The Prepper Broadcasting Network - 4-4 Battle at the Wall

Episode Date: July 4, 2024

The battle to unite the Southwest begins. TJ returns home to drama, eagerly awaiting the capture of Erika Moore.Support the show! Order your Changing Earth Novels and Merchandise at https://www.authorsarafhathaway.com/shopDiscover the performers and musical attributes at https://www.authorsarafhathaway.com/season-4Become a subscriber and get one-week commercial free early access at https://www.authorsarafhathaway.com/support

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. Dude, look at this place. Where did they all come from?

None of them were here when we left. Dang, man. Tents all the way out to the horizon. At least Dolores' place is still there. I bet she's busy. Isn't she always? Look, there's Star and Daniel, with my grandma and grandpa. I'm sorry, Johnny. Don't be, bro.

Go get them. Hi, Dexter. Hey there, little bro. Hi, Johnny. Don't be, bro. Go get them. Hi, Dexter. Hey there, little bro. Hi, guys. Where's Jack? He didn't make it, Dex. But he sure fought one hell of a fight. I bet he did.

Damn, it's good to see you guys. I'm so worried. How did you make it out? Where's Mom and Dad? I think they're with the militia. Why did they go, Star? Bennett didn't tell you? No, I didn't. And now is not the time or the place, Star. We need a plan for all of these people first. Whatever you say, sir.

Where are you headed, Johnny? Nowhere. You're coming with us then. Come on. There's a lot to catch up on, guys, and you must be ready for a shower. Let's go back to the tent and try to have your way. Open up the heavens. Come bring down your presence. We know there's more.

There is so much more. They're cheering for you, ma'am. Freedom! You three are going with B-Squad to clear out the trenches on the left side of the gate. Our tanks should be able to take the concrete building bank man to the left and right of the gate. We need you to clear out the trench and infiltrate the embankment to the left and right of the railroad tracks. You'll be reporting to Franz Johansen. He's in the command truck there. Take the embankment and head back to the gate. You'll be under heavy sniper after fire until Cassidy's main squad can eliminate the threat.

All clear? Yes, sir. Can you handle that, Mr All clear? Yes, sir. Can you handle that, Miss Hero? Yes, sir. Well, he certainly has no love lost for you. I did it. What are you doing?

The thermal clothes. The what? They're a handy piece of tech we got off a guy in the Badlands. The sensors detect the ambient temperature around the cloak and change the temperature to match, concealing the user. Cool. There's a flare! Let's move, B squad!

Burn that sniper. We've got to get that embankment taken out so our men can exit the train. We've got this. He'll never see us coming. I'll see you with the thermals. No, they won't. Trust me. He's taking the trench guards.

Go work your magic. You ready? Let's do this. Throw it! Yeah! Let's get back to the team! There's Cassidy's team. Well done. well done the gates opening what is that I don't know where they shredded that tank.

It's aiming for the jeeps. We gotta move now. Vince, are you okay? I'm good. Kyle's out, but he looks to be alive. Franz is dead. The guards have RPGs. We can make it. They won't shoot their own wall. I'll grab Kyle. Let's go.

Bravo team, stay against the wall. Push forward. What kind of gun is that? I don't know, but if they don't take it out, it's going to destroy all our heavy artillery. It's targeting Eli's command unit. Their attention is turning. Johnson's unit must have arrived. Now's our chance! Attack! I took the weapon. We did it. Yeah! They took the weapon.

We did it. Yeah! Mr. Lee, I'm home. You have any luck? Nothing from Dallas, but we got intel that a large force has been leaving the Texas Free State. It's begun, Mr. Lee. Was Erica with them? We don't have the specific intel on that, but the web is spun.

She'll get caught, and I'll be there to collect her. Let them play their cards and expose her hand. Then the Supreme General can stomp the rest out. Whose team is going after Dixon? Anthony's. Why is it Nate leading it? Nate's all mixed up over this woman. What?

Nate left Margaret. Said he wants to focus on his responsibilities here, but the boys had to scramble. Why didn't you unscramble it? None of that is my business. You said you were handling it. What am I supposed to do? Figure it out, son. It's called leading.

