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.

mean us harm, they can play their games. We just need

and constant persecution by the Union Base, paranoia was

up the 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

dragon head before tucking it away for safekeeping in

the Russians. No use

days' rest, they were all feeling

eyes fell on the mischievous couple. "You two, come

them off the hook just because

in hand, her expression fierce, Stella commanded, "Now, and

punishment was swift and

whimpered for mercy, the siblings sat on the couch, indifferent to

the snow was as good a

the Union Base had been after people, the misbehaving couple

them hungry as a warning, "One

a sound. Cooper exposed his

Base gone, Stella could finally breathe easier. Survival was

of seeing if the Russians would step into the role of the

wish was for her family to live in

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

let them out daily to run wild in Arcadia for half an hour, helping to keep their spirits

Russian surveillance

Union Base threat gone, more survivors began

noticed new neighbors

fifty strong, with armed guards leading the way, the men in the middle carrying nothing, and those at the rear lugging heavy

taken a liking

under the watchful

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

front door, their fierce and piercing gaze