4-12 The Bus

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 for my own strength. The Great Quake brought misery and death to a catless number of people, but it made me a god ruler of my domain, the greatest bounty hunter. Do you ever live? No one? No one dared run from TJ. Swinson except one. They call her the loan survivor, the savior of the refugees, But she is my greatest bounty ever. This is life on the changing Earth? How did it go? Master Rowland didn't have a problem with Nancy staying there. His place was incredible. He even has some of Daniel's paintings on the wall. Daniels aren't in magnificent. And the gardens out back were breathtaking. No wonder Daniel Lake's hanging out there. Did you get your extra rounds for the bus? Yes? Bennett, you want to do a weapons check? Do I need to? No? What is your problem? Nothing, Bence, talk to her. You know what. I don't have time for this. I have to go meet with Furgis, I'll see at the bus. Whatever you haven't told me how I went with Greg and Penny last night. I've been so busy. I haven't seen Jen in a couple of days. Now. Nobody told you told me what Greg's whole family went with Grandma and Grandpa's group. They needed able bodied fighters since so much of the force is going to Denver. Oh. I would have liked to have say goodbye. It was a sudden decision. I know, it's just with Dexter gone and now then. Too, how are we doing in here? Folks? Just get ready? What can I help with? We're pretty much all set. Upset too. We'll meet you too out by the gate. And don't forget your cloak. I got it, mom, Is everything okay? My brother left and now I didn't even get to say goodbye to Jen and Roxy. They just left me. It's crazy times, Star. I'm sure they didn't mean it, But now. I'm going into battle. I don't know if I will ever survive. I don't know if I'll ever get the chance to say goodbye. Hey, Look, everything is going to be okay. You can say that, but you don't know that. I believe that in this life for the next I will never leave you star. Everyone leaves me. Kyle. How long did your dad wait for your mom? He would have waited forever. I will too. I'm here and I'm not leaving. Thank you, Kryle. To mere. Im my good honest sleep. Because this is like good. Next time, next street. That is too die, too die too. I get bleasy. It's too dark too. This is too. Kerber. Get off your ass and go scout the bus he's riding right. Yes, sir, come on, Sheila, today, you go back. Where you belong. Did you miss your girlfriend? I did? I missed my vodka. I thought you brought a bottle with you. I did. It's mult enough. We've already been here too long, but we are so close to j nothing is going to stop us this time. I can't wait to break this girly surgery. I've been waiting for years. Speaking of what is taking. Carl so long? I don't know, Bishop, Bishop, what TJ. Where did Carl go. To get a status update from Rodriguez? What are you reading the Bible? You still think there's a god? After all, we've seen no more than ever? Whatever, float your boat. I'm going to find Karl. I'll go with you. My mother used to read the Bible. Teresa used to talk about some of that stuff. But mister Lee has never seemed worried about it. And I'd rather be a god than worship. It's hard to understand. Well, let's cool, people show so you this, where are you going to find you? It was two of Rodriguez men that tried to take Erica out. What don't they know what we're here for? They were trying to be heroes. TJ. The Supreme General would have tore them up. He told me to bring her home pure and unbroken. That's no fun at all. There will be plenty of time for fun once the Supreme General is done with her. Is Rodrigez coming to Denver? No, the Supreme General has other plans for him. The five of us is more than we need anyway. Come on, let's go get the boys and get this silver with sounds good to me. So you got nothing to say, You're in the right place, you got the power, don't shoot you. Then, last we. Say, disaster coffee is fueling disaster relief in America. Our coffee is roasted to order and ship to your front door. You cannot get it. Any pressure. Visit disastercoffee dot com and caffeinate with a purpose. That's Disastercoffee dot Com. Cole, would you st We have to get dressed. You packed your gear four times last night. I have to make sure I didn't forget anything. Come on, we have a few more minutes. No, we don't, babyface. Are you sure? Well? Maybe a few more minutes. Just solute time, So Sady, some of the trucks are loaded. See we have to go. Damn it. I can come back, sir. You're fine. Come on in. We're getting down to the wire, Sir, I know we're coming. Eli has been calling for you, Cassidy. He knows what to do. Knock. Good morning, sir, Bennett zarka locked and loaded. She's geared up and headed toward the bus. Sir. I'll see