2-8 Nine Years Later (Remastered)

[00:00:00] Life was so simple when I was young. I fell in love, graduated from college, and started a family. We shopped in supermarkets, sipped coffee, and watched TV. We should have known it was coming. The Bible foretold it. Nostradamus predicted it. And the Hopi elders told stories about it.

[00:00:24] The Great Quake. The Earthquake that changed everything. People who lost it all became climate refugees, and those that didn't became elitist landowners. They call me the lone survivor of Sacramento. The savior of the refugees. But I'm just a woman, a wife, a mother. This is life on the changing earth.

[00:00:51] Let me out of here! Please! Let me out of here! Did you help organize the riot? Yes! I told you! Yes! You understand that behavior can never happen again.

[00:01:15] Fuck you! Let me out of this box! I can't stand another day in the heat! This hood is going to kill me! I'll take the hood off if you agree you're going to follow the rules. No more martial arts training, no inciting violence, no disorderly behavior directed at any of the guards here. Do you understand? I'm an American! I was born free! And I will die free! If you can't agree, you are going to die in that box.

[00:01:45] Let me out! A dream. Just another dream. Never forget that damn box. You freaking jerk off! Follow the rules! You have to conform! Screw him! Call the day!

[00:02:27] How could they have cut California off? Baby, you ready yet? Oh, yeah! Be out in a minute! I'm going to have to change that bucket under the sink later. What's wrong? You've been crying? Nothing. Really. I'm fine.

[00:02:57] Oh, no. Not again, Erica. We are not doing this today. We have to forget the past. We couldn't change it then, and we can't change it now. I'm not doing anything, Vince. That's right. You're not. This could be our chance to get out of this. This hellhole. And you are not going to blow it again with all your freedom rhetoric. Why would you say that?

[00:03:25] Because this could be the opportunity we need to get our family out of here. An opportunity to get back to a free, real life. A chance to reclaim some of our past. And maybe... What? Find my family. They have to be out there. That's not fair, Vince. You feel the same way I do about how they treat the people here.

[00:03:54] Baby, you know I do. But we need to get out of here. I know. I'd give anything to leave this place. I can't believe it's been nine years. You know I can't give up on what I know is right. Someone has to do something for these people. Just please, let's not let that someone be you doing something today. Okay?

[00:04:25] Okay. Okay. Okay! I'll keep my mouth shut and play nice for you today. Promise? I promise. Look what I did this morning. Did you paint that with the paints Mrs. Crawford gave you? Daniel? Yeah! The colors are great. I can't believe she found them. It is a rarity.

[00:04:54] And that painting is beautiful. Where's Star and Dex, Daniel? They said they meet us at the bus. The sprouts are going great. You want some, baby? No, thanks. Come on, guys. We gotta go. Let's get your paints cleaned up, Danny. Aw, Dad. Don't owe Dad me, mister. Let's go.

[00:05:26] Y'all set? Mr. Lee, you here? TJ, my son. I'm headed out. Going to meet with Commander Gray?

[00:05:56] Yes, Mr. Lee. Yuri and I are taking those refugees that just came in at Lawner's bringing entertainment for the colonel. You look tired, son. After you're done, you should take the night off and relax a little. I've got too much to do, Mr. Lee. TJ, it's not a request. Enjoy yourself with your men. You've earned it. Yes, Mr. Lee. I gotta go. They're waiting on me. You got them all zipped up? Of course. Let's go then.

[00:07:25] Nice haul, TJ. There's always more where that came from. And Lawner is bringing the girls in? Yes, sir. He's making his way there now. There's a world that we know.

[00:07:52] You know, TJ, your stock of refugees is always the best. You should consider branding them. I may have to try that, sir. What are you doing later tonight? The boys and I are letting our hair down. Not that I have any. You should come by. You know, I may just do that. I need to talk with you privately anyhow. Sounds like a plan, then. Yuri, wrap it up. Yes, sir.

