1-4 (remastered) Dry Land

[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. 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.

[00:00:30] Embark on a gripping journey with Erica in Sarah F. Hathaway's Day After Disaster. Don't move, honey. You're in no shape for it. Where am I? We're safe for now in what's left in Newcastle. Currently, we're calling our barn home. Everything else was destroyed in the earthquake.

[00:01:00] How did I get here? I was hoping you could tell us that. My name is Carol. My husband, Henry, has been out looking for survivors since the dam broke. All that water mixed with the chemicals and then the water became a nasty, toxic sludge. We never found anyone alive until we found you. That suit you made was smart.

[00:01:27] It kept the water from eating your skin, but when it got hot, well, it melted. You're going to have some serious scarring. Where is everyone? Why were no rescue attempts made? I never even saw one helicopter. The earthquake has to be bigger than anyone could have imagined. We thought it was just a localized event, but now I'm not so sure. There's been no relief efforts, no National Guard, nothing.

[00:01:57] The TV, computer, phone, nothing works. After months of waiting for emergency action, we're fearful of people altogether. Some people have been looting and killing each other over food. Months? How many months since the quake happened? Two months. Two months? That's impossible. I was down in that hole for two months? Down in that hole?

[00:02:27] I survived in a bomb shelter. But I had no idea I was in there that long. I kept thinking help would come. That means it's... Well, it's July 2nd. Just two days until Independence Day. Oh no, I can't believe this. I have to get home to my family. Don't worry, honey. We'll figure it out in God's time. Right now, you need to rest and get healthy. Now tell me what's your name.

[00:02:57] My name is Erica. Erica Moore.

[00:03:27] You hungry? Starving. Give him some food. Yes, TJ. There's plenty of leftovers. We brought home a lot of new stock. Some real lucers, too. But... Here you go, Yuri. Thank you, Teresa. Your pasta is the best. But what? You know the town to the southeast? You mean Pleasant Hill?

[00:03:57] I thought we were making progress there. Teresa, get me a bottle and a glass. Yes, TJ. You took Pleasant Hill today, TJ. I'm talking about Don Jack. We're reaching out that far already? Your arm is strong, TJ. Your fighters are ready for it. As long as the feds don't think we're overextending. The feds are staying out of our way. They know the black shirts bring order. The black shirts?

[00:04:28] Given the uniforms you picked, I think it's a good nickname. I like it. What about compound defense? Did the scouts find out where those attackers on the southwestern wall came from? Reports say there's a large defensive unit in Raymore. They're actually supplied from Hendersonville. Look into it more. There's no room to expand north or we're going to have one hell of a winter.

[00:04:57] We'll need the supplies. Thanks, TJ. I'm on it. We need more men to maintain order in Fargo. The refugee stream of people into North Dakota is endless.

[00:05:25] Minneapolis and St. Cloud had to come first. We only have so many fighters. I don't know why you even expended the resources on Minneapolis. You should have walled it off to begin with. People panic, Grayson. I saw the city myself. And I saw it was organized into the camp. An order was restored. If you ask me, I say it's about time. These refugees will be the death of us all. How many bushels of wheat and oil can you send to aid the effort?

[00:05:53] I already give too much aid to those people in the camps. I can only give you 50 barrels this time. You own 560,000 acres. And it takes a lot of resources to operate it. And how many able-bodied fighters can you send? I'll send as many as I can, but the boys are trying to get their fields back together so they can plant in the spring. We'll appreciate any volunteers. You know what? Why don't you train the refugees? What landowner wants to leave his land vulnerable?

[00:06:22] Use the refugees to hunt the refugees. It's a great way to reduce their numbers. Interesting way of looking at it. I'll ask for volunteers down in the factory yards as well. You be sure to do that, Major. Look at the time. I have other appointments to get to today. Thank you for stopping by, sir. I'll be sure to relay your contributions to General McClintock.

[00:06:58] How'd that go? That guy's a dick. He was generous enough to donate 50 barrels of wheat and 50 of oil. That's it? I'm not a diplomat, Monroe. McClintock will straighten him out when he gets back.

[00:07:15] Hey, everyone. This is Dale and Lisa from survivalistprepper.net. I played the voice of Lautner. And I played the voice of Carol and Star.

[00:07:43] Over at Survivalist Prepper, we have the podcast. And I also have a new podcast that I'm doing with Brian Duff called The Duff and Dale Show. And you can find me on my YouTube channel, The Budget Equestrian.

[00:07:54] Oh, dear, you're up.

[00:08:29] I'm sorry I wasn't here when you woke. You look much better today. You're probably doing better than this stiff old lady. How long have I been asleep, Carol? Two days since you woke up last. It's the 4th of July. How do you feel? Besides feeling like I was hit by a truck, not too bad. I wish I could do more. Our medications ran out. Even my arthritis medication.

