18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 389

Boiling plain spaghetti, without a trace of grease, just a handful of dried veggies tossed in for good measure.

Eating pasta nine years into a series of natural disasters was a rare luxury, possible only because of the hefty naval subsidies. Stella wasn't one to let debts linger. She dug into her bag and pulled out six cold buns and a box of salted jerky and dried bacon. Even in tough times, it didn't hurt to butter up the instructor a bit.

Knowing the two had earned a fortune in credits, Mr. Cristian, though polite, didn't hesitate long before accepting the buns and jerky to heat up. Everyone settled down to eat.

Feeling a bit self-conscious, Stella said, "I had no idea we'd be living on a sub. I only brought a few packs of spaghetti. Let me handle breakfast tomorrow, and we can settle the food debt once we're back on land."

Mr. Cristian smiled. "No worries. You've spent a small fortune on that yacht, so the least the navy can do is cover your meals, even if it's not gourmet. Just don't look down on our humble fare." Technically, meals weren't included, but the pair got fast-tracked thanks to a nod from higher-ups, which is why Stella hadn't packed properly.

When the top brass makes a call, food becomes the least of your worries.

Three days of intense theoretical training followed, with Mr. Cristian making the dry technical details lively and engaging, answering every question Stella and Jasper threw his way with endless patience. Piloting, maintaining, and repairing a submarine aren't skills you can master in three days of theory. Stella and Jasper, prepared for the worst, grilled Mr. Cristian on scenarios they might face in a stormy sea. Their questions were sharp and detailed, sometimes even more complex than those posed by professional submariners.

Mr. Cristian, amused yet patient, worked through their queries.

Surviving a natural disaster is no joke. Besides basic needs, Stella and Jasper spent every spare moment - all four hours of sleep they allowed themselves - studying the submarine manuals. Knowledge could be the key to survival. Initially, Mr. Cristian had reservations about these two "connected" recruits, but their dedication and quick learning soon dispelled any doubts. They were picking up skills at an impressive rate, and he quickly saw their potential. "If only they were my soldiers," he thought.

Curious, he asked, "Why haven't you two enlisted? The base could use talent like yours."

Stella smiled, "We've considered it, but we have family to look after."

"That shouldn't be a problem; the base can ensure they're well taken care of," he reassured them.

response carried a weight of experience, "I trust the base would provide for them, but after years of struggling, facing life and

crises. He respected their decision and committed to

a

three days of theory, hands-on training began. The submarine dove into the depths, navigating the vast

imagined herself piloting a submarine, but

practical tests: diving, surfacing, holding position, turning, and avoiding collisions with sea creatures and underwater hazards.

steady help, the two proved to be a capable team,

they returned to the deep-sea dock and emerged into the sunlight,

batch of submarines, likely theirs, ready for deployment

sea creatures through the submarine's viewports, Stella furrowed her

Cristian explained about ancient viruses released from thawing polar ice caps, causing mutations that made sea creatures not only larger

and advice on how to avoid them: "If you can't avoid them, go into hibernation mode. Don't provoke them unless it's life or death; their aggression will only worsen, and blood will

submarine was sturdy but vulnerable

days of relentless practice, Stella could

of the sun and the breeze, Stella and her companions

the system, "Stella, right? Your submarine's ID is 2688, docked at Pier C,

agreement, and recording her

led the group of three and their dog to Pier C, where they found the moored

out a sigh of relief. She was finally

was

with all this, she'd have to admit defeat

they began testing

Cristian reminded her, "Your submarine is privately owned. If you need to dock at the base, you'll have to register and pay a fee at the operations center." Stella nodded, "Thanks, but I think