5-10 Safe in My Arms

I remember a time before the Great Quake. I found the love of my life and I married her. But that wasn't the greatest day of my life. The greatest day was when I found her three months after the Great Quake. I thought we could take our family and live quietly in the woods. But we couldn't stand by and watch people become refugees. and refugees become slaves. Chosen by the resistance, my wife became the lone survivor, the savior of the refugees. I stand by her side, fighting for all. Of God's people. This is life on the changing earth. Here. Drink this. Thanks. Don't thank me. Thank TJ. He's the one who told me I had to give it to you. Okay. Well, thanks anyway. Are you okay? I'm so sore. What happened to me? Don't you remember? No. I think TJ was there. There was a boy, I remember. But it could have been a dream. What's happening to me? You'll feel better soon. How do you know? Trust me. Can I? Good morning. What's the rule? I will never run from you. That's right. Did you give her water this morning? Yes, TJ. Did you make it just like I told you? I did. Why aren't you telling me? I did it just like you told me. It's just, she's so confused. She's fine. And it will help with the pain. Don't make it your business. Just do as you're told. Yes, TJ. How about some breakfast? Eggs and bacon? Perfect. Make a lot. Erica will be hungry. You're feeding her? Don't make it your business. But yes, she can eat as much as she wants. I'll make enough. Don't make her your business. How are we feeling this morning? Fine. Except... I can't get my mind straight. Your mind is right where it's supposed to be. Here, with me. Maybe you're right. I don't know what I'm trying to remember anyway. How's your back? Fine. Why? You had an accident last night, but it's better now. Oh, yeah. You told me that, didn't you? You're right. See, your mind is doing just fine. Are you hungry? Yes, TJ. I am. What's the rule? I will never run from you. Put these shackles on. Yes, TJ. Give me your hands. I don't think we need this. Are you sure it's okay? Why wouldn't it be? I don't know. It feels like I've always worn it. Things are going to be different now. How? Don't think. Trust me. Okay. Come on. Sit down on the couch while we wait. Ow! Your back. That's right. Sit here by me. You can lay your head on my leg until the food is ready. Your back won't touch the cushion. Thank you, TJ. The room is quiet. The lights are low. Your eyes look up at me. Soft and slow. No fire, no poison. No words that cut deep. Just a gentle curiosity as I pull you close to me. You smell good. I think I need a shower. We'll take care of it this afternoon. Beautiful scars, right up. To your ears. Are they? Scars give us strength. You've survived many battles. Have I? All this haze is killing my gardens. What happened to the sun? A volcano erupted. It's been a month since we've seen real daylight. That sucks. That's right. Sleep, girlie. My girlie. TJ, your breakfast is ready. Leave it on the table. It's going to get cold. Jeannie? I finally hold you without the hate in your eyes. My heart's finally calm after. All of this. So, how'd it go last night, DJ? Fine. You went to a party at T.J. Swenson's house, and all you have to say about it is it was fine? Come on, guys. If he doesn't want to talk about it, he doesn't have to. Whatever, guy. Yeah, you're freaking square. You don't count. Hey, you know what? At least I don't make a fool of myself everywhere I go. What are you trying to say? I think I said it. Knock it the hell off, Rick. Guy's up right. If the DJ doesn't want to talk about it, he shouldn't have to. His business is his own damn business. I bet there was some fine-ass woman there. Rick. Let it go. Oh, I like that fine-ass woman that just got transferred to our unit. Where has she been all my life? I can't wait to see her face in the pit. She'd probably kick your ass. How about you, DJ? Got your eyes on anyone? No. For them, there was many, but for me, there was just the one. Same? Yeah, her name was Rebecca. Rebecca? Our parents were killed. In the quake. We came here together. From the orphanage. What happened to her? She died on a mission. I'm sorry. For me, her name was Megan. Blackshirt's killed her family. I don't even know if she's alive or not. Oh, shit. What are you two whispering about over there? Think they got a bromance going, right? Just like you two bitches. Now you got jokes, Wayne? DJ shows up and you're the comedian? Yeah, what are you going to do about it, Rick? What are we going to do about it? Yeah, what are you going to do about it, James? Nothing, DJ. Sorry. Yeah, sorry, bro. Thanks, DJ. I got your back. Erica. Erica. Calm down. It's okay. I'm right here. TJ? Who else would it be? I don't know. I. You're just hungry and breakfast is ready. That makes sense. Jeannie, get Eric another glass of water. Thank you, TJ. I'm