18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 507

Christian stood in silence, prompting Mark to ask, "They're doing alright, aren't they?"

"Yeah, they're holding up fine. I recognized them instantly; life for them hasn't changed much since our days back in Eastwood Eden."

Mark wasn't surprised. People with true talent thrive in any situation, be it peace or chaos.

What intrigued him more was their relationship with the Russians.

Christian wasn't sure himself. "That Russian guy was pretty nice to them. Maybe because they can grow some veggies or have other uses. Anyway, it looks like they're on good terms with the Russians."

He didn't want to dwell on their relationship; his mind was preoccupied with more pressing concerns. "Mark, do you think we'll ever get out of the Arctic?"

Surviving had only one purpose for him: to reunite with his son.

His son had made it into South Base, which meant military protection, so he was surely still alive.

Mark knew Christian was anxious, but fretting wouldn't help. "An opportunity will come, eventually."

Christian couldn't bear to wait another day. "The Russian said we could leave whenever we want."

Mark rubbed his temples with a grimace. "We arrived on the same boat, just this group of thirty-some people. Some want to leave, some don't. How can we achieve anything with such discord? The Russians might seem better than the folks at Union Base, but who knows what they're really thinking? They're polite to us Australians, not like how they curse and fight with people from certain other nations. But how can we be sure their kindness isn't just a façade? If they were truly friendly, why did those who chose to leave not only get no supplies but also end up crocodile food the moment they stepped out?"

Christian was painfully aware. "Those people's countries aren't exactly friends with Russia. I'm afraid they were..."

"Our disunity and empty hands mean certain death out there."

Mark, too, yearned to leave, to wake up from this nightmare, but the timing wasn't right. "Christian, I trust you, not because I doubt you, but because I'm afraid if we wait much longer, there might be no chance left to see AJ."

psychologist who'd climbed the ranks in the government post-disaster, even serving as the deputy mayor of Griffith. Mark could spot a

puzzled. "What are they

moment. "They probably want to reconcile with us, hence the ongoing show of goodwill. But they're also wary that Stella and the others could

have their ways.

helped without us asking; if they don't, your asking could

desperate, it's hard not to indulge in fantasies. After all, Stella had once saved his life. If not for her,

stirred memories of Griffith, Cody, and many others. Loneliness had a way

a restless night and

the morning stillness, and there were several of them. Sure enough, the Ivans were back, bringing crates with them. All filled with hydroponic gardening supplies: glass

"There are Aussies at the base who've tried many times but just can't keep plants alive. So, I've

was hesitant. "Ivans, growing greens in the Arctic requires constant heat, which burns through fuel. The previous harvest barely fed us after the split. We really can't handle

the Australian way of thinking, was flexible. "A sixty-forty or seventy-thirty split would

seals, and the agriculture teams

you need meat, we can trade a pound of meat for a

time before agreeing. "Seventy-thirty, your thirty, my seventy. We can trade for fuel

and you had to account for every aspect of living under their watchful eyes. Selling greens to

to build an extra ice house. If it works out, we'll partner up; if

without hesitation. "No

he finished speaking, he signaled his men to

while helping out, whispered to Stella when no one was looking,

"Saw him once at Kindle Society, buying an escape pod.

Samuel was his last pillar of hope. After a decade of disaster, many clung to

If

to play

asked Ivans for