The Prepper Broadcasting Network - 3-13 The Changing Earth Audio Drama: Powdered

Episode Date: March 8, 2024

Experience The Changing Earth Audio adventure! Erika faces a harsh reality check. TJ returns home empty handed and Virgis gets a visit from an old friend.

I remember a time before the Great Quake. Before the climate refugees called FEMA camps home. Before the labor laws and infertilization program. They called her the lone survivor, the savior of the refugees. But I called her Mom. This is life on the changing earth. I passed out, but the river survivors took me back to a town adjacent to my hometown. That's right, Curly. Finish your story. It's time for another beer.

That's where my husband found me. And I was reunited with my family. Stand up and walk in the crowd, Curly. Excuse me. Damn it, Erica. You will not make a fool out of me. I'm sorry. It was just so boring in there. And looks so fun out here. Come here.

You don't want to go after her? We can take him. Look through the crowd, Yuri. He brought plenty of guards with him. He knows we're here. But she doesn't. There's something more going on here. Let's follow him. You needed to be in there, talking with decision makers, not out here entertaining the refugees. I'm sorry. I've never been very good at fitting in with the ladies. Or following orders. Sit down. Ow, Sergeant.

I'm not a freaking soldier anymore, remember? What's the big freaking deal anyway? This was your first chance to meet with officials, even federal officials, and you sneak out, leaving everyone wondering what the hell happened to you. Who cares? I sure don't. I'm not going to become one of those elegant ladies worried about their clothes and hair. What does it freaking matter? Don't you see what's going on

here, Erica? Don't you see the division? Don't forget all the people you left behind down in Vegas. A few hours talking with delegates doesn't seem so bad now, does it? No. I guess not. Come on. We'll go in the back door. And you can make some excuse about needing air or whatever. Clean yourself up. They're using her, Yuri. To be continued... Without the guards, she would be just another snatching gram. All we have to do is catch her alone. No. We need permission to bring our forces up here.

With Bowman in this evidence, we should have no problems securing that. Where is she? We're not bringing anyone home tonight, Sergei. Get them packing. We leave first thing in the morning. But we didn't complete the mission. Sergei don't. Okay, DJ. I'll let the crews know.

Everything okay, guys? Oh, yeah. Everything is excellent. I just needed some air. What's going on? Erica, darling, there you are. I've been looking everywhere for you. We're eager to hear your story. All of my refugees talk about how you survived Sacramento.

What an honor to get to hear it from the woman herself. Is that where you got all those scars from? Yes, ma'am. Reason to be so formal, honey. We're at a party. Come on, we'll grab some drinks and you can tell us all about it. Sounds like fun. Come in.

Good morning, sir. Report private. The feds are requesting an increased presence in Billings, Montana. The Western militia attacked the prison facility and captured one of their prisoners. She took care of that fast. I bet the feds are all fired up about that one. From what I heard, they plan on sending more forces to try to clean up the militia in the West. Do they have any idea where to send them? No, sir. Cassidy's forces seem to leave as fast as they arrive.

Good. Lieutenant Colonel Payne is leaving today. She would like to see you before she goes. Oh, sir. Cassidy's forces seem to leave as fast as they arrive. Good. Lieutenant Colonel Payne is leaving today. She would like to see you before she goes. Oh, boy. Didn't you two have dinner the other night? How did you know that? I talked to Stevens last night. She said you two have been spending quite a bit of time together. I'll have to talk to Sergeant Stevens. She knows we're close. So, you and Payne?

The Lieutenant Colonel would love for that to be true, but nothing is happening. She had information on those black-shirted fighters we've been seeing everywhere. Who are they? Bounty hunters from the Central Region. They may be working with Colonel Henderson directly. Is he allowed to do that? I don't know. I guess his secret police force wasn't enough.