Yes, Mr. Lee. Get the hell out of here. Good night, sir. Make sure to keep me posted on the situation with Erica. Yes, sir. Where are you headed? Home. What's your problem?

Did everything go okay out west? Yes. It's this bullshit with Nate and Margaret. Come on. Let's get a drink. Oh, go your own way. It's a mess with these two. I lost a good fighter over this. Don't hold that over Nate's head. Why not?

Nate would never tell you this. He left her because she lied to you. Good. I am his god, not some woman. So don't hold him to task because of the dumbass decisions Margaret's making. Mr. Lee will send him out. Because he's all confused. Let him know you still honor him. Tell him to put his head on straight and he'll pick it up quick. Margaret is another story. She's a woman with a baby. You can't keep her in limbo. I know. I don't know what to do with her and I can't have her disrespecting me in public. She's got a thick skull. Put her to work with Patrice. She was such a good

fighter. Damn I was proud of that girl. I could always find a way to make her useful. I don't think we're there yet, Chuck. But I'll keep that in mind. I'll see you later. Good night, TJ. You were made to soar amongst the clouds But never learn to rise above these crowds Stuck in the dust of the life that you found

With nowhere to go, no higher ground And even if you've never flown before You can take a chance and try once more Don't let your worries weigh you down, down, 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 PatchOfTheMonth.co and subscribe for $10 a month or $100 a year. All right, looking good, Major Virgis. Good to see you made it back in one piece, Bennett. Come on, the meeting is starting. Major General Mike Barnes was killed during the Northern Invasion. Colonel Chamblee will be promoted to this position. All other promotions are listed on the overhead viewer. Sir, you made Lieutenant Colonel, and I'm a First Sergeant.

Payne's on the survivor list. Something going on there, sir? She would like it if it was. Looks like many more awkward moments to come, sir? She would like it if it was. Looks like many more awkward moments to come, sir. Isn't that the truth? We are organizing a counter-strike. The first thing we need to do is remove the federal forces left and the west. The Texas military is already taken back to south. They'll unite more merc forces in Dallas to start blockading the federal army. the south. They'll unite more merc forces in Dallas to start blockading the Federal Army.

The refugees stuck in the Badlands will be evacuated to behind the bulk of the army to hold the line and be out of harm's way when the flood comes in. Then the forces will press north and squeeze the central region from both sides. Jackson, explain the details for sweeping the west. Jackson, explain the details for sweeping the west. Yes, sir. We can't have a threat of attack from behind. We need to clear the forces in Nevada, including the Las Vegas base. I have a specific outline for your teams. Our estimated time of completion is one month. First Sergeant Bennett, it did not help our case against the Federal Governing Board when Vince and Erica Moore could not be presented for a verification that the conditions of their probation were being honored.

Do you know where they are now? Yes, sir. They are with the Southern Militia. They are either headed to the Southwestern Wall or Dallas. We shall know soon enough. After all they did to help the cause, I would hate to lose them. With that said, we can experiment if we're forced to get them back here. I understand, sir. Questions can be directed to your section commanders.

You are dismissed. You coming? I'll catch up. Sir, permission to speak freely. Granted. Sir, I know the Moors left on their own accord, but I had a hand in the leaving and... The Moors left in direct violation of their probationary restrictions. Sir, if Erica Moore was the kind of person that followed orders instead of her heart, we never would have swayed so many citizens who want their freedom back. What is it you're after, First Sergeant? A truck and a few soldiers so we can go up and bring them back.

They're fighting with the militia. What makes you think they'll want to come back? I've spent a lot of years with them. They're after their family and friends in Las Vegas. They want to get them out before the next quake. Vegas is swarming with nervous feds right now. If they go in there, we've lost them. I can find them, sir. If I could have done a little investigating before getting out of Dallas, I would have had them by now. All right. Your first request is granted. Take a truck loaded with fuel and three soldiers. I'll tell Lieutenant Colonel that I authorized this excursion personally.

Thank you, sir. Get what you wanted? Yes, sir. Seriously, Patrick, you can let them go now. They made their choice. I just can't shake this feeling, Cole. This feeling that they're going to be in over their heads. They need me. Erica needs me. Do what you gotta do, buddy. But you need rest before you go.

