Salvage Station 23

Chapter 2, Part 10

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The day before the mission, the makeshift armory of Salvage Station 23 buzzed with activity as Max and Aiden sorted through their gear. Liam sat nearby on a crate, helping to check equipment despite his injured leg. The clatter of metal and the rustle of fabric filled the air, punctuated by their animated conversation.

Max twirled his spear expertly, a grin plastered across his face. "You know, I've been thinking. Maybe we should give our little expedition a cool name. How about 'Operation Mercy Mayhem'?"

Aiden rolled his eyes as he checked the edge on his crowbar. "Seriously, Max? This isn't some video game."

"Aw, come on!" Max protested. "Where's your sense of adventure? Liam, back me up here!"

Liam chuckled as he inventoried their supply of batteries. "I don't know, Max. It does sound a bit over the top."

Max clutched his chest in mock hurt. "Et tu, Liam? I'm wounded!"

Aiden snorted, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. "How about we focus on not getting killed instead of coming up with cheesy operation names?"

"Por qué no los dos?" Max quipped, earning confused looks from the brothers. "What? I picked up a little Spanish from some old DVDs."

Liam shook his head, grinning. "You're something else, Max."

As they continued their preparations, Aiden's expression grew more serious. He turned to Liam, his voice low. "You sure you're okay with being in the bus? I know you want to help more directly."

Liam's smile faded slightly, but he nodded. "Yeah, I'm sure. I mean, I wish I could go into the hospital with you guys, but..." He gestured to his still-healing leg. "I'd just slow you down. Besides, someone's got to keep Eli from rewiring the bus while you're gone, right?"

Max laughed. "Good point! Remember that time he tried to 'improve' the toaster?"

The tension broke as all three burst into laughter, recalling the incident that had left the common area smelling like burnt rubber for days.

"But seriously," Max continued, his tone unusually sincere, "you're doing important work in the bus, Liam. We'll need you guys to keep us coordinated and safe."

Aiden nodded in agreement. "Max is right. For once," he added with a smirk.

"Hey!" Max protested, flicking a small pebble at Aiden, who dodged it easily.

Liam smiled, warmth spreading through his chest at their words. "Thanks, guys. I'll do my best to keep things running smoothly from the bus."

"Just promise me one thing," Aiden said, his eyes locking with Liam's. "If anything goes wrong, if you guys need to bail, don't wait for us. You get Eli and Mia, and you get out of there. Understand?"

The seriousness in Aiden's voice made Liam swallow hard, but he nodded. "I understand. But it won't come to that. You guys are going to pull this off, I know it."

Max clapped both brothers on the shoulder. "Damn straight we are! And when we get back, we're going to have ourselves a feast fit for kings. I'm talking expired canned goods, slightly stale crackers, the works!"

The three erupted in laughter again, the sound echoing through the armory. As they returned to their preparations, the mood remained light, but underneath it all was a current of determination. They knew the risks, but they also knew what was at stake. Whatever challenges lay ahead at St. Mercy Hospital, they would face them together, each playing their crucial role in the mission's success.

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