that storage room we had to burn down. You know, the one with the Jacks?"

"Can't you get more on a supply run?" Rosie asked, stirring in some dried herbs she'd found.

David, overhearing, shook his head. "We just did a run yesterday. The one where we found you, remember? Got chased by Jacks on the way out. It'll be a while before we can risk another one."

Rosie paused, considering. "I might know a place that could have what you need. It's not too far from here."

Aiden, who had been silently watching the exchange, spoke up. "And you're just offering this information out of the goodness of your heart?"

"Aiden," Max warned, but Rosie held up a hand.

"It's a fair question," she said, meeting Aiden's gaze. "Look, I know you don't trust me yet. But I'm here now, and I want to contribute. If I can help, I will."

A thoughtful silence fell over the group, broken only by the sizzle of Rosie's cooking.

"We'll discuss it after breakfast," Olivia finally said. "For now, let's see if Rosie's culinary skills match her fighting ones."

As Rosie finished cooking and began serving, the atmosphere lightened. The aroma of fresh, well-prepared food seemed to lift everyone's spirits.

"Okay," Max said, inhaling deeply, "this smells amazing. What is it?"

Rosie smiled as she distributed the plates. "Just a simple herb omelette with some canned vegetables. Nothing fancy, but it should taste better than... whatever that was supposed to be earlier."

Eli feigned offense. "Hey, my 'Apocalypse Surprise' is a delicacy!"

"Yeah, a delicacy that might actually bring about the second apocalypse," Aiden muttered, earning a chuckle from the group.

As they all settled down to eat, the conversation flowed more freely.

"So, Rosie," David began, between bites, "where did you learn to cook like this?"

Rosie hesitated for a moment before answering. "My... guardian taught me. He always said that in tough times, a good meal can be as valuable as ammunition."

"Smart man," Olivia commented, her expression thoughtful.

"This is seriously good," Zoe said, already halfway through her plate. "You know, with your cooking skills and possible immunity, you're quickly becoming our most valuable asset."

Max grinned. "Hey, what about my dashing good looks and sparkling wit?"

"Sorry, Max," Aiden deadpanned, "but I'd trade your 'wit' for a decent meal any day."

As laughter rippled through the group, Rosie felt a warmth she hadn't experienced in months. It wasn't trust, not yet, but it was a start.

Zoe turned to Rosie, curiosity glinting in her eyes. "By the way, about your immunity... is it just for that one sickness, or have you noticed anything else?"

Rosie hesitated, her hand unconsciously moving to her necklace. "I'm... not sure."

Zoe's eyes lit up with scientific excitement. "Fascinating! Once we get that equipment, we'll have to run a full battery of tests. This could be groundbreaking!"

"So," Eli piped up, "about that place you mentioned for medical supplies..."

Olivia held up a hand. "Let's finish eating first. Then we can talk strategy."

The conversation shifted to lighter topics as they continued their meal. Max regaled them with an exaggerated tale of his latest scavenging adventure, while Zoe and Eli debated the merits of various improvised power sources.

Rosie found herself relaxing, drawn into the easy camaraderie of the group. She even caught Aiden cracking a smile at one of Max's jokes, though he quickly hid it behind his mug.

As the meal wound down, Olivia cleared her throat. "Alright, Rosie. Tell us about this place you think might have medical supplies."

All eyes turned to Rosie as she began to explain. "It's an old hospital, about 20 miles east of here. I came across it during my travels, but I couldn't get in alone. With a group, though..."

As Rosie laid out what she knew about the facility, the others listened intently, occasionally interjecting with questions or suggestions. The remnants of breakfast lay forgotten as they began to plan their next, crucial supply run.

~~~