Salvage Station 23

Chapter 3, Part 4

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The group entered the hospital, their eyes adjusting to the dimness after the bright morning light outside. The stale air inside was thick with dust and the unmistakable scent of abandonment. Olivia signaled for everyone to pause just inside the doorway, allowing them a moment to acclimate and assess their surroundings.

They found themselves in what appeared to be a maintenance area, filled with abandoned cleaning supplies and equipment. Cobwebs hung from corners, and a thick layer of dust covered every surface.

Aiden whispered, breaking the tense silence, "Which way to the main hospital areas?"

Olivia consulted the crude map they had drawn based on Rosie's recollections. "There should be a stairwell to our left. We'll head down to the top floor of the main building from there."

David raised his hand slightly, drawing attention. "Before we move, let's do a quick equipment check. Everyone, lights on."

One by one, they activated their LED devices. The powerful beams cut through the gloom, revealing more details of their immediate surroundings. Zoe adjusted her device, switching it to the lower intensity setting they had agreed to use for navigation.

"Remember," Rosie murmured, "full intensity is for emergencies only. We don't want to drain the batteries unnecessarily."

Max nodded, his usual jovial expression replaced by one of intense focus. "Roger that. Low and slow until we need to light up the dance floor."

As they moved towards the stairwell, Olivia's radio crackled softly. She quickly answered, keeping her voice low. "Go ahead, Eli."

Eli's voice came through, slightly distorted but clear enough. "Just checking in. All quiet out here. How's it looking inside?"

"So far, so good," Olivia replied. "We're about to head down to the main floors. Keep us posted if anything changes out there."

"Will do. Stay safe."

The group reached the stairwell door. Aiden and David took up positions on either side, LED devices at the ready. Olivia placed her hand on the door handle, looking back at the others. "Remember, we don't know what's down there. Stay alert, stay together. If anyone sees or hears anything suspicious, signal immediately. Ready?"

Everyone nodded, tension visible in their postures.

Olivia pushed the door open slowly, wincing at the slight creak of unoiled hinges. The stairwell beyond was pitch black, their LED beams creating eerie, shifting shadows as they swept the area.

"I'll take point," David whispered, stepping forward. "Aiden, you bring up the rear. Everyone else, file in between us."

They began their descent, each step carefully placed to minimize noise. The silence was oppressive, broken only by their muffled footsteps and the occasional soft clink of equipment.

Halfway down, Zoe suddenly froze, her breath catching audibly. Olivia, right behind her, placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. "What is it?" she breathed.

Zoe pointed with a shaking hand. In the corner of the landing below them, barely visible in the dim light, was a dark, humanoid shape.

The group tensed, LED devices instantly switching to full power and training on the figure. For a heart-stopping moment, no one moved.

Then Max let out a soft, nervous chuckle. "It's okay," he whispered. "It's just a mop and bucket. Look."

As their eyes adjusted, they could see he was right. What had appeared to be a crouched figure was indeed just an overturned cleaning cart, a mop leaning against the wall creating the illusion of a human form.

Rosie let out a shaky breath. "Good catch, Zoe. Better safe than sorry."

They continued down, eventually reaching the door to the top floor of the main hospital building. This time, it was Aiden who stepped forward to open it, with David covering him.

The door swung open silently, revealing a long, debris-strewn corridor beyond. Faded signs pointed the way to various hospital departments.

Olivia consulted their map again. "The pharmacy should be two floors down. We'll make our way there first, then hit the cafeteria for food supplies if time allows."

As they stepped out into the corridor, the reality of their situation seemed to hit home. They were deep in unknown, potentially hostile territory, with their safety and the future of Salvage Station 23 hanging in the balance.

Olivia's voice, barely above a whisper, broke the silence. "Alright, team. This is it. Let's move out."

And with that, they began their careful journey into the heart of St. Mercy Hospital, each step taking them closer to their goal – and potentially closer to danger.

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