Tower 4 - S4E4: Bird's-Eye View

Episode Date: December 15, 2025

The next episode of Tower 4!Music by:Taako @ soundcloud.com/madebytaakoAdditional Tracks:"Lost in the Weeds" by Where's LuLu @ Artlist.io"Hell Hath No Fury" by Hannah Marie Kelley @ Artlist.io"Do it Again" by Jay Putty @ Artlistio.io"The Racer - Piano Version" by Tristan Barton @ Artlist.io"Dark Places (Mysterious, Acoustic Guitar) - 30 Second" by Art_Munson @ Pond5.com    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It had been a long time. It had been a long time since I smoked, and the fact that I had gone through two packs in one day now, was insane. But I just couldn't stop. Marlowe! Yeah! Edna, a chubby and heavily tattooed bartender, leaned out the front door. You want another?

I looked to the window ledge where five empty glasses sat. Yeah, sure. Thanks. You got it, sweetheart. I've been out here for hours now, calling, then waiting. Maybe it was pointless. jean you really fucked things up this time she was right there with you i took a long dragon and looked back at the empty glasses hmm i grabbed all five and went to the door

Oh! Edna opened the door, almost bumping in. Oh, you don't have to worry about that. I would have gotten those. It's the least I can do. Honey, why don't you just come inside and use my phone? No, no, it's fine. I, uh, right when I stepped inside, the pay phone rang.

Shit! I looked to Edna. Just put those anywhere. I dropped them onto the nearest table and ran back outside. What about your beer? But I didn't look back. I just pulled the cigar from my... my lips, tossed it, and grabbed the phone. Amber? Jean? Where the hell are you? She seemed to

hesitate a moment before answering. I'm not saying, Gene. Well, are you at least safe? I am right now. Now for the question I was dying to know. Are you, are you with Mike? Again, hesitation. You are, aren't you? No, Gene. No, I'm not answering your questions. You're going to answer mine. Amber, I... Stop! What the fuck is going on here? I looked to the bar and then to the road. No one else was around. I don't

know. Bullshit. You're lying. I mean, I don't know what's going on now. They kicked me out of the ranger station. They did? Yeah, all of us. And I called Vic and Wes, and they're on their way to get evacuated. Where? They're heading for the valley. I'm sure you know

we have some nasty fires out there. Yeah, but they aren't natural. are they? Now it was me who was hesitating. I looked around again. Are they? No, they aren't. And they're not accidents.

Amber always had trust issues, so I decided not to play with fire right now. The pun not lost on me. No. Amber, if you didn't get out yet, they're going to trap you. Please tell me you got out. These fucking assholes would do whatever they had to to keep their stupid tusses. secrets. Gene, why are they doing this? Apparently they have some people that they say are dangerous running around out there. Some people? Gene, if you're hiding anything from me, I'll hang up right now.

Okay, okay. Apparently they were operating out there, the company, Iris. I didn't know that, but I had my speculations, which was a half-truth. I knew they were operating out there, but not to what extent. But when they said people escaped, I got nervous. But of course, they didn't tell me much else. Anyway, something happened and they told me there were some dangerous people loose. I don't know who they are or what they want, but they're dangerous enough that they can't let them out of the forest. What about us? That includes you. Well, not you, but Mike, I told you he's dangerous. How could she not see that? He's not. They wouldn't go to such lengths, Amber. He attacked them. Gene, they tried to kill him. Is that what he's.

told you? No, that's, that's what I saw. They tried to kill me too, Gene. That caught me off guard. What was she talking about? There was no way. They told me they wouldn't hurt her. Obviously, they'd go to extreme lengths, but there's no way they would harm Amber or me or any of the other Rangers. They needed us. Gene? I don't believe that. Well, it's true. It can't be. You saying I'm lying? They did, Gene. Twice. Mike saved my life. He saved her? How? Why? Why would he have to do that? It must be a mistake.

There's just no way. He must have been manipulating her. Amber was naive and easily persuaded. Even she admitted that at times. I know you know more of what's going on. Amber, I just do as they say. You know this. They kicked me out of the Ranger station because They don't want me to know what they're doing. I was asking too many questions, something I'm not supposed to do, but it doesn't take a genius to know they're going to box you in. What?

Me and a few of the other rangers had been monitored during the fires. We were able to use the fields behind the medical clinic for breaks and refueling, while several of the other rangers, including Nash were working with people from Iris, law enforcement, and wildland firefighters to set up a new base camp somewhere south. If you didn't get out, then you're going to be trapped. They have fires east of tower for, and apparently another one to the west. They also got guys to the south and west along the highway and moving along the road to the ranger station. They want to make sure no one gets out without them knowing, which made our flying about hard.

