18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 618

After days of hard work, the cargo ship transfer was finally complete. Along with accolades, we received a hefty sum of credits in our accounts. Despite it being the dead of winter, the sun blazed overhead every single day. Still, nothing could halt the steady approach of the holiday season.

After more than a decade of natural disasters, this year saw the most anticipation for the festivities. With the base's rapid progress, most residents had jobs, which brought about a festive spirit. After a year of toil, Reagan granted the special salvage crew a well-deserved break to enjoy the holidays before they set out again. The team cheered, finally able to take some time off.

As the base developed and their ranks increased, the military provided them with private rooms. However, the crew, in silent agreement, still chose to live in the converted shipping containers they called home. It wasn't that they disliked the brick barracks, but living on base meant dealing with too many visitors, both familiar and unfamiliar, who came knocking to chat or snoop around for group secrets. Without much fuss, they chose the containers.

When bored, they'd close their doors tight or head to the farm to volunteer. Stella, ever the equitable leader, invited the team over for a hot pot feast. They ate with such gusto. "Stella," they asked, "should we build ourselves some brick houses?"

Without looking up, Stella replied, "With all those credits saved up and no partners to speak of, why wouldn't you?" So off they went to file their building applications, even Cole, who was tired of the barracks. Each got a plot of five hundred square meters, side by side, agreeing to be good neighbors. They looked forward to hosting housewarming parties upon their return from the next voyage.

As the holiday drew nearer, the newcomers from the New World all found their places, except for four whose arrangements were delayed. They waited patiently for half a month, either training or working at the farm. The day before New Year's Eve, their assignments finally came through. Cody was placed at the City Hall, Angela at the Police Department, Lukas stayed in the military office, and Kitty went to the Defense Committee.

Such placements caused a stir among the onlookers, but those in the know understood the recognition of their service. For instance, Angela was appointed Deputy Chief, a position she'd assume after the holidays. The four accepted their assignments without complaint, moved into their new quarters, and hurried to prepare for the celebration. Having brought back people and supplies, they received a fair share of reward credits to exchange for goods at the Central Mall. Stella sent over some household necessities as housewarming gifts.

Cody and Lukas insisted on throwing a feast. They invited Stella, Jasper, Cole, the special salvage crew members, Bran, and other key members from the initial base camp. Their assignments were productive, and everyone was already deeply involved in their industries. They'd need at least five tables to accommodate everyone, which meant using a substantial amount of food. Stella, generous as ever, directed them to purchase directly from the farm and breeding grounds, cutting out the middleman. Limited credits meant no lavish spreads, but the four dishes per table, a mix of meat and vegetables, were a testament to their sincerity.

Waking up on New Year's Eve morning, after feeding the ten hungry beasts, the family started preparing the grand dinner. Daniel and Vanessa were off work, eagerly anticipating a holiday surrounded by their children and pitched in with the preparations. It felt like a rebirth. Frying, stewing, and cooking—there was no end to the festivities. Daniel and Vanessa weren't exactly chefs; their attempts at stuffed tofu ended in splits. But it didn't matter—it was the joy that counted. The dogs, following around, eventually got penned up.

Indeed, entrusting the governance to Mark was smart. Despite many challenges over the year, teamwork prevailed, outperforming the military's own efforts. Professionals should handle their crafts. Those who once doubted Daniel's decisions now had to admit their mistake. And those who whispered about him favoring his daughter and son-in-law—well, the base's success spoke for itself. Beneficiaries all, they had no choice but to accept the inevitable and respect the progress.

Stella was blissfully unaware that before the special unit's return, Daniel had already hosted a military-civilian appreciation banquet earlier in the year. Awards were given where due, and commendations bestowed appropriately. At the banquet, when Mark unveiled the five-year development plan for Griffith, it sent shockwaves through the attendees. For the past fortnight, the upper echelons of the military and government had been abuzz with discussions about the plan. There were voices of support, and there were dissenters. The verdict hadn't been made public yet, but Daniel already had his answer tucked away in his mind.