[00:08:48] Hello, TJ. Teresa. Teresa. It smells good in here. Pasta will be ready in 30 minutes. I'm having the boys over for dinner and a show tonight. Pasta will be ready in an hour. Good.

[00:09:37] Who's this? This is Anthony Gerber. You'll like him, TJ. He can hold his own and shares your love of pain. I'll take you at your word, sir, Jay. He's your responsibility. He said a pasta smells wonderful. You know it's the best. You boys want a beer?

[00:10:08] Commander Gray. So glad you could make it. Please, TJ. I'm here on my own time. Call me Carl. Well then, Carl. Have a seat and join us at my table. Teresa's made some authentic Italian spaghetti. It was her mother's recipe, and I can assure you, it's the finest around. You know my boys, Yuri, Sergei, Chuck Laudner, and this runt is Anthony Gerber. Dinner is served.

[00:10:35] I want to make a request of you before we start drinking, TJ. Fire away. I was in the government before any of this happened. We're going to have to maintain our tight grip on this country if we're going to continue surviving. We need all our resources working in unison, and that doesn't leave room for dissension. How do I fit into all of this?

[00:11:05] I know what you did before the great quake. We had our eyes on Mr. Lee, but his teams were skilled. He didn't make too many waves, had a nice legit front, and didn't deal with drugs. His connection to the cartel also protected him. The point is, I know your work, and the colonel needs your services. My secret police force is handling the central region, but now, with the adoption laws,

[00:11:32] we need someone who can target individuals in the north, south, and west. We need you to hunt down these people. Here's a list. Some come back here, and some I just want to remind who's in charge now. I think I can handle that. You'll be in the colonel's good graces with access to any of the supplies you need for your men or your compound. Yuri, take this and make it happen. Enough business.

[00:12:01] I wanted to take the night off and enjoy it with my crew. Let's drink. Yuri, go get the girly I picked out. Okay, TJ. Leave the dishes for the morning, Teresa. It's time for you to go to your bed. Yes, TJ. You gentlemen have a nice evening.

[00:12:37] Here she is. Put her in the chains. What's up with that? Don't worry about her. I've been thinking about the comment you made. Tight grip? Yeah? Remember that revolt out in Las Vegas? That was four years ago. A woman started it. Why didn't they kill her? She went into the re-education program. The whole thing was weird. I mean, the infertility law was passed a year before the actual riot.

[00:13:06] If I was out there on the edge of the Badlands, those refugees would never have questioned my authority. The man in charge, Matthew Tweed, is doing a fairly decent job. He refused to prepare the water so he wouldn't have a place to put idle hands to work. No water in the desert? Now that's a motivator. The woman who orchestrated the riot has a crew with her from California. They spent weeks in the hot boxes out there, and she spent months in it.

[00:13:36] Haven't heard a peep from them since. I would have killed her, but I guess the program works. I like the way you think, Carl. Actually, I've been thinking about a suggestion you made earlier. See, Carl, there's only one woman that stays with me, and that's Sheila. Yuri, take off her shirt.

[00:14:04] Earlier, you mentioned a brand, and I've been thinking on it. It was a joke, TJ. No, no, no. Hear me out, Carl. I'll bet you two bottles of moonshine I could put my initials on her back with Sheila. But I don't want that garbage that gets traded on that street. I want some of your good stuff. You've done it before? No, I never have.

[00:14:34] I've never seen him do it. Me, need it. A wager it is, then. No one is that good. Now, don't move, girly. This is going to hurt. A lot. Please, don't. Sir, I'll do whatever you want. Don't worry. You'll do that anyway. Here goes nothing. Now for the tricky part.

[00:15:05] There you go, Carl. My brand. Your mate can bring the liquor by tomorrow. I'll be down, TJ. You're good. You like that? That was epic. But if you give her any more, you'll ruin your heart. You want more? Then we'll give the artwork a frame. We're out of control. You want the first turn with her? Hell yeah. Yuri, take her to my room.

