4-1 The Land of the Free

[00:00:00] Pain, pain is the great equalizer, the secret to life. From the time I was a boy, I learned to always inflict pain faster than my opponent, to never let pain guide my decisions and always harness the pain from my own strength.

[00:00:20] The great quake brought misery and death to a callous number of people, but it made me a god, ruler of my domain, the greatest bounty hunter to ever live. No one, no one dares run from T.J. Swenson, except one.

[00:00:39] They call her the lone survivor, the savior of the refugees, but she is my greatest bounty ever. This is life on the changing earth. She's burning up all of her cars down on the table, knowing that's the way that you'll be able to win this one.

[00:01:11] But she's somebody else in the making first, she's just gotta stop all the faking and she'll be there. But she's wandering if it's gonna feel just fine, wandering if it's gonna feel just fine. There you are mom, I've been looking for you everywhere. It's calm out here.

[00:01:44] What's going on? I'm just thinking about Daniel. He's safe mom, he doesn't have to be a part of this anymore. I know. There's no going back now. Dad and I chose to come. We have to save Greg, and Penny, and Harold, and Betsy.

[00:02:02] Nobody told us when they shut down in California. And I won't let that happen again. Come on there's someone I want you to meet. He's sounding great tonight. He loves these gigs, he'll be out all night. Careful you two don't get too crazy. We won't.

[00:03:05] This is Melvin Sanders. And you ma'am must be Mrs. Erica Moore. In the flesh. It's truly my honor. I am happy to extend the resources of the Texas Militia to help you on your journey south. The Texas Militia? Yes sir, the federal forces could never take southern Texas.

[00:03:26] After all we're Texans. We have the right to defend ourselves from all foreign and domestic threats. I bet the federal governing board doesn't share your opinion. You got that right ma'am. They would have taken our land years ago, but that's neither here nor there.

[00:03:41] The governor of Texas would like to meet you. We're traveling as members of Sean's band. We'll be fine. Erica, we have to go. I mean think about it. Even if Bennett didn't find us missing on the first day, when you didn't show up for a workout the next,

[00:03:59] he will have figured out we left. And he'll be coming on a boat much faster than the one we're on. We'll never make it to Portland in time. What about Star and Sean? There will be two missing people from their crew. Melvin brought friends to make your place.

[00:04:14] You have to go ma'am. Okay, let's go. My boat's down here. I love you Star. I love you too ma'am. Take care of dad. We'll meet again in Dallas, okay? Bye Star. Bye dad. Master Sergeant Bennett, your team has assembled CERT. I'll be there in a moment.

[00:05:13] Yes, sir. You got everything you need? How could I have let this happen? We knew all along she was going to be challenging to control. The only thing you can count on is her loyalty to her family. I thought she trusted me. We should have told her.

[00:05:28] If it weren't for that idiot scientist Brad, she never would have found out. No Bennett, we should have told her. She was born here after the quake. She may not have left. At least we could have helped her get there.

[00:05:40] Now we have no idea where she is and if the feds catch her... I'll find her first sir. Make sure you do. Sir. Let's go corporal. Sir. At ease men. This is a mission of utmost secrecy. We are tracking Vince and Erica Moore.

[00:06:01] They have fled the base to strike their probationary sins that demands they stay in this region. It's the utmost importance that we bring them back alive. Sir, how is someone on federal probation able to get out of the region?

[00:06:16] I believe they were able to get past the border patrol posing as stagehands for their son-in-law's band. I'm going to take Smith and talk with Vince's parents. I've got to know if they took their youngest son. If they did, they'll be much easier to find.

[00:06:30] Schaefer, Jensen secure a boat for our departure at the Madison port in West Virginia. Yes sir. Dismissed. Hi Carl, what's going on? I don't know TJ. Henderson hasn't told me a thing.

[00:06:59] Maybe he wants me to go to Tillmans and beat that whore until she's dead for the mess she made at Erica's trial. Maybe he was pissed about that. I've had Erica within arms reach twice now and she always slips away. Don't feel bad.

