3-2 At the end of the Rope (Remastered)

[00:00:03] I remember a time before the Great Quake. Before the climate refugees called FEMA camps home. Before the labor laws and infertilization program. They called her the lone survivor, the savior of the refugees. But I called her Mom. This is life on the changing earth.

[00:00:48] If they knew the earthquake was coming, Mom. No one ever thought it would be like this, Danny. I would have left. The people in the great cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles had experienced massive disasters. And they could always rebuild. It was almost like a symbol of strength or something. Mother Nature won. Yes, she did. Shh! Quiet! What did you hear?

[00:01:31] I thought I heard someone following us. Want to check it out? We're good. I think my nerves are just playing tricks on my mind. We need to stay alert, though. I can check it out, Dad. I'll go with. Sounds good. Damn, this is crazy, Vince. No shit. I just want to get you guys there safely. Then we can worry about everything else. Trees are dying.

[00:01:59] These are giant sequoias. They've been here for thousands of years. They may make it. They weren't meant to be on the coastline or exposed to all this toxic crap. Why don't we make camp here for tonight?

[00:02:28] I don't have a problem with that. It's quiet here. And my nerves don't feel so on edge. I agree, Mom. These trees are amazing.

[00:03:01] Why are you digging two holes, Dexter? See, you dig two holes and connect them with a little dirt tunnel like this. Now we can put the fire in one side. It stays hidden and gets airflow even when we cover the hole with the fire in it completely. It won't keep us as warm. But we won't get caught by the feds. It's called a Dakota fire. Sergeant Bennett taught us. And here's some stew for the fire. Definitely not my finest.

[00:03:33] As long as it's food and it's hot, it will be just fine with me. We're going to have to make a decision soon. Yeah, I know. About what, Mom? About which way to go. Right how long ago...

[00:04:12] It sheared the mountain right off along this edge. That's where they found Erica's family before transporting them to Vegas. So she would know they can't go through the south of there. They had access to plenty of maps as salvaged squad members. The feds already controlled that area around Lake Tahoe. I don't think they're going to go that far north before they cross. Plus, they know the checkpoint is there. That's where they got caught before. They were just at Oakhurst and somehow got clear of the town without getting caught. I haven't heard any radio chatter stating otherwise.

[00:04:40] Then they are going to go straight into Nevada, where our thermal net will pick them up. Or they will have to go through the Yosemite area. Yeah. It's a steep mountain terrain with thousands of dead, toxic lakes. We should put people in the area. They may go there for food, not realizing that it's a dead zone now. Major Virgis? Report. Sir, Commander Burns is requesting your presence in Vegas. What? He's actually demanding your presence in Vegas, sir. What about Erica?

[00:05:09] I didn't say anything about that, sir. But he did say he would contact your superior officer if you didn't report immediately. Tell him I'm on the way. Yes, sir. What is that about? I don't know. But a request like that is never good. And what about Erica? I don't know. But the feds are so far up our ass, we're not doing any good out here anyway. I'll get the vehicle ready to go, sir.

[00:06:07] Vehicles were supposed to be ready hours ago. DJ, I have contacted everyone. No one has the parts to repair them. Did you talk to Rutherford? His talk has been picked clean. They're going to have to send the crew into the Badlands. They're still trading parts up north. Then I can solve two problems at once. Send the crew and have them take reinforcements for Ryan's team. Let me go, TJ. I will bring this girl home to you personally.

[00:06:36] You're scheduled to take down a load of refugees south. You can send any grunt to do that job. Let me go help Ryan. No. Ryan will sink or swim on his own. He's never let me down before and I won't allow him to now. Over this woman. Yes, TJ. Make sure these trucks are back in motion now. Yes, TJ.

[00:07:18] Teresa? Teresa? Teresa? Teresa, are you okay? TJ? I'm sorry. I must have...

[00:07:48] Oh my goodness. What time is it? Dinner time. I'm sorry, TJ. Let me get up and I'll get it for you. Are you sure you're feeling okay? Don't you worry about me. I take care of you, remember? Don't tell me my businesswoman. I'm taking you to a doctor. TJ, you don't need... Teresa!

[00:08:26] What's that, baby? Why don't we just take one of those boats and float up there? Can't do that, Danny. Why not? Because, Dad, the water's toxic. Yeah, but if we're floating on top of it, what would it matter? I'm not going out on the ocean. I never liked the ocean before. And now it's just as toxic as the sludge that gave me all these freaking scars. Shh! What's up, Star? Look!