so thirsty. You'll never want again. Oh my, this smells wonderful. Bacon and eggs? Erica. Yes, TJ. Calm down. You're okay. Yes, TJ. Erica, let the girl go. Still scared? Yes, TJ. There's something, something I should know. Ask me a question. I'll tell you whatever you want to know. That's the thing. I don't even know what to ask. Don't worry. It'll pass. Come on. You can rest while I go see my boy. Do you need to go to the bathroom? Yes. It's nice you never leave me. Really? Yeah. It makes me feel better when you're watching out for me. Well, then you're in luck because I'll watch you for the rest of your life. Promise? Without a doubt. Lay down and get comfortable. I'm going to be gone for a while, but it's okay. You rest and I'll be back this evening. If you need anything, you call for Jeannie. Okay, TJ. Are you okay? I'm fine. Let me see your head. I said I was okay. I heard what you said. Let me see your head. It's no big deal. It cut you open pretty good. I'll send Dolores by to put a couple stitches in it. Put some of that ice we keep for Mr. Lee on it. I will. Why did she do that? She's a killer, Jeannie. Her instinct is to fight. I guess so. You need to be more diligent, because I need you to take care of her. It's the water. She was always kind to me before that. When? When was she kind to you? When I brought her stuff. It is not your business. I know, but you broke her. You've never used that stuff before. You're right. But Erica needs to comply for the Supreme General, and the drugs will ensure I can have. Her ready in a month. After that, well, let's just say it's going to be a very different story. I'm going to train. Erica's staying in my room. Wake her every four hours for her water. No one goes in or out. Yes, TJ. Every four hours. I know. I got it. I'll send Dolores by. Thanks. Like a fire burning wild, a freight train you can't stop. Like a nightmare, but this time you don't want to wake up. It pulls you in, it takes over, you just can't let go of the worst, best thing that's ever happened to you. Hey everyone, this is Phil Radley from the Matter Facts Podcast, voice and the role of Cole Verges. If prepping guns and politics sounds like your cup of tea, come check out the Matter of Facts podcast every Friday on iTunes, Stitcher, and Spotify with my co-host, Andrew Bobo. Oh, wow! Look at the walls! Are we going to get anywhere near there? We are not. Graham and I will go. No one will recognize us. We have landowner and cross-regional travel passes. We can move through the city unnoticed. You guys stay right here. We'll be right back. Cole, what do you think? He's right. It's a good plan. We have to do something quick. We're too exposed out here in all this farmland. Everyone in Topeka is trading something. Food, horses, cows, refugees. Maybe you should take someone in as. A refugee for trade. He's right. I can go. You're on the federal list. I've been off the grid for a long time. I'm probably down at the bottom. And we're at the top. That's the truth. Then it's settled. We will be back. Good luck. Tread lightly. I guess there's not much to do except wait. We can't have a fire. Nothing can ever be done. Everything is so messed up. Vince, calm down. Penny's right. We need to stay as hidden as possible. I can go scout the area. Be discreet. We do not need questions right now. What we need right now is a damn miracle. I understand, sir. Well, I, for one, am happy to wait. I could use a break. I'm with you. It's the last thing I need. I need her. Vince! Vince! Vince! What? Just leave me alone, Bennett. It's time to snap out of it. I know. No, you don't know. I've never been able to grip on you like I could Erica. But now it's time. You've always been there in the background, ready to step up when you're needed, but not stepping up on your own? Well, now it's time. Bennett, I can't do this right now. We are doing this, Vince, right now. What do you know about it, Bennett? This is your fault we're in this position. You think so? Do you really? I've read your file over and over. Who initiated the very first offense on your way to Las Vegas? I did. True. They took her dog. Erica was furious. Yeah, Erica was pissed. You're always using the Erica shield. What? Everything is for her, right? You never step forward on your own without using her as an excuse for your actions. In Vegas, you went for Tweed. Why? Because I knew Erica would, and I couldn't watch her get hurt or worse. The Erica Shield. You should have gone after that son of a bitch because of the years of the torment he put you through. Not to mention your kids. For your own self-worth, not for her. Just stop, Bennett. No. You are a strong and capable man. You want to be in these chains? No. Then why do you put yourself in them? I don't. I wanted to take my family and leave all this behind a long time ago. But you and Colt. You