I didn't expect them to do anything to us since we were still assisting, but I didn't know what else they had up their sleeves. And if what they say is true, not only will you be trapped by them, but you'll be trapped with the other dangerous people. I worse wouldn't say who these people were, but they showed me a picture of the mutilated corpse of one of their workers. guy named Lance. The man had his face bashed to mulch. Please tell me you got out and that you're somewhere safe. I don't care about Mike. Just you.

Are you safe? Are you out? But the delay and answer really worried me. No. I'm not out. Oh, Jesus. Uh, okay, well, you don't have to say, but I have a good idea where you are. If my assumption is true, you need to leave ASAP.

Why? Because they're close, they have people waiting by the towers and both supply drop-offs. You need to stay hidden. You also need to toss your phone or smash it. They can track me? Possibly. They have my phone now and they have all our past transcripts. They took my phone at the station and gave me a different company one.

That way they could keep tracking me easier, I'm sure. Oh, fuck. This is insane. They will figure out where you are. Gene, how can I trust anything you say? You have no other choice. Now I'm at a payphone in Jackson waiting to hear back from Haley. Where is she?

She's in charge of the evak for Vic and Wes. When she gets back, I'm going to have her fly me back out. Because now that I knew Amber was still out there, I had to evac her too. What? Site three. What are you talking about? I'm going to have her fly me to site three. You need to get there.

Why site three? Because last I heard site four and five were being monitored. For what reason? I don't know. And you think site three is safe. I don't know, but it's a chance I'm willing to take. Now, I'm going to be there at seven tomorrow morning. You do whatever you need to get your ass there. Amber, you hear me?

We may not get another chance. And what about Mike? Seriously. Screw Mike. I couldn't chance anything with him. That would really piss off the company. You have to leave him. He can't come or we'll all be at risk.

Please, Amber, please, do as I say. I have to go now. 7 a.m. at Site 3, I will wait for one hour. Please, trust me. Seven Lamb Productions presents Tower 4. Season 4, episode 4, Bird's Eye View. Anything? I turned to Haley, who was sitting in the cabin of the helicopter, kicking her feet back and forth.

No, nothing. I guess the noise I heard was just another fearful deer. Although I kept getting the feeling I was being watched. but by whom I don't know I had my revolver with me just in case As I made my way back to the helicopter I noticed more and more smoke all around us Anything new?

Well, no Not since I changed frequencies Want me to switch back? No, no Okay Hey, I don't know how much longer you want to stay out here But the wind is picking up I looked at my watch

What time is it now? 8.15. Gene, we've been here a long time. I don't think she's coming. Yeah, but if... Haley, you copy? Haley climbed back into the cabin and over to the cockpit. We changed radio channels, but that was so we could have a direct line with Maria,

who was operating out of the new base camp at Skip Diamond Ranch, near Buffalo Fork River. Go for Haley. You still with Gene? What kind of question is that? Well, I wanted to direct line with Maria, I couldn't say I totally trusted her. I was pretty sure she was the insider, or at least one of them, who reported back to Iris constantly. Hello?

Of course, Maria. Where else would he be? Didn't know if you guys were still doing reconnaissance. Reconnaissance? Haley shrugged. You told me not to mention any of this. She motioned to her surroundings. Okay, whatever.

Just ask her what she wants. She shook her head in frustration and put the radio up to her mouth. Maria, go ahead for Jean. Tell them they got Mike. Ask her about Amber. What about Amber? Gene wants to know about Amber. Did they find Amber? The weight was excruciating. Maria, you copy that?

Yeah, I copy. Hold, please. Haley gave me a look at concern, then bitter lip. I did the same. I wondered who she was talking to. I only knew a few of the iris people Earl, my main contact a friendly guy named Aaron who I helped over the years and two important guys

named Miles and Spencer Spencer I had the displeasure of talking to when we were kicked out of the Ranger station I didn't like his demeanor or the way he talked to my crew I also didn't like that he took my phone Haley Yeah

Tell Gene he needs to come in Come in Come in where the ranch motel? Come in where exactly, Maria? I'm told he knows. Haley now gave me a look of confusion. Seriously? What's she talking about? Oh, fuck this. Hey! I snatched the radio from Haley. Maria, did they find Amber? Is she okay? Maria, you copy? I'm being told they want you to come in. Just tell me if she's fucking alive, you bitch.

She's dead, Jean. I'm sorry to tell you. She died. That was Earl's voice. My main contact over the years. Are you airborne? Can you come in? But all of a sudden, I couldn't breathe.

Haley slowly pulled the radio from my grasp. Hi. Uh, Gene needs a little time. I understand, but I need to know if he can come in. Haley looked to me, but I still couldn't speak. We're not airborne yet. But if in means to skip diamond, sure. Just give us an hour or so.

