The Prepper Broadcasting Network - The Changing Earth Audio Drama Episode 12 Season 3 Hiding in the Shadows

Episode Date: January 5, 2024

The Moore's arrive in Minnesota and learn about their new life expectations on the farm. TJ ties up loose ends at home before heading north to collect Erika. Virgis calls on an old friend to help Hall so he can focus on protecting Erika. Get your Changing Earth Novels and Gear: https://www.authorsarafhathaway.com/shopMusic attributes: https://www.authorsarafhathaway.com/soundtrackVocal attributes: https://www.authorsarafhathaway.com/season-3

I remember a time before the Great Quake. Before the climate refugees called FEMA camps home. Before the labor laws and infertilization program. They called her the lone survivor, the savior of the refugees. But I called her Mom. This is life on the Changing Earth. Look at the forest! It's mostly farms and those little potholes. What is that place?

Product Collection Points, Danny. That's a long line. Yep, buddy. What is that place? That's a long line. Wow, this place is huge. More of those pod homes. They look like little ant clusters. The barn looks to be in great shape, though. The farmhouse used to be across the way. It must have been lost in the quake.

Look at the size of those gardens, Dad. Kay, Earl, they're here. Jack, Trucker, that's enough. Mom! Dad! Oh my God, look at you all. I never thought I would see you again. Come here, Dexter. Look at you. You're so big!

Hi, Grandma. Hi, Grandpa. Hey there, Dexter. Give your Grandpa a hug. Hi, Grandma. Hi, Grandpa. Hey there, Dexter. Give your grandpa a hug. Hi, Grandma. And this must be Mr. Daniel and Ms. Star, our new additions. Well, come on over here and get some grandma love. Hello. It's nice to meet you. And this is my husband, Sean. So this is the lucky man. Quite lucky to have snagged this beautiful young lady's heart. Come on in. You must be starving. Everything is going like clockwork, DJ. The lot is almost sold. Time to go get Jamie.

Any sign of Hernandez? Nothing yet, DJ. The metal detectors at the door were in nice touch. We took them out of an old police station. There are no firearms in here tonight. Perfect. Let them come, if they think they can take me. TJ, sir, how's our girl?

Good, sir. You can't answer for yourself? I'm fine, TJ. Yeah, you are. Let's go. Five going once, going twice. Sold to the man with the big ears. And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment you have all been waiting for.

I introduce a fine young woman, supple and strong, good teeth. The very woman that tried to take the life of our fearless leader, TJ himself. The prize of the night, Jamie Hernandez. The girl is mine. She leaves with me. A cripple expects to take his daughter home all by himself? I always said you had balls, but this is suicide. Family sticks together. Let me introduce my cousins.

I'm impressed, Hernandez. These men look to be fine fighters. But you only brought eight. Our warrior lineage runs deep. Leadership will change tonight. Oh, we'll see about that. Yuri, don't let this woman leave your side. Take her to the

corner and stay there. I tell you what, Hernandez, despite the fact that you've already given me countless headaches, I feel like the people here would like a show tonight. Clear the center of the room. If your fighters can best me,

I'll let you take your daughter and leave my territory. If they fail, she is mine forever. And you will die. The choice is theirs to make. We can take him, cousin. Then it's a deal, TJ. Two down, and now one punch landed. You had more skill than your cousins, Hernandez.

And look what happened to you. Finally, some pain. Bring it on, boy! Two left, Hernandez. Do they have the stamina, the strength to take down T.J. Swinson? Nope. Sorry, Hernandez. Looks like you lose.

Daddy, no. Blackshirts, take him away. Yuri, put her back in the box. But you said we could buy her. You got the show of a lifetime. Free rations tomorrow instead. Free rations? Thank you, sir. Report, Stevens. Why did you want to meet me out here?

Hall was arrested, sir. Given your pastime with the man, I didn't think going to Billings was the best idea. I couldn't tell you on the radio. Shit. What happened? From what I understand, bandits hit the town and burned it to the ground. They're saying Hall was involved. What? Bandits? It doesn't make sense to me either, sir.

