The Prepper Broadcasting Network - 4-15 Undefeated

Episode Date: January 9, 2025

TJ continues his trip back to the central region with Erika, while Vince is determined to find his youngest son alive, no matter the odds.Dive into The Changing Earth Series Novels, available now on Amazon.com! For a special touch, grab your signed copies at ChangingEarthSeries.com.  Elevate your experience with exclusive Changing Earth Gear at ChangingEarthSeries.com.  Join our community by becoming a subscriber and help keep the Changing Earth universe thriving!  Your voice counts! Leave a review, hit the like button, and subscribe!!

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, the savior of the refugees. But she is my greatest bounty ever. This is life on the changing earth. Knock, knock. Can I come in? I'm sorry, Tim. I just need a minute.

It's been a while since you called me that. Oh, yeah. Sorry about that. It's okay to mourn her, Cole. We wasted so many years on this political bullshit, and in the end, none of it mattered. The war still came, and now she's gone. She died the way she lived. Fighting for her cause. It doesn't make it hurt any less.

At least you know. My wife and child were murdered in cold blood. For all I know, that asshole could have been here. If it was the black shirts that infiltrated us, you're probably right. Still no communications? We're in total blackout. Bennett said he would check with the general and give us an update when they came back. They're going after her?

Bennett's hoping the general will send forces with them. You think they can catch up in time? I don't know. Without communications, we can't learn any of our forces in the South, and we can't get news from them either. If this ash doesn't stop falling, we're going to have to abandon the city anyway. I know. Take two steps forward and three steps back.

No wonder the feds abandoned it. They knew the ash was coming. They got Erica. Why stay and fight? What do we got to do? Wait for orders and follow them. Why? Because it's all we know. I could have left.

I could have left and joined the militia and been with her. I never had to stay and fight. I backed myself into a corner. You cared. You cared about all the people in the West. You kept them free. Whole families allowed to live for another decade in freedom because of you. Don't discredit that.

The outcome was the same. But we didn't know that. You could have been selfish and left them all to the mercy of someone who would have rounded them up and caged them. Someone who would have crushed the native lands and destroyed everything we believed in. But you didn't. I lost it all, Cole. But here I am, standing at your side. Because I believe in you.

Not the command structure, you. Can't get her back. But you do get the choice on how you move forward from here. I gave it for it, but I don't want it back If this pain is what it means to have it Then I'd rather be without it Give up with my heart as a stranger Strange eyes Justin, put that box up front. As soon as we get out of this place, I want a drink. The sooner the better. I couldn't agree more.

You boys have been worth your waiting credits. We do a couple more loads like this, and I'll have enough credits to get you landowners the passes. What do you think about that? You can do that? Well, how do you think I got mine? You're not a landowner. I was at one time. What happened? I had

a home, a wife, a daughter. Then the quake happened. My wife died. I'm sorry to hear that. My mom died in the quake too. My home was located in a subdivision where T.J. Swenson set up his shop. Really?

But one night, my daughter, she got angry with me. She ran out the house. I chased after her, but T.J. found her first. He took her and arrested me. Why? Well, he was drunk. I lived my life in a cell, and I labored away in a power station. How did you get out?

Well, TJ likes to drink. One night, he beat the hell out of me. Then he decided to leave me for dead. In the Badlands. Little did he know, the smell of freedom was so rejuvenating. I survived, and now,

here I am. Thriving. A second chance at life? I guess you could say that. Let's get out of here and back to freedom. Sit in the front why just do it sure was a stroke of luck tip oh shit Johnny get him in the back, Dex. Guard's coming!

Everything okay, fellas? Just fine, sir. Let me see your papers. Here you go, sir. For a couple of young fellas, you guys look like you did pretty well today. Sure did. All your passes look good. Have a nice day, fellas.

You too, sir. Yep, looks like we're good to go. Looks like it. You think his story was true? Bits and pieces. Everyone loves to play the victim, especially when it suits them. Don't you try to run away from shadows. They always catch up. Learn to face whatever demons come your way.

Don't become a stranger to hard labor. There's no other way. Hear me when I say. But if your aim is straight. And if you're willing to wait. You're gonna get there. Wait and see. If you can take some rain, you'll get twice the sun, my friend. You're gonna get there. Wait and see. You'll get there eventually.

At least the ash stopped falling. If I had to wear that mask for one more second... You should still keep your face covered, huh? The sun is so... Gloomy. Yeah, that's a good word for it. Gloomy. Still not working?

