Salvage Station 23

Chapter 2, Part 11

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On the roof of an old passenger car, now repurposed as a lookout point, David, Mia, and Rosie sat huddled together, their legs dangling over the edge. The impending hospital raid, scheduled for two days from now, weighed heavily on their minds as they made final preparations.

David methodically inspected the blade of his hunting knife, his brow furrowed in concentration. "You girls ready for this?"

Mia nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. "As ready as we'll ever be, I guess." She paused, glancing over at Rosie. "How about you? This place you scouted - you sure it's as bad as you say?"

Rosie's cyan eyes met Mia's, unwavering. "Worse, probably. Hospitals were ground zero when everything fell apart. The Jacks swarmed them looking for the injured and sick." She shuddered slightly. "I've seen the aftermath. It's not a pretty sight."

David hummed thoughtfully. "We've dealt with Jacks before, but never on that scale. You really think we can pull this off in just two days?"

Rosie considered the question for a moment. "Honestly? I don't know. But if there's a chance to stock up on vital supplies, we have to try." Her gaze hardened with determination. "I won't let the others go in there alone."

Mia reached out and gave Rosie's arm a reassuring squeeze. "You're not alone this time. We've got your back - all of us."

David gave Mia a proud smile, then turned to Rosie. "She's right. We're in this together. Whatever happens in that hospital, we'll face it as a team."

Rosie nodded, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. "Thanks. I... I appreciate that." She paused, then added, "I'm glad I found you all."

"We're glad to have you," David replied. He placed a hand on Rosie's shoulder, his expression warm. "Now, let's make sure we're ready to give those Jacks hell, huh?"

Just then, Max sauntered over, his signature grin plastered across his face. "Hey, what's going on over here? Strategizing without me?"

Mia rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "Just making sure we're all prepared for the big day, Max."

Max waggled his eyebrows playfully. "Ah, yes, the hospital heist. I can't wait to show off my spear-throwing skills!"

David chuckled, shaking his head. "Focus, Max. This isn't some game. We need to be on our toes in just two days."

"I know, I know," Max said, his tone turning more serious. "But come on, a little excitement never hurt anyone, right?" He turned to Rosie, his eyes gleaming. "So, what's the plan? How do we make sure those Jacks don't turn us into shish kebab?"

Rosie couldn't help but smile at Max's infectious enthusiasm. "Well, we're going to use the hospital's layout to our advantage. And Eli and Zoe have a plan to help keep the Jacks at bay."

"Ooh, sounds intriguing," Max said, leaning in eagerly. "Do tell!"

As Rosie began explaining their strategy, the group fell into a focused, yet strangely comfortable discussion, the weight of the mission ahead tempered by the camaraderie they had built together.

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