[00:08:56] What is it? A bat! A bat! A bat! Grab the bags from your sleeping bag. We can use them as nuts.

[00:10:50] Hey, that's a nice little pile. I look forward to seeing you there. Human trafficking is not fiction. 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.

[00:11:21] You may be helping to save a life. The potato is amazing. The cheese is so melty. The goats must be producing well for the feds to feed their soldiers like this. I'm going to see if I can get some more butter. What? What are you looking at? I'll be right back. Did you find the butter? I did. Did?

[00:11:51] What's up? Lieutenant Bowman followed us back here. I thought he would be out hunting for Erica. He's following us? Why? I'm not sure, but he's trying to be inconspicuous. Come on, let's go.

[00:12:26] Bennett can't sneak up on people like that. Follow me. Bowman is following you. I noticed. What's going on? I heard Burns called you in. Did you find Erica? No. They entered Oakhurst, but no one has seen them since.

[00:12:56] Then why did Burns call you in? You have to find her before they do. I had to come. He said it was urgent. If I didn't come, my superiors would hear about it. I don't need anything else threatening my position in the West. Bowman and Arino are illegally trafficking the refugees right under Tweed's nose. Are you sure? I've watched them. They load them up from the prison at night. Soldiers in black uniforms pick them up. I've seen those uniforms. They're the ones that killed Chappie. The talk is they are bounty hunters that came from the Central Region.

[00:13:26] They're chasing Erica as well. What? When I entered Oakhurst, a team of those black-shirted fighters were there already. I played the role and tried to work with them, but they wouldn't say a thing. Those hunters didn't find her at Oakhurst? They seemed just as stumped as us, but they packed up and went north. I was going to sweep the town when the federal jerk-offs rolled in. Can you find out if Burns knows anything about the illegal trafficking? Well, gee, that's a great conversation, Starter Sergeant. So, Commander Burns, do you know that your men are selling refugees to slaves?

[00:13:56] Are you part of it? Well, you're the master interrogator, right? You can figure out a way. If I get the opportunity, I'll try and let you know. Sounds good. I'll leave you guys to get some rest, and I'll check back tomorrow night. Bennett, isn't that the closet? Secret tunnels. The only way to have private conversations these days. Smart. I'll check back in tomorrow. See you then.

[00:14:26] TJ, what happened? Calm down. She's with the doctor and conscience. Oh, thank God. She was napping when I got home this evening. When she got up, she passed out. So I brought her here. Did the doctor say anything? Not yet. They've been checking her out. Excuse me for a minute, Susan. I know. He's such a jerk. Come on, we have to go. Margaret. Uh, TJ, uh, sir. What are you doing here?

[00:14:56] Girl, you don't ask me my business. What happened to you? Well, my instructor wanted me to have my eye checked out. What happened? It's nothing. I... TJ, the doctor wants to see you. Don't worry about me. I'll see you later. What was that about? I'm not sure yet. Teresa, honey, how you feeling? I'm feeling fine. I wish everyone would quit doddering over me so I could go home and make this man some dinner.

[00:15:25] I wouldn't suggest that tonight. I'm going to have to analyze these blood samples. It should give us a better idea of what's going on. But for now, you need rest. That seems logical to me. Why don't you go home with Susan tonight? She can take care of you. And what about you? I'll figure it out. When you're feeling better, you come home. Thank you, TJ. How did I get so cold?

[00:15:56] Today going through this life...

[00:16:27] Going home? It hasn't been home for a long time, Dexter. I'm saying we're going back through where we were caught. We know the lay of the land there. Maybe we should go to the coast and look for a boat. Thought you didn't want to go out on the ocean, Mom. I don't. But it's not a bad idea. We can stay close to the coast. We just look like another abandoned boat floating along. Plus, now we have a little food for the journey.

[00:16:54] You know we're not getting any once we're out. I'm not eating anything caught in that shit. We're using my idea? Yup, buddy. Don't know what we'd do without you. Don't just stand there watching, Dex. Go get in on that. I'm fine. Then let's just get packed up. In front of me, oh, what?

[00:17:36] Is that a good boat? It'd help us, you're floated, dork. Dex, come on. That's enough. What? It looks like a bobber. We're never going to find one that is still in good shape. Come on. Let's keep looking. It's strange. Hey, Vince.

[00:18:04] Come check this one out with me. What do you got? See that one over there? Cover me. I gotcha. There's no one in the boat. Cover me. I'll open the cabin door. I'm on it. Looks like no one's home. Thank goodness. All right, Mom. Yeah. This is great.

[00:18:34] And it's got a bedroom. Wow! Find anything good yet?

