A few days passed, and Ethan was busy calling suppliers and ordering dishes online. His injury hadn't fully healed, but he could walk now as long as he avoided heavy exercise. This improvement was thanks to the well water he had been drinking.
While the young couple's constant ordering was in full swing, some of their apartment neighbors were puzzled. Every hour, someone knocked on their door, delivering all sorts of products.
Concerned about the noise, the security guard knocked on their door. Someone had reported their activities and wanted to check on them.
When Elena opened the door, she was surprised to see the security guard.
"Is there something wrong, sir?" she asked.
"Someone reported that many people have been knocking on your door. They were worried about security and wanted to know if you're okay."
In reality, the neighbors thought the couple was throwing a party because of all the comings and goings. But the security guard knew Ethan, the chief of police in City A, and dismissed the report as silly.
"We're fine, sir," Elena said with a smile. "Those are just delivery guys. We finished ordering everything for today. My husband's colleague is coming over tonight, so I ordered a lot of food from different restaurants."
"Just keep it down," the guard advised. "Most people in this building are older, and they can be sensitive to noise."
Elena nodded, not wanting to argue. She went back into the living room, where Ethan was waiting.
"Who was it, Wife?" he asked.
"The security guard was just checking on us. He was worried about all the people knocking on our door."
"Okay, let's get back to our discussion," Ethan said, returning his attention to their plans.
They were discussing where to stay during an apocalypse. Natural disasters are unpredictable, so it is best to be prepared.
"I think we should stay in this city," Elena suggested. "It's at a higher level, so while floods and tsunamis can still reach us, they won't completely destroy the land. The only real worry would be earthquakes."
"In your dreams, what comes first in a natural disaster?" Ethan asked, curious.
"A big earthquake from the volcano in the Pacific Ring of Fire starts the apocalypse," Elena explained. "Though it was a one-minute shake without aftershocks that followed, it still changed the atmosphere. After a week, a super typhoon forms, bringing nonstop rain for six months that causes floods. When that stops, another thirteen super typhoons collide to create one massive storm, leading to an ice age that lasts a year."
Elena remembered this because Ethan had told her before in the past when he was still the police chief. He had always kept up with the news until the world was filled with huge typhoons, making communication almost impossible.
She had been protected by Ethan, so she didn't suffer much during the disasters. Thankfully, Ethan's grandfather, a military elder, took them back to the City D military base six months after the disaster began.
But living at the military base, which was supposed to be the safest place, was not easy. The leaders there were scheming, and they had little control over their lives. They felt like pawns in a game, facing strange rules that made life hard.
After three years in the military district, a tsunami hit, and they had to return to City A.
She sighed as memories flooded her mind.
"Let's stay here in City A," Ethan suggested. "We should buy an apartment in the Golden Tower. The highest floor would be best."
Elena shook his head. "No, not the Golden Tower. I had a dream that it was hit by a tornado and destroyed."
Elena's words stunned him.
A tornado?
"How about the Camel Tower, near the military district in City A?" Ethan proposed.
"Do you know anyone in the military here?" Elena asked, curious.
This military district in City A had survived the natural disaster for years before the aliens awakened.
"Not really. I'm new to City A; I was transferred here five months ago. Well, it's because of you. I wanted to be closer to you," Ethan admitted honestly.
"Don't be so cheesy," Elena replied, a blush creeping onto her cheeks.
"I'm just telling the truth. You know I've loved you for a long time. When a position opened here, I transferred immediately so I could see you whenever possible."
"Okay, okay, stop! Let's get back to the topic," Elena said, her face turning red from embarrassment.
"Sure, we can talk about it in bed later," Ethan said with a mischievous smile.
Elena glared at him, her expression clearly saying, One more word, and you'll be sleeping in the guest room.
Ethan beamed at her. "Then Camel Tower it is! I'll call my secretary to buy the highest floor there."
"Buy as many floors as you can. Let's make that tower our hideout so our people can live closer to us."
"Hmm, we really are on the same wavelength, wife," Ethan said, grinning.
They discussed their plans to modify the apartment, focusing on waterproofing systems, enhanced insulation, reflective roofing, and thorough pest-proofing measures. They aimed to ensure safety and comfort during rainstorms, ice age, heat waves, and pest invasions. They agreed to add more modifications if they discovered any additional needs.
