4-4 Battle at the Wall

[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

[00:00:17] harness the pain from my own strength. The great quake brought misery and death to a countless number of people, but it made me a god, ruler of my domain, the greatest bounty

[00:00:30] hunter to ever live. No one, no one dared run from T.J. Swenson, except one. They call her the lone survivor, the savior of the refugees, but she is my greatest bounty ever.

[00:00:48] This is life on the changing earth. Dude, look at this place! Where did they all come from? None of them were here when we left. Dang man, tents all the way out to the horizon.

[00:01:08] At least Dolores' place is still there. I bet she's busy. Isn't she always? Look, it's a star and Daniel, with my grandma and grandpa. I'm sorry Johnny. Don't be bro, go get them. Hi Dexter! Hey there little bro. Hi guys. Where's Jack? He didn't make

[00:01:32] it Dex, but he sure fought one hell of a fight. I bet he did. Damn, it's good to see you guys. I'm so worried. How did you make it out? Where's mom and dad? I think

[00:01:45] they are with the militia. Why did they go, star? Bet it didn't tell you? No, I didn't. And now is not the time or the place, star. We need a plan for all of these people first. Whatever you say, sir. Where are you headed Johnny? Nowhere. You're coming

[00:02:02] with us then. Come on. There's a lot to catch up on guys, and you must be ready for a shower. Let's go back to the tent and try to sort this out.

[00:02:48] They're cheering for you, ma'am. Freedom! He's in the command truck there. Take him, bank man, and head back to the gate. You'll be under heavy sniper after fire until Cassidy's main squad can eliminate the threat. All

[00:03:21] clear? Yes sir. Can you handle that, Miss Hero? Yes sir. Well he certainly has no love lost for you. I get it. What are you doing? The thermal cloaks. The what? They're

[00:03:40] a handy piece of tech we got off a guy in the Badlands. The sensors detect the ambient temperature around the cloak and change the temperature to match, concealing the user. Cool. There's a flare! Let's move, B squad!

[00:04:07] Burn that sniper. We've got to get that embankment taken out so our men can exit the train. We've got this. He'll never see us coming. He'll see you with the thermals. No, they won't. Trust me. He's taking the trench guards. Go work your magic. You ready? Let's do

[00:04:44] this. Throw it! Yeah! Let's get back to the team! There's Cassidy's team. Well done. The gate's opening! What is that? Aiming for the Jeeps! We've got to move now. Vince,

[00:06:03] are you okay? I'm good. Kyle's out, but he looks to be alive. Friar's is dead. The guards have RPGs. We can make it. They won't shoot their own wall. I'll grab Kyle. Let's go. Bravo team! Stay against the wall! Push forward! The artillery. Targeting

[00:07:02] Eli's command unit. Their attention is turning. Jonathan's unit must have arrived. Now's our chance! Attack! They took the weapon. We did it! Mr. Lee, I'm home. Do you have any luck? Nothing from Dallas, but we got intel that a large force has been

[00:08:07] leaving the Texas Free State. It's begun, Mr. Lee. Was Erica with them? We don't have the specific intel on that, but the web is spun. She'll get caught and I'll be there to collect her. Let them play their cards and expose their hand. Then the

[00:08:20] team general can stomp the rest out. Whose team is going after Dixon? Anthony's. Why is it Nate leading it? Nate's all mixed up over this woman. What? Nate left Margaret. Said he wants to focus on his responsibilities here, but the boys hate a scramble. Why didn't

[00:08:35] you unscramble it? None of that is my business. You said you were handling it. What am I supposed to do? Figure it out, son. It's called leading. Yes, Mr. Lee. Get the hell out of here. Good night, sir. Make sure to keep me posted on the situation with

[00:08:51] Erica. Yes, sir. Where are you headed? Home. What's your problem? Did everything go okay out west? Yes. It's this bullshit with Nate and Margaret. Come on. Let's get a drink. It's a mess with these two. I lost a good fighter over this. Don't hold that over

[00:09:37] Nate's head. Why not? Nate would never tell you this. He left her because she lied to you. Good. I am his god, not some woman. So don't hold him to task because of the dumbass decision Margaret's making. Mr. Lee won't send him out. Because he's all confused.

