Salvage Station 23

Chapter 3, Part 5

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The group moved cautiously down the corridor, their footsteps muffled by years of accumulated dust and debris. The air was thick with a musty odor, a mix of decay and disuse that clung to the back of their throats. Olivia led the way, her eyes constantly scanning their surroundings, while David brought up the rear, vigilantly watching their backs.

As they approached a junction in the hallway, Olivia held up a closed fist - the signal to stop. Everyone froze, barely daring to breathe. She pointed to a sign hanging askew from the ceiling: "Pharmacy - 2 Floors Down."

"We need to find a stairwell," Olivia whispered, her voice barely audible. "Keep your eyes peeled for any signs."

They continued forward, moving at an agonizingly slow pace. Every creak of the floor beneath their feet seemed magnified in the oppressive silence. Zoe's hand trembled slightly as she swept her LED light across the walls, illuminating faded posters and abandoned medical equipment.

Max, usually quick with a joke, remained uncharacteristically silent. His eyes darted from shadow to shadow, LED device held at the ready. Beside him, Rosie moved with a quiet grace, her years of survival evident in every calculated step.

As they rounded another corner, Aiden suddenly stiffened. He raised his hand slowly, signaling the others to stop. His eyes were fixed on a partially open door about twenty feet ahead.

"Movement," he mouthed silently, pointing towards the door.

The group instinctively tightened their formation, LED devices poised. Olivia nodded to Aiden, giving him silent permission to investigate.

Aiden crept forward, each step carefully placed to avoid making noise. As he neared the door, a soft scratching sound became audible. He paused, then slowly, ever so slowly, pushed the door open wider with the tip of his weapon.

The beam of his LED light cut through the darkness of the room, revealing a scene that made everyone's blood run cold. There, crouched in the corner, was a Jack.

The creature's emaciated form was hunched over something indistinguishable, its long, sharp claws scraping against the floor. Its skin was a sickly, mottled black, and when it turned its head towards the light, its sunken, glowing white eyes and permanent, ghastly grin sent shivers down their spines.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Then, with horrifying speed, the Jack lunged towards Aiden.

Aiden reacted instantly, cranking his LED device to full power. The intense beam hit the Jack square in the face, causing it to recoil with a hiss of pain. Its skin began to smoke where the light touched it.

Max and Rosie rushed forward to flank Aiden, their own lights joining his to create a barrier of searing brightness. The Jack thrashed and clawed at the air, unable to advance through the wall of light.

Olivia's voice cut through the tension, low but firm. "We can't let it make noise. Take it down, now!"

David moved in swiftly, his makeshift spear held high. With deadly precision, he thrust the weapon through the Jack's chest. The creature let out a choked gurgle, its permanent smile somehow twisting into a grimace of pain.

As the Jack slumped to the ground, Aiden and Max quickly dragged it fully into the room, closing the door behind them. The group huddled close, hearts pounding, listening intently for any sign that the commotion had attracted more Jacks.

Seconds ticked by like hours. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of held breaths and tense muscles, Olivia relaxed slightly.

"I think we're clear," she whispered. "Good work, everyone. That was... too close."

Zoe took a deep breath, steadying herself. "No matter how many times we encounter them, it never gets easier," she whispered, her face pale in the dim light.

Rosie nodded in understanding, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You're right. But you handled it well, just like always."

Olivia addressed the group, her voice low but firm. "We knew there would be Jacks here, but this confirms they're active and nearby. We need to stay extra vigilant. Let's find that stairwell and get to the pharmacy as quickly and quietly as possible. The sooner we get what we need, the sooner we can get out of here."

The group nodded in silent agreement, their expressions a mix of determination and caution. They had trained for this, prepared for it, but the reality of facing the Jacks in their territory was still unnerving. Nevertheless, they steeled themselves, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in the depths of St. Mercy Hospital.

~~~