The Prepper Broadcasting Network - 4-14 I've Fallen Down

Episode Date: January 2, 2025

Erika faces off with TJ as her family and friends cope with a new reality.Based on The Changing Earth Series Novels, available at Amazon.com. Get your signed copies at ChangingEarthSeries.com.Get your  Changing Earth Gear at ChangingEarthSeries.com Become a subscriber and help the Changing Earth world go around!Don’t forget to leave a review or like and Subscribe to the YouTube channel.

Pain. Pain is the great equalizer, the secret to life. From the time I was a boy, I learned to always inflict pain faster than my opponent, to never let pain guide my decisions, and always harness the pain for my own strength. The Great Quake brought misery and death to a callous number of people, but it made me a god, ruler of my domain, the greatest bounty hunter to ever live. No one, no one dares run from T.J. Swenson, except one. They call her the lone survivor,or. The savior of the refugees. But she is my greatest bounty ever. This is life on the changing earth. Where are you headed, boy? I want to get some air.

Get back here before we make landfall. I will. Hard to believe this all used to be solid ground. Sure is. Melvin Sanders. Just in case. Trouble on your mind? I guess. Firstouble on your mind? I guess.

First time seeing the city? No. I saw it when it was still under federal control. Different place now, isn't it? It sure is. What's up with the sun? And this ash? I heard Yellowstone has erupted, but communications are down in the west.

Right after the Merc Forces took Denver, the radios went dead. The Merc Forces took Denver? Yep. The West is free. Free? Free to do this? Hopefully, law can be restored once the feds have been taken out. It was nice meeting you, but I've got to get back. Are you sure your name is Justin Case? Yeah. Why? You look a lot like someone I know. You could be her son. The resemblance is so uncanny. Nope. Born and raised

Justin Case. My mom passed when I was little. Look, I really have to get back. We really have to get back. I thought maybe you'd be swamped up with another handler. No, I'm good. Okay boys, from here on out we're heading north and make ourselves rich. Where's Erica? Her team should have been here well before us. What happened, sir? I'm not sure what Merkley was up to, but Bennett didn't like it either. Something happened. I'll send out the scouts.

Lieutenant Colonel Burgess, sir. Darren, how are your forces holding up? Good, sir, but we need to restock munitions. Staff Sergeant Merkley would be able to help you with that. I know, sir. But I can't find him. I haven't heard from him in a while either. Paul? I got nothing, sir.

Stevens? Yes, sir. Find Merkley. We need to get these troops resupplied. Yes, sir. And, sir, I thought you'd like to know Erica's daughter, Star, is in the med center. Is she okay? Yes, sir. She had part of her ear shot off.

Oh, damn. Get me a radio. I need to talk to Bennett. Radio communications have become sporadic, sir. They think it's because of the ash. Find me Merkley. I'll track down Erica's team. Yes, sir. How can I help you, sir? Where's Star?

She's over on the left, sir. Is any more of Erica's crew here? No, I haven't seen them. Should I be expecting to? I sure hope not. Carry on. Yes, sir. I got a bad feeling about this, sir. I agree.

It was weird that they would call for Erica like that. And we haven't heard from them since. Now the feds are pulling out? Hi, Cole. What's going on? Canada come to check on a friend? Are my parents okay? They're headed back now.

Thank goodness. How did they do? We're making progress on all fronts. Looking like you're feeling better. I didn't want to leave the battle to begin with. You did the right thing. You lose too much blood, you can't keep a clear head. That is not a good idea on a battlefield.

As long as everyone is okay, then it was a good call. I'll let you know as soon as they get here. Thanks, sir, for checking up on me. Of course. We're headed home. Without Gerber. Don't worry, she'll pay for that. Won't you, girly? You don't need this anymore.

Ugh. The med center. Star. Eyes forward. I don't know why I had to sit all the way back here. I got us the vehicle. Shut up, Merkley. You shut up, Serge.

I gave her to you guys, didn't I? The Supreme General will put me in charge of the Western region now. Right, Carl? You'll get what's coming to you. And don't call me Carl. They all call you Carl. They're my friends. You can call me Commander Gray.