[00:09:57] Let him know you still honor him. Tell him to put his head on straight and he'll pick it up quick. Margaret is another story. She's a woman with a baby. You can't keep her

[00:10:11] in limbo. I know. I don't know what to do with her, and I can't have her disrespecting me in public. She's got a thick skull. Put her to work with Patrice. She was

[00:10:22] such a good fighter. Damn I was proud of that girl. I could always find a way to make her useful. I don't think we're there yet Chuck, but I'll keep that in mind. I'll see you later. Good night TJ. With no way to go, no higher ground

[00:11:04] Even if you've never flown before You can't take a chance and try once more Don't let your worries weigh you down, down, down You can still take flight Do you like morale patches? Morale patches that are prepper related? Things like, hey

[00:11:43] can I drink that fuel? 2 is 1, 1 is none, 3 is a guarantee or been prepping since Y2K? Well if so go to Patchofthemoth.co and subscribe for 10 bucks a month or 100 dollars a year. Alright looking good Major Burgess. Good to see you made it back in one piece

[00:12:04] Bennett. Come on the meeting is starting. Major General Mike Barnes was killed during the northern invasion. Colonel Chen Li will be promoted to this position. All other promotions are listed on the overhead viewer. Sir you made lieutenant colonel and I'm a first sergeant. Payne's on the

[00:12:40] survivor list. Something going on there sir? She would like it if it was. Looks like many more awkward moments to come sir. Isn't that the truth? We are organizing a counter strike. The first thing we need to do is remove the

[00:12:54] federal forces left in the west. The Texas military has already taken back the south. They will unite more merc forces in Dallas to start blockading the federal army. The refugees stuck in the bad lines will be evacuated to

[00:13:09] behind the bulk of the army to hold the line and be out of harm's way when the flood comes in. Then the forces will press north and squeeze the central region from both sides. Jackson explain the details for sweeping the west. Yes

[00:13:26] sir we can't have a threat of attack from behind. We need to clear the forces in Nevada including the Las Vegas base. I have a specific outline for your teams. Our estimated time of completion is one month. First

[00:13:42] sergeant Bennett it did not help our case against the federal governing board when Vincent Erica Moore could not be presented for a verification that the conditions of their probation were being honored. Do you know where they are now? Yes sir they're with the southern militia. They are either

[00:13:59] headed to the southwestern wall or Dallas. We shall know soon enough. After all they did to help the cause I would hate to lose them. With that said we can expand another force to get them back here. I understand sir.

[00:14:15] Questions can be directed to your section commanders you are dismissed. You coming? I'll catch up. Sir permission to speak freely. Granted. Sir I know the Moors left on their own accord but I had a hand in the leading and the

[00:14:34] Moors left in direct violation of their probationary restrictions. Sir if Erica Moore was the kind of person that followed orders instead of her heart we never would have swayed so many citizens who want their freedom back.

[00:14:48] What is it you're after first sergeant? A truck and a few soldiers so we can go and bring them back. They are fighting with the militia what makes you think they'll want to come back. I've spent a lot of years with

[00:15:01] them. They're after their family and friends in Las Vegas. They want to get them out before the next quake. Vegas is swarming with nervous feds right now. If they go in there we've lost them. I can find them sir. If I could

[00:15:14] have done a little investigating before getting out of Dallas I would have had them by now. All right your first request is granted. Take a truck loaded with fuel and three soldiers. I'll tell Lieutenant Colonel that I

[00:15:26] authorize this excursion personally. Thank you sir. Get what you wanted? Yes sir. Seriously Patrick you could let them go now they made their choice. I just can't shake this feeling Cole. This feeling that they're going to be in

[00:15:45] over their heads. They need me. Erica needs me. Do what you gotta do buddy but you need rest before you go. You want to get some chow first? Yes sir and I could sure go for a hot shower.

[00:16:24] Oh my goodness. It's over? That is the understatement of the century. How's the arm? It's fine. Sounds like everyone's getting up. Chow's on. Are you Erica Moore, a lone survivor? I sure am. Thank you so much for joining us. Victory

[00:17:18] might as well be ours. Where do you come from soldier? Louisiana ma'am. Happy to lend a hand where I can and take some land back for free people. Amen. Good morning. How'd you do?

