18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 452

To find a place they could call home, East Base had invested heavily. Fuel consumption was through the roof, forcing them to scale back on the Air Force and shipping sorties, redirecting vital resources to construction projects. As submarines steadily arrived, the base indeed delegated the mission of searching for survivors to those equipped with nuclear propulsion.

Hans and his crew were tasked with this mission, patrolling an area beyond 500 nautical miles and guiding any compatriots they found to safety. This time, they were ashore for a well-deserved rest. After parting ways with Sub 2688, Sub 1926 set off towards the designated coordinates, encountering numerous challenges along the way. Without the supplies from 2688, especially the valuable herbs, they might not have safely reached Hope Point.

Walking and chatting, the joy of reunion was palpable, their faces beaming with excitement. Upon reaching Area A, Hans and his team reported for debriefing, while Stella and her companions headed to the information desk. During these special times when meat was a luxury, the staff's memory was impeccable. Recognizing her, one said, "Didn't you just ask about this yesterday? There's been no word."

Every day, many came searching for lost loved ones, clinging to hope but often leaving in disappointment. The few reunions that did occur were indeed rare. "I've registered your inquiry. If there's any news, you'll be the first to know."

Hans and his group were staying in Area B2. After completing their handover, they took a boat back. Stella and the others had an inflatable raft, which they paddled leisurely. Back on the 3rd floor, Stella caught Miranda collecting her planting pots and called her aside, handing over a five-pound bag of cornmeal and some herb seeds, "This is from the exchange last night."

Miranda rarely interacted with her, but Monkey often referred to Stella as "sis" and had insisted the previous day's supplies were a gift. Monkey wouldn't accept payment, and Miranda, who always remembered a good deed, had considered it repayment for treating her and her son. Stella knew Miranda was reluctant, "Take it. There are herb seeds in there. If you think it's too much, just share half the herbs with me when they grow."

Too many prying eyes could spell trouble. Miranda was taken aback; she knew the value of herbs and how desperately her family needed food. Despite her tough exterior, she had a heart, "Alright, I'll give you sixty percent of the herbs." Fearing discovery, Miranda quickly hid the cornmeal in her clothes, whispering, "Thank you, Stella."

"No need. I'll benefit in the future, too." A little over three pounds of tough, dried sweet potatoes or potatoes could be consumed in a few meals, yet had to be stretched into flour for a month, so thin you could nearly see your reflection.

Back home, Miranda prepared a warm bowl of corn porridge for her son, fighting back tears as she urged him to eat quickly, "Eat up, we can't let anyone smell this." Her son, famished, polished off the bowl, licking it clean, "Mom, why aren't you eating?"

"I'm not hungry yet," Miranda reassured him, reminding him to keep their meals a secret. Frightened of hunger, her son asked, "Mom, will we have more tomorrow?"

"Yes, I'll make more for you tomorrow." At nightfall, Monkey brought home more scavenged goods, pulling out a pound of crushed dried sweet potatoes, "Got these today. You and the boy eat up, don't skimp."

Miranda, saying nothing, prepared him a thick bowl of the stuff. Monkey, his heart aching, pushed most of it back to her after a few bites, "I ate outside. This is for you and the boy."

"Eat. Stella gave us five pounds of cornmeal and herb seeds." Monkey was stunned. Why had his sister given more... Watching his wife and son's gaunt appearance, he swallowed his words, "It's given, then it's given. I'll find something nice for her later."

He was no boss to accept things without a clear conscience, hoping for a chance to repay her. Pondering his next move, he focused on the medicinal seeds, "Can you grow these? Medicine's in high demand. If we have extra seedlings, I can trade them."

"I'll try. If it's too hard, I'll learn from the plantation folks."

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