Chapter 149
Before the big chop, Jasper made sure to snap a few pictures of Ste with his phone. As the buzz
of the electric razor filled the air, a growing pile of hair littered the floor.
Rosie scampered over, eyes widened as she took in Ste''s newly shaved head. "Wow, Ste, you
look like a boy."
Ste took a look at herself in the mirror, and... well, she didn''t look bad. The buzz cut suited her,
even. It gave her a certain edge, a dash of toughness she hadn''t had before.
In this post-apocalyptic world, where smiles were far and few between, this new look gave her a
certain ''don''t mess with me'' vibe. With her buzz cut, whenever Ste didn''t smile, she looked like
she was ready to throw down.
The next day, she went out to the rooftop to fetch some water and bumped into Cody and Lukas,
who were popping some popcorn. Both of them were taken aback. "Good lord, when did we get a
girl gangster on the 18th floor?"
Ste decided to y along, flipping her water bucket at them. "Stick ''em up."
They handed over half a bowl of popcorn to her. "You know, Ste, that haircut really suits you. It''s
cool, badass, and refreshing."
"Are you guys just buttering me up?"
As the sun set, three buzz-cut figures were having a jovial time on the rooftop. Cody went
downstairs and came back with three cold beers. They sat on the rooftop, enjoy beers.
As they drank, Ste noticed that Cody was downing his beer pretty fast. Lukas was a bit slower,
but he too looked troubled. Having practically grown up together, Ste could tell when something
was bothering them.
"What''s up?" She asked.
They didn''t answer, and Ste didn''t push.
...
Ste had been tending to a few sweet potato vines in The Garden for over a month. They were
finally long enough to be cut into two sections. Just as she was about to bag the sweet potato vines,
Jasper appeared.
Over time, Ste had learnt that Jasper had a sneaky side. He would often send Rosie off with
Cooper, so he could have some alone time with her. Today was one of those days, with Cooper
busy munching on popcorn next door.
Seeing her bag the vines, Jasper looked surprised. "Aren''t you worried about damaging the vines?"
Ste didn''t have a choice. The Garden in Arcadia was fertile and the sweet potato vines were
thriving. It would be suspicious if she gave them to 1803 in such good condition. She decided to bag
them and let them wilt a bit before giving them away.
After finishing her chores, Ste sat on the couch, tuning the radio. The local government
announced that the provincial base was officially open to survivors.
There were two bases - an official one and a military one. Each base could amodate up to
300,000 people. The first phase of both bases was alreadypleted.
Two years into the apocalypse, the bases were finally ready.
The official base was located in Goldbridge, situated in the northeastern direction of the province. It
was a typical mountain city with underdeveloped industries, focusing on green agriculture. It was
about 500 kilometers from Griffith.N?velDrama.Org content rights.
The military base was in Lincoln, located in the northern direction of the province. It was a semi-
industrial city, boasting the province''s most abundant water resources, Lincoln River and Echo
Lake. It was around 300 kilometers from Griffith.
The two bases were about 200 kilometers apart, which wasn''t too far by car.
Ste didn''t have a radio in her past life, so she only heard about the basester. But what good did
knowing do? She didn''t even qualify to enter.
To enter the official base, each person needed to pay 20 kilos of grain. The military base required
50 kilos.
Ste couldn''t understand, "Why is there such a big difference?"
People from the lower ss couldn''t even afford 20 kilos of grain, let alone 50.
Jasper exined, "The official base is hosted by the provincial government and jointly established
and managed by various municipal governments. The military provides basic order.
The military base, on the other hand, is arranged by the state. Soldiers establish and manage it
entirely, so there''s a fundamental difference."
He paused before revealing a cruel truth, "The military base, also known as Kindle Society, is
humanity''sst hope in a crisis. The 50 kilos of grain is only a basic requirement. They also conduct
rigorous selection. Not just anyone can enter."
Ste vaguely understood. The 50 kilos of grain was just the price of admission. Whether you were
low ss or high ss, if you were capable, getting 50 kilos of grain wasn''t impossible. In other
words, the military base epted capable people.
"It''s not just about capability. You also need a clean record. Those involved in illegal activities or
who have a criminal record won''t stand a chance. Survivors who enter will be under military
management. Those who don''t follow orders or cause trouble will be expelled after three strikes.
Those whomit crimes will be executed."
Ste was shocked, but it made sense. Even though it seemed harsh, special times called for
special measures. The military''s mission was to help survivors live and continue human civilization.
Arge base of 300,000 people couldn''t be managed without strict rules. Otherwise, it would
inevitably lead to chaos. As the apocalypse worsened, the outside world would be increasingly
hostile.
Ste thought for a moment. "Do you want to enter the base?"
Jasper had thought about it, "The initial intention of establishing the base is good, but people are
complicated. The official base not only epts politicians'' children, but also countless upper-ss
elites. As the number of people increases, problems will arise. The fight for power and survival of
the fittest will be prevalent. The legal system will only restrict the powerless. The military base
has strict management. Survivors who enter will be assigned jobs. As long as they are willing to
work hard, they can get enough food. However, the military has absolute control."
People who entered the base would be first assigned to participate inter construction or produced
and stored grain, which were all hard and tough jobs. He didn''t mind it for himself, but he didn''t want
Ste and Rosie to suffer.
Even though they could stay home and live off of Arcadia, they should never underestimate the
military base''s ability to discover secrets. They could hide it for a year or two, but not for five or ten
years. Once Ste''s Arcadia was exposed, who can guarantee her safety and freedom? Perhaps
they wouldn''t kill her, but they might take her for research or force her to do things against her will.
Having sacrificed a decade in his past life, this time, Jasper only wanted to protect those he cared
about.
"We''ll stay in Griffith with Rosie and Cooper. If the environment bes too harsh to survive, we
can seek refuge in the base."
The catastrophes in different regions varied. What Griffith went through was cruel, but at least he
had lived in this city for ten years. Now that he got a second chance, he could n ahead to ensure
they wouldn''t suffer too much. Right now, it was time to n.
Jasper asked, "Ste, can you collect supplies underwater and put them in Arcadia?"
Ste was puzzled, "What do you want to collect?"