18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 82

Cody and Lukas were immediately intrigued when they were told they were making a sled for the alpha dog. They hadn't seen a sled in person, but they'd seen pictures. They figured they could whip one up with a bit of tinkering. "Cooper, you are indeed a force to be reckoned with. You can even pull a sled."

Cooper looked utterly baffled, thinking, "What's a sled?"

No worries. If his master believed he could do it, then surely he could. "Woof!"

Seeing a pile of thin, cut steel plates on the table, Stella asked curiously, "What are you guys doing with these?"

Lukas teased, "Guess."

"I don't want to guess." Stella raised her fist. "Just tell me."

Cody explained with a smile, "You know there's a gang that's been terrorizing the neighborhood, demanding food for protection. They're armed, and we're just flesh and blood. So Lukas and I thought we'd make some bulletproof vests."

Stella was taken aback. She hadn't expected them to be so prepared. But steel plates couldn't stop bullets.

"They might not stop bullets but they could provide some cushioning. If we get shot, they might just save our lives."

"No, no, don't talk about such ill-fated things."

Stella felt a sense of relief seeing them trying so hard to survive. When she told them she was going with Jasper to cut some bamboo the next day, Cody and Lukas wanted to help. But the situation was getting more dangerous, and they needed to stay behind to guard their floor.

"Don't worry about us. Anyone who wants our supplies will have to step over our dead bodies."

Stella wanted to tell them not to be so dramatic, but she knew if their floor was breached, the invaders wouldn't spare their lives.

to knock on our door when you

Stella returned home. Hector and Sadie were both gone. She made a hearty meal

it would've been better to let these two enjoy

until morning. As Angela had instructed, Stella knocked

was ready, fashioned from aluminum pipes to

vest. Actually, there were two vests, with thin steel plates sandwiched

it in her hand and could feel its weight, especially around the chest area, where additional plates were added to enhance

too dangerous out there. Wear this when you go out.

vest for Cooper too, but there wasn't enough

problem was...

I ask?" Stella was puzzled. "You can

was going on

and Rosie

to ask further. She went back

behind, Cooper not only followed Stella with every step but also held the rope in his mouth, thinking, "Come on, human, help me tie the

by Rosie, so Stella felt obligated

also heading to Griffith Mountain to cut wood, so they all left together. Stella didn't want to waste Cooper's talents, so she tried to tie the sled to him when they got downstairs.

know how to rig a sled,

to rig the sled onto Cooper. "The sled could use some modifications to make it

interested. "When we get back, try to make one. It will

a dog at home, but they could use a person

a German Shepherd, had excellent stamina and explosive power. As soon as the ropes

stunned and quickly chased after him. "Cooper, wait for

was dragging behind

his master had made for carrying wood. He held back and decided