4-9 The Aftermath

[00:00:02] 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. 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.

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

[00:01:04] It's not time to get up yet, trucker. Okay, okay, I'm up.

[00:01:25] You ready, bro?

[00:01:27] All set.

[00:01:27] Aren't they?

[00:02:06] Yes, ma'am, they sure are. He's friendly.

[00:02:15] Are you sure about that?

[00:02:17] Honestly, he's not friendly, but he is well trained. You're safe.

[00:02:22] Now, that I'll believe. The babies won't have much time with mama.

[00:02:29] Why not?

[00:02:30] We'll take them to the nursing house and bottle feed them. That way, they'll be human friendly.

[00:02:36] The mama's giving milk for us to make milk and cheese. Would you like to come and see it?

[00:02:41] Maybe some other time, miss.

[00:02:43] Andre Simpson.

[00:02:45] Andre Simpson.

[00:02:46] Andre Simpson. We're headed out to the border for patrol.

[00:02:49] Sounds like more fun than milking goats all morning.

[00:02:51] I guess it's all in perspective. Take care, ma'am.

[00:02:56] Take care, mister.

[00:02:57] Case. Private. First class case.

[00:03:01] And this is Corporal Johnson.

[00:03:04] You have a nice day, ma'am.

[00:03:06] Nice meeting you, gentlemen.

[00:03:07] I think Kyle is making moves on Star.

[00:03:13] I think you're right.

[00:03:15] I want to say I don't like that dude, but I'd be lying.

[00:03:20] Plus, he sure did give Sean what he had coming last night.

[00:03:24] Did you see his eye when he got up on stage?

[00:03:27] That guy is a joke.

[00:03:29] I've always thought so.

[00:03:30] He's lucky your father didn't rip his balls off.

[00:03:33] I wonder what he was doing there at all.

[00:03:35] I thought he left her to play for the landowners and enjoy all the cushy perks.

[00:03:39] I thought so too, bro.

[00:03:40] He was probably macking on one of those hot chicks that threw themselves at him.

[00:03:46] The landowner that married him dropped him like a rock.

[00:03:50] Probably.

[00:03:51] Who could blame him, though?

[00:03:52] I heard the chick he married fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down.

[00:03:57] Here we are, patrolling the homesteads.

[00:04:00] Talk about a boring day.

[00:04:18] He's wanted to have kids.

[00:04:20] Not me.

[00:04:22] My dad was always too busy for me anyway.

[00:04:24] Megan mentioned settling down someplace like this.

[00:04:28] What's up with you two anyway?

[00:04:30] She's easy to talk to.

[00:04:32] You two getting together?

[00:04:33] I don't know.

[00:04:35] I don't want to mess up our friendship.

[00:04:38] Relationships can make things awkward.

[00:04:41] That's true.

[00:04:41] What if it didn't work out and she's your adopted aunt for the rest of your life?

[00:04:45] Weird, bro.

[00:04:46] She's not blood, Johnny.

[00:04:48] You know that.

[00:04:49] Neither is Star.

[00:04:51] Yeah, but Star's my sister.

[00:04:52] I can hardly remember life without her.

[00:04:55] I just met Megan a year ago, and she isn't even officially adopted.

[00:05:00] And now none of that matters anyhow.

[00:05:03] True.

[00:05:04] She's a cool girl, too.

[00:05:06] You're right.

[00:05:06] She is easy to talk to.

[00:05:08] What do you know about it?

[00:05:10] Don't get all jealous.

[00:05:11] I do share a tent with the woman.

[00:05:16] Don't get in the ruffle, bro.

[00:05:17] I wouldn't go there.

[00:05:18] I know you like her.

[00:05:19] It's my turn with the scope.

[00:05:21] I heard you had quite a night last night.

[00:05:35] Oh, you heard that?

[00:05:38] Oh, yeah.

[00:05:39] The whole camp heard about it.

[00:05:41] Great.

[00:05:42] Where is everyone?

[00:05:43] Already off to their post.

[00:05:45] Daniel's outside waiting for you, and Vince left with Bennett about an hour ago.

[00:05:50] Oh, no.

[00:05:52] They said they would be back in a couple hours.

[00:05:59] Staff Sergeant Gleason, why aren't you at your post outside?

[00:06:03] Staff Sergeant Case just awoke.

[00:06:05] I was checking on her, sir.

[00:06:07] I need a guard on this door, not a nurse.

[00:06:10] Do you understand me?

[00:06:11] Yes, sir.

[00:06:12] Erica, you stirred up a hornet's nest last night.

[00:06:15] I know, sir, but that woman had it coming.

[00:06:18] Sit down and shut up.

[00:06:19] Yes, sir.

[00:06:20] It's hard enough to keep you hidden without you finding trouble.

[00:06:23] General Merkley is not happy about this.

[00:06:26] But, sir, that lady...

[00:06:27] Erica, the lady is the wife of the mayor who keeps all of us hidden in this town.

[00:06:33] Your actions could have jeopardized everything.

[00:06:37] I didn't know.

[00:06:38] I know, and Merkley knows.

[00:06:40] But people started talking.

[00:06:42] Your anonymity has been put at risk.

[00:06:45] Merkley wants to speak to you.

[00:06:46] Now get your uniform on.

[00:06:49] Yes, sir.

[00:07:11] Good morning, Danny.

[00:07:13] Good morning, Mom.

[00:07:14] What's up?

[00:07:15] Bennett's getting replaced by Staff Sergeant Justin Merkley.

[00:07:19] General Merkley's son?

[00:07:21] That can't be all bad.

[00:07:22] He's a total turd, Mom.

[00:07:25] You'll be fine.

[00:07:26] Just do your best and follow his orders.

[00:07:28] But why, Mom?

[00:07:30] Because, Danny, we have to maintain order to win this battle.

[00:07:34] We have to wait for Greg and Penny.

[00:07:37] Hey, Bennett's with these guys.

[00:07:39] He trusts them to do what is right.

[00:07:41] And I think we should, too.

[00:07:43] I guess you're right.

[00:07:44] I love you, Mom.

[00:07:50] Hey, Slugger.

