18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 452

To find a place they could call home, East Base had invested heavily. Fuel consumption was through the roof, forcing them to scale back on the Air Force and shipping sorties, redirecting vital resources to construction projects. As submarines steadily arrived, the base

indeed delegated the mission of searching for survivors to those equipped with nuclear propulsion.

Hans and his crew were tasked with this mission, patrolling an area beyond 500 nautical miles and guiding any compatriots they found to safety. This time, they were ashore for a well-deserved rest. After parting ways with Sub 2688, Sub 1926 set off towards the designated coordinates, encountering numerous challenges along the way. Without the supplies from 2688, especially the valuable herbs, they might not have safely reached Hope Point.

Walking and chatting, the joy of reunion was palpable, their faces beaming with excitement. Upon reaching Area A, Hans and his team reported for debriefing, while Stella and her companions headed to the information desk. During these special times when meat was a luxury, the staff's memory was impeccable. Recognizing her, one said, "Didn't you just ask about this yesterday? There's been no word."

Every day, many came searching for lost loved ones, clinging to hope but often leaving in disappointment. The few reunions that did occur were indeed rare. "I've registered your inquiry. If there's any news, you'll be the first to know."

Hans and his group were staying in Area B2. After completing their handover, they took a boat back. Stella and the others had an inflatable raft, which they paddled leisurely. Back on the 3rd floor, Stella caught Miranda collecting her planting pots and called her aside, handing over a five-pound bag of cornmeal and some herb seeds, "This is from the exchange last night."

Miranda rarely interacted with her, but Monkey often referred to Stella as "sis" and had insisted the previous day's supplies were a gift. Monkey wouldn't accept payment, and Miranda, who always remembered a good deed, had considered it repayment for treating her and her son. Stella knew Miranda was reluctant, "Take it. There are herb seeds in there. If you think it's too much, just share half the herbs with me when they grow."

Too many prying eyes could spell trouble. Miranda was taken aback; she knew the value of herbs and how desperately her family needed food. Despite her tough exterior, she had a heart, "Alright, I'll give you sixty percent of the herbs." Fearing discovery, Miranda quickly hid the cornmeal in her clothes, whispering, "Thank you, Stella."

three pounds of tough, dried sweet potatoes or potatoes could be consumed in a few meals, yet had to be stretched into flour for a month, so

him to eat quickly, "Eat up, we can't let anyone smell this." Her son, famished, polished off the bowl, licking it

Miranda reassured him, reminding him to keep their meals a secret. Frightened of hunger, her

a pound of crushed dried sweet potatoes, "Got these today. You and

the stuff. Monkey, his heart aching, pushed most of it back to her after a few bites, "I ate outside. This is for you

accept things without a clear conscience, hoping for a chance to repay her. Pondering his next move, he focused on the medicinal seeds, "Can you grow these? Medicine's in high demand. If we have extra seedlings,

...

job dampened her spirits. With a breakfast of muffins and

for planting potatoes. The morning flew by, and Stella took out the lukewarm lunch from Arcadia, waiting for Rosie's return. Cooper, drooling with hunger, wasn't allowed a bite. After waiting half an hour, Rosie peeked in, her face the picture

upset her, a foul odor wafted in, and she clamped her hand over her nose, "Jasper, did you have

fill the air. Jasper,

was on the verge of tears, refusing to come inside.

"

no change of outfit. Snapping back

the stench was gone, but the visual trauma had killed Rosie's appetite, "Brother,