Now shut the hell up. We can do that. Pull over up here, Bishop. Yes, sir. Put her mask on and get her out of the vehicle, TJ. Come on, girlie. Not so fast, girlie. Are you okay, TJ?

Shut your mouth, Sergei. That wasn't very nice, was it? We're going to have to teach you some manners. You think you can fight me, girly? You're not scared, Miss Wild and Free. I'm going to... T.J., knock it off. The Supreme General wants her to see this.

Put her over here Hello, this is L. Douglas Hogan voice of T.J. Swenson you can follow me at Amazon or go to facebook.com slash honor your oath I look forward to seeing you there I'll get it done. Master Rowan, fall back to the town square.

Take out whatever's left. You heard the man. Let's go, Daniel. There's a team of Feds heading towards the school. Why would they want the children? They don't want the children. They want me. Let's go. He's not here. Looking for me?

Come here, boy. Over my dead body. You will not hurt anyone ever again! The reinforcements headed this way, sir. Let's take the children to my home. They will be safe there. Come on, guys!

River is out there! We have to make sure the children are safe. I've got them. River is out there! We have to make sure the children are safe. I've got them. River! Go away! What are you doing? Come on!

The road to Master Rowan is cut off! Come on! We'll go to the shop. Hmm, boys. We're in the federal territory now. Papers? Looks like you have a full load Any other landowners in there? No sir Who are your two young male friends?

Refugee boys I hired to help me transport the girls Keep a tight leash on those boys If they're not with a handler, they'll end up the property of the Federal Republic of America. I won't let them out of my sight. You're free to go, just in time for the auction. Thanks. You guys heard him right? Unless you want to end up here forever, you better stay close. Well welcome to Chattanooga. Here you go, sir.

Nice looking hole there. Good job. Supreme General appreciates your efforts. Just doing my part. Your papers, check out. Carry on. Thank you, sir. How did we suddenly become slaves again, Johnny? Central region. No paperwork equals slaves. You boys stay here. I'm going to see if I can get a sales slot today.

Will do. Still no sunshine. What is going on? Excuse me, sir. What can I do for you, son? What's going on? Why is the sun like that? Didn't you hear? Yellowstone erupted. The volcano? Yes, sir. The west side is buried in ash.

The Supreme General has abandoned it. There's nothing left. Thank you, sir. What the fuck, Johnny? My whole family was there. I know, Dexter. We're going to figure it out. How?

We're in the central freaking region. There's guards everywhere. Is everything okay here, boys? Yes, sir. Where are your papers? Our handler went to see if he could get a sales slot for the ladies. Keep your voices down or I will have to detain you. Is there a problem here, sir? Are you their handler? Yes, sir. Papers. Here you are. Keep these boys under control. You sure wouldn't want to lose them.

Oh, no, sir. Thank you for correcting them. Good luck with the girls. They look fresh. Now, what did I tell you to... I'm sorry, sir. Get the girls moving. Yes, sir. Find a group of girls you got here.

I'm expected to make a pretty panic. You're not wrong about that. Samuel, check their teeth and measure their breasts. You want to sell the boys? They could make you rich. You know, a thought had crossed my mind. Well, I think I'll keep these two around for a while. What are we doing here?

Just stay cool. Healthy breasts, too. We have one fine lady straight from the den of the Blackshirts. We'll start the bidding at 50 credits. Do I hear 55? 55?

55? Look at their eyes. 60? 60? Let me hear it, guys. Let me hear it. Don't worry about that. Think about all the credits these are gonna make us. Look at her back. Doesn't it look like the letters TJ

are cut onto her back? Guys! Oh, that's one of TJ Swenson's girls. He is the finest bounty hunter in the federal territory, but that guy is a psycho, and all his girls are used up. Don't ever buy one. She won't be worth the price you pay for her. He cuts his initials into their back? Yeah, with a whip. Sounds like one sick

dude. Here we go. Now this girl is fresh from the west. Beautiful with a strong bone structure. Do I hear 25 credits? I gotta get 25 credits. Can I get 30?

