18 Floors Above the Apocalypse
Chapter 386

Stella never thought she'd run into an old friend at the Kindle Society-a guy named Sam.

Sam pushed through the doors, clearly stunned to replace not just one but two familiar faces in such an unexpected place. His surprise was evident, a bright smile spreading across his face. Stella raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "You guys are here too?"

Sam's grin had a hint of sadness. "No, it's just me and a few of the guys from the old block."

Stella's curiosity piqued. "What about Mark and your dad?"

"Deputy Mayor Howard took the folks from Griffith over to Goldbridge. My dad and the rest are all there... It's just that we..."

Parents always want the best for their kids, to lay down the foundation for their future.

Christian didn't want to be a burden on his son, so he suggested that Sam head to the Kindle Society. It wasn't just him. Any young, able-bodied person from the Eastwood Eden community was encouraged to join the Society. Sam and his dad had been each other's rock for years, but with his father getting on in years and natural disasters wreaking havoc, who knew how much time they had left.

Sam disagreed with leaving, but Christian was adamant. If his son refused to go, he'd rather stay in Griffith and let the volcanic eruptions take him.

Torn between agony and duty, Sam eventually agreed to his father's wishes.

Stella, knowing Sam for years, expressed her concern. "You all made it out okay during the evacuation?"

The mention of the disaster brought back a flood of memories. It was a blessing in disguise, yet thinking about it still sent shivers down his spine.

The satellite collision with Mount Oak came out of nowhere, and the government's decision to evacuate was just as abrupt. Most residents were reluctant, so the evacuation was slow, and complications kept cropping up. They didn't start moving until around noon, and just as they'd made some distance, Mount Oak erupted. The evacuation convoy had to speed up desperately.

After a half-day's journey, as they were about to leave Swan Hill by evening, the volcanic ash had spread, and they could only press on while covering their noses and mouths.

Then, out of nowhere, a once-in-a-century sandstorm hit.

Thankfully, they were still within the city limits, so the buildings slowed the storm's impact. Everyone took shelter inside, avoiding what could have been a catastrophic loss of life.

The sandstorm lasted for days, eventually blowing the volcanic ash out to the Pacific Ocean.

Then came the torrential rains. The city was spared from landslides, dodging three disasters in a row.

Once the rain stopped, the evacuation continued.

At the Lincoln crossroads, Sam and the others knelt to bid farewell to their elders, holding back tears as they headed to the Kindle Society.

With a sink-or-swim mentality, they were lucky to pass the assessment and gain entry to the base. However, the military enlistment tests were incredibly stringent; they all failed and had to settle for labor assignments within the base. Coming from Eastwood Eden, the young group stuck together, pooling their earned credits and the supplies they'd scrimped and saved over the years to try and get an escape pod.

Sam was there today to buy an escape pod.

They wanted to survive, not just for themselves, but also to honor their parents' hopes and sacrifices. Thinking of how his father had entrusted him with the bulk of their supplies, Sam didn't dare give up.

He had to live on, to honor his father, to have the chance to rebuild together.

Stella felt moved. "One day, you'll be reunited."

After exchanging pleasantries, Sam hurried off to purchase the escape pod. Walking back, Stella frowned slightly, then couldn't help but turn around.

Jasper looked puzzled. "What's wrong?"

Stella glanced around. "I feel like we're being watched."

Jasper sensed it too. "With the kind of credits we're talking about, it's hard not to attract attention."

"It's not that," Stella said, unable to shake the odd feeling that this wasn't just some scavengers' curiosity.

Jasper grew more alert, though he didn't notice anything amiss.

"Maybe I'm just being paranoid."

Back at their little homestead, Jasper got to work studying the submarine's manual.

"It's a mid-sized sub, capable of withstanding storms at sea, complete with riveting capabilities, and several control screens. In the face of a catastrophic event, it requires two people to operate efficiently."

No one could guarantee they wouldn't be separated in a major disaster, so Stella didn't hesitate. "Since we're learning, let's get Rosie and Cooper involved too."

Cooper barked in agreement.

After Jasper pored over the manual, summarizing the requirements and precautions, he gave an oral briefing to Stella, Rosie, and their faithful dog Cooper.

The submarine was moored at a deep-sea dock, a place off-limits to civilians and heavily guarded by the military.

They had to make a reservation in advance, and the military would send someone to escort them.

They got up early, had breakfast, packed some provisions, and set off with Cooper.

At the B section gate, after waiting for about ten minutes, a military jeep pulled up, and the window rolled down slowly.

Stella was surprised to see it was the same soldier who had helped them before.

The soldier greeted them with a smile. "Jasper, Stella."

Jasper was confused. "You're picking us up?"

The soldier explained, "Actually, an instructor from the Navy's submarine division was supposed to come, but since you guys found all that rare metal, solving a crisis at the military factory, the brass wanted to meet you to express their gratitude." Stella frowned. "It was a deal. You've already compensated us with credits. There's no need for thanks."

The soldier insisted. "Just get in. I'm just following orders."

It seemed they had indeed drawn attention to themselves.

Stella's mood plummeted. Why was laying low so hard?

In someone else's territory, with a VIP summoning them, what were they supposed to do? They exchanged glances and reluctantly boarded the VIP's jeep.

As the vehicle started moving, Julia emerged from section A. Spotting Stella getting into the military car, her face went pale, her mind buzzing with anxiety.

That was Daniel's jeep, and he hadn't even come into her house. Instead, he was picking up Stella?

Julia's heart raced, no longer in the mood for work. She quickly turned around to replace Lillian...

Lillian, dressed impeccably, was about to head out to replace Claire for some good fortune. With the rumors of plate collisions circulating, and Daniel engrossed in work-having not returned home for months-she couldn't count on him if disaster struck. He had given his life to the nation, forsaking even his own home.

A bad feeling gnawed at her-Daniel might... truly be out of reach for good.

So while her family still held together, and she bore the title of a general's wife, she knew she had to secure Julia's marriage to ensure a real safety net.

No sooner had she stepped out the door than she nearly collided with her flustered daughter.

Lillian frowned, "You're a general's daughter, for heaven's sake. Can't you carry yourself with a little more poise when you're out?"

But Julia was beyond caring about composure. She hurriedly pulled her mother inside and said anxiously, "Mom, Stella just got into Dad's private car." Lillian was taken aback. "What did you say?"

"His car, Mom. It came right up to the gate of our neighborhood to pick Stella up, and then they drove off."

It took a moment for Lillian to gather her thoughts. "Calm down. She's only been on base a few days. How could she possibly run into your father?"

But Julia was too agitated to be calm. "He's always been so distant with us. What if he's known the truth all along?"