[00:07:51] How are you this morning?

[00:07:53] Okay.

[00:07:54] You two can catch up when Merkley is done with you.

[00:07:59] There's something that feels so good.

[00:08:15] Amor, you think this is a game?

[00:08:17] No, sir.

[00:08:18] You expect me to expend resources to save your friends, and you can't even go to town one night without seriously jeopardizing our activities here?

[00:08:27] Sir, I'm sorry.

[00:08:28] I...

[00:08:29] I don't need an explanation.

[00:08:30] I have the mayor's wife who lost an eye due to severed optic nerve, along with three broken bones.

[00:08:35] I have townspeople curious about the petite participant who resembled the lone survivor of Sacramento.

[00:08:40] I have plenty of explaining to do without listening to your excuses.

[00:08:45] Your honorary rank has been reduced to private.

[00:08:47] It's a good thing you were Bennett was there, or at most you might have killed her.

[00:08:51] My protection can only go so far.

[00:08:54] Do you understand?

[00:08:56] Yes, sir.

[00:08:57] How would you like your family to be thrown out of here?

[00:09:00] How long do you think you would last against feds without the protection of the mercenary army?

[00:09:07] Do you realize how many people would be willing to turn you in?

[00:09:11] Nothing to say?

[00:09:13] I can't undo the past, sir.

[00:09:15] No, but we can control the future.

[00:09:18] You're to remain on base.

[00:09:20] You go from your tent to the mess, and here...

[00:09:23] Do you understand?

[00:09:26] Yes, sir.

[00:09:27] Good.

[00:09:28] Now get the hell out of my office.

[00:09:29] I'm still in the process of mopping up your mess.

[00:09:32] That sounds fun.

[00:09:39] It's not the worst I've had to face.

[00:09:41] I bet not.

[00:09:45] Bennett's waiting for you in the gym.

[00:09:47] Now that will be much worse.

[00:10:43] God said they were out on 40 with a caravan of buses.

[00:10:47] Gee, that narrows it down.

[00:10:49] Didn't Bennett say Walter out of the radio?

[00:10:51] They've got to be with this group up here.

[00:10:53] Let's check it out.

[00:11:05] Did you bring food for us?

[00:11:07] Please, sir.

[00:11:08] We haven't eaten in days.

[00:11:10] Get them a box of MREs.

[00:11:11] Yes, sir.

[00:11:13] You folks need to keep moving as fast as possible.

[00:11:15] We've had reports of the water level rising at faster rates.

[00:11:18] God bless you, sir.

[00:11:20] Have you seen a caravan out of Vegas led by a couple named Greg and Penny?

[00:11:23] There'd be a soldier with them by the name of Terrence Walker.

[00:11:27] I'm Terrence Walker.

[00:11:28] I am one happy man to have found you.

[00:11:35] I have orders to get you and your crew to home base ASAP.

[00:11:38] Better tell you.

[00:11:39] Yes, sir, he did.

[00:11:42] Ready to keep moving, Terrence?

[00:11:44] All?

[00:11:44] What the hell are you doing back here?

[00:11:46] I'd like to introduce my boss.

[00:11:48] Lieutenant Colonel Cole Verges.

[00:11:51] Sir, I'm honored to meet you.

[00:11:53] What are you doing out here?

[00:11:56] Honoring the wishes of Fred and bringing her family home.

[00:12:00] What's the holdup, Greg?

[00:12:01] Penny!

[00:12:02] They came back for us.

[00:12:03] We need you to get your family and supplies and come with us.

[00:12:06] But we can't leave everyone behind.

[00:12:08] You can and will.

[00:12:10] Our vehicle can move faster, and we must get this crew back to base.

[00:12:13] Don't worry.

[00:12:14] We have crews in motion to ensure everyone gets to the mountains safely.

[00:12:18] And then what?

[00:12:19] Most of them are headed north.

[00:12:21] We're going to launch an assault on the central region.

[00:12:24] Take those bastards down.

[00:12:26] I like the sound of that.

[00:12:27] To get your things, let's move.

[00:12:29] Come on, hon.

[00:12:30] Vince and Erica sent them back for us.

[00:12:32] We have to go.

[00:12:33] Okay, give us a minute.

[00:12:35] What about us, sir?

[00:12:37] When will you get us out of here?

[00:12:40] Don't worry.

[00:12:41] There's a food station set up about eight miles up the road.

[00:12:44] Trucks will be back for you all.

[00:12:47] Thank you, sir.

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[00:13:11] That's disastercoffee.com.

[00:13:14] Good morning, sweetie.

[00:13:21] Oh, damn, Bennett.

[00:13:23] I guess I should thank you.

[00:13:24] For what?

[00:13:25] Merkley restored my rank and said I should be honored for dealing with you all these years.

[00:13:29] I guess that makes up for that bruise on your face.

[00:13:32] Oh, now you got jokes.

[00:13:34] You're private now.

[00:13:35] Looks like you're back under my orders.

[00:13:38] Where's my sir?

[00:13:39] Are you serious?

[00:13:41] I am.

[00:13:41] We're going back to the drawing board.

[00:13:43] Vince agrees we need to keep training.

[00:13:45] That lady took you down.

[00:13:46] I was drunk.

[00:13:48] No excuses, Erica.

[00:13:50] On guard 24-7.

[00:13:52] What happened to relax and spend some time with your family?

[00:13:55] You purposely evaded Hensley, Erica.

[00:13:58] I know you.

[00:13:59] No.

[00:14:00] He didn't notice us leave.

[00:14:02] He was too busy with some young chickie to notice.

[00:14:06] But you noticed.

[00:14:07] I can't do this today, Bennett.

[00:14:09] Oh, no.

[00:14:10] You can't give up now.

[00:14:11] You've never given up before.

[00:14:13] But I'm tired, Bennett.

[00:14:15] These people have given up on me.

[00:14:18] I can't fit in anywhere.

[00:14:20] My friends are out there.

[00:14:21] My family is strong.

[00:14:23] They can take care of themselves.

[00:14:25] I'm done.

[00:14:26] I can't fight anymore.

[00:14:28] Gleason, can you go guard the door?

