4-14 I've Fallen Down

[00:00:02] Pain is the great equalizer, the secret to life.

[00:00:08] From the time I was a boy, I learned to always inflict pain faster than my opponent,

[00:00:14] to never let pain guide my decisions, and always harness the pain from my own strength.

[00:00:19] The great quake brought misery and death to a callous number of people,

[00:00:25] but it made me a god, ruler of my domain, the greatest bounty hunter to ever live.

[00:00:33] No one, no one dares run from T.J. Swenson, except one.

[00:00:40] They call her the Lone Survivor, the Savior of the Refugees, but she is my greatest bounty ever.

[00:00:49] This is Life on the Changing Earth.

[00:00:52] Hey boy, I want to get some hair.

[00:01:02] Get back here before we make landfall.

[00:01:05] I will.

[00:01:06] I believe this all used to be solid ground.

[00:01:18] Sure is.

[00:01:20] Melvin Sanders.

[00:01:21] Just in case.

[00:01:22] Trouble on your mind?

[00:01:24] I guess.

[00:01:25] First time seeing the city?

[00:01:27] No, I saw it when it was still under federal control.

[00:01:31] Different place now, isn't it?

[00:01:32] It sure is.

[00:01:34] What's up with the sun?

[00:01:36] And this ash?

[00:01:37] I heard Yellowstone has erupted, but communications are down in the west,

[00:01:41] right after the Merc Forces took Denver.

[00:01:43] The Merc Forces took Denver?

[00:01:47] Yep.

[00:01:48] The west is free.

[00:01:50] Free?

[00:01:51] Free to do this?

[00:01:55] Hopefully, law can be restored once the feds have been taken out.

[00:01:59] It was nice meeting you, but I've got to get back.

[00:02:02] Are you sure your name is just in case?

[00:02:05] Yeah.

[00:02:05] Why?

[00:02:06] You look a lot like someone I know.

[00:02:08] You could be her son.

[00:02:10] The resemblance is so uncanny.

[00:02:13] Nope.

[00:02:13] Born and raised just in case.

[00:02:15] My mom passed when I was little.

[00:02:18] Look, I really have to get back.

[00:02:26] I thought maybe you'd be swamped up with another handler.

[00:02:31] Now I'm good.

[00:02:33] Okay, boys.

[00:02:34] From here on out, we're heading north and make ourselves rich.

[00:02:46] Where's Erica?

[00:02:47] Her team should have been here well before us.

[00:02:49] What happened, sir?

[00:02:51] I'm not sure what Merkley was up to, but Bennett didn't like it either.

[00:02:54] Something happened.

[00:02:55] I'll send out the scouts.

[00:02:59] Lieutenant Colonel Burgess, sir.

[00:03:00] Darren, how are your forces holding up?

[00:03:02] Good, sir.

[00:03:03] But we need to restock munitions.

[00:03:05] Staff Sergeant Merkley would be able to help you with that.

[00:03:07] I know, sir.

[00:03:08] But I can't find him.

[00:03:09] I haven't heard from him in a while either.

[00:03:11] Paul?

[00:03:11] I got nothing, sir.

[00:03:13] Stevens?

[00:03:14] Yes, sir.

[00:03:15] Find Merkley.

[00:03:16] We need to get these troops resupplied.

[00:03:17] Yes, sir.

[00:03:19] And, sir, I thought you'd like to know Erica's daughter, Star, is in the med center.

[00:03:24] Is she okay?

[00:03:25] Yes, sir.

[00:03:26] She had part of her ear shot off.

[00:03:27] Oh, damn.

[00:03:29] Get me a radio.

[00:03:30] I need to talk to Bennett.

[00:03:31] Radio communications have become sporadic, sir.

[00:03:34] They think it's because of the ash.

[00:03:35] Find me Merkley.

[00:03:37] I'll track down Erica's team.

[00:03:38] Yes, sir.

[00:03:40] How can I help you, sir?

[00:03:50] Where's Star?

[00:03:51] She's over on the left, sir.

[00:03:53] Is any more of Erica's crew here?

[00:03:55] No, I haven't seen them.

[00:03:57] Should I be expecting to?

[00:03:59] I sure hope not.

[00:04:00] Carry on.

[00:04:01] Yes, sir.

[00:04:02] I got a bad feeling about this, sir.

[00:04:05] I agree.

[00:04:06] It was weird that they would call for Erica like that.

[00:04:09] And we haven't heard from them since.

[00:04:11] Now the feds are pulling out?

[00:04:14] Hi, Cole.

[00:04:15] What's going on?

[00:04:16] Can I got to come to check on a friend?

[00:04:18] Are my parents okay?

[00:04:20] They're headed back now.

[00:04:21] Thank goodness.

[00:04:22] How did they do?

[00:04:24] We're making progress on all fronts.

[00:04:26] You're looking like you're feeling better.

