1-3 (Remastered) Two Months After Disaster

[00:00:00] She started her day at home in the mountains just like any other. There was nothing unusual about making the familiar drive down to Sacramento to go to work. Then, in a flash, Mother Nature decided it was time to create a new landscape.

[00:00:17] Follow the journey of a dynamic young woman, mother and wife, Erica, as she is thrust into a world turned upside down by a series of natural disasters. Embark on a gripping journey with Erica in Sarah F. Hathaway's Day After Disaster. Thank God for these sunglasses. My eyes are burning from that sun. How long was I down in the dark, I wonder?

[00:00:48] Darn this raft. It's too big. Three paddles to the left, walk to the right, three paddles there. I have to keep this thing balanced. Damn, that's hot. The umbrella. At least I can get out of the sun. I'll wedge it in the crate. A little duct tape. There we go. Much better.

[00:01:11] And it's catching the wind. Pulling me right. I wonder if I paddle on the left. It worked! Nice.

[00:01:39] There's no light. Light anywhere.

[00:01:46] Now the pages are turning. Got used to the hiding. Now you're feeding the doubt. That's not your place. Rage at the light.

[00:02:09] I'm asleep when the current touched me. How far did it take me? A building. I'm in a building. I got caught in this debris. Oh my God. It's bodies. All dead bodies. I have to get out of here.

[00:03:25] My name is Teresa. My family was killed in the quake. All I ever knew was caring for them. I'm so appreciative of the way you've saved this community. I would love to come to work for you. I'll make sure your home is clean and you'll have the best pasta in existence in your belly. It sounds like a plan. You can move your things into the extra room in my home. Excellent, sir. Thank you, sir.

[00:04:17] Hello, TJ. Teresa. Smells good in here. Pasta will be ready in 30 minutes. Good. I'm an arrow. Can you stop me?

[00:05:20] Since before the quake. I can make do with these dehydrated foods, but just wait until the fresh tomatoes come in from the garden. It has been too long, Major Viljus. I need to find my family.

[00:05:49] General McClintock assured me that as soon as he gets back, we are heading that way. Right now, I need you to focus. Can you do that, LaPiang? Yes, sir. I want minimal casualties. It's not their fault they lost their homes. Yes, sir. Sometimes letting go can make your... Sometimes the road seems stark as night.

[00:06:48] This is one of the towns scheduled for rebuild this week. I want them rounded up quickly with minimal casualties. Left and flank. Yes, sir. You four. You with me. Champion, you take a team and flank to the right. Yes, sir. You four. You're with me. Let's start pushing in.

[00:07:29] You said... I know what I said, LaPiang. We eliminate the one, hopefully the mini. Now you go for just quiet. No one has to die here today. Put your weapons down and come out. We have food, homes, and jobs for you. We're coming out. See, Sergeant, that wasn't so tough. Get that man a doctor. I've got a medic, but we're short on doctors, Major.

[00:07:57] I'll see what I can do about that. You should know that When your dreams have

[00:08:26] Another swings open, that's life And not to dwell It's just before talk

[00:08:40] 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.

[00:09:09] We appreciate you helping the Changing Earth world go round. Visit us at www.changingearthseries.com That's www.changingearthseries.com Today's the day. I'm going to reach shore for sure.

[00:09:40] No more oats and water over this tiny candle. I might have a smoke before I start paddling. Is that smoke from my spirit? No. What the heck is that? Looks like a huge fire in the west. Maybe it's a wildfire. With all the water. How can it be burning?

[00:10:10] Look how black that smoke is. It looks like it's coming from that huge coma. Is it a volcano? Wow, it's a long way off. What can it do to me way out here? I don't care anyway. Today is the day I reach land. I find someone to drive me home. I'll walk all the way if I have to.

[00:10:36] But soon I'll be there with my husband and my son in my arms again.

[00:10:42] Is the water steaming?

[00:11:11] Why would it be steaming? That's weird. Oh well. A little further to go. I'm going to go. I'm going to go.

[00:11:29] I'm going to go.

[00:12:49] I'm going to go.

[00:13:40] I'm going to go.

[00:15:20] I'm going to go.

[00:15:23] I'm going to go.

[00:15:57] Have faith, Earl. What did you do before the quake? I had a veterinary clinic in California. My wife and I were on vacation when the quake hit. In Minnesota? No. We were in Washington visiting my mother. We needed to fly here last minute to deal with some legal issues with the property. We just arrived when the quake hit. You know, Earl, we're awfully short on doctors in town. Your medical expertise could certainly be of use. I'd really rather work with animals. I understand.

[00:16:26] And as soon as we have more doctors trained, you can return to that profession. Sound like a deal? I think I can live with that. Good. Report to the clinic in town. What's your last name? I'll let them know you're coming. Last name is Moore. Thanks, Doc. We'll see you in town. I have learned that no one else can carry this load. It's a train where I enjoy on this road.