[00:17:31] Thanks to you we got the job done. I thought we were at FUBAR for a minute there. I got your back. Did you get some food yet? No. Philip could you grab Erica a plate? Yes ma'am. I'll help you Philip. We were worried about a

[00:17:51] response from the White Sand base among other federal bases in New Mexico. Why didn't they come? They've already moved most of the war machines out to Colorado and their new bases in the central region. The feds left

[00:18:05] small squads behind to give the image of a larger force but even those forces were fractured. Half of the soldiers turned and joined the militia to remove the remaining federal forces left there. Then we won? We did but the

[00:18:18] North was devastated. Have you been able to contact the mercenary forces yet? Yes but we didn't want to give away your position or discuss details. We can't guarantee the feds aren't listening. I understand your caution

[00:18:32] but I need to know if they are okay. If they are alive you want to keep them that way right? Yeah. Keeping your location and theirs off airwaves is the best way to do that. I'm not happy about that but I understand. I gotta get

[00:18:46] back to command we'll catch up in Albuquerque. Sounds good. I'll take your plate ma'am. You gonna make it? We're off to morning. I hear ya. I ran into Eli. He said there's a caravan headed to meet up with the militia in Albuquerque. Some of those

[00:19:07] squads will be dispatched to join with the mercs to take Vegas. Once we meet up with the mercs we can at least get some news about our family. Sounds like a plan. I'd be surprised if Dexter hasn't found us before then.

[00:19:22] I've been thinking about that too. He found us when we were in Austin but where'd he go? With McClintock taken and the North being invaded the mercs must have initiated a regroup plan. Bennett always said there was a plan B

[00:19:39] but they wanted diplomacy and pressure from the citizens to bring the rule of the people back. We got a point. How was breakfast? Nothing beats rehydrated eggs and bacon. I didn't think it was that. Yeah but you eat baby food. That stuff's not bad either. My point exactly.

[00:19:59] You're so darn cute. Get out of here. I'm gonna break down our gear. Mrs. Moore can you tell us your story? Why don't you tell me about your future? Once we free the country what do you want to do? I want to own a bakery. I read

[00:20:20] these books and they talked about going to space. Did you know people have been to the moon? I heard that. I wish I could have lived before the Great Quake when you could still grow up to be an astronaut. Don't give up. It could

[00:20:33] still be possible one day. I have to go guys. Keep your heads up. Will do ma'am. You got it all done already? Yeah I wasn't over there pandering to my pants. I'm sorry they're so inspirational. I'm sure they feel the same way. Don't worry I got it.

[00:21:00] I heard how YouTube took out the embedding so the train could unload. Good job. I'd like to shake your hand. Thank you sir. I also heard about the tacky we used.

[00:21:12] Do you mind letting our guys take a look at it when we get back to Albuquerque? No we don't have a problem with that. It can help keep more of those soldiers alive than I'm in. You two are capes and understand why I'm out. Take care you two.

[00:21:36] You guys ready to go? You're still tagging along? Yep. Is this everything? That's it. Hi TJ. What's for dinner? Pork chops, potatoes and corn. Did you cut it off the cob? Yes TJ. Good job. How's Theresa? She's been tired. How long until dinner? 20 minutes.

[00:22:39] I'll be back. Sir? Rich is that you? No it's me. Where you at? TJ? I'm in the garden. You've been busy. I wish. Susan did all this. How was your trip? I haven't

[00:23:07] been that far west in a while. Did you find her? No. Why do you care so much about her? You don't even know about this woman. I've heard the stories. I know what that

[00:23:18] woman means to the refugees. She brings them hope. How you feeling? I get through each day. Nate left Margaret. I know. What will become of Margaret? That's up to her. Is it? She disrespected me in the street. It was her choice to lie to me about the baby,

[00:23:37] but her punishment had to be put on hold. If she's healthy enough to train again, she's healthy enough to face the consequences. I'm sorry TJ. I never meant to disrespect you. None of that conversation was for your ears. I'm sorry. I got home and I

[00:23:55] was looking for Teresa. You're just all kinds of sorry aren't you? I screwed up everything. I can't fight. I lost Nate and I lost you. You made your choices. Can I leave? You were never invited. She's the same girl you knew. Is she?