two couldn't let that happen, could you? The feds were already going after you. Where were you going to go? What were you going to do? You're as big a part of this as she is. There's a reason they want you dead. You are a threat. You need to realize that. I'm just a guy who loves his family and growing food. I'm not a soldier or a rebel. You're wrong, Vince. You trained just as long as she has. You've been in all the battles, right along with us. You are powerful. And you're an asshole. Dad, stop! Daniel, let them go! You want to hit me? That's fine. Let's go! You don't have the courage to beat me without her, do you? This is going too far. We need to. No, let him. Work it out. Now, I think it's time to step in. Vince, that's enough. Come on, Vince. Get the hell off me, Bennett. You proved your point. See, Vince? You are powerful. You know how to dominate. Now is the time. That man took your wife and your son. What? What do you mean, took my son? Harold told me before we left. Dexter's tracker came online as DJ Swinson. And you neglected to tell me that. You've been a zombie since we started this mission. We're all here for you. You hold the cards and won't even look at your hand to play them. We need you. We need you, Dad. We all do, Dad. You all are my closest friends. I appreciate you so much. You're right, Bennett. I have been checked out for too long. We're going to get them back. All of us together. Broken roads and stormy skies. Winds that howl and tears we cry. Devil's challenges try to tear us down. But we lift each other when we hit the ground. Hand in hand. Through the pouring rain. Every scar. I can't wait to tell Jose about last night. He's going to love that story. It was a long time coming. You know how long I've chased that girlie? And how many men I've lost? You guys got anything on Vince and Bennett yet? No. I'm headed back out with Bowman this afternoon. You're not going out, Uri? No. What's up with you? Nothing. You're going to pout. Over a woman? Look who's all obsessed over a woman. You made the bet, Uri. It's not my fault you lost. So you better suck it the hell up. You wouldn't see me pouting like a bitch if I lost. I'm not the one who wrapped a whip around my friend's neck because he touched some whore. She is not some whore. She belongs to the Supreme General. If I can't touch her, you can be sure no one else will. I don't even know why I'm explaining this to you. My business is my own, Yuri. Would you rather be a neutered soldier for the Supreme General with a coat on your arm? No, T.J., And I suggest you rethink your attitude. I'm sorry, DJ. You're right. I made the bet. Besides, I didn't use Sheila. Thank you for that. We're brothers in life, Yuri. I don't know why you wanted to come all the way out here. They'll have to come to a city center for food. How long did you oversee Erica Moore? Almost a decade. Did you research the family? Of course I did. They were all involved in all. Of her plots. Did you review how they were trained for the salvage missions by your idiot boss? I don't see what you're getting at. They were trained in wilderness survival. They know how to forage from the land as they go. They don't need a city. But they do need information, and you'll find that in the city. Or on the outskirts of one. Good day, gentlemen. It's not every day we get black shirts visiting our establishment. What can I help you with? We're just here for a drink. Well, well, you came to the right spot. We actually have the finest tequila in Tepeka. Let me show you. To a seat. For you, sir? I'll just have a beer. I'll be back. See anyone you recognize? The refugee traders love to eat here. That's who a majority of these folks are. Here you go, gentlemen. Why don't you sit down with us for a momento, beautiful? I'm actually needed in the kitchen. You are needed right here. Sit down. I guess I can spare a moment. Smart choice. Would you like one? I'd call you by name, but I don't know it. Jessica, and I'd love a drink. What are you looking for, mister? A group of runaways. I'm sorry, sir, but you're going to have to be a bit more specific. This is Topeka. We've got nothing but traders, runaways, and riffraff. And what does that make you? I guess we got pub owners, too. Such a pretty smile. I always was a sucker for a redhead. These are big boys. You wouldn't be able to miss them. All of them are skilled fighters. Sounds like you have merc traders on your hands, not escaped refugees. Aren't you perceptive? What if I told you you were right, and if you could tell me where they are, you would never want anything again? Then I would ask you what your name is, so that if I heard anything, I would know who to take. The information to. They will come through town, and I want to know exactly when they do. This is Rex Bowman. He's the one to contact if you need to talk to me. Is there a name I