30 to that man in the corner. Can I get 35? 35, 35, come on. 35. 35. Sold to that guy with the big nose. I can't watch this. Go stand at the door. I'll finish this.

I'm trapped in darkness Life has turned it Back on me it seems Brother, help me up. I've fallen down. This shit is crazy, Dex. You're right. I had no idea it was gonna be like this.

Why would they treat people like this? I don't know. But we need to find a way out of here. And fast. We will. Oh, we're going to eat good tonight. You boys ready to go spend some of these credits? Sounds good to me. I've been lost far too long

I can't see, I'm trapped in darkness Life has turned its back on me, it would seem Brother, help me up I've fallen down Brother, help me up I've fallen down Hi, this is Sarah F. Hathaway, the creator of the Changing Earth series and the voice of Erica Moore. Visit changingearthseries.com to explore the novels behind the drama and the survival knowledge behind the stories.

Join the Changing Earth membership program and get one week early access to the show. We appreciate you helping the Changing Earth world go round. Visit us at www.changingearthseries.com. That's www.changingearthseries.com. We're off to Texas. Come in. 10-4, sir. Can you hear me? Sir, can you hear me?

Come back, sir. Package has not arrived. The package has not arrived. Shit! What's wrong? I don't think Erica made it back. Let's go find her. Go! I've got things under control here. We'll split up. We can't rely on the radios, so whether you find them or not, report back to the command, Ten and Sedalia. In two hours.

We'll find her, Bennett. I can't help it. I can't help it. I'm dying without your love. Erica! Erica! Erica! Vince? Yeah?

Vince, there you are. I've been looking for you, too, everywhere. Vince, what the hell happened here? Phillip! Hensley! Vince, what the hell happened here? Phillip. Hensley. Oh no, Kyle? They're all dead. Vince?

Where's Erica, Vince? I don't know. My watch saved me. The bullet couldn't go through the vest and the watch. I think you got saved by much more than your watch. Look at your helmet. Oh, shit. That's why my head's throbbing.

You're lucky a headache is all you have. What happened to Erica, Vince? Where's Erica? We made it through the fighting. We're headed to Sedalia. Merkley. General Merkley? No, his fucking son.

And those guys. Those new recruits. We asked them for a vehicle to get Erica out. And he shot Phillip. They shot all of us before we could even react. But not Erica. We asked them for a vehicle to get Erica out, and they shot Phillip. They shot all of us, before we could even react. But not Erica. She's not here, Vince. I know.

They took her, Bennett. Those bastards took her, Bennett. But it looks like she got one of them. I don't remember this man. But he was killed with a knife to the chest, not a bullet. From the looks of that angle, it has to be someone small who stabbed him. There's a barcode tattooed on him. Property of FROA. It's one of those new trackers. I'm going to write down the number. We caught a go find her.

Vince, that's the wrong way. The first thing we have to do is give you some medical attention. Bennett, they took her. They took her! We'll get her back, Vince. How do you know? I promise you, we will get her back. And we'll do it together. But we have to get info and gear.

She thinks I'm dead. Star told me in Montana when Erica thought I was going to die. She had never seen her like that. She was headed out to die the day you found her. We're not going to lose her, Vince. I promised I would found her. We're not going to lose her Vince. I promised I would protect her. Are those planes? How the hell can they fly in this? They're headed for Denver. We can take them down.

Where? Where are they going? Whoa! Guess they didn't solve the problem completely. Where are they going? Put her on her knees. Watch. Do you know what that was? That was everyone you love blowing up in a ball of fire. Your husband is dead.

Your son, that mommy left behind at the homesteads is gone. It's only a matter of time until they find your daughter. We know right where she is. See Erica, your life is over. You are now the property of the Federal Republic of America. Bishop, do you have the tracker? Yes sir. Hold still now. TJ, I need her arm. You heard the man. Be a good girl and give him your arm. Not a sound. She's got a high pain tolerance, sir. She doesn't even know pain, but she will. You see this? Property of the Federal Republic of America. Your family is gone, and you belong to the Supreme General Nicholas Henderson. That is your life now and the sooner you accept that, the easier your life will be.