[00:07:14] We haven't been able to catch her either. Yeah but I'm the best at what I do. Ha ha ha. Not this time. It's only a matter of time Carl. I didn't think you were a patient man. The Supreme General will see you now. Supreme General?

[00:07:31] It's news to me. Come in gentlemen, have a seat. The time has come. The treacherous activities of the mercenary forces have been exposed. The board has made me the Supreme General of the New Federal Republic of America. I have been tasked with the responsibility of eradicating the traitors.

[00:07:54] Congratulations sir. You two have been vital in my achievement of this honor. I want to thank you two for your efforts. You're welcome sir. You're quiet TJ. Sir, I think you should have taken control a long time ago. You're the one who put this country back together.

[00:08:11] The board has always been in your way. Ha ha ha. We'll handle that problem in time. But we now have other matters to attend to. You know I'm at your service sir. I'll keep you busy TJ. But I need the commander to accomplish his mission first.

[00:08:26] What do you need me to do? General McClintock, the traitor. I want you to bring him to me. Done sir. Go do it. I can't have word reaching him before you do. Yes sir. TJ, your job is much more difficult.

[00:08:48] I want you to go north with my army. I told Grayson Webb I did not want Erica's trial to happen in the central region. I want him and his family. I already know the layout of this compound. That's not a problem sir. You know what else I want?

[00:09:05] She has a tracker correct? She does. My assistant can provide you with the code. Thank you sir. I'm afraid the mercs will move her out of the northern region when we reach the border. I'll send a crew for the webs and handle Erica myself.

[00:09:18] I'm also going to need you to increase the labor pool again. What are you working on sir? Once we take the north, I want the land in Illinois. The nuclear plant exploded there. That's why I need the labor.

[00:09:32] We will start with the federal prisons and use the labor to clean up the waste. They won't last long so I'll need you to keep supplying stock. I understand your dilemma sir. I'll let my suppliers know the type of individual we're looking for. Very good TJ.

[00:09:47] I knew I could count on you. Let me know as soon as you have Erica in custody. Yes sir. That was fast. I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you sir. The pleasure is all yours. TJ Swenson. We finally meet.

[00:10:14] It's incredible how the Quake allowed the trash to run amuck. I'll tell your son how much you wanted to see him before your head was severed from your shoulders. What? What the hell is going on here commander? The Supreme General is waiting to meet with you.

[00:10:31] He didn't even tell you did he? You walked right in on your own accord. You bastards. You better stay the hell away from my son. Don't worry we'll take good care of him. Fuck you you bastard. TJ. Grab him. Damn TJ. You couldn't just let it go.

[00:10:59] Oh no. I've been waiting for far too long to receive this order. Understand this McClintock. I'm going to your home in the north and I'm going to rip it apart. All of them will end up in the factory if they're lucky. I hope you burn in hell.

[00:11:16] I'll see you there. You stayed out here sir? Vince and Erica's pods were over there on those paths. We needed guards on the premises. I joined the Mercs so I didn't have to live on a farm.

[00:11:49] There are worse things than life. The main house is up the road. You count all you've got left. Sad to say it's not much. You should kill for a family or kill for a home. Anything did not mean. Jack that's enough. Master Sergeant Bennett.

[00:12:34] Come in. Would you like something to drink? No ma'am thank you. Hi Jack good to see you too. Hi Bennett. Hi Daddy Boy. How's the schooling going? Good but playing outside would be much funner. It seems like you need to keep taking those English classes.

[00:12:52] I'll tell you what. Why don't you take a break for a minute and get some air for a while so that I can talk to your grandma. Can I grandma? You can go but stay close to the house and I'll call you back in a bit. Okay.

[00:13:07] What's going on Master Sergeant? I was surprised to see Daniel here. He's staying here for a couple of nights. Vince and Erica said they received authorization to go hunting for a couple of days to get some alone time. They did huh?