You want to get some chow first? Yes, sir. And I could sure go for a hot shower. Another week, another day, another hour since You went away and so cliche you didn't say goodbye i've been waiting for so long still debating what went wrong all by myself you pulled away you couldn't say what we were struggling with It's one of us, it's obvious But who's to really blame? There's an aching in my heart All the questions that I've got

Are keeping me up at night Oh my goodness. It's sore? That is the understatement of the century. How's the arm? It's fine. Sounds like everyone's getting up. Chow's on. Are you Erica Moore, a lone survivor?

I sure am. Thank you so much for joining us. Victory might as well be ours. Where do you come from, soldier? Louisiana, ma'am. Happy to lend a hand where I can and take some land back for free people. Amen. Good morning.

How'd you do? Thanks to you, we got the job done. I thought we were a food bar for a minute there. I got your back. Did you get some food yet? No. Phillip, could you grab Erica a plate? Yes, ma'am.

I'll help you, Phillip. We were worried about a response from the White Sand Base, among other federal bases in New Mexico. Why didn't they come? They've already moved most of the war machines out to Colorado and their new bases in the central region. machines out to Colorado and their new bases in the central region. The feds left small squads behind to give the image of a larger force, but even those forces were fractured. Half of the soldiers turned and joined the militia to remove the remaining federal forces left there. Then we won? We did, but the north was devastated. Have you been able to contact the mercenary forces yet? Yes, but we didn't want to give away your position or discuss details. We can't guarantee the feds aren't listening.

I understand your caution, but I need to know if they are okay. If they are alive, you want to keep them that way, right? Yeah. Keeping your location and theirs off airwaves is the best way to do that. I'm not happy about that, but I understand. I gotta get back to command. We'll catch up in Albuquerque. Sounds good. I'll take your plate, man.

You gonna make it? Rough morning. I hear ya. I ran into Eli. He said there's a caravan headed to meet up with the militia in Albuquerque. Some of those squads will be dispatched to join with the mercs to take Vegas. Once we meet up with the mercs, we can at least get some news about our family. Sounds like a plan.

I'd be surprised if Dexter hasn't found us before then. I've been thinking about that too. He found us when we were in Austin. But where'd he go? With McClintock taken and the North being invaded, the Mercs must have initiated a regroup plan. Bennett always said there was a plan B, but they wanted diplomacy and pressure from the citizens

to bring the rule of the people back. You got a point. How was breakfast? Nothing beats rehydrated eggs and bacon. I didn't think it was that bad. Yeah, but you eat baby food. That stuff's not bad either. My point exactly.

You're so darn cute. Get out of here. I'm going to break down our gear. Mrs. Moore, can you tell us your story? Why don't you tell me about your future? Once we free the country, what do you want to do? I want to own a bakery. I read these books and they talked about going to space.

Did you know people have been to the moon? I heard that. I wish I could have lived before the great quake when you could still grow up to be an astronaut. Don't give up. It could still be possible one day. I have to go, guys. Keep your heads up. Will do, ma'am. You got it all done already? Die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, die, I got it. I heard how you two took out the embankment so the train could unload. Good job. I'd like to shake your hand. Thank you, sir.

I also heard about the tack you were using. Do you mind letting our guys take a look at it when you get back to Albuquerque? No, we don't have a problem with that. If it can help keep more of those soldiers alive, then I'm in. You two are capes. I can understand why now. Take care you two. You guys ready to go? You're still tagging along? Yep. Is this everything? That's it. Everything's in motion, yeah. I'm lost in the commotion And I've never, ever felt so freaking high, high

Hi, TJ. What's for dinner? Pork chops, potatoes, and corn. Did you cut it off the cob? Yes, TJ. Good job. How's Teresa? She's been tired.

How long until dinner? Twenty minutes. I'll be back. Sir? Rich? Is that you? No, it's me. Where you at? TJ? I'm in the garden. You've been busy. I wish. Susan did all this.

How was your trip? Haven't been that far west in a while. Did you find her? No. Why do you care so much about her? You don't even know about this woman. I've heard the stories. I know what that woman means to the refugees.