should look out for? Patrick Bennett. I'll keep my ears open. Just get while the getting is good. Hello, this is L. Douglas Hogan, voice of T.J. Swenson. You can follow me at Amazon or go to facebook.com slash honor your oath. I look forward to seeing you there. I did not know it would be this big. It's the supermarket for the capital. Good gracious, look at these women. A man could get used to this town. I thought you were married. A man can sample the flavor so he appreciates the one at home, right? Nah, it's not supposed to work that way. It's no big deal. Yeah, it is. Those women would not have anything to do with him. Anyway, he's just talking shit. Check that place out. The Sherwood Lake Clubhouse. A perfect place to steal from the rich and. Give back to the poor. Hold on a second. Blend into the crowd. What's wrong? That guy coming out of the restaurant. His name is Rex Bowman. He was a guard out in Las Vegas. He would know you? For sure. You can bet on me. What is he doing here? Same thing all black shirts do. They're looking for someone. Who's he with? A Mexican guy. He's got a lot of tattoos. It looks like he would be a fine warrior. I don't know. Do we go in? There's not too many people in this world that would recognize me. Have we run into one that would? They are looking for us. What if there are more black shirts in there? I'll go in and check it out. It might look suspicious. We won't know until we walk in. Then let us walk in. Hello, gentlemen. Must be my lucky day for meeting handsome new men. Probably not too unusual for this location. You're right, sir. Would you like a table or a seat at the bar? A table. What brings you gentlemen into town? Selling off this refugee. Just one? Yes. Interesting. Why is that? Most folks around here bring 15 or so to make it. Worth their while. We are looking to buy some horses as well. Oh, well. Why didn't you just say so? I may happen to personally know one of the top breeders in the area. Let me grab you fellows your drinks and we can talk business. Thank you. Why did you tell her we were buying horses? I don't know. The one refugee seemed a little lackluster. You better make up something quick. I have to tell you this story about one of the horses my friend has. It's one of the finest in the stable and can fight like a beast. His name is Bennett. That is funny, because my friend has a horse named Bennett as well. I had a feeling that may have been the case. It's far too hot now for you to be on the street right now. Two black shirts. Just left here. We saw them. How big is your group? Twelve. That many? Good Lord above. You came for Erica, didn't you? I am looking for a man named Yamir. Shh. You really aren't from around here, are you? Come with me. Shane, cover the door. Yes, ma'am. Hey, did you see the way that chick worked James in the ring? His head was all mixed up. You know what TJ says. The plumbing between their legs makes no difference how hard you fight. That's right, Wayne. She's so beautiful. You're hopeless. Okay, maggots. That's enough chatter. Yesterday we discussed the tracking system and how to use the locator. Now get your asses into two groups of ten. Each one will scan the other. Wait. Get over here and get your team scanner. Thank you, sir. DJ, let me see your code. My code? Yes, your code. Let me see your arm. Yes, sir. Now you want to make sure... to. Get the red line even and clearly picks up the barcode. The information shows up in the readout screen. See here? It shows your handler and all your former owners. This shows T.J. Swenson. You're new here, aren't you? Yeah. I had no idea. T.J. Had a son. My name is Renaud Baker. Very nice to meet you, sir. Okay, okay, shut up. Let's continue this exercise. T.J. 's your dad? I, I mean. Now, boys, I said shut your mouth. Pay attention here to your group. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. A flicker in my heart A. Life I used to know Faces lost to ashes. And the embers fading low. I was someone gentle. With dreams that held me tight. Now I'm carved from shadows. Standing in the fight. A voice commands my future. I'm so screwed now. It's got its own soul. Hello, sir. Surprised to see me? Yes, sir. Why? Well, I mean, I thought now that I served my purpose. Don't tell me my business, son. You think that because I used you to get your mother to fold, I'd discard you? Yes, sir. I wouldn't be training you with that leather in your hand if I had any intention of discarding you. I like to think of you as my son. No bullshit. I'd be honored, sir. Follow my pattern. Yes, sir. Your turn. Your brain is getting in the way. What's on your mind? We scanned my code in class today. I registered it. Does Yuri know? What business is it of his? None, I guess. That's right. Now let's do some training. Eventually you'll have to pick up a name for your whip. But for now, let's make you