The Prepper Broadcasting Network - 4-16 Long Road Home

Episode Date: March 26, 2026

Episode 16 – Season 4 Finale. Based on the Changing Earth Novels by Sara F. Hathaway. The long road home explodes with frustration: TJ’s patience shatters against Erika’s unbreakable spirit, Vin...ce rages at his wife’s capture, and Bennet and Virgis defy General Merkley’s refusal to send help. Losses mount, chains tighten, and the forge tests every soul to its limit. Full audio drama episode drops now—visit authorsarafhathaway.com for books, gear, and more. Become a subscriber for early commercial-free access, bonus content, and exclusives. The Season 4 finale you’ve been waiting for.  ChangingEarthSeries.com.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/prepper-broadcasting-network--3295097/support.BECOME A SUPPORTER FOR AD FREE PODCASTS, EARLY ACCESS & TONS OF MEMBERS ONLY CONTENT!Red Beacon Ready OUR PREPAREDNESS SHOPThe Prepper's Medical Handbook Build Your Medical Cache – Welcome PBN FamilySupport PBN with a Donation Join the Prepper Broadcasting Network for expert insights on #Survival, #Prepping, #SelfReliance, #OffGridLiving, #Homesteading, #Homestead building, #SelfSufficiency, #Permaculture, #OffGrid solutions, and #SHTF preparedness. With diverse hosts and shows, get practical tips to thrive independently – subscribe now!Newsletter – Welcome PBN FamilyGet Your Free Copy of 50 MUST READ BOOKS TO SURVIVE DOOMSDAY

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Starting point is 00:00:02 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 dared run from T.J. Swenson Except one.
Starting point is 00:00:40 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. Do not make one wrong move. I'll go get the tickets. Thank you, Captain Obvious. I just love waiting.
Starting point is 00:01:12 Don't you, girly? Answer me when I talk to you. One day you'll be mine. The Supreme General will tire of you and throw you to the dogs. I've been thinking of what I'd do with the fiery little spirit like yourself. Sheila and I would delight in making you scream.
Starting point is 00:01:33 I will bring you endless pain unless you do exactly as you're told. There'll be no other. life, but the one I allow you to have, you are mine to command for as long as you live, and you will worship me. You are such a smooth talk of a T.J. Woman, you'll thank me for your existence, and every choice you make will be one I provided. Can I just leave her alone for a while?
Starting point is 00:02:03 Why, Bishop? You like her? No, you're just the dick, T.J. Good, because as soon as the Supreme General is done with her, she's mine. I already marked her. Yeah, I remember. Stand here, girly. Two days. What do you mean two days? Aren't you the son of the acting leader of the Merks?
Starting point is 00:02:27 I am, but this area is all militia run. The forged letter from my father is the only thing that got us a ride that fast. They've been moving people non-stop. Great. Just great. You guys want to camp outside of town or get our room somewhere? Let's get a room. Maybe we could get some action. This bounty hasn't been any fooling of all.
Starting point is 00:02:53 Oh, my bed. We need to make camp outside of town and wait for prying eyes. Get over here! We camp outside of town. Okay, T.J., you win. We'll camp outside of town so there's less chance to of Erica being spotted. She's keeping that hood on the whole time we're here.
Starting point is 00:03:15 My point is, there's less ways for her to figure on an escape route. Let's just stick to the mission and not get distracted. I know more of her shirt is missing now. For sure. Like a nice isolated spot? I'll start the fire and make food. Come on, girly. Meet your new tree.
Starting point is 00:04:14 Perfect tree for a message for Bennett. I'll just say. save that for later. Where do you think you're going? You don't run for me ever. You may not have said it yet, but you will learn it. Get over here. Stand up. What did you put down here?
Starting point is 00:04:43 We've been playing this game. She's been leaving strips of material with her initials on it. Don't worry, Carl. It's a needle in a haystack. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again. Come here, girly. Now stay there. She wants to rip her shirt up. No more shirt.
Starting point is 00:05:21 Now I can admire my work all the time. Bishop, would she be okay? Just make sure she doesn't get too cold at night. It won't kill her, especially since we haven't seen the sun in days. Show me how this works in case we need another mechanic. In case something happens to me? I didn't want to say it out loud, but since you brought it up... Check this out.