She brings them hope. How are you feeling? I get through each day. Nate left Margaret. I know. What will become of Margaret? That's up to her. Is it?

She disrespected me in the street. It was her choice to lie to me about the baby, but her punishment had to be put on hold. If she's healthy enough to train again, she's healthy enough to face the consequences. I'm sorry, TJ. I never meant to disrespect you. None of that conversation was for your ears. I'm sorry. I got home and I was looking for Teresa. You're just all kinds of sorry, aren't you? I screwed up everything. I can't fight. I lost Nate and I lost you.

You made your choices. Can I leave? You were never invited. She's the same girl you knew. Is she? Teenagers make mistakes. And they face the consequences of their actions. Sir, Commander Gray is here. I have to go. Do you need help getting into the house? No, I want to stay out here. I love these long summer days. I'll be back by tomorrow. Give me a hug. They took Dallas and the Southern Wall. Ha ha, that's just great. Half of the soldiers in Dallas went AWOL.

I thought they had the new trackers. The ones they can't remove. Somehow their signal is being distorted. We don't know how, but we can't track them. Where's Erica? She went through the Southern Wall. Put on a real show down there too.

Another legend to add to her list. I need a drink. You want one? After this bullshit tonight, I'm going to need a couple. Hey everyone, this is Phil Radley from the MatterFacts Podcast, voice and 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. oh my goodness i'm sore sore. I hear that. I know I don't usually, but I could go for a drink. What do you think, baby? Sure. There's a little bar down the street. I can unload the gear and get everything set up if you want. Really? That would be awesome. You know what?

What? You're the best. Here you go. We haven't ordered yet. They're from the gentleman at the bar. Don't we know that guy? Thanks for the drink, buddy. You don't remember me, do you?

Bert? Bert Nostrum? Shh. These days I go by Bert Green. I was hoping I might find you guys here. Do you know what happened to my dad and brother? We saw your dad cool right after the Great Quake. But there was a big fire. He didn't survive it, Bert.

I'm sorry. We never saw your brother. What happened to you? How did you end up here? Did you marry a landowner? Long story. I'll explain it to you sometime. But for now, how about a toast to old friends? So, how the hell have you guys been? Good.

Most folks are pretty familiar with what happened to me. Where have you been, Bert? In a cave? Vince? Vince? That. That's great, Kai. TJ, Margaret's here. TJ, you are my god, and whatever you tell me to do, I'll do it.

You finally came to your senses? I made the wrong choices, but I know you can make the right ones for me. I trusted you. Let me earn your trust again. Speak, woman. My father was placed on the bike next mine. He curses your name, TJ. He wanted me to turn back to him and join his rebellion against you.

And what did you tell him? I told him yes. I had to know how big his network was. And what did you find out? A hundred strong, TJ. Can you ID them? Yes. Good. I'll set Anthony to task on your information tomorrow. Are you ready for a new job? Yes. Good. I'll set Anthony to task on your information tomorrow. Are you ready for a new job?

Yes, sir. You can continue to earn back my trust working with the cleanup crew. Yes, TJ. You did well tonight. Go. Yes, sir. Hi, Serge. Where's TJ? I'm here. Come in, Sergei. Corinne Tillman just radioed in. She has Vince and Erica in lockdown on the Colorado-New Mexico border. Tillman came through? How about that? Send Tran to pick her up, and we'll meet with him at his place. Get Yuri, Nate, and the team. Let's go. Got my eyes set on you Got my aim and my game Pull the trigger tonight

Won't let you out alive Are you ready, ready, ready For me, honey, honey, honey What are you doing contacting me? Phillip assured me this communication is private. What's wrong? I was... What are you doing contacting me? Phillip assured me this communication is private. What's wrong? I was... What are you talking about? About her. I was wrong and you were right. Hold, please. Aniko kept my voice recorded. Can you please repeat that?

You were right and I was wrong, babyface. My anger kept us apart all these years and I'm sorry. Okay, who is this and what did you do with Cassidy Baker? If all you're going to do is tease me, I can just hang up. I'm sorry. I needed a minute to process that information. When can I see you? I'll make it happen. Tell me when, and I'm there. You just take care of yourself until then.