Can you get in there and see him? It's well known that I'm part of your personal squad, sir. I know. You're right. This just doesn't make sense. Where is Ginger and the baby? I don't know, sir. They've searched the town. No one except Hall survived. There's no one to speak for him, and there's a lot of dead bodies. No matter what the real story is, they'll need

someone to peg it on. What are you gonna do, sir? Those black-shirted fighters were at the northern gate when we took Erica through. They were under orders from Colonel Henderson. Some of them look like they were in a big fight recently. You don't think? It's a possibility. Come on, it's time to call in a favor. He's headed back to Billin, sir. Crossed through the wall yesterday. What could possibly be so important that he would leave Erica and go back? Chatter coming from Billings says the feds have

Hall in a cell there. Contact from Freetown? Well, how about that? Go get Serge. Yes, sir. You wanted to see me, sir? Serge, get your team together. He's going north. Another town?

No, I want information. They have a hall in custody up there. I want to know who he is. And I want to know it yesterday. Probably one pissed off man. What are you talking about? Yuri killed his wife and child. I can see why.

Makes no difference to me. I'll leave first thing in the morning, sir. Trust me, Sarge. We've made enough waves lately. Yes, sir. Hi, this is Jane Austen, otherwise known as Survivor Jane, and the voice of Dolores Chapman. I'd like to invite you to my website, SurvivorJane.com, where I write in a conversational tone on topics of how better to prepare yourself and family. You can also find links to my books, What Could Possibly Go Wrong?, Emergency Survival Hygiene, and my game book, Puzzling Over

Preparedness. You can also find information on Prepper Camp, the largest three-day preparedness event in the country every fall, hosted by myself and my husband, Rick Austin. This thing is epic. It looks like a trolley from one of those books about San Francisco. And a pickup truck put together. It runs on that electric line, so it doesn't need fuel to transport vegetables and people back and forth across the property. That's pretty cool, Dad. All aboard. Let's go check out your new home. Those spots on the right are for the refugee families and that one is for you. We get to live in a spire home? Cool! To lay down the anger and leave it behind.

This is your laundry room and storage room. See how all the cupboards lock, and there's a special place for each piece of glassware? Yeah. That's so if there's another earthquake and the supports fail, your home can fall down and nothing will get damaged. Oh, that's good. Here's the living room and your master bedroom. You can open the roof with this crank and get all the fresh air you want. Now that is cool. Just don't forget to close it in the rain. I bet. There's a bathroom

and down the hall, this pod is for Dexter and Daniel to sleep in. There's a utility area on that end. I get the room at the end. No, you don't. I'm taking that one. What about us? You two are married. You don't want to live with Mom and Dad. Do you see that pod over there? It's for you. Really?

Yeah. Go ahead and have a look. Is this going to be okay? Is this going to be okay? You keep losing yourself before you find out where you are. Is this going to be okay? Is this going to be okay? This is going to be awesome. Thank you so much. You didn't have to. Yes, we did.

You're one of the family, and I wanted to make sure you were comfortable. Thank you. Yes. Thank you so much. Who would have thought? You'd end up here a landowner with a wife and a home? Yeah. Thank you so much. Who would have thought? You'd end up here a landowner with a wife and a home? Yeah. Thank you. I bought clothes for all of you.

I hope I got the right sizes, but we have to go shopping before too long. There's going to be a big welcome home party, and we all want to look our finest. What about communication, Kay? Can I call my mom? You can do whatever you want, Erica, but mostly. Look here. You still remember how to use one of these, right? If not, I'm sure one of Vanessa's kids can show you. You know me and machines. What's that, Mom? It's a computer, Daniel. A real computer.

Now we can call Grandma. Grandma Nancy? All right. We get to talk to Grandma Nancy, the best grandma in the whole world. I'm sorry, Kay. About what, Erica? He grew up with her,

and he's excited to talk to her. He doesn't know me yet. There will be plenty of time to get to know each other now, right? That's right. You guys get settled in and we'll see you tomorrow. Good night, Kay. How does it work, Mom? First we turn it on.

Now, there should be a program we can use to search the database. Oh, that's cool. Let's look for the Dallas Textile Facility. And then we'll type in Grandma's name. There's her email. Now all we have to do is message her. And wait. For what? She'll get the message and then send us one back. Cool. Oh, yes. Lighting up a path to tread. There's people laughing now. Oh, yes. Love was feeling so nice.

And I feel so nice. And there's sunshine in the air. And it all lies. Welcome home, TJ. How did it go? Couldn't have gone better. How are you feeling? I'm doing well. I thought you were selling that trash. Teresa, don't talk that way about Jamie. She's been so helpful.