[00:04:27] I didn't want to leave the battle to begin with.

[00:04:30] You did the right thing.

[00:04:31] You lose too much blood.

[00:04:32] You can't keep a clear head.

[00:04:34] That is not a good idea on a battlefield.

[00:04:36] As long as everyone is okay.

[00:04:38] Then it was a good call.

[00:04:39] I'll let you know as soon as they get here.

[00:04:42] Thanks, sir, for checking up on me.

[00:04:44] Of course.

[00:04:51] We're headed home.

[00:04:52] Without Gerber.

[00:04:54] Don't worry.

[00:04:54] She'll pay for that.

[00:04:56] Won't you, girly?

[00:04:58] You don't need this anymore.

[00:05:03] The med center.

[00:05:05] Star.

[00:05:06] Ice forward.

[00:05:07] I don't know why I had to sit all the way back here.

[00:05:10] I got us the vehicle.

[00:05:12] Shut up, Merkley.

[00:05:14] You shut up, Serge.

[00:05:16] I gave her to you guys, didn't I?

[00:05:18] The Supreme General will put me in charge of the Western Region now.

[00:05:21] Right, Carl?

[00:05:22] You'll get what's coming to you.

[00:05:24] And don't call me Carl.

[00:05:26] They all call you Carl.

[00:05:28] They're my friends.

[00:05:30] You can call me Commander Gray.

[00:05:32] Now shut the hell up.

[00:05:33] Black satellite, please.

[00:05:35] We can do that.

[00:05:37] Pull over up here, Bishop.

[00:05:39] Yes, sir.

[00:05:45] Put her mask on and get her out of the vehicle, TJ.

[00:05:49] Come on, girly.

[00:05:57] Not so fast, girly.

[00:06:00] Are you okay, TJ?

[00:06:02] Shut your mouth, Sergei.

[00:06:05] That wasn't very nice, was it?

[00:06:07] We're going to have to teach you some manners.

[00:06:10] You think you can fight me, girly?

[00:06:12] You're not scared, Ms. Wilder Free.

[00:06:15] I'm going to...

[00:06:16] TJ, knock it off.

[00:06:17] The Supreme General wants her to see this.

[00:06:20] Put her over here.

[00:06:21] Hello, this is L. Douglas Hogan, voice of TJ Swenson.

[00:06:33] You can follow me at Amazon or go to facebook.com slash honor your oath.

[00:06:38] I look forward to seeing you there.

[00:07:03] Whatever's left.

[00:07:05] You heard the man.

[00:07:06] Let's go, Daniel.

[00:07:07] Team of Feds heading towards a school.

[00:07:21] Why would they want the children?

[00:07:23] They don't want the children.

[00:07:25] They want me.

[00:07:26] Let's go.

[00:07:31] He's not here.

[00:07:34] Come here, boy.

[00:07:35] Over my...

[00:07:48] Sportsman's headed this way, sir.

[00:07:50] Let's take the children to my home.

[00:07:52] They will be safe there.

[00:07:54] Make sure the children are safe.

[00:08:04] I've got them.

[00:08:05] In the federal territory now.

[00:08:48] Capers?

[00:08:49] Looks like you have a full load.

[00:08:51] Any other landowners in there?

[00:08:53] No, sir.

[00:08:55] Who are your two young male friends?

[00:08:57] Refugee boys I hired to help me transport the girls.

[00:09:01] Keep a tight leash on those boys.

[00:09:03] If they're not with a handler, they'll end up the property of the Federal Republic of America.

[00:09:09] I won't let them out of my sight.

[00:09:12] You're free to go.

[00:09:13] Just in time for the auction.

[00:09:15] Thanks.

[00:09:22] You guys heard him, right?

[00:09:25] Unless you want to end up here forever, you better stick close.

[00:09:36] Welcome to Chattanooga.

[00:09:49] Here you go, sir.

[00:09:51] Nice looking all there.

[00:09:52] Good job.

[00:09:53] Supreme General appreciates your efforts.

[00:09:56] Just doing my part.

[00:09:58] Your papers check out.

[00:09:59] Carry on.

[00:10:00] Thank you, sir.

[00:10:03] How did we suddenly become slaves again, Johnny?

[00:10:07] Central region.

[00:10:08] No paperwork equals slaves.

[00:10:11] You boys stay here.

[00:10:13] I'm going to see if I can get a sales slot today.

[00:10:17] Will do.

[00:10:20] Still no sunshine.

[00:10:22] What is going on?

[00:10:24] Excuse me, sir.

[00:10:29] What can I do for you, son?

[00:10:31] What's going on?

[00:10:32] Why is the sun like that?

[00:10:33] Didn't you hear?

[00:10:35] Yellowstone erupted.

[00:10:36] The volcano?

[00:10:38] The volcano?

[00:10:39] Yes, sir.

[00:10:40] The west side is buried in ash.