[00:24:14] Teenagers make mistakes. And they face the consequences of their actions. Sir, Commander Gray is here. I have to go. Do you need help getting into the house? No. I want to stay out here. I love these long summer days. I'll be back by tomorrow.

[00:24:30] Give me a hug. They took Dallas and the southern wall. Ha ha, that's just great. Half of the soldiers in Dallas went AWOL. I thought they had the new trackers. The ones they can't remove. Somehow their signal is being

[00:24:51] distorted. We don't know how, but we can't track them. Where's Erica? She went through the southern wall. Put on a real show down there too. Another legend to add to her list. I need a drink. You want one? After this

[00:25:08] bullshit tonight, I'm going to need a couple. Hey everyone, this is Phil Radley from the Matter Facts Podcast, voicing the role of Cole Verges. If prepping guns and politics sounds like your cup of tea, come check out

[00:25:50] the Matter Facts Podcast every Friday on iTunes, Citra and Spotify with my co-host Andrew Bobo.

[00:26:48] We haven't ordered yet. They're from the gentleman at the bar. Don't we know that guy? Thanks for the drink, buddy. You don't remember me, do you? Bert? Bert Nostrum? These days I go by Bert Green. I was hoping I might

[00:27:22] find you guys here. Do you know what happened to my dad and brother? We saw your dad cool right after the great quake. There was a big fire. He didn't survive it, Bert. I'm sorry. We never saw your brother. What happened

[00:27:37] to you? How did you end up here? Did you marry a landowner? Long story. I explained it to you some time ago. But for now, how about a toast to old friends? So, how the hell have you guys been? Good. Most folks are pretty

[00:27:55] familiar with what happened to me. Where have you been, Bert? In a cave? Vince? TJ, Margaret's here. TJ, you are my god and whatever you tell me to do, I'll do it. You finally came to your senses? I made the wrong choices, but I know

[00:28:34] you can make the right ones for me. I trusted you. Let me earn your trust again. Speak, woman. My father was placed on the bike next to mine. He curses your name, TJ. He wanted me to turn back to him and join his rebellion

[00:28:48] against you. And what did you tell him? I told him yes. I had to know how big his network was. And what did you find out? A hundred strong, TJ. Can you ID them? Yes. Good. I'll send Anthony to task on your information

[00:29:03] tomorrow. Are you ready for a new job? Yes, sir. You can continue to earn back my trust, working with the cleanup crew. Yes, TJ. You did well tonight. Go. Yes, sir. Hi, Serge. Where's TJ? I'm here. Come in,

[00:29:21] Sergey. Corinne Tillman just radioed in. She has Vince and Erica in lockdown on the Colorado-New Mexico border. Tillman came through? How about that? Send Tran to pick her up and we'll meet with him at his place. Get Yuri, Nate and a team. Let's go.

[00:30:12] What are you doing contacting me? Philip assured me this communication is private. What's wrong? I was. What are you talking about? About her. I was wrong and you were right. Whole place, Aniko kept my voice recorded. Can

[00:30:35] you please repeat that? You were right and I was wrong, baby face. My anger kept us apart all these years and I'm sorry. Okay, who is this and what did you do with Cassidy Baker? If all you're going to do is tease me,

[00:30:49] I can just hang up. I'm sorry. I need a minute to process that information. When can I see you? I'll make it happen. Tell me when and I'm there. You just take care of yourself until then. You know I will. I gotta go. Come in.

[00:31:07] You know, we're supposed to have radio silence. I know. We can't find Vince or Erica. Kyle was driving them. Where is he? Don't know. Oh shit. Cassidy, ma'am, First Sergeant Bennett is here to see you. Send him in. What brings you by?

[00:31:27] I'm looking for Vince and Erica Moore. So are we. I thought they were with you. They were. They helped us to take the southern wall and headed up here in yesterday's convoy, but no one has seen them.