She doesn't want to believe it, Carl. Look at it. Look out there. They're dead. I think she's going to cry. It's over. Stand her up. Let's go. Ugh! Ah! Get over here! Get a hold of her! I got her. I love ponytails. They make great handles. Get me more zips. Get over here, Geordie!

Nobody runs from me! Here's the zip ties, TJ! Put her back on her knees! She won't move, TJ! You should know, Mr. Medic, the knees are easy targets. Kick them out and there's no choice but to kneel. Isn't that right, girly? Serjay, put the ties on her legs.

Where are you going, girly? Get back here. You are going to regret that. Put her on her stomach. Do you like having air in your lungs? How about a knee in your back? Can't you see? It's over. You'd like to run? Try to run now.

This is bullshit, Carl. You gotta let me have one strike at her so she understands the penalties of her actions. She killed Gerber. You're just pissed because she knocked you on your tail. Get over it, TJ. She needs to know the pain, Carl. You know what the Supreme General said, TJ. Pure and unbroken. Damn, Carl. I'm not raping the girl.

I just want to hit her one freaking time with Sheila. Fine. But just once, Bishop. Serge. Put her back on her knees. I do love watching Sheila work. That's right Sheila, we only get one snap, so it better be good. Nope, not yet Sheila.

Just freaking do it. I said once Don't mess around, PJ Supreme General will put your head next to hers Sorry I always mark my territory That looks beautiful How'd you like that, girly? Come on

Say something Get her back in the car. Let's take that mask off and get a look at that pretty face. Does that feel good? Can you feel the blood running down your back? Come on, what does the savior of the refugees have to say now. Wounded, the creature tilts for you. Wheels his bloody flank

to run you through. Oh, mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy on her soul Cause you can't break me Cause you can't break me Have mercy

Lord have mercy What the hell just happened? I don't know. All I get is static. We got to get back to the homesteads. What just happened, Bennett? I think they bombed the whole route, Vince. All these people, the homesteads. We got to get you to a doctor.

No one could have done it better. Talked all the little things we wanted. And all we were so good together. Still had to let go. Wait a minute, Bennett. What, Vince? The med center's right up there. I know, but I can't go in there. You can't either, for that matter.

Everyone will be asking where Erica is. She's gone, Vince, and you need a doctor. I know, but if we go in there and everyone finds out she's been captured, it might start dissension. Erica was just talking about the bigger picture. If everyone freaks out, it may really screw up the big picture. You're right, Vince. A lot of people joined the fight because of her. Cassidy died, and Eli's a fine leader, but Cassidy had charisma.

If they found out Erica's gone, we could lose a lot of soldiers. Where's Virgis? Commandant? First, I'll be a serve. Are you okay? Help me get him inside. Bennett, there you are. You got a cot? In the back. He needs to go to the med center, Bennett.

Just rest, Vince. I'll get you a doctor. Stevens, don't let him fall asleep. Yes, sir. Did you find her? Erica has been captured by the feds. What? Oh, no. Vince needs a doctor.

But neither of us can go in there without everyone asking us about Erica. If they know she's gone, how many will we lose? I'll go get one. There's a doctor named Stan that I know. He came down with the Merc forces. Find him. You got it. Where's Cassidy? She's dead, Cole. I'm sorry. She stood against the snipers and they tagged her. No. I failed, Cole. I lost them both. They knew what they were getting into.

What happened, Bennett? When Cassidy fell, they had us pinned. Then the feds started calling for us to hand over Erica. Merkley gave his command codes. That's when I radioed you and you gave the evac codes. They found Staff Sergeant Merkley and told him they needed a vehicle. Before they could do anything, Merkley and his men shot them all and took Erica. Erica got one of them, though.

I found a tattoo on his arm with a barcode and this number. This must be their new refugee tracking system. How did they get her out of here? I don't know. Vince got shot in the head and chest. Thank goodness for ballistics and luck, but he was out cold. system. How did they get her out of here? I don't know. Vince got shot in the head and chest. Thank goodness for ballistics and luck, but he was out cold. First Sergeant Bennett, how the heck are you? Well, you can't be that good if I'm here. We're in a pickle, Doc. Who is it? Vince, he's back here. The feds shot him in the head. His helmet stopped it, but it left a gnarly knot, and I don't think he's all there right now.