[00:14:30] No one comes in.

[00:14:32] Yes, sir.

[00:14:33] It's been hard, Erica.

[00:14:45] You put everything at risk time and time again.

[00:14:48] For a thankless job of trying to restore freedom.

[00:14:51] Freedom for people full of opinions.

[00:14:53] But it's worth fighting for.

[00:14:55] It made this country great.

[00:14:57] A place where all people are equal.

[00:14:59] I know I'm a hard ass.

[00:15:01] I told you long ago that I would push you until you broke.

[00:15:04] But I would never give up on you.

[00:15:06] And I still won't.

[00:15:07] If you give up, what will the people do?

[00:15:10] I don't know, Bennett.

[00:15:12] I don't even like people that much.

[00:15:15] They'll give up too.

[00:15:16] You got this, Fireball.

[00:15:18] You sure?

[00:15:19] I believe in you.

[00:15:20] Now enough blubbering.

[00:15:22] Do you think you can suck it up and get a workout in?

[00:15:24] Yes, sir.

[00:15:25] Come on.

[00:15:26] Let's get your wrist taped.

[00:15:40] Can I take your plate, TJ?

[00:15:42] Is there food left on it?

[00:15:43] No.

[00:15:44] Then take it.

[00:15:46] And get the door.

[00:15:47] What?

[00:15:49] How did you...

[00:15:50] Just get the door.

[00:15:51] Yes, TJ.

[00:15:54] Hi, Jeannie.

[00:15:54] Is TJ there?

[00:15:55] Yes, ma'am.

[00:15:57] Send her in, Jeannie.

[00:16:01] What do you want?

[00:16:02] We got word from Tran.

[00:16:03] He's taking care of the problem down south.

[00:16:06] Excellent.

[00:16:07] Have a seat.

[00:16:07] Thank you, TJ.

[00:16:09] He's got all the forces he needs?

[00:16:12] Patrice, Nate, and Yuri dialed his compound in.

[00:16:14] He said it was the least he could do for everything you did for him.

[00:16:18] He's a loyal man.

[00:16:20] Would you like something to drink, Susan?

[00:16:22] No, honey.

[00:16:22] I'm fine.

[00:16:23] Can you give us a minute?

[00:16:24] TJ?

[00:16:25] Go to your room for now.

[00:16:26] Yes, TJ.

[00:16:27] Is this about the boys?

[00:16:29] They didn't touch her, did they?

[00:16:31] They didn't touch Jeannie, but they've been acting like jerks in the marketplace.

[00:16:36] They are my chosen fighters.

[00:16:38] They are above everyone else.

[00:16:40] To do whatever they want to the women in the marketplace?

[00:16:43] I asked Nate to keep an eye on them.

[00:16:46] I'm sure he would have told me if it was as bad as that.

[00:16:48] Nate's been busy on missions.

[00:16:50] Jeannie!

[00:16:54] Yes, TJ?

[00:16:55] Have your trips to the market, Ben.

[00:16:57] Good, TJ.

[00:16:57] It's fun to hang out with Margaret.

[00:16:59] And how do the boys act?

[00:17:00] Did any of them touch you?

[00:17:02] No.

[00:17:03] No, TJ.

[00:17:04] They're nice to me, but...

[00:17:05] But what?

[00:17:06] They're not always nice to the landowner girls there.

[00:17:09] How do they act?

[00:17:10] Uh, like you, TJ.

[00:17:13] Thank you for being honest, Jeannie.

[00:17:15] Do the dishes.

[00:17:16] Yes, TJ.

[00:17:17] I'll watch it and have Nate pop in on them the next time they go.

[00:17:20] Thanks, TJ.

[00:17:22] I knew you would take care of anything before it caused a disruption in the market.

[00:17:25] Are you going to Mr. Lee?

[00:17:27] Yes.

[00:17:28] Yes.

[00:17:29] Tell him to have Sergei give them double workouts for a week.

[00:17:31] I will.

[00:17:32] What are all these maps?

[00:17:35] Refugee movements in the West.

[00:17:36] You're still chasing her?

[00:17:38] I'm just curious.

[00:17:40] Teresa wanted you to leave it alone and worry about your own family.

[00:17:43] I know what she wanted.

[00:17:45] I miss her.

[00:17:46] So do I.

[00:17:47] Anyway, I'll leave you and your maps.

[00:17:49] I got work to do.

[00:17:51] Let me know when Trin is successful.

[00:17:53] Otherwise, Yuri can go with the team.

[00:17:56] I will.

[00:17:57] Good night, TJ.

[00:18:49] Wake up.

[00:18:51] What time is it?

[00:18:52] It's over.

[00:19:21] What are you doing here, sir?

[00:19:23] Where's Nickleton?

[00:19:24] I have replaced Master Gunnery Sergeant Nickleton as commander of this squad.

[00:19:28] Are you feeling better this morning, Cupcake?

[00:19:30] Yes, sir.

[00:19:31] Good.

[00:19:32] Then the two of you can get your skinny little butts in line.

[00:19:34] Yes, sir.

[00:19:36] We're moving through the night.

[00:19:38] I quit from a different start.

[00:19:40] Flying over the streets and a broken heart.

[00:19:45] Just without a different beat.

[00:19:48] Paradise is weird and then we got pity.

[00:19:51] We'll get some chow.

[00:20:24] Yes, sir.

[00:20:25] How are we doing today?

[00:20:39] All right.

[00:20:40] Have you seen Jenny around?

[00:20:43] Merkley asked Miss Jenny to cook over at the Lieutenant General's Mass.

[00:20:47] Thanks.

[00:20:47] No problem, Miss Case.

[00:20:51] Hi, Kay.

[00:20:51] Hi, Daniel.

[00:20:52] Hi, Erica.

[00:20:53] Let me introduce Victoria Gleason.

[00:20:56] She helped protect me.

[00:20:58] Nice to meet you.

[00:20:59] Likewise, ma'am.

[00:21:01] Is it going over at the school?

[00:21:05] Really good.

[00:21:06] Some parents have been trying to maintain their children's education, but others have completely

[00:21:13] let it go.