Does the board know? I don't know. I'm going to talk to your father about it. How's he doing? Why don't you ask him yourself? It didn't go well last time we talked, and he's so busy. He's your father, Johnny. I know, but he has more important things to worry about. He wants to worry about you too. Then let him. I'm sure he'll get an update on how I'm doing next time he talks to you.

Johnny, he... Can we leave it be, Major? It is what it is. I'll leave it alone for now. This will not go away. Are you ready for breakfast? Yes, sir. Then let's go. Try to see me as you did But do not criticize If you no longer see the kid That you used to know So let them go And don't be afraid of the trade. I'm giving you the best

I can. Good morning, Master Sergeant. What brings you by so early? You and Dexter are coming with me today. What? Why? Just get your shit together, Erica. And tell Dexter. Fine. Good morning, Bennett. And tell Dexter. Fine.

Good morning, Bennett. You're here early. What's up? I'm taking Dexter and Erica over to the base today. Dexter can start training to be part of the Merc Force if he wants to. And Erica and I are going to work some things out on the training mat today. I bet Dex would like that. But I don't think Erica will.

She said you were pretty pissed at her last night. I bet Dex would like that. But I don't think Erica will. She said you were pretty pissed at her last night. I was. She snuck out the damn window. Sounds like something she would do. What? Climbing out the window? He was following me everywhere. And it looked so fun out there. Don't be too hard on her, Master Sergeant. Come on, Daniel. I'm coming! Good morning, Bennett. Are you headed for the field? No, the tutor is coming today.

Aren't you going to school? No, the tutor comes here, but I get to ride the horse after class. That sounds like fun. Where are we going? I thought you might want to train with Mercs. What do you think? Sounds better than standing in that hot field all day. Come on, then. We don't want to miss the bus. No, that would be horrible.

Get your butt moving. Did you see that girl, Caroline? The mayor's daughter? Yeah. She's so beautiful. Way to aim high, Dex. She's so beautiful. Way to aim high, Dex. She said she comes out to the base sometimes. Is that true?

She comes out with her father occasionally. Then I definitely want to work there. It's good to have dreams. What do you think, Mom? You think I have a shot? You never know, Dexter. Dexter? Prepper Broadcasting Network is nine dynamic hosts. Seven podcasts a week. Live shows.

Chat rooms. Daily updates. All on prepping, survival, and patriotism. Visit PrepperBroadcasting.com for your dose of self-reliance and independence. Major Verges, good of you to stop by. Private McClintock said you wanted to see me? That's right. Have you heard about the Western Militia attack? He told me about that, too. Did you know she was going to attack a federal prison camp?

No, ma'am. Weren't you just in that area? I was, but my only purpose there was to get Erica here. How did the party go? Were there any attacks? Ben and I layered the guard in heavy. There were too many important people there to take any chances that something would go wrong. Smart move.

You know this situation can't last forever. With Erica, we can win in the courtroom and at the voters' booth. That's the plan. The feedback has been very good from the party. But they are still putting her and Vince on trial? Grace and Webb insist that their past discrepancies must be explored, and if they were grossly out of order, they must be held accountable. The Central Region is watching this very carefully.

They want to make sure order is maintained. Henderson is not happy she was brought here. Where was she supposed to go? The feds would have her taken back to Vegas and transported directly to the Capitol for trial. A federal trial? Now that she's here, the Northern Governing Board can settle the matter. What if they don't? I don't know. Her case is pretty unique. Is it true the feds are building another wall on their northern border? It's a structure two walls thick with tanks patrolling between them. That doesn't make any sense. They can't maneuver in there.

They could destroy the walls if they fire. It's a show of force. It's an invasion force. They're not going to invade the North, Major. How do you know? Because it would plunge the country into war. They don't want that any more than we do. I wouldn't be so sure.