They shot him in the chest, too, but his dad's watch and his vest stopped it. Where's Erica? That's why I asked for you, Stan, because I know you were loyal to her. She was taken by the feds. We're not sure how the people will react, and we're going to try to keep it a secret for as long as we can. Oh, no. We've got to get Vince back on his feet. Let me go check him out.

Any communications yet? We've got nothing but static. The vehicles are running because of all this damn ash. Even the ones we converted to the new air filtration system failed. I've got to get news from the homesteads. Michelle, Daniel, and Nancy were there. Star's at the medical tent, too. She's okay. I went to check on her.

I didn't want to get her and Stan at the same time. Thought it might look too suspicious. I've got it. What are we going to do? For now, you have to let him rest. But as soon as he's up, we have to get you guys out of here. You two are always with Erica. If anyone notices you and not her, it's over. I agree. As soon as he's ready. Where is he? In the back.

Oh my gosh, Dad, are you okay? I'm okay. Star, he'll be fine. Let me finish my exam. Go on. Sure. Shut me down with my bitter heart. My blood is getting thicker. Shut me down, shut me down.

I wish they had pulled the trigger. Mom? They have her. Kyle? He's dead. No! It was an ambush. No no no you don't keep your promises Bennett you didn't protect her and now Kyle too we will get her back start Oh baby, look at me just one more time Tell me that you don't regret it

I really thought we were fine Then you shot me down 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 patch of the month.co and subscribe for $10 a month or $100 a year. What do you mean it won't start? It's toast, sir. Even with the modifications, the ash still clogged it up. What the hell is this, Merkley? I'm sorry, sir. The scientist assured me it would work.

It did. For a while. Looks like we're huffing it now, boys. Get the girl and the gear out. You want her mask on? I think we're all good now. She's so limp. Just like Greg Gold. Bishop, you better take a look at the girlie.

Stand her up. Lift her shirt up. With pleasure. In the back. Jerk off. I might have to later now. I could definitely use a woman right about now. The Supreme General said pure and unbroken.

Oh, come on. That's no fun. We have our orders. Merkley, grab me that jar of salvo to my pack. What is that? It's a special healing mixture, but it burns like a fire as a hell. Watch this. She looks fine to me. Impressive. I have to admit, TJ, that's a pretty good tea and throw her shirt. I almost think you could do it in cursive. I could always try again. No, you cannot. You already did enough.

Oh, come on, Carl. You know this girl is going to earn a J eventually. Not now, but we are going to need a chance. I got it. Here, drink this. That's enough. Here, TJ. We'll just wrap it around your waist like this. Is that rubbing on your back? No?

Let's make sure we get it nice and tight. There we go. Nice and comfy. Where are we at, boss? We're almost to Texas. We'll start heading southeast when we cross the border. This is all trader territory. So if we see anyone, she gets a hood.

You got that, TJ? How did I get babysitting duty? You marked your territory, right? Well, now you get to babysit. That's okay. You just walk right out in front of me, and if I see that behind move one direction other than the direction we're headed, there's going to be a little tiny T on your butt cheek too. Isn't that right, Sheila? That would be epic, brother. brother right a little tea on the left side and a J on the right ought to try that next time here hold this like a poopy on a leash I'll leave. Come on, girly.

You're slowing down your shuffle. I could walk faster if my feet weren't tied together. Turn around. Nobody told you to stop walking. Turn around. We've walked for eight hours straight. We need a break. If we stop and eat now, we can do another eight before we sleep.

Jiggy down. Rest up. Three miles ahead. Yum. Yum. Over to the rest stop. I can't go three more miles at this speed with these things on. Stop. Turn around. What did you say? I can't go three more miles at this speed with these things on. You earned those, remember? They're your trophy to be worn with pride.