[00:21:15] And how's Earl?

[00:21:16] He's busy.

[00:21:17] There are so many people that need help.

[00:21:21] Yesterday, he met another doctor named Stan that asked if he had heard anything about Erica

[00:21:27] Moore's whereabouts.

[00:21:30] Really?

[00:21:30] Do you know him?

[00:21:32] He's an old friend, but it's probably better that he doesn't know I'm here.

[00:21:36] It's nice to know he survived.

[00:21:41] What are you doing this afternoon?

[00:21:43] I'm going to the entrance to draw.

[00:21:45] Sounds fun.

[00:21:47] I think I'm headed back to the gym.

[00:21:49] I'm not sure what I'm going to work on, though.

[00:21:52] I'll be sure you'll figure it out.

[00:21:54] I love you, Mom.

[00:21:55] I love you, too.

[00:21:56] Make sure you're home by dark.

[00:21:58] I will.

[00:21:59] I'm headed out as well.

[00:22:01] You ladies have a great day.

[00:22:03] See you later.

[00:22:04] This is Jane Austen, otherwise known as Survivor Jane, and the voice of Dolores Chapman.

[00:22:39] I'd like to invite you to my website, SurvivorJane.com, where I write in a conversational tone

[00:22:45] on topics of how better to prepare yourself and family.

[00:22:48] You can also find links to my books, What Could Possibly Go Wrong?, Emergency Survival

[00:22:54] Hygiene, and my game book, Puzzling Over Preparedness.

[00:22:58] You can also find information on Prepper Camp, the largest three-day preparedness event in the

[00:23:03] country every fall, hosted by myself and my husband, Rick Austin.

[00:23:22] Mr. Rowitzer?

[00:23:23] I hope you don't mind me coming back again.

[00:23:26] Not at all.

[00:23:27] I've been expecting you.

[00:23:29] Come in.

[00:23:33] You put my painting on the wall?

[00:23:35] Of course I did.

[00:23:37] You're a magnificent artist.

[00:23:39] I have another canvas for you.

[00:23:41] Oh, no, sir.

[00:23:42] I couldn't.

[00:23:43] Why don't you let me decide that, boy?

[00:23:45] Today, I want you to paint whatever you'd like.

[00:23:47] Anything at all.

[00:23:51] I'm so tired.

[00:24:31] I'm so tired.

[00:24:55] Your artwork is always bright.

[00:24:57] Your work should be a reflection of yourself.

[00:25:01] Eventually, you will have to face the other side.

[00:25:04] Life needs color, sir.

[00:25:06] If I have them, I'm going to use them.

[00:25:09] Colors are meant to be enjoyed while you can, because soon they'll all be gone.

[00:25:15] Interesting point.

[00:25:16] Sorry to cut my visit short again, sir.

[00:25:18] My grandparents will expect me.

[00:25:21] I understand.

[00:25:22] I'll be expecting you tomorrow.

[00:25:24] I'll be here.

[00:25:25] I thought Bennett would be here.

[00:25:41] I think he was going to spend the afternoon with Michelle.

[00:25:46] Are you going to be here a while?

[00:25:48] Yeah.

[00:25:49] I'll let you know when I'm headed back to the tent.

[00:25:58] I saw you benching with Bennett yesterday.

[00:26:01] What were you pushing?

[00:26:02] 155?

[00:26:04] 165.

[00:26:05] Damn.

[00:26:05] Not bad for a little lady like yourself.

[00:26:09] Name's grand?

[00:26:10] Karen Case.

[00:26:11] Guy with the hammer tattoo uses an interesting style.

[00:26:21] That's Gleema.

[00:26:23] The Viking fighting style.

[00:26:25] Crazy.

[00:26:26] I didn't know they had one.

[00:26:32] What you got there, Graham?

[00:26:33] This here is Karen Case.

[00:26:35] She's the one we stopped benching with the sergeant yesterday.

[00:26:38] I'm Ned Bedford, and this is Keir Trison.

[00:26:42] Where are you from, Karen Case?

[00:26:44] I'm originally from Michigan, but I lived in California when the great quake happened.

[00:26:49] Oh, she's a Cali girl, boys.

[00:26:52] That's right.

[00:26:53] Yeah, but are you a Cali...

[00:26:56] Do you want to smoke some green?

[00:26:58] Sure.

[00:26:59] Let us get cleaned up.

[00:27:01] That's a beautiful knife you wear on the small of your back.

[00:27:30] Oh, you like this?

[00:27:32] It's not a knife.

[00:27:34] It's a Roman short sword.

[00:27:37] I forged it myself.

[00:27:39] That's beautiful.

[00:27:40] We'll have to get you over to my shop one day.

[00:27:50] One smoking hot wife and three boys for me.

[00:27:53] I was divorced before the great quake.

[00:27:56] My teacher didn't die of a knowing.

[00:27:59] I'm so sorry.

[00:28:01] I have a wife, a son named Ren, and a daughter, Lisa.

[00:28:09] The Norse gods honor me with their health.

[00:28:13] I will teach them Glimma, the North fighting style, when Ren turns eight.

[00:28:20] I saw you using it.

[00:28:22] I'd love to learn some.

[00:28:24] I could teach you.

[00:28:25] But right now we have to get back to work.

[00:28:28] It was nice to meet you, Cali girl.

[00:28:32] It was nice to meet you guys as well.

[00:28:43] I like training now.

[00:28:44] Let's have a look around here.

[00:29:03] Restricted access door.

[00:29:06] I wonder what's in there.

[00:29:09] It's locked.

[00:29:11] I better get back anyway.

[00:29:21] He must have been dropping some bomb in the bathroom.

[00:29:25] Yeah.

[00:29:26] Must have been that rabbit stew.

[00:29:28] What are you so giddy about, Miss Smiles?

[00:29:30] How's Miss Longlegs?

[00:29:32] Michelle is fine.

[00:29:34] I see.

[00:29:35] You just finishing up?

[00:29:36] I haven't been feeling it today.

[00:29:38] I've just been hanging out.

[00:29:40] With who?

[00:29:40] My friend, Staff Sergeant Gleason here.