[00:15:35] Can I go get more ladies, TJ? Bring them. I don't want anything to do with her. We searched this area two years ago. So, we're searching it again. The thermals we picked up last night showed they were coming this way. I'm telling you, there's tunnels or something. Thermals just can't disappear. This team is smart. Keep scanning, Monroe. If they're reflecting the signal with mylar blankets, eventually their heat will show

[00:16:05] out to the sides. Unless they're carrying around a big piece of glass. Would that work? Glass does block a thermal scanner, but they're not carrying around a big piece of it. Everybody quiet. Did you hear that? Over there, sir. Defensive positions. Why do I get the feeling we are the ones being hunted? Because we are. I told you they were smart.

[00:16:39] Take your team and flank left. Yes, sir. I see the men out there, sir. They're stacking up. We have to pull our team back. Private. Go ahead, sir. Fall back. They're on to you. Yes, sir. Monroe, take half the squad to the right. Let's see if we can outmaneuver them. Yes, sir.

[00:17:09] Let's move. Move in and provide cover.

[00:17:48] Move in, chappy. Press the team force on the road. U-6, set up the perimeter guard for the medics. We have you surrounded. You'll never take us! There's a commander right over there.

[00:18:18] Stay here. I promise you and the men will not be going to a refugee camp. You need to cooperate right now or the deal is off. I can't lose any more of my fighters. You heard me. I'll give you my word that the fight has to end now. Put your guns down! Sir, but you said... I know what I said, but now I am saying put your guns down!

[00:18:47] Chappy, Monroe, wrap this up. You come with me. But you said my men... Come with me. Do as they command, guys. I'll be back. Very impressive battle. If I wouldn't have lost so many fighters, I'd be congratulating you. I still surrendered like I promised myself I wouldn't do. You didn't surrender. You prevented the death of your team and took a chance that there might be something better out there. The death of your team would have been tragic. What gave the idea to hunt us instead?

[00:19:16] The best defense is a good offense. That took balls and trust me. You're going to need them where you're going. How so? The Western Militia is hiring. Interested? They're fighting the feds. Exactly. But don't you fight with the feds? Shh! My man Chappy will get you where you need to go. Why would you do this? The landscape isn't always black and white. I'll never forget this. You better. I meant I thought you were a different man.

[00:19:44] Not one that deserved my respect, but you have it. I wouldn't have pulled your team out if you didn't earn mine. I'm quite concerned about what's coming next. Personally, I think we'll probably see food shortages and other disruptions.

[00:20:13] Are you prepared if things go wrong? Does your family have enough food and supplies on hand to last at least 30 days? If not, the time to prepare is right now. Don't wait another minute. To help you on your journey, I recommend My Patriot Supply. They're the leaders in self-reliance, and they have a four-week supply of emergency food that lasts up to 25 years in storage, so you never have to worry again. Don't put your family through the pain of hunger or standing in government food lines.

[00:20:43] Go to preparewithchangeingearth.com today, and your emergency food will be shipped quickly and discreetly to your door. Those who know what's coming are using today to prepare. So visit preparewithchangeingearth.com, the original Patriot Preparedness Company. Their mission is your survival. That's preparewithchangeingearth.com. It could be you.

[00:21:20] At least the stink from the toxic lagoon wasn't bad this morning. Who would have thought that the ocean would have come in that far? Or stink that bad. It's all the chemicals it picked up when it destroyed the cities. It burns my eyes and nose like crazy. That's why you don't get that close, Ding Dong. Who was that boy you were with, Star? It's your new boyfriend. Be quiet, Daniel. He's just a friend we've been hanging out. Should I be concerned about this boy?