[00:10:43] The Supreme General has abandoned it.

[00:10:45] There's nothing left.

[00:10:47] Thank you, sir.

[00:10:49] What the fuck, Johnny?

[00:10:51] My whole family was there.

[00:10:53] I know, Dexter.

[00:10:54] We're going to figure it out.

[00:10:56] How?

[00:10:56] We're in the central freaking region.

[00:10:59] There's guards everywhere.

[00:11:01] Is everything okay here, boys?

[00:11:03] Yes, sir.

[00:11:05] Where are your papers?

[00:11:06] Our handler went to see if he could get a sales slot for the ladies.

[00:11:10] Keep your voices down or I will have to detain you.

[00:11:13] Is there a problem here, sir?

[00:11:16] Are you their handler?

[00:11:17] Yes, sir.

[00:11:18] Papers.

[00:11:19] Here you are.

[00:11:20] Under control.

[00:11:25] You sure wouldn't want to lose them.

[00:11:26] Oh, no, sir.

[00:11:28] Thank you for correcting them.

[00:11:29] Good luck with the girls.

[00:11:31] They look fresh.

[00:11:32] Now, what did I tell you two?

[00:11:38] I'm sorry, sir.

[00:11:39] Get the girls moving.

[00:11:41] Yes, sir.

[00:12:05] Infected to make a pretty panic.

[00:12:07] You're not wrong about that.

[00:12:09] Samuel, check their teeth and measure their breasts.

[00:12:12] You want to sell the boys?

[00:12:15] They could make you rich.

[00:12:17] You know, thought had crossed my mind.

[00:12:24] I think I'll keep these two around for a while.

[00:12:42] They're bidding at 50 credits.

[00:12:46] They're 55.

[00:12:47] 55.

[00:12:48] 55.

[00:12:49] Look at their eyes.

[00:12:51] 60.

[00:12:52] Let me hear it, guys.

[00:12:53] Let me hear it.

[00:12:54] Don't worry about that.

[00:12:56] Think about all the credits these are going to make us.

[00:13:01] Look at her back.

[00:13:02] Doesn't it look like the letters TJ are cut onto her back?

[00:13:05] Guys.

[00:13:07] Oh, that's one of TJ Swenson's girls.

[00:13:10] He is the finest bounty hunter in the Federal Territory.

[00:13:14] But that guy is a psycho.

[00:13:17] And all his girls are used up.

[00:13:21] Don't ever buy one.

[00:13:23] She won't be worth the price you pay for her.

[00:13:26] He cuts his initials into their back?

[00:13:29] Yeah.

[00:13:31] Yeah.

[00:13:31] With a whip.

[00:13:33] Sounds like one sick dude.

[00:13:34] Here we go.

[00:13:35] Now this girl is fresh from the West.

[00:13:39] Beautiful with a strong boom structure.

[00:13:43] Do I hear 25 credits?

[00:13:46] I gotta get 25 credits.

[00:13:49] Can I get 30?

[00:13:51] 30 to that man in the corner.

[00:13:54] Can I get 35?

[00:13:55] 35.

[00:13:56] 35.

[00:13:57] 35.

[00:13:57] Come on.

[00:13:58] 35.

[00:14:00] Sold to that guy with the big nose.

[00:14:03] I can't watch this.

[00:14:06] Go stand at the door.

[00:14:07] I'll finish this.

[00:14:08] I'm trapped in darkness.

[00:14:14] Life has turned in.

[00:14:19] Back on me it seems.

[00:14:23] Brother, help me up.

[00:14:25] I've fallen down.

[00:14:27] This shit is crazy, Dex.

[00:14:33] You're right.

[00:14:34] I had no idea it was gonna be like this.

[00:14:38] Why would they treat people like this?

[00:14:40] I don't know.

[00:14:41] But we need to find a way out of here.

[00:14:44] And fast.

[00:14:45] We will.

[00:14:46] Be good tonight.

[00:14:55] You boys ready to go spend some of these credits?

[00:14:58] Sounds good to me.

[00:15:01] I've been lost.

[00:15:12] I'm trapped in darkness.

[00:15:17] If I was turned back on me it would seem.

[00:15:25] Brother, I've fallen down.

[00:15:45] Hi, this is Sarah F. Hathaway, the creator of the Changing Earth series and the voice of Erica Moore.

[00:15:50] Visit changingearthseries.com to explore the novels behind the drama and the survival knowledge behind the stories.

[00:15:57] Join the Changing Earth membership program and get one week early access to the show.

[00:16:03] We appreciate you helping the Changing Earth world go round.

[00:16:07] Visit us at www.changingearthseries.com.

[00:16:11] That's www.changingearthseries.com.

[00:16:15] 10-4, sir.

[00:16:25] Can you hear me?

[00:16:29] Sir, can you hear me?

[00:16:32] Come back, sir.