[00:19:07] Yeah. I'm building. I'll help. I wanted to help. Looks like you're on salvage squad with me.

[00:19:16] Hey, everyone. Hey, everyone.

[00:19:44] 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. Lieutenant Bowman. I'm surprised to see you here.

[00:20:14] Commander Burns wanted to make sure you made it. Of course I would respond to his request. It must be important if you pulled me off chasing the refugees to escort me. There's plenty of trackers on their tail without counting me amongst them, Doc. Shall we go, then? Come this way. There's a time to live.

[00:20:52] Major Verges, I was expecting you last night. I drove all afternoon to get here. I know. Why would you request my presence when we have an escaped refugee family on the loose? Because this is not just another refugee family. Erica is of particular concern. Why? I'm sure you've heard the stories the refugees tell about the lone survivor of Sacramento. They call her the savior of the refugees.

[00:21:19] It's just a myth, an urban legend created in the Great Quake. What if I told you it wasn't? Captain Arino, you're just in time. I don't think you've met Major Verges. We're all acquainted. Glad you could make it, Major. I was just telling the Major how important Erica is. Even if she is the lone survivor, what's the big deal? The big deal is her story would run Mr. Tweet's career, and we can't let that happen.

[00:21:49] You know I'm hunting her to bring her in, same as you. Why bring me here for this? Because we're not so sure you are on the same page. Commander, I do my job with precision. When have I ever given you reason to think otherwise? When you decided to harbor a federal fugitive. What do you mean? You look at this picture and tell me what you think I mean. Isn't that Cassidy Baker? Yes, sir, it is. What's your play, Commander? The feds aren't the only ones looking for Erica Moore. They also have bounty hunters on their trail as well.

[00:22:17] These men pay very well if you can bring them what they want. And if you can't bring us what we want, the evidence of you consorting with militia leadership will ensure you end up in a prison camp. Do you understand? Loud and clear. Good. Now get out there and find her. Yes, sir.

[00:23:11] I think we're all set here. You want to row with me first, babe? Sure. The paddle keeps getting stuck. I thought it might be easier to push off the debris, but it's tough. That wasn't a boat. That was a car. Who knows what's down there.

[00:23:48] That used to be the valley. Thousands and thousands of acres of farmland. And now it's just ocean sludge. Can you imagine all those people when the wave hit? I never really cared for the cities down here, but I wouldn't have wished this on anyone. That's unbelievable. Shh! Everybody get down! What? Why? Helicopter.

[00:24:15] Has he even seen a helicopter before? Yeah, once. Get those cloaking blankets! The toxicity of the water will throw the thermal scanners off, too. Quick! In the cabin! Do you hear anything? No.

[00:25:00] Good job, Daniel. Yeah! Great job! Guess we'll have to trust old eagle ears more often. Do you think it will come back, Dad? Depends on where it was going. If it was a patrol, they might take off and land at the same spot. So they might come back. But if it was search teams, they might loop around, scout the mountains. They would be out of our range then.

[00:25:27] And if they were looking for us, they'll most likely fly back through there. Not necessarily, Star. Dad's right. Even if they are looking for us, they'd probably want to have a look over the mountain ridge as well. What should we do if they come back? We keep going. Yeah, but if they're looking for us, and they see that the boat moved or something, it might be suspicious. Do you really think they would spend all the fuel and a helicopter to look for us? I don't think so.

[00:25:57] I don't know. They sent that tracking party north. And they knew they had found something, or they wouldn't have followed us so far. I didn't think Matthew would expend the resources to do that, either. True. True. It would make sense for them to comb the general northern area if that's where they thought we were going. Let's just stay in tonight. Why not? We can tuck the cloaks up into the roof to keep us hidden.

[00:26:25] And we found those cards at the store. Oh, yeah. The Uno cards. I don't know how to play. We'll teach you guys. But baby, I've got nothing to lose. But if I get out of line, just tell me you're mine. And now I'm there.

[00:27:12] Any more issues with Burgess's team? Does he know something we don't? I think you're right. But I'm stumped on the route as well. The mercenary thermal web in Nevada hasn't produced a thing. Would they try and take the coastline? I had Commander Gray put a helicopter in the air.

[00:27:42] Over the ocean, the readings are no good because the water and the mountain sweeps came up with nothing. It has to be tunnels, sir. I'm sending you reinforcements. Thank you, sir. You're going to need them to spread a wider net. Ryan, they can't make it into the northern region. Do you understand? Yes, sir. No more excuses. Any news?