[00:21:49] It's fine, Dad. Look at those houses. They're huge. It all used to be like that, Daniel. As far as you could see. Big old house on top of the big old house. Really? Knock it off, Dexter. He only filled his head with dreams. It's true, Star. You know it. It wasn't a dream. It was real. It seems like a dream now, though, doesn't it? Come on, guys. Let the boy dream. It's a good day to dream.

[00:22:19] I have a positive feeling about this. What are the people, Mom? How do they keep their clothes so clean? I'm sure they have washing machines. Why don't we get them? That's just how it is. You know that, buddy. But they always look at us like... Like we're nothing. You just hold your head high and remember, God made you exactly how he wanted you. And that's all that matters.

[00:23:01] Luxor? What do you mean, Mom? The Luxor. It was a famous casino back in the day. The pyramid shape is cool. I like the Egyptian statues inside. It's just like in the books you showed us. Just remember, Daniel, we have to get through the clean room quickly. No dilly-dallying in the water, or there will be hell to pay. I know, Mom. Put your clothes in the bin and then get into the shower line. I remember we've done this like a hundred times.

[00:23:30] It hasn't been a hundred times. Where would we be? At least we get real soap and conditioner. Gotta have nice-smelling refugees. Dexter, enough.

[00:24:00] And clean clothes at the end. That smells good. Come on. Let's get to the waiting room. Hold on. I have to fix my hair. Hurry up. It's good, Star. Come on.

[00:24:38] Oh, hey, guys. They sent you down for us? Yep. I even brought my gun. Oh, little Matthew was scared. Erica. I know, I know. Come on, guys. They're in here. Just the adults are supposed to go in first. Please, sit down.

[00:25:08] This is Terry Lawrence. He's the owner of 20,000 acres of land in Minot, North Dakota. I thought of you specifically, Vince, when I got his request for a family. He is in need of a man to work on the management team and oversee the vegetable gardens. Now, I know the work you are doing is with aquaponics, but I thought you would be a good match that you would appreciate the opportunity. Our wheat fields are very high maintenance right now. I'm looking for a hard worker. You put your back into it and work hard, life for your family will be good.

[00:25:38] Good, but if you're a slacker, you might as well stay right here. You two have boys as well, correct? I need a crew, not just a man. Yes, we have two boys and a girl, plus my wife's mother. Well, let's see the kids. The looked one is Daniel. The older boy is Dexter, and the girl's name is Star. She's been fixed, right? Of course.

[00:26:06] All the refugees over the age of 13 are incapable of having children. Perfect. What about this mother-in-law? It's bad enough I have to take your wife, but an old hag as well? I don't think so. Matthew, I can't believe you would waste my time with this jerk-off. Nobody insults my wife or her mother, and nobody, I mean nobody, looks at my daughter like that. Your time? Waste your time? You're just a refugee.

[00:26:36] What do you have to say about your family? You refugees make me sick. Sitting here eating the food I grow? Vince, Erica, out! Wait outside! It all comes out in static now.

[00:26:58] You go put your initials on some whore with your whip, and now you want to brand all your black sharks? I do. Why? So they'd each know the pain, the hot sting of Sheila, and the consequence of betraying me. It's open!

[00:27:30] Sir, we got a major storm headed our way. When did you get in? We just got back. Outran that storm the whole way. It's a mean one, sir. It's creating tornadoes like you've never seen before. Mr. Lee, get to your bunker. What about you? I have a compound to protect. I want you in a bunker before that thing hits. Do you understand, TJ? Yes, sir.

[00:28:02] TJ, we've got the refugee compound locked down. Get to the gardens. We can't lose our food. TJ, we're moving everything that's edible into the storage bunkers. How can I help? We need more hands-on boxes. We've got an assembly line going. You're right. Get over into that line. You need to be in the bunker now. We have a tornado inbound. We need to finish moving the food. There's no time.

[00:28:32] Everyone off the line and into the bunker. TJ, now. The mate is still out there, TJ. I thought he was right behind me. You have to leave him, TJ. We have to get covered. Just go. TJ, that's an order.