[00:16:38] Has not arrived.

[00:16:42] What's wrong?

[00:16:43] I don't think Erica made it back.

[00:16:45] Let's go find her.

[00:16:47] Go.

[00:16:47] I've got things under control here.

[00:16:55] We'll split up.

[00:16:56] We can't rely on the radio.

[00:16:58] So whether you find them or not, report back to the command tent and sedalia in two hours.

[00:17:03] We'll find her, Bennett.

[00:17:04] I've been looking for you two everywhere.

[00:17:40] What the hell happened here?

[00:18:01] Where's Erica, Vince?

[00:18:02] I don't know.

[00:18:04] My watch saved me.

[00:18:07] The bullet couldn't go through the vest and the watch.

[00:18:10] I think you got saved by much more than your watch.

[00:18:14] Look at your helmet.

[00:18:16] Oh, shit.

[00:18:17] That's why my head's throbbing.

[00:18:20] You're lucky a headache is all you have.

[00:18:22] What happened to Erica, Vince?

[00:18:24] Vince, where's Erica?

[00:18:25] We made it through the fighting.

[00:18:28] We're headed to Sedalia.

[00:18:32] Merkley.

[00:18:33] General Merkley?

[00:18:34] No.

[00:18:35] His fucking son.

[00:18:36] And those guys.

[00:18:37] Those new recruits.

[00:18:39] We asked him for a vehicle to get Erica out.

[00:18:42] And he shot Phillip.

[00:18:44] They shot all of us before we could even react.

[00:18:48] But not Erica.

[00:18:49] She's not here, Vince.

[00:18:50] I know.

[00:18:53] They took her, Bennett.

[00:18:54] Those bastards took her, Bennett.

[00:18:59] But it looks like she got one of them.

[00:19:01] I don't remember this man.

[00:19:02] But he was killed with a knife to the chest, not a bullet.

[00:19:05] From the looks of that angle, it has to be someone small and stabbing.

[00:19:10] There's a barcode tattooed on him.

[00:19:14] Property of FROA.

[00:19:16] It's one of those new trackers.

[00:19:18] I'm going to write down the number.

[00:19:19] We gotta go find her.

[00:19:26] Vince, that's the wrong way.

[00:19:28] The first thing we have to do is give you some medical attention.

[00:19:31] Bennett, they took her.

[00:19:33] They took her.

[00:19:39] How do you know?

[00:19:40] I promise you, we will get her back.

[00:19:43] And we'll do it together.

[00:19:45] But we have to get info and gear.

[00:19:47] She thinks I'm dead.

[00:19:51] Star told me in Montana when Erica thought I was going to die.

[00:19:56] She had never seen her like that.

[00:19:58] She was headed out to die the day you found her.

[00:20:01] We're not going to lose her, Vince.

[00:20:03] I promised I would protect her.

[00:20:21] Planes?

[00:20:22] How the hell can they fly in this?

[00:20:23] They're headed for Denver.

[00:20:25] We can take them down.

[00:20:31] Where are they going?

[00:20:32] I guess they didn't solve the problem completely.

[00:20:39] Where are they going?

[00:20:40] Please.

[00:20:41] Her on her knees.

[00:20:47] Watch.

[00:21:15] That was...

[00:21:17] That was everyone you love blowing up in a ball of fire.

[00:21:23] Your husband is dead.

[00:21:25] Your son that mommy left behind at the homesteads is gone.

[00:21:29] It's only a matter of time until they find your daughter.

[00:21:33] We know right where she is.

[00:21:35] See, Erica?

[00:21:36] Your life is over.

[00:21:38] You are now the property of the Federal Republic of America.

[00:21:42] Bishop?

[00:21:43] Do you have the tracker?

[00:21:45] Yes, sir.

[00:21:55] Hold still now.

[00:21:58] TJ, I need her arm.

[00:22:00] You heard the man.

[00:22:02] Be a good girlie and give him your arm.

[00:22:07] Not a sound.

[00:22:08] She's got a high pain tolerance, sir.

[00:22:11] She doesn't even know pain.

[00:22:13] But she will.

[00:22:15] You see this?

[00:22:16] Property of the Federal Republic of America.

[00:22:20] Your family is gone.

[00:22:22] And you belong to the Supreme General Nicholas Henderson.

[00:22:26] That is your life now.

[00:22:28] And the sooner you accept that, the easier your life will be.

[00:22:32] She doesn't want to believe it, Carl.

[00:22:35] Look at it.

[00:22:37] Look out there.

[00:22:39] They're dead.

[00:22:40] I think she's going to cry.

[00:22:43] It's over.

[00:22:44] Stand her up.

[00:22:46] Let's go.

[00:22:50] Get a hold of her.

[00:22:55] I got her.

[00:22:56] I love ponytails.

[00:22:57] I made great handles.

[00:23:01] Get me more zips.

