18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 563

The crew didn’t waste any time heading to the next salvage point. It was less than two nautical miles away, so they arrived quickly. Without Sharkey tagging along, the operation went smooth as silk.

About seven hundred nautical miles from Griffith, the submarine stumbled upon a jackpot—over twenty shipping containers. They were just ordinary sea-faring containers, likely capsized during a tsunami.

Feeling light-hearted with the mission accomplished, the crew pondered whether to salvage the containers. The land had been picked clean by the base long ago, leaving only the vast ocean with its untapped potential. Even if the contents were ruined, the containers themselves could be hauled back and repurposed into housing, a much better option than living in tents.

Of course, with Stella possessing superpowers, it wasn’t their place to ask. Having lived twice, Stella could see right through their thoughts. Daniel had handpicked this team, and it would eventually belong to her and Jasper. To win them over, she needed to be both strong and gracious. She couldn’t very well live in a brick house, feasting on steak and wine, while they crammed into stuffy tents.

“There’s still plenty of daylight. I’ll salvage these, and you can use them for housing to improve your living conditions,” Stella said with a cheerful grin. “But when the houses are ready, you’ll owe me a housewarming party.”

The crew chuckled in agreement. “No problem, we'll take turns and make sure you're feasting for three days and nights.”

When Stella took action, it was clear what she could do. Twenty-six containers were neatly arranged on the transport ship in less than half an hour.

That evening, less than 200 nautical miles from Griffith, Stella took advantage of the night to place a large transport ship on the sea, stacking all the containers neatly on board.

When the crew woke up the next morning and surfaced the submarine for air, they were astonished to find the transport ship quietly moored on the sea. Six... no, seven Kindle Chests?

After the shock came deep contemplation. The crew boarded the transport, finding the deck piled with countless seaweeds and sea lettuce. The weather was clear and sunny, so they hurried to spread them out to dry.

The Kindle Chest sensors and passwords were inaccessible, so they had to treat the containers like mystery boxes. The sea containers, soaked for a long time, were fortunately not too corroded thanks to the protective mud. At least their exteriors were intact with crisp, resonant knocks. The crew didn’t hold much hope, figuring the contents must have been water-damaged long ago. But having 26 containers was a stroke of luck already.

With nothing better to do at sea, they decided to clean them up before taking them back, saving weight and fuel for the transport ship. But when they opened the doors, they were all stunned. Inside were rolls of fabric, perfectly intact.

It seemed they were made waterproof, probably because they were susceptible to getting wet at sea. A whole container full of denim fabric. Delighted by the find, they proceeded to the next container. More fabrics—synthetics. All 26 containers were filled with fabrics: cotton, silk, chiffon, organza, wool, and more—dozens of types, all of very good quality.

Years adrift at sea had taken a toll on their clothing, fast eroded by salt and water. They were relatively better off, having military uniforms to wear, but for the common folk, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they were barely covered. But what could be done? Attempts to grow cotton had failed, let alone silk farming. These 26 containers of fabric could make several outfits for everyone at the base. And they had Stella to thank for this windfall.

The crew was greatly inspired, their expectations for the seven salvaged Kindle Chests even higher. Stella herself hadn't expected such good fortune. Not far from the base now, she didn't stay on the transport ship but returned to the submarine 2688, while Cole manned the nuclear submarine. The team would return the way they had come.

By evening, the transport ship entered Griffith waters. The dock guards were nearly bug-eyed at the sight of the laden returning team. The port was still rudimentary, and the transport ship couldn't dock directly, so a shuttle boat was sent to pick them up.

After discussing, Jasper and Cole went to report to the leaders at the base, while Amelia and the others, now part of the special command, chose to stay aboard the ship where the living conditions were much better than on land, waiting for the handover. Stella rode a shuttle to the shore.