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 collect

were terrified, and their faces were

As expected, he once again took the initiative

the next room and was beaten till he bled from his mouth

beaten. One particularly

tried to band together to fight back, which only infuriated the thugs even more. "The other buildings give three pounds each month. You

pain, protested, "That's not fair. We really can't afford that. How can you ask for six pounds? That's like asking for our

you're the tough guy,

of beating. He was thrown back, bloodied, and

refuses to pay will end

Drew pleaded, "We can't do six pounds. Look, can we do what the

didn't respond and just

failed. If you want to hit or chew anyone out, aim it all at me. Nothing is more important

he spoke, he coughed up

was furious. Why should they pay six pounds when other buildings only had to pay three? But when they saw Drew take

a brave one shouted, "We can give the food, but you have to make the people of the 18th

was shocked, but quickly reacted, "Right, if the 18th floor gives food,

are filled with food. If you're brave enough, make them pay up too. Why are you only

of protest rang out, each filled

wouldn't be able to wrap this up today without dealing with the

here for the 18th floor anyway. Once they were dealt with, he'd

a vent for

nothing to say about these fools downstairs. Since they were here, they