Starting point is 00:06:10 I've rerouted the air filter so it could... be changed from inside the cab. This keeps the ash out of the way. You must have been building this thing for years. I have been. It is disaster proof. This cannot be taken out by EMP or a volcano. I bet a tornado could still take it out. You are right. I have not figured that one out yet. Food, water, weapons, gasoline loaded, and ready to go. We're shoving off. Safe service to you, guys. Take care of that lady, Walker.
Starting point is 00:06:53 I'm sure that baby is going to make you a proud papa. Thanks, beans. I hope you find her. And when you do, you kick some ass for me. You know I will. Let us load up. I've got shotgun. Everybody in?
Starting point is 00:07:15 Yep. Then let us roll. Bingle thing, I'm drunk in nights a Sunday morning And how you smile Wish you stay This isn't how it's supposed to be Wish you'd stay I can't shake that feeling
Starting point is 00:07:50 I didn't know we had a vehicle running We do not I do Bennett, what are you doing with him? I gave you orders to report to Lieutenant Colonel Jackson Is that staff staff? Sergeant Gleason back there? I want you people out of that vehicle right now. Respectfully, sir. I can't follow that order. We're headed to Denver and then we're going to
Starting point is 00:08:21 find Erica. That is not the order I gave you, soldier. If you drive out of this town and that truck, I don't want to see either of you again. You are done fighting for the mercenary army. You can keep these stripes, sir. Are you serious right now? Goodbye, sir. We just go to trends. We don't need gray that deep at our business. I just want to get home. I need a shower, a bottle of vodka, and a woman.
Starting point is 00:09:34 Couldn't agree more. She looks cold. You want me to bring her over by the fire? She's fine. Sorry, things got a little tense. I just don't trust this woman. You don't have to apologize to me, Carl. You have a job to do.
Starting point is 00:09:50 We finally have her. Once she's standing in front of the Supreme General, I'll feel much better. She'll no longer be allowed choices. It's clear she can't make the right one. Whatever it takes, we're getting her home. Your boy Bishop may feel differently. He was raised in the military and has a commitment to the citizens of this country. He's loyal, but doesn't fully understand the way these people sometimes need to be motivated to stay in line.
Starting point is 00:10:17 Give him a chance. He'll come around. If you say so, Carl. All she's done is watch that road since we stopped here. I noticed. She still has hope that someone is coming to rescue her. Well, we'll have to take care of that, won't we? Are you Bennett? No one's coming.
Starting point is 00:10:46 We killed them all. I know. But you still think there may be some chance that they're still alive, don't you? I put two bullets in the man myself. You saw the bombs we dropped. Star will be sold, and Dexter is already in federal custody. And then there's First Sergeant Ben, the traitor.
Starting point is 00:11:11 If he would have stayed with the federal forces, he would still be alive now. What? We made sure he didn't leave Denver alive. There's nowhere to run to. Your old life is over. Don't worry. I have a new life plan for you. Where would you go?
Starting point is 00:11:34 Erica, listen to me very carefully. If you don't answer me when I ask you a question, it is a choice you will live to regret where would you go i don't know good choice are you cold yes would you like to come sit by the fire yes tell me that you'll never run for me this is when you answer me no have a nice night hi this is sarah f halfway the creator of the change in our series and the voice of Erica Moore. Visit changing earthseries.com to explore the novels behind the drama and the survival knowledge behind the stories.
Starting point is 00:13:17 Join the Changing Earth membership program and get one week early access to the show. We appreciate you helping the changing earth world go around. Visit us at www. changing earthseries.com. That's www. changing earthseries.com. Thank you so much for the truck here.
Starting point is 00:13:49 That saved us a ton of time. I am just glad she made it. Hello, gentlemen. Hello. How did you get this trucker on it? I kept it out of the storm. And it is fitted with a bigger air filtration system. We can change the air filter from inside the cab.
Starting point is 00:14:19 Nice. Aren't you first Sergeant Bennett? That's right. Where's your stripes, sir? The general and I had a difference of opinions. Well, whatever the problem. You live one hell of a fight down here, sir. What can I help you with?