She weeds out all the traders in my lands. Don't you? Yes, TJ. See, she's such a good girl. I have to hand it to you, Hernandez. He stood like a man. Well, he actually sat because I destroyed him a long time ago. Enough about me.

How's the new home? It's perfect, TJ. There's an extra room there. Do you mind having a roommate? Who, Jamie? No, not Jamie. Thank you. Sit down. Margaret was shot. It fractured her femur. She's going to need some time to heal. Margaret? She's a black shirt. Shouldn't she be recouping with the fighters? She's pregnant and she's under my protection. I've already taken care of it. Hernandez is dead, but the people I love most must be protected. She's going to have a baby?

If it's too much. Of course it's not too much. Why didn't you just say so? We'd love to have a baby in the house. Good. It's settled then. I've been reckless with my own mind I haven't let myself let go Excuse me, ma'am. Do you know where I can find Miss Cassidy Baker? Why don't you take the hood off and tell me who's asking? Hello, beautiful. Baby face, what are you doing here? I can't just stop by for a visit?

Cole, you know we can't be seen together. That's why I wore a hood. Very incognito. Can we go someplace to talk? You know where my office is. What I need is just a small change Because it's strange to be alone I don't really want that much What I want I cannot touch So what's the deal? I need a favor.

The mighty Major Cole Verges needs a favor from me? Where's your golden girl? Can't she handle your problems? Monroe's been arrested, Cassidy. I think Ginger and his baby were killed. What? After Las Vegas, we changed his name to Trent Hall, and I hid him and Ginger in a free town in Montana.

To live happily ever after? Something like that. What went wrong? The town was attacked and burned down and Hall ended up in a prison. They're pegging it on him. I need you to go get him out. You need me to do a strike on the federal facility to save your friend? Yes.

Of course I will. At O. Monroe or Hall or whatever that much. Thank you, Cassidy. You've always been there when I needed you. Nope. No. I'm sorry, Cole. I'll get Hall, but I can't do this, or it will take me months to get over you again.

I have to go get back anyway. I've been riding on the old way. I'm out of style, nothing new. But if you want, I'll say I'm okay To leave you left without a clue And though it all may go unseen I only wish I could come clean And I've been careless with my own mind

Vanessa, good morning. Do you know where everyone is? The boys went out to the fields. My son Gage and Daniel have really hit it off. You have a daughter too, right? Yeah, her name is Megan. I think I'll go tag along. You can't do that.

Why? Because ladies don't work the fields. But I saw Catherine out there yesterday. She's a refugee. So? So we work in the fields when our other chores are done, but you ladies are landowners. It wouldn't be proper for you to be toiling in the sun. Then what am I supposed to do?

It wouldn't be proper for you to be toiling in the sun. Then what am I supposed to do? Same thing all the landowner ladies do. Sew, bake, stare at your computer, think of things you need done, plan your outfit for the next big party. Are you serious? Don't get me wrong. Mr. and Mrs. Moore give us a real nice place to live and lots of respect,

but that's not the norm. How we doing, Cupcake? I just found out I'm supposed to just sit here and do nothing. I'll see you later, Erica. Don't worry. I find you plenty to do. You better not even look at me like that, Sergeant. Every time you do, it means my muscles get sore.

No, take it easy. I'm serious. Take it easy for a couple of days. You've earned it. I'm headed over to Millie Lack's training grounds to check in. Corporal Avery will be here with a direct line to me if you need anything. I'll be just fine, Captain Canelo. You taught me to take care of myself.

That's just what I'm afraid of. I'll be fine. Just go, Sergeant. Oh, my mom responded. Now what am I supposed to do? Rifles always need to be cleaned. Better not leave these out. Jack, be quiet. Kay, come on in. Would you like some coffee? Yes, please. Hello, Jack.

Oh, my goodness. This dog is big, Erica. He just kept growing and growing. How are we settling in? Fine. This is great, Kay. It's just so wonderful to have you all back. You don't know how hard we tried to find you. There was a rumor that there was a lone survivor of Sacramento and people who made it out of California hoped it was you.

It's been ten years, Kay. How did you find us? The Las Vegas FEMA camp director was trying to advance his position. FEMA camp director was trying to advance his position. He was touting his success with former refugee salvage crews to secure more resources for the refugees without taxing landowners. When the board started looking into these salvage crews, Elena Porter, the elected northern representative, made the name connection. We were shown your pictures and confirmed your identities. That's how he found out. Matthew Tweed?