[00:13:25] They said they obtained your signature on the documentation. Where are they Master Sergeant? That's what I'm going to find out. I want her to know if they took Daniel. Took Daniel where? Daniel you know better than to eavesdrop outside doors. Where are my parents Bennett?

[00:13:44] I don't know Danny. Your mom and dad discovered that your grandma Nancy and their friends may be in some kind of trouble. I think they went to help them. What kind of trouble? They left me behind? If they did leave Danny they could be in big trouble.

[00:13:59] I know your mom and dad and leaving you would not have been very easy for them to do. But taking you into all that danger would have been a stupid decision. They know you're much safer here with your grandparents. You're going to find them aren't you?

[00:14:13] I'm going to try Danny. Please take me with you Bennett. I'm sorry I can't do that son. Yes you can. You know I can chew. You taught me. I promise I won't give you any trouble like my mom.

[00:14:25] I'll listen to every word you say and do exactly what you tell me. Daniel your parents left you here because you're safe here. It was a smart move. Major Vergis will be at the base. I'll send messages home but I can't take you Daniel.

[00:14:40] What's going to happen to them when you catch them? I don't know. I guess it depends on how long it takes Danny. Your parents love you and I love you. Just please bring them home Master Sergeant Bennett. Come here Daniel. What danger is Las Vegas in Master Sergeant?

[00:14:55] I'm not authorized to talk about the details right now okay. I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything. They left the boy. Let's head out. What was that about? That kid means a lot to me. I hate to see him with that.

[00:15:21] Prepper Broadcasting Network is nine dynamic hosts. Seven podcasts a week. Live shows, chat rooms, daily updates. All on prepping, survival and patriotism. Visit prepperbroadcasting.com for your dose of survival. And if you're interested in learning more about Prepper Broadcasting Network and Prepper Broadcasting, survival and patriotism.

[00:16:23] Visit prepperbroadcasting.com for your dose of self-reliance and independence. We've already spent a lot of resources on the bounty TJ. I'm going myself. With the invasion force? Yes sir. He wants you to get the Webb family too. Yes. Security will be tight there.

[00:16:52] Sounds like a job for Yuri. Yuri will take Nate and Angelo. We're going to the mercenary base together. I need Yuri. You're saying you're not capable without him? No Chuck. It would just make my life much easier. Embrace the pain son.

[00:17:07] Yuri needs to be on the Webb roundup. You need to bring home the bounty. That's how it's gonna be. Yes sir. Get your shit together. What did he say? Am I going with you to get Erica? No. You're with Nate and Anthony to round up the webs.

[00:17:30] What? That's bullshit. Who's going to guard you? Sergey. Always my brother. Why doesn't Sergey go round up the webs? Because you're an animal Yuri. It doesn't matter if the webs come in alive, but Erica's family must stay alive. You're not wrong. So I can kill them?

[00:17:50] If an accident happens it won't hurt anyone's feelings. Plus, Grayson's wife Kiara would be a fine woman to get a hold of. I'd definitely take a turn with that. Really? Go get ready to move. We're leaving in the morning. I'll be ready. What's for dinner? Pasta.

[00:18:17] What are you doing here? Helping Ms. Janine. She's doing an excellent job. Thank you ma'am. Hello TJ. Did you clean the cell today? Yes TJ. Mr. Lanzer already brought a woman over. Good. Why do you involve her with your business TJ?

[00:18:36] Teresa, you know I love you but don't get involved. You're too attached to that girl already. You know her role here. Are you going to let her go one day?

[00:18:46] Where would she go? She's probably the luckiest girl in the world. No man would touch her unless she allows it. As long as she does her job, she will never want. You promise me? Even after I'm gone? Don't talk that way. What did the doctor say?

[00:19:03] It is what it is TJ. No one gets to live forever. You're leaving in the morning? Chuck told you? You're going after her again, aren't you? Another topic that is none of your damn business. Go help Jeannie and go.

[00:19:22] I'm sorry TJ. Let me stay and eat with you. I don't want you to be alone the night before you have to leave. I have plenty of females in this house. I'll see you when I get back. Yes TJ. Be careful. I'll be fine.