[00:29:43] Anyway, I'm headed home to sharpen my knives.

[00:29:46] Get some rest.

[00:29:47] You look tired.

[00:29:48] I will.

[00:29:57] Thanks for the cover, Victoria.

[00:29:59] Just like old times, right?

[00:30:02] Yeah.

[00:30:02] Except, Bennett's cool.

[00:30:05] He'd be pissed I wasn't doing what was expected of me.

[00:30:08] But he'd get over it.

[00:30:10] He's always been there when I needed him.

[00:30:12] And saved my ass too many times to count.

[00:30:15] I respect him.

[00:30:16] That's why I listen to him.

[00:30:19] All he's ever tried to do is make me a better version of myself.

[00:30:22] I get it.

[00:30:24] That's the same reason I follow General Merkley.

[00:30:28] He helped me get away from that psycho landowner who took me in.

[00:30:33] If I fight, I'm safe.

[00:30:36] If the feds win, I'm screwed.

[00:30:39] I killed that asshole.

[00:30:41] I'll be going to the prison camp.

[00:30:44] How would the feds know?

[00:30:46] Merkley got me out of a holding cell after the invasion.

[00:30:50] I was already headed there.

[00:30:52] Good for you.

[00:30:54] Enough was enough.

[00:30:55] We trained to fight and I was done cowering.

[00:30:59] You're quiet this morning.

[00:32:09] I have something to tell you.

[00:32:10] Your mouth and say the words, girly.

[00:32:16] We didn't let James and Rick take me to the pit last night.

[00:32:21] They did what?

[00:32:22] You said I wasn't supposed to go there and I told them that but they wouldn't listen and

[00:32:27] I didn't want to come home alone.

[00:32:29] Where was Margaret?

[00:32:30] It was after we dropped her off.

[00:32:33] Did anyone touch you?

[00:32:35] No, TJ, but I didn't like it there.

[00:32:37] I'd rather go to Margaret's.

[00:32:39] You did the right thing, Jeannie.

[00:32:41] I don't want you out there alone.

[00:32:43] Those boys know better.

[00:32:44] Nate came and found me.

[00:32:46] Wayne brought me home.

[00:32:47] Do the dishes and then take the rest of the day off.

[00:32:50] I'll eat dinner, Mr. Lee's.

[00:32:52] Can I go to Dolores'?

[00:32:53] She has a new book for me.

[00:32:55] Whatever, but only there and back.

[00:32:57] Yes, TJ.

[00:32:58] TJ, sir.

[00:33:06] I was on my way to see you.

[00:33:08] What do you have to say?

[00:33:09] Wayne, Rick, and James took Jeannie to the pit last night.

[00:33:14] And what did you do about it?

[00:33:15] I found those bozos and I kicked the crap out of them, TJ.

[00:33:19] I don't know what they were thinking.

[00:33:22] Did Margaret know they were going there?

[00:33:23] No, TJ.

[00:33:25] How did you find out?

[00:33:26] So, me and Margaret was sitting at home playing with the baby.

[00:33:31] My buddy Jojo comes by.

[00:33:34] Who?

[00:33:35] Who?

[00:33:35] Jojo.

[00:33:36] He's on gate duty.

[00:33:37] He was on gate duty?

[00:33:39] No, sir.

[00:33:41] Jojo was drunk.

[00:33:42] He had been at the pit and said he saw the boys with your girlie, TJ.

[00:33:47] So, I go down there and sure enough, those bastards are getting drunk.

[00:33:53] And Jeannie was with them.

[00:33:56] I about knocked them all out right there, TJ.

[00:33:59] But, Jeannie needed an escort home.

[00:34:02] After that was done, those bozos felt some pain, sir.

[00:34:07] Good job, Nate.

[00:34:09] Thank you, sir.

[00:34:11] I'll see you later.

[00:34:12] I'm doing here.

[00:34:27] I'm looking for those little bastards.

[00:34:29] They have been confined to quarters.

[00:34:32] They are going to need time to heal.

[00:34:35] Because of Nate?

[00:34:36] Nate beat the hell out of them.

[00:34:41] When I found out what happened, I took them back to the pit and let the blackshirts beat them.

[00:34:49] A public display?

[00:34:50] Very nice, sir, Jay.

[00:34:52] Couldn't have done it better myself.

[00:34:54] I've got your back, brother.

[00:34:57] There is no need to involve yourself with the scolding of arrogant little boys.

[00:35:04] Everything okay out here, son?

[00:35:06] Everything's fine, Mr. Lee.

[00:35:08] Nothing for me to do when you've got fine men like this supporting you.

[00:35:12] You're finally catching on, son.

[00:35:15] Come on.

[00:35:15] There's always a whiskey.

[00:35:16] Oh, this is L. Douglas Hogan, voice of T.J. Swinson.

[00:35:57] You can follow me at Amazon or go to Facebook.com slash Honor Your Oath.

[00:36:01] I look forward to seeing you there.

[00:36:08] Dexter has been learning so much at the Homesteads.

[00:36:12] It's good for him to be posted up there.

[00:36:14] I agree.

[00:36:16] And Johnny doesn't seem so depressed.

[00:36:18] He was hoping to get to see his dad again.

[00:36:21] I guess they left a lot on set.

[00:36:24] The man hasn't been executed yet.

[00:36:27] But there's still a chance Johnny may get his shot.

[00:36:30] True.

[00:36:35] You know, it was funny to hear Dexter talking about making soap the other day.

[00:36:39] And all the different scents you can give the bar.

[00:36:43] He was going on and on.

[00:36:45] That's like Star going on about all the different types of food and the recipes and flavor combinations.

[00:36:51] She's like a kid in a candy store.

[00:36:53] Much better than kidney beans and broccoli at Vegas camp.

[00:36:58] You can say that again.

[00:37:00] Let's do forms today.

[00:37:02] I feel like stretching.

[00:37:03] We're going to be moving a lot of dirt over at the farms this afternoon.

[00:37:07] I'm good with that.

[00:37:09] Goodness knows they have to keep the food coming.

[00:37:12] They're expanding the greenhouse again.