Starting point is 00:14:33 We need to speak with Lieutenant Virgis. I think he's over in a little time camp. Thanks. Wow, look at this place, Dad. They're shoveling the ash like snow. I can't look, Star. All I see is Erica out there. You guys wait here.
Starting point is 00:15:43 Bennett, you're back? I sure am, Ben. How many men did he send? None. He wouldn't send any. Patrick, I just got word you made it back. Where's the reinforcements? They got hit bad guys. The quakes and bombs. Everything is gone. The people on the northern route have large amounts of casualties as well. They're going to be a lot more people headed your way.
Starting point is 00:16:05 What about Erica? Is Vince with you? Of course he is. I wouldn't let him down. We're going after her. I'm done taking orders. Sounds like something Erica would say. Did you guys find out anything about that guy's tattoo? No, our communications are still down, but we did get an ID on the vehicle. It was a black Chevy Tahoe with a Colorado plate. The number was Golf Tango Kilo 680. We're headed towards Dallas.
Starting point is 00:16:29 Hopefully, we find something along the way. But if not, Harold will have intel. I'm going too. Cole, your place in the Merck Army will be lost. Mercury won't take us back. Forget Berkeley. Erica needs us. You know I'm in.
Starting point is 00:16:43 I'm going to. Gunny, you can't do that. The hell I can't. If my friends are going, I'm going along for the ride. We've got civilians with us that need housing until we can get back. We can talk with Eli and Aaron and get them housing the militia quarters. Sounds good. Let's go, guys.
Starting point is 00:17:01 We've got some new recruits and a place for the civilians to stay. New recruits? You didn't think we'd leave you hanging, did you Vince? Oh, man. Thanks so much, guys. They've caused enough pain. Teamwork makes the dream work. Gear. Drive truck around, back to the militia quarters.
Starting point is 00:17:21 You got it, Bennett. James, what do you care about it? Either cover her up or I'll throw you off my boat right here in the middle of the lake. Here's a jacket. Do it, DJ. Come here, Gurley. You satisfied, Captain? Yes, have a nice ride, fellas.
Starting point is 00:18:50 I could take that guy. Why does he care what we do with some refugee whore? DJ, just let it go. We don't want any trouble here. let's just get back to the border. Then we're home free. That guy should not be allowed to get away with this kind of interference. It's just not right.
Starting point is 00:19:08 You must have screwed up big time where your handlers are just major dicks. What happened to your shirt? Where are all these people going? Some will be sold south to Mexico and some will be sold as slaves in the federal republic. Why the hood? America Moore. They're taking me to General Henderson. You got to tell the guy who runs this boat.
Starting point is 00:19:29 He knows me. And I'm Mother Teresa. What did you tell her? That I was an angel, sent by God. What did you tell her? We're going to be off this boat in a minute, and then Sheila can find out. That's why I had to wet the hood. What did you freaking tell her?
Starting point is 00:20:05 I was here. And you were taken with a spirit. Sergei. Erica told that woman who she was. I want you to take out the lady and the landowner as soon as we docked. Is he going? It's your fault. Now that woman on the boat has to die and your son too.
Starting point is 00:20:42 He's going to kill you. Why? Shut her up. Nice. We all set then? It's deacon girls. Good old territory. Only a couple more miles now.
Starting point is 00:21:16 Once we get into Chattanooga, we can take a transport back to the capital. We'll be heroes. The Red River. The boundary between Federal Land and Texas. We're home. Time to see that pretty face again. I know you didn't just pull away from me. Answer me.
Starting point is 00:21:37 Stop. Don't you hold that chain. You're going to break my freaking neck. I thought the Supreme General said pure and unbroken. Don't you tell me what I'm going to do. TJ, lay off. Make the right choice. Now that we're here, let's take a break, DJ.
Starting point is 00:21:56 It's been a long day. I'm fine with that. Merkley, sign us a camp site. You need some? She's fine. TJ, we can't take her to the general dead. Fine, but just a little. She doesn't need that much strength now.
Starting point is 00:22:23 That's enough. 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. Me too. But we got a good crew, and we're going to get her back. If you are taking this fool, it's going to be a long trip. How are you doing? Trying to fill your sister's shoes is not an easy job.
