18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 569

Evan took a good look at Stella. From her fresh-faced youth to her confident thirties, her appearance hadn’t changed much, but her aura was something else entirely.

"Were you just on the supply ship?"

Even after all these years, his gaze was as sharp as ever—nothing escaped him.

Stella nodded, "Yeah, my team ran into a group of survivors from Goldbridge while looking for the Kindle Chest a few days ago. Must've been you guys."

Evan nodded, "Thanks for the assist. We might not have made it to the base otherwise."

Stella, curious, asked, "Ocean Point Naval Station is pretty advanced. So why Griffith?"

Evan smiled, "Just a hunch."

Stella paused, then burst out laughing, "Ocean Point is definitely high-tech, but your hunch was spot on. There are old friends here, the kind you can really look forward to."

She extended her hand warmly, "Evan, welcome to Griffith."

Evan had met all kinds of people, and from her demeanor, he figured she held some serious sway in Griffith. She wasn't the same person she used to be.

She had transformed.

Evan reached out, and their hands clasped together.

Just as they let go, another figure approached, "Evan."

A hand clapped his shoulder.

Evan looked closely, "Bran?"

Was this the old friend Stella mentioned? The spark of hope quickly fizzled out.

But Bran in uniform was a far cry from his past self.

Bran's flattery was always on full blast, "Sis, Evan's arrival is like adding wings to a tiger for us here in Griffith. The good times are just around the corner."

He boasted without a filter, "Evan, I was just telling Mark about you yesterday. He said you're a whiz at keeping the peace and handling criminal cases. Griffith could really use someone like you. And here you are!"

Stella wondered how he managed to be so effortlessly shameless.

They’d have plenty of time to get to know each other. After some small talk, she left.

Evan watched her retreating figure, lost in thought.

Back at home, Jasper was there when Stella mentioned running into Evan.

Jasper had known Evan in both their lives—an upstanding yet flexible lawman.

Having dealt with them so many times, he had always turned a blind eye to their business.

Both Stella and Jasper held him in high regard, "I'm sure Mark won't let this chance slip by."

Running into old friends in Griffith was definitely something to celebrate.

Stella had encountered three groups of Goldbridge survivors. She believed many were still alive, just scattered around the globe. In time, they would gather.

The transfer of supplies from the Kindle Chest took ten days, and the team’s container modifications were also complete, all transported back.

No red-brick houses, but still much better than tents—spacious and bright.

The only downside was the heat, but a shade on the roof would do the trick.

Besides, they’d spend a lot of time out at sea salvaging, hardly staying long each time they returned.

The team headed to the trading center to exchange goods, and thanks to their contributions to the base, they managed an unprecedented haul of flour and rice.

Sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, greens—they got a good amount.

But meat was wishful thinking—only pricey canned goods were an option.

Inheriting their parents’ endearing looks, they were simply dazzling.

Unlike Hugo, the military had already reserved the pups upon learning of the high-ranking officer’s wolf-dog household. Once weaned, they would be trained to perform various patrol duties alongside soldiers.

Wolves were carnivores, and it was uncertain whether the military’s rations would suffice.

But with the poultry farm on the rise, meat supply shouldn’t be an issue unless a major disaster struck.

The climate remained erratic, but the atmosphere at the base was increasingly positive. Everyone looked forward to the greenhouse harvest and the start of the breeding farm.

Maybe one day they’d have their fill of succulent meat and make clothes for themselves.

So, the most talked-about topic was the base leader’s enigmatic daughter and son-in-law.

Rumored to be supremely capable, they were part of the special salvage team—a group seemingly created just for them.

The survivors didn’t dare envy their meaty feasts, canine companions, or vehicular freedom. They simply hoped for the trickle-down effect, for the simple joy of being well-fed and warm.

On the day of departure, Daniel came to bid farewell, "Stay safe."

His words were concise, without fuss, but they carried a warmth that was palpable.

Wolfishly stubborn with a whine and a howl, Cooper even crawled into the car, refusing to come out. In the end, with no other choice, it was Rosie who drove her brother and sister-in-law to the pier.

Cooper stood on the shore, gazing at the vanishing silhouette on the sea, obstinately waiting and unwilling to leave for a long time.

Everyone had arrived, and in addition to the supplies distributed by the base, each person had brought extra provisions. Stella was no exception.

She had brought along a good amount of beans, something to pass the time with by sprouting them or making tofu.

When they regrouped, the team members were already well-acquainted with each other and simultaneously filled with anticipation for the salvage adventure ahead.

At night, Stella secured the transport ship as well as the 2688, and everyone gathered on Cole’s nuclear submarine…