[00:23:03] Get over here, purity.

[00:23:05] Nobody runs from me.

[00:23:11] Here's the zip ties, TJ.

[00:23:13] Put her back on her knees.

[00:23:16] She won't move, TJ.

[00:23:23] You should know, Mr. Medic.

[00:23:25] The knees are easy targets.

[00:23:27] Kick them out, and there's no choice but to kneel.

[00:23:31] Isn't that right, girly?

[00:23:33] Sergey, put the ties on her legs.

[00:23:40] Where are you going, girly?

[00:23:47] Regret that.

[00:23:49] Put her on her stomach.

[00:23:52] Do you like having air in your lungs?

[00:23:54] How about a knee in your back?

[00:24:02] Try to run.

[00:24:03] This is bullshit, Carl.

[00:24:08] You got to let me have one strike at her so she understands the penalties of her actions.

[00:24:14] She killed Gerber.

[00:24:15] You're just pissed because she knocked you on your tail.

[00:24:18] Get over it, TJ.

[00:24:20] She needs to know the pain, Carl.

[00:24:22] You know what the Supreme General said, TJ?

[00:24:25] Pure and unbroken.

[00:24:27] Damn, Carl.

[00:24:29] I'm not raping the girl.

[00:24:30] I just want to hit her one freaking time with Sheila.

[00:24:33] Fine.

[00:24:34] But just once.

[00:24:36] Bishop.

[00:24:36] Serge.

[00:24:37] Put her back on her knees.

[00:24:39] I do love watching Sheila work.

[00:24:42] That's right, Sheila.

[00:24:47] We only get one snap, so it better be good.

[00:24:56] Not yet, Sheila.

[00:24:57] Just freaking do it.

[00:25:05] I said once.

[00:25:06] Don't mess around, TJ.

[00:25:08] Supreme General will put your head next to hers.

[00:25:12] Sorry.

[00:25:13] I always mark my territory.

[00:25:15] That looks beautiful.

[00:25:17] How'd you like that, girlie?

[00:25:20] Come on.

[00:25:21] Say something.

[00:25:22] Get her back in the car.

[00:25:24] Let's take that mask off and get a look at that pretty face.

[00:25:33] Does that feel good?

[00:25:34] Can you feel the blood running down your back?

[00:25:38] Come on.

[00:25:39] What does the savior of the refugees have to say now?

[00:25:41] The creature tilts for you.

[00:25:51] Wheels his bloody flank to run you through.

[00:26:00] Lord have mercy.

[00:26:02] Lord have.

[00:26:10] Cause he can't break me.

[00:26:26] What just happened?

[00:26:34] I have to get back to the homesteads.

[00:26:35] What just happened, Bennett?

[00:26:38] I think they bombed the whole route, Vince.

[00:26:41] All these people.

[00:26:42] The homesteads.

[00:26:43] We gotta get you to a doctor.

[00:27:23] Wait a minute, Bennett.

[00:27:26] The med center's right up there.

[00:27:28] I know.

[00:27:29] But I can't go in there.

[00:27:31] You can't either, for that matter.

[00:27:34] Everyone will be asking where Erica is.

[00:27:37] She's gone, Vince.

[00:27:38] And you need a doctor.

[00:27:39] I know.

[00:27:40] But if we go in there and everyone finds out she's been captured,

[00:27:44] it might start dissension.

[00:27:47] Erica was just talking about the bigger picture.

[00:27:51] If everyone freaks out, it may really screw up the big picture.

[00:27:56] You're right, Vince.

[00:27:57] A lot of people joined the fight because of her.

[00:27:59] Cassidy died.

[00:28:01] And Eli's a fine leader, but Cassidy had charisma.

[00:28:04] If they found out Erica's gone, we could lose a lot of soldiers.

[00:28:07] Where's Virgis?

[00:28:09] Command 10?

[00:28:10] First off, sir.

[00:28:12] Are you okay?

[00:28:13] Help me get him inside.

[00:28:16] Bennett, there you are.

[00:28:17] You got a cot?

[00:28:19] In the back.

[00:28:20] He needs to go to the med center, Bennett.

[00:28:25] Just rest, Vince.

[00:28:26] I'll get you a doctor.

[00:28:30] Stevens, don't let him fall asleep.

[00:28:32] Yes, sir.

[00:28:38] Did you find her?

[00:28:39] Erica has been captured by the feds.

[00:28:41] What?

[00:28:42] Oh, no.

[00:28:43] Vince needs a doctor.

[00:28:44] But neither of us can go in there without everyone asking us about Erica.

[00:28:48] If they know she's gone, how many will we lose?

[00:28:52] I'll go get one.

[00:28:53] There's a doctor named Stan that I know.

[00:28:55] He came down with the Merc forces.

[00:28:57] Find him.

[00:28:58] You got it.

[00:28:58] Where's Cassidy?

