1-6 (Remastered) New Acquaintances

[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. Mommy? Mommy? Star, you have to be quiet. But, Mommy? I know. She's dead. She died while you were sleeping. Star, she told me to take you with me.

[00:00:58] We have to get moving. We've been here too long already. What about Mommy? We can't leave her. We have no choice, Star. You saw that man. There could be more. We have to go. Now. You have to trust me now. I'll protect you. Okay? Okay. Here we go.

[00:01:29] I ain't awake with a sound. But since hunting there's a dream of a night. Oh, I wish the sun would rise. And see the clouds pass by. I didn't want to say goodbye to you. But you're gone.

[00:01:58] Hey, Erica. What's up, Star? I have to go. Okay. Okay. Let's stop here and have a break. Here. Eat this, Star. Thanks.

[00:02:35] What's wrong, Erica? Nothing. What are you thinking about? You're looking right at me, but it feels like you don't even see me. I have to decide what route to take home. Home? Your home? Do you think it's still there? I don't know. But we're going to find out. I think we'll keep riding the forested edge of what used to be the lake for a ways up.

[00:03:02] Hopefully we can go far enough to avoid major groups. The bad people are everywhere, Erica. Don't worry. We're going to make it. But right now, we've got to find someplace to hide for the day.

[00:03:36] Your breakfast is ready, TJ. Put it on the table. I'm hungry. Good morning, TJ. Laudner? That girl was a beauty. You know I've got your back. You done with her? No. You can put her in my cell. I'll get her out to play later.

[00:04:07] You got it. What about him? He's not going anywhere until he starts talking. Oh. Trust me. I'll have him begging at my feet in no time. You're sick, brother. Yeah, but it works. You can make a loyal dog of anyone, given enough time. Mr. Lee wants to see you over at the gym. You may be late already.

[00:05:15] It's your gringo friend. He didn't get busted. Whew, brother. Where have you been? Reason? It's so late you got there. I've been living at the gym on North 13th and St. Charles Street. Sorry about you, Romano, but I'm glad you didn't get busted. Me too.

[00:06:07] Where have you been, TJ? That story is never going to fly. Is that him? It's him. Better come up with something better than that. Fence, son. I went to the store for Chuck. That took you an hour? I saw an old friend, Javier. We got into some talking and... Did Chuck ask you to go talk with your friends? No. So you made that choice. Yes, Mr. Lee.

[00:06:37] Wrong choice, TJ. Chuck, you have a new sparring dummy. And TJ, remember what I said about knocking out my fighters. Learn how to take it.

[00:06:54] You need to recover. You couldn't have picked a better place.

[00:07:23] Wouldn't agree more, my brother. Hey, you boys look lonely. You need some friends? Well, yes, ma'am, we do. Come with us now. We'll put a smile on your face. How about you, soldier? I'm all set here. Thanks anyway. Suit yourself. Read about LaPierre?

[00:07:53] We came out here for him. He wanted to find his family. I hate to be the one to tell you, but I haven't heard of any survivors of the devastation that hit that valley. You've had work from California? We've intercepted two refugee transports headed for Las Vegas. We needed more fighters. What's the word? It's something like a hellscape in there. The supplies are gone, and the survivors are fighting for the scraps.

[00:08:23] We came all this way. The feds don't let anyone in or out. What about mercs? Mercly sent teams. Not that I heard, but my ears only go so far. What are you going to do when you go back? My job. There's so much to rebuild. We have to focus on the survivors. We have to grow food for everyone. I'm sorry, Cassidy. As cold as it sounds, we have to maintain order or a lot more people are going to die. I understand.

[00:08:53] The citizens do appreciate the fact that you got the pharmaceutical operations working again. That's what I'm talking about, and even that needs work. The supplies are very limited. I understand your point of view, but someone has to roll up their sleeves and put this country back together. So noble. As are you. You know, you're hot when you're stubborn. And you're sexy when you are sassy. I have my own room.

[00:09:22] I've got nothing but time. 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 attention. You know.

[00:09:44] Are you paying attention to what is happening in our great nation?

[00:10:17] Are you prepared? If not, come see us at HopeForSurvival.com. That's HopeForSurvival.com. Be safe and be blessed. Erica, the bad people, they hear.

[00:10:59] You seeing the obvious weak spots, Steve? See where the wall is only made of sheet metal? If we could throw something sharp through it with the barb, we could rip those walls wide open. I'm buying what you're selling. Too bad we couldn't find those horses that left those tracks. We could be more mobile down there. We have one truck that can make it. It's gonna have to be enough. I had the materials to make the grapplers. We could be ready by nightfall. Let's get back to the cabin.

[00:11:30] We better be ready by tonight. I heard a rumor those people are getting ready to leave. Leaving? Where? Where would anyone go? I don't know and I don't care. They have a good spot to access the river. They have food and they have some smart guys down there. Plus, I heard there's a half a dozen women down there. We need to take them before they go. What are you talking about, Doug? If they leave, we can have their camp without a fight. Think about it, Steve. Those men are smart.

[00:11:59] They can get our power system dialed in. They can get more of our machines running. If they don't want to work, they won't eat. And women, Steve, I don't know about you, but I could be one of those right about now. They can cook, clean, and take care of our needs. If you know what I mean. I gotta admit, I could really use the company right about now. But what will the others say? If they don't like it, they are more than welcome to leave. But let's arrive in our thing.