No, it's still dead. How can that be, Vince? Can't get mine to work either. When they cut California off after the Great Quake, same thing happened. They didn't want anyone to be able to communicate with the outside world. Hey guys, we have a large group of people approaching. They're evacuating. Excuse me, sir?

Do you know what happened at the homesteads? Well, 30 or so of those feds portrayed themselves as new recruits within the camp. And then they attacked. Then the bombs fell. It was chaos. Did anyone survive? Well, they took some serious damage. But they have tough fighters within their ranks. Did you survive? They took some serious damage, but they have tough fighters within their

ranks. Did you see a boy about 11 years old? I didn't see anyone. I was on the North Road. I'm just telling you what I heard. Did you hear what happened up north? A lot of death. I'm going south.

Maybe all the way to South America, if it's still there. Good luck, buddy. Yeah, good luck to you guys, too. What if they're evacuating to dad? I don't know, Star. I don't think they would the plan was to meet back there and that's what we should stick to if grandma nancy is still alive i think that's what she would do tell me where are you now i'm walking in your sleep? Cause this is like a dream And you're standing next to me But it's too dark, too dark, too dark

I can barely see your face It's too dark, too dark you gonna be okay superstar we survived right yeah then god has a reason for that and right now i think it's finding daniel and getting mom couldn't agree more Daniel, I'm getting mom. Couldn't agree more. I'll see you next time. 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. Oh, mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy on me. I'm not carrying her anymore. Wake up. You're walking. I'll get her up. Leave her. I said wake up. And see, there you go fellas

What? You want to discuss it with Sheila? TJ, that's enough Let's just take a break This place looks like it wasn't much more than a hardware store and a gas station, even before the quake. It's a perfect little crap hole to hide a refugee in. Serge, you want to make some grub? I'm not cooking. Let's let the girlies do it. I can eat her half the day anyway. I can. That's not a bad idea. That's a horrible idea. I know how rats like this girly work, Carl.

They'll keep gnawing and gnawing. Chain her to a tree. She'll be good for nothing except headaches. Do as he says. And then make some food, Sarge. Make Mercury do it. There you go. Little pet gurry dog. Bishop, you're on weapons detail.

Yes, sir. Are you playing that game again? Sorry, dear. that is the time. Do you have a win? No, but I keep playing anyway. Why don't you get TJ to play with you? TJ does not play games very often. He is a focused man.

He walks the perimeter like a guard dog and makes certain his mission gets accomplished Yeah, he doesn't really strike me as the type that relaxes Oh, he does plenty of relaxing But not on the road And never with a bounty in hand She's watching him Watch her

I have a feeling that girl is more clever than we think It's not in her nature to be quiet But she is definitely quiet Do not worry though TJ breaks them all Quit looking at me like that Answer me when I talk to you. Answer me.

TJ, pure and unbroken. Those were his words. You will regret each moment of your defiance. Waste of words, waste of breath. Cause I've got nothing to say. I will No matter how, gotta think, I gotta breathe. I will kill you. I need to leave a trail. Somehow.

What can I write with? What will kill me will make me stronger. I'll write it in blood. My initials. I won't kill me, we'll make me stronger I'll write it in blood And I'm falling down on my knees I won't let you down, believe in that change as we'll come We got company Cause the light's just around the corner Ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Come on, Dan. We're almost there. Black snow and a sea of smoke.

Who could have guessed that it would have come to this? Seriously. Come on, guys. Oh my gosh, Dad, have you ever seen anything like this? Only once, after the Great Quake. I was hoping I would never see it again. Sergeant Walker. Sir, Staff Sergeant Gleason, Stott, how we holding up?

Hi Terrence Where's Erica? Between us, taken by the feds What, are you serious? Would we be here without her? Must have been some plan to take down Erica Moore And shot me in the head And the chest

Damn boy I hope you got on your knees and gave thanks to the good Lord above. Typically, you don't just walk away from that. You must have a hell of a guarding angel. Or not. Erica's gone. True. Are you looking for Lieutenant General Merkles, sir?

You know that I am. They have a command tent set up in front of the old yacht. The feds blew the hell out of the base. Do you know if Daniel's okay? Daniel and Nancy are alive. Vince, your boys will never fight with that sword. That kid of Tillman, they killed about 15 federal soldiers. It was impressive.