a master. You follow my pattern. If you can't hit it exactly, you do ten push-ups, squats, or sit-ups. I'll call it. Yes, sir. Your turn. Sit up. Yes, sir. Dust on the wind, orange haze burning low. Kids got that fire, watch the leather flow. I snap the whip and match. It clean and true. It's the rhythm once you know what you gotta do. But every time you rock, I feel it in my chest. The sun I never had putting all this hope to the test. You better get some chow. Mr. Lee has plans for you tomorrow, but I'll be by when he's not. We're going to make you strong. Sounds great, sir. Thank you for coming out. I have to say, I really enjoyed it. This is just the beginning, DJ. Thank you, sir. Javier, how are you? Working hard or hardly working? Where have you been all afternoon, Mr. Happy-Go-Lucky? I was out at the whip range I made, training with DJ. That boy's going to be good. You made a whip range? I gotta check that out. Sounds awesome. You coming in for dinner? You know that I am. Where's Scott? He should be home right about now. I sent him out. Got a lead? Something like that. Human trafficking is not fiction. It's a reality in every country. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children explains that every 30 seconds a child is trafficked in the United States. If you see something, say something. Dial 888-373-7888 or visit humantraffickinghotline.org for more contact information. You may be helping to save a life. Can't beat the warmth of the fire on a fall evening, eh? I guess. I could do without staring at the stack of metal I need to turn into horseshoes by the end of the night. Looks like you need to hire an assistant. The horse trading is good, my friend. And new shoes always sweeten a sale. Sure does give me job security. I got a whole army of farriers that head out during the day, but no one to help move the metal. I'd give you a hand. You know metal. I sure do. My family has had large horse farms. Jump on in. I've got an extra apron over on the hook. How come you ain't at your family's farm? My family's farm was taken by the feds up north. How'd you get a pass into the central region? Who says I did? Do you have a tracker? No, sir. I was a landowner and always will be. Doesn't matter what the government says. You better make yourself scarce. If a quad comes around, they'll sell you on the stage by the river. Don't I know it. Do you know metal? I'm impressed. How are you planning on surviving here? I hadn't really thought that far. My only focus was getting into the central region. Now that I'm here, I'm not sure what to do. Well, I can pay you for your work tonight. I can't spend credits. I can pay you in silver. That should get you by with plenty of the vendors around here. But I can't do more than that. The feds keep us on a tight leash. You'll learn that following their rules isn't such a bad idea. No, sir. I don't think I will. They killed my family, took my land, and forced me to become a fugitive. I will have justice. Best of luck to you on your journey, my friend. Hi, TJ. Hi, Jeannie. It smells good in here. What are you making? Fried chicken. The boys are coming. I made extra for them. Is she still asleep? She is. Did you wake her for water like I told you? I did. You are the best. What would I do without you? Thank you, TJ. Erica. Hmm. Hi, TJ. Did you sleep well? Yes. Any bad dreams? No. I was out like a light. Jeannie brought me more water. I'm ready to get up. Well then, let's do it. Ugh. I feel so good. You're stretching all the way down to your toes. Does your back hurt? No. Why? It's nothing. However, you stink. You want to take a shower? Oh, yeah. Hold on a second. Genie, is Yuri here yet? I'm here. Grab me new clothes for Erica and her chain. Beautiful. You could at least let me come in and watch. Go drink your vodka. Get on your knees, Erica. So wild and free. Give me your hands. Take off your shirt and bra. Let's put this back on for now. So beautiful. Stand up. Now take the rest of your clothes off. Come here. Here's fresh clothes. There's a shower. Thank you, TJ. Will you stay here with me? Woman, I wouldn't leave if you wanted me to. Good. Make your legs start to shake. TJ, dinner is ready. Keep it warm. We'll be there in a minute. Okay. Finish up. Dinner's ready. Ah, good. I'm starved. Eugene, it to yourself. Did I? Don't worry about the past. The focus is always on the future. I like that. I can't remember what I'm trying to remember anyway. So stop trying. Come here. Step into your towel so I can hold you. You're so warm. Say it. T.J., I will never run from you. You smell much better. I feel much better. You have to put on my cuffs. Give me your hands. I have some friends over. They aren't going to hurt you, okay? Okay, TJ. No surprises. Even if they touch you, okay? If you say so, TJ. No surprises. The curfew will be here soon. Where the heck are they? We