[00:19:39] You ready to board Purple Smith and Shaver? Sergeant Jensen, you stay with the boat. Yes sir. Master Sergeant Bennett of the mercenary army requesting permission to board. Granted. Good evening Star. What are you doing here? Where is she Star? Who? I don't know exactly who I'm talking about.

[00:20:33] Master Sergeant Bennett, I have no idea what you're talking about. We need to go someplace to talk. Now. Bennett, I can assure you. Now Star. Come with me. We can talk in here. Go ahead. I'll be there in a minute.

[00:20:54] Don't lock anything down until I finish with Star. But I want this boat search from top to bottom. Tell Sergeant Jensen to circle around a few times. Yes sir. Where the fuck is she Star? Are you talking about my mom sir?

[00:21:08] Star, we've spent too many days together. I know when you're lying. About what? Tell me where she is. I know she and your father left the region with you.

[00:21:19] If that were the case, I would tell you I have no reason to lie to you. I love you like an uncle. Damn it Star! Don't pull that sentimental shit with me. I know when you're full of crap. Ow! Where is she Star?

[00:21:34] I don't know. Don't freaking touch me. You're as stubborn as your mother. Fine Star, we'll do it your way. Go tell the captain to lock the boat down. I want everyone traveling under the bands cross regional passes assembled immediately.

[00:21:53] Sir, I found a passenger who saw a man and a woman leave on a small boat earlier with another man. He said they left a couple hours before we got here. Good job Corporal. Give me one more minute, I'll meet you back at the boat. Yes sir.

[00:22:11] Smart Star. What are you talking about now Master Sergeant? You got her off the boat already, didn't you? You got it all figured out. How did you ever get so smart Master Sergeant?

[00:22:22] Star, our friendship will only let you get away with so much. I could pull all of your cross region passes and send you back home now. You wouldn't. I could rather quickly. What is it Master Sergeant? Did she come with you?

[00:22:36] I'll find them, and the federal forces do. It will be a prison camp for sure if they aren't executed instead. You know I only have their best interests at heart. I need to take them back to the northern region.

[00:22:47] Then why didn't you tell her my grandma and all our friends are in danger? Then she did come with you? Yes. Who did they leave with Star? I won't tell you who she's with Master Sergeant, but I'll let you know where they're headed. Where? Shreveport in Louisiana.

[00:23:04] Really? That better be true, or you will never leave the North region again. A change of boats is brilliant. If anyone saw us now, they'd have the wrong boat description and she's a much faster vessel. Where are we headed Melvin? Loughgenport in Texas.

[00:24:39] Okay guys, this is how we are going to do this. Do what? See those lights way out on the horizon on the left? Yeah. That's the line of battleships patrolling the entrance to the Mississippi Sea. So how are we going to do this?

[00:25:19] These suits will protect you from the water. Under the boat, in the center is an area that pops up. There's a shelf for you to conceal yourself in there. Are you serious? It works. Melvin, you do know how Erica survived the quake right? It's the only way.

[00:25:42] Give me the suit. Are you sure you're going to be okay with this baby? Honestly, I don't know. Another rubber suit and water. But we have to get by those ships. Well don't worry, I'll be right there with ya.

[00:25:57] Once you put your helmets on, I'll open your air supply. You'll have an hour's worth, but we should arrive within 30 minutes. Got it. I'll bang on the boat three times when it's all clear. Oh no.

[00:26:45] Nicely done guys. We even got boarded by the Murks. That doesn't usually happen. Bennett must be looking for us. It's open. Good evening ma'am. At ease Major. What's wrong ma'am? There's been no word from General McClintock. What?

[00:28:53] Two days ago, I told him we could not produce evidence that Erica was here. I was supposed to check in with him tonight, but the operator could not connect us and she wouldn't say why. Something's wrong Major. Shit, their trackers are still here. Isn't that good enough?