you later, babyface. Excuse me, fellas, hold on a second, Miss Cassidy Baker. I love you. You'd be careful out there. I love you too, Cole. Make sure you come home to me. Just solute. Any updates I need to know about, sir. Everything's on track quite well. Patrick. We'll see you back at command when the job is done. Your team is assembled, Sir, and let's get them moving out. I guess so we owe there. On time. We bo. Time, our children to us Lynn. Here today. Look God to my like as farfu. I should have told my mom where we were going. She would have told Bennett. Bennett never would have let us go. I know, are you sure this waterway will lead to a road. It's a pretty sure thing that water will lead the roads or town. But I've never been here before. You were supposed to scout the mission before we last. I did I know the highways up here somewhere. There. It is just what you want. And sol any walk and working water. Don't make me push it any further. Why did you want? How do you plan on getting into the Central Region? Most people are trying to escape from there, not get in. It's going to be a trick. You don't think. You act like you're part of the work crew. Routine will work. It's the Central freaking Region, Johnny, I don't think you'd want to be on that or crew. You're not lying. I heard the Central Region is like one big prison. Maps comforting, don't worry. We got this. I do anything to see my dad one more time. I've got your back. Thanks Tex. Look the cars coming. Everybody you want. To Hey everyone, this is Phil Radley from the Matter of Facts podcast. Voice and the Role of coal Verges. If prepping guns and politics sounds like your cup of tea, come check out The Matter of Facts podcast every Friday on iTunes, Citron Spotify with my co host Andrew Bobo. Human trafficking is not fiction. It's a reality in every country. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children explains that every thirty seconds, a child is trafficked in the United States. If you see something, say something, dial eight eight eight three seven three seven eight eight eight or visit Human Traffickinghotline dot org for more contact information. You may be helping to save a life. I guess this is the worst part about falling in love with a soldier. It's been a long time since I was worried about someone at home. You be careful. We were just getting started and I. Can't wait to continue the adventure. Where will I find you? I'll meet you in Denver. There's a civilian caravan coming in to help with food supplies and resource backup for the fighters. You joined that crew, I did. I would feel better if you'd wait here. Patrick I've always made my own way. This is the way I can help. You're free, so make your own decisions. Well, thank you for your permission, but I don't think we're quite there yet. I don't want to argue. Then, don't wish me luck like I did you. Good luck. I'll see you later. Look bad, looks like Bennett has a lady, A fine lady that. What do you think, Bishop, you want a piece of that. We came here to get a job done, TJ not GoGet Linen. Oh, come on, Bishop, maybe he likes men. I could get you one of those when we get home. I'm thinking, Carl, your boy here is not much fun, but he's loyal. I guess that will do. You. Five gentlemen have been chosen for a special assignment. Please follow me. We're headed out with Erica's team to distribute the weapons. And provide camp support and the vehicle. We'll be ready when we need it. Well done, Markley, I'm. Putting everything on the line to bring her down. And you will be well compensated. Just imagine when you control the West, all that money and power and women. You can have your pick of any woman you want. What about Erica's daughter. Unfortunately, we have to eliminate her or I would have taken her myself. Come on, we have to make sure the shipping is ready to go lead the way. Are you nervous? That's a pretty broad question right now. I mean the crowd soldiers after what happened when we left the home. Still it's cool, Victoria, they're on our side. Yeah to victory. See they need the positive Ye, they're all. You also have to go, Cupcaate. Yeah, what about you, Vince. Starred? They're calling, Well, let's load up, Bennett. How you do in Erica? Are you ready for this? Let's rock, ladies and gentlemen, the Savior of the refugees. Come on, ladies and the drums up. Signing, gonna come to town, gonna buy your. Benuck on you dude. Nice to see you made it. We made it, didn't we Just in time? Superstar? I got an extra seat here. Do you know all these people? Mom? Yeah? The two men with Cassidy or fill up with Eli. Fill Up is Cassidy's guard and Eli is one of the major directors of the militia. He was friends with Cassidy's dad and he did. Not like your mom When they first met. That's true, but that's all the