[00:31:40] Kyle, what in the world happened to you? Phillip, go grab him some water. Yes, ma'am. We got into town. They wanted to have a drink at the bar. I went to unload their packs. When I was done, I was going to join them and I saw

[00:31:56] a man dragging them out of side door. What? Do you know where they went? I followed them north of town. It was a huge estate with snipers on the towers. I was coming back, but the Jeep ran out of gas. I ran all night.

[00:32:08] Thank you, Kyle. That's the Tillman State. It's almost at the Colorado border. Be here or we're gone. The feds will transport her to the Capitol. We need to get scouts over there now. Phillip, get a team

[00:32:20] assembled and get us in town. Yes, ma'am. I thought you and Erica... We fought. She's a bad ass bitch. I've got some new scars to prove it, but we healed the wounds of the past. The militia and the Mercs are

[00:32:33] united. That's the best news I've heard all day. I'm going to discuss a rescue with my team. Let me know how I can help. Yes, ma'am. What did she say? Sir. What? What did you say? Sir? What did she

[00:33:17] say? Sir? Your parents have been taken to a large estate north of here. They're being held by the federal forces. What? Oh, man. We were so close. When are we headed out? Sir? Tonight there's a team heading there now to gather intelligence. We're going to get some

[00:33:36] chow and head out after them. They can relay intel as we travel. The guy they're traveling with, Kyle, says he has their gear. Let's get their thermocloaks before we go. Got it. Prepper Broadcasting Network is nine dynamic hosts. Seven podcasts a week, live shows,

[00:34:10] chat rooms, daily updates all on prepping, survival and patriotism. Visit prepperbroadcasting.com for your dose of self-reliance and independence. After the break I had no choice. I was in Mexico visiting a friend on his ranch. The whole frame was

[00:34:41] cut off. The chaos began and I fought with Dustin to keep his land. When things stabilized, I took his name to avoid the grocery system. Now I have a family to protect. A family to protect. I don't want to do it. Erica, I'm sorry.

[00:35:12] Don't be sorry, Bert. This thing is not worth your time. Yes, ma'am. How are you doing? She's on a high dose, ma'am. Do you recognize me? Your family has been through enough. Been through enough. You do remember. The truth is I couldn't make a

[00:36:01] martyr of you at this central region trial. But now I'll have your treasonous heads next to General McClintock's. It's a beautiful drug. Takes away your ability to struggle, so don't even try. Bert, shut your mouth. You think you're hot shit, Erica? Still

[00:36:28] have the brains to trip me? James, take care of this. And what are you laughing at? Nothing, ma'am. Give her another dose and keep her well drugged. Jimmy Tran is on his way to collect her. Yes, ma'am. And Bert, don't screw this up. Both our lives

[00:36:53] depend on this. Do you hear me? Yes, ma'am. Do you hear me, Bert? Yes, ma'am. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. Sorry. We'll park here and walk in. The barn is on the west side. We're entering from the south, sir. You got it, kid. Wish we could take

[00:37:41] trucker. Create a dog cloak and we'll be good to go. Let's move. Slow and steady. Let the cloaks do their job. The security is still heightened. Hopefully that means they're still here. I'll take the one at the door. You take the one inside. You're

[00:38:18] clear. My foot! Damn it, Dexter. Sorry. Come on, stay low. She's in here. Go see if you can find your dad. Is she breathing? Yes. He's in here. Put the extra cloak on him and bring him back. Fuck! Erica, it's okay. I've come to get you.

[00:38:58] Sergeant Bennett? Is that really you? Yes, Erica, it's me. No, no, that's a dream. Shh, Erica. I've come to get you out of here. I don't want to go with you. You lied to me. Shut up, Erica. Don't alert the guards. No, I'm not going to stop.