[00:37:15] With all these people, they haven't been able to put enough away for the winter.

[00:37:20] We're going to have to take Denver.

[00:37:23] The food store there is the key to keeping all these people alive once the cold comes.

[00:37:28] They're planning something.

[00:37:31] There are more and more people getting added to the forces every day.

[00:37:34] Good.

[00:37:35] I can't wait to be myself again.

[00:37:38] It's crazy, though.

[00:37:39] Because you know that the same, if not more, people are headed south as well.

[00:37:45] I hope Greg and Penny are okay.

[00:37:48] Cole will get them here, Erica.

[00:38:15] This truck's moving.

[00:38:16] We got space cleared five miles up.

[00:38:18] We can stage them there.

[00:38:20] Keep it moving.

[00:38:21] Get them out of here, Virgis.

[00:38:23] Stevens and I can direct the teams.

[00:38:25] Save as many as you can, Hall.

[00:38:26] We will, sir.

[00:38:27] And take care of yourself.

[00:38:29] Will do, sir.

[00:38:50] What will we do?

[00:38:52] We keep surviving.

[00:38:53] And we keep pushing for more ground, sounds like.

[00:38:57] And the road has already been so long.

[00:39:00] Tell me about it.

[00:39:13] But your family is safe.

[00:39:15] Let's get you all back to your crew.

[00:39:28] You've been out at the homestead every day this week.

[00:39:31] Bennett's so busy with Michelle.

[00:39:33] He'll never figure it out.

[00:39:35] The bushes in the back of that training field where the hole in the fence is gives you good cover.

[00:39:41] I'll hang the bandana back there if someone comes looking for you.

[00:39:45] Thanks, Victoria.

[00:39:47] As far as I'm concerned, you're our leader.

[00:39:50] And if you want to go, who am I to stop you?

[00:39:54] Well, thanks anyway.

[00:40:05] There she is.

[00:40:06] Did you forget where the hole in the fence was?

[00:40:10] Sorry I'm late.

[00:40:11] But I wouldn't miss a chance to go fishing for anything.

[00:40:14] Here is your rod.

[00:40:16] The guys are already at the lake.

[00:40:56] That look.

[00:41:04] What do you mean?

[00:41:05] It is the stare of a warrior.

[00:41:07] I have seen it on the battlefield where too much blood has been spilled.

[00:41:12] That's the truth.

[00:41:14] One day I must die victoriously in battle so I may reach Valhalla.

[00:41:20] I wish I could stay here forever.

[00:41:23] Safe.

[00:41:24] And the road has been so long.

[00:41:27] It is good to be in harmony with nature.

[00:41:29] But freedom is worth fighting for.

[00:41:33] I respect your spirit, Karen.

[00:41:37] In death is honor.

[00:41:39] A nord shows respect.

[00:41:42] But kneels to no one.

[00:41:44] The fight is clear.

[00:41:46] It's the process that gets me.

[00:41:48] Sometimes I think one force is just the same as the other.

[00:41:52] That is why we never get involved in that mess.

[00:41:56] I'll fight for my home and my neighbors.

[00:41:59] I will fight for my country.

[00:42:02] But the forces in power now were not created by our forefathers.

[00:42:08] They don't stand for freedom.

[00:42:11] The mercs worked hand in hand with those bastards for decades before they were forced to fight.

[00:42:20] Why didn't you join the militia?

[00:42:22] The timing has never been right.

[00:42:25] My father was all wrapped up in it and it got him killed.

[00:42:29] He did not die fighting.

[00:42:31] He died hiding.

[00:42:33] In a hole.

[00:42:35] Like a coward.

[00:42:37] When I go, it will be on the battlefield.

[00:42:42] Defending my family's honor.

[00:42:44] I'm sorry to hear that.

[00:42:59] Nice one.

[00:43:00] Thanks, Kier.

[00:43:01] Kier.

[00:43:03] Oh, shit.

[00:43:04] What time is it?

[00:43:05] I have to get back.

[00:43:06] What's your hurry, Karen?

[00:43:08] I gotta get back to meet my kids for dinner.

[00:43:11] That is not for a few hours yet.

[00:43:14] Look, Kier, I gotta go, okay?

[00:43:17] See you later, guys!

[00:43:31] Do you like morale patches?

[00:43:33] Morale patches that are prepper-related?

[00:43:35] Things like, hey, can I drink that fuel?

[00:43:37] Two is one, one is none, three is a guarantee?

[00:43:39] Or been prepping since Y2K?

[00:43:41] Well, if so, go to patchofthemonth.co and subscribe for $10 a month or $100 a year.

[00:43:57] I'm proud of you, son.

[00:43:59] You've grown into the lead dollars and you could be.

[00:44:01] Thank you, Mr. Lee.

[00:44:03] I feel good.

[00:44:05] Almost relaxed.

[00:44:06] Don't be going soft on us, TJ.

[00:44:08] Things are dialed in and the whiskey is good.

[00:44:11] You are going soft.

[00:44:13] Don't you have a mission?

[00:44:14] My men complete them before I can.

[00:44:17] What about that woman out west?

[00:44:20] I let it go, Chuck.

[00:44:22] Let the Supreme Leader worry about it.

[00:44:23] I had never thought I'd see the day.

[00:44:27] It's a new day.

[00:44:29] I'm headed home.

[00:44:30] See you in the morning, son.

[00:44:38] For a while, let me feel alive.

[00:44:44] Nothing to hold me back.

[00:44:47] Take my time, just enjoy the ride.

[00:44:49] Life is good, best I've ever felt.

[00:44:57] What brings you by?

[00:45:03] I have a proposition for you, TJ.

[00:45:06] Come, have a drink.

[00:45:08] Let's talk.

[00:45:10] Sounds good.

[00:45:15] Hi, TJ.

[00:45:16] Get us a bottle and glasses.

[00:45:24] Go get Dolores.

[00:45:26] Yes, TJ.

[00:45:27] What do you have on your mind, Carl?

[00:45:35] We know where she is.

[00:45:37] In the homesteads in Colorado?

[00:45:39] Ha ha ha ha.