I agree. My office is being moved here, so I'm further from the border. Then why aren't you strengthening our forces at the border to defend the North? If we stack up our forces, it shows we don't trust them, and we're ready for war. But if we don't, we're vulnerable. I share your sentiment, but the leadership doesn't. I'll fight this battle. Stay out of it. The administration still supports Erika's plan, but your activities have been questionable. Because of Cassidy?

still supports Erica's plan, but your activities have been questionable. Because of Cassidy? Yes. Keep training the forces here, have them ready to deploy, but do not stack them thicker at the border. Yes, ma'am. Make sure the southern wing is clean and ready for my offices. Yes, ma'am. I'll be back in a week. We'll have it ready for you, ma'am. Travel safely. You're dismissed. That dog got a lot of training out in the cabin. In here. Nice setup. You're welcome to train here whenever, but we're headed back here. Oh, no. I'm not getting into that ring with you while you're in this mood. Yes, you are. I can have those soldiers throw you in,

or you can put on this sparring helmet and climb in like the fighter I know you are. A sparring helmet? Really? We don't want any marks on that pretty little face of yours, Cupcake. There's a regional meeting coming up. Fine, give me the helmet. Come on, old man. That's really cute, Hopscotch.

Ow! Damn! Two can play that game. What the fuck? Keanu Cupcake, there are no guns here, no knives, no way for you to maximize your size. I'm bigger, I'm stronger, and if two or three people like me come for you, all the skills in the world won't save you. You may be out of camp and in the Badlands, but you're still just as much danger. Here, wake up. Come on, Cupcake. We're doing our best to keep you safe.

All your rage, fury, and strength can't save you without your weapons, Erica. Damn stubborn woman. Sometimes things happen beyond your control. As if they have a life of their own. Are you crying? This is a first. Why me? Why did I have to live this life?

I can't answer that, but I can tell you I'm with you. I believe that together we can do this. Do what? There's a chance we can free the refugees and make things right peacefully. If there's a war, Erica, people will die on both sides. And who knows what will become of this country after that. But you need me to listen to you and follow your orders without question, right? Now, you're catching gone, Cupcake.

I'm not your commanding officer anymore, so I can't legally make you do anything. But I am your friend. You have to trust that I am protecting you, and I'll tell you what you need to know. I have to know that I can trust you to follow me, to listen to what I say. Otherwise, the Resistance can't use you or protect you. So I have to blindly trust you or else my family will be in danger. Gee, where have I heard that before? Oh yeah, from you in the camp. I know, Erica. We've been through a lot. This is life out here. This is how it is. Until someone can change it, we have to live

in it. I mean, come on. I take orders. Why can't you? It's your job, Sergeant. You chose it. I never chose any of this. I've been forced to survive in one situation and the next. Forced to act a certain way, say certain things, watch my children be assaulted and almost die. I never chose any of that. I know, Erica, and damn, you've always risen to the occasion. Come here. I would never have done this if I didn't think you could do it, if I didn't want to protect you and see you safe. I love you like my sister. I guess that's what they mean by love hurts. I needed to get your attention. I need you to understand that removing you from the game board only takes a moment. I need you to trust me without question. I do. And I'll try to be less of a pain in your ass, but I can't make any promises. Oh, Erica. Okay, okay, I'll follow your lead. Get cleaned up. I need you to

talk with Major Burgess. If you're a witness to your own mistakes, it's easy to play along. After you see what the choices came to be, like a storm that's passed on. Oh, the brain down the drain. Oh, the fuse, the abuse TJ, I didn't even know you were back in town. And who the hell is this? This is Lieutenant Bowman. Commander Gray, sir. And what is he doing here?

I have direct evidence that the mercenary forces cooperate with the Western and Southern militias. They're not just guarding Erika. They're using her as a pawn. You're going to have to tell the Colonel about this. Take me to him. Come on. Wait here. He'll see you. The lieutenant stays out here.

You crossed the border without her? I can't get your girl, sir. Please explain. Why not? Because the family is under the mercenary guard's protection. You have a bigger problem than the girlie. The mercenary army's loyalty? There's no question, sir. They are your enemies. I've been watching the problem fester.