[00:08:59] There must be plantain growing. That's good for wound healing. I know that plant. And we do have some. If I got up, I could help you. I need some clothes, though. Oh, I almost forgot your surprise. Hold on.

[00:09:25] I know it's not much, but I thought this would be much more comfortable than those thick cotton pants you have in your things. Although, I do love that jungle scene. It was the uniform of the restaurant that I worked in. They're all I could salvage. You get dressed and I'll go get a basket of plantain. You stay put. I'll be back. Thank you for the outfit.

[00:10:52] Missy, how you feeling? Good. Well, better. Nice to see you up and about. Well, you really had us worried there a bit. Thank you. You are welcome. I didn't mean to bother you, but Carol said you brought my things. I did. Right over there. That was quite a raft. And that suit. I hardly thought you were human when I found you.

[00:11:21] I can't wait to hear about your adventure. And I can't wait to hear yours. Carol told me you went to Auburn. I must know what's going on. I'll have to go that way to get home. I knew you'd want to go. Your family is all you spoke about in your dreaming. That's why I'm making you these moccasins.

[00:11:52] Once you let the light in, you won't see the beautiful stars. Shining down from afar, afraid of the dark. Do you mind? Only if you don't share. Absolutely. Here you go. Henry, what will I be up against? Don't you ever tell my Carol. I never would. I went there.

[00:12:21] It took me a whole day. It's a much different landscape now. People forming large gangs and hoarding supplies. Everything's being stripped bare. The bodies were being piled up. One compound even decorated the walls with the heads of the fallen.

[00:12:44] It was sickening to see how fast society decayed when faced with a disaster and no sign of relief. I'm telling you, don't go towards those people. Carol, you must take new routes. Not those old familiar routes. What did you do? Don't get off track now. Did you get the supplies? What happened next, Henry? I didn't get any supplies.

[00:13:13] I turned around and came straight home. I can't believe I was stupid enough to leave Carol here all alone. Oh my goodness, honey. What are you doing down here? You need to be upstairs resting. Give the gal a break, Carol. She just needs to get a good stretch. I'm sorry, Carol. I'm feeling restless. And I figured I'd check on my things and have a smoke. You know those things will kill you.

[00:13:42] I don't think in your condition that it's the best idea, but I guess a little fresh air won't hurt. Hurry upstairs. We'll be up later, hon.

[00:14:29] Do it, you think slow, brother. Really? Work up a sweat if I don't play with them. Ha ha, I like the way you think. I'm going to get a shower. I'll see you later.

[00:14:49] Run in the trash, Robert.

[00:15:29] I'm telling you, Chuck, the things people throw away nowadays. Let's see what you got here. You're the kid we saw running from those boys a few days ago, aren't you? Aren't you? What's the problem, kid? You a mute? Answer the man. Yeah, but what is it to you? You got some spirit in you, don't you? I guess so. What's your name, kid? TJ. TJ. Does it stand for something? Nope, just TJ.

[00:15:58] My name is Robert Lee. My daddy named me after the greatest general in U.S. history. But you can call me Mr. Lee. You don't know who General Lee was, do you? A dead guy? Ha ha ha. I like this kid. We should keep him. Where's your family? I don't have a family, Mr. Lee. It's just me. Don't cry, son. It doesn't befit a man. Love will only break you.

[00:16:26] I can teach you to forget your love and use your anger to best any man. Would you like that? I guess I would like that. You guess you would like that. Son, you're either in or you're out. I don't give second chances. I'm in. If you pledge yourself to me, I promise you will be one of the strongest men the world has ever known. But you will belong to me forever.

[00:16:55] Yes, Mr. Lee. I would pledge myself to you. Prove it. How can I do that, Mr. Lee? Take off your shirt. If you hesitate, even for a moment, you can walk right back out that door. But you better find a new trash can to live in.

[00:17:24] You are mine. Good. Not even a tear. You're a strong boy. Now, you see that mop bucket over there? Yes, sir. You go get it and fill it up. Put some bleach in it and clean that floor out there. Yes, sir.

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[00:18:19] 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. Are you meeting with another diplomat? Major?

[00:18:49] Elena Porter. Another rich landowner from the West? I hear she puts the hoity in toity. Great. Can't wait for McClintock to get back. Tired of all these meetings. I can't wait for McClintock to get there easier. I'm tired of waiting. Maybe he'll have news of survivors from the West. I'll feel better when we can go ourselves. Honestly, Lapierre, I will too. I'll catch up with you guys later.

[00:19:19] My mind is wild. Major Virgis, I presume? You presume correctly, ma'am. I don't intend on taking up too much of your time. I'm well aware that you're a busy man, and your efforts are noted and appreciated. Thank you, ma'am. It's a damn shame what happened to this country. But I don't believe we need to live like animals. I couldn't agree more.