[00:45:40] You son of a bitch.

[00:45:42] Why didn't you tell me you knew where she was?

[00:45:44] You never asked.

[00:45:46] What happened?

[00:45:47] We got a tip from a mayor's wife in a nearby town.

[00:45:50] There was a fight one night at a concert.

[00:45:53] A woman who looked a lot like the lone survivor broke some of her ribs and severed her optic nerve.

[00:46:00] Ha ha ha.

[00:46:01] So wild and free.

[00:46:03] This woman would be so much fun to break, but she always slips from my grasp.

[00:46:07] The Supreme General wants us to kill the family and bring her back.

[00:46:11] He wants to unite the country through marriage.

[00:46:14] Ha ha ha ha.

[00:46:16] He's got visions of grandeur.

[00:46:19] I've been chasing this girlie for years, Carl.

[00:46:21] I'm tired of this game.

[00:46:23] All you have to do is provide me with backup.

[00:46:26] You know how to get these people home.

[00:46:29] I don't know.

[00:46:30] I'll have to talk with Mr. Lee.

[00:46:34] You wanted to see me?

[00:46:36] Neil here.

[00:46:37] Yes, TJ.

[00:46:38] I'm going to go to bed if you don't need anything.

[00:46:41] Go.

[00:46:42] What's your plan, Carl?

[00:46:44] So many people are moving through those homesteads right now.

[00:46:47] And anyone with fighting experience and a will to fight is being recruited.

[00:46:53] We join and blend in.

[00:46:55] Then, when the time is right, we take her and kill her family.

[00:47:00] Interesting.

[00:47:01] Please, TJ.

[00:47:03] I'm asking you as a personal favor.

[00:47:05] We have it all set up.

[00:47:07] This would make our careers.

[00:47:09] And if we fail, nothing is lost.

[00:47:12] I know you know how to bring her home.

[00:47:15] Fine, I'll go.

[00:47:17] But only as a consultant.

[00:47:18] I told myself I was done with this girlie.

[00:47:21] It's time to move on.

[00:47:22] She belongs to the Supreme General.

[00:47:25] Excellent.

[00:47:26] We have to travel light.

[00:47:27] You get two men together.

[00:47:29] And we'll head out tomorrow.

[00:47:32] I've still got a lot to put together tonight.

[00:47:35] I'll see you in the morning.

[00:47:37] Sounds like a plan.

[00:47:46] Yes, TJ?

[00:47:47] Go get Sergei and Yuri.

[00:47:48] Okay.

[00:47:54] What the hell is your problem?

[00:47:56] They killed her!

[00:48:00] She wasn't mine.

[00:48:02] She belongs to Sergei.

[00:48:03] That life is over now.

[00:48:05] The sooner you accept that, the easier your life will be.

[00:48:08] So tell me what I want to hear.

[00:48:10] TJ, I'll never run from you.

[00:48:12] Quit crying.

[00:48:14] Your tears won't fix a thing.

[00:48:16] Now listen.

[00:48:17] I'm going out of town for a while.

[00:48:18] You help Jeannie with my house.

[00:48:20] And Mr. Lee healed my fighters.

[00:48:22] I'll be back before you know it.

[00:48:32] Wait in the bedroom.

[00:48:40] What's going on, TJ?

[00:48:42] I want you and Gerber to come with me to get Erica.

[00:48:45] Gray wants me to help bring her home.

[00:48:47] What about me, TJ?

[00:48:49] We have to travel light and go undercover.

[00:48:51] I can't bring my twin top fighters.

[00:48:53] You're taking Sergei instead of me?

[00:48:55] Yuri, don't question my business.

[00:48:58] I need you here.

[00:48:59] I don't know how long we'll be gone.

[00:49:01] Yeah, TJ.

[00:49:33] And I am so late.

[00:49:39] Buckley and Bennett?

[00:49:41] Private, I'll make it look like I was wearing sprinting drills.

[00:49:50] Private, thank you for laying low these past few days.

[00:49:55] I wanted to personally let you know that your friends have been located.

[00:49:58] They're on the caravan that arrives tomorrow.

[00:50:02] Thank you so much, sir.

[00:50:05] I envy your dedication.

[00:50:06] If it's not raining, you're not raining, right?

[00:50:09] Keep up the excellent work, Private.

[00:50:12] Thank you, sir.

[00:50:16] That's an awful lot of mud on your pants.

[00:50:19] And not a lot of mud on the field.

[00:50:21] I was running laps earlier on the other field.

[00:50:25] Anyway, I gotta go tell the family the news.

[00:50:28] See you later, First Sergeant.

[00:50:46] There sure are a lot of them.

[00:50:48] Where are they all going?

[00:50:50] They'll have to find new homes, honey.

[00:50:52] Don't worry.

[00:50:53] We'll all build them.

[00:50:54] What are we going to do, Cole?

[00:50:56] You're more than welcome to join the effort.

[00:50:58] We'll find a way to help.

[00:50:59] I'm going to start training.

[00:51:02] That's good.

[00:51:03] We said we'll talk about it.

[00:51:05] Dad taught me to fight, and I can shoot as good as anyone.

[00:51:09] Carmen, that's enough for now.

[00:51:11] Mom said we'd talk about it.

[00:51:12] You knew Vince and Erica before the quake, right?

[00:51:15] Yeah.

[00:51:16] Vince coached me at wrestling when I was a kid.

[00:51:18] Well, that takes me back to old times.

[00:51:21] Simpler times.

[00:51:22] Isn't that the truth?

[00:51:23] Erica, when did you meet Penny?

[00:51:28] Nada.

[00:51:31] I knew surviving without her.

[00:51:34] Thanks, babe.

[00:51:35] How much longer till we get there?

[00:51:37] We're almost there.

[00:51:42] People come...

[00:52:01] Invincible...

[00:52:03] Psycho...

[00:52:20] What's up, Danny?

[00:52:22] Aren't you excited?

[00:52:23] Hiya, Mom.

[00:52:24] For Miss Carmen and Crystal.

[00:52:26] Are they here yet?

[00:52:28] Not yet, superstar.