Yes. When he found out, he was going to have us killed. The connection should have been made a long time ago, and he didn't want such a big mistake to ruin his career. That's what took us so long to get here. That son of a... Just wait until I tell Earl about this. I don't know if you should. Why not? I think there are much bigger forces at work here than you or I realize, and I don't want to put the family in jeopardy. Erica, you guys never should have been there. We've been looking for you and my son and my grandson for years.

They should never have touched that boy. Don't you think I know that? We've been through hell. Look at me. Oh, God, Erica. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry this happened to you. Most of it happened before I got to the refugee camp.

I've come to terms with a lot of things since then, Kay. One of those things is that everything happens for a reason. I just want to keep everyone safe. There's nothing anyone can do to restore Star and Dexter to the people they once were. There's no amount of vengeance I could take on anyone to undo the pain. I don't know, Erica. I still think I should talk to Earl about this. You do what you think is right, but I hope he doesn't do anything rash. These people are powerful and life out there is hard. Come on in.

Hello ladies. Come in and join us. Dard, do you want some coffee? Yes please. My first granddaughter. How exciting is this? It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you.

Well tomorrow we're going to have a ladies day out on the town. We can go shopping for outfits for the big welcome home party. Welcome home party? Yeah, lots of folks have heard the story about the landowners that were missing for 10 years and finally made it home. They know how hard we've been trying to find you and they want to join in the celebration.

Oh, that sounds fun. That sounds great, Grandma Kay. I would love to see the town. Kay, how did you guys make it out of Washington? It was an interesting stroke of luck. We were visiting with Earl's mother. God rest her soul. She showed us a letter about mineral rights on the property that she had gotten a few months ago. We needed to go meet with the attorney immediately. While we were here, the Great Quake happened. Travel to California was immediately shut down, and there was no way to get home. We tried to call, but communications had gone down. The feds shut down communications.

Things got really bad after that. The old farmhouse was lost in the quake, but we organized with the neighbors and the refugees that were honorable like Evan and Vanessa. We survived and eventually rebuilt. Are you ready for some lunch? I have it ready at the main house. Come on, ladies. We can finish this discussion there. 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've prepared a special class. Contact me at NBCguy.com to learn more or send me an email at NBCguy at Protonmail.com. Who got them through?

Merc soldiers, Major Virgis and Master Sergeant Bennett. We think Elena Porter met them on the other side. Are you sure? And that traitor General McClintock sits next to Colonel Henderson. They're traitors. I know it. They're going on trial before the Northern Board? A dog and pony show. The people are rallying behind her

and Carl Henderson is very concerned. Where's Teresa? I was hoping for some pasta. Her health is faltering. Time for a new girl. So what's your plan, TJ? I'll go myself. They're throwing the family a welcome home party.

Might be a good opportunity. But remember, we need the whole family or nothing. The stakes are too high for anything except perfection. This is a tricky hunt, Carl. I can't guarantee anything. Too many eyes on it. The Colonel understands that.

Trust me, he doesn't want to make waves. Not until the mercs expose himself. He's focused on Texas right now anyway. He's tired of trading with those freeloaders. We should have taken care of that years ago. Isn't that the truth? Well, back to the grind. Let me know how it goes.

There's a world up north that's just ripe for the picking and little honeybee now they don't know what they're missing i don't need a gift no money or labor what if we just say you owe me a favor Hey, baby. How did it go? Great. It's quite the operation, Dad. Well, actually, Evan. How did it go? Great. It's quite the operation, Dad. Well, actually, Evan, has going on here. Chickens, pigs, vegetables, orchards, and something you are going to love.

What? 4,000 acres of woodlands, complete with ponds. Really? That's awesome. You're darn right it is. Dad says the boar gives him hell for it, but he fights to keep that part natural. At least I'll get to use my bow.

I have a good feeling about this, baby. I'm going to go grab a shower. It was great, Mom. The gardens are huge, and we got to feed the chickens and pigs plus grandpa says he has a lot of books I can read he also says there's a school that kids go to and Dexter and I can go to school there but well what buddy remember when I went to school with the landowners in Las Vegas? Yeah. It didn't go well, remember?