Actually, one second. Copy. I sat in the seat and fought back tears. I could feel Haley staring at me, but I didn't care. You're still there? Go ahead. Can you fly Jean to Inos Lake? I saw where I.

out of the corner of my eye, check gauges, and nod to herself. Sure, I can. Is it a safe? Yeah. Head there now. Someone will be waiting for him. They caught me off guard. Haley and I shared a confused look. They said Enos Lake is safe, but I thought there were fires east of Tower 4. Me too. Maybe there were, but with the winds, maybe Inos Lake was out of the path. Everything southeast of three posts seem to be fine from our view now. We're lucky with the direction of the wind.

I wouldn't necessarily say lucky. At least they already closed down the highway. It spreads across, and they'll have their hands full for weeks to come. You mean we will? Sure. While I was able to breathe again and even talk, the pain in my chest wouldn't go away. Neither with a knot in my stomach. I see debris, but yeah, everything else seems clear over here.

I can see the lake coming up ahead of us. Hey, look. She pointed south. It looked like another three or four birds, with the glaring sun that made it hard to tell, though. Think Nash is with them? Doubted. I told them to hang back for the time being. Why? Because that's what they wanted.

What about us? What about us? What did they want us to do? Exactly what we're doing. Seriously? I shrugged. Is that wise? Do you think I'm wrong?

Wrong, no. You were a little harsh with Maria back at Site 3, but I get it. Hopefully you were a little easier on Nash. One, I don't have any issues with Nash, and two, Nash could handle it if I went off on him. I don't know. He has a thinner skin than you think. He almost quit a couple times with Mills. Seriously?

Mills was harder than you. Granted, that was before the company. Right. I kept looking south, shading my eyes, trying to make out the incomers. Looks like company birds. Yeah, I don't see Bambi Bucket. I can't believe it's taking them so long to get organized. But I wasn't so sure if that was the case.

Hey, Jean Yeah I'm sorry I felt my jaw tighten as I tried to fight back more tears Part of me wasn't truly convinced I didn't respond to Haley Instead just forcing a nod of acknowledgement Hey, I'm gonna put her down on the north side

I turned my attention back to the lake Yeah, yeah that's fine I'm gonnae. I can't believe this is the spot. I know. It's weird. I don't see anyone. I don't think any of those birds were headed this way. They weren't. So I don't understand what we're doing here. just then I thought I saw movement in the woods Haley yeah stay here

I'm gonna go have a look around A look around Yeah if anyone shows up Don't say anything I signed my NDA's gene That's not a joke I'll wait here I nodded and climbed out

I ducked even though the blades were almost at a full stop now As I walked to the wood line I looked up to the sky then back to the lake. If someone was here, how the hell did they get here? Hello? When I reached the wood line, I heard a branch snap to my left. Hello?

A tall, bald man in tactical gear came out from behind a near tree. Was this one of the company men? I held my hand over my gun. I was told to come here. I'm Gene. But the bald man said nothing. He just looked to his left, where an... Another burly man with a goatee stepped out from another tree.

Is Earl here? No. I turned to my right, where the man known as Miles came down a small hill. Well, Earl told me to come here. I know. I told them to tell you that. I want to know what happened. I know you do. Well, Earl said she was dead.

How do you know? Do you have her body? No. Then I don't believe it. She fell with the cart into the fire. She didn't make it, man. Hey. Bald guard walked towards me, but Miles stopped him. You were there?

Oh, yeah. What cart? I turned to Miles. What's he talking about? Uh, they stole a cart, a vehicle that we often use around here. What? They were driving along a cliff, and well, they subdued and retrieved Mike. But just Mike.

Mike's alive, right? Yes, still unconscious, but in stable condition. Then what the hell happened to Amber? I just told you what happened to the girl. But how? Gene, please. I know you're hurt. But we really need to get our story straight. About Amber?

About all of this. You already talked to the authorities. I had to. And I didn't say shit about anything you or a Spencer didn't want me to say. Or don't want me to say, I'm just treating this shit like any other dangerous fire. We're not blaming you. Earl's been talking to the authorities now, and we have others working with the fire departments. Where's Earl now?

He's still on the ranch. I want to talk to him. Earl was the only one I trusted, even though I knew he wasn't the one in charge. And it was probably dumb to trust anyone in this company, but Earl I built a report with. I talked to him biweekly during the seasons and often during the off seasons. I know you're hurting. but right now it's more important than ever why why because half of the forest is on fire i want to know what the fuck happened to her we were given orders to use lethal methods stop on amber on all parties in the

cart and all parties in the car oh jesus christ i look back to miles trying to hold in my rage is that true Gene, they weren't going to site three. They weren't going to meet with you. How? They bypassed it. We tried. You tried. We wanted to tell you earlier, but you didn't have your phone on you. You gave the order? No. Dr. Spencer gave the order, which was passed down the line. But she wasn't a threat. But Mike was. And yet he was taken alive? That only happened because they got to him when he was unresponsive, but still breathing. We would have taken the girl, too, if she didn't go over.

I want to see your goddamn body. Dr. Spencer plans to send out a team and even drones once the fire becomes a little more manageable. But I ignored Miles and turned to the chatty tactical man. Where did you find him? Where'd you pick him up? Shit. Several miles south of the road to the Rangers station, I believe.

