18 Floors Above the Apocalypse
Chapter 223

Seeing her silence, Mark hurriedly explained, "The rescue team is voluntary, and we won't force anyone."

Stella pondered, "60-degree heat, even with proper protection, a normal person can't stand in the sun for more than two hours, Mark, how are you planning to organize and arrange this rescue operation?"

"We will operate on a volunteer basis. We have to protect ourselves while saving others. We'll carry sunshades and take breaks when we need to. Can't push ourselves too hard."

Mark already had a plan, "Those we rescue can be taken to the temporary shelters arranged by the city."

Stella was surprised. She hadn't expected his arrangements to be so rational and clear-headed.

"For those who are willing to participate, one person per family is enough, I wouldn't recommend more. After all, we can't deplete Eastwood Eden's patrol team."

There was also the unfortunate news that the well in the neighborhood had collapsed. The well, which had been expertly dug by an old hand, wasn't too severely damaged, but they couldn't risk fixing it until they were sure the aftershocks were over. So, everyone would have to conserve their water supply.

Luckily, Mark had reminded everyone to be careful with their water usage and had managed to secure a supply of water purification tablets.

They had been traded with sweet potatoes from each household, so everyone had some. Though not in abundance, they would suffice for a few days.

Stella spoke gently, "Mark, your proposal is very good. Jasper and I will check on our home first and will get back to you later."

Mark hesitated, "Actually, I have a favor to ask."

"Go ahead."

Mark's gaze fell on Cooper, "If you guys are willing to participate, could you perhaps bring Cooper along?"

Stella frowned slightly.

"The thing is, dogs have a much sharper sense of smell than humans. This earthquake had some forewarning, so there aren't many survivors buried under rubble, but we don't know the real situation. It's not only time-consuming but also lacks direction, which could cause us to miss the golden rescue time. Therefore, we hope Cooper can help."

Worried about misunderstanding, Mark quickly clarified, "Luna will also participate, only in search, and not in excavation or dangerous work."

Since the disaster struck, those who were willing to share their rations to feed dogs certainly treated them like family. They needed to protect the little fellows too.

Stella nodded, "Okay, I understand."

Without further ado, the trio and Cooper returned to Building 5. They didn't rush to enter inside but walked around it.

The building was resilient, with no visible cracks even after a strong earthquake, unlike Building 4 next door which had a noticeable crack.

However, there were some loose tiles and doors inside, which needed to be reinforced. Unit 401 was tidy and nothing was damaged in the earthquake.

Jasper gave Cooper and Rosie a treat to distract them, allowing Stella to unpack.

They redecorated the apartment, leaving the easy tasks to Cooper and Rosie and tackling the tougher ones like curtains and air conditioning themselves.

After lunch, they celebrated their survival with a meal of spicy fish, braised pork, steamed meatballs, and some juice. While enjoying their spicy fish, they felt a sense of relief washing over them.

After the meal, they had two plates of frozen watermelon, which was incredibly satisfying.

Stella sat down with Jasper, "I won't join the rescue team, but you can decide for yourself."

In her past life, she had not received any help from others. The food she found was almost stolen from her. If not for her fighting back, she wouldn't have been able to keep her supplies. They not only wanted to steal her food but also had more evil ideas because she was alone.

"However, if you decide to go, I hope that while you're saving others, you also remember Rosie waiting for you at home."

She didn't want to impose her thoughts on Jasper. They could be together if they loved each other and separate if they didn't. But she hoped that he wouldn't feel oppressed because of her during their time together.

His choices differed from his past life, but his mentality wasn't easy to change. Even though he no longer wore the uniform, his kindness never disappeared; he just became more principled and firm.

Jasper pulled Stella into his arms, "Stella, I want to participate, but no matter what, you and Rosie are always the most important to me."

"Woof!"

"Yes, and Cooper too."

Stella didn't insist on Jasper, and the same applied to the dog. "Cooper, do you want to join Jasper in the rescue operation?"

Cooper sat in front of them as if pondering, then placed his paw on Jasper's knee.

Learning that Jasper and Cooper were going to join, Mark was thrilled, "You guys rest up. We can probably muster about 20 people. We'll leave at dusk. Remember to bring protective gear. It's hot and you'll sweat a lot. Be sure to replenish your energy with some salt in your water."

Although Stella didn't participate, she still prepared for it. She added a bit of salt to the cold water, specifically steamed some hardy potatoes and sweet potatoes that could help Jasper and Cooper replenish their energy during breaks.

Upon seeing the change in diet, Cooper was taken aback. Stella tugged at his ear, "What, you want to eat meat in front of everyone? You're getting spoiled."

As for Jasper, he understood more than Stella. There was nothing much for Stella to instruct, and she only told him, "Take care of Cooper, and don't let him overexert himself."

The bulletproof vest was too heavy; she dressed Cooper in an anti-cut suit to prevent accidental injuries. Then, she gave Jasper two pairs of protective gloves and some emergency medical supplies.

At dusk, the Eastwood Eden rescue team assembled on time.

Stella didn't go to see them off. She climbed to the 12th floor and watched Jasper lead Cooper to the main gate through a telescope.

The neighborhood residents, like tourists visiting a zoo, crowded around to watch Cooper. Anyone unaware would think they were watching a circus show.

Though they were tempted, no one would dare mess with the dog raised by Jasper and Stella.

Finally, Mark arrived with Luna.

Though Cooper was usually playful, he was a trained police dog and was incredibly serious in front of strangers. In contrast, Luna was extremely enthusiastic, circling around Cooper, sniffing here and there. Finally, Cooper pinned Luna to the ground with a paw, and Luna calmed down after a few rough rubs.

The team set off to search nearby buildings and villages.

Although there was a warning before the earthquake, not every village or community had a responsible person. Many people didn't have radios, and some who received the news only cared about saving themselves and didn't bother to inform others.

So, despite the city hall's best efforts, and many survivors owing their lives to it, there were still quite a few who ended up trapped.

Back in her room, Stella tried to focus on her medical book, but she couldn't seem to concentrate.

It was just her and Rosie, and they had a simple dinner of plain spaghetti. Bored, Rosie asked, "When are my brother and Cooper coming back, Stella?"

"I'm not sure, probably not until dawn," Stella replied.

Rosie, being quite disciplined herself, did the dishes, focused on her homework, and then went for her workout.

Even though Stella was physically still, her mind was busily at work in The Garden. She needed to keep herself busy, otherwise, time seemed to drag on. She had a fitful sleep, and Jasper did not return that night.

At around five in the morning, noises from downstairs jolted Stella into alertness.