5-7 Embrace the Darkness

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. Yeah, my leg slippery, little girly, Good morning. Do you want a coffee on the table? No? Bring it here? Oh? Staying on the couch, girl, I can sit where I want in my home. Oh yeah, of course. There's a coffee shirt. I have to peete. Hello, I have to go. Think kink to use some strong Let her go on herself. I don't care. Hello, gee Jack, I have pete. What's your damn problem? I don't have to go to the Bible. Put your hands in front of your body. Go you're not going to leave, Okay, okay, I'm going. Damn day let me see you. Lay down your back. Don't look at me like that? Who made it this way? Looks like no extra chain today? She find her no real steel funns unshame? I want it shadow. Your spirit? W you. My crave sorrenderz. Well? Well, LUCU decided to come by forvisit about damn time. You know my primary responsibility. Your primary responsibility is to me. You know that it is mister Lee. This curly concerns me, and you put her kid on the cleanup crew. He might as well be useful for going to feed him. I can't argue with that, but you watch yourself, son? What are you doing here? Anyways? I'm curious about the updates on Vince's whereabouts. You listen to the reports same as us. I know they're coming for that is an absolute certainty. Where will they cross? I'm sending Yuri to Chattanooga and Nate to Paris. Bowman's back in town. Where's he going? He's not familiar enough with the country side back He's taying to train the grunt. He's training grunts. He follows orders. When are you gonna make Wayne screw black shirts? When they quit screwing everything up? You spoiled them. Maybe I'll stop by Nate's on the way home and say them. To Paris, tell them to check in for his team of seventh. Yes, Sir, TJ, Sir one and Honor, come in. Hi, TJ? Did I get you? Send me the drink? No, I'm good. Have a seat, TJ. You got any word on those bozos? Yet? Nothing? I can't believe the best is still alive. How does someone survive two bullets at point blank range? I don't know, Sir. I want to ask his Gaudian angel if she'll come. God, my ass. You don't need angels when you got skills. Can you hold her for a second. I need to cut up the veeshiables for dinner now, Margaret, please. It's fine me. I'm sorry, sir, Dope you're a dad. Yes, Sir, A little light in my life right here. She's getting big hi baby. Oh my god, she did it, Margaret, she did it. I missed it, missed. What those were her first steps? Sir? She's never walked before. I make them strong, Nate, Yes, sir, you do. Mister Lee is sending Urie to Chattanooga and you to Paris. To catch that bastard. At the border. That's right. I want him, Nate. I want Erica's daughter and her youngest son. They come through there. Consider it done, TJ. These men are no bullshit. Nate, Bennett, Vergess, Nicleton and this guy Gear. They're all highly trained. I got it, sir. I go myself, but this girly requires my constant attention. Sir, No Nate, you need to understand. We lost Ryan Gerber. And Sir TJ. I got this. I know you won't let me down. Don't listen to those dumb ass fits. You follow your gut and get the job done. You know that I will, TJ. Stop by mister Lee's to get your team assignment and keep me posted. Yes, TJ, I'll see you when you get back. Good night, Margaret, cannight, TJ. Your night, sir. One day. Like a title way, a hurricane, like a thunderstorm, the poorming lame. It comes rolling then right away. Oh, it hits you like a ton of lead. Oh your hello, mess with your head. You won't know where to begin. You can't keep up, you fall behind, You lost your game, can kill your mine. Lack. If you're burning wild afraid, turn you can stop lacking that man. But this time you don't want to leg. Up push you. It takes over you just getting that goal. Although the worst past day, Well that's how my. Connect four I went again. No you didn't, Yes, I did whoop one, two, three four? Oh dang it, you did win again. How are you so good at that? I can't give away my secrets? Yes you can, you little turn. I'm not going to nose. What are you two rascals? Do it? Star is being a poor loser. He just won like five in a row. What time is it? It's about nine? Oh geez. Why'd you let me sleep so. Late because you obviously needed it. Cole said, we're going at one. Good, I still have time. Do you want a cup of coffee? Really? I love one. The vendor said that we don't want to brew anyone once we're in the Central region. Why is that? She said, it's highly regulated there and people can smell it miles away. Gotcha, there's always dandelion