Those kids, they hated the refugees. What if it's like that here? You won't know until you try. But you don't have to go if you don't want to go. That's not what Grandpa said. What did Grandpa say? He said we would start school next week and we were already so behind it'd be a

miracle if we caught up. I'm sure whatever he said he didn't mean it like that, Dexter. They're just happy to have us home and sad that you've missed so much of a normal life. A normal life, mom? We're supposed to just pretend we haven't been in the refugee camp for the last 10 years. Had the government hunting us and had to kill to survive. I'm so sorry, kid. Here's your life you should have had. Now I'm supposed to go sit in some desk at a school and pretend like it didn't happen? I'm not sure I can do that, Mom. Don't worry, guys.

Your father and I are still your parents. I'm sure we can figure something out. Let me talk with Grandma and Grandpa tonight, okay? Guess so. Come on, give me a hug, dirt balls. Now go hit the shower. Been cleaning the arsenal today, huh? Just getting organized.

Did the boys talk to you about going to school next week? Yeah. Dad said it's not too far from here. Won't that be great for the kids? I'm not so sure, Vince. Dexter doesn't think he wants to do it, and Daniel's scared that it will be like the school at the refugee camp. Well, let's just let him settle in, and then we'll worry about it. They do need an education, especially Daniel. He has a lot of school left. I agree. I just think he may need more time to adjust. We'll talk with my folks and work it out. Don't worry. We're safe.

This is so great. And, baby, I love you. So maybe there's not a lot to do. Maybe I'm just making myself confused. But maybe I've got nothing to lose. But if I get out of line, just tell me you're mine. And how I'm better with you. get out of line just tell me you're mine how did I get so cold how do I wind up every single day Going through this life all alone

TJ, what brings you by? I need a girl for my house, Chuck. Come on, I'll show you the stock. Who knows how to cook? They look miserable. I don't want any of these grubby people in my home. What are you doing to these ladies, Chuck? They're skin and bone.

Minimal rations, TJ. I've got too many. I can't say no to beautiful women. Open this one. This one? That girl can't be older than ten. Her eyes remind me of Jillian's. Open it. She's too little to be around the boys. That's old enough to train and young enough to mold.

Whatever you want, TJ. Hello, honey. What's your name? Jeannie. Jeannie. I like that. My name is TJ. Hi, TJ. Good. You have nice manners. I have an offer for you, Jeannie. I need someone to take care of my home, cook for me, clean and do exactly what I say.

It's a big job for a little girl. Do you think you can do that? Yes, sir. Good. There's only a few rules. You never let anyone in my house unless I say so. You never discuss my business or what happens there with anyone. And you never run from me. Not one step. Why would I do that? Sometimes my temper gets out of hand. But if you do your job and follow the rules exactly, I promise that no man will touch you because I will protect you. I'll take the job, sir. Good. You're settled then. Come with me.

I'll take her. Didn't know you still had a soft spot in there. I gave my life away a long time ago. I sold my soul, you know I'm not coming home. He still had a soft spot in there. Teresa, I didn't think you were coming by tonight. How are you feeling? I'm getting along. Rough day today. I brought you a new protege.

I'm leaving on a trip up north. This girl's name is Jeannie. Show her her room. Teach her how to do what you do, especially the pasta recipe. Hi, Jeannie. You ready to get to work? Yes, ma'am. I keep my life away, my heart away that was so fun I've never got to go that far in a car before. This is crazy, all these little pod homes. But they built back a lot of the old buildings as well. We had to make use of everything.

Where did all the solar panels and wind turbines come from? We don't know. The mercenary forces supplied it all. Come on, we need to get more nuts for the bread tonight. Come on, we need to get more nuts for the bread tonight. It's just like we had before the quake, Mom. Not quite. We had everything in plastic packages. Without the oil supply, we're back to paper. But what about all the homes? They use the plastic of the past and melt it into molds.

The food smells amazing. We'll get some lunch before we head home. Oh look, an outdoor store. I could really use a new fishing rod. You can get that anytime. We're here for dresses. Wow, this is amazing. They're so beautiful. That's great. Come on, Erica. It's not so bad. I've had my eye on a perfect outfit for you. Really?

See here, this dress is actually pants with this cute little spaghetti strap top. Yeah, but all my scars. You could wear this jacket over the top. You'd look amazing. You would, Mom. Okay, sold. But what am I going to wear? This is where it gets fun. I had no idea what size you were, so you get to try on whatever you want. Where do I even start? Just pick one and try it.

You'll look beautiful in any of them. There is nothing but trees and farms up here. And dirty refugees. I can smell the dank coming off that city. Minneapolis. It was always a shithole. Slow down, Yuri. Nate's falling behind.

