18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 549

Daniel had been mulling it over for ages, even tried to put it in motion, but the results were downright disappointing.

Sure, they were family, but Stella didn't hold back. "You've split the duties, yet you haven't really separated them."

On paper, the roles looked distinct, but the management was still all military.

People's mindsets and personalities get set in their ways; you can't change that overnight.

Expertise is key. A military leader, decisive and efficient in battle, might stumble in a civilian role, possibly even coming up short compared to an average Joe.

Daniel got her point. "We've sifted through the survivors but haven't found anyone with a knack for civil administration."

Stella shot back, "Are you absolutely sure about that?"

Daniel, always sharp, asked, "You mean Mark?"

They had approached him, not once but three times, and he had turned them down every single time.

Turned them down? Stella was surprised but quickly figured it out.

"Did you have a proper plan for transferring power before you asked him?"

That made Daniel pause.

It wasn't that he didn't want to; it was about power and trust-too many factors in play.

He thought for a moment, "Do you trust him that much?"

Stella laid out Mark's track record in Griffith. "He's a rare talent in civil administration, but military and civil are two different beasts. He knows the real civil power isn't in his hands, so he probably fears he'll end up failing and getting blamed, which is why he's turned you down."

Daniel pondered briefly. "Stella, military-civil reform is a huge deal. Big, bold changes face massive resistance, but Griffith needs to grow fast; reform is a must."

He knew deep down Stella's concern was for his health.

Reform was something he had always wanted to push. They were stuck with limited manpower and harsh conditions that made even basic survival tough. His team, all military experts, were great in combat but struggled in civil roles.

get it sorted." Some

carefully packed staples, a link of smoked sausage, and a couple of pounds of

his mouth to

constant coming and going was too noticeable, so Stella suggested, "How about we put a

liked that

wall, making it easier for the two households to visit each

he installed a range hood

back sooner, but he took longer than she

something about him

upright but more relaxed, like when they first met

asked,

"Stella, Dad wants me to join the military division, and

a moment before responding,

preventing him from

reduced to bones by the

grief-filled rescue work, he met

second chance, he chose the

Jasper had seen

"Stella, whether it was escaping from Willowbrook or our ordeal in the Arctic, I don't want you

husband, it's my duty to protect you, not to flee when secrets are exposed

no predator

wanted to provide Stella with a home, a place for peaceful living, not endless

didn't discuss the deification

was already laying the groundwork to

Jasper first

hopes their son-in-law will be strong enough to protect their daughter, to be

preliminary test. With Jasper's agreement, a heart-to-heart

"What department is he

But climbing the ranks was

paving the way

evening, as dinner was served, their habitual dinner

medical supplies found on a cargo ship, “Just finished

silently