Starting point is 00:23:34 She will be missed. More than she could imagine. What are you doing out here? I need you to make sure my family is safe. I am going to help Vince find Erica. My sister would approve. And I like that woman. She's a good friend.
Starting point is 00:23:54 Couldn't agree more. I'll make sure Elizabeth and your kids stay safe. We've got a couple more families with us. That will need to be looked after. We got it. You guys just focus on getting her back. The faster you get on the road, the less time swoops away. My thoughts, exactly.
Starting point is 00:24:11 Take care, Eli. We'll be back as soon as we can. Vince, I'm going to stay here and help Eli. The truck is full, and they really need the help. Take care of our people, and thank you, Victoria. You're not leaving me behind. Oh no, we are not taking any gimps along with us. I'm fine, brother.
Starting point is 00:24:36 Look. Yes, yes. Get in the truck. Everyone ready to roll? We're all set. Wait a second. We sure could. It's going to be a tight fit, but there's nobody I'd rather be trapped. Let's get her back.
Starting point is 00:25:05 I got a spot. Come here, girl. I. Nice bolt. Secluded. I still can't believe that guy on the boat. I don't know where he's from. But where I'm from, you don't talk back to superiors.
Starting point is 00:26:28 Just calm down, DJ. We're almost home. You can send a crew to eliminate him if you won't. I may do just that. What the hell are you... Man that hurts. If you promise me you won't run, I'll put the chain back on your waist. I won't run tonight.
Starting point is 00:26:51 Promise me, you won't run ever. Say, DJ, I'm sorry, I will never run from you. Say it just like that. Fine. Then deal with it. Hands behind your back, legs. The biggest pain in the ass melting ever. This isn't how it usually goes. Hill no.
Starting point is 00:27:34 There's no stew packs left, only ration bars. Are you serious? What I wouldn't give for some of genies pasta. That girl can cook. She's almost as good as Teresa was. Give me that roll of TP. I'll be back. What is this in the ground?
Starting point is 00:27:59 It's a knife. Come on over. Sorry, Erica. Do you think sorry is going to make up for this? My family is dead. What can I do? I don't know. Mercky.
Starting point is 00:28:33 Check on Sergei. Breaking whore. Oh, ha ha. Grab me some more, Doss. Damn it! Didn't I tell you guys not to get close to her? Keep pressure on it. Right there, we'll have to get him to check again now. It's a great. Sir.
Starting point is 00:29:26 Do you guys have a vehicle here? Yes, sir. A jeep. Is it running? Yes, sir. Give me the keys. Yes, sir. Quick, load him in the back. I'll drive. You're with me, Gurley.
Starting point is 00:29:39 If you want to learn how to survive, a nuclear biological or chemical warfare attack, using nothing more than what you have in your own home right now, don't click off this ad. Hey, everyone, this is Dave Jones, the NBC Guy, and I prepared a special class. Contact me at NBCGyGy.com to learn more, or send me an email at NBCGyGy at Protonmail.com. Come. Bishop, get him into the hospital. Take her to a cell. Run from me.
Starting point is 00:31:12 Sir, we can take care of the prisoner for you. Nobody touches this prisoner but me. Nobody. Do you hear? It is for your protection. Not hers. Now give me the keys. Hey, here you go, sir.
Starting point is 00:31:33 Be sure, dude? Bring me some real handcuffs, too. Yes, sir. These circumstances get too close to those bars. I'm not kidding about this one. Yes, sir. I don't think so, T.J. It's gonna...
Starting point is 00:32:59 Let me give her a J for Sergei. For Serge. Handcuffs. Yes, sir. Sergei Papelov is dead. What that means? You get a J. Sergei Papelov was my friend.
Starting point is 00:34:00 And Vince Moore was my everything. We're not even anywhere near even. Bring those arms out. Nice and wide. A nice night. Is this a second? going to be orange forever, Dad? One day, it will shine again, buddy.
Starting point is 00:35:07 When? I don't know. One thing's for sure. This rain is not going to be good. Why? It'll turn the ash to concrete and make it even heavier. Oh. Gunny, did you hear of supply team Charlie made it to Denver before you left? There were a couple of crews resupplying the north, according to the runner's reports, but I don't know specifics, Bennett. I'm sorry, but it's not really my area.