teeth. No, thanks, it's not so bad. Yes, it is good morning vents, Good morning Bennett. Any change in the plans? Not so far? Soa is his team double checked the handler's license to ensure that the system was updated. As long as we can keep the hoods on, we should be good. To go. Step outside with me for a minute. I'll be right back. Guys. Okay, Dan, you want to play against her? Sure? What's up? You're taking your kids into a very dangerous situation this afternoon, don't you think I know it. You made the decision to bring Daniel, and he made the decision to come. Your instinct is going to be to protect him. But when you do that, you lose focus. You put yourself and everyone else in jeopardy. You understand what I'm saying. We've been in battles before. No, the last time Daniel was in a battle with you, you got bit on the arm by a dog and almost died detecting them. He's my son. Your son is a fighter. You have to keep your head in the game. He's a big boy now with his own set of skills. I understand what you're saying. Good, go grab some breakfast and get ready to go. We'll do. This and we'll stand side by side a brother to your children, with honor as my guide. The merceder of the lost, our bottle will. Of faith in the fire of ours struggles, our forever was me. If you want to learn how to survive a nuclear, biological or chemical warfare attack using nothing more than what you have in your own home right now, don't. Click off this ad. Hey everyone, this is Dave Jones, the NBC Guy, and I prepared a special class. Contact me at NBC guide dot com to learn more, or send me an email an NBC guy at ProtonMail dot com. Teacher, any noise from our guests, give me a small glass of water. Hey, how long until dinner is ready? Plenty of time? How are we feeling? Girly? When I ask you a question? You answer. Fine? TJ. You sound fine? Sit up? You still feeling strong? I'm fine, TJ. I bet you want this water? Yes TJ. A quick response? How bad do you want it? Please? Look you there? Now? She has manners. Tell me what I want to hear. Why do you then say it and mean it? Please send me the. Water one more chance, Gurley, Then you can't hold out forever. Get up, go use the bathroom. I could crush you Ben every bone, but it's your soul. I need on the. Phone here. Till me here curly, he answer. Me, yes, TJ. See how easy that. Is yes, TJ. Get on your knees, yes, TJ. After the wedding, you're going to be all mine. You can still have the water. Just tell me what I want to hear. I won't buy to you, TJ. Suit yourself. Shame, Oh. Break show me firsty. I guess not. You're dining It smells awesome. What would I do without you? Genie? It's chilly this afternoon. You're not wrong about that. I put extra blankets in the truck. Here, guys, we're gonna have to put these on. Vince. You actually have to put them on, not just stare at them. Bet your she probably lives in cops after today may be one step closer. Come on, you guys all set? Good to go? Vince, How can mister Dixon still be giving orders? You said he was taken? He has a body double. I can't tell them apart maybe the real one was captured or maybe not. Sneaky smart, Everyone quiet, there's the checkpoint. Easy now everyone. Papers. You heard the man boys hand them over. We have one more handler in the back. How you doing tonight, sir? Gold as hell? Not mau beer. Not too good. That's understandable, sir. Why did these refugees have goods on the pain. In my backside, especially the big guy. Yeah what, he'll fetch the good money. We're gonna have to have those refugees step out of the vehicle and remove their hoods. We're under a strict security lockdown. You heard the man. Get your scrannie butt out of this truck. Line up for inspection, Sir, what do you want? We have a situation at the gate. Is it them? The truck matches the description and there's some big boys in that crew. Do mass. Let's go, sir, Let me go ahead. We have a possible id AL radio back with it. The black Shirt crews and the explosion. Get a medic team in a their rally our horses and stop the militia. We lose those black shirts get into all our asses. Yes, sir, your passage to check out. Get those refugees voted, Get the hell out of here. Have a nice day, sir. Damn that was close. Too close? Are we headed northwest? Boss? No, Let's go northeast and circle back at the capitol. They'll take more gas, but if we set off any alarms, they'll be harder to find us. Sounds good changes do cool because This is just a round the corner life, muscle life. Well, we'll kill, we'll make. Human trafficking is not fiction. It's a reality in every country. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children explains that every thirty seconds, a child is trafficked in the United States. If you see something, say something, dial eight eight eight three seven three seven eight eight eight, or visit Human Traffickinghotline dot org for more contact information. You may be helping to save a life. No, Gods can't drag my out of your nack in shadows he must. Day won't. How mad it is. God's the grail, get goost face the restrive keys to us, the bast me home. But in ruin script by. Now res. You were burning the midnight lantern oil. That's what they said. What are you doing back home? Did you find your family? No? Dj they living the Chattanuga. Didn't they get them? They don't know? Mister he said to come home. So here I am. What's going on? Mister Lee? kJ Sit down, sir? Why is your I said, sit down here? Have a drink, sir? What is going on? Haveing a drink? Yes, sir, mister Lee, what's going on? Robert, That's what I'm wondering. You're gonna have your hands full now what happened? I just got word that Nate were guests and Gomans were killed. How the militia attack of Paris, Texas. The last word received from him was he was going to investigate a possible suspect. Did anyone get through? We don't know. The soldiers that were in place there were all eliminated in the attack. Heads are fighting to retake the checkpoint right now. Didn't we have to spread the web east? If it was a distraction to get Vince's team through, we have no idea if they made it or not. Those federal freaking morons. If Vince's team is inside the Central Region, it's only a matter of time until we reveal their location. Chuck Yuri, you can go. What do we do with pain? Then use it to grow stronger? That's right. I know what that boy meant to you. Long lives are for the week, sir, good. Boy, get out of here and make sure that woman stays. Put yes, sir, all. The way, all the day, come to. All and dorn it goes. And this was step What are you doing here? You always come to your whip range when you're frustrated. I can take the pain. I know you can take the physical pain. But you love that boy. Mister Lee was never going to let him follow in my footsteps. That choice may not have been his. Mister Lee won't live forever, None. Of us will. His daughter took her first steps walking to me the day I gave him the orders. Now she won't have a father. Like her mother and. You. Yeah, just like me. She has us. We'll take care of them. How do I tell her it's going to break her heart? You're already broke he once. She earned that. She doesn't deserve this. You didn't either. I'll see you later, little brother. Can TJ? What are you doing here? Where's Margaret? Come in? What's going on? Margaret is going to need you now more than ever. What happened? TJ? You'll find out soon enough. Go take the baby and stay. In the back. Yes, TJ. What do you need? TJ? You wear a black shirt? You know the risk we all take. Oh no, oh, no, TJ. Nate went to Paris, Texas. No, TJ, please don't tell me this. The militia attacked and he didn't survive the explosion. No, TJ. No, you trained you know what to do with. Pain, not this pain, DJ, not Nate? Why DJ. Even that pain? Margaret? How do you know? TJ? You don't know what this pain? I do, the love of my life and my child died in the Great Quake. I know your pain. You never told me that, and if you tell anyone else, I'll skin you. It's going to hurt for how long? Forever? Susan? Yes, TJ. Nate's gone, he's gone. Take care of them. Come here, honey, SHOs, crawl insidels, skin cold hands, dragged me deep with ay scar story told ye a god gone cold? Why him? I love that kid? You're doing okay? What are you doing here? I told you to take care of them? And who's taking care of you? I take care of myself just like I always have. You need to talk about it. That kid grew up with you. No, Susan, I don't. I'll be fine. There's work to be done and I'll do it. Will you hit me if I hug you? What? Mm? Everyone, Susan, I lose them all. We're here for you, TJ. We love you. I can't. I can't do this. I'll be fine. You take care of Margaret and don't worry about me. Okay, but let me know if you need anything. Thank you. I'll Embracey lis fine. Fine soul loves go changs. Let it cross me. Where are we going now? Boys? I know one thing. I used to drive through here all the time, and Oklahoma had tolls on the state highways. Had to turn the toll boost into guard posts. We're in big trouble in. That mine here in the tube with every five miles. Let us get off the highway. Then backgrounds are going to slow