Daniel and Nancy are staying at the GF. Tillman survived. He's with loss. But Mr. Rowan, he was killed in the fighting and his home was lost to the bombing. Oh, thank goodness. Whoa there, buddy. You got an extra tent around here, Walker? Yeah, there's one available over at the camp. Get the hell off me. I don't need a tent. I need to go see my boy and go get my wife. Okay, Vince. We're just trying to help. I know, and I appreciate it. You two have people you're

worried about, too. Why don't you go take care of it, and we'll meet back up later. You sure? Go. I'll be fine. Let's go find them. Where will they go? To Denver. It doesn't look much different from this. They'll have to make their own decisions about their futures. Oh no. They won't be staying. Master Rowan's home. Walker said they were staying

with gear. This way. Grandma Nancy, they're back. Daniel, thank God. Oh my goodness. What happened to you two? Where's Erica? And where is Cassidy? Here? No. Oh no.

She died in battle. Oh hell no. She died proudly and with courage. And what about Erica, Vince? Yeah, Dad. Where's Mom? What, Vince? She was captured by the Federal forces. It was Merkley's son. They shot Dad in the head and the chest.

Are you okay, Vince? I just want to get Erica back. I know there's still time. But the Feds bombed the whole northern route. I don't know if my parents survived. We didn't know if you guys lived. Thank God we found you. Thank you, Gear.

It is me who should thank you, brother. My son, Ren, was out in the schoolyard when the soldiers came. Daniel, he is a natural with a sword. Daniel ran to the house to take Ren and Elizabeth when Mr. Rowan's house was bombed.

He was a fine man. How about Ned? Ned will be okay. He was shot in the leg and couldn't make the trek by foot just yet. Did you hear anything about my parents or Greg or Penny? No. They got hit hard on the pass. They've been sending runners back and forth with medical supplies. But as you can see, they've been needed badly here as well.

I did talk with one of the runners, but it's almost impossible to get individual names of survivors. Come in and sit down. I think I would like that. You look like you need much more than just a seat. If suffering's a way to earn your keep,

I better stop putting miles on my feet But I'm so tired of wandering Yeah, I'm lost But I'm lost, but I'm living. What are you going to do, Vince? I have to go after Erica. I'll talk to Merkley and see how many soldiers he can send with me.

But I have to go. We already spent two days getting here. Who knows how far they are now. I think we can get a buggy running now. Maybe shorten that time a little. I've had a truck in the shop waiting for just this sort of opportunity. I couldn't ask you for it. I would not give it to you.

I am going with you. My sister would want it that way. Can't have anyone viewing the merchandise. It's scratchy burlap mask for the pain in my ass. Hey, fellas. How we doing? Just fine. How about yourselves?

So you got a fine woman chained to that tree over there. She's not for sale. What about for rent? My boys sure wouldn't mind getting a piece of that tonight. She's not for rent either. Oh, come on. Don't tell me you're going to give some refugee whore all to yourselves. Sergei, Gray's going to need backup.

I can make it worth your time. This is my chance. First step, my hands. Tie my shoelaces together through here. Pump my legs. Boom. Okay, now the legs now the chain lock Wouldn't understand if I showed ya, showed ya Every bit of me in the palm of your hand The thought of me is big as day and night, day and night

Stop forsaking, everything that I've done Won't be breaking easily now I could make it even though the lights are out So I'll wait for my cue Goodbye, hood. Weapon, a weapon. I need a weapon. This will have to do. The trail.

You need to leave a trail. I'll tie you to the sign. I'm gone. So watch me fly Hey everyone, this is Phil Radley from the MatterFacts Podcast, voicing the role of Cole Verges. If prepping guns and politics sounds like your cup of tea, come check out the MatterFacts Podcast every Friday on iTunes, Stitcher, and Spotify with my co-host, Andrew Bobo. Our forces are so scattered, there is no way to expand to anyone to go after her, Bennett. Trust me, I'd like to send a group just to collect my traitorous son.

Sir, we wouldn't take longer than we have to. I bet they're not even out of the western zone yet. I understand that, First Sergeant. But with communications down, it could be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Now, I need to know that I can count on you to follow your orders, Bennett. I'm going to

need some strong men like you. Yes, sir. I understand, sir. Erica was just a figurehead. The legend will fade with her. We can still do this. We've won the battle in Denver, and now it's on to the North. Yes, sir. Thank you for your time, sir.

No one can tell you what they're running from. No one knows anymore. What's it for? What's it for? Morning, First Sergeant. How can I help you? I'm looking for someone. Isn't everyone? The records are very spotty right now, but I'll do the best I can.

Thanks. Her name is Michelle Price. She was going out on a supply crew. Way beyond what we can hold So keep your eyes open a supply crew. Way beyond what we can hold. So keep your eyes open for the things that really matter. Oh, you have to

give up. Here we go. Oh. What? She went out with the Charlie crew. We haven't received communications with them since the bombings. Did they make it to Denver? No, they were en route. Hmm, then we should have seen them. Excuse me? I just came from Sedalia. If they were en route, we would have surely seen them. They were heading to Golden, sir.