I want an exact location. We don't have it. Gene, please. You have to control yourself. I want to know for sure. Well, Dr. Spencer... And I want to see Dr. Spencer. You will. He wants to see you too.

Now. Take me to him now. I don't know whether you guys are operating out of the Ranger Station still or fucking Moran or Casper or one of the fucking service roads, but I want to see him. Gene, Dr. Spencer is busy, but trust me, he's concerned. Over Amber? I believe that when I hear it from him.

You do realize this is a very trying time. For all of us. Miles looked to the guards, then back to me. What about your pilot? She can fly me there if you give me the location, or I can ride with you. Ride with us? Sure. You have something parked over that hill? A cart, maybe? No.

I squinted as I tried to understand what he was getting at. What the hell are you talking about? How'd you guys get here? But Miles looked to the guards again. Then back to me, then to the ground. Holy shit. You're kidding. I look down at the ground below my feet. Follow me. Marlowe. Dr. Spencer, the intimidating head of the company, came in and sat at the small square table

across from him. Miles gave you the tour? Of this level. I told him he could show you more. Well, he didn't. Maybe he ran out of time. Spencer looked towards the vending machines and fridge. Would you like another drink?

A soda can in front of me was still half full. No. We were in a little break room. It was so jarring and oddly funny how I was sitting next to vending machines in a mostly white-walled and tiled break room, like it was a normal office building rather than some weird lab stories below the forest. I know you're upset. Amber was my girlfriend.

She was living with me in the off-season. I got her the job. I know. And yet, you gave the order to kill her. No. I gave the order to open fire. From my recollection, she was not shot and killed, but fell. Because you ordered them to fire.

Marlowe, please relax. I got her the job. Exactly. You got her the job. That felt like a punch to the gut. This man was making me so angry. No wonder why the guards of the miles confiscated my revolver. You. We gave you final say on the Tower 3 resident years ago, and that's who you chose.

You think we didn't know of the relationship? Then why? We gave you control of the forest so we can maintain control below it. No. Why? The order. Because she joined up with Archer. We couldn't allow him to escape, and she was helping him. It got too risky. We let it go on too long. She didn't know what she was doing. You believe that?

I wanted to. Uh, yes. Yes, I do. Don't be so naive, Marlowe. That was her job, right? To help these people? To keep them content. To keep them here.

To talk to them. That was her job. Okay, well, that's why I offered her the job. She's personable, super friendly. Too friendly. At least with Mike. She didn't realize what she was doing. Poor hell, maybe she did.

Of course, I knew what she was doing. She was moving on. Our home life wasn't great. I knew she had a secret savings account, and she was looking for an excuse to leave. We had to take precautions. We held out for as long as we could, and we even gave that one final chance for her to go to Site 3 to meet with you.

She didn't take it. We couldn't afford to give any more chances. They were obviously tracking or watching me to know what they knew. Is that why you burned everything? Not everything. A lot. There were other dangerous people out there, too. That's what you say.

Because it's true. And that's enough to burn everything down and kill her. You looked away a moment, probably trying to figure out another way to explain or spin things. I have done a lot for you and your work. I followed all the rules. Every time Earl called, I answered. Every time he told me there was something needed to be done, I did it. I never asked questions.

I only talked to Tower 4 occupants when they need arose, and I kept them calm. I leaned forward, motioned to the vending machines. But look, look at this place. You are operating out here? Not just in Moran or Casper or wherever else. Here. Not only out here, but below ground. These guys said some strange things, and I don't know what to believe.

was anything or everything they said true? No. How can I know for sure? You're not supposed to know for sure. We're doing you a favor. A favor? That's right, Marlowe. You were hired for a job.

You get paid more for your efforts, and if you doubt that, I'd like you to try going to any other national park. You got a promotion, many freedoms to do whatever you want at Topside, and the ability to move around and hire for positions within. You leaned forward, which caused me to lean back a bit. Do you really want to throw all that away over a woman who chose to chase after another guy she barely knew? Instead of getting on the helicopter with you?

You really want to give up all your pay? You really want to go back into debt? Not that you're ever fully escaped. Because last I heard, you haven't been able to stop visiting the casinos in Wind River, or betting on sports, or showing up to your secret high-stakes games. Holy shit. He was actually threatening me. If you want out, you can leave.

We'll replace you in less than five minutes. You sit where you are because of a favor. That's it, because I can assure you no one, including Earl, will have any problems with us feeling your position if you choose right now to leave or question my authority on matters related to my work. Amber may have been hired by you, stationed in Tower 3, but I can assure you

she worked for me, not the information. P.S. And so do you. Now, are we going to have any more problems? I wanted to jump over this table and beat the ever-loving fuck out of this man. But he was right. I couldn't give this up, and I hated that. No. No more problems. Good, because we have a lot of work to do. We plan to let the fire burn a little longer, but need to manage it.

