18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 590

What could Stella say after Bran had covered all the bases? She couldn’t just ditch the megaphone with everyone watching. Despite usually bossing Bran around like a rookie, she’d never spoken in front of such a big crowd before. The lack of experience made her a bit jittery.

But the divine Stella knew one thing—less is more. If she was to be a goddess, she needed to keep an air of mystery. Holding the megaphone, her voice steady and calming, she proclaimed, “Don’t worry. We’ll get through this together. I’m with you all the way.”

Bran, a master of flattery, took over the megaphone and added, “Please be patient, everyone. We’re going to get the medicine. Just form a line, and we’ll take care of each of you one by one.”

Surprisingly, the patients calmed down. After all, Stella was a household name at the base. She was the farm, the breeding grounds, the special salvage team—everywhere she went, miracles seemed to follow. Now, with her donating medicine, maybe it really could cure them? Whether it was false hope or just a psychological comfort, the noisy crowd genuinely quieted down, patiently waiting for a miracle.

With the patients finally taking a metaphorical chill pill, order was visibly restored. Bran kept things organized, “Doctor, can you arrange a team to help us fetch the medicine?”

The doctor, clearly out of the loop, seemed to think, “So, it had nothing to do with the hospital after all? It was all Stella’s doing.” Reflecting on Stella’s past deeds, he realized she wasn’t one to hog the spotlight. Bran, the military man, was likely trying to schmooze his way up with over-the-top praise.

With healing as the priority, Stella led the hospital staff back home to get the medicine. Bran shamelessly tagged along, radiating pride as if to say, “Sis, my hype game is strong, huh?” Stella could only facepalm.

After hauling several large sacks of medication from storage, she didn’t forget to make a side trip next door. Ah, as expected, he wasn’t there. Daniel was out commanding the operations. You had to admit, slick-talking Bran was a master at selling the dream.

As they entered the hospital gates, his megaphone blared again, “Stay calm, don’t panic. Comrade Stella’s donated medicine has arrived, and we’ll distribute it shortly.” Updates on the situation went a long way in soothing the patients’ restlessness. Feeling a bit outdone, the doctor quickly organized the preparation of the medication. But Bran grabbed him, whispering a few words. The doctor’s expression turned serious, “Thanks for the heads-up.”

With the situation under control, Stella quickly asked the doctor, “Has Staff Counselor Willowbrook and his team visited the hospital?”

“Yes, they’re being treated right now.”

“How are they doing?”

The doctor, overwhelmed, replied, “They brought their own physician; we’re just providing the medication.”

Stella, still concerned, sought out the specific treatment room and went to visit them in person. Turning a corner, she spotted Nicholas exiting the treatment room, escorted by Justice. Both men wore smiles, exchanging pleasantries before parting ways. After Nicholas left, Stella emerged from the shadows.

Aside from practicing medicine and engaging in academia, Collin rarely concerned himself with world affairs. That very morning, on the way to the garden, he had learned that Stella was in Griffith and, astonishingly, Mr. Daniel’s biological daughter, and that the herb garden was hers.

Collin wasn’t one for chatter; he was content knowing his student was doing well, which eased his years of concern. With him present, there was no need to worry about the health of Staff Counselor Willowbrook’s team. Indeed, as the doctor delivered the required medication, their allergic symptoms were already subsiding.

Staff Counselor Willowbrook, his eyes swollen, was receiving a hot compress treatment. He remembered Stella. If not for the lifesaving pill she had given him on the ferry, his survival would have been uncertain. When news of their disappearance at sea reached him, Staff Counselor Willowbrook had ordered Justice to conduct a secret investigation. It didn’t take long for the truth to surface, and a search party was dispatched. Regrettably, why hadn’t the young couple given him a chance? As the leadership of the five bases gathered and more survivors converged on Willowbrook, the dynamic continued to evolve.

Lieutenant Colonel Smith finally let go of his obsessions. He’d never expected to run into her at Fort Griffith of all places. He sized up Stella, her features obscured by the protective gear she wore, yet everything she had achieved for Fort Griffith spoke volumes. She had the same tenacity as her father—a chip off the old block indeed.

Though Colonel Smith regretted that she hadn’t chosen to join them at Camp Willowbrook, landing at Fort Griffith was still an excellent outcome. After all, they all stemmed from the same roots in Australia; there was no need to draw lines in the sand. He inquired, “How’s Mr. Daniel doing?”

Stella massaged her temples, “He just got treated and is already back to work.”

Colonel Smith chuckled heartily, “That man, always looking after others, from the cradle to the grave. Some things never change; he simply refuses to slow down with age.”