You know I will. I gotta go. Come in. You know, we're supposed to have radio silence. I know. You can't find Vince or Erica. Kyle was driving them. Where is he? Don't know.

Oh, shit. Cassidy, ma'am, First Sergeant Bennett is here to see you. Send him in. What brings you by? I'm looking for Vince and Erica Moore. So are we. I thought they were with you. They were.

They helped us to take the southern wall and headed up here in yesterday's convoy. But no one has seen them. Ryle, what in the world happened to you? Phillip, go grab me some water. Yes, ma'am. We got into town. They wanted to have a drink at the bar. I went to unload their packs.

When I was done, I was going to join them, and I saw a man dragging them out a side door. What? Do you know where they went? I followed them north of town. It was a huge estate with snipers on the towers. I was coming back, but the jeep ran out of gas. I ran all night. Thank you, Kyle. That's the Tillman State. It's almost at the Colorado border.

Be careful, Garth. The feds will transport her to the capital. We need to get scouts over there now. Phillip, get a team assembled and get us intel. Yes, ma'am. I thought you and Erica... We fought. She's a badass bitch. I've got some new scars to prove it, but we healed the wounds of the past. The militia and the mercs are united.

That's the best news I've heard all day. I'm going to discuss a rescue with my team. Let me know how I can help. Yes, ma'am. What did she say? Sir. What? What did you say? Sir?

What did she say? Sir? Your parents have been taken to a large estate north of here. They're being held by the federal forces. What? Oh, man. We were so close. When are we headed out, sir? Tonight, there's a team heading there now to gather intelligence.

We're going to get some chow and head out after them. They can relay intel as we travel. The guy they are traveling with, Kyle, says he has their gear. Let's get their thermal cloaks before we go. Got it. Go! 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. After the break, I had no choice. I was in Mexico visiting a friend on his ranch. The California was cut off. California was cut off The chaos began And I fought with Dustin to keep his land When things stabilized

I took his name to avoid the refugee system Now I have a family to protect A family to protect I Family to protect. I don't want to do it. Erica, I'm sorry. Don't be sorry, Bert. This thing is not worth your time. Yes, ma'am.

How are you doing? She's on high dose, ma'am. Do you recognize me? Do you recognize me? Your family has been through enough. Been through enough. You do remember. The truth is, I couldn't make a martyr of you at this Central Region trial.

But now I'll have your treasonous heads next to General McClintock's. It's a beautiful drug. Takes away your ability to struggle, so don't even try. Bert, shut your mouth! You think you're hot shit, Erica? Still have the brains to trip me? James, take care of this And what are you laughing at? Nothing, ma'am

Give her another dose and keep her well drugged Jimmy Tran is on his way to collect? Nothing, ma'am. Give her another dose and keep her well-drugged. Jimmy Tran is on his way to collect her. Yes, ma'am. And Bert, don't screw this up. Both our lives depend on this. Do you hear me? Yes, ma'am. Do you hear me, Bert?

Yes, ma'am. America... I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. Sorry. Sorry. We'll park here and walk in. The barn is on the west side. We're entering from the south, sir. You got it, kid. Wish we could take trucker.

Create a dog cloak and we'll be good to go. Let's move. Slow and steady. Let the cloaks do their job. The security is still heightened. Hopefully. That means they're still here. I'll take the one at the door.

You take the one inside. You're clear. Ow, my foot! Dammit, Dexter. Sorry. Come on, stay low. She's in here. Go see if you can find your dad.

Is she breathing? Yes. He's in here. Put the extra cloak on him and bring him back. Ah! Erica, it's okay. I've come to get you. Sergeant Bennett?

Is that really you? Yes, Erica, it's me. No, no, no! This is serious! Shh, Erica. I've come to get you out of here. I don't want to go with you. You lied to me.

Shut up, Erica. You'll alert the guards. No, I'm not gonna stop! I'm warning you! Damn, woman. Even rescuing you is a challenge. No! No! What? What? You got her? I got her. We have to get her out of here before she wakes up.

Hey, stop! They know we're here. Here. Stop! Move, move. We got you, sir. Go. They're on us, sir. Yeah, Militia Finnytown!