Then why not stomp it out, sir? The border's too powerful, and the mercenary forces are strong. It would be an all-out war, and I'm trying to save this country, not destroy it. Eventually, the time will be correct. We'll have to wait for the time to come. Whatever you think is best, Colonel. Let me know how I can help you in the entourage. Keep supplying the people. Commander Gray is a list for you. We'll address this thorn in time. You're dismissed. What's the plan? There is no plan. He said he knew and that he would address the problem. The time is coming soon, TJ. I want to take my forces north to Retriever. When we go north, you're going to... Do you want me to reassign Lieutenant Bowman?

No, I want you to discharge him. I want to make him a black shirt. Is this what you want to do? You can return to the captain in Vegas. I can reassign you to a regiment in the capital. Or you can accept TJ's offer. With all due respect, sir, I am eager to accept TJ's offer. Once you leave the forces, your tracker will be adjusted

You can't return I understand, sir Sounds like he's yours, TJ I'll make use of him Come on, Bowman Yes, sir I gave my life away a long time ago I sold my soul, you know I'm not coming home. you to my website, SurvivorJane.com, where I write in a conversational tone on topics of how better

to prepare yourself and family. You can also find links to my books, What Could Possibly Go Wrong, Emergency Survival Hygiene, and my game book, Puzzling Over Preparedness. You can also find information on Prepper Camp, the largest three-day preparedness event in the country every fall, hosted by myself and my husband, Rick Austin. Johnny, what's up? I was just about to head out. There's someone here to see you. Tim, what the hell are you doing here? How's it going, Cole?

I've been worried sick. Where's Ginger and the baby? She... They... Calm down. Have a seat. Johnny, give us a minute. Make sure no one comes in here. Yes, sir. We ran out of meat in the camp. Feeding the baby was hard on Ginger.

She needed more protein, you know. meat in camp. Feeding the baby was hard on Ginger. She needed more protein. Bennett had been talking about a herd of elk. I left to find the elk and went to Bennett when we didn't. Who attacked the town? They told me it was bandits. It was the black shirts.

It was bastards. Killed my son. They put a bullet through his tiny skull and they killed Ginger. I thought so. I ran into a large Russian man who appeared to be leading the team. I want him Cole. I'm going in there. Damn those sons of bitches. I'm so sorry Tim. Trent. You're sticking with it? Tim fell in love with her. Trent will avenge her. Don't freak out. We're gonna figure this out. There's nothing to figure out, Cole. I'm going to

find them, and I'm going to kill them. You try to cross that border, and the feds will identify you. They will kill you. The sooner I join them, the better. I feel your pain, brother. She was my friend. And she was my better. I feel your pain, brother. She was my friend. And she was my wife. I had a son, Virgins.

I had two friends who were closer to me than brothers. I already lost one of them. Do you think I'll let the other put himself to death? I have nothing to live for. All this fucked up life we lived, Cole. All the missions we fought, the decisions we made. I got out, Burgess. We were free. Why did this happen?

Because there is no way out. We're prisoners, just like all the other refugees. They were hunting Erica? They were. And what'd she ever do to deserve the death of her family? She stayed true to those values we once fought for. She believes all people are created equal. That's her crime. You know it.

I do. And I can't blame her for what happened to my family, but... I can hunt the men who did it. Or you can help Erica change it. What are the mercs doing? I hope the feds don't turn on them. That's bullshit. We have an army.

Sir, Bennett would like to talk to you. Send him in. Holy shit, man. How the hell are you? I've been better. But I'm alive and not in federal prison. How's life been treating you, Bennett? Besides Major

Verges running me ragged, I'm doing great, I suppose. What am I hearing about Erica in the window last night? I've already addressed that issue. She understands why she needs guards. She doesn't just need guards. She needs a cage. It's the only way to keep her safe from them. We're trying to give her a chance to establish her life. What? We haven't told her that the Blackshirts are hunting her.

I just found out who they were myself. Are you serious? She's a sitting duck. We have it under control. Do you? If anyone had her under control, she wouldn't have the reputation she has. Her family deserves a moment of peace. So did mine.