[00:19:47] My late husband used to say that a man wasn't worth a lick without his dignity. I appreciate how you've created an opportunity for an individual to earn his dignity. That was exactly the thought when we rebuilt the factories to produce these homes. You know a woman whose home was destroyed and the quake developed them? Quite ingenious if you ask me. Are we not all still God's children? I assume we can expect your support then? The mercenary forces will have a steady supply for my stockyards, but I expect a significant presence within my communities.

[00:20:17] We can arrange for that. What about fighters? My people are happy to give their supplies, but hesitant to leave their land. The refugees are going to have to help us protect it if they want to share the fruits of our labor. That seems fair enough to me. It will give them a sense of personal satisfaction. You yourself ready fighting skills for provisions. Yes, I do, ma'am. So why should they be any different? They shouldn't, ma'am. I like you, Burgess. You seem like a sensible man. We appreciate your support, ma'am.

[00:21:07] Strange. Henry didn't wake me up to go on patrol this morning. I'm feeling so much better. I have to go soon. I've been gone like three months now. I've got to go find out if Vince and Dex are okay. But what about Henry and Carol? They need more protection.

[00:21:37] I wonder where they are.

[00:22:12] I want you to meet my son and his family. They've finally arrived. This is Harold, Betsy, Jennifer, Kim, and little Rob. Everyone, this is Erica. Hello, everyone. You made it. Finally. We stayed at our house trying to help the neighborhood and waiting for emergency help. When we realized they weren't coming, we headed here. It's such a blessing to have you home.

[00:22:42] All of you. We got to ride these horses all the way here just like the old west. It was a wild ride. Good thing for all those jumping lessons she took. I ain't afraid of the dark. Once you let the light in, you won't see the beautiful stars shining down from afar. I ain't afraid of the dark.

[00:23:06] I can't take this anymore. I have to go.

[00:23:37] I hate goodbyes anyway.

[00:24:16] You can go ahead and put that saddle on that little black paint over there. Her name is Artez. You can take that little brown one as the pack horse. Kit's steady and can pull a cart too. Henry, I can't do that. Yes, you can. How will I feed them? Besides, I already packed up your supplies. Henry, I...

[00:24:44] Yeah, I'm not good with goodbyes either. Let's just say, I'll see you later. Sounds good. I'll see you later then.

[00:24:53] This is Jane Austen, otherwise known as Survivor Jane, and the voice of Dolores Chapman.

[00:26:01] 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.

[00:26:29] We have the headquarters located. Show me. It's here. They have snipers here, here, here, and here, at the four corners. And the main force of our army is hitting them on the south.

[00:26:57] We are coming up from the south, here. I sent a small team, Vest, to come in here. I figured we can take this point, install our snipers, and work from there. But they're fortified here, on the east side. Let's take a crew and hit them from the north on that point before we push in. We'll have to take out this sniper. Here.

[00:27:27] But I have a mean little kid. Super stealthy. I bet he can get in there. Little Nate? Ah. That kid's only 15, but he's a scrapper. Send him out. Let's see what he can do.

[00:28:49] Lucky? He's not even worth my time. Tell the men to wrap this up. You and I can go home before dinner. Sounds like a plan to me.

[00:28:56] He's helping me while your dad was gone.

[00:29:49] It was more fun than going to meetings all day with Mr. Serious. At least you take time to play with me. Your dad has a lot of responsibilities, Johnny. He's looking out for all of us, but I assure you, he loves you. Yeah, he never says it, though. Give him a chance, Johnny. Look, here comes his car.

[00:30:26] How was class while I was gone? Did you reach the goals I had set out for you? Look what I made for you from a stick. I whittled it myself. That's nice. Virgis, three more towns? Yes, sir. Mission objectives completed. He whittled it just for you. And I said it was nice, Johnny. I'll see you at home. Virgis, walk with me to my office. Yes, sir.

[00:30:55] Tell me about the diplomatic meetings. Grayson is a fine piece of work. Isn't he? A real tightwad, too. Only 50 barrels of wheat and 50 of oil. No fighters. And porter? Full access to supplies. And fighters?

[00:31:25] Funny. That's the one thing they agreed on. They say refugees should be trained to fight. What do you think? Doesn't hurt to ask for volunteers. I'd rather fight than work in a factory. While you're asking my opinion, can I give you one more? Go ahead. Take the afternoon off and go spend it with your son. Johnny understands my schedule. No, Johnny hates your schedule. It's tough. Virgis. The boy doesn't respect me.

[00:31:55] He doesn't know you. Speaking of families, we're heading out in the morning. I made you a promise and I'll honor it. Take a full regiment and keep your eyes open. It's a different world out west. I will, sir. Leave me stranded. I know how to handle it all on my own.

[00:32:39] Thank you for listening to the Changing Earth audio drama. Based off of the novel series, The Changing Earth by author Sarah F. Hathaway. Available at Amazon or get your signed copies at www.changingearthseries.com. This content is copywritten in 2021 by author Sarah F. Hathaway.

[00:33:02] 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. 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.