18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 568

Reagan's words had a calming effect on everyone. The chances that the container hadn't taken on water after falling into the sea were slim to none.

The plan was simple: salvage whatever you can if it's within reach.

However, they quickly agreed that searching the globe for the 3,000 Kindle Chests when only about a hundred had been found so far was a waste of time. The longer the chests stayed lost at sea, the harder they would be to recover.

The base couldn't just sit around waiting for a miracle; they needed to take the initiative to find the Kindle Chests.

"We could send out the Spark Project's submarine crews to search. Once they confirm the coordinates, the salvage team can move in," someone suggested.

Dividing the tasks would save fuel and increase efficiency.

Reagan couldn't argue with that.

After the meeting broke up, Reagan hurried out, but his colleague Nicholas caught up with him, teasing as they walked. "Reagan, you really stole the show this time."

Reagan nodded, "Just doing my duty for the base. I'm only stepping up because Mr. Daniel isn't feeling well. I'm not looking for glory, just trying to keep things running smoothly."

"The salvage crew's skills are impressive. The base needs more talents like them. Aren't you planning to expand the team?" Nicholas asked.

Reagan smiled, "Oh, Nicholas, the elite salvage crew reports directly to the top brass. I've got enough on my plate already. Why don't you ask about it if you've got some free time?"

Nicholas choked on his retort, "It's all for the base's future, you know."

"Oh shoot, I forgot to take my meds with all this meeting business. My better half is going to have a field day nagging about it," Reagan said, slapping his forehead before waving goodbye and rushing back to his office to grab his medicine.

That evening, Stella wasn't in the mood to cook and pulled out some classic comfort food from Arcadia: steamed pork ribs, hearty chicken soup, braised beef, and a mix of sautéed veggies.

The table was set with an abundance of delicious food, and Vanessa was visibly surprised. Seeing Daniel's calm demeanor, she wisely chose not to ask any questions.

Under the warm kitchen lights, the family enjoyed their meal together. It had been over a decade since they'd tasted such flavorful food. For Vanessa, the joy was not just in the flavors but in seeing Daniel's beaming smile.

Stella had truly accepted him as her father, and she was happy for old man Gu, whose biggest worry had finally been put to rest.

After dinner, Stella handed Vanessa a box of assorted fruits, "Make sure you eat some every day. Come back for more when you run out."

Daniel lingered to talk with his daughter and son-in-law about the military's plans to organize teams to search for the scattered Kindle Chests. The salvage team might get even busier.

The base urgently needed to develop, but heading out to sea came with risks. Daniel didn't want to put too much pressure on them, "Safety first. If it's not a good fit for you, I'll find a way to pass on it."

test of teamwork, not a

any regrets. He preferred to slow down the

"Let's collect the

...

two days of rest at home, Stella headed to the harbor to board the

Kindle Chest supplies, completely

work. Stella caught a glimpse of him from afar but

transport ship, Jake, Amelia, and others helped move the supplies before the transfer ship left and then got busy with their own

team greeted her

outsiders present, Stella brought out drilling rigs, cutting machines, sewing machines, and power boxes, all

planning to do with the supplies you and

credits. Do you guys need any of

evenly, and with only thirteen containers between them, Cole, who was of higher rank and had

"Give them to others who need them

more chit-chat, Bran arrived on the transfer ship to

"Where's Mark staying these

got high clearance. The base has made

containers to him, "You figure

spread across Bran's

and Stella was about to head back to dock,

approaching in the

weather-beaten, showing signs of a life spent at the

her binoculars and saw the deck was crowded

on the boat also spotted the harbor, with some covering

others hugging each

snot

groups of survivors arrive at the base. Some from the sea, some trekking overland, and we even

population had grown by over three hundred in less

seeing one's

all, they had been through

boat slowly approached, not too far from

"Stella, do they seem familiar to you? They look

first, Stella didn't recognize them, but then she spotted a boy with a bandaged head amongst the crowd - the very same from the official Goldbridge survivor

her binoculars, but she didn't

other boat recognized Jake and even waved,

crew's spirits lifted, and they waved back, "Welcome

bulky and the lifting and transfer equipment limited the