[00:29:05] No, Henderson wanted Erica's monthly tele-interview. But she's gone. Crap! Do you think the feds will come for the North? That's what I'm afraid of. We can strengthen the border forces. I'll lead the forces Major. I want you to get Erica's family out of here. Ma'am, I can-

[00:29:22] You know we can't win this battle Major. However, we can win the war. We're going to split our forces. I'll take half to the border and the other half will evacuate to the Badlands. Emma.

[00:29:33] The time for that is long come and gone Major. If I'm right, we're going to battle. I'm a commandeer and time is of the essence. Yes ma'am. I'll organize the evacuation. Kick some ass for me. The land is lost, another fight it cannot win. The cycle begins.

[00:30:21] Do you like morale patches? Morale patches that are prepper related? Things like, hey can I drink that fuel? Two is one, one is none, three's a guarantee or been prepping since Y2K?

[00:30:31] Well if so, go to PatchOfTheMonth.co and subscribe for 10 bucks a month or 100 dollars a year. How have you got off your boat today Melvin? Who they are doesn't matter. We need hair dye and transport to the southern territory.

[00:31:04] Heading straight to the man are we? You know my house is always at your disposal Melvin. Derek came through here just yesterday, making sure your route was clear. Yes sir, you two must be darn important. Jessica don't pay them any mind. Which bathroom? The big one, upstairs. Cherrywood.

[00:31:25] Boy they don't make them like this anymore do they? It's nice. Yeah Jessica's great. A little nosy, but very trustworthy. What color do you want? I'll take red, might as well have some fun with it. I guess I'll take blonde.

[00:31:55] Hey Melvin said we were going south. I thought we were going straight into Dallas. I think it's the safest way Vince. Remember Melvin said that southern Texas is still free territory. They provide oil and the federal government leaves them alone.

[00:32:32] Maybe we should find a place to live there. After all this is said and done, we may very well have to. There's no way the governing board will let us off twice. We knew that before we left.

[00:32:46] We couldn't sit there and do nothing. Would we have been able to live with the fact that we knew what was coming and we could have saved our loved ones and we did it?

[00:32:54] You know I couldn't have Erica. That's why we're here. But who knows what will happen after this. Whoever does. Live together die together, right baby? Hey I like the red. The blonde is... is... weird. Couldn't agree more. You two all set? We're decent.

[00:33:24] Much better, but I would still pull these hoods down tight. Here Vince, new hat. Dallas Cowboys hat? Are you serious? Get over it man. You can't blend in wearing a Vikings hat around here.

[00:33:38] The coastal towns of the southern region are being put into lockdown. They're looking for someone with your description. We gotta move fast. Well at least it's not a Packers hat. Blue looks good on you. Not as good as purple and yellow. You coming? Yeah, I'm coming. Nothing yet?

[00:34:25] No sir. None of the units turned up anything. Corporal, they had to have landed on this coastline. What did our ship report? Two shipping container ships came through. One personal yacht and a small fishing boat. The fishing boat? How many people were on it?

[00:34:38] Just one sir. They had a boarding team clear the ship sir. It had to be that boat. Where did they make landfall, corporal? Looks like Lufkinport, Texas sir. We need to catch them before the feds do, but we must keep this quiet corporal.

[00:34:55] After we sweep the town, we'll make believe this week turned out our couple, whether we do or not, so the coastline relaxes. Sergeant Jensen will go toward Pine Bluff, Arkansas and intercept Sean and Star. Make sure he stays out of sight.

[00:35:08] Have him follow her just in case Vance and Erica attempt to contact with her again. We'll be departing tomorrow morning at 0800 hours. Tell Corporal Shaver. Yes sir. Put me through to Major Verges. Yes sir. How goes the hunt Bennett?

[00:35:37] I'm afraid she's already gotten beyond my reach, but I'm still hoping to bring them home without incident. I know as much as you how essential Erica is, but we needed to have Erica on her monthly telemeeting days ago. They are under a direct violation now. Get them home.