past. Now the hillbilly looking guys met he's a friend of Cassidy's brother. Usually that group of Homestead fighters don't fight with the merks or the militias. I can't believe it. Thatsine to join us. Cassidy asked, and he agreed. I didn't have anything to do with it. You have everything to do with it. I can believe that Tori agreed to come along first, but hens. Him when he found out who I was, he had a change your heart. I guess they innovated by the lone survivors a badge honor. Oh, it's true. He's been talking it up all over the place. I'm glad we have been nickelt with us. I just wish Cole would have come with us as well. The Biden conquer I don't think it's supposed to work that way down. It's the enemy that's supposed to get divided. It sounded cool, though, didn't it. I guess so. I'm so glad I didn't kill you. Life wise, I would have liked to have seen that fight. At least all you got was a bad headache. Telling me about it. How big is the force, Maybe not us. It's a private group about five hundred strong, not extremely well armed, but tenacious as ever with the immunitions General Murkley is sending, there'll be a serious threat. Is General Merkley coming to Denver? That man doesn't leave his desk. He has sent his son to handle the exchange. The guy could make a diamond in his Assid's so tight. The bus is this way, the bus, Carol, you owe me so big for this. Come on, it won't be so bad. Think of all the sob stories you'll get to enjoy. But we take her home. All this will be worth it. Teach, there she is, you did Bush. Something's bothering her. It's going to be a big bit fight. Well, Curley, make sure you survive so we can take you home. We Lex, Teach, We'll get her. I've never seen those guys with Markley before. Who but those guys right there. Look I looked off. In new Recruits. We've been flooded with him. I'll be right back. What's up again, Bennett? Really again? What? Erica? Why didn't you tell me? Tell you what that yellowstone is in the process of erupting? What? Don't play dump Bennett? It doesn't suit you, Erica. I don't know where you got your information, but I haven't been informed of that situation. Please don't analyze me like that. I'm telling you the truth. Who told you that? Anyway? Where did you hear that? You know? The restricted access door at the camp? Oh no, you didn't. We did, Vince, you were in on this, of course he was. Yeah, I was, and you star. Oh no, don't look at me like that. What's back there, scientists? I guess we ran into Brad. That little turd from Minnesota. Yep, he told us that YO is erupting. Then we're all screwed, right. Brad doesn't think so. He thinks the quakes and fissures have released so much pressure that the eruption shouldn't be as impactful as predicted. But Berkeley thinks he can use the eruption to keep us secure from the air attacks. We have anti aircraft missiles on hand. They will attack from the there if they fly at all. Why wouldn't they fly? The Air Force Academy was in Colorado Springs. We're hoping we can recruit their pilots. We can disarm their trackers and free them. Doctor castanz Up on the coat he did. That explains why the brass insisted you have gas masks for everyone. What DoD gas masks have to do with planes? Nothing? But you do need masks to survive a volcanic eruption. The dust will stick to your lungs. I didn't get one. I have yours. There weren't enough, though, so they had soldiers making them with activated charcoal. I thought it was because of chemical threat. It still could be if those planes get in the air, but. They can't flying ash. How could you let your parents go north when you knew about this volcano? They couldn't go south. He's right. The refugees are flooding the small slice of Texas that's left. The bounty hunters are rounding up large numbers. Dixon is trying his best to hold it together, but with so many fighters up here, it's getting crazy down there. Once the fighters come home, it will be a long clean up process. I didn't want them going into that mess. North is still the best. Option, Brett said. They would be okay. If the eruption is like he says, they may have to shelter in place for a day or two. Did you warn them they would have only given them more to worry about. I told Greg, and he said he'd look out for mom and dad. We all live. On time. We time our children to us lynn here today. The gods in my crow like a sparfly. In the wind. We all look up. To our fathers all our lives. All this is right, and we are. Need mothers when the days the darkest night. You hear Coupy, Yes, sir, remember what I said about staying focused. I'm here, sir, go on. These people were going to meet have only heard of You're legend. We need you to make a strong appearance as well, don't I always? But I know your head is somewhere else, same place mine is. We're