They could have been on the 70 by then. That area didn't get heavily bombed. Your guess is as good as mine right now, sir. I can let you know as soon as I have confirmation of arrival. You're headed over to assist Lieutenant Colonel Jackson, right? That's the order I received. Very good, sir. I'll let you know. Thanks. What's it for? What's it for? How did it go? What did he say? Looks like we're on our own, Vince. What?

He won't send anyone. It's up to us. Really? What the hell? We go to battle, risk our lives and our family for the cause, and he can't even send a handful of soldiers to get Erica back? What a frickin'... Come on, Vince. We're out of here. Any news on Michelle? No. Emotional flicker You are my everything Any news on Michelle? No. No one knows where she is.

We didn't find her body on the way. Hopefully her crew made it to Denver. Maybe we just missed her. Don't you want to go look for her? Of course I do. But I made a promise, and I intend to keep it. Thanks, Bennett. Of course I do. But I made a promise, and I intend to keep it.

Thanks, Bennett. So, what did he say? Nada. I should go over there and give that no-good pile of dirt a piece of my mind. My daughter's out there. We're going with or without his permission. I'm done with this shit. These freaking stripes. I dedicated my whole life to them.

For what? If it weren't for Erica, none of us would have our freedom right now. I'm going with you guys this time. I can fight. And I am not getting left behind again. What about you, Nancy? I'm not going to fight. If that's what you're wondering.

Well, be close to Dallas. You could stay with Brett. We could rendezvous back there. Sounds like a plan to me. Knock, knock. I heard that more family returned. Greg! Oh, man, am I glad to see you, buddy.

I'm not ready for darkness. I'm not ready for darkness. I'm not ready for darkness. I know we can do better. I'm not ready for darkness. If we promise to hold on and to never let go. I'm not ready for darkness. I'm not ready for darkness. Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey. I'm not ready for darkness. I'm not ready for darkness.

Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey. Come out, come out, wherever you are. Sheila wants to have a little chat. Bishop, take the left. Sergei, go to the right. Damn it, DJ. I told you, she was your responsibility.

She's right here, Carl. I can smell her. She's here, boss. She's in this area. But I can't pinpoint the signal. Let's cheek over this way. Here she is. What are you going to do? Cut me with a piece of glass?

Hold it real tight. Don't let it happen again, TJ. This capture is going to make our careers. It won't. Get on your knees now. Get on your knees. You think you can take me, girly? She does. She thinks she can take me.

Carl, come on. You have to let me. Erica, just get on your knees. Look at her, Carl. Come on. Fine. Go ahead. But leave Sheila out of it.

Check this out. She's so tiny. You're going to regret this, girly. Alright. You can throw a punch, but not fast enough, girly. Cute trick. TJ leave Sheila out of it. What you got now, girlie? You got tricks. Well, guess what? I got tricks, too.

Now get on your knees. Really, Carl? What the hell am I supposed to do with this? That's your realm. I'll tell you what I do with disobedient refugees. Do what you gotta do. The thought to face, and don't break a bone. Get on your knees! See? That wasn't so tough.

Look at me! Don't you ever run from me again. Dinner is ready, guys. TJ, chain her back up. No mistakes. Give me your arms. Oh, does your back hurt? Come here. Psst! Come here! The chain can go around your neck now!

Good luck picking that. Sit down. You guys got scraps. She doesn't need it. Do you want to carry her again? Fine. Let me have the plate. I don't want anyone near her. This dog can bite. You want food? here's your food Fuck. Thank you, Jasper. Just like clockwork, bro.

Capital City, here we come. I told you I would find a way to get us there. Yeah, but you have to admit, this place is crazy. I haven't been this far south before. We always went into the capital. It was tense, but you have to admit, this place is crazy. I haven't been this far south before. We always went into the capital. It was tense, but not like this. Thanks for coming with me, Dex. I've never had a friend like you. That's the reason I came, bro.

Okay, one more checkpoint. We're home free. Oh shit, Johnny. That's a lot of guards. more checkpoint. We're home free. Oh, shit, Johnny. That's a lot of guards. Just chill. The pass will work. How are we doing today, sir? Papers.

What are they talking about? Step out of the vehicle. What are we being arrested for? You two resemble a couple of federal traitors on our most wanted list. You look a lot like Johnny McClintock. And you look a lot like Dexter Moore. Who? What are you talking about? We don't know them. We'll see.