You're not wrong, and the moment won't last long. She's going on trial before the Northern Governing Board. They can decide her fate, but my guess is Webb will send the trial to the Capitol. He knows her reputation, but he's too much of an asshole to let it go. Either way, once the public sees her on stage, her story will spread like wildfire and legitimize her legend. And what if the feds move on the North? I'm developing an escape plan to regroup the loyal mercs in the West. What? I thought we were going to strengthen our forces at the border. The leadership has no intention of making that move. I can't order it, but I can make a plan

to keep our forces strong if we need to go to war. Damn, we'll lose the north. I'm not thrilled, but it is what it is. We're going to need the West. I need you to coordinate with Cassidy Trent. So you want me to join the militia? They'd need more direction, more training, if we're going to take them onto a battlefield. I'll head West. Those assholes deserve to die. But Erica's family doesn't. I'll do what I can to help.

Thanks, brother. Mr. Lee, I'm home. It's about darn time. How about you getting back in town this morning? Why weren't your trucks full? Mr. Lee, it was a long trip. Don't give me your excuses, son. You either have excuses or you have results.

You can't have both. I couldn't bring her home, sir. And why the hell not? The mercs aren't just offending her. She's their puppet. What I've heard is she's nobody's puppet. Where have you heard anything? And just who the hell do you think you're talking to, boy?

I'm sorry, sir. Sit your ass down. Yes, sir. You must have lost your damn mind. I didn't mean anything by it, Mr. Lee. I'm just tired. Susie! Yes, Mr. Lee. I'm just tired. Susie! Yes, Mr. Lee? Get T.J. a glass. He needs a drink.

Yes, sir. Refugees are full of chatter, T.J. Delaying the trial was not an intelligent thing for them pets to do. Here you go, T.J. Thank you, Mr. Lee. A rebellious spirit is infecting them, T.J. Something has to be done. I told Colonel Henderson the same.

When did you see him? That's why I'm late. I can't come home empty-handed and not go to the person who placed the order first. True enough. How'd he take it? He already knew that the mercs are traitors. He's trying to keep peace and keep the board happy. It's a bunch of crap if you ask me. I didn't ask you.

It was smarter of you to let it go, son. We can't cross the Cardinal. If he knows there's already a plan in motion, we don't want to get in his way. Yeah, but there's something about this woman, Mr. Lee. I have the feeling we haven't heard the last of it. I can't get you off my mind It don't matter how hard I try I have the feeling we haven't heard the last of it. All these pods look the same.

Where the hell is this waiting room Bennett told me to go to? Oh, darn it. I'm sorry. It's okay. Here, let me help you. Here. Brad Dugan, it's nice to meet you. Erica Moore. Oh, it's you. The lone survivor of Sacramento.

It was you in the ring with Master Sergeant Bennett. Yeah, that was me. Wow, you're tough. No wonder. And what do you do? I'm the assistant to Dr. Costanza. We deal with chemical weapons, vaccines, potential threats from the planet, that kind of thing. I've been studying ice caps since the Great Quake. I saw it coming.

Really? You were such a young man back then. Yeah. I did my science project on the effects of the coastlines if the polar ice caps melted. And within a year, it happened. After the fall, I found Dr. Costanza and started learning and helped

however I could. Right now, we're... Erica, there you are. Hello, Master Sergeant. Hello, Mr. Dugan. I see you've met Erica. Oh, yes, sir. Let me tell you, it's an honor, sir. Do you have someplace you need to be? Yes, sir. I do. It's nice to meet you. He seems nice. He's a doof. He seems nice. He's a doof.