[00:39:26] Damn woman, even rescuing you is a challenge. No, no, what? What? You got her? I got her. We have to get her out of here before she wakes up. Hey, stop! They know we're here. Stop! Move, move! We got this, sir. Go! They're on us,

[00:39:56] sir. Yeah, militia mini-cap! Oh, those vans are screwed. Master Sergeant Bennett? You know it was. He probably had Eric's eldest son with him too. That kid's quite a fighter. Any word on the daughter? What was her name? Star. We think they rallied in

[00:40:49] the West by where Reno used to be. We've got eyes on her husband, Sean. He's taken up with another landlady chick. Any man that would leave a woman that beautiful has to be a moron. We should go kill him just for being stupid. She's

[00:41:07] yours. Fine. Supreme General will see you now. DJ, how nice to see you. My sources tell me we were thwarted on Eric's capture once again. It's true, Supreme General, sir. Then that's it. If these people aren't going to comply, I'll

[00:41:44] end it. Get me Colonel Mays. Yes, sir. You called for me, sir? Colonel, put your planes in the air. Make a brain on Albert Kirk. Yes, sir. One problem down, another one comes up. These people are like playing whack-a-mole. You take

[00:42:10] care of one of them and another one pops up. I have another job for your men. I'm at your command, sir. I have just received word. My spies have just informed me that they found the base that deciphered my tracker

[00:42:23] tech. It's a whole house run by a woman named Delos. I thought you might enjoy the opportunity to collect more stock, and I want the facility destroyed. Yes, sir. DJ, you are dismissed. Thank you, sir. Get this done. How did it go? He ordered an airstrike on Albert

[00:42:46] Kirk. He's done playing the game. Then why you look so worried? Because I have a feeling. It's too easy. You want to stay and listen to the wires? Yuri and I will take Gerber and the team and bring

[00:43:01] these whores home. You never want to go on a mission. Do you need a new chick? I'll take my pick from the stock. Done. Hi, this is Sarah F. Hathaway, the creator of the Change in Earth series and the voice of Erica

[00:43:36] Moore. Visit Change in Earth series dot com to explore the novels behind the drama and the survival knowledge behind the stories. Join the Change in Earth membership program and get one week early access to the show. We appreciate you helping the Change in Earth world go

[00:43:52] around. Visit us at www dot Change in Earth series dot com. That's www dot Change in Earth series dot com. You have these men hustling last night. Need a defense. How are they going? They're sleeping in the back. Feds gave them a nasty cocktail. That's the

[00:44:19] only way I can imagine anyone keeping that woman down. You're right about that. Did you bring them home first, Sergeant? We sure did, Kyle. They're a little out of sorts, but they'll sleep it off. Success! Let's get them inside. There's two free

[00:44:47] beds over here. Now I need to find a cot of my own. I hear that. Are you coming, sir? I can't sleep in this chaos. I'm going to stay with them. See you in a few hours, sir. First Sergeant Bennett,

[00:45:09] do you have a moment? Sure. I'm worried about the hell fire this might bring down on us. Cassidy was going to send us the electromagnetic boom captured at the southern wall over in Dallas, over in Sydney. Now she's rethinking that. We never

[00:45:24] attempted to attract this much attention this far north. Did you see the jets fly over yesterday? Yes, sir, I did. Not good. Even if they were to just move a plane, you know they would have been so right as they went. Now attracting this

[00:45:40] attention with Vincent Erika, we'll know what stage it is. The radio chatter probably gave your location away a while ago, even without the flyby. Yeah, but now we'll know for sure Vincent Erika was here. After the last federal government board meeting, I'm sure the feds are

[00:45:57] itching to make a speck full of them. You want them out of here? I do. Don't get me wrong, after the Southwest gate battle, they've earned my respect. They're able-bodied fighters and that woman works with magic on the morale of soldiers, but... But you'd love for the

[00:46:13] chatter to start indicating they're somewhere else. You got it. What about you, sir? I could really use someone with your training rights. I go with them. Don't worry, Eli. The Lieutenant General is sending Major General Chan Lee your way with a thousand mercenary soldiers. I wouldn't worry about

[00:46:30] Dallas too much either. Colonel Chuck Stone was stationed there and should be back in command of the mercenary army there by now. From what I understand, the feds were caught off guard by the militia, didn't have time to strip the Fort Worth base like they did the

[00:46:43] other ones here. Gone. Good news. And the day is still young. Damn, girl. You got all banged up. More stitches and more scars.

[00:47:44] TJ, you need to come quick. I'm going to see Mr. Lee. She's dying, TJ. You made it. Of course I made it. Thank you, TJ. Thank you for always taking care of me. Thank you, Teresa. What about Erica? She escaped. She should be free. Don't worry about that.