He's been here before. You'll find his way. Slow down. We're almost there anyway. Is Sergei meeting us there? That's what he said. Mr. Lee sent him north. Why are we setting up camp out here, DJ? We're staying under the radar.

If we can get her, I don't want my presence known. Black shirts. Uniforms off. Yes, sir. We're blending in. Blackshirts, uniforms off. Yes, sir. We're blending in. Sergei, nice of you to make it.

Who's your... wait, Lieutenant Bowman? What the hell are you doing here? I'll explain, TJ. Make yourself at home, Bowman. We'll be here a couple days. Yuri, get camp set. We'll be back. Yes, TJ. What's the deal with Bowman? He's hunting Virgis. They have pictures of Virgis with the Western militia commander, Cassidy Baker.

That won't get us far. They have evidence McClintock is aligned with Dixon in the South. Now that's something we can use. That's why he's here. I'll be with you in a moment. Don't stop what you're doing on my accord. I'm just passing by. DJ. That's her, isn't it?

That's our girl. And her daughter. I'll take the daughter. They're going to the colonel. Damn. That girl is hot. Isn't her name something like weird, like Sky? Star, if the family is here, we could take them now. But we need them all. I haven't seen Vince or his boys. They have to be out on the farm. That's what hell of a knife she's carrying. Refugees aren't supposed to be carrying weaponry like that.

She's a landowner, DJ. No, this woman is a refugee. She's the very definition. Sir. Bennett, how's it going? Fine, sir. Would you like to come in for a drink? Thought you would never ask. for a drink? Thought you would never ask. What are you doing letting Erica go unguarded into town? Here you go, sir. Erica didn't go into town today. She was at home. I just came from town, Bennett. I saw her there. I'll talk to her, sir. And don't let that shit happen again. It won't.

I think the Blackshirts are here. I haven't had any reports of them in town, sir. There's a camp outside of town. Not the uniforms, but organized. I know their trucks. The party is tomorrow. It would be a good time to take her. We'll double the guard. How's Hall? Hopefully he's okay. We'll find out in a couple of days. You went to her for help? I did. I don't know what else to

do. I don't know what happened, but I know Hall isn't the cause. Anyway, right now Erica has to go to that party, tell her story, and start making people ask questions. They're going to put her on trial, aren't they? They are. Nothing can be done about it. Let's just hope she sways enough votes before then. If prepping guns and politics sounds like your cup of tea, come check out the Matter of Facts podcast every Friday on iTunes, Stitcher, and Spotify with my co-host, Andrew Bobo. How did it go? Just great. Dress shopping all day. My favorite thing to do.

No, it was fun to watch Star and spend time with Kay. How did it go with the dogs? Fine. They're all set. No, it was fun to watch Star and spend time with Kay. How did it go with the dogs? Fine. They're all set. No puppies and no diseases. What are you up to? I found my mom and emailed her. We're setting up a video call.

I was going to wait and surprise everyone. So? Tomorrow around three. Sweet. Good job, baby. Hey, Bennett. What are you two all giddy about? I found my mom. We're going to do a video call tomorrow. You have a computer in here? Yeah, isn't it great? I had to relearn how to do it, but I figured it out. Hmm. What? I didn't know you'd have a computer at home. Are we still prisoners, Sergeant? I thought I was a free landowner now.

On paper, yes. How do you mean, Bennett? Yeah, we're not out of the woods completely. There was a federal call for your arrest. The sympathizers got you up and home. That woman? Elena Porter? She's definitely one of them.

Going into town, unguarded like you did today. Stupid. Really stupid. Using a computer that is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Stupid. Very stupid. Did you ever think that they might use your mom as a tool against you? To silence you? Silence me? Are they scared of what I have to say? Damn, I liked it better when you just had to follow orders. You never told me any of this, Master Sergeant.

You blew sunshine and roses on my ass. I'm not psychic. You have to give orders in order for them to be followed. I don't know. Maybe we shouldn't make the call then. No, it's too late for that. And Cupcake here would have a fit. Go ahead as planned, but Erica, you're the linchpin here. No more leaving unguarded.

And that goes for your family, too. We can't give them any excuse to use them against you. Whatever. This is Bull Bennett. This isn't a damn joke, Erica. What's he all pissed off about? Oh, you know him. He's always themed up about something. I guess we're not supposed to leave without guards. What? Like we're still prisoners? We can take up about something. I guess we're not supposed to leave without guards. What? Like we're still prisoners?