[00:52:30] I can't wait to tell Carmen about when Sean proposed to Star and Fennett ripped that huge part.

[00:52:35] I should have taken it as a sign then.

[00:52:38] He's lucky Kyle took care of him and not me.

[00:52:41] How's Kyle been?

[00:52:42] I haven't seen him in a while.

[00:52:44] He's good.

[00:52:45] Been running messages back and forth for the mercenaries and Matilda.

[00:52:48] It's the only way to ensure they can't be intercepted.

[00:53:08] Hey, there they are.

[00:53:13] It's so good to see you.

[00:53:15] We have to quit meeting like this.

[00:53:17] Isn't that the truth?

[00:53:18] Girl, let me tell you.

[00:53:19] I am beat.

[00:53:21] Come on, let's get you settled in.

[00:53:22] With pleasure.

[00:53:23] I'm so sorry they didn't go back for you.

[00:53:27] Cole explained it to us.

[00:53:28] Merkley didn't have the resources.

[00:53:30] Blah, blah, blah.

[00:53:31] Bennett tried, guys.

[00:53:33] He did.

[00:53:34] He even socked Merkley across the mouth but achieved nothing except a night in a cell and a temporary demotion.

[00:53:42] I'm sorry, guys.

[00:53:44] It's not your fault.

[00:53:45] We made it all in one piece.

[00:53:48] I'm sorry, but I know you.

[00:53:50] Victoria Gleason from Las Vegas, remember?

[00:53:53] She used to organize all those events when we first arrived.

[00:53:57] I knew I recognized you.

[00:53:59] How are you?

[00:54:00] It's so good to see you again, Penny.

[00:54:03] We sure did have some laughs, didn't we?

[00:54:06] I'm doing good now.

[00:54:07] You were fighting with the Merks?

[00:54:10] Absolutely.

[00:54:12] Let's get you guys settled in.

[00:54:14] We need to head over to the other line.

[00:54:17] These refugees are going north.

[00:54:19] Mercenary members are checked in over there.

[00:54:22] Then we'll get you a shower and dinner.

[00:54:24] Sounds good to me.

[00:54:26] Down this row.

[00:54:37] Ours is two rows over from here.

[00:54:39] The bathrooms are down at the end of the row.

[00:54:42] Got it.

[00:54:43] I've heard people talking about a town north of here.

[00:54:46] I can use a night out once we get recharged.

[00:54:48] Do some dancing.

[00:54:49] We can't.

[00:54:50] Why not?

[00:54:52] Well, Erica had an incident with some moonshine and the mayor's wife.

[00:54:57] Really, Erica?

[00:54:58] She had it coming.

[00:55:01] Well, maybe not to the extent that I dished it out, but she did have it coming.

[00:55:07] I bet.

[00:55:08] I just want to lay low for a couple of days anyway, Greg.

[00:55:11] You guys have earned it, that's for sure.

[00:55:14] What does it look like out there?

[00:55:16] The water is coming.

[00:55:18] Looks like Nirvana will be underwater soon.

[00:55:20] Except the mountains seem to be getting taller in the quakes.

[00:55:23] It's weird.

[00:55:24] I wish I knew where Brad was.

[00:55:26] He'd have some answers.

[00:55:27] He's the guy that warned you about the next wave, right?

[00:55:30] Yeah.

[00:55:31] What about Cassidy?

[00:55:32] Is she here?

[00:55:33] She's not back yet.

[00:55:34] She will be soon.

[00:55:36] Another week, I think.

[00:55:37] What do you guys think?

[00:55:38] About what?

[00:55:39] About what's going on here.

[00:55:41] What are the feds doing?

[00:55:42] The operation here is going like clockwork.

[00:55:45] The mercenary army is expanding and training.

[00:55:48] The civilians are being moved to safety.

[00:55:51] The feds have been quiet, and that's why the scouts are out.

[00:55:55] It's almost been too quiet.

[00:55:57] So either they got hit hard by the quake, or they're regrouping to lay down an assault.

[00:56:03] Within the month, I'll be able to use my real name again.

[00:56:07] Once the people are safe, we'll take down the western capital in Denver and claim the

[00:56:12] west officially under the control of the people and unite it with the south.

[00:56:17] Then, we all go north, push back against the Montana border.

[00:56:21] Haven't the feds sent any forces this way to help with the refugees?

[00:56:24] Nope.

[00:56:25] Nope.

[00:56:26] They've been absent.

[00:56:27] Crazy move.

[00:56:28] Trust me.

[00:56:29] I'm getting sick of being called Karen.

[00:56:32] I can't wait to take Denver.

[00:56:34] Karen?

[00:56:35] Who thought of that?

[00:56:36] Bennett.

[00:56:37] How's he doing?

[00:56:38] Pretty good.

[00:56:39] He got hooked back up with Miss Longlegs here, and he's been spending a lot of time

[00:56:43] with her.

[00:56:44] I like her already.

[00:56:45] Who is she?

[00:56:46] Her name's Michelle.

[00:56:48] She's a lovely woman who can put up with Bennett's crap.

[00:56:51] Wow, I'm impressed.

[00:56:53] We can talk about all this later.

[00:56:55] You guys probably want some time to rest.

[00:56:57] It's come a long way.

[00:56:58] I could sleep for a week.

[00:57:00] Greg, sleep for a week?

[00:57:02] Yeah, right.

[00:57:04] Give him a couple hours and he'll be ready to party.

[00:57:07] Well, I could use a shower.

[00:57:08] Me too.

[00:57:09] We'll leave you to it.

[00:57:11] Come on as I want peace.

[00:57:27] Thank God.

[00:57:44] Thanks for listening to the Changing Earth audio drama.

[00:57:48] This content is copywritten in 2023 by author Sarah F. Hathaway.

[00:57:54] Get to know our amazing performers and listen to the soundtrack at changingearthseries.com.

[00:58:01] Special thanks to Zapsplat, freesound.com, and freemusicarchives.com.

[00:58:09] Find all the music and sound attributes at authorsarahfhathaway.com backslash soundtrack.

[00:58:18] Stay tuned for more of the Changing Earth adventure.

[00:58:22] Thank you.