Why? If it spreads too far past the highway or not. north of Yellowstone, then too many people will get involved. There's already a lot of people involved. To contain, sure, and we're actively working with them, but we don't want more. Then why let it burn? Because there are still some dangerous people out there. Who are they?

For some reason, he's smirked. People who are sick, people who are unpredictable, people who want to harm us and our research. Why? I love the interest, Marlowe, but let's try to keep things. as they were. Yes? That meant no more questions. The door slid open behind him. A big man with broad shoulders stepped in.

Dr. Spencer, there's a phone call for you. Okay. Marlowe, I do want to say that I value your efforts as a team player. Maybe Mr. Braddock here can give you a proper tour of the facility. He looked to the man behind him. We can't show you everything, but we can't offer a little more insight into why this This place and our work is important. Sure. Show them around, then take them up,

and find out from our team leader what they plan to do to subdue the last few stragglers. Yes, sir. Wait. Yes, Marlowe? I'd still like to at some point recover the body. Give her a proper burial. I could feel my eyes well enough. Okay, that's fine.

Let's give it a little more time, get the fire contained, and then you can do as you wish. I nodded and wiped a tear falling from my eye. I am sorry for your loss. I wasn't sure I truly believe that, but there was nothing I could do at this point anyway. I carried that sentiment the whole stupid tour. And we're back.

So, no tour of the lower levels? Barry shook his head as we exited the elevator. You'll have to ask him about those levels, as even I don't have access. Who does? Besides Spencer, Earl? Earl? No. Earl's communications. Miles and a few others. the scientists, the technicians. I'm just a runner or transporter.

I only have access to these two levels in this facility. This facility? Oh, uh, yeah. Um, there's another facility south of here. Where? He appeared nervous, but for the first time in the last hour, I was distracted from Amber's death. Northwest of Site 5.

There's two? What's over there? I probably should. shouldn't say this, but there's four sectors. Four? Sure. But we don't really use one of them at all. The other is for storage. Sector one is where I and many of the others are housed.

At least the few left over from the old team. And then this one. How many others? How many people work here? Not many from the old team, other than Miles, me, and the other transporters, and maybe two or three techs. you know some of them because you've been in talks Earl and Aaron

I know you've helped them topside a few times both of them sure but they never told me much I just helped with anything that had to do with the forest and trails or arrivals or Tower 4 right I know but old team new company came in and got things going again they brought on a lot more technicians and other workers

but even more were brought on to help with the current situations. The escaped patience. That's how he put it earlier. Yeah. This whole place gave me the creeps, especially when the halls were always empty. We didn't see any of these volunteers. Are they on the restricted levels?

Some, but the rest are housing sector four. Northside five. Yeah. The tour didn't do much for me. I was still hurting. which made it hard to think about anything else, and it wasn't like I was getting much more information anyway. I didn't know why this place was built here,

what they did on the restricted levels, or why secrecy was so important. They mentioned how they were trying to help people through some kind of scientific means, and they did mention a curious drug, but when I pressed that, very couldn't say much. I want to ask a question,

but I'm not sure you can answer it. I'll try my best if it seems like it won't piss off the higher-ups. You say that these people are volunteers, right? Yeah. Then why do you need to bring in a tactical team to chase them down? How come they're dangerous? Because some of the tests don't go according to plan. Okay, I got something.

I wanted to ask more and I planned on it. That is, until we turned the corner and saw... Mike? He was there in the hallway, bruise, bandaged, and barefoot. His eyes widened when he saw us. Shit. He quickly turned down. a different hallway. Stay here. Mike! Barry pulled his gun off his hip and chased after Mike.

I quickly followed. Mike had to be one of these dangerous people, and I wanted to hear from him what happened to Amber. It took a minute, but I finally found the room they were in. I rushed in, but Mike pulled Barry up and pointed a gun at his head. Don't! I froze. Two seconds later, You're a big man. Another guard rushed in. Gun up. I'll kill him. Mike? Just relax. Okay, don't do anything crazy. Probably not the best choice of words, but I had nothing else. Where is he? Miles ran in, holding his hand dripping blood. Did Mike do that? Now I couldn't help but think of Amber again. Did he hurt her?

God damn it, Mike. I was helping you. Don't do this. But the tension continued to escalate until Dr. Spencer entered. Where is Amber? Shit. He didn't know. She's dead. Hearing it again like that was another punch to the gut.

And I could feel my eyes well and up again. How? How? You did it, Mike. You took her with you and put her in danger. And instead of turning yourself in or meeting with Gene, you continue to put her life in danger. Fiery anger rose within me. He did do that.

He manipulated her. Bullshit. Your people did that. They chased us. They shot at us. Now my anger was redirected to Dr. Spencer and the fact that he gave the order. I did my best to control it. But we weren't after Amber. We were after you. The next five minutes were an emotional blur.