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. Ethan walked to the door, checked through the peephole, and saw Oslo and Xander standing outside. He opened the door to let them in.
"Chief," they both saluted.
"No need for that. Let's sit on the sofa first," Ethan replied.
As they settled in, they noticed Elena sitting in one of the chairs. They greeted her warmly.
"Sister-in-law," they said in unison.
"Hello," Elena nodded in acknowledgment.
"How are the police doing now?" Ethan asked.
"The doctor said they are stable but need to be carefully monitored," Oslo replied.
"As long as they're fine, that's good," he added, feeling relieved. Then he looked at them with a serious expression. "We've been friends for a long time, right? How many years has it been?"
Oslo and Xander exchanged confused glances.
"I think it's probably ten years since our days as trainees," Xander said.
"I'm planning to resign from my post as police chief here in City A," Ethan announced.
They were both stunned. That position was coveted by many in the police and military, so why would Ethan want to resign?
"Chief! Why?" Oslo asked, bewildered.
"What do you think happened in Willow Village?" Ethan replied, wanting them to be open-minded before revealing the truth.
"The beast the police encountered was too formidable. They said it looked delusional and wanted to eat them. Chief, what's really going on?" Xander pressed.
"What I'm about to tell you must stay between us. You are my brothers, and we have fought together. I need you to consider what I'm about to share."
"We're all ears, Chief," they said, leaning in.
"I have news about an incoming natural disaster. This is not your typical disaster; it will last for years, and the world will become chaotic. What you witnessed in Willow Village is just the beginning."
Ethan then shared what he knew, careful not to reveal the source of his information.
"What? So the chaos will begin soon?" Oslo asked, shocked.
"Yes, it's inevitable. Are you willing to follow us? We will provide you with food and a safe place, and in return, we want your loyalty."
"We are willing, Chief. We know you only want the best for us. We will follow you," Xander said firmly.
Ethan felt a wave of relief wash over him, glad that his comrades were with him. "Good. Wife, let's mark them. We have much to do, and they can help lighten the load."
Elena nodded and summoned the Golden Tablet, which appeared ragged and worn.
Oslo and Xander were taken aback by the sight of the tablet. Ethan shot them a look, urging them not to react negatively, knowing Elena would be displeased if they said it was a ragged tablet.
Seeing their shock, Elena quickly summoned a needle. "Drop a drop of blood here," she instructed.
After they did, both felt a warm energy in their heads, and a heart-shaped mark appeared on their wrists. Ethan explained the rules and the significance of the mark.
"Let's enter the space and have dinner there," Elena said.
Elena and Ethan led the way, followed by Oslo and Xander. Upon entering, they were amazed by the beauty of the space.
Ethan gave them a tour, and then they returned to the tent.
"Your job will be to manage the sectors in the space. For now, we are hoarding materials, and your task will be to bring them inside the space. Got it?" Elena said with a serious tone.
Ethan then sent them copies of their tasks, which included supervising Elena's water refining station, managing supplies from Supplylink, farming machines, etc.
Afterward, they returned to the apartment. Oslo and Xander left immediately, ready to tackle their mission.
"Wife, would it be better for everyone to have access to every sector to help each other?" Ethan asked thoughtfully.
"It would be, but I want to assign each member a specific area of focus based on their strengths," Elena replied. "This way, they can concentrate deeply on their assigned sector without feeling overwhelmed by trying to manage too many things at once. I believe this will lead to better productivity and security, as they won't influence each other negatively."
Ethan listened intently, appreciating her insight.
"Don't worry, husband. I can change anything within the space, including the marks," she added reassuringly.
Ethan nodded, then shifted the topic. "Wife, I'm healed now."
Elena, who was in deep thought about how to further enhance the space, was stunned when she heard her husband's antics.
"Are you? Let's make sure you're healthy for better performance," she said, with a playful grin.
Hearing this, Ethan couldn't help but chuckle. "Don't worry, wife. Even when I'm seriously injured, It can still function well."
He leaned in and kissed her gently, ready to do the deed that had been postponed for a month.
"I love you, wife. Now and forever, we have finally united," he whispered, his heart full of joy.