can't stay here much longer. You didn't see them coming in, Nicolton? Nope. It's been too long already. What if they got caught? It's about time. What's the scoop? I found an Irish lady named Jessica. Who knows Vince? She is from Lumpkinport, Texas. Yeah, I remember her. Her house was demolished the last time the Mississippi Sea surged. She says the secret police are out in full force. Everyone is in a panic. They're looking for someone, and they're sniffing their noses everywhere. Shit. What are we going to do? Calm down, big man. Jessica has a friend outside the city. They have a large horse ranch, and she stays there on the weekends. She told me to take you guys there. She will meet us there in the morning. What about Graham and Holmes? They are staying with Jessica tonight as collateral. She does not know me from Adam, and she wants to make sure her friends stay safe. She will verify. Vince's identity tomorrow and set up a meeting with Yamir if everything checks out. How are her friends going to know we're okay? I have a letter from her to them. We'll find the farm, you guys hide out, I'll make the introductions, and we should be. Good to go. Sounds like you've got it all figured out. First, we need to find the ranch. She said it's west of the city, and I have directions. There it is. Go ahead, dear. We'll cover you. Nicolton, Bennett, we have two perimeter guards approaching. You want us to intercept? No, let's hold up here and see how this plays out. Looks like gear is talking to the owner. The owner has perimeter guards. On the radio. Gear signaling us to come in. How y'all doing tonight? Fine, you? Mr. Johansen has requested y'all's presence out back, please. Lead the way. I'm quite concerned about what's coming next. Personally, I think we'll probably see food shortages and other disruptions. Are you prepared if things go wrong? Does your family have enough food and supplies on hand to last at least 30 days? If not, the time to prepare is right now. Don't wait another minute. To help you on your journey, I recommend My Patriot Supply. They're the leaders in self-reliance, and they have a four-week supply of emergency food that lasts up to 25 years in storage. So you never have to worry again. Don't put your family through the pain of hunger or standing in government food lines. Go to preparewithchangingearth.com today and your emergency food will be shipped quickly and discreetly to your door. Those who know what's coming are using today to prepare. So visit preparewithchangingearth.com, the original Patriot Preparedness Company. Their mission is your survival. That's preparewithchangingearth.com. Welcome to the Lucky H. Any friend of Jessica's is a friend of mine. I have just the sort of accommodations you need. A wine cellar. It's always got to be a wine cellar. I assure you the accommodations are much better inside. Please come in. Name's Christopher Johanson. That's more. Like the Vince Moore? Husband of Erica Moore? The same. You're supposed to be dead. I know. And I still have the bruises to prove that. But Erica came here. She's marrying the Supreme General in a month? She didn't come by her own free will. I knew it. Unite the country. What? How many times have you seen her in public? She was at a big welcoming parade, and then there was some grand ball with Canadian delegates. Did she look okay? Actually, both times she wore high-neck dresses that aren't really popular amongst the elite right now. My wife made mention of it. Other than that, she looked healthy. At the ball. Yeah? T.J. Swinson was there. So? So? So, Mr. Swenson doesn't usually frequent formal events like that. He's a tolerated element of society because he does the landowner's dirty work. Now that I think of it, he stood behind her and followed her all evening. He still got her. Do you know if she's being housed at the Supreme General's? You would think so, because she's marrying the man. The Supreme General has entertained other women in the past, and typically. They'll. Be in the marketplace or with him during the day. But since the ball, no one has seen Erica. They must have her someplace else. Or they have her locked in there. We're going to have to find out before we can make a move. And we're trying to get her back. Of course we are. Sir, you don't mind if a couple of us stay as guests in the house? I'm sure you're a really great guy. But you understand, right? You have papers. Both Jere and I. I think housing your people here is trust enough. My home is out of the question. However, I have room. In the bunkhouse. If you're going to be. Here long term, I'm in need of hands. And there's always plenty of work to be done. We'll be more than happy to pitch in where we can. Let's settle it in tonight. We'll see what Jessica has to say tomorrow and then figure out a plan from there. Thank you for your help. It's an