Starting point is 00:35:31 That's better news than I've heard so far. We'll be back, Bennett. She'll be there. I hope is all we have to go on right now. We may have won the battle. The war is far from over. But now we're free to take the fight to them. Volhollow will welcome us all. What are you doing this morning? There aren't many nights. I don't enjoy the company of a woman in my bed.
Starting point is 00:36:50 He will be missed, T.J. More than you know. What do I say to Yuri? You already know the answer to that question. Do, but I don't like it. None of us do. I talk to the hospital administrator. They are going to prep his body and send it north.
Starting point is 00:37:10 Thanks. The car is ready. Let's load her up. See, you're learning. And when the Supreme General is through with you, you'll learn to worship me as your God. These refugees create chaos everywhere they go. That's why they need to be on a leash.
Starting point is 00:38:28 Isn't that right, Curly? Girl, I swear. Yes. T.J. You don't know the pain like I unleash. You will pray for death. Each breath you take will be given to you by me. Your God.
Starting point is 00:38:44 She's falling asleep. She's going to the Supreme General. I need her to stay awake. What's that? Smelling salts. You were allowed to pass out. Did you say? Leave me alone. Oh no, Gurley. You are mine
Starting point is 00:39:13 now. You will not command me. Whatever. You're losing her again. No, I'm not. Please sleep when I tell you to sleep. We made it. We did it, T.J. Hey, T.J.
Starting point is 00:39:55 Well, come home. Take care of these men. Yes, T. Just leave her me. I'll be back. See you back, son. Can we talk, Mr. Lee? Of course, T.J. Poor T.J a dream.
Starting point is 00:40:43 Yes, Mr. Lee. I did it, Mr. Lee. I brought her home. But Sergei and Gerber. They're dead, Mr. Lee. Oh no. Not third. The hospital in Chattanooga is going to ship Sergei's body home in a couple of days. He was almost home.
Starting point is 00:41:04 I know. I heard you guys were home. Leave Sergei and Gerber at your place, T.J. Jay and Gerber are dead. Who could have... It was that lethal beach. It was. She is an absolute wild card.
Starting point is 00:41:31 Just what I thought she was under control, she turned into a killing machine. My hands are tied, Yuri. She wasn't my bounty. If she were any other man's claim, I would let you have her. But she's going to the Supreme General. There's nothing I can do.
Starting point is 00:41:49 No, DJ. This isn't true. Tell me all this isn't not true. My brother is dealing with her hands I know Yuri Use the pain brother Let his spirit make you stronger DJ home
Starting point is 00:42:06 Dolores my sweet Come here He Dolores I brought home Erica Moore After years of chasing her The objective has finally been completed The Supreme General wants to welcome her Like a returning hero
Starting point is 00:42:27 However So many of her actions Required disciplining on the way home She's a mess now Have law nurse apply you with some makeup. Commander Gray already ordered a high-neck dress from the city. As soon as it arrives, you get to my home and work your magic on this woman. If you don't mind me asking, how did you get her?
Starting point is 00:42:49 I do mind you asking. Now go do as you're told. Yes, T.J. So what are you going to do about this, T.J.? This girl has been nothing but problems. If the Supreme General tries to house her now, she'll run. I'll make sure to convince him of that and insist that she stays with me until we can get facilities there ready. We can't kill her or take her yet.
Starting point is 00:43:13 But how does a knight with Sheila sound? I've faced the wrath of Supreme General to give you that. I'm going to catch it anyway. I already put my initials on her for Gerber and Sergei. Did she scream? She's one tough girl, Yuri. That's not what I asked. Did Erica scream?
Starting point is 00:43:35 No. This girl has meeting with Supreme General, and the road was too long. It's good to have you, home, son. Thank you for listening to the Changing Earth audio drama, based on the Changing Earth novel series by Sarah F. Hathaway. Grab your copy on Amazon or get signed editions at changing earthseries.com. This content is copyrighted.
Starting point is 00:44:27 For details on performers, sound effects, and music credits. Visit changing earth series.com where you can subscribe to support the series and keep the adventure alive. Check out the Changing Earth store for exclusive gear. Love the show. Like, subscribe,
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