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?"

temples. "He's looking for

"You think he wants to

a smart man. If he were planning to use you for his gain, he wouldn't

was impossible to believe Bran

beef, and Bran was like a man who hadn't eaten

once out of loyalty, but

about his brother and niece? Were they not hungry as well? If they never crossed paths again, it would be impossible for him to act. But the roast beef was not only in

didn't want to speak ill of family,

Bran's a liability. Either we eliminate him, or we make him one of

want to dwell

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

head aching with indecision.

moment's thought, Jasper said, "So far, he's shown loyalty, and he has a desire to align with the strong,

there are no perpetual friends, only

to bind him to us with shared interests than

day, potentially out of

deepened. Her gut reaction

the secret out of necessity, during moments of life-and- death urgency that

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

closely, there was an 80% chance he

of human nature in a post-apocalyptic world left Stella

about it. We'll talk after we

spontaneous, and she needed

felt the weight of his concern when he learned of her plans. "The sea is unpredictable. You're not

trade," Stella replied, unable to divulge the true reason. "If we don't look for resources now, it'll only get harder. The harsh weather has halted our seedling project, so this is a good time to venture

that she was resolute, Daniel resigned himself to her

will stay behind. She can start

tempered his emotions, offering a parting admonition. "Take care

not adapt to the base