[00:16:56] But even so, I still feel that... Oh, what? She's awake. Hold her down. I just need to grab one more piece. Oh, get away from me!

[00:17:36] Honey. We're not trying to hurt you, honey. We're trying to help. Here, now drink this. My body! It burns! We have to remove that clothing that melted to your skin. It's gonna hurt some more.

[00:18:20] I missed you. How did it go? It went perfectly. The doctor says you'll be back on your feet in no time. I was worried I wouldn't make it home. Now, why would you say a thing like that? You can't get rid of me that easy. I love you, Vince. I love you too, baby. Look who's here. Mommy, you're awake!

[00:18:46] Hey, everyone.

[00:19:18] This is Phil Rabley from the Matter of Facts Podcast, voicing the role of Cole Verges. 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.

[00:19:30] You're rebuilding the world. You can choose to become a part of it and earn a spot within my city, or you can go into the federal system and get placed in a labor camp. The choice is yours. Free country indeed.

[00:20:00] I'll never bow to you. Yuri? Sounds like he prefers a labor camp. Sounds like it to me. Trent, take him to a holding cell. Come on, you. Fight for your freedoms. Choice, and choose wisely.

[00:20:20] Good choice, TJ.

[00:21:13] Move your feet, woman. No! You heard the man.

[00:21:48] Hello, TJ. What's for dinner? Pork chops and green beans. Put it on the table and go to your room. You can do the dishes in the morning. Yes, TJ. You said I had a choice. I volunteered to work in your city? Why am I here? No one asked you to speak.

[00:22:16] You said we could be free. Did I? Well, no. But I thought if I did... Everyone has a role to play. And you will be working in the city. After I'm done with you, I'm sure my men can find a use for you. No!

[00:22:46] Then be a good girl and do your job. Yes, TJ. It's coming together, Monroe. Yes, sir. It is. People work fast. It almost seems... normal now. It certainly does. How are Lapierre and Cook doing in their towns?

[00:23:16] Progressing steadily, sir. Lapierre had another group of refugees come through today, but... They weren't looking for a fight. Just a warm bed. Easy pickings. Sir. Does it ever feel wrong rounding up these people? I don't see that we have a choice. Orders are orders, and... They'd be chaos without the factories to put them to work. I guess so. Hey, Jabirgis, sir. What's up, Chappy?

[00:23:45] There's a woman here to see you. Who? I don't know. She only wants to talk to you. Let's go, then. You should never keep a lady waiting, right? She looks more like a warrior than she does a lady. That's her in the corner, sir. You asked for me? Major Cole Virgis? Yes, ma'am. And you are?

[00:24:14] My name is Cassidy Baker. And why did you want to see me, Miss Cassidy Baker? I just wanted to see if you were as handsome as I heard you were. Somehow I doubt that, but I'll play along. So am I? You are. I heard you have a soft spot for the refugees. We're all people, right? It's not their fault they took the brunt of the tsunami. But we need unity. It's the only way to produce enough food. Where did you come from, Cassidy? The West.

[00:24:44] Why come to me asking me about how I feel about my job? Your job? A man has to eat right. I'm no farmer. Why come to me, Cassidy? There are others that feel we can survive as free communities that can exist and still be free. I've heard about those towns out west. People huddled up, fearful for their lives. I've heard the same about the federal lands. But it isn't the refugees causing the fear. It's the government. We have to restore order.

[00:25:16] I represent that group of people. And we feel that the mercs could stand as a check against the new government. I can see this situation getting out of control. You wouldn't want to imagine some of the protocol in place for these types of incidences. On the other hand, I could report you. And I could disappear into the night. And you would never hear from me again. Why should I trust you?

[00:25:41] Because you know in your heart this isn't right and what has to be done. Someone has to make certain that this country doesn't fall to the unquestioned law of a select few. The FEMA board weren't even elected by the people and they are in control. I'm not in a position to direct the Merck army. But you have to trust General McClintock. My, my, you are well informed.

[00:26:11] The feds weren't the only ones with plans in place for a collapse scenario. I will talk to General McClintock, but I can't make any guarantees. He is committed to saving this country. So am I. I'm trying to breathe, but The air feels just like water You're making me weak now What doesn't kill you makes you Our hands touch once or twice We should let them in

[00:26:44] Thank you for listening to the Changing Earth audio drama. Based off of the novel series, The Changing Earth by author Sarah F. Hathaway.

[00:27:14] Available at Amazon or get your signed copies at www.changingearthseries.com. This content is copywritten in 2021 by author Sarah F. Hathaway. For a list of performers, music, and noise attributes, head on over to www.changingearthseries.com. Become a subscriber and help the Changing Earth world go around.

[00:27:39] Pick up your Changing Earth gear at www.changingearthseries.com. Don't forget to leave a review or like and subscribe. Stay tuned for the next episode of the Changing Earth audio drama.