[00:48:13] Promise me something. What? Promise me you will take care of your family. They love you. I'll do my best. I know you will. Susan, I love you. Go to them, honey. I love you. Mr. Lee is looking for you. She's gone? She is.

[00:49:05] You know what to do with that? I do, but Whenever you feel in love You can feel the music And if the music Mr. Lee is looking for you She's gone? She is Do you know what to do with that? I do, but... What?

[00:49:44] She told me to take care of my family What's the problem? I don't know what that is Chuck My family always dies It's made me strong But how do I... You won't have to ask that question when the timing is right

[00:49:58] You'll know it with every fiber of your being I don't know if this is true But every time I look back on the years I feel like I wasted my youth How did I get so cold? How do I wind up every single day

[00:50:24] Going through this life all alone? When am I gonna change? Another day, another month, another year And still I feel just the same Oh What? Where am I? Calm down Cupcake, you're safe Where are we? In Albuquerque, at the militia base Oh You okay Cupcake?

[00:51:16] I'm fine, just go Just calm down Let me look at that I'll get the doc over here I'm fine! Erica, it's infected Now you care? Just go! Okay Erica, I'm glad to see you back among the living It's hard who's gonna save you Who's gonna make you

[00:51:49] Not blue, not blue Hello again Cupcake You're still here? Of course I am, you can't get rid of me Tell me about it There's the Spitfire I know, the doc's here to check you out I told you I'm fine Let's just have a look anyway sport Stan?

[00:52:17] It's your surface No, they didn't I was shipped east to help with the injured, sick and dying I followed your legendary escapades quite closely though I've been doing okay. Luckily, my skills have been in high demand. Speaking of, let's check that arm and that wound on your face.

[00:53:00] And let me see the arm. Let's wash it with some antiseptic and apply antimicrobial cream over the top. That should do it. I'll authorize a bottle of antibiotics to stop any more infection from spreading. Stan, it's so good to see you again. Reminds me of old times.

[00:53:24] Do you have a family? I married a lovely woman. Isabelle. But you know the law, Erika. I'm too old for children anyhow. Yeah, they're just a pain in the butt. Mom! You're up! I missed you so much. I missed you too, Dex. Come on, trucker!

[00:53:52] It's okay, I missed you too, trucker. Do you know if Daniel and Grandma and Grandpa are okay? Slow down, Mom. They're fine. Lieutenant Colonel Virgis made sure Daniel, Grandma, and Grandpa got to Reno. Daniel's pissed that you didn't take him. But he's all in one piece.

[00:54:12] What about Star? She's going through some stuff, Mom. Sean left her for another landowner's daughter so she could stay in the band. That little prick. At least she's okay. Why didn't she come? Because you know what's coming, and someone had to stay with Daniel and Grandma and Grandpa.

[00:54:33] Because of the flood that's coming? Erika, don't. They have a right to know. Not now. The plans are being put in place. Those plans better get executed quickly. I think you better stow your gear in the bunkhouse and go grab some food. We can discuss this later.

[00:54:49] Sir, yes sir! Come on. Oh man, no more breakfast? I was really looking forward to rehydrated eggs with bacon bits. Nope. You'll just have to make do with rehydrated mashed potatoes and beef stroganoff. Mmm. Hello Mom. Trucker wants some. Nope, Trucker. This slop is mine.

[00:55:34] Mmm. I need to talk to you. Whatever about, Master Sergeant? It's First Sergeant now. Well, well. Congratulations First Sergeant. That's much better than Second Sergeant, right? Erika, please stop. I need to talk to you. Okay, but only because you said please.

[00:56:13] Thanks for listening to the Change in Earth audio drama. This content is copywritten in 2023 by author Sarah F. Hathaway. Get to know our amazing performers and listen to the soundtrack at changingearthseries.com. Special thanks to ZapSplat, freesound.com, and freemusicarchives.com.

[00:57:09] Find all the music and sound attributes at authorsarafhathaway.com backslash soundtrack. Stay tuned for more of the Changing Earth adventure.