[00:28:48] I'm going to get you out of here. I can't move it. Hold on.

[00:29:22] The tornado is coming right for us. We'll hide in the waterhouse. Back to the hole. Hang on to me. I'm going to wrap my whip around this pipe. Do not let go. Come on, Sheila. Don't fail me now.

[00:29:53] Are you worried about how dangerous the world has become? In these days of terrorist attacks, natural disasters, or even a future collapse, you need to be medically prepared to keep your family safe. I'm Joe Alton, MD, of store.doomandbloom.net, where you'll find an entire line of uniquely designed medical kits and supplies for when help is not on the way. For everything from individual first aid kits to the ultimate family medical bag, go to store.doomandbloom.net today. You'll be glad you did.

[00:30:28] Why would your major take such a risk for us? Maybe he's not the man you thought he was. He's been out west rounding up refugees for nine years. Friends of mine. Do you know how many of them would have died from the radiation poisoning? What's the point of filling the camps? Better to die from the radiation as a free man. Have you seen it? I watched my wife die, so yes, you could say I've seen it. I'm sorry, I didn't know. I don't need your pity.

[00:30:57] It won't bring her back, and at least she wasn't picked up by the bounty hunters. We're not bounty hunters. I'm not talking about the mercs. There's bounty hunters coming out of the south to round up people. How do you know that? Because that's where half of our group ended up. You followed them? I did. There's a big compound in Amarillo. These fighters in black shirts came to collect stock once a month. Maybe your beloved major should spend more time fighting them rather than worrying about the few that are surviving out west.

[00:31:26] Truth is, it's going to get impossible to hide out west. The feds are constantly sweeping with thermals to find any remaining pockets. They're just saved y'all. Certainly doesn't feel like it. I can't go home. Didn't hear a word I said. You couldn't stay there if you wanted to. At least this way you get to stay in the fight. With your attitude, you would have ended up in a re-educated program.

[00:31:55] Honestly, I'm wary of fighting. You better stick with your honorary attitude. None of us would get to go home anymore. You're probably right.

[00:32:32] Here we are. That's Miss Cassidy Baker. There. You show her respect. Looks like she does a fine job of demanding it herself. That she does. Wait a minute. The man she's with. I know him. His name is Jefferson. We were with him, but... Burgess... took him to the... camp. He didn't take them to the camp? You think you're the first fighters we saved? How many? Why don't you go find out? Take care of yourself.

[00:33:03] We will. Hope to see you again.

[00:33:22] I'm so sorry, you guys. Don't worry, baby. We were all hoping for the best. Erica, come with me. Alex, make sure the children get home. Erica and Vince will be here for a while. Here goes nothing.

[00:33:56] Come into my office. Doing alright for yourself, I see. Is that Das Cherrywood? Sit! Fine, but I didn't... I know. And I'm curious why. I promised Vince. You guys have been here for what? Seven years now? Nine. Nine years now? You look good. I guess so. No, really. You look well-fed. And so muscular.

[00:34:23] Well, if you would quit sending me down to the water line every time I walk down the street the wrong way, I might just get fat and happy. No. It's not that. You've been trained again, haven't you? So what if I have? The quakes are still coming. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? Because after the incident you helped to create, you were told not to. He told you we would provide everything for you.

[00:34:49] You just have to fulfill your role in the camp and keep your mouth shut. You are safe here. We provide a whole lot for ourselves and you, you know? You say we're so safe? Safe in your prison? I don't think so. Erica, it's not a prison. It's a refugee safe zone. I'm proud of what we do here. I'm saving people from the pain of life out there and provide the best refugees in the country. It's not a prison?

[00:35:19] Then we can leave? You know the answer. I ensured you knew the answer while you were sweating in that box, remember? We have to have some kind of order if we're going to survive as a country. If we let everyone who was displaced run amok, it would be chaos. You'd have landowners defending their land and no place for all those displaced people to go. This system is working, Erica. Oh really? Slavery? Slavery is working just great.