[00:28:13] The trail is cold. He's expecting the reinforcements. This is ridiculous, TJ. Tell me about it. Hold on a second. Nate, I want to talk to you now. Yes, TJ. Is there a problem, sir? What did you do to Margaret? What, TJ? I didn't do anything, sir. I swear. Did you give her the black eye? No. She has a black eye?

[00:28:42] Who the fuck was hitting my lady? Your lady? All I gave you permission to do was dance with the girl. We did dance. And she's smart. And funny. You better treat that woman well. I will, sir. Find out how she got that shiner. Yes, sir.

[00:28:59] Can we really eat that ball? The water should make it softer. I'm so hungry. I don't care anymore. All we've seen is that cliff line for days. When will it end? Ahoy there! What is he doing? I don't know. He's lost it.

[00:29:29] Hello? What are you doing? There's people in that boat over there. Maybe they'll trade gas for food. Don't talk to them. We don't need food that bad. We can't risk it. You're down there boiling leather. Come on, Erica. Look at the kids. Okay. Guys, get your guns and cover Daddy. If they so much as move wrong, shoot.

[00:30:01] Hello? Dexter, Star, bring us up behind them. Hey, buddy. I'm coming aboard. What do you think? We'll cover you. Hey, buddy.

[00:30:32] My God. Cool as hell. Dexter, get Daniel out of here. Well, that explains why he didn't answer. Real funny. There's a cabin. Eyes on the door. I got you. Three, two, one. It's a mother and her child. They didn't decompose as fast in the cabin.

[00:31:02] Oh. What's in there, Mom? You don't want to know. That is freaking nasty. I gotta get out of here. I'm going to check it out. There could still be food in there. I don't know, Erica. Who knows what they died of. And, you know, disease loves death. Maybe you should just leave it alone. You started this, Vince. I would have been just fine munching on leather. Really? I'm not going in there.

[00:31:31] It's cool. I'll go. Star, grab me some medical gloves and a bandana, please. Got it. It's that bad? Oh, yeah. This can is no good. There's nothing here. Wait. The cushions lift up. Erica, no.

[00:32:00] Oh, my God. There's guns here, Vince. Three rifles and three pistols. Plus more gasoline. What about food? No. No food. Here. We're going to end up like them if we don't find something. Come on. Let's go. We'll find something.

[00:32:45] Your boys are definitely guilty. Shit. I was hoping I didn't go that far up the chain of command. If you care for Erica, we have much bigger problems. What the hell's going on? The people who are hunting her are some serious players. We need to find her fast. Why did they tell you? Erica wasn't the only one we broke out that night of the riot. Don't I know it. The militia leader, Cassidy Baker, escaped. And your boy, Monroe, died helping her. Chappie died because of that battle, too. Oh, man.

[00:33:15] I'm so sorry, Virgis. You guys were getting Cassidy out, too. That was the plan. We've been friends for a lot of years. And Burns knows? Arino has pictures. If I don't bring Erica to them, they'll go public. And if that happens, I'll lose my command in the Badlands for sure. What are you going to do? I need you to get a message to Nickleton. Have him meet me at the homesteads. He'll know what that means. I can do that. Don't worry. I'll find a way to expose them before they can do any more damage than they've already done. Thanks, Bennett.

[00:33:45] Find Erica and get them to safety. That will be all the thanks that I need. Disaster Coffee is fueling disaster relief in America.

[00:34:15] Our coffee is roasted to order and shipped to your front door. You cannot get it any fresher. Thanks for coming over to help Teresa tonight, Susan. It's not a problem. How has she been? Michelle's good days and bad days. Did the doctor find anything more? He thinks it may be multiple sclerosis. What?

[00:34:44] It's a central nervous system disease. Basically, her immune system is attacking her brain. Why would it do that? I don't know. It was a difficult disease to diagnose before the quake. Now it's going to be even harder. Tell the doctor to do what he needs to do to find out what's going on. Thank you, TJ. If you're handing out keys to Susan, I'll take one. Here, you devil. Most women say I am like heavenly angels.

[00:35:13] Where's your brother, Yuri? He is still in training session. Mr. Sirius is always working. Here comes Mr. Sirius now. Finally got away from your grunt, Sergei. We are getting ready for the next raid on Tikson. You got another lead? The location of a munition meeting. But it's in the abolition region. We've never reached out that far before.

[00:35:40] It will be a small, targeted mission. You have a command lead? I am going to send meat's team. TJ. Looks like you already got the party started. You know that doesn't happen until you bring the entertainment. Mr. Lee's going to be pissed that you were partying with the bounty that the colonel called for on the loose. I'll face the consequences of my actions. You know that's the truth.