[00:35:53] Yes sir. I received news about her mother. She's not in Dallas. What? Tweet had her refugee work pass suspended and took her back to Vegas. Who else would know that? Anyone who is searching for and can access the federal database.

[00:36:12] Can you send me a trustworthy K9 unit and Corporal McClintock? I'll send them your way. Where are you heading next? If I don't have them in the morning, I'm headed to Old Austin. Send them there. Will do. And Patrick? What's that Cole?

[00:36:30] Take care buddy. Old Austin can be a very dicey place for mercs. Will do. You said let me tell you everything I've seen. Friends I've made, and then you tell me how you've been. Look a little closer, it's been quite some time.

[00:36:53] But you gotta let me know if I'm out of line. There's some words that I just wanna hear you say. Put it all straight before this night turns into day. I'm leaving him on my way. Sir, why didn't you tell him about the feds sir?

[00:37:22] The airways aren't secure. I couldn't. We must keep the status quo or it jeopardizes everything. Do you think if he catches her we can stop the invasion? No. We have the first groups evacuating now sir. Have some stay posted up in Montana. What are you up to sir?

[00:37:39] If the feds do come, we're gonna hit the refugee camp in Bozeman. A recruiting mission sir? You got it. We have to keep moving. They're increasing the guards Melvin. They're going to lock it down. I noticed too. This way. Reaction. Reaction.

[00:38:26] We're out of the city. We'll be safe here. It's a woman. Shhh. He must come with me for ID verification ma'am. I'm not going anywhere with you. I am a landowner and I will not tolerate this kind of treatment.

[00:39:25] You don't have your papers. You must come with us. Come on ma'am. Hands off my weapon ma'am. Stupid refugee bitch. Thanks ma'am. No problem. We should be safe now. Come on. I am so sorry. Come on baby. She was holding something under her jacket. Just leave it be.

[00:40:36] Say something. Anything. Aww man. Probably an unlicensed baby Vince. That's why she put up such a fight. Hey there's nothing we could have done. If we draw attention to ourselves, we aren't going to make it very far.

[00:41:01] I know. I hate that this had to happen on our account. Think of it this way. If Brad's right, these people are going to die anyways. That does not make me feel any better. Oh my god Vince. Should we have told Jessica?

[00:41:19] We'll tell them as soon as we find out who oversees the militia and we'll let them spread the word in their network. If we care to care. Oh, oh, oh. Like the wind is deeper than. We all have our sins. Say something.

[00:41:58] Change your plans. The city is locked down tight. You're going out with these bodies. What? Oh man come on. I'm sorry it's the only way to get past the dogs. Erica this is nuts. We should put on the cloaks. Safe from the dogs and thermal detection.

[00:42:22] We're good to go. What do you have there? They'll hide us from the thermal sensors. Very slick. Heavy. Man this is way worse than a garbage truck. What choice do we have? Good evening Horace. You're full today. The lockdown must have shaken out the roof wrap.

[00:43:20] Yes sir. Full load. It's clear sir. Get them out of here. Yes sir.

[00:44:47] That was disgusting. Oh my god is that you? You're Erica Moore. And that must be your husband Vince. Why didn't you tell me I was carrying Erica Moore Melvin? Because Horace everyone thinks they're still in the northern region so this has to be our secret okay?

[00:45:09] Yeah yeah Melvin. I won't tell anyone. I never tell anyone. That's good Horace because if you tell just one person I'll come back here and rip each of your toenails off one by one okay? Yes sir Melvin. You know I won't. The truck's over there sir.

[00:45:31] Thanks let's go. Hey everyone this is Phil Rabelait from the Matter Facts Podcast voicing the role of Cole Virgis. If prepping guns and politics sounds like your cup of tea come check out the Matter Facts Podcast every Friday on iTunes, Citrus, Spotify with my co-host Andrew Bobo.

[00:46:14] How have you guys been holding up? You got that right. I need you and Dexter to head south. You'll meet Master Sergeant Bennett in Austin. Where are your civilian attendants? You and Dexter to head south. You'll meet Master Sergeant Bennett in Austin.