Mike was erratic. Mike, if you just... It's okay, Marlowe. He's scared. He has every reason to be. Who gives us shit if he was scared? I just wanted all this to be over. I wanted to leave this place, but also question Mike. but realistically I knew I wouldn't get that chance

back and forth continued what favor favors this company was something else they threatened Mike told me how to take something their drug but Mike had a lot of questions still is it another tracker? No no it's not we already put one in you Mike

they put a tracker in him yeah and I took it out no we know about that one Strickland told us about that Dr. Spencer turned to me It was Strickland, yes? What the hell? He was asking me, who the hell was Strickland? I don't know.

Strickland? Mike's eyes darted between Dr. Spencer and me now. Aaron Strickland. Oh, Aaron. I knew him. I often helped him and Earl at the station of a few times I was required to go to the office in Moran. One of our employees. He let us know so we made sure to implant another.

Miles took care of that while you were in the medical bay. It was weird. Why was Spencer including me in this? Five minutes later, after the wheeled mic away, I found out. What was all that? Coleman report, injection, forgetting stuff. What is it you're doing down here? Are you messing with people's memory?

After gathering the files from the table, Dr. Spencer approached me, smirking. Don't worry about all that. He reached into his shirt pocket, pulled out a small folded. piece of paper. Your total debt right now sits at around 35, yes? What? You owe around 35 in debt to various parties. Is that right? Uh, yeah, roughly. He handed me the folded paper. I unfolded it to reveal a check, made out to me for $35,000. Holy shit. Um, why? I realized I may not have come across as sincere and gracious as I wanted to earlier. I often have trouble conveying sympathy that I do feel,

something my wife often scolds me for. I was listening, but I couldn't take my eyes off the check. We appreciate what you've managed to do for us. Is this a foreword? It's a gift. For my silence. And participation. participation

That's right Don't squander it You walked past me in the hallway But then stopped and turned back We're going to need a lot of help with cleanup, Marlowe And a lot of help with locating some of our still missing Subjects And Amber

Yes, Marlowe, I told you You may still search for her when the fire clears Just then Barry walked up behind me Still rubbing his neck Oh and Mr. Braddock Don't let that happen again. Yeah, uh, Yes, sir.

Good. Now show Mr. Marlowe out. As I left the woods and secret lab behind me, I holstered my weapon and pocketed my phone, both of which were given back to me before I walked out. But I was told to keep my other phone, too, her dedicated calls with Iris. Jesus Christ! Where the hell were you? Let's go. Haley was laying in the back of a helicopter, one leg dangling outside, but she jumped up the moment she saw me approaching. What happened?

One of those goons with all the gear talked to me, said you'd be a while, but then he fucked right off. Sorry. Gene. What happened with Amber? They say she's dead. Did you see a body? No. Then how would they know?

It's an assumption. Climbed in the helicopter. She climbed in the front seat. So we don't believe them? I don't know what to believe anymore. Jane, where the hell were you? I didn't know how much I should tell Haley, so I didn't tell her much at all, even though I was dying to. She didn't put how much of a fight because she knew as did everyone in the station that the company's

secrecy was important. Days passed before we were able to effectively search the area where Amber supposedly fell. I still wasn't quite sure I was being told the whole truth. Maybe that's why I foolishly held out hope. See anything? No. We'd been searching all morning. It was a travesty with the forest below had become.

Wasteland, charred brush and ash. The gray ruins lay far off to the south as we came in and survey and from Site 3. Do you want to try south? I know they said it was further north, but maybe they meant the old mountain trail off wind walk. She meant the Brighton Rock area. No, they had to be further north. But why not head towards the highway?

Isn't it obvious? I pointed to all the commotion to the west. Several helicopters hovered over the highway, still dropping thousands of gallons of water. Sadly, the fire had started to spread past the highway, regardless of that. Well, I'm not seeing anything, Gene. We've patrolled this ridge here the entire way, east and west. We've also been circling for hours on end. We may need to refuel again. Okay, just one more pass, Haley, please. She nodded and turned us northeast. I once again brought my binoculars up.

20 minutes and we're 20 minutes passed and we continue to circle the area. area. Here, let's stop this and instead follow Shoshone. Towards the ranger station? But let's stick to the west side. There's lots of elevation before we reach the road. Maybe they gave us the wrong coordinates. The wrong ridge? Has to be the case. Okay. She turned the chopper and headed north. What about that? We've been over here. Right, but only once. Let's do another pass.

Another 20 minutes flew by and we still saw nothing. Gene, I'm going to have to bring her in to refuel. Okay, that's fine, but we aren't done here. I plan to come out as often as... Wait! You got something? Hard to make out. I was peering through my binoculars, trying to locate the object again.

Holy shit. I think that may be it. Uh, I'm not seeing a place where I can put her down, Gene. I dropped the binoculars to get a better view of the entire area. What about over there? Looks like a clearing. Where? Over there! Okay, let's try it. Want me to call it in?