honor to have you here. This is cozy. Look at that kitchen. Let's make some dinner. Sounds good to me. How can I help? Anyone out for a game of Uno while we wait? Deal me in. I'd be more than happy to get your butt at a game of Uno. Oh, big talker. The world I fought for crumbled, a lie I couldn't see. She showed me what we're fighting for, truth and liberty. Her kids, they call me uncle. Their laughter heals my scars. I face a thousand battles to keep them safe from harm. We clash on rules and reasons. Her questions never cease. But in her spark, I found my home. My heart has found its peace. Family forged in fire. Through battles we've been torn. We've been waiting on you guys to eat. How are you tonight, girly? She needed a shower. Let's eat then. I'm starved. Erica, sit here in between Yuri and me. Yes, TJ. That means I get to sit across from her. Nothing I'd rather gaze at while I eat. Scott, back off. What, I can't look at a woman? You're making her nervous. Just eat your damn food, you fools. Who the hell cares if she's nervous? Eat your food. TJ's got her so well trained, his mood is the only thing controlling that woman. She looks to him for every direction. Look at me, girly. TJ. Do as he commands. See? That's not so bad, is it? Did you find the truck yet? Commander Gray has men scouring the east, but I think they're on foot headed west. The truck would have popped up by now if they were still in it. I think Scott is right on this one. Why wouldn't he? While you've been chasing bounties out of the central region I think commander gray let a terrorist group live right under his nose. Are you serious Carl Carl's a thorough man. Here Erica have some more water Thanks. Well, I've been playing the flip side. Trying to infiltrate the resistance. No one here knows me and I don't stick out like a sore thumb like Javier. Hey, man. I resemble that statement. Every tattoo has a story. Where are they? They could be north of the capital. I'm not exactly sure. And the members are guarded with all the pressure they're under. But I have a gut feeling. Where? Topeka. Javier is going to rattle some cages tomorrow. Good. You know, TJ, you could just let them come to you. You know they will. This job was supposed to be done a long time ago. The sooner the better. Tomorrow's another day. I suggest you find me some answers. I'll see you then. Good night, TJ. See you in the mañana, hermano. Come on. You did good today. Thanks, TJ. Does that mean I can go back to your room? No. Hmm. You'll be fine. I'll be back to get you for breakfast. So wild and free. What is she doing? She's working out. Such a creature of habit. She's been in. Motion for so long she doesn't know how to sit still. And she's still so strong. Is everything okay, TJ? Exercise will run the drug out of her system. Do you want me to stay up to give her more water? No, I'll do it. Go to bed. Good night. I finally hold you without the hate in your eyes. My heart's finally calm after all of those lies. You're safe in my arms. You don't want to run. I've waited so long. Just to feel like I've won. Stay with me tonight. Please stay with me tonight. I trace your shoulder, your skin warm on mine. No flinch, no curse, just a soft little sigh. Eric, uh, Calm down. It's me. TJ, is it morning? No. I knew you'd be thirsty after your workout. Thank you. That's so kind. And I brought you a bigger, softer blanket. Really? For me? Thank you. Lay down. I'll tuck you in. You're the best. Go back to sleep, and I'll see you in the morning. Stay with me tonight. Don't wake from this dream. One day I'll be able to take her off that drug and have her, body and mind. Vince, that bastard is still out there. She has that look when she thinks of him, but now she looks to me like that. I have to kill him or she'll never be mine. What are you doing here? I knew you were going to be alone tonight and thought maybe you needed a warm body in your bed. You're not wrong. You know what, Dolores? What? This is a life I could get used to. Please stay with me tonight. It's not all real, not the way I need, but I'll take this moment. I'll take what I can keep. One day you'll choose me, not forced, not afraid. Till then I'll hold you close. Thank you for listening to the Changing Earth audio drama based on the Changing Earth novel series by Sarah F. Hathaway. Grab your copy on Amazon or get signed editions at ChangingEarthSeries.com. This content is copyrighted. For details on performers, sound effects, and music credits, visit ChangingEarthSeries.com, where you can subscribe to support the series and keep the adventure alive. Check out the Changing Earth store for exclusive gear. Love the show. Like, subscribe, and drop a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Rumble, or your favorite platform. Stay prepared and stay tuned for the next episode of the Changing Earth Audio Drama.