[00:35:48] Just like it worked for our country before? No matter how you or anyone tries to justify it, what's going on here is wrong. It's not slavery! Jesus, Erica! Really, Matthew? With the oil shortages, the landowners need hands and people need homes. It's a win-win situation. The landowners adopt refugees. Together they grow the food. A certain portion of the harvest goes to feed the refugees in the camps. It works! For who?

[00:36:18] Certainly not for me. If we're not slaves, then why can't my children have children? You fix all the refugees at 13. Where is the freedom there? Are landowners even limited to the amount of children they can have? No. That's just how it is! Accept it! No! We have too many people and the land is gone, Erica. You have to understand. You should have seen Texas after the quakes.

[00:36:48] All the refinery fires and chemicals spilling everywhere. Thousands died in the streets. Lanes were left without homes. And we had to do something. There were just too many. There were just too many. And the people who were lucky enough to survive with the land had to be put it to use somewhere for the good of the people, good of the survivors. FEMA has always had a fallback plan. You must have known that. You forget, Matthew. I made it out of California.

[00:37:18] I left that place even though your awesome government shut down the borders and didn't tell anyone what was going on. You instituted radio silence and sentenced all those people to death. When I barely escaped with my life, I thought I was entering a brave new world of freedom. But I walked right into the arms of soldiers I thought were there to protect me. We were rounded up at gunpoint like cattle.

[00:37:44] They took my horses and did God knows what to my dog. They told us we were going to live in this happy camp where we would be cared for until the country was stabilized. Well, we're still here. And your system sucks. And this place sucks. So, why don't you just dole out the punishment for our family being so disobedient to the mighty landlord. And let's be done with this.

[00:38:14] Why can't you just accept the system? So many others have. You know, I had nothing to do with California. But you knew, didn't you? You had a big government job then as well. You may not have been in charge of the decisions, but you knew. And you did nothing. You'll get my decision at dinner tonight. I can't have any training and teaching your martial arts and self-defense techniques to refugees.

[00:38:42] That will just create unrest. We need order. And I need my refugees ready to accept any work they can get. By God, Erica. If I find out you are doing it again, you'll pray you are in that hotbox in the warehouse. You're refugees? Really? Erica, I'm fucking serious. All right, whatever. We'll find a place for you eventually. You can go. Send it Vince.

[00:39:19] It's your turn in the principal's office. Hmm, I can hardly wait. You didn't fire him up too much, did you? Who, me? Oh, no. I was a good girl. Well, here goes nothing. Wish I was back in my tiny house in Georgetown. Sitting around playing a video game. How did it come to this?

[00:39:50] At least we're together. Really no big deal, Erica.

[00:40:21] Matthew understood our decision and really values having me here as a manager. At the farm, so. So? So? So a button on a shirt, you little brown noser. You know Matthew, Erica. He talks big, but he's realistic. You're such a schmoozer, Vince.

[00:40:55] It's such a nice afternoon. Why don't we just walk home? Sounds good to me. At least the wind has died down. I can't stand it when it blows around all that sand. Remember how beautiful this place used to be? Buying restaurants and the flashing lights? I remember. It was something. Never thought I would live here then or now.

[00:41:23] Those meetings are never going to work, Vince. I know. Then why go at all? Why put the kids through that? Watch out for the truck, Erica. I wonder what they do with all that stuff.

[00:41:53] I don't know. It's obvious we don't see it. I've needed a new shirt for weeks. So why the meeting? Matthew came to me personally. I thought since he did that, maybe it would be different. But no. Same old bullshit. I'm done, Erica. I never want to go again. But I don't know how to get us out of here. Don't you want to stop by the gardens? Nope.