No, I don't want to call anything in. You don't want to let the company know? Let's wait to make sure first. All right. How far would you say it is from here? Quarter of a mile, if that. Okay. I'm not sure if I want this to be it or not.

I know, Gene. As we walked through the charred forests, I tried to remain calm. Doesn't this just break your heart? That sounded like something Amber would say. And as much as I tried not to think about her, I couldn't help it. I remember the first day taking her out here, how ecstatic she was, how well we were getting along. In a good way? Oh, yeah.

You're not tired? A little winded, but maybe I can sweat off some of my winter wave. Don't act like you haven't noticed. I haven't. Yeah, okay. I'm serious. You're just saying that because you like a girl with a little meat on her bones. Well, look at me. Do I have room to talk?

Yeah, but it's always been your type. Can't help what I like. We walked a long wind walk to Tower 3. I can't wait to see it. I showed you pictures. It's not the same. I get it. I'm telling you, you're going to love it.

Yeah, I know. What's with that voice? I don't like when you're right. Amber had been pretty playful the last few days. I still kept my distance. I didn't want her to accuse me anything. We talked about trying us one more time, but I had to let things play out naturally. No rushing.

I hope I packed it up. You're fine. It's a long walk back to the highway if I did. What could you have possibly forgotten? I don't know. I'm worried about boredom. I thought you're prepared for that with crosswords and books and whatnot. Yeah, but I'm sure after a few weeks I'll realize I forgot something. Hell, I should have brought weights.

Waits? To work out. Oh, stop. You don't look bad. I actually think you look very pretty. She gave me a sarcastic look. Uh-huh. I'm serious. You're even more beautiful than the last time I saw you.

Okay, okay, enough. I'm sweaty and gross right now, and it feels like you're just saying things to make me feel better. Well, I'm not. And you really want to lug weights all this way? Just five-pounders. Something to carry while I go on my morning walks. Morning walks, huh? You said I could do that.

I know. Oh, okay. You just made it seem... Listen, you check for fires every so often and call it in. You have a large map in your cabin. You let us know and we'll judge if it's something we need to deal with. Same for the occupant in Tower 4, right? Right.

What is his name again? Sam. Sam Taverson. You talk to him? I hired him. Hired? Sure. I explained some things to Amber earlier when going into more detail of her duties. But I'd go through my notes with her tonight,

or tomorrow before I took off. I gotta admit, that's actually the thing I'm most nervous about. Not the boredom or loneliness, dark nights, animals, or fires. Just, um, talking to Tower 4. Really? Well, it's just, like, how can I, like, a person with so many of her own problems, really be able to help someone else with theirs? I think you're perfect for it.

If you say so. I told you it'll be simple Just check in every so often And take notes Yeah And only Tower 4 Not the other tower A Tower 1?

Tower 1 is Vic You don't have to check up on Vic No No, I told you Vick's been doing this stuff Long enough You'll be lucky to get more than a few words out of the guy So just Sam and you That's right

Sam and me Which is exactly how I wanted it I figured during the season, with not a lot of people to talk to, we would bond. We would get closer than maybe the off-season we could really work on, strengthen our relationship, and get back to a point where we once were before I fucked up. Whoa. See? The inside's pretty neat. And you still get the inside's pretty neat, and you still get that. awesome view she took her time slowly taking everything in this is awesome you say that now wait till

month two yeah yeah i know everything is here obviously bed table cabinets are full of dishes you got a coffee pot and kettle food storage in the cabinet notebooks pens and whatnot in the desk for my notes And if you want to do any writing Should I dry my hand up poetry? Whatever suits you You can let the woods inspire you Become a female Jack Kerouac Female Jack Kerouac

You couldn't name a single female author He's the only author I know who is also a fire lookout Oh, okay That cabinet's for clothes But there's also an extra pillow and sheets I didn't bring many clothes You don't need many No one's gonna see you or smell you

What about hikers? They're few and far between. Really? Most people stick to the north side of the forest, past the ranger station. Because of Yellowstone? Yeah. This is a lot of dried food.

Told you. She was checking out all the cupboards over the counter and sink. That's a lot of ravioli. I tried to warn you. It's fine. I'm okay with it. When you run low, there's more food in the storage crates in the shack. You mean shed?

I nodded. I already showed her everything below. Storage, fire pit, bathroom, and shower. She was not a fan of the shower. We also do supply drops now, so if you get low on anything, let me know. But don't wait till the last minute. Okay. I really do appreciate this opportunity, Gene.

Thank you. You're welcome. She grabbed her bag, threw it on the large center table. As much as I hate that shower, I think I'm going to test it out since I feel gross. The trail isn't the easiest. It's a lot easier than the eastern side. Trust me. Well, I need to rinse off.