[00:29:00] She's dead, Cole.

[00:29:02] I'm sorry.

[00:29:03] She stood against the snipers and they tagged her.

[00:29:06] No.

[00:29:07] I failed, Cole.

[00:29:08] I lost them both.

[00:29:11] They knew what they were getting into.

[00:29:12] What happened, Bennett?

[00:29:13] When Cassidy fell, they had us pinned.

[00:29:16] Then the feds started calling for us to hand over Erica.

[00:29:20] Merkley gave his command codes.

[00:29:21] That's when I radiated you and you gave the evac codes.

[00:29:25] They found Staff Sergeant Merkley and told him they needed a vehicle.

[00:29:28] Before they could do anything, Merkley and his men shot them all and took Erica.

[00:29:32] Erica got one of them, though.

[00:29:33] I found a tattoo on his arm with a barcode and this number.

[00:29:37] This must be their new refugee tracking system.

[00:29:40] How did they get her out of here?

[00:29:42] I don't know.

[00:29:43] Vince got shot in the head and chest.

[00:29:45] Thank goodness for ballistics and luck, but he was out cold.

[00:29:50] First Sergeant Bennett, how the heck are you?

[00:29:53] Well, you can't be that good if I'm here.

[00:29:56] We're in a pickle, Doc.

[00:29:57] Who is it?

[00:29:59] Vince, he's back here.

[00:30:00] The feds shot him in the head.

[00:30:02] His helmet stopped it, but it left a gnarly knot, and I don't think he's all there right now.

[00:30:06] They shot him in the chest, too, but his dad's watch and his vest stopped it.

[00:30:10] Where's Erica?

[00:30:12] That's why I asked for you, Stan, because I know you were loyal to her.

[00:30:15] She was taken by the feds.

[00:30:17] We're not sure how the people will react, and we're going to try to keep it a secret for as long as we can.

[00:30:22] Oh, no.

[00:30:23] We've got to get Vince back on his feet.

[00:30:25] Let me go check him out.

[00:30:29] Any communications yet?

[00:30:30] We've got nothing but static.

[00:30:32] The vehicles are running because of all this damn ash.

[00:30:35] Even the ones we converted to the new air filtration system failed.

[00:30:38] I've got to get news from the homesteads.

[00:30:41] Michelle, Daniel, and Nancy were there.

[00:30:43] Stars at the medical tent, too.

[00:30:45] She's okay.

[00:30:46] I went to check on her.

[00:30:47] I didn't want to get her and Stan at the same time.

[00:30:50] Thought it might look too suspicious.

[00:30:52] I've got it.

[00:30:55] What are we going to do?

[00:30:56] For now, you have to let him rest.

[00:30:58] But as soon as he's up, we have to get you guys out of here.

[00:31:01] You two are always with Erica.

[00:31:03] If anyone notices you and not her, it's over.

[00:31:07] I agree.

[00:31:08] As soon as he's ready.

[00:31:11] Where is he?

[00:31:13] In the back.

[00:31:17] Oh, my gosh.

[00:31:18] Dad, are you okay?

[00:31:19] I'm okay.

[00:31:21] Star, he'll be fine.

[00:31:24] Let me finish my exam.

[00:31:26] Go on.

[00:31:28] Sure.

[00:32:00] He's...

[00:32:02] No.

[00:32:04] It was an ambush.

[00:32:05] No, no, no, no.

[00:32:08] You don't keep your promises, Bennett.

[00:32:10] You didn't protect her.

[00:32:12] And now Kyle, too?

[00:32:13] We will get her back, Star.

[00:32:30] Just one more time.

[00:32:33] Tell me that you don't regret it.

[00:32:38] I really thought we...

[00:32:43] Then you shot me down.

[00:32:51] Do you like morale patches?

[00:32:52] Morale patches that are prepper-related?

[00:32:55] Things like,

[00:32:55] Hey, can I drink that fuel?

[00:32:57] Two is one, one is none, three is a guarantee?

[00:32:59] Or been prepping since Y2K?

[00:33:00] Well, if so, go to patchofthemonth.co

[00:33:03] and subscribe for $10 a month or $100 a year.

[00:33:14] What do you mean it won't start?

[00:33:16] It's toast, sir.

[00:33:17] Even with the modifications, the ash still clogged it up.

[00:33:20] What the hell is this, Merkley?

[00:33:22] I'm sorry, sir.

[00:33:23] The scientists assured me it would work.

[00:33:25] It did.

[00:33:26] For a while.

[00:33:29] Looks like we're huffing it now, boys.

[00:33:32] Get the girl and the gear out.

[00:33:35] You want her mask on?

[00:33:36] I think we're all good now.

[00:33:38] She's all limp.

[00:33:40] Just like a rag doll.

[00:33:42] Bishop, you better take a look at the girly.

[00:33:44] Stand her up.