[00:46:40] Wear your civilian attire but we need a specialized canine unit there. Yes sir we'll head out in the morning. Watch yourself Johnny. You get the mission accomplished and get back to Reno. Is everything okay sir? Just promise me you'll keep your head up. I will sir.

[00:46:57] Until we meet again son. Until then sir. Sir the feds have attacked. Payne's forces are engaging them at the border but there is a large force headed to the base sir. Are all the forces headed west gone?

[00:47:13] Yes sir. Ms Porter's gate is still open but a large force of blackshirts is headed to Grayson's. Grab our gear we need to get her on and get that family off the farm. So X equals one because you subtract them both?

[00:47:36] Oh I get it. This is easy mom. Thank you so much ma'am. There's nothing wrong with an intelligent boy learning to do arithmetic. Are those jars done? Yes ma'am. I was just about to take them out. What is it Jack? Did you hear that? Jack leave it come.

[00:48:13] Nobody move. Oh please don't hurt us. Get everyone in this room now. Get on the ground. Hey Jai should bite hair soon. You better keep that dog under control. Jack come here. Kill it. Look it's got your gun. You shot them Daniel.

[00:48:47] We will come we need to go. Get some clothes I'll get us food. Okay Daniel. Hurry grandma more are coming. Earl it's time. I know I'm almost done packing. We have to be gone before the feds get here. Let's go. Stay here. They're already here.

[00:49:40] They killed them all. Kay! Wait stop the car someone's over there. Megan! You stay here. Megan! Megan! Megan! They killed him. Come with me Megan. They just shot them all. We have to find Kay come with me right now. Stay here. I should.

[00:50:25] You're not trained to enter that building. I am. Stay here. They're not in here. Oh no. Megan should not see this. And Jack. Who are they? Blackshirts. This is not good. Look at that. Good boy. What? B6. Why would Daniel write that? What does it mean?

[00:51:09] The family has an emergency map. Look here. They put their own coordinates on their maps so only they know what it means. Why didn't I get one? We didn't think you would need one. There. They're headed out to the pond. Let's go.

[00:51:21] Their tracker signals are coming from here. That's because their trackers are here. You searched the entire base? Yeah DJ. They're not here. Damn it. Let's get to the farm and see what kind of pawn we've collected. Those bodies are my black shirts, Serjay. Looks like it.

[00:52:44] Get me to the house now. DJ. Let me. No one is here, Serjay. How the hell did one boy and an old woman pull this off? We haven't found Virgis around. Get me until now. Virgis was spotted headed west. Mr. Babyface turned tail and ran.

[00:53:39] We've also had a report of Master Sergeant Bennett searching the coastline. She ran from him too. But the boy was here. Look at the angle of the bullet holes. He's the one who killed my men. A boy, Serjay. A boy. He's been training since he was born.

[00:53:58] So have my fighters. Where is her eldest son? The report was he's headed to Texas. She must be down there. It's the only place that's safe for her now. We need to report to Henderson. Hi. This is Sarah F. Hathaway, the creator of the Changey Nurse Center.

[00:54:35] We're here to help you understand the story of the Changing Earth Series and the voice of Erica Moore. Visit changing earth series dot com to explore the novels behind the drama and the survival knowledge behind the stories.

[00:54:48] Join the Changing Earth membership program and get one week early access to the show. We appreciate you helping the Changing Earth world go around. Visit us at www dot changing earth series dot com. That's www dot changing earth series dot com. We're finally here. Where?

[00:55:22] Welcome to New Austin, home of the free. Looks like it's time for one of those inspirational speeches, babe. It's been a long road for all of us. America is in shambles, broken by systems put in place to save her destruction. So long, and long.

[00:55:56] We've been tested, and each of us has found a unique way to survive. But survival is not enough anymore. We're fighting for the future of this great nation. It was once a place where all people were created equal, regardless of land ownership status.