Two more links. If I give you more links, what are you going to give me? Less time getting to the rest stop. You're so lucky you're going to the Supreme General. I usually get to have so much more fun with the female bounties I retrieve. See, that's why Commander Gray's here, to make sure you get back to the Supreme General in one piece. But mark my words, the General always loses interest in his toys, and then they go to the men. When that day comes... Oh, I can't wait. Do I get the links, or not? Girly, you better...

Just give the girl the links, TJ. Her ankles are already bleeding, and we may be walking for days. We need her healthy, or we'll have to carry her the whole way. If you insist, Mr. Medic. If you kick me or pull any more of your tricks, I'll let TJ take you down to one link. Deal? Deal. Since Miss Whiny Girl got her links, we should be able to pick up the pace. I'm not sure if I can do it. Finally, a place to sit down. You guys are crazy.

We were just getting warmed up, Murphy. Looks like a dog park, with a pole to tie the dog to. Come on, girly dog. Wait, I have to go to the bathroom. You've only had 16 ounces of fluid today, and walked over 20 miles. There's no way you need to take a piss already. I really do. Oh, come on.

Give me the chain. Oh, nasty. I guess they haven't cleaned it in a while. Go stand over there. Turn around. Go. Aren't you going to turn around? Nope. Go. Pull your pants up and turn back around.

Move. Smells good, doesn't it? You already got a reward today, didn't you? What? The extra links. Looks like all your rewards are used up. Would you like to earn another one? Tell me.

TJ, I promise to never run from you. No? Then no food. Just try not to survive And you're still alive Carry on Even if you've been misled And all of your dreams are dead Carry on Even if you can't forget Carry on

Even if you can't forget Take a quick look at some of your regrets Yeah! Let's get back Anteat. Come on, Curly. Lord have mercy Lord have mercy on us all Cause he can't break me Cause he can't break me Lord have mercy Lord have mercy

Lord have mercy on us all She's about to pass out. I'll carry her. Thank you. Hi, Dad. Star? Where are we? We're in the command tent. Bennett brought you here. Oh, yeah.

Oh, shit. We gotta go get her and the homesteads. One step at a time, Dad. Take it easy. We can't, Star. There is no time. She thinks I'm dead. They shot me in front of her.

Remember Montana? Then we have to get to her now. What about the homesteads? No news yet. How long have I been out? About ten hours. The sun's just about up. What? You guys let me sleep all night? Oh, we gotta get out of here.

Dad, you need to rest. The hell I do. I'm going after Daniel, and then I'm going and getting Erica. Hell I do. I'm going after Daniel and then I'm going to get Erica. Let's at least get a meal in you before we do that. I'm fine, Stan. You have one hell of a concussion. And a broken rib above your heart. No, I have a broken heart because they took my wife.

The faster I can get to the homesteads and make sure my son is alive, the quicker I can go and get her back. Here, eat this. If you guys are going to walk, you'll need the nourishment. Gleason? Yes, sir. You're going to make the trip with them, right? Yes, sir.

Go get supplies from the mess. Make sure you have two days' supply for each person. Yes, sir. You're going to make the trip with them, right? Yes, sir. Go get supplies from the mess. Make sure you have two days' supply for each person. Yes, sir. I heard you were awake. Cole? Cassidy? She? I know Vince.

She fought like a demon and was something else to watch on that battlefield. Her brother would be proud. I just wanted the woman I loved to come home. Don't we all. Okay, then. Let's go. Here, Dad. Let me help. I got it. Travel safely. You know where to find me.

Take care, Cole. You too, Patrick. Brother, help me up. And as back on me it would seem Brother, help me up, I've fallen down Brother, help me up, I've fallen down Thank you for listening to the Changing Earth audio drama based off the novel series, The Changing Earth, by author Sarah F. Hathaway. Available at Amazon or get your signed copies at www.changingearthseries.com. This content is copywritten in 2023 by author Sarah F. Hathaway. For a list of performers, music, and noise attributes, head on over to www.changingearthseries.com.

Become a subscriber and help the Changing Earth world go around. Pick up your Changing Earth gear at www.changingearthseries.com. Don't forget to leave a review or like and subscribe to the YouTube channel author Sarah F. Hathaway. Stay tuned for the next episode of the Changing Earth audio drama.