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 can play their games. We just need to be

of catastrophe and constant persecution by

dragon head, a relic of Australian glory, now just a piece of scrap metal in the wake of disaster. It wouldn't even fetch a handful of potatoes in

caressing the dragon head before tucking it

with the Russians. No use asking outright for the artifacts; that would only

a couple of days' rest, they were all

the mischievous couple. "You two,

them off the

in hand, her expression fierce, Stella commanded, "Now, and don't make me

punishment was

the two whimpered for mercy, the siblings sat

the snow was as good a pastime

had been after people, the misbehaving couple had it

leaving them hungry as a

head low, not daring to make a sound. Cooper exposed his

Union Base gone, Stella could finally breathe easier. Survival was

matter of seeing if the Russians would step into the role of the new big brother. If they fell into the same trap, Stella wouldn't

her family to live in peace and

off and hoarding food, instead

wild in Arcadia

the Russian surveillance didn't

Base threat gone, more survivors began to

noticed new

fifty strong, with armed guards leading the way, the men

to have taken a

living under the

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

front door, their fierce and piercing gaze spoke