18 Floors Above the Apocalypse



Stella had only been to the hospital twice, and their paths never crossed.

When the asteroid hit Earth, Collin was sent off on a transport ship, drifting on stormy seas for months before safely reaching Hope Point yesterday.

Without taking a break, he volunteered to work at the hospital. Thinking of the kind and benevolent Mr. Lee, Stella couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness, though she also admired Collin's unwavering dedication.

"Doc, I'm from the Kindle Society too," she said, opening her backpack and pulling out a packet of sugar cubes and a box of tea leaves. "I was lucky enough to find some rare metals, traded them for a submarine to get back. I didn't lose any of the supplies I brought from home. Take these for now, I'll bring some more food another day. You're not in great health, you need to recuperate quickly to handle your work better."

The items were precious, and Collin hesitated to accept them. "Doc, compared to the knowledge you've given me, this is nothing," Stella insisted. "The base is developing steadily, and it'll only get better. You can't let yourself fall apart."

Unable to refuse her heartfelt offer, Collin accepted the gifts. After chatting a bit longer, Stella left the hospital.

On her way to the docks, she passed by the Research Institute and saw a line of survivors waiting to apply for jobs. She found out that the Institute was setting up a food processing plant, hiring nimble workers to handle the fish, especially to remove the poisonous glands. The production standards were high, requiring protective gear to avoid injuries, making the compensation several times higher than regular jobs.

"Pick me! I've been filleting fish for ten years at a supermarket before the catastrophe. I could do it blindfolded."

"My family has been in the fish-slaughtering business for three generations. I can carve designs on fish bones."

The competition was fierce, almost leading to fights, scaring away the interviewers.

With some time before the ferry's last run, Stella wandered into the Supply Exchange Center. Besides sea salt, they were now selling fish cakes. Fish cakes were a new product with an introductory discount, and an average survivor's daily wage could buy half a pound. If mass production became a reality, the price would drop even more. Clearly, the base's current goal was the well-being of its people, offering products not for profit but for the survivors' sustenance.

Stella arrived too late; the fish cakes were already sold out. Nevertheless, the news of edible mutant fish had everyone buzzing, even the service staff seemed more cheerful. "I tried the fish cake I took home yesterday. The taste was okay, but I felt fine afterward, and today I woke up feeling more energized."

"Exactly, it's been years since we've had meat. Now that we're getting nutrients, it feels amazing."NôvelDrama.Org copyrighted © content.

"I hope we'll have more variety in the future, maybe even gather for a hearty hot pot like before the catastrophe."

"They don't pay us much, but the benefits are good. I heard we're getting some greens in a few days."

After leaving the Supply Exchange Center, Stella didn't head to the dock but went straight to the Administrative Service Center to find Justice.

Hearing of her arrival, Justice hurried out to greet her. "Stella, have you made up your mind?"

Without hesitation, Stella replied, "I agree to join."

Justice's face lit up with a smile. "No problem, we'll discuss the compensation. Also, I'll help you and Howard apply for special military status." "Military status? That's a joke!" Stella's expression turned serious. "Sir, I'm not there yet in terms of ideological awareness. If the day comes when we are ready, we'll apply on our own. You don't need to pull strings for us."

"Oh, come on. If you weren't committed, why would you go to such lengths to bring a hero home?"

No, Stella wasn't being modest; her convictions really didn't measure up. However, Justice was keen on recruiting them, and the more she refused, the more persuasive he became.

Finally, Stella grew impatient. "Sir, if you insist on this, I might have to reconsider working at the hospital."

That stopped Justice in his tracks. "Oh, no, you call the shots."

Stella pulled out a bottle of emergency heart-saving pills from her bag. "This is the last bottle I've hoarded. Whether the hospital can produce more in the future, we'll have to wait and see."

After storing the life-saving medicine, Justice invited her warmly, "Stella, are you free today? I'd like to invite you and Howard over for dinner." "No need, I have to report to the hospital tomorrow, and I need to get ready."

"Alright, we can talk about dinner some other time. If you run into any trouble at the hospital, remember to tell me."

After seeing Stella off, Justice rushed to the hospital, finding Collin busy at work. "Dr. Martin, I've just recruited a female doctor for you, also from South Base. She'll start tomorrow, and you'll guide her."

With no outsiders around, Justice spoke frankly, "I can't vouch for her medical skills yet, but she's been of service to the base. If she's skilled, keep her with you; if not, assign her to a regular position."

Collin, an academic, hated nepotism and frowned, "What's her name?"

"Stella."

Collin thought he had misheard. "What's her name?"

"Stella." Thinking he wasn't pleased, Justice hinted, "She might seem young, but she's saved pilots at sea, brought a hero's ashes home, and even pointed our people to Hope Point."

Collin couldn't help but laugh. "Stella is my student. She's already teaching medical staff how to prepare medicine."

As for why she hadn't started working at the hospital, she surely had her reasons, and Collin wouldn't pry into her choices.

Justice was stunned. "Well, that's a homecoming of heroes not recognizing their own!"

No wonder Stella had suddenly changed her mind; meeting her teacher at the hospital must have influenced her decision.

Now, Justice could truly relax.

Collin's expertise in traditional medicine was nationally renowned before the catastrophe. His students couldn't be far off the mark. With the master and apprentice at the hospital, he could shift his focus elsewhere with peace of mind.

Stella took the ferry back to Area B, and soon after, Rosie returned from work. She brought half a pound of greens, excitedly saying, "Sis, we can eat the fish now, so our maggot farming duties aren't as critical anymore."

Big news hit the grapevine - whether it was her solid work ethic or her knack for sweet-talking the bosses, in a few days she'd be

moving up the ladder to head the greens division. Thanks to the

tireless efforts of the varioulet

plantation zones, the greens. they cultivated were just about enough to stock the base cafeteria. The next big push was all about nurturing the crops and saving seeds for the next harvest.

With a playful grin, Stella quipped, "Rosie, you enjoying the good ol' farm life?"