down our progress in this case. I think they're right. Booth would make for perfect checkpoint stations. But could they staff them all? They just stopped them back in the day. With one person. We're talking teams. Still pretty bad woods out here. It's the smart move either way. Can't we take these cuffs off? I'm worried about patrols. I can put them all real fast. If we get pulled over, the guards could tell if we were all scrambling to do something. Danny, it sells to look pine you doing, Okay? Do I look so. Sad out there? Everything is dying without the light. When do you think the sun will come back? I don't know star, we're gonna have to stop and fuel. Pull over up here, everybody out first, run. Music to my ears. I'll get us some lunch. Ready. We're gonna have enough gas here. It is going to be tight. Hopefully we can find some more along the way. We'll have to siphon it. The federal fueling stations will require a documentation. This place in lockdown, Tay. They've been developing the system for a decade. Now, so much to freedom. That's why we're still fighting. Boys. There's more cars on the road now. The world is waking up. We're ready to go. Guys, come grab some food. You better come sit with us than if what about patrol comes by? Yeah, Bennett, that is right, slave boy, you better get over there. Don't get all boy than yourself, gire. I'll still kick your ass. I would like to see you try unhook the cuffs. Oh no, slave boy, that would be too easy. Here, come on, kiddy, give me the keys. Will you two just knock it off here? Too much? You better do as you're a handler, he tells you. Come on, pe. You doing okay? Brother, I'm ready to have her back. Be all on, we'll get her. She came back before. Remember it's weird though. What is Last time I could feel her, I can't explain it, but this time she seems to be fading. We'll get everybody. Her scar is still burn in my mind. It's cruel. Hey, beautiful smile, fierce eyes lost in the. Savior of the refuge. Geez, you chose staff left me alone in this endless time. Hi, this is Jane Austen, otherwise known as Survivor Jane and the voice of Dolores Chapman. I'd like to invite you to my website, survivor Jane dot com, where I write in a conversational tone on topics of how better to prepare yourself and family. You can also find links to my books What Could Possibly Go Wrong, Emergency Survival Hygiene, and my game book Puzzling over Preparedness. You can also find information on prepper Camp, the largest three day preparedness event in the country every fall, hosted by myself and my husband Rick Austin. Perfect time. Your dinner is ready. It made you a briton a burrito. Yeah, partoship, just give it to me. Okay, I'm eating with my guest. You're gonna eat the song. Hello, girly. Hello, Hello, TJ. Does it smell good? I've never really been a big fan of Mexican food? Are you sure here? Smell it? Sure you don't want some? I'm fine if you don't eat what I feed you? Who will feed you? No one? Who controls what you eat? You do? Who controls how much chain you receive? You do? Who controls what you drink? Do? Darking as good? If I could have Genie make you one, I'm fine. Jenny bring you a bottle? Yes, you. Don't worry about her, Jennie, she has a hard time learning her manners. Go yes, Girly, I know all about feeling fine. I needy repeendent's close to being fine? Right now? What do you want from me? I want you to tell me what I want to hear. I told you I won't lie. Then tell me something about your son, my son? Why because I told you to. I could ask you a question and then beat you until you respond, or we could have a civilized conversation. It's up to you. Either way you will answer me. I have two good choice. Dexter tell me a story about him. Dexter was the first baby I ever held. You were a girl before the quake, I still am. That doesn't mean I held babies. I was afraid I would break them. What else? He was always a charmer. When he started school, teachers gave him work to do it. Sometimes he just wouldn't do it. They would make him sit on the bench at lunch as a punishment, but if he didn't care, he would smile at them and act all cute. The teachers caved and let him get away without doing his work. What else. The quake happened when he was five, so he grew up in the Vegas camp. If you're gonna make me talk this much, could I please have some water? What's his middle name? It's I mean, make your. Choice, Jamison. His full name is Dexter Jamison Moore. Interesting. Now can I have the water? Tell me what I want to hear? I'll die without it? Not yet? How do you know? You don't