18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 504

Seeing Stella's eyes light up at the sight of the artifact, Ivans knew he'd nailed the perfect gift. It was like he'd handed her a treasure more exciting than some

ancient relic.

Without hesitation, Stella accepted the challenge. "I'll give it a shot, but no promises on the harvest."

Fair's fair, so she asked Ivans what he wanted in return.

Ivans, a man of simple needs, shrugged. "These things aren't much use to us. If you manage to grow some veggies, just share a bit with us, and we'll call it even." Stella nodded briskly. "Deal. If I can get these to sprout, we'll split the bounty."

As they parted ways, Ivans couldn't hide his reluctance. "Stella, are you sure you won't consider moving over to our side?"

Her laughter was her goodbye as she waved him off.

After they'd gone, Jasper frowned. "Those Russians are tough cookies. Good thing you released ether in the detention center, making their heads fuzzy enough to think they were seeing things."

Stella felt the same. Considering the Russians had wiped out over ten thousand from the Union Base, they weren't to be underestimated.

"We need to stay sharp from now on."

They moved their new stuff back to their igloo.

Once inside, Rosie spoke with a serious tone, "Brother, sister, someone was tailing us after you left."

Stella wasn't surprised. "Who was it?"

Peering through the spyhole, Rosie had seen everything clearly. "Russians."

Jasper's frown deepened. "Seems they still don't trust us."

They'd sent Ivans to distract them while another team covertly observed from behind.

they don't mean us harm, they

years of catastrophe and constant persecution by the Union Base, paranoia

a piece of scrap metal in the wake of disaster. It wouldn't even fetch a handful of potatoes in a

wryly, caressing the dragon head before tucking it

it slow with the Russians. No use asking outright for

a couple of days' rest,

fell on the mischievous couple. "You two, come

about to let them off the hook just

a vine in hand, her expression fierce, Stella commanded, "Now,

was swift

siblings sat on the couch,

in the snow was as

after people, the

hungry as a warning, "One more time, and

to make a sound. Cooper

Union Base gone, Stella could finally

seeing if the Russians would step into the role of the new big brother. If they fell into the same trap, Stella

for her family to live in peace and

stopped running off and hoarding food, instead behaving and caring for the young

Arcadia for half

Russian

more survivors began to arrive, settling

noticed new

droves, about fifty strong, with armed guards leading the way, the men in the middle

seemed to have taken a liking to

didn't fancy living under the watchful eyes

a word, she grabbed her assault rifle, followed by Jasper and Rosie,

the front door,