18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 554

In a world torn apart by disasters, everyone had their share of pain. Many nights, haunted by nightmares, they found it hard to muster the will to carry on.

Poppy sidled up to Rosie. "Sis, we've caught her red-handed. Should we take her to the police?"

Rosie walked over to the middle-aged woman. "We'll pay you what you're owed, but you're no longer welcome here."

She then turned to the crowd of workers, her young, beautiful face stern. "This is your first and last warning. If anything like this happens again, it's straight to the police, no questions asked, and you'll never work here again."

Josef waved his hand, dispersing the crowd. "Alright, everyone, back to it!"

He pulled the planting crew aside for a quick pep talk, stressing the importance of valuing their jobs.

With the situation handled, Stella and Jasper quietly slipped away.

Stella had gained a newfound respect for Poppy. The young girl showed promise, perhaps even more than Bran. She had a sharp eye and was willing to get her hands dirty, unconcerned with appearances.

Rosie kept her cool, not letting minor annoyances tarnish her image. She carried herself like a true farm owner, a stark contrast to her previous silence at Ocean Point Naval Station when she had ignored a colleague sneaking food.

Different situations required different approaches, but she always maintained a sense of kindness. Stella was content. How far Rosie would go was now up to her own destiny.

That evening, Daniel came home. Stella had popped next door to share the news of her enlistment. "We report in two days."

Daniel, who had been following the news, commented, "The department's been specially formed to tally Kindle Chest numbers and supplies for commendations. You might have to travel the world. Confident you'll gather enough?"

"I'll give it my all, but I won't risk our lives for it," she replied firmly.

Daniel nodded. "Good, it's important to know your limits."

are you interested in working

trained in medicine. Once we've collected all the Kindle Chests we can, you might

paused before responding,

massaging his temples, mentioned, "I'll personally speak with Mark in

official matters, Stella checked his health. Daniel's stern gaze softened with concern. "Be safe on your missions, and don't

you? Don't just worry

events at the farm. Instead, she optimistically said, "Sis, we'll finish seeding Greenhouse One tomorrow. Once that's done, I'll

your time, no rush," Stella assured

Mark. Mark lived in a modest civilian area, sharing a two-bedroom tent with Josef and Poppy. Even so, it was considered decent living

the tent came from-Bran had pulled some strings. In

Jasper's visit but was genuinely pleased. He knew that without them, his fate in the Arctic would have been sealed. The details of that ordeal remained untold by him to anyone, including Bran. He presumed

ever so observant, quickly welcomed them in. "Uncle Huey, Aunt Ginger, our place is

she quickly excused herself. "You chat; Uncle

"If not for your intervention,

surprised by his fondness for Griffith. Or perhaps this Griffith was not the Griffith of old, yet she hoped that one

who looked leaner and more weathered, yet his composure was calm and serene. True to his profession as a

we enlisted in the military and passed

"Griffith's growth and

before long, this place will regain Griffith's

of reflection, Stella changed the subject. "The base is hiring civil

now. Surviving till today is a

anticipated playing the role of persuader. "Everyone here has their dream for Griffith. Don't you want

"A good

seeds, the richest soil won't yield a

to Stella that Mark was interested, but he also knew that without real power, a high position was just a title. All his efforts would likely be in vain. His wisdom went beyond the average,