[00:33:46] Lift her shirt up.

[00:33:48] With pleasure.

[00:33:50] In the back.

[00:33:52] Jerk on.

[00:33:53] I might have to later now.

[00:33:56] I could definitely use a woman right about now.

[00:34:00] The Supreme General said, pure and unbroken.

[00:34:03] Oh, come on.

[00:34:05] That's no fun.

[00:34:06] We have our orders.

[00:34:09] Merkley, grab me that jar of salve out of my pack.

[00:34:17] What is that?

[00:34:19] It's a special healing mixture,

[00:34:21] but it burns like a fire as a hell.

[00:34:23] Watch this.

[00:34:28] She looks fine to me.

[00:34:30] Impressive.

[00:34:32] I have to admit, TJ,

[00:34:34] that's a pretty good tea and throw her shirt.

[00:34:37] I almost think you could do it in cursive.

[00:34:40] I could always try again.

[00:34:43] No, you cannot.

[00:34:44] You already did enough.

[00:34:46] Oh, come on, Carl.

[00:34:48] You know this girl is going to earn a J eventually.

[00:34:51] Not now,

[00:34:52] but we are going to need a chance.

[00:34:54] I got it.

[00:34:57] Here, drink this.

[00:35:05] That's enough.

[00:35:07] Here, TJ.

[00:35:09] We'll just wrap it around your waist like this.

[00:35:13] Is that rubbing on your back?

[00:35:15] No?

[00:35:16] Let's make sure we get it nice and tight.

[00:35:21] Nice and comfy.

[00:35:24] Where are we at, boss?

[00:35:25] We're almost to Texas.

[00:35:27] We'll start heading southeast when we cross the border.

[00:35:30] Remember, this is all traitor territory.

[00:35:33] So if we see anyone,

[00:35:35] she gets a hood.

[00:35:37] You got that, TJ?

[00:35:38] How did I get babysitting duty?

[00:35:42] You marked your territory, right?

[00:35:45] Well,

[00:35:47] now you get to babysit.

[00:35:49] That's okay.

[00:35:50] You just walk right out in front of me,

[00:35:52] and if I see that behind move one direction

[00:35:54] other than the direction we're headed,

[00:35:55] there's going to be a little tiny T on your butt cheek, too.

[00:35:59] Isn't that right, Sheila?

[00:36:02] That would be epic, brother.

[00:36:06] Right?

[00:36:07] A little T on the left side and a J on the right.

[00:36:10] I'll have to try that next time.

[00:36:12] Here, hold this.

[00:36:18] Like a poopy on a leash.

[00:37:00] You're slowing down your shuffle.

[00:37:02] I could walk faster if my feet weren't tied together.

[00:37:08] Turn around.

[00:37:08] Turn around.

[00:37:09] Nobody told you to stop walking.

[00:37:14] Turn around.

[00:37:21] We've walked for eight hours straight.

[00:37:24] We need a break.

[00:37:26] If we stop and eat now,

[00:37:28] we can do another eight before we sleep.

[00:37:31] Check it out.

[00:37:32] Resto.

[00:37:33] Three miles ahead.

[00:37:36] Yum.

[00:37:37] Yum, Lord.

[00:37:38] Over to the resto.

[00:37:47] I can't go.

[00:37:49] Three, four miles at this speed

[00:37:51] with these things on.

[00:37:54] Stop.

[00:37:58] Turn around.

[00:38:02] What did you say?

[00:38:04] I can't go three more miles

[00:38:08] at this speed

[00:38:09] with these things on.

[00:38:12] You earned those, remember?

[00:38:15] They're your trophy to be worn with pride.

[00:38:18] Two more links.

[00:38:19] If I give you more links,

[00:38:21] what are you going to give me?

[00:38:23] Less time getting to the rest stop.

[00:38:26] You're so lucky you're going to the Supreme General.

[00:38:29] I usually get to have so much more fun

[00:38:31] with the female bounties I retrieve.

[00:38:34] See, that's why Commander Gray's here

[00:38:35] to make sure you get back to the Supreme General

[00:38:37] in one piece.

[00:38:38] But mark my words,

[00:38:39] the General always loses interest in his toys,

[00:38:43] and then they go to the men.

[00:38:45] When that day comes,

[00:38:47] oh, I can't wait.

[00:38:50] Do I get the links?

[00:38:52] Or not?

[00:38:52] Girlie, you better...

[00:38:54] Just give the girl the links, TJ.

[00:38:56] Her ankles are already bleeding,

[00:38:58] and we may be walking for days.

[00:39:00] We need her healthy,

[00:39:02] or we'll have to carry her the whole way.

[00:39:04] If you insist, Mr. Medic.

[00:39:11] If you kick me or pull any more of your tricks,

[00:39:14] I'll let TJ take you down to one link.

[00:39:17] Deal?

[00:39:18] Deal.

