18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 443

Brady and his team didn't have a clue, but they figured the military higher-ups would be the last to leave, probably on a warship or plane. Stella looked worried. "The last to retreat?"

Jasper noticed her concern and turned to Brady. "Do you know what the other Kindle Society teams are up to?"

Brady shook his head. If they hadn't bumped into 2688, they wouldn't have known that East Base was tasked with building Hope Point.

The weather was good, and after two days of rest, the submarines were ready to set sail. Suddenly, at 0945, they spotted a ship at three o'clock.

Playing it safe, 2688 wanted to dive and leave, but Brady and the others noticed a red star painted on the side of the ship.

This was a sign of faith.

They decided to make contact.

Stella, wary of danger, handed Brady a bullhorn. "Hey there, friends! Where are you coming from?"

The crew on the distant ship noticed the submarines and responded excitedly in familiar language, waving and shouting, "Hey, we're from the official Northwestern Base." Northwestern Base?

Brady, still cautious, asked, "And where exactly is this Northwestern Base?"

"Qindu."

"Qindu, huh? Can you tell me how to make a proper burger?"

Indeed, nothing speaks to the soul like food. Stella nearly burst out laughing.

But just knowing how to make a burger wasn't enough for Brady. He threw out another challenge. "Fate brought us together. How about singing us some rock and roll?"

The folks on the other ship were skin and bones and barely had the energy to sing. If Stella were them, she'd want to throw her shoe at him.

But to their surprise, someone actually started singing. At first, it was just a few voices, but then more joined in.

consulted with 2688. "We've got Northwesterners on our sub. They think those survivors on the ship are alright, kindred spirits.

objections. "Sure, you guys

captains, without exception, were

ship. For safety reasons, Brady didn't share their coordinates but told them a new base was being established and they could

the chance to counter-question. "What

everything-chicken feet, shrimp

they asked, "How do you folks

darn it,

other side wasn't angry but rather relieved, and

2688 led the way, with 0945 extending its periscope to guide

during calm seas

observation, they detected no abnormality

life on the merchant ship grew more vibrant. "Hey, neighbors, we've got some fresh

mustard greens,

not one to stand on ceremony. She whipped out a drone. The sea was calm as Jasper piloted the drone

were growing greens in old pots

why didn't you say so

clear. The inborn farming gene was

shared

they skillfully avoided

were only a

and the currents were simpler than in

deep-a far cry from the 9,000-meter expanse they'd crossed half a month

soared overhead. The survivors on the merchant ship jumped for joy.

circled twice in the

thrilled, surfacing to

calmer,

they drew closer to the coordinates, the likelihood

a big one: a Type 035 Ming-class attack submarine,