18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 534

It was high noon, and the sun was beating down like it had a grudge. The trio made their way back, sweat trickling down their backs.

Vanessa had just gotten back from work and was in the backyard, picking lettuce. Pests and blights were everywhere, so the leaves, untouched by pesticides, had more holes than Swiss cheese. But hey, having something to eat was a blessing in itself—no one was about to complain.

Even though the hospital had a cafeteria, Vanessa always rushed home to whip up something. Daniel had managed to get some rice and flour delivered, and she quickly got the rice cooking.

Stella knew she was getting special treatment. Lunch was sautéed lettuce, the two cans of food from breakfast that were barely touched, and a pot of white rice. As for the fish cakes that even a dog would turn its nose up at, Vanessa was too embarrassed to serve them, even though they were often a luxury many couldn’t afford.

Stella, playing dumb, asked, “Are those fish cakes from the factory really safe?”

“They’re fine,” Vanessa said, seizing the chance to break the awkward silence at the table. “The recipe was from an Ocean Point Naval Station warship that passed by.”

The process involved baking the fish at super high temperatures for a long time, which zapped nearly all the protein and nutrients, leaving the taste pretty awful, but at least they were filling. At first, old Gus had his doubts, but back then, they were running out of food on the ship, and it was either eat the fish cakes or starve.

“For the past couple of years, we’ve had regular check-ups, and everything’s been fine,” Vanessa added.

Stella paused, then asked, “Has anyone from Ocean Point Naval Station visited in the last couple of years?”

Vanessa didn’t pry into military stuff, and Daniel never talked about it with Stella. “Not that I know of,” she said, quickly changing the subject. “So, how have you managed these past few years?”

“We drifted to the Arctic, survived by hunting alligators and seals, and didn’t leave until the land started rising,” Stella replied.

They chatted idly until lunch was done and cleaned up. Vanessa hurried back to the hospital for her shift, and Stella let her fiercely loyal dog out to stand guard. Now that she’d decided to stay, it was time to make some plans.

Daniel was the head honcho at the base now, but who knew what the future held? Having lived through two lifetimes, Stella knew that relying on others was just a bonus—true strength came from self-reliance. She always liked to hold the reins rather than be led, especially when harboring a secret. Since she couldn’t isolate herself completely, the only way to keep her secret was to build her own power base and become untouchable.

Even if her secret got out someday, she’d be so powerful that no one would dare to mess with her. Deification was something Stella and Jasper had done back at Eastwood Eden. Now, it was just a matter of dusting off old tricks. In an apocalypse, creating a god-like persona was way easier than in peacetime.

Food, medicine, weapons, and a team. Stella already had the first three and could rely on Daniel’s protection at first, then build her own team later. With the base in dire need of rebuilding, it was the perfect time for her to make her move. Once she got the herb garden and a pharmacy running, who wouldn’t want to follow someone with weapons?

Stella closed the door and shared her plan. Jasper was on board immediately.

Rosie was thrilled. “Brother, sister-in-law, I can handle the food and herb cultivation. Those are in high demand at the base.”

It was a quick and happy decision, but they still needed to gauge Daniel’s stance before making any concrete plans.

In the evening, Daniel came back on time, which surprised Stella. Back at South Base, he’d always been the last one to leave the office, so dedicated that he even worked through hospital stays for bleeding ulcers.

Seeing the couple walking the dog in the front yard, Daniel called them into his study with a knowing smile. “How was your day out?”

“Not bad,” Stella replied noncommittally.