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.

on our sub. They think those survivors on the ship are alright, kindred spirits. Should we bring them along?" A ship

had no objections. "Sure,

captains, without exception, were seasoned

but told them a new base was being established and they could follow. The other side

chance to counter-question. "What

comes with everything-chicken feet, shrimp

not reassured, they asked,

darn it,

rather relieved, and after half an hour of negotiation, they agreed

extending its periscope to guide the merchant ship, keeping a watchful eye

pushed hard during calm

these days of observation, they detected

"Hey, neighbors, we've got some fresh veggies here. Want some?"

mustard greens, bok

out a drone. The sea was calm as Jasper

they were growing greens in old pots and cans, and they

chuckled. "Hey, why didn't

clear. The inborn farming gene was unique

so, he gladly shared the coordinates

naval expertise, they skillfully avoided

sailing, they were only a couple

the currents were simpler than

readings indicated the seafloor was just over 300 meters deep-a far cry from the 9,000-meter expanse they'd crossed half a

on the merchant ship jumped for joy. "A fighter jet! It's

in the sky, then shot

equally thrilled, surfacing

calmer,

coordinates, the likelihood of

Ming-class attack submarine, a national asset even before the