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.

his eyes softening, "This will take time. I'll get it sorted." Some things didn't need

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

opened his mouth to

going was too noticeable, so Stella suggested, "How

liked that idea,

making it easier for the two households to

range hood for

but

return, something

more upright but more relaxed, like when they first met on

asked, "What

said, "Stella, Dad wants

a moment before

his past life, disaster struck, preventing him from

reduced to bones by the time he

a decade of grief-filled rescue work, he met a

chance, he chose

cutting straight to the point. Jasper had seen this coming since he first arrived in Griffith

or our ordeal

protect you, not to flee when secrets

no predator could harm

to provide Stella with a home, a place

discuss the deification project, Daniel wasn't

laying the groundwork

first

be strong enough to protect

was just a preliminary test. With Jasper's agreement, a heart-to-heart with his daughter would

object, "What department is

discussed." But climbing the

knew Daniel was paving the

dinner was served, their habitual

supplies found on

say? She silently set another place