in about that. Look, guys, I've been out with Dexter and Johnny. Those boys can blend. If they wanted to disappear, they easily could, especially with Pontever on their trail. No offense to her, but she's not the best tracker. I can't believe he left right before the battle. Wherever they went, they didn't want to be followed. Regardless, we still have a mission to do and I'd like to see you live through it. Yes, sir Bence, Yes, sir, and. Gonna your corner, Knucky. Hi, this is Sarah Popway, the creator of the Changing Your series and the voice of Eric Moore. Visit Changing ourth Series. Dot com to explore the novels behind the drama and the survival knowledge behind the stories. Join the Changing Earth. Membership program and get one week early access to the show. We appreciate you helping the Changing Earth world go round. Visit us at www dot Changing Earth series dot com. That's www dot Changing Earth Series dot com. Hello, this is L. Douglas Hogan, voice of Tjswinson. You can follow me at Amazon or go to Facebook dot com slash honor your oath. I look forward to seeing you there. Look, bro, the car is coming. Were you boys hitted Tarmarilla to catch the ferry? Hit it? Dad? Direct yourself? Hi, be quiet, missy. You two look like you could hold your own. I could use a couple of young men like yourselves to help me guard my shipment. We may be interested. Do you have trackers? No? Do you have a landowner's pass? No? How's that We lived in a free town out west. It was destroyed in the last. Wave refugees without trackers? Interest? Do you have a landowners pass, of. Course I do. How else do you think I could carry cargo into the Central Region? And if you real good, I'll show you how you can get one for yourself. What do you say you want to ride? I don't know. It sounds good to us. Get it in the back of Missy. One of you ride up here with me. The other can get in the back with my cargo and keep an eye on it. Hello, ooh, no, need to talk to the cargo. Son. What's your name? Boy, name's Jonathan Johnson. And my friend back there is just in case. Well, nice to meet your fellas. My name's Jasper Park. Where are you taking your cargo? This group is headed for the Central Region. Well, good looking ones go to the Central Region. The Uguloo ones they go down south to Mexico. Fascinating. Don't judge me, boy man, you got to eat, don'ty. Just one of those girls can feed me. For a month. I didn't realize trade was so lucrative with all. Those refugees on the mood. It's easy to snatch one up. Oh. The Mexican cartels and the elites in the Central Region, they pay damn good money for clean girls. Maybe I'm in the wrong business. You just maybe son fighting would demerge his lost cars. Anyhow, the world is ended, might as well go out with food in my bentley A few girls, right, Missy? Yes, yes, remember guys. When we exit the bus here, Erica and Cassidy are our top priorities. We box around our persons of interest and take them into the building, and then we extend our perimeter. You got that, Yes, sir, Ladies and gentlemen, the lone survivor, are. You ready to take back your country? Are you ready to fight for your freedom? Tonight? We bring you weapons so you can fight quite. For free America, one where everyone is created, big. Wal that's ladies, I'm paint puck. I don't think introducing you will ever get old. Craig Darren, how are you, gentlemen? Happy to see you? Just like I told you, Darren webins to fight the good fight. It's not just about the weapons, Cassidy. You guys brought hope and motivation. Don't you think the FEDS are doing a fine job of that on their own? They sure are. I feds are only letting landowners back into the North. Why would they do that? I don't know. But all refugees are being turned away. Don't they need the labor? They said, Their camps are too full, and they don't care where their loyalties lie. The Central Region is snatching people up though, using them to clean the new your ways in Illinois. That's a death sentence. That's why we're fighting. We'll be better off without the Feds. But enough of that. We haven't been introduced to your traveling companion yet. This is Miss Erica Moore. Her presence is sure to draw the FEDS out of their holes. Hello, nice to meet you, Darren Patel and my wife Saprina. My tall friend here is Craig. Ma'am, well you excuse me. Hold up, Craig, I'll introduce you to Staff Sergeant Markley, the general son. She sure is. How did you two get wrapped up in this? Before the quake? I camped a lot and was into outdoor stuff. My wife, Saprin, I grew up in a premper family. When I met her and she started showing me the preparedness lifestyle, it just made sense. You were preparing before the quake. Yeah, we even ran a survival training school when everything went down the commune. You use survivors