Hi, Mom. How'd it go? It went great. I was watching the canine training team, and I'm sure Trucker can pass. I think he has some healing to do before he can take the test. That's for sure. We'll have more time to practice, but we'll have to wait longer to take the test. A mixed bag of blessings. I'm going to start training with the Mertz tomorrow, and I'll work with Trucker in the afternoon. Sounds like you

got it all figured out. Yeah, it might not be so bad here. sick of the day time to recall the reason why I can't wash away memories from the past stuck like a virus in my head sometimes I wish I

just could leave those wasted years behind when the twilight falls I just could leave those wasted years behind. When the twilight falls, I can see the ray of light. Like a distant call. Do you like morale patches? Morale patches that are prepper related? Things like, hey, can I drink that fuel? Two is one, one is none, three is a guarantee or been prepping since Y2K? Well, if so, go to patchofthemonth.co and subscribe for 10 bucks a month or $100 a year.

TJ, sir! I wasn't expecting to see you, sir! What in the hell happened to you? I got powdered, sir! What? I got powdered. Teresa was out of flour, and so was your house. I was here visiting with Margaret. I'm sorry, sir. I know I wasn't supposed to be visiting with her, but... We'll address that in a minute.

Finish your explanation. Yes, sir. So, the ladies are out of flour. I go down to the mill to get two more bags. And this bozo spills the shit all over me. I look like a damn ghost, TJ. And what did you do? What do you mean, T.J.?

What did you do to the worthless refugee who spilled flour all over you? Nothing, sir. It's nothing a shower won't take care of, sir. Come with me. Yes, sir. TJ, what brings you by this evening? Who powdered Nate? It was a total accident, sir.

Who? I spilt the flour, sir. What's your name? Gilbert, sir. We value men who take responsibility for their actions, don't we, Nate? Yes, sir. See, Gilbert, there you go. Since I'm in such a good mood tonight, I'm going to give you an option. Nate, how many licks was Sheila equal a day pushing the grinding wheel? I'd say probably ten, sir. That many? Pushing that wheel looks like a tough job, sir.

Gonna take some pain to equal that. Sorry, Gilbert. I would have gone four, but my young friend here says ten. So what do you say? Ten licks or a day on the grinder? The licks, please, sir. All right. I like this guy, Nate.

I'd give him a new position if he weren't so clumsy. Maybe you still should, sir. You think so? We'll see how he handles pain first. Gilbert, take your shirt off and turn around. Yes, sir. Here you go, Nate. Me, sir?

I couldn't. I don't even know how to use that thing. He didn't powder me. Nate, you're one of my top fighters. You can't allow this disrespect to go unpunished. Now take Sheila and make him bleed. Yes, sir. Oh!

Oh! Oh! Not half bad. Thank you, sir. Not half bad. Thank you, sir. Not half good either. Oh. Now you listen, boy. Get back to the barracks right now before Mr. Lee knows you're gone. You know what happens to the babies of black shirts. And you know you can't have Margaret.

You're a black shirt. But sir, she's my forever girl. She's the one, TJ. You're a kid. You'll get over it. But I can raise the baby and fight. Didn't you ever have a forever girl, TJ? It's none of your damn business. You have a job, and you will do it. TJ, sir, I promise you, I can do both.

Who else is going to take care of those women? Who else would you trust? I'll take care of them and do my job precisely. Margaret is mine. I know, sir. As am I. She has yet to be punished. And when I do, remember who she belongs to. I will, sir. I promise. I'll give you an answer when I've made up my mind. Thank you, sir. I didn't say yes. Thank you for considering it. Go before Mr. Leaf finds you gone, or you can forget it. Yes, sir. I'll see the look upon your face All this time there's moving past me

Clouds roll in, circle the sky And turns the sea to grey Clouds roll in, circle the sky The rain comes out to play You never knew me one bit Oh baby, please admit it It's your imagination This ain't no realization. Happy daydreams float around your head.

The man you knew is gone and dead. Well, just admit it, admit it to me. Look into my eyes and listen. Hey. How'd it go? Good. Really? Yeah. We did a little light sparring.