We can take care of ourselves. Don't worry about it, Star. Your mother and I have it all under control. But Dad... Come on. It's time to go to dinner anyways. Come on, boys. Coming. A tiny voice is ringing in my head.

Is this the beginning or the end? I just don't know. I just don't know. TJ. Here he is. Bring him in TJ sir come in thank you sir

I hear you have useful information we have information to prove that mercs are traitors and what were you going to do with this information I was going to use it to blackmail Major Virgis into giving up Erica Moore so we could sell her to you has this strategy worked in the past actually no sir

do you mind if I sit down? Yes. Oh. I have a new plan for you. I'm supposed to go back to report to Captain Arena. And spend your life in that cesspool in Vegas? Sir do you have a better idea? Fight for me and you'll never want again. Become a black shirt? I can't abandon my post. Commander Gray of the Secret Police is a close friend. I'll take care of him. I'd be honored, sir. Sergei! Yes, TJ? Find Bowman a spot to sleep.

He's coming home with us. Yes, sir. I gave my life away a long time ago. I sold my soul, you know I'm not coming home. Oh, oh, oh, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa Why can't Gage and Brendan come, Mom? You know why, baby. They're refugees, and this party is for landowners.

Of course, this totally sucks. Come on, it won't be so bad. Don't you look like a dandy. You're coming? Of course, Hopscotch. I wouldn't want to miss you in your pretty princess dress. Whatever, I have to wear this. You look beautiful, as does the rest of the family. You will fit right in. Well, you guys really cleaned up nice.

As do you, Major. Let's go to the party. And I know it's not about me Or anything that I've got to say Cause it's all in how you see it You might not believe it But politics could change in a day. Ben, we'll show you in. I count 26. I only counted 24.

See the two in the window across the street? Oh. Counting soldiers? I just couldn't help but notice that there's a lot of them around. There's a lot of important people here tonight. Get to know them. Yes, sir. They're all traitors. We'll never get the whole family now. With the information I have now, it no longer matters. If we can get Erika, we're taking her.

We'll scoop up the rest later. Their boss is arriving. And look, here come more guards. There they are. Her kids scan the crowd and council soldiers as much as she does. They've been doing nothing but training. A challenge it is, then. You guys are sitting here?

Up ahead? Yep. Great. Erica, how nice to see you. How are you getting along? Fine, ma'am. Is this the woman? The one they call the savior of the refugees?

My name is Erica. And you are? Aren't you a class act? My name is Grayson Webb. I'm the chairman of the Northern Governing Region. Nice to meet you, sir. I'm honored to meet you, Erica Moore. I'm Pierce Faramber. Don't pay this congressional crackpot any mind. He has his mind on the past and refuses to embrace the future. There's nothing wrong with returning to a free nation governed by an agreed upon constitutional document. You're only saying that because you want to sell your pharmaceuticals again.

The people need protection and access to medication. Okay, I'm sure Erica and her family don't want to listen to your bickering. I'm sorry for what your family has had to endure. It never would have happened in my region. Thank you for your concern. Pleasure to meet you. My goodness, this is crazy. Yeah. What are you looking at? He's been staring at that girl all night. Shut up, Daniel. dinner was good.

And it's nice to see Daniel making friends. Vince, come talk with the men. I'm dying to hear how you stayed married to this woman so long. Come on, I won't take no for an answer. Ah, Bennett! Dang, can you hover any closer? Shouldn't you go talk with the ladies? I'm going to, but first I need to use the bathroom. Are you going to come with me?

No, no, I'll wait out here. Let's go. I'm tired of watching the refugees party. This place is locked up tight. Hold on. Look at this. Did she just peek out that window? I think so. Yep, she's watching the guard patrol. She's going to come right to us. No. She's going to the party next door. Put your forces on the edge of that crowd. I'm going in.

Mom, what are you doing over here? What are you doing over here? Sean heard the music and wanted to ask the band if he could sing. He sounds great, doesn't he? Yeah, he does. Are you Erica Moore? The lone survivor?

I am. Here, I brought you a drink. Thanks. Would you do the honor of telling us your story? I can't stay long. It's the lone survivor, the savior of the refugees. Please, tell us the story of the riot. Okay, okay, calm down. I'll give you the quick version.

I went to work one day, just like any other. The raft melted and I swam for shore. Go to her left. When she gets up, she's coming with us. Yes, sir, T.J....... ...... ... ... ...

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