Salvage Station 23

Chapter 3, Part 3

~~~

The group stood at the base of the fire escape, their eyes tracing the zigzag of metal stairs leading up to the roof of St. Mercy Hospital. The morning sun cast long shadows across the abandoned parking lot, creating an eerie interplay of light and dark.

Olivia turned to address the team one last time before they ascended. "Alright, everyone. This is our last moment of relative safety. Any final thoughts or concerns?"

Max, his usual joviality subdued, spoke up. "Just wondering... what if the roof access door is locked?"

Rosie patted the small backpack she was carrying. "I've got that covered. Brought along some basic lockpicking tools. If we can't get through, we'll find another way."

Olivia nodded approvingly. "Good thinking, Rosie. Any other questions?"

When no one else spoke up, she continued, "Okay. Remember, we move quietly. No unnecessary chatter. Use hand signals when possible. Aiden and David, you're up front. Max and Rosie, bring up the rear. Zoe and I will be in the middle. Let's move."

As the main team began their ascent, Olivia turned to Eli, Mia, and Liam, who were standing near the bus. "You three know what to do, right?"

Liam nodded, his posture straight and determined. "We've got it covered. I'll keep the engine running, ready for a quick getaway if needed."

"I'll be on lookout," Mia added, her voice steady despite the nervousness in her eyes. "Any sign of trouble, and I'll alert you guys immediately."

Eli held up the radio he'd been tinkering with. "And I'll be monitoring all frequencies, keeping an ear out for any chatter that might indicate trouble heading our way."

Olivia smiled, a mix of pride and concern in her expression. "Good. Stay safe, stay alert. We're counting on you three."

With a final nod, she turned and began climbing the fire escape, joining the rest of the team.

The ascent was slow and deliberate, each step carefully placed to minimize noise. About halfway up, Zoe paused, her breath coming in short gasps. "Sorry," she whispered to Olivia, who had stopped behind her. "Just... need a moment."

Olivia placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Take your time. Deep breaths. You've got this."

After a few seconds, Zoe nodded and continued climbing.

As they neared the top, David, who was leading the group, held up a closed fist - the signal to stop. Everyone froze, barely daring to breathe.

"What is it?" Aiden whispered, his muscles tense and ready for action.

David pointed to a bird's nest perched precariously on the railing just above them. "Didn't want to disturb it. Might attract unwanted attention if the birds start squawking."

He carefully reached out, gently moving the nest to a more secure position on a nearby ledge. The mother bird, watching warily from a distance, chirped softly but didn't raise an alarm.

"Nice save," Max murmured from the back of the line. "Who knew you had a soft spot for birds, Dave?"

David shrugged, a hint of a smile on his weathered face. "Every life is precious these days."

They continued their climb, finally reaching the roof access door. Rosie stepped forward, pulling out her lockpicking tools. "Give me a minute," she whispered, kneeling in front of the lock.

The others formed a protective circle around her, their eyes scanning the rooftop for any signs of movement. The only sounds were the soft scraping of Rosie's tools and the distant cry of a seagull.

After what felt like an eternity but was probably only a couple of minutes, there was a soft click. Rosie looked up, a triumphant gleam in her eye. "We're in."

Olivia nodded, her hand resting on the door handle. "Remember," she said softly, "we don't know what's on the other side. Stay alert, stay together. Ready?"

A chorus of quiet affirmations answered her.

With a deep breath, Olivia pushed the door open, and the team stepped into the shadowy interior of St. Mercy Hospital, leaving the morning light behind. The real test was about to begin.

~~~