18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 541

Jasper leaned in, eager to hear any updates Bran might have about the Ocean Point Naval Station. When Bran didn't volunteer any information, Jasper broke the silence. "So, what's new at the base since we left?"

Bran looked momentarily caught off guard. "It's been good. Not long after you guys left, they started reclaiming land for new islands. I even ran into Dr. Collin at the clinic one time, and he asked about you two."

"Everyone at the base valued you both highly. Director Jiang often sighed and said, 'Either they've run into pirates or their sub malfunctioned. It's probably more bad luck than good-seems like the best always go first."

Jasper's gaze grew distant. "Do you believe that?"

Bran, slouched against the wall with a shoe in hand, had a tired yet roguish air about him. "Bro-in-law, can I still come by for a meal when I'm hungry?"

"Of course, if you're hungry, come on over."

With Jasper's promise, Bran waved casually and left.

After closing the gate, Jasper returned inside, thinking about their plans. "The least suspicious way to build a greenhouse is to go scavenging."

Stella had considered this too. "People have scoured this area for hundreds of miles."

"There's one place that's hardly been searched."

Stella's eyes lit up. "The ocean."

Survivors lacked tools, and the military was constrained by fuel shortages. A ghost ship laden with supplies appearing on the vast ocean wouldn't be too far-fetched, would it?

They wouldn't be stealing from the military, and with Daniel's status, who'd dare question or investigate her?

They needed to act fast, setting sail tomorrow.

After discussing the pressing matters, Stella brought up Bran, unsure of his

intentions that evening. "What do you think he's up to?"

"He's looking

Stella pondered, "You think he wants to

If he were planning to use you for his gain,

did business acumen. It was

was like a juicy roast beef, and Bran was like a man

temptation once out of loyalty, but how many more times could

Were they not hungry as well? If they never crossed paths again, it would be impossible for him to act. But the roast beef

speak ill of family,

a liability. Either we eliminate him,

to dwell on

to be ruthless, especially since Bran was so cunning. Who could ensure he hadn't already shared the secret

hesitated, her head aching with

align with the strong, which is understandable. Building a legend requires allies. As skepticism

world, there are no perpetual

better to bind him to us with shared interests than to wait for him to

one day, potentially out

frown deepened. Her gut reaction was

had let Jasper in on the secret out of necessity, during moments of

up to Rosie out of love and years of trust, as well as the impossibility of

willing to align closely, there was

nature in a post-apocalyptic world left Stella feeling the risk was

to rush. "I'll think about it. We'll talk after we return from

spontaneous, and she needed to

his concern when he learned of

reason. "If we don't look for resources now, it'll only get harder. The harsh weather has halted

himself to her decision. "You're

start on the seedlings when the

his emotions, offering a parting admonition. "Take care and come back

she might not adapt