[00:39:29] Since Miss Whiny Girl got her links,

[00:39:31] we should be able to pick up the pace.

[00:40:17] We were just getting warmed up, Mercury.

[00:40:21] Looks like a dog park

[00:40:22] with a pole to tie the dog to.

[00:40:25] Come on, girly dog.

[00:40:27] Wait.

[00:40:27] I have to go to the bathroom.

[00:40:29] You've only had 16 ounces of fluid today

[00:40:31] and walked over 20 miles.

[00:40:34] There's no way you need to take a piss already.

[00:40:36] I really do.

[00:40:38] Oh, come on.

[00:40:40] Give me the chain.

[00:41:00] We haven't cleaned it in a while.

[00:41:02] Go stand over there.

[00:41:11] Aren't you going to turn around?

[00:41:12] Nope.

[00:41:13] Go.

[00:41:38] Pants up and turn back around.

[00:42:06] War today, didn't you?

[00:42:07] What?

[00:42:08] The extra links.

[00:42:10] Looks like all your rewards are used up.

[00:42:13] Would you like to earn another one?

[00:42:15] Tell me, TJ, I promised to never run from you.

[00:42:20] No?

[00:42:21] Then no food.

[00:43:34] Thank you, Rick and I.

[00:44:07] She's about to pass out.

[00:44:09] I'll carry her.

[00:44:53] Star?

[00:44:54] Where are we?

[00:44:56] We're in the command tent.

[00:44:58] Bennett brought you here.

[00:45:02] Oh, shit.

[00:45:03] We gotta go get her.

[00:45:05] And the homesteads.

[00:45:06] One step at a time, Dad.

[00:45:08] Take it easy.

[00:45:09] We can't, Star.

[00:45:10] There is no time.

[00:45:12] She thinks I'm dead.

[00:45:13] They shot me in front of her.

[00:45:16] Remember Montana?

[00:45:18] Then we have to get to her now.

[00:45:20] What about the homesteads?

[00:45:22] No news yet.

[00:45:23] How long have I been out?

[00:45:25] About ten hours.

[00:45:27] The sun's just about up.

[00:45:28] What?

[00:45:29] You guys let me sleep all night?

[00:45:32] Oh, we gotta get out of here.

[00:45:37] Dad, you need to rest.

[00:45:39] The hell I do.

[00:45:40] I'm going after Daniel.

[00:45:42] And then I'm going and getting Erica.

[00:45:48] Let's at least get a meal in you before we do that.

[00:45:52] I'm fine, Stan.

[00:45:54] You have one hell of a concussion.

[00:45:58] And a broken rib.

[00:46:02] No.

[00:46:03] I have a broken heart because they took my wife.

[00:46:06] The faster I can get to the homesteads and make sure my son is alive,

[00:46:11] but the quicker I can go and get her back.

[00:46:14] Here, eat this.

[00:46:16] If you guys are going to walk, you'll need the nourishment.

[00:46:19] Gleason?

[00:46:19] Yes, sir.

[00:46:20] You're going to make the trip with him, right?

[00:46:22] Yes, sir.

[00:46:23] Go get supplies from the mess.

[00:46:25] Make sure you have two days' supply for each person.

[00:46:28] Yes, sir.

[00:46:32] Heard you were awake.

[00:46:34] Cole?

[00:46:36] Cassidy?

[00:46:37] She?

[00:46:38] I know Vince.

[00:46:40] She fought like a demon and was something else to watch on that battlefield.

[00:46:45] Her brother would be proud.

[00:46:46] I just wanted the woman I love to come home.

[00:46:49] Don't we all?

[00:46:51] Okay, then.

[00:46:52] Let's go.

[00:46:53] Here, Dad.

[00:46:54] Let me help.

[00:46:55] I got it.

[00:46:56] Travel safely.

[00:46:57] You know where to find me.

[00:46:58] Take care.

[00:46:59] Cole.

[00:47:00] You too, Patrick.

[00:47:02] I've been lost.

[00:47:14] I'm trapped in dark.

[00:47:18] If I stood back on me, it would seem.

[00:47:46] Thank you for listening to the Changing Earth audio drama.

[00:47:50] Based off of the novel series, The Changing Earth by author Sarah F. Hathaway.

[00:47:56] Available at Amazon or get your signed copies at www.changingearthseries.com.

[00:48:02] This content is copywritten in 2023 by author Sarah F. Hathaway.

[00:48:09] For a list of performers, music, and noise attributes, head on over to www.changingearthseries.com.

[00:48:17] Become a subscriber and help the Changing Earth world go around.

[00:48:22] Pick up your Changing Earth gear at www.changingearthseries.com.

[00:48:27] Don't forget to leave a review or like and subscribe to the YouTube channel, author Sarah F. Hathaway.

[00:48:34] Stay tuned for the next episode of the Changing Earth audio drama.