18 Floors Above the Apocalypse



The massive drone, after colliding with the underwater vessel, tore away from the ocean's whirlpool, bobbing up and down amid the thunderous waves, emitting a deafening wail that echoed through the air. The abyss on the ocean floor expanded wildly, as if eager to swallow everything in its path.

...

With considerable effort, Stella managed to bring the full-speed submarine into the haven of Arcadia. Thank goodness it wasn't moving too fast; a speeding helicopter might have turned Arcadia into a pile of shrapnel. Of course, that was just her guess-Stella wouldn't risk testing it unless absolutely necessary.

Once the submarine was securely docked inside Arcadia, Jasper quickly reached out to steady Stella as she swayed with exhaustion. "Stella, you okay?"

"I'm fine," she insisted, slumping into a chair.

Jasper unwrapped a chocolate bar and popped it into her mouth. "Here, get some sugar in you."

Feeling dizzy, Stella leaned her head on his shoulder. "Wonder if Iran got sucked into the vortex?" "Even if they didn't, they're in for a world of hurt."

Once they had both caught their breath, they hurried to check on Rosie and Cooper. "You guys okay?"

Stella couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt thinking about Iran's fate. Cooper was fine, wagging his tail non-stop. Rosie, however, felt a bit queasy and dizzy. After a thorough check, Stella was relieved to find no serious injuries.

Chasing Iran for an entire day and night had pushed them all to their limits, both mentally and physically. After securing the scattered items inside the submarine, Stella and Jasper laid out a feast on the dining table, inviting their furry companions to join them. In the grand scheme of things, a good meal trumped all.

Meatloaf, surf and turf, crab cakes, braised beef, and fresh veggies. The portions were generous, and the three humans and one dog ended up stuffed to the brim. After a short rest and a clean-up, it was time to sleep.

Resting her head on Jasper's arm, Stella thought deeply. "We should tell Rosie about Arcadia."

Rosie was smart, and Jasper had raised her well. She was so well-behaved she rarely asked questions. But that didn't mean she knew nothing. Growing up in an orphanage and surviving the calamities of two lifetimes had made Stella wary and distrustful. Without repeated life-and-death bonding, she found it hard to trust unconditionally. Rosie was practically raised by her, after all.

Over the years, they had developed a strong bond. Stella was like a sister and a mother figure to her. Rosie, having survived nine years of disaster, didn't resent but rather appreciated Stella's presence, even when faced with death. She had even entrusted Jasper to Stella.

Stella almost laughed. Rosie was not only smart but also grateful. She knew everything.

Her decision took Jasper by surprise. "You sure?"

"It's not that I don't trust Rosie," Stella explained, nestling closer. "It's the uncertainty of the future I worry about. But we can't predict tomorrow, and Rosie's smart enough to see through any deception. We should be honest with her."

She was weary of using Jasper as a shield all the time. As for the future, they'd deal with that when the time came. Who knew if there would even be a future?

"Alright, I'll talk to her," Jasper said, holding her tight. "Stella, no matter what the future holds, I'm with you." Through thick and thin.

They fell asleep in each other's arms, their bodies and hearts as close as could be.

Awakening, Jasper and Stella stepped out to inspect the submarine's hull. It was surprisingly resilient; despite the collision with Iran, there wasn't even a scratch. After spending some time outside, even Cooper clambered out to munch on the cabbages from The Garden, but Rosie stayed inside.

Stella returned to the control room to check on the systems while Jasper sat on the deck, calling out, "Rosie, come on up."

Rosie emerged from her cabin, her face a mix of shock and familiarity at the sight of The Garden's lush vegetation, the rows of trucks, and the familiar cruise ships and yachts.

Jasper handed her a glass of juice, "Remember how many times we survived on these supplies, the medicine, and escape tools?"

Rosie sipped her juice. "Many times."

"I'm sorry, I lied to you," Jasper confessed. "This is Arcadia, a chance Stella got from the apocalypse. It's not compensation from mom and dad." Rosie tried to understand. "What is Arcadia?"

Honestly, Jasper wasn't sure himself. "Imagine a magic pouch that can store and retrieve things at will... A place to keep our stuff safe."Text © owned by NôvelDrama.Org.

He took his time explaining Stella's Arcadia to his sister.

"Arcadia existed before the catastrophes. It was activated by the good fortune amassed by Stella's ancestors. Maybe when the end times are over, it might disappear too."

Rosie pondered this. "Does that mean you also amassed good fortune, which is why you found sister-in-law?"

Jasper smiled. "Maybe it was the good deeds of my past life."

He rested his hand gently on her shoulder. "Arcadia belongs to Stella. She makes the rules. She shares it with us because she loves us. But no matter how close we are, we can't take it for granted."

Rosie nodded in understanding.

"Arcadia is just that, a tool for storage, a lifesaver in a pinch. It appeared unexpectedly and might vanish just as quickly. We can't afford to become complacent or greedy just because it shelters us. Our true strength will always come from within, not from external things."

Rosie looked at the objects before her, her gaze clear and resolute. "I understand, brother."

Jasper ruffled her hair. "Do you like Stella?"

"I do," Rosie answered without hesitation. "She's like mom."

He chuckled. "She's your sister-in-law, and without her, you might not be here. Will you respect and take care of her for the rest of your life?"

Rosie beamed. "Yes."

Stella finished her inspection of the submarine, restored the alarm system, and confirmed that everything else was in order. The sound of footsteps echoed from behind, and even with her eyes closed, Stella knew it was Rosie. To her surprise, Rosie suddenly wrapped her arms around Stella in an embrace from behind, exclaiming with joy, "Sis!"

The young girl's face was lit up with a smile as bright as a blooming flower.

Stella felt her own spirits lift. "There's some delicious food on the table, don't let it get cold."

"Thanks, sis," Rosie chirped, then tiptoed to plant a kiss on Stella's cheek before scampering off to indulge in the treats.

Jasper, trailing behind her, was speechless...

And Stella, the victim of the stealthy peck, was torn between laughter and tears.

They exchanged glances, both slightly bemused by the situation. Watching Rosie share the food with Cooper, singing a tune in her light-hearted glee, Stella couldn't help but feel a warm glow inside.

In a hushed tone, Stella asked, "Did you talk to her?"

"Yeah, she actually knows everything," Jasper replied, his mood equally buoyant. "Our honesty made her so happy she got carried away enough to jump up and kiss you."

Stella's eyes danced with mirth. "Jealous?"

Jasper touched his nose, feigning indifference, "Why would I be jealous? I'm actually the happiest when you and Rosie get along."

Stella's eyes conveyed a wealth of teasing, "Tsk, tsk."

Jasper, playfully chided by his wife, blocked their view from the little ones and planted a kiss on her forehead. "Stella, thank you." "For what?" she asked, a playful twinkle in her eye.