[00:12:49] We have to go now. What's wrong? The men from Otter. They're planning an attack on the people down at the river. We have to stop it. What took you so long? My business is my own.

[00:13:20] Okay. Tell him that. You are now in the presence of a... Tell me what? That I didn't mean to keep you waiting, Mr. Lee. Since when? You're always late. You wanted to see me? What's going on with the prisoner? It's just a matter of time. What's taking you so long? I made a bet with Yuri. What? I bet Yuri he would last two days.

[00:13:48] So now Yuri's doing your job? I'm not going to lose the bet. This is no time to screw around, TJ. I'll get the information. Don't worry. Did you send the teams to California after my wife? I did. None of them are back yet. Even your teams are late. That's not fair, Mr. Lee. You know as well as I do what it's like out there. I know. But I keep thinking about her. If your wife survived, we'll find her, Mr. Lee.

[00:14:17] You train us to be the best. What have you heard otherwise? The feds are securing and rebuilding the farms in the central region. They've partnered with their private contractors that call themselves the Mercs in the north and west to secure those regions. Texas has secured its own border. There's many organized militias scared and defending their own communities. End your game tonight. Tomorrow. Then I can still win the bet.

[00:14:45] In that case, Serge, bring us some ladies. Suzy. Yes, Mr. Lee. Get a bottle and some glasses. I like the way you think, Mr. Lee.

[00:15:11] Hi, this is Sarah F. Hathaway, the creator of the Changing Earth series and the voice of Erica Moore. Visit changingearthseries.com to explore the novels behind the drama and the survival knowledge behind the stories. Join the Changing Earth membership program and get one week early access to the show. We appreciate you helping the Changing Earth world go round. Visit us at www.changingearthseries.com.

[00:15:37] That's www.changingearthseries.com. And there's nothing you can do? His bowels were destroyed, Virgis. It would have been tough surgery before the great quake. Son of a... I'm taking my team into California. I'm going to find his family.

[00:16:22] Suit up, we're going to California. What about Le Pierre? He won't be coming with us. Now or ever. Let's go find his family. We were dancing on the line.

[00:16:57] Look at all the vehicles. They just left them. Where did they all go? I don't know. We found holes in these walls. Seemed so strong until they fall.

[00:17:14] No one told me a transport was coming in today.

[00:17:44] I'm part of the mercenary force. We have orders to go in California. Ah. Hold on, sir. Looks like numbnuts need someone's permission. Go on in, sir. Take a left and you'll see the command building on the right. Gunnery Sergeant Nickleton will meet you there.

[00:18:39] Why do I get the feeling we're being handled? Because we are. You guys wait here. Yes, sir. And you are? Gunnery Sergeant Ben Nickleton, sir. Merkley sent my squad out here to get information on the refugee families. Nice to meet you. I was wondering if Merkley actually sent anyone. Come on in to the back office where we can talk.

[00:19:18] The feds won't let us cross the line, but I've been collecting information on survivors. Who are you looking for? A family with the last name LaPie. They were in Sacramento. Haven't heard of any survivors from Sacramento or west of it. Most of the refugees are from the East Nairn mountain ranges. Or they were trying to get back into California from out of state. Thus all the cars on the highway. Exactly. The feds are busing them south. They won't even let your team in? They can't guarantee security within the border.

[00:19:48] They've shut down the state. If you can make it out, you win the prize of being bused to Vegas. What are they going to do with all those people there? Hell if I know. What are they going to do with all the people everywhere? Guess we'll figure it out as we go. There's going to be a lot to figure out. Oh, hold on. Here comes another quake. It's been settling down. They still have a lot here.

[00:20:10] What do you want?

[00:21:25] I want to use your crossing. I have information about the gang in Auburn. How do you know about them? Maybe you're one of them. How else would one small woman and a child make it past them? Maybe they sent you here. No one sent me here. I'm just trying to get home to my family in Georgetown. How do we know you are who you say you are? I only have my word.

[00:21:49] I've already been through hell and back and thought maybe, just maybe, I could find one decent person left in this world. I know about their plans and I can help you, but that's fine. I'll just find another way to cross. Let's go, Star. They're letting us in.

[00:22:31] Hey everyone, 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, Citroen, Spotify with my co-host Andrew Bobo.

[00:22:45] You might as well show yourself and face me like a man. Or like a woman. You all alone? No, she's not. Just the two of you? How about three? Still not enough.

[00:23:51] Keep your hands off me. Help Chuck. Come up and get this girl from my house. Put this whore in my cell instead. I'm an arrow, can you stop me?

[00:24:34] I didn't sleep last night. He was a good friend and a brother in arms. They had niece then? Yes. I hope you won't forget the kindness I showed your friend. My offer still stands. I'll have Merkley send a team for your protection. As you can see, we have enough protection. Just make sure the feds don't round us up. I'll do what I can. You have my word.

[00:25:21] The PA went to meet his family last night. He will be missing. That's for sure. Dolores, where's Cassidy? I'd like to say goodbye. She left last night. Thank you for your efforts. Guess she's not one for goodbye, Major. Guess not. Let's move, boys. I'm a traveling spirit.

[00:25:49] I've seen many shows. From the West Pacific to the island of Kenya. They treat me like a son. Anywhere I go. I still feel that. Thank you for listening to the Changing Earth audio drama.

[00:26:16] 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. For a list of performers, music, and noise attributes, head on over to www.changingearthseries.com.

[00:26:43] 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.