Oh, those fans are screwed. Master Sergeant Bennett? You know it was. He probably had Eric's eldest son with him too. That kid's quite a fighter. Any word on the daughter? What was her name? Star. We think they rallied in the west by where Reno used to be. We've got eyes on her husband, Sean.

He's taken up with another landlord chick. Any man that would leave a woman that beautiful has to be a moron. We should go kill him just for being stupid. She's yours. Find her. Supreme General will see you now. DJ, how nice to see you. My sources tell me we were thwarted on Erica's capture once again. It's true, Supreme General, sir.

Then that's it. If these people aren't going to comply, I'll end it. Get me Colonel Mays. Yes, sir. You called for me, sir? Colonel, put your planes in the air. Make it rain on Albuquerque. Yes, sir.

One problem down, another one comes up. These people are like playing whack-a-mole. You take care of one of them, and another one pops up. I have another job for your men. I'm at your command, sir. I have just received word. My spies have just informed me that they found the base that deciphered my tracker tech. It's a whole house, run by a woman named Delores.

I thought you might enjoy the opportunity to collect more stock, and I want the facility destroyed. Yes, sir. TJ, you are dismissed. Thank you, sir. Get this done. How did it go? He ordered an airstrike on Albuquerque.

He's done playing the game. Then why look so worried? Because I have a feeling. It's too easy. You want to stay and listen to the wires? Yuri and I will take Gerber and the team and bring these whores home. You never want to go on a mission. Do you need a new chick?

I'll take my pick from the stock. Done. 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.changingearseries.com. That's the only way I can imagine anyone keeping that woman down. You're right about that. Did you bring them home first, Sergeant? We sure did, Kyle. They're a little out of sorts, but they'll sleep it off.

Success! Let's get them inside. There's two free beds over here. Now I need to find a cot of my own. I hear that. Are you coming, sir? I can't sleep in this chaos. I'm going to stay with them. See you in a few hours, sir. First Sergeant Bennett, do you have a moment?

Sure. I'm worried about the hellfire this might bring down on us. I guess he was going to send us the electromagnetic wound captured at the southern wall over Dallas to hold the city. Now she's rethinking that. Never intended to attract this much attention this far north. Did you see

the jets fly over yesterday? Yes, sir, I did. Not good. Even if they were just moving planes, you know they would have been surveying as they went. Now attracting this attention with Vince and Erica, I don't know what stage it is.

The radio chatter probably gave your location away a while ago, even without the flyby. Yeah, but now I don't know for sure Vince and Erica are here. After the last federal and government board meeting, I'm sure the feds are itching to make a spectacle of them. You want them out of here? I do. Don't get me wrong, after the Southwestern Gate Battle, they've earned my respect. They're able-bodied fighters, and that woman works with magic on the morale of the soldiers, but... But you'd love for the chatter to start indicating they're somewhere else.

You got it. What about you, sir? Could really use someone with your command of trillions. I go with them. Don't worry, Eli. The Lieutenant General is sending Major General Chan Lee your way with a thousand mercenary soldiers. I wouldn't worry about Dallas too much either. Colonel Chuck Stone was stationed there and should be back in command of the mercenary army there by now.

From what I understand, the feds were caught off guard by the militia. Didn't have time to strip the Fort Worth base like they did the other ones here. Done. Good news. And the day is still young. off guard by the militia. Didn't have time to strip the Fort Worth base like they did the other ones here. Wrong. Good news. And the day is still young. Damn girl. You got all banged up. More stitches and more scars. And it seems like you've been holding on For the chance to feel anything at all TJ, you need to come quick.

I'm going to see Mr. Lee. She's dying, TJ. You made it. Of course I made it. Thank you, TJ. Thank you for always taking care of me. Thank you, Teresa. What about Erica?

She escaped. She should be free. Don't worry about that. Promise me something. What? Promise me you will take care of your family. They love you. I'll do my best.

I know you will. Susan, I love you. Go'll do my best. I know you will. Susan, I love you. Go to them, honey. I love you. How many thoughts inside your mind How many fears around your life Where were you when this was being real I'm here to tell you this won't last forever

The pain on you will ease if you surrender Whenever you hear my voice, whenever you feel my love Mr. Lee is looking for you. She's gone? She is. You know what to do with that? I do, but... What? She told me to take care of my family. What's the problem?