Okay. Um, it's getting pretty late. You don't plan to walk back, do you? Uh, no. I, uh, was planning to sleep here for the night. Oh. Don't worry, I plan on using one of the sleeping bags in the shack. I mean, shed.

But I'll rinse off after you so I don't funk it up. You don't mind if I just, sleep on the floor here do you her mouth twisted and it looked like she was trying to think of something clever to say maybe something even a bit snarky but because she was taking it so long i decided to jump in i'm trying to be gentlemanly here i see that uh but of course i don't mind especially if we're you know i just don't want to move too fast for you that's why you asked me to move in there was that snark you know what i mean i do and I appreciate it.

Was there a bit of manipulation going on? Sure, but I couldn't help it. I knew Amber, and I knew that if I wanted to get close to her again, she had to see change, real change. And it's not like it was a complete act. I smiled thinking about that night. We ended up sharing the bed. Nothing sexual happened, but I did put my arm over her,

and we did cuddle all night. I remember missing that feeling, missing her touch and smell and warmth. It made me glad that I offered her the job. But now... Hey. Yeah. Are you sure we're going the right way? I took a moment to survey our surroundings.

While much of the foliage was charred and some still smoldering, I could just make out the ridge ahead. Yeah, this way. I was right. A few minutes later when we reached the brood. choking and scorched vehicle. You all right? Yeah. I was trying my best to keep my composure.

We walked around the overturned vehicle, the cart. So much was covered in ash and debris. We... We may have to lift it. Haley touched it, seeing if it was hot. It wasn't, but much of it was melted. Can we push it to the side? Against the tree trunk, maybe.

Use the rock for leverage. Okay. My heart was beating rapidly. Would I see her? Is this the last image I want in my head? Let me know when you have a good grip. Okay. Ready?

Yeah. One, two, three. Keep going. Yeah. The thing was wedged, but we managed to turn it onto its side. There! After we got it on its side, I was scared to look down. Jean?

Is it her? There's nothing here. A little bit of hope climbed in me as I looked down at the ash and burnt leaves. Nothing at all. We both started kicking charred twigs and dirt, checking under all the debris. Keep looking. The more we searched, the more I was filled with hope. Maybe, just maybe.

Jean, don't get your hopes up. I know, I know, but keep looking. The next half hour was spent frantically searching. At one point, I was on my hands and knees, pushing black logs aside and brushing away leaves. Anything? Nothing. We brought into our range, expanding ever further. Checking every stone, log, leaf pile.

I'm not seeing anything. Is there a chance she got out? Or do you think they're lying? Maybe she didn't fall. I hated that idea. I didn't even want to think about that. I wanted to remain hopeful. I don't know.

I looked up the cliff face. It's a far drop, but there's a chance she could have survived the fall. Maybe even climb back up? You think? Sure. Amber's a fighter. She's resourceful. I could see her doing it. I could see her doing anything to survive.

Another 20 minutes passed, and we never stopped. Not even for a break. But while I was being filled with more and more hope, I could see Haley did not share in my sentiment. Anything? Still nothing. We're pretty far from the cart now. If all this was on fire, how could she make it out? I don't know, but if we don't find a body...

Gene? I know, I know, but there should be something here. If she really did fall as they said, we would have found something. They didn't lie about the cart, and even if she didn't die from the fall, She would have been injured, but there's nothing, no remains. I think maybe, and I know I could be getting ahead of myself, but just maybe, she escaped. Maybe she survived. Jean?

What? It could be. Jean! I spun to Haley, who wasn't moving anymore. She had a look at sadness, and that's when all my hopes sank, with my heart and stomach. She motioned to the ground before, then slowly moved a large stick with her foot. And there, half buried in ash and debris, blackened, blistered face. I could see more of her charred remains poking through the debris. She was burnt beyond all recognition.

She obviously survived the fall, but couldn't survive the raging fire. I'm sorry. I closed my eyes, forcing a few tears down my cheeks. The image that instantly popped into my mind was that first night in Tower 3. My arm over her as she slept soundly. The night I realized I got her back on the first night in a long time that I was truly happy. This was all my fault. My legs gave out.

I fell to my knees. This was all my fault. You know, You know, and Tower 4, written by Robert M. Lamb, edited by Mia Sukvili and Robert M. Lamb. Dialogue editing by Jack Austin. Starring, Brian Messick as Jean. Gina Coyle as Amber, and Jack Austin as Mike.

Co-starring, Marina Craven, Nick Cornelius, Jim Bradley, Adam Ibin, and Eric Holloway. Music provided by Taco at soundcloud.com slash made by taco. Brett Wilkins at Facebook.com slash Wilkins MusicFL. Kevin McLeod of Incompetec.com. And various artists at artless.io and pawn5.com. If you enjoy Tower 4, visit 7LAM.com for more podcasts such as this one. Also, don't forget to follow 7LAM on Facebook, Instagram, and X at 7LAMP podcasts. And if you'd like to help us out, we are on Patreon.

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