18 Floors Above the Apocalypse



In Australia, the art of gourmet cuisine has a rich history that stretches back five thousand years. Over time, countless invasive species have been hunted and cooked, pushing many to the edge of extinction.

They'd already mastered preparing yellowtail kingfish, and it seemed like other fish species would soon follow. Just imagine the ocean's vast biodiversity-if they could solve the hunger problem, survivors wouldn't be fighting over scraps. With that out of the way, the base's construction would progress by leaps and bounds.

Stella was hopeful, dreaming of seeing the prosperity and civilization of pre-disaster times restored within her lifetime.

When the conversation turned to fish cakes, she mentioned to Jasper that Justice had come by, "He pretty much threw down the gauntlet, making it clear he wouldn't take no for an answer."

Jasper thought for a moment, "There are many survivors dealing with mental issues and physical ailments. Plus, those working on the construction sites often get injured. Western medicine is running out, and experts in traditional medicine are even rarer. With several medical staff injured, the hospital can't function properly. Justice was desperate, probably feeling he had no other choice but to appeal to your sense of duty."

He didn't tell Stella what to do. "Stella, running the hospital is no small feat. Whether you say yes or no, make sure it's your decision, not because you felt cornered into saying yes. If you agree reluctantly, you won't be happy."

Stella stayed silent, not saying another word. How to put it? She was kind of interested, but not entirely sure.

Jasper patted her shoulder, "No rush, take your time to think it through."Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

The family had dinner, played with the dog, read books, and went to bed on time.

In the morning, Jasper got up quietly.

Stella followed suit, "I think I want to go check out the hospital."

"How about tomorrow?" Jasper saw she wasn't looking great and reached out to touch her forehead, "You were tossing and turning all night, barely slept."

When he asked about her dream, she kept quiet, but it was clear she was in a bad mood.

"It's okay, I'll catch up on sleep when I get back."

Jasper didn't stop her, "Alright, I'll be waiting for you."

The family got ready, had breakfast, and headed off to work. Stella followed Jasper to Area A, leaving Cooper at home.

Cooper had gotten used to it, knowing that unless there was a break-in, it would quietly guard its little patch of the world, no matter what happened outside.

Taking the ferry, Stella felt the brisk sea breeze clear her mind. She had dreamt about Daniel the night before. He was riddled with sickness and there was no cure to save him. His eyes were wide open, staring at her until he passed without ever closing them.

Then, her Arcadia disappeared. All the supplies and life-saving medications in Arcadia were gone. She woke up drenched in cold sweat. What if Arcadia, which had come so suddenly, just as suddenly vanished? If that day ever came, what would she do? The thought kept her up all night, feeling utterly miserable.

Soon the ferry arrived at Area A. Jasper hurried off to work, "Stella, come find me if you need anything."

Stella nodded and made her way to the hospital alone. The hospital was massive, with a section marked off for growing medicinal herbs. Through the glass, she saw various common herbs thriving, some ready for their first harvest.

Herbs were precious, and not far away, a patrol kept watch. As Stella peered inside, they grew alert. Seeing the patrol approach, Stella quickly moved on, heading toward the hospital.

The hospital was eerily quiet, medical staff nowhere to be seen. Not only were healthcare workers in short supply, but so were patients. Patients avoided the hospital since coming was futile. Diagnosed with a plethora of conditions but no medications to treat them, it was nothing short of frustrating.

Passing the inpatient ward, she heard moans of pain. These were the base's injured workers, with no proper medications available, left to the whims of fate.

In the distance, two healthcare workers making rounds caught her eye. One of them, an older figure, seemed strangely familiar. At first, Stella thought she was seeing things. But no, it was him. She quickened her pace, "Dr. Collin?"

The man turned at the sound of his name. It was indeed Collin. Not only had he survived, but he had also joined the base hospital. He had lost weight, his hair now peppered with gray.

After the initial surprise, Collin was visibly overjoyed, "Stella?"

She rushed over, "Dr. Collin, when did you get here?"

She had checked just a fortnight ago and there was no news of Collin or Dr. Garcia.

Collin's voice was hoarse with fatigue, "I arrived yesterday."

He had arrived yesterday and was already at work today? Despite his own frail health, his choice was still resolute.

Stella joined him on his rounds, encountering several patients with varying degrees of trauma. Some were in very poor condition due to the lack of medication, showing signs of worsening infections.

Collin was all business, not pausing to sigh, as he returned to the office to check the herbal inventory. He pondered how to effectively treat patients in the absence of proper medication.

The collapse of the hospital system

was evident. Even if there were medical staff, almost none specialized in traditional medicine. Even those who were trained in the field of Chinese medicine didn't have the extensive knowledge to offer a full range of services. They had a growing area, true, but many medicinal plants required

processing that couldn't be done by

simply picking them.

Collin was busy, so busy he scarcely had time to speak with Stella. In the base hospital, he was the only one familiar with the complete Chinese medicine process. Not only did he have to work himself, but also instruct the medical staff.

Stella couldn't stand by idly, "Dr. Collin, I can take over the herbal processing. You focus on other things."

"Thank you, that would be helpful."

Strictly speaking, Stella was his student, a bright and eager learner, with more than a little understanding of the field.

Stella stepped in to check the herbal inventory, teaching the medical staff the processing techniques she had learned at the Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The common processing methods included nine techniques: washing, rinsing soaking, macerating, water-flying,

calcining, frying, stewing, and

roasting. Each herb required a

specific method.

After a full day of intense work, Stella caught a moment with Collin, "Dr. Collin, how are the colleagues from the institute?"

Collin's expression darkened at the question. After a heavy pause, he spoke with sorrow, "Old Li has passed away."

Old Li had been in his seventies, and faced with such cruel disaster, Stella had harbored a grim premonition. Nheless, the news hit her hard. A towering figure in the world of traditional Chinese medicine had fallen.

Chatting with Collin, Stella learned about their whereabouts after the satellite had crashed into Mount Greenwood. The government, keen on protecting its skilled individuals, had negotiated to place him and Collin, among others, into the Kindle Society. The rest of the crew, the everyday folk, were sent off to the official Goldbridge base.

But the journey was fraught with

net

challenges they hadn't anticipated. They were hit by a dust storm followed by torrential rain, and by the time they reached the Kindle. Society, the prolonged journey had taken its toll on Old Man Lee. It was

an illness he would not recover from. Even with special care, his body had been severely weakened by the years of natural disasters. All efforts to save him were in vain.

Collin, on the other hand, was admitted to a military hospital.