Dexter decided to try and pass an aptitude test with Trucker to become a canine unit. That sounds cool. Is he sure he wants to do that, though? He can go to school and be a normal teenager if he wants. Can he, Vince? I don't know, Erica. I don't know if I can. Don't get me wrong. I love the farm, and Evan has it set up beautifully. I don't really even know what's wrong with me.

It's just been a long road, you know? I know. And it's not over. It will never be over. Yeah, but we're okay, baby. How am I supposed to change all this?

I guess you just put one foot in front of the other and ask God to guide you. I thought we would return to life like the one we used to know. That doesn't exist anymore, Erica. Then what am I fighting for? Evan and Trevor are great guys. Their kids are awesome people. There's no reason they should be second-class citizens.

This fight is worth fighting. I told you in the cabin I would stand with you, and I haven't forgotten that. You're freaking awesome. You know that, don't you? I love you so much. Oh, ow! Light sparring, huh? So, maybe we did a little bit more than light sparring. If I know the Master Sergeant, he'd probably beat the hell out of you and you don't want me to freak out.

Whatever. I don't even know what you're talking about. Hey, where are the kids? They're having dinner at Kay and Earl's. Ooh, a night alone. Yep, Vanessa even brought us down dinner. Ooh, takeout! I guess so. And Sean ran into the guy who runs the band at the distribution warehouse.

And he asked Sean to join the band. I believe that. That kid can sing. He had to ask Earl if it was okay with our government overlords. Lame. Right? Why should he have to ask? I guess Avery has to accompany him, and he'll still have to keep up with his farm chores. Seems fair enough.

But why do we need guards? It seems like the mercs have everything under control around here. I don't understand what Bennett is so tense about. Maybe Tweed is still trying to make sure we don't let the board know what happened. Yeah. You know, we could skip dinner and go

straight to dessert. I'm not even hungry. Our thoughts are cares, our dreams are scares, and I never want to let you go. Because I love the way you are. TJ, welcome home. You look beat. What are you doing here? I wanted to ensure Jeannie got the meal done correctly since I received word you were coming home. She's here so you can rest.

And she's doing a fantastic job. Welcome home, sir. In my home, you don't call me sir. You call me TJ. Yes, TJ. Is dinner ready? Almost. I'm just toasting the bread. Excellent. If I'm excused, I'll get it done.

Do it. Great job, Teresa. Please join me at my table. She's a wonderful girl, TJ. Good pick. But... What? She's young. Not that it's any of your business.

But she won't be in my bed or anybody else's either. If she follows the rules, I'll always protect her. You're a good man, TJ. Let's talk about Nate. What about him? He shouldn't waste his time doting on a woman and a child. They're his woman and child. No, they're mine.

What happens to them is entirely my decision. What do you mean? The few children my black shirt fighters produce go to milkmaids and get raised in the orphanage. And that's what's going to happen to Margaret's baby? It's what should happen. But you don't know. Nate has always been loyal. And Margaret?

You love her like a daughter. Yes, but she has to learn her place. It will not be easy to watch, Teresa. I know you will do the right thing. I'll protect all of you. You need someone to ensure you're supplied. Susan does. I know she does.

But I don't want her carrying around sacks of flowers and getting powdered at the mill. Did you see that, boy? He reminded me of Casper the ghost. Yeah, I saw him. It felt so good to laugh like that again. And on that note, I'm heading off to bed. Take it easy on Jeannie. Remember, she's learning, but she'll do well.

Woman, don't... Tell you your business. I got it, TJ. Good night, Jeannie. Good night, ma'am. thanks for listening to the change in earth audio drama this content is copywritten in 2023 by author Sarah F. Hathaway. Special thanks to featured musician Five Times August. Find his latest hits at fivetimesaugust.com. Get to know our amazing performers and listen to the soundtrack at changingearthseries.com. Special thanks to Zapsplat, freesound.com, and freemusicarchives.com. Find all the music and sound attributes at authorsarahfhathaway.com backslash soundtrack.

Stay tuned for more of the Changing Earth Adventure.