[00:42:23] I have the day off. I'm spending it with you, beautiful. Lucky me. Gotta love walking by the hot house every day. They just put it there to get in our heads. Keep refugees from getting out of line. Don't fight for your children or you go in the box. Politicians with pens. They decided our future, Vince.

[00:42:53] We tried to fight in America. Erica, you spent two months in that box. We can't do that again. Don't cry. We're going to have a happy day. I know. Look, Terrence is at the gate. Hey, Terrence.

[00:43:23] Hello, Vince. Erica. Got some new blood here, I see. Ah, some stinking refugee has jokes over here, I see. Get over here. Knock it off. These two are not your average just-off-the-bus-yesterday refugees. These two have been here since you were learning to ride a bike. That man there, he grows a fair amount of the food you stuff in your mouth. And his woman there is the only survivor that made it out of California and survived the Sacramento disaster.

[00:43:53] Plus, they're my friends. So, boy, shut your mouth and show a little respect. Yes, sir. Nice to see you, Terrence. Let's just head for home until we have to go to dinner. We can play Uno with the kids. Good call. I can't stand being amongst all these people. What I wouldn't give for the countryside. We'll get there, baby. One day, we'll get there.

[00:44:42] 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 prepared a special class. Contact me at NBCGuy.com to learn more. Or send me an email at NBCGuy at ProtonMail.com. Human trafficking is not fiction.

[00:45:13] It's a reality in every country. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children explains that every 30 seconds, a child is trafficked in the United States. If you see something, say something. Dial 888-373-7888 or visit humantraffickinghotline.org for more contact information. You may be helping to save a life.

[00:45:43] TJ! TJ! TJ! We're over here. Nate! Where's TJ? He's here. He never let me go. He saved my life. TJ, are you okay? Ryan, get over here and check him out. I'm fine. Whoa. Whoa. TJ, sit down. Your head is bleeding.

[00:46:13] You probably have a concussion. I told you. I'm fine. Serge, Yuri, shoulder is weight. Let's get him back home.

[00:46:42] Oh, thank God you found him. Where were they? TJ saved them both. Him and that whip of his. But we need to get the dog to his house now. I'll go get him. Ryan, go tell Mr. Lee we found TJ. Yes, sir. Oh my God, what happened? He saved me. But...

[00:47:09] A piece of the roof caught him across the head. The doctor is on his way here. I'll get him some water. Put him in his room. Heaven! Here's your water, TJ. Thank you.

[00:47:38] Now get that doctor in here so all you will see that I'm fine. Yes, TJ. Did someone say they needed a doctor? Only to prove to these idiots that I'm fine. Look at the light here. How many fingers am I holding up? Four. I'm going to wrap up that cut on your head, but your head must be as solid as a bowling ball. There's no concussion. I do want you to rest for the day, though. Doctor, I don't need any rest. I've got to take care of my communities. TJ, please listen.

[00:48:08] What do you... TJ, it's okay. Everyone just go and let him be. I'll wait in the kitchen in case you'll need me. Thanks, Gary. Susan, this is ridiculous. TJ, you can trust me. You know you can. I have it taken care of. Are you sure? You just relax, Mr. Hero. Let that head heal. Right this way, Mr. Lee. I better go. See you later, TJ.

[00:48:48] Look at you. Lying in bed like a cripple. I'm fine, Mr. Lee. The doctor said I should rest today, just to be sure. I told you to go to the bunker. I had to make certain our food supply was secure. But that's not all you did, is it? And you didn't follow my order, did you? No, sir. Nate was out there, and I had to go. You had to go? What else was I supposed to do? He would have died. You should have listened to me.

[00:49:18] You should have gone to the bunker like I told you. He's just a kid, Mr. Lee. A kid you just put your life at risk for. A fucking kid, TJ. I like that kid. You like that kid? Enough to die for him? I don't think of it like that. You better start thinking about it like that, and I'm gonna make sure you remember. Give me your arm. Now? You're gonna ask questions of me, son? No, sir. I didn't raise you to be a hero.

