18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 532

Vanessa hesitated for a moment before spearing another piece of fish cake.

Cooper sniffed at it twice, then turned his head away in disdain, barking at Stella for a drumstick instead!

"Ignore them," Stella said, "a missed meal or two won't hurt them." She then turned to the two ungrateful pups and ordered, "Out!"

Obediently, they scampered out to continue their lovey-dovey antics in the yard.

Having finished his meal, Daniel set down his fork and knife. "Stella, little Ho, Griffith is a pretty big place. Do you need me to arrange for someone to show you around?"

Stella shook her head. "No need, we'll take a walk ourselves later."

"If you need anything, I'll have someone bring it over later," Daniel offered kindly.

"We're good. I'll ask if we need anything," Stella replied.

Daniel excused himself. "I have to go to work with your aunt. If you need anything, come straight to the military base."

Stella nodded and set aside her plate.

After tidying up, Vanessa asked gently, "Stella, what would you like for lunch? I can cook something when I get back."

Stella, not quite used to such familial concern, replied, "Don't worry about us. You have your own things to do."

Once the two left, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Back inside, she grabbed a steaming drumstick for Cooper, while the three of them enjoyed a bowl of hearty hog maw soup. Being on someone else's turf felt restrictive.

She could sense Daniel's care but didn’t know how to respond. Well, there was no rush. She could decide after exploring a bit.

Taking the dogs out with her would draw too much attention, so Stella locked them in a crate in the room. Surely no one would dare steal from a commander's house.

Stepping outside, she realized just how vast Griffith was; the end was nowhere in sight.

The base was surrounded by agricultural zones on all sides, with clear divisions between military and civilian living areas. The hospital was still under construction, and the external offices were temporarily set up in shipping containers.

There were a few homes made of mud bricks and stone, but they were rare. Most were built by the military. Civilians either lived in decent conditions or had to make do with shabby tents, broken-down cars, or shacks made of wood and straw.

Stella observed the soil along the roadsides; it was still barren waste without any stickiness.

Humanity had thrived for thousands of years, and now they were starting over. It wasn’t something that could be overcome in just a year or two.

This place was no Ocean Point Naval Station, which had completed the preliminary construction of Hope Point before the land submerged. All they needed to do was find a suitable location and assemble everything with united efforts.

The mission of South Base was the 'Seed Project,' with the essence condensed onto 3,000 submarines.

Daniel, no matter how capable, could only manage to bring along a few naval ships and transport vessels' worth of supplies. How could swift recovery and development be easy?

During the day, the base center was devoid of idle people. Most survivors were out in the plantations, and the military personnel were either patrolling for safety, working on construction, or laboring in the military's agricultural zone.

But the trio's appearance was conspicuously noticeable.

Stella inquired as they walked toward the base's service center.

A dozen red brick buildings housed various public service windows.

Stella approached the Reunion and Outreach desk. "Hello, I'm looking to find some friends."

The service center was equipped with solar panels, and a computer sat on the desk containing a list of all base personnel.

Cody, Lukas, Kitty, Angela.

Not one was listed.

Stella was stunned but refused to give up hope, and she mentioned the names of Austin and his son.

"None."

She persisted, mentioning the Moore family.

Still none.

Seeing Stella's downcast expression, the clerk offered comfort. "Don't worry too much. The people you're looking for might be at Ocean Point Naval Station. If there's a chance, we'll try to contact them for you."

Stella was surprised. "You have contact with Ocean Point Naval Station?"

She had thought that Daniel was unaware of the coordinates of Ocean Point Naval Station and had chosen to settle here instead.

Ocean Point was Australia's Hope Point. Knowing that, why hadn't he gone there?