[00:56:15] And so it shall be again! I couldn't have said it better myself. I think I'm gonna like you. Thanks. What is this place? This used to be St. Edward's College, or St. Ed's as we alumni call it. We fought bitterly for this piece of land.

[00:56:45] And now we're here. We're here to save the world. St. Edward's College, or St. Ed's as we alumni call it. We fought bitterly for this piece of land between the highways so we could access the Colorado River. The city was in big trouble after the quake.

[00:57:02] The dams that controlled the Colorado River broke. The sky rises toppled over. After the fighting, Austin was annihilated. The buildings at this college fared well, and the governor locked the campus. Hello, Janelle. Hello, sir. How was your trip?

[00:57:25] It was more exciting than I would have liked, but we made it. Let me introduce Erica and Vince Moore. This is Janelle Ackerson, my most trusted confidant. She'll take care of you. It's my absolute pleasure to meet you. Thank you. It's very nice to meet you.

[00:57:41] We have a meeting with Governor Dixon at 1700 hours. Ensure their provision. Yes, sir. I have followed your story closely. You've given the people some hope and spirit, and it's working. Another constitutionalist was elected to the federal governing board.

[00:57:59] The tides are turning. Maybe we'll be able to rejoin the country again soon. How do you mean? We would have no problem rejoining the country if they reinstated the Constitution. Anyway, I thought we were the government's best kept secret.

[00:58:12] You are, but I've been doing a lot of research on this new system they created. And I've met a few friends in high places. Impressive. I assumed you would be a babbling, freedom-fighting figurehead like many others who have come and gone. I'm impressed with this place.

[00:58:28] There are a lot more considerations nowadays. We had to come together if we wanted any life like we used to have. Luxury has to be maintained with a solid base of supplies. Here's your room. Is this going to be okay? This is going to be perfect.

[00:58:45] The bathroom is right over here. It's a composting toilet, so don't worry about flushing. Okay. There's towels over here and clothes over there in the closet. Do you need anything else? No, I really appreciate what you already did for us.

[00:58:58] I'll have Badger bring some food from the kitchen. Sounds great. Thanks again, Janelle. We made it! Holy crap! We made it, Erica! That was insane, Vince. I can't believe we're doing this! But my mom... And Greg, Penny, Harold, all of them, Erica. They'll all die. They'll all die.

[00:59:27] And we may too if we don't move fast enough. Brad didn't know the exact timing of the next wake. What about all these people, Vince? Aren't we just doing the same thing if we don't tell them? We can't create panic when we don't even know when it'll hit.

[00:59:50] Exactly, Vince. That's why the officials won't say anything. That's why Bennett didn't want to tell me. Let's meet this governor first and then we'll decide if we should tell him. There's fresh clothing, baby. Jeans and t-shirts. Hold on a minute. You must be Badger. Hello, sir.

[01:00:19] How are you tonight, young man? Good, sir. Hey, do you know what you call a lazy kangaroo? No, sir. A pouch potato. Thanks, sir. Let me know if you need anything. It was nice to have met you, Badger. Daniel loves that joke.

[01:00:38] We'll see Danny again, babe. He's safer where he is. I know. What's under there? Looks like beef stew with a big old piece of bread. Man, this is so good. You can say that again. The governor is ready to see you now. Are you done eating?

[01:01:28] Yes, ma'am. We are. And let me tell you something. We are. And let me tell you, that was good. Isn't it? Chuck and Darlene do their best to keep us well fed around here. I'd say they're doing a fine job. Let's go. We can't keep the governor waiting.

[01:02:01] Thanks for listening to the Change in Earth audio drama. This content is copywritten in 2023 by author Sarah F. Hathaway. Special thanks to featured musician 5 Times August. Find his latest hits at 5timesaugust.com. Get to know our amazing performers and listen to the soundtrack at changingearthseries.com.

[01:03:12] Special thanks to Zap Splat, freesound.com and freemusicarchives.com. Find all the music and sound attributes at authorsarafhathaway.com backslash soundtrack. Stay tuned for more of the Changing Earth Adventure.