[00:49:46] I trained you to be the strongest man alive. A man unaffected by pain. Are you telling me losing your life is preferable to the pain of losing a boy? No, sir. Then give me your arm. Yes, sir. Major Virgis, we need the supplies. I'm not sending people into a radiation zone for clothing. Texas is still producing cotton. They want to barter, and we're not negotiating with the traders.

[00:50:16] That's BS. The feds will do it for oil all the time. That's different. Why? Because the fuel isn't for refugees. Those people you call refugees create enough food for this town to warrant a trade. That's not how my superiors see it. I'm not sending my fighters into dangerous situations because the feds don't want to spend some resources. Maybe we can use some of our refugee squads to do it. We already feed them iodine-like candy. Whatever you think is right, Captain. I don't have the authority to make that call. Just keep that supply list in mind while you're out there.

[00:50:45] We will. If you'll excuse me, I have to oversee the supply transfer. Take care, Major Virgis. You too, Captain. Major Virgis? Sir? Private, how's it going? Feds are all in a wrinkle over the amount of salt we need, sir. You got it worked out?

[00:51:14] Monroe did, sir. Is he still over in the office? Yes, sir. Major Virgis, sir? Yes, Private? I saw Chappie leaving with the last team we encountered. Uh-huh. Why weren't they put with the others we brought here? And where's Chappie? Okay, keep your voice down, Private. Raise the shore of the whispers. We'll catch them to the sea. We'll talk about this later, Private. Sergeant Bingham, Sergeant Bennett, how are you boys getting along these days? Fine, Major. How about yourself?

[00:51:44] No complaints. Seriously? Doesn't do much good to look back. I'll second that. You getting everything you need? Monroe's got it handled. It's good to see you, Major. But if I'm not needed here, I have to report to the captain. Take care, sir. Good to see you. He seems more focused than usual. I don't know how he does it.

[00:52:13] He believes he is helping. He believes in the system and thinks he's assisting people so they can survive in it. He's bought and sold. More like blind loyalty. But damn, that man can fight. I'd go into battle with him at my side anytime. And honestly, he has a way with people. He's very convincing. Maybe we should plan a trip out to Dolores' place. It'd be fun.

[00:52:43] Heck, a couple days to pretend the world isn't falling into shit. I don't know. He used to take time off before all this. But not since. I'll try, though. Where's Chappy? I sent him with a load to Utah. Found some good product? I did. I think that's the last of it, Major.

[00:53:12] Sergeant Bingham, I wasn't expecting to see you down here. Oh, I had to stop by and see how my favorite fighters in the North were doing. We sure did have our hands full on the way here. Burgess, did the captain talk to you about clothing stocks? He did. Are you sending your people? No. Good. I'm glad you decided to keep your people safe. They have a whole warehouse of clothes.

[00:53:39] They're just using this as an excuse to form the refugee salvage squads. I heard Tweed discussing it. I'm surprised it took this long. They've been using refugees as fighters since the beginning back east. Hell, half the feds and mercs are refugees. They put trackers in them. Really? That way you can't have trained fighters jumping ship. Did they put trackers in the refugees here? Who knows what's in those shots they give us. You could have one in you. I'm going to look into that.

[00:54:08] Let me know what you find out. Will do. Drive safe, Major. Take care, Sergeant.

[00:54:42] Thank you for listening to the Changing Earth audio drama based on the Changing Earth novel series by Sarah F. Hathaway. Grab your copy on Amazon or get signed editions at changingearthseries.com. This content is copyrighted. For details on performers, sound effects, and music credits, visit changingearthseries.com, where you can subscribe to support the series and keep the adventure alive. Check out the Changing Earth store for exclusive gear. Love the show.

[00:55:11] Like, subscribe, and drop a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Rumble, or your favorite platform. Stay prepared and stay tuned for the next episode of the Changing Earth audio drama.