Sir, we have detained Dexter Moore and Johnny McClintock. Very good. Now hold them in Chattanooga until further notice. Yes, sir. There's been a mix-up. I'm telling you. Step inside. My name is Justin Case. You have the wrong guy. Disaster Coffee is fueling disaster relief in america our coffee is roasted to order and ship to your front door you cannot get it any fresher visit disastercoffee.com. It is so good to see you, bro.

Likewise, bro. How are my parents? A little banged up, but they're going to be fine. Megan's alive. We were some of the lucky ones. Such a mess, Vince. Erica's been taken by the feds greg what you're kidding right where is she they took her ambushed us shot us all my helmet my dad's watch saved me we lost kyle philip and hensley oh man'm so sorry. Are you gonna get her? Of course. We're gearing up right now. Merkley wouldn't give us any reinforcements to help. We're going solo.

Come with us. I'm a mess, bro. Erica is my everything. Oh, man. You know I love you guys, but I gotta take supplies up north. People are counting on me. I'm counting on you, Greg. I really need you for this.

Please. Vince, I'm so sorry, but I can't. My family, these people, they need me too. I promise. I'll take care need me too. I promise. I'll take care of your parents. I understand. Gotta do what you gotta do, right? I'm sorry, Vince.

I really wish I could. When are you leaving? Now. We've already spent days coming here. Hopefully we can still find some kind of a trail. I hope you do. Greg, I understand your decision, but I don't have time to worry about that now.

Maybe it's best if you just go. Take care of yourself. Motherfucking Why does everybody know you want to help? God. Ah! Everything okay, Nancy? Vince is losing it.

Fuck! Shit! Ah! Bam, bam, bam! You feel better? It wouldn't come. I love that man like a brother. I need him now more than ever.

Vince, you have friends, and they're with you. No, Bennett. Erica has friends. They're with her. That man there is my best friend. I loved him like a brother. But he still wouldn't come. Would you have left your family to go chasing

Alf after another man's wife? For his wife? Yes. Vince, we're going to get her back. I just miss her so much. I can't believe I let him take her. I'm going over the same guilt trip in my mind. If I would have just gone with you guys, then maybe... Then maybe you'd be dead too. Maybe, but I wouldn't be here kicking myself for letting them take her. True. Stay strong, Vince. Do you know what Erica went through when she hauled you across Montana on your deathbed? She had to stay strong for you, and now you have to stay strong for her. And just so you know, I am your friend.

I know, Bennett. I didn't mean it like that. I know you didn't. I just wanted you to be sure. I guess you're stuck with me. Yeah, I'm lost But I'm living Yeah, I'm lost Can I be forgiven? I'll tie this tag to a branch. I hope they find it. Come on, we're going again.

You're not looking too good, Merkley. I've never walked this far in my life. You don't want to get too tired when you're in a pool of sharks. What do you know about it? Why don't you come tell me? What are you doing, Merkley? Do you see the tea on her back? This girl is mine.

I don't want you anywhere near her. Do you understand? Commander Grey couldn't find you. It's time to go. Sorry to rain on your parade. I told you never to run from me again, right? Answer me

when I talk to you. I told you never to run from me again, right? Yes. What? I couldn't quite hear that. I told you never to run from me again, right? Yes. What? I couldn't quite hear that. Yes, you piece of crap! Yes! You told me not to run from you. But you still haven't promised me that you won't. Piss off.

Don't get lippy with me, girly. Sheila can take care of that real fast too. DJ, her shirt is more torn. I noticed that as well. Sheila didn't do that. That's right.

Hold still now. Whatever. Girly, you wanna push? TJ, quit playing with the dog. Private 1. Come back. Textable is in custody. Is the package still in hand?

Yes, sir. Be sure to let her know. Yes, sir. I'll let her know. Thank you, sir. Put her on her knees. That was the Supreme General. He wanted me to let you know that your son Dexter is now in federal custody. We're going into Amarillo to arrange a ferry ride across the lake. If you even breathe wrong while we're in

that city your son will die. If he's in custody, my son is going to die anyway. Don't. He's right, Erica. I'm the only one saving you from all the horrible things that man has running around in his mind. If you screw this up try to run do anything other than what you were told to do your son will die and you will wish you were dead do you hear me yes yes yes i hear you i'll have this bitch trained in no time because you can't break It's train in no time. Nå er vi på veien. Wounded the creature tilts for you

Wheels his bloody flank to run you through Oh mercy Lord have mercy to run you through. Oh, mercy, Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy on us all. 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.