I don't know what that is, Chuck. My family always dies. It's made me strong. But how do I... You won't have to ask that question when the timing's right. You'll know it with every fiber of your being. I don't know if this is true But every time I look back on the years I feel like I wasted my youth

How did I get so cold? How do I wind up every single day Going through this life alone? When am I gonna change? Another day, another month, another year and still I feel just the same. Oh, yeah. I feel just the same. Oh. Help me. I can't shake this feeling away.

Help me. I feel like I'm going insane. What? Where am I? Calm down, Cupcake. You're safe. Where are we? In Albuquerque, at the militia base. You okay, Cupcake?

I'm fine. Just go. Just calm down. Let me look at that. I'll get the doc over here. I'm fine! Erica, it's infected. Now you care? Just go! Okay, Erica. I'm glad to see you back among the living.

It's hard to see you when your eyes look dull. Who's gonna save you? Who's gonna save you? Who's gonna make you Not blue Not blue Hello again, Cupcake. You're still here? Of course I am. You can't get rid of me. Tell me about it.

There's the Spitfire I know. The doc's here to check you out. I told you, I'm fine. Let's just have a look anyway, sport. Stan? At your surface. Oh my gosh, what happened to you? They didn't take you to the camp with us. No, they didn't.

I was shipped east to help with the injured, sick, and dying. I've followed your legendary escapades quite closely, though. Obviously, you two know each other. Stan patched me up after my encounter with Doug in Auburn. We left California together. The Feds separated us on the way to Vegas. And I never knew the way to Vegas. And I never knew what happened to him.

I've been doing okay. Luckily, my skills have been in high demand. Speaking of, let's check that arm and that wound on your face. And let me see the arm. Let's wash it with some antiseptic and apply antimicrobial cream over the top. That should do it. I'll authorize a bottle

of antibiotics to stop any more infection from spreading. Stan, it's so good to see you again. Reminds me of old times. Do you have a family? I married a lovely woman, Isabel. But you know the law, Erica. I'm too old for children anyhow.

Yeah, they're just a pain in the butt. Mom! You're up! I missed you so much! I missed you too, Dex. Come on, Trucker! It's okay, I missed you too, Trucker! Do you know if Daniel and Grandma and Grandpa are okay? Slow down, Mom. They're fine.

Lieutenant Colonel Virgis made sure Daniel, Grandma, and Grandpa got to Reno. Daniel's pissed that you didn't take him. But he's all in one piece. What about Star? She's going through some stuff, Mom. Sean left her for another landowner's daughter so she could stay in the band. That little prick. At least she's okay.

Why didn't she come? Because you know what's coming, and someone had to stay with Daniel and Grandma and Grandpa. Because of the flood that's coming? Erica, don't. They have a right to know. Not now. The plans are being put in place.

Those plans better get executed quickly. I think you better stow your gear in the bunkhouse and go grab some food. We can discuss this later. Sir, yes, sir. Come on. Stop forsaking everything that I've done Won't be breaking

easily now I can make it even though the lights are out so i'll wait for my cue oh man no more breakfast i was really looking forward to rehydrated eggs with bacon bits nope you'll just have to make do with rehydrated mashed potatoes and beef stroganoff. Mmm. Hello, Mom. Trucker wants some. Nope, Trucker, this slop is mine. I need to talk to you. Whatever about, Master Sergeant? It's First Sergeant now. Well, well, Whatever about, Master Sergeant?

It's First Sergeant now. Well, well, congratulations, First Sergeant. That's much better than Second Sergeant, right? Erica, please stop. I need to talk to you. Okay, but only because you said please. Try to pin me down, you don't have a clue. Wouldn't understand if I showed ya, showed ya Every bit of me in the palm of your hand The thought of me is bigger than you know, than you know

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. So tell me straight up, up, up. I don't want it, it, it, no other way, no other way, other way. Thanks for listening to the Changing Earth Audio Drama. This content is copywritten in 2023 by author Sarah F. Hathaway. 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.