18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 88

Police officers were humans too. Already understaffed, their numbers further dwindled when disaster struck or rescue missions went awry. Yet, the evil forces seemed to multiply, flourishing at every corner, with crimes occurring everywhere. Numerous public servants even lost their lives at the hands of these villains. These scoundrels were elusive as ghosts, covered head to toe, with only their eyes visible. They were armed with guns and bribing local informants. If anyone dared to call the police or resist, they were met with a gruesome end.

At the 18th floor, Angela couldn't hold back. "Whoever wants to comply can do so, but I certainly won't." She'd always been the type to punch others, not the one to take crap from anyone.

Stella remained calm. "Katie, none of us should give into their demands."

Katie understood. "Mikey and his parents won't be back to work for a few more days. We'll face this together then. I won't be a burden to you all."

Back home, she discussed with her son and others. "I think we must do the same as those on the 18th floor. We absolutely should not give in. What do you all think?"

The Moore family held traditional values and the grandmother was always the backbone of the family. Joey had no objections. "Mom, we'll follow your lead."

"Good, as long as you all understand that we alone are not enough." Katie had a plan. "Remember, unity is strength especially in difficult times. If those bad guys charge at us, we'll be the first to suffer. We need to get the two neighboring families on board as well. Everyone fears death, but fear is useless. We are already at a disadvantage. If we hide, we'll only discourage others."

"One might escape once, but definitely not twice. Even if I'm not around one day, you must uphold the basic principles of humanity. Cowardice will only hasten death."

Having had the heart-to-heart with the younger generation, Katie went out to knock on her neighbors' doors.

The conversation went surprisingly smoothly, and the other two families agreed without hesitation. She finally felt a weight lifted off her chest.

A new day dawned. The 18th floor was bustling with activity, both humans and dog engaging in exercise. Thud, thud, thud...

Suddenly, a cacophony of noise erupted from below, followed by piercing screams. The commotion was so loud that it felt like the roof would collapse.

looks. The thugs had arrived to

building residents were terrified, and their faces were pale with

of Drew's decent image, the survivors all turned to him for help. As expected,

dragged into the next room and was beaten till he bled

only him, but other key members were also beaten. One particularly attractive girl

each month. You guys think you're tough?

really can't afford that. How can you ask for six pounds? That's like asking for

the tough

he was dragged into the next room for another round of beating. He was thrown back, bloodied, and battered. Drew was on the brink of death

who refuses to pay will end

pounds. Look, can we do

respond and just stared at

the blood on his face. "I'm sorry I let you all down. I promised to protect you and I failed. If you want to hit or chew anyone out, aim it all at

spoke, he coughed

pay three? But when they saw Drew take a beating for them, they

brave one shouted, "We can give the food, but you have

if the 18th floor gives food, we'll too. Not a single

well! Their rooms are filled with food. If you're brave enough, make them pay

rang out, each filled

wouldn't be able to wrap

floor anyway. Once they

fearless survivors watched with malicious glee. No matter who won or lost, it would serve as a vent for their

these fools downstairs. Since they were here, they might as well