ask questions? Girly? Pretty soon you're going to be so weak he'll do whatever I want. You will learn your manners. The Supreme General needs me. You can't kill me. No, I can't, But soon you'll wish I. Was allowed to too late already do cute, girly. We shall see we shall see in the shadows. Oh the key. Who was twisted. You're bound to me. I command the pain. The end of the night. But your eyes to fire, they steal light. Oh I want you, pray, Oh I want you. I crave the sand. It's so nice to have. The day off. You hardly work when we are working. I work and talk, but I work hard. Don't get all offended. I'm just kidding. Come here, Are you just gonna lay there all day? What else is there to do? You could play cards with everyone? Can't we just stay and snuggle? You're such a romantic that's fine with me. Did you. Ever really. Love anyone else? Yeah? You did. Now I'm jealous for some reason. What was her name? Megan? Is she. Still alive? I don't know. But I'm as good as dad now, So none of that really matters, does it? Do you love me? Your presence is very comforting? What what does that even mean? Never mind, I'll take it. So I have a funny story for you. So you remember Rebecca mm hmm. She was dating Hernando and she said he is the worst kisser, like sober from her nose to her chin. Have you ever kissed anyone who kisses like that. No, well, it's gross, and she didn't know how to tell him without hurting his feelings because he was always like telling his friends what a great kisser he wasn't all but anyway, she was getting tired of it because we don't have lipstick anymore. We used to use powders and the spasslaing light cream to red in our lips. I bet you didn't know that that. Nope. Well, Rebecca was starting to get really uncomfortable in the relationship because if he thought he was a good kisser, who knows what his love making would amount to one day she can't take it anymore. And she tried to softly explain all. This, and he's like, woman, I'd never sleep with you. Your breastmells like shit, dexter, are you even listening to me? My god, yeah, I sure I am, sir, as you were, Sir, I wasn't expecting to see you or today is their day off? Youur retells me. The crew has been slacking off. I thought maybe I needed to pay them a visit. Hold on, sir, I'll get them ready. Everyone on your feeted up against the sells. What's going on? I don't know. For some reason, my cleanup crew has been falling behind schedule consistently. I thought maybe it was time to remind you who you work for. Someone want to explain this. Some people want to talk instead of work, Sir. DJ, My compliant boy. I'm glad you step forward. Son, Come here. Now, DJ. You know what happens to people who can do their job? Yes, sir, who is it? Was it you? No, sir, it was Christie, Sir, I this one al, Yes, sir. Turn around girly today DJ, I'm giving you your own whip. The honor is your son, just like your new name. DJ. I will you to ride it in stone on her back with. That whip, But Sir, I've never used one before. No better time but the present to learn, Son, not bad for the first time. Walk with me, DJ, Yes, sir. Stealing blood and my will stand. Crumble with in mind? How sh how far. So weird? Well man? Well sun, mister Lee, I bought you a very special new recruit. I see I'm gonna take your shirt off. Boy. Don't look at me. Do as the man tells you. Yes, sir, look at this boy. You brought me a fighter, DJ, turn around you marked him. He hadn't graduated yet. Like I said, this boy here is special to me. Get him out of those rags and make sure to train him with. This Oh whip, Okay, GJ whatever you want. I have other matters to attend to. You're in good hands. DJ. Thank you, sir, your assistance of Sarah plod My Crookstu. Sun Man Sun five five down after that. Hi, this is Sarah F. Popway, the creator of the Changing Earth series and the voice of Eric More. Visit Changing Our Series dot com to explore the novels behind the drama and the survival knowledge behind the stories. Join the Changing Earth Membership program and get one week early access to the show. We appreciate you helping the Changing Earth world go round. Don't visit us at www dot Changing Earth Series dot com. That's www dot Changing Earth Series dot com. There must be a curfew. We're gonna have to find a spot and stop for the night. When we drove through that town, they had a designated handler campground. Yep, but did you see how many guards were out in front of it. The hoods hide our identity, sir. After what happened at that checkpoint, I don't know if the hoods would be enough. Oh shit, put on