The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 758

Maybe the base made Hughie feel secure, or maybe he had genuinely started to enjoy military life. Either way, he couldn't resist bragging with Jeremy.

"Man, if we'd joined a few years earlier, think we'd be squad leaders or company commanders by now?"

Jeremy shook his head.

"I think the timing worked out just right. If I'd come here a few years earlier, I never would've met Diana.

"And back then, we didn't have the skills or experience we have now. We might not even have passed the enlistment test.

"At best, we'd probably be out scavenging and risking our lives every day."

Nicole laughed. "Just keep working hard. The promotions will come eventually. When all this is finally over, and you're both high-ranking officers, don't forget about me."

Jeremy and Hughie immediately started piling on the praise. "No matter how far we get, we'll never catch up to you, Nicole.

"You two brought back enough rare metals to get the base factories running at full capacity again. All those extra survival vehicles and shelters they can build might end up saving a lot of lives."

Nicole laughed. "Looks like luck really does come out of nowhere sometimes. Anyway, I'm treating tonight, so eat as much as you want."

There was plenty of meat. Nicole grilled pork belly, skewers of meat, and vegetables, and she also made a big tray of ravioli.

She added a few easy sides as well, including grilled corn, mushrooms, and roasted potatoes, along with plenty of barbecue sauce.

The familiar smell should've made Marcus even hungrier, but instead, his appetite faded.

Eric had always struggled with high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, so he usually ate very plain food with barely any oil or salt.

But back when they still lived in the villa community, the smell of meat on the grill had always been enough to tempt Eric. He would always tell them to save him some.

Marcus still remembered trading medicine with Nicole for extra meat and seasonings several times.

Back then, Eric seemed happiest whenever everyone crowded around the grill, fighting over the best pieces.

Now, Marcus was sitting at a barbecue with everyone again, but he still hadn't heard a word from his father. He had no idea how the rest of his family was doing.

Nicole piled more grilled meat onto his plate. "Eat up. Once you report for duty, you might not get another meal like this for a while."

It had been a long time since any of them had enjoyed something as simple as sharing a good meal together.

By the time they finished, it was already late.

Jeremy and the others were worried they might get called into an unscheduled drill, so they didn't stay long. They said their goodbyes and headed out.

Marcus had to report for duty the next day and still needed to pack.

Nicole didn't try to stop them, but she handed back everything they had brought.

"Just take it. You can treat me next time."

She appreciated the thought, but those supplies meant very little to her. For them, though, they could one day make the difference between life and death.

No one knew whether the next disaster or the next reunion would come first, so Nicole gave them all the same reminder.

"Keep food and medicine with you at all times. No matter what happens, as long as you're alive, there's still hope."