Salvage Station 23

Chapter 3, Part 1

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The pre-dawn air was crisp and still as Salvage Station 23 stirred to life. Today was the day they'd all been preparing for - the raid on St. Mercy Hospital.

Liam was the first to emerge from his sleeping area, stretching his now fully healed leg. He moved with a newfound confidence, eager to prove his worth on this crucial mission. As he made his way to the common area, he found Olivia already there, poring over their hand-drawn maps one last time.

"Morning," he said softly, not wanting to startle her.

Olivia looked up, a small smile breaking through her concentrated expression. "Liam. How's the leg?"

"Good as new," he replied, demonstrating with a little hop. "I'm ready for this."

Olivia nodded approvingly. "Glad to hear it. We need everyone at their best today."

As they spoke, the rest of the group began to filter in. Aiden immediately made his way to Liam, giving his brother a quick once-over before seemingly satisfying himself that Liam was indeed fully recovered.

Max yawned dramatically as he entered. "Who ordered the crack-of-dawn wake-up call? Oh right, the Jacks did."

Despite the tension in the air, a few chuckles rippled through the group at Max's quip.

Rosie was the last to arrive, her face set in grim determination. "The bus is prepped and ready to go. I've done one last check on the fuel lines."

"Excellent," Olivia said, straightening up. "Alright, everyone. This is it. Let's gear up."

The next few minutes were a flurry of activity as everyone donned their protective gear and checked their weapons. Eli and Zoe distributed the LED devices, offering last-minute reminders about their operation.

Once everyone was geared up, they gathered around Olivia for a final moment of unity. No words were needed; the gravity of the situation was reflected in their solemn expressions, but there was also a sense of readiness and determination.

As a group, they moved towards the large, repurposed train depot where their modified bus waited. The vehicle, once a symbol of everyday life, now stood as their lifeline and mobile fortress.

Liam climbed into the driver's seat, his hands steady on the wheel despite the butterflies in his stomach. Eli and Mia took their positions, ready for their support roles.

As the rest of the group boarded, Olivia paused at the bus door, taking one last look around the station that had been their sanctuary. For a moment, the weight of responsibility seemed to press heavily on her shoulders. Then, squaring them, she turned and boarded the bus.

"Let's roll," she said to Liam.

With a nod, Liam started the engine. The bus rumbled to life, the sound echoing through the cavernous depot. As Liam carefully maneuvered the bus towards the large doors of the station, each member of the group couldn't help but wonder: would they all make it back?

The massive doors creaked open, revealing the abandoned streets beyond. As the bus crossed the threshold, leaving the safety of Salvage Station 23 behind, the first rays of sunlight began to peek over the horizon. The tension was palpable as they drove, each lost in their own thoughts, mentally preparing for the challenges ahead. The fate of their home and family hung in the balance, resting on the success of this high-stakes mission to St. Mercy Hospital.

~~~