[00:36:10] You got some young blood in the house tonight. Who's that pretty thing that Nate has on his arm? Margaret, come here. Uh, yes, TJ? This pretty little thing is Margaret Parker. Very nice to meet you. I'm Chuck Lobner. I know, sir. Smart girl, TJ. And a fighter, too. You remember that party years back? It was just after we helped out Rutherford. Yeah. You got pissed ass drunk that night. Haha, I did.

[00:36:40] But before I did that, I met Margaret and her father in the street. He'd been beating her and raping her. And I kicked the shit out of him. And I would do it again. Haha, yes she did. She's been fighting for me ever since. What are you doing here with Nate? He didn't do that to your face, did he? Haha, I asked Nate the same thing. Y-you did? It-you don't have to do that, TJ. I can take care of myself. Does it look like you did a very good job of it? Well, it happened in the pit.

[00:37:08] I was tired, went up against this guy, and a low. It's no big deal. The pain just reminds us what not to do. Haha, I love this girl, Chuck. The perfect female warrior. Who's your friend over there? That keeps looking over here, checking on you. Uh, Jamie? We met at the club a couple years back. She works in the administration building. She's too pretty to be shuffling papers. Haha, leave her be, Chuck.

[00:37:35] If she's Margaret's friend, she's under my protection. Oh, look at Mr. Softy. Susan, come here. Yes, TJ? You know that girl over there? Yeah. She's a quiet girl. She works as Patrice's assistant. Hard worker? Yes, TJ. Never heard any complaints. I could make her work much harder than she is now. Ha ha ha ha. Ah, he. Have a short, brother.

[00:38:06] What happened with the helicopter? Nothing. And I'm done with it for the night. She and Dixon are driving me insane. In that case, pass me that glass. Don't say you got everything gonna be. Don't say you got anything gotta be.

[00:38:28] It's me, baby.

[00:39:05] It's me. I thought it was real. It's just a storm, baby. It will pass. What's going on? There's a storm out there, buddy. A big one. Maybe we can't last much longer. We have to wait out in the storm.

[00:39:52] This better be important, Virgis. Merkley is not happy with Erica's status and is concerned the Mercs didn't make the correct choice. I'll find her. But when I do, I need to make sure I can keep her away from the feds. She's a landowner and should be tried in her region. The boys at that camp don't see it that way. Burns and Reno are in league with some bounty hunters. They want me to take her there. They got dirt? Cassidy and I. She's not here, is she? Nah, she's down in Texas. She's traveling with Dixon to the leadership meeting

[00:40:21] in the Appalachian region. Thank God. I thought you and her... It's complicated. Anyway, for now, it's better we aren't seen together. What do you need me for? I'm going to lose the Badlands. I made a commitment to protect these people. I'll be damned before I let it go into the hands of feds. McClintock is not in charge of a replacement for me. Merkley would be. I get it. We need someone who would protect it. I actually know just the man. Lieutenant Colonel Dusty Jackson was up for the Badlands position if you wouldn't have taken it.

[00:40:51] He's a fair man. He actually used to be sweet on Cassidy back before the Great Quake. Really? He'd been asking Cassidy's father about her. Asking her father? Wow, what year is it? I'm saying he's a good guy with morals. He'd been an acceptable replacement. But what about you? I have a feeling managing Erica is going to be a full-time job for a handful of soldiers. Once we find her, she will need round-the-clock protection. You got a point there. I have to go. I'll see what I can do about that position. Thanks, Gummy.

[00:41:28] Come check this out. What's going on? Daniel! Oh my God! Is he breathing? Apparently. Where's Dad, Star? And where's Dex? They went up there. Like I've been trying to tell you. Up where? Star!

[00:41:56] Coming down with water and mangoes. Is that a battleship? Hey, baby. How's Daniel? In need of that water. Coming down. We are just a generation. Take this out, Mom. Is that bottled water? Isn't it cool? Give me one. Daniel.

[00:42:26] Come on, buddy. Have a drink. Drink some of this, baby. Slowly. Not looking so good. Dad's sending down a stretcher so we can lift him up. Here. Dad says it's a mango. I say it's freaking good. No. I can't disagree right now. Erica, put Daniel in and I'll bring him up. Okay.

[00:42:56] Come on, buddy. You're good to go. Jeez, that thing is huge. The USS Missouri. Crazy. We are crying for attention. Let's undo it.

[00:43:44] The world ain't changing.

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