Surviving the Apocalypse with my Multiplier System - Chapter 162

Chapter 162: Low Supplies
The first cabinet was dedicated to water and other drinks, while the others were filled to the brim with canned foods, grains, and other commonly found non-perishable items.

Rayne placed pots, pans, utensils, and dinnerware in the last cabinet, along with a camping gas cooktop and an electric cooktop.

The last thing left to do was place the bins with everyone’s personal items. Since she wasn’t sure who exactly would be staying here, she decided to load up her SUV with everyone’s bins and have them go out to retrieve them from the car.

This would create a story on how they transported them over, as well as provide everyone with their belongings.

Each member of Alpha Team carried a handgun and a combat knife, so Rayne didn’t need to worry about supplying weapons.

“Okay. I think I’m done,” she finally announced and took a seat on the sectional.

Julian walked over, admiring the transformed interior. “It’s perfect. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this.”

He walked over to sit beside her, pulling her into his arms.

Rayne looked over at him. “Are you upset that Ella and her family are staying with us?” She noticed his momentary reluctance when she told Ella that they could stay as long as they needed.

“Upset? No. Eager to spend alone time with you? Very much so,” he smiled and kissed her.

There were so many things happening ever since they came back from their trip to the north that, although they slept in the same bed, he felt that they hardly got to spend any time together.

Rayne looked at him and noticed the longing in his eyes. Leaning over, she placed her lips on top of his and kissed him.

“I’m looking forward to it as well. Once everything settles down a little bit, how about we take some time and dedicate it to us?” she suggested.

Julian kissed her gently a few times. “Yes, I think that’s a perfect idea.” His male brain was torn in half at this thought. One part of him wanted to be romantic and spend time doing cute things with her, while the other part wanted to keep her busy in bed the whole time.

Rayne saw his face change expressions a few times but wasn’t sure what they meant. Thinking that he just really wanted a break from all the hustle and bustle, she hugged him tightly.

“Don’t worry, we’ll get a day off here soon. Let’s just get everyone settled so that we can spend our alone time worry-free in the future,” she said.

Julian knew that she misread him but decided not to correct her. Her analysis still applied to him, and he was happy to receive the physical attention.

“Mhm, I know. We have the whole future ahead of us,” he said, brushing a few strands of her hair with his fingers.

They sat quietly together for a few minutes before they separated to go about their business. Rayne went back to hang out with Ella, while Julian went over to meet up with Noah and Ian to begin moving people into the apartment they just finished setting up.

As soon as Rayne made it back, Ella ran up to her. “Rayneee! I’m starving! Can you make me something?”

Rayne patted her friend on the back and smiled helplessly. “Haha, okay, okay. What would you like to eat?” asked Rayne.

Ella placed a finger to her chin and thought carefully. “Hmm, something hot and delicious!” she finally called out, making Rayne laugh even more.

“You did all that thinking only to come up with ‘hot and delicious’,” Rayne shook her head but walked over to the kitchen area.

The first thing that came to mind was soup. It was easy to make, warming, and nourishing.

Rayne quickly pulled out everything she needed from the cabinets and baskets around the small kitchen area.

The soup was simple—just carrots, onions, potatoes, and a can of canned chicken. The noodles were dried egg noodles, and the soup came together very quickly.

Rayne made enough for everyone to enjoy, and a few minutes later, only the sounds of slurping could be heard.

“Tomorrow we will most likely move back home,” said Ella. When Reginald came back from their apartment, he let them know that the housing office would be open tomorrow and that they could purchase electricity.

“Okay, sounds good! Let me know if you need help moving or if you need additional heaters. We came back from the north with a big haul,” said Rayne happily.

She wished that she could break into their apartment right now and set it up much like she did with the neighboring one.

Rayne looked over at Ella and promised to build them a warm, comfortable house one day when she finally established her own settlement.

After the meal, the girls decided to go out and take a look at what was happening around the base.

Ella wanted to check out the market to see if there were any new items. Rayne made sure to bundle up and gave Ella more clothing made from the nanofibers.

Even after putting on multiple layers, Rayne still felt the freezing cold chilling her to the bone.

Ella did a little dance to try and warm herself. “Let’s make this quick! I already want to turn around and run back inside!”

Rayne very much agreed, and they quickly ran over to the main building on the base, where the market was located.

As they made it up to the second floor, Rayne saw hundreds of people squeezed in together. Ella was also surprised to see so many people here.

“I wonder why so many people are here,” she said, loud enough for people around them to hear.

“Ah, well, there are two main reasons. If you haven’t noticed, it’s warmer up here than anywhere else. Also, ever since the temperatures dropped, fewer people have been going out on missions, so supplies have dwindled significantly,” said a middle-aged woman.

Rayne squeezed through the crowd and noticed how empty all of the shelves were behind the chain-link fence.

If things didn’t change soon, the whole base would face starvation. Compared to the ranch, things here were looking bleak.