Stella Sterling froze for a moment at the name, not immediately realizing who he was talking about.

’A friend? Since when did I have a friend like that?’

But seeing the look on Ethan Young’s face, a thought suddenly struck her, and she nodded. "Not a friend, exactly, but I know him."

Surprise flickered across Ethan Young’s face. He looked at Stella Sterling and suddenly said, "Have we met before?"

Ethan Young exuded a military bearing that was oppressive to ordinary people. Many would grow nervous and uneasy under his direct gaze.

But the young woman before him, though she didn’t look old, was remarkably composed. Facing him, she was as calm as a cloudless sky, showing no tension whatsoever.

Another flash of surprise crossed his eyes.

Stella Sterling met his gaze calmly and chuckled softly. "Two years ago, when Captain Young was distributing relief supplies at Solara Plaza, I saw you twice!"

Hearing this, Ethan Young’s eyes darkened.

Two years ago, he had indeed been assigned that mission. But if that was the only reason, he had seen so many people. Why would he feel a sense of familiarity with this particular woman?

However, his confusion lasted only a moment before he set the matter aside.

Perhaps something had happened back then that made a particularly strong impression on him.

He continued, "Louis Grant told me about your situation. For security reasons, we can’t allow you to carry that gun. However, you can hand it over for now, and we will return it to you after we arrive at the base."

This was a concession on Ethan Young’s part; he wasn’t being as forceful as he had been with Drake and his men.

Stella Sterling was a little surprised by his approach, but then she remembered his specific mention of Louis Grant. He must have put in a good word for her.

Harry and the others nearby were even more astonished. Why would the famously impartial Captain Young make an exception for this woman?

Just when everyone thought Stella Sterling would agree, she refused his kind offer. "Thank you, Captain Young, but I have no intention of joining Rellian Base. So just let me off somewhere safe later."

She was used to her freedom now, and her way of doing things wasn’t suited for such a regimented place.

Besides, she had too many secrets. If they found out, even if they allowed her to keep the gun, her every move would surely be under their constant scrutiny.

She didn’t like that.

Stella Sterling’s refusal was completely unexpected to Ethan Young. Although their base had only been established recently, it was stable. For the past month or two, they had been actively recruiting survivors to join them.

They had a certain prestige among the populace, and countless people wanted to join their Meridia Base. The only reason many couldn’t was that they had no way of getting there.

But now, with the opportunity right in front of her, she was actually refusing.

Ethan Young couldn’t understand it, but he respected her decision.

So he nodded. "In that case, Miss Sterling, please take care of yourself."

He then left with his people, leaving Stella Sterling in the enclosed room. The door outside slowly closed, and out of the corner of her eye, she noticed someone standing guard at the entrance.

It seemed they were still wary of her.

She raised an eyebrow, completely unbothered. In a way, this was more convenient. She didn’t have to stay in that crowded space with everyone else. ’Did I just turn a disaster into a blessing?’

’Should I thank the person who snitched on me?’

’Hmm, I’ll be leaving soon. Before I go, maybe I should leave them a little parting gift!’

With that thought, Stella Sterling sat down on a chair, leaned back on her hands, and closed her eyes for a quick nap.

The transport ship continued on its way, searching for more survivors as it traveled.

The people from Meridia Base were responsible; they didn’t just plan to drop Stella Sterling off at some random spot.

The sky outside gradually darkened.

A continuous rumbling sound quieted the noisy, bustling ship.

Many people on board were trembling, wondering if the ship could withstand the lightning...

After resting for a while in the afternoon, Stella Sterling was wide awake and full of energy by the evening.

Just as she was considering going into her ’space’ to get something to eat, the door opened.

Harry, the female team member who had brought her here that morning, walked in carrying a bag.

Seeing Stella Sterling’s sleepy-eyed appearance, Harry was momentarily stunned. "You’ve got quite the carefree attitude!"

She had seen plenty of rescued survivors. Most of them were in a bad state at first—panicked, confused...

She had seen all sorts of people, but this was the first time she had met someone so calm.

’She’s about to be on her own again, isn’t she worried about the future?’

"Just taking things as they come," Stella Sterling said with a light laugh.

"I have to say, I’m a little impressed. If you had joined our Meridia Base, you might have even become a staff member. We could have been colleagues."

Meridia Base was divided into two groups. One part consisted of ordinary people who lived under the base’s protection. They could exchange their labor for food and were occasionally given paid tasks.

The other part was the base’s internal staff. Unlike the ordinary people, they were completely loyal to the base and worked for it directly. Of course, their treatment was different as well.

She could tell that Miss Sterling’s mental fortitude was not ordinary. She might have even become a field operative. Joining their base would have greatly increased her chances of survival, especially amidst these relentless and terrifying natural disasters.

’But she refused. It really is a shame.’

She didn’t say any more, simply handing the bag to Stella Sterling. "This is dinner. The base provides free food for all survivors until we arrive, and for the first three days after."

Harry’s words once again gave Stella Sterling a more favorable impression of Meridia Base.

She had to admit, no matter how cruel the disasters were or how ruthless the survivors had become, actions like this from Meridia Base still inspired admiration.

"Thank you." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Stella Sterling took the bag. Inside was a steamed bun and a small bottle of water—incredibly precious supplies these days.

After Harry left, the room fell silent again. Sitting in the dark room, Stella Sterling’s mind felt sharper than ever.

"Quincy Sterling!"

The door creaked open again. Stella Sterling looked toward the entrance and saw a vaguely familiar figure approaching, shining a flashlight around as if looking for something.

"Over here."

Stella Sterling called out. The newcomer saw her and hurried over. He lit a candle and then switched off the flashlight.

And in his hands, he was carrying two large bowls!