started looking to us for direction. Then when everyone got sick, my nursing skills sure paid off. A lot of people are still in our group thanks to Sabrina. Anyway, it wasn't by choice that we became the leaders. It just kind of happened. I never chose to be in this position either. Really, sometimes life just deals your cards and you have. To just play them. Isn't that the truth. I have a feeling those medical skills are about to come and handy again. I have the same feeling. I guess we should check out these weapons. I'm going to go check in at the medical tent and make sure we're ready. It was so nice to have met you. It was nice to meet you too. Come on, Erica, Ben's waiting for us. Good people seemed. Decent enough to me. I bet we would have been friends in another life. Their man, Craig runs the military operation. Good job. Keep those ears open. Okay, yes, sir, it's hard to rest in America. The weed upon the cheese. It's hard to stay here in America. When it feels like there's nothing in There's a reason why we don't give up. There's a future here, my lord. I pray. Yeah, it's true. We can make it through. Hold we might be. Better all one day. Hi, this is Jane Austen, otherwise known as Survivor Jane and the voice of Dolores Chapman. I'd like to invite you to my website, Survivor Jane dot com, where I write in a conversational tone on topics of how better to prepare yourself and family. You can also find links to my books What Could Possibly Go Wrong, Emergency Survival Hygiene, and my game book Puzzling Over Preparedness. You can also find information on Prepper Camp, the largest three day preparedness event in the country every fall, hosted by myself and my husband Rick Austen. Their seeds. Bennett's going to be a problem. He's a skilled soldier. Do we have to minimize a number of guards. Routers, ladies and gentlemen? The lone survivor. Were America. So wild and. Free they left the youngest boy at the homesteads. We can't circle back. I'll have Rodriguez keep an eye out for him. The daughter is with Erica. They'll move together as a team. We can take her and her husband out when we take Erica. What about the eldest boy. He's m I A T J. From what I've heard. Even his family doesn't know where he is. I hate to leave loose ends, but we can pick him up later. The battle scattered, we're can eliminate her mpourage. The Supreme General is ready for them. The buildings are lighted with their best snipers. That's what I want to hear. Once they squatch their army, they can press north and finish the job. All we need to do is plus Erica out of the chaos. Line them up according to shooting ability. Those who are better shots take rifles. The others take shotguns. Yes, sir, you have your command teams and designation. Yes up, Sergey, Kerber and bishops stay to help Merkley Carl. Let's go scout and come in coming for you baby. I'm coming then come man for. Baby, and comment coming for you baby, and come then come Inny. I hate the call before this, that's always the worst part. So many of them won't be coming home. We gotta do what we gotta do. Come on, okay, we're headed out. First stop is Littleton. We need to sweep the feds out to clear path east to Centennial. That's where we're going to go. Stand it started ten fours, sir. Okay, people, we have federal turret sites up ahead. They're armed with fifty caliber machine guns. We'll take it from the rear. Not yet right now. We want them to know we're here. I'll let you know when. This is our stop. Move forward, wedge formation. Oh it's too quiet. Stack down this alley, Erica, you're with me. You don't want me in front, sir. No, but I'm the smallest. Everyone can shoot over me. Just get over here. Yes, sir, Kyle, you're on the point. Let's move out. We need to get them to radio in the large forest before we take them out. Our rounds won't penetrate that concrete barrier. The rain has packed it tight. Shoot at the top and you can check the concrete at them. The radio it in. Then we can hit them with explosives. Yes, sir, spread out into these buildings. Everyone took a target. Does a large group approach it from the north. Hold your fire, now hit the concrete. They're on the radio. Explosives We're clear. Stay frosty, yes, sir. Some one falls an easy tree, puts another. To the ground. Disbelieve staring at his fingers, which his blood drowns with his life. And the drives level. Okaynn, 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 Changing Earth Series dot com. This content is copyrighted. For details on performers, sound effects, and music credits, visit Changing Earth series dot com, where you can subscribe to support the series and keep the adventure alive. Check out the Changing earthstore for exclusive gear. Love the show 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 with Audio Drama