18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 459

Stella had only been to the hospital twice, and their paths never crossed.

When the asteroid hit Earth, Collin was sent off on a transport ship, drifting on stormy seas for months before safely reaching Hope Point yesterday.

Without taking a break, he volunteered to work at the hospital. Thinking of the kind and benevolent Mr. Lee, Stella couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness, though she also admired Collin's unwavering dedication.

"Doc, I'm from the Kindle Society too," she said, opening her backpack and pulling out a packet of sugar cubes and a box of tea leaves. "I was lucky enough to find some rare metals, traded them for a submarine to get back. I didn't lose any of the supplies I brought from home. Take these for now, I'll bring some more food another day. You're not in great health, you need to recuperate quickly to handle your work better."

The items were precious, and Collin hesitated to accept them. "Doc, compared to the knowledge you've given me, this is nothing," Stella insisted. "The base is developing steadily, and it'll only get better. You can't let yourself fall apart."

Unable to refuse her heartfelt offer, Collin accepted the gifts. After chatting a bit longer, Stella left the hospital.

On her way to the docks, she passed by the Research Institute and saw a line of survivors waiting to apply for jobs. She found out that the Institute was setting up a food processing plant, hiring nimble workers to handle the fish, especially to remove the poisonous glands. The production standards were high, requiring protective gear to avoid injuries, making the compensation several times higher than regular jobs.

"Pick me! I've been filleting fish for ten years at a supermarket before the catastrophe. I could do it blindfolded."

"My family has been in the fish-slaughtering business for three generations. I can carve designs on fish bones."

The competition was fierce, almost leading to fights, scaring away the interviewers.

With some time before the ferry's last run, Stella wandered into the Supply Exchange Center. Besides sea salt, they were now selling fish cakes. Fish cakes were a new product with an introductory discount, and an average survivor's daily wage could buy half a pound. If mass production became a reality, the price would drop even more. Clearly, the base's current goal was the well-being of its people, offering products not for profit but for the survivors' sustenance.

Stella arrived too late; the fish cakes were already sold out. Nevertheless, the news of edible mutant fish had everyone buzzing, even the service staff seemed more cheerful. "I tried the fish cake I took home yesterday. The taste was okay, but I felt fine afterward, and today I woke up feeling more energized."

years since we've had meat. Now that

hope we'll have more variety in the future, maybe even gather for a

the benefits are good. I heard we're getting some greens in a few

Supply Exchange Center, Stella didn't head to the dock but went straight

greet

hesitation, Stella replied, "I agree to

the compensation. Also, I'll help you and Howard apply for special

That's a joke!" Stella's expression turned serious. "Sir, I'm not there yet in terms of ideological awareness. If the

you go to

wasn't being modest; her convictions really didn't measure up. However, Justice was keen on recruiting them, and the more

impatient. "Sir, if you insist on this, I

stopped Justice in his tracks. "Oh,

future, we'll have to wait and see." After storing the life-saving medicine, Justice invited her warmly, "Stella, are you free today? I'd like to invite you and Howard over for

to report to the hospital tomorrow, and I

we can talk about dinner some other time. If you run into any trouble at the

work. "Dr. Martin, I've just recruited a female doctor for you, also from South Base. She'll start tomorrow, and you'll guide her." With no outsiders around, Justice spoke frankly, "I can't vouch for her medical skills yet, but she's been of service to the base.

"Stella."

he had misheard. "What's her

wasn't pleased, Justice hinted, "She might seem young, but she's saved pilots at sea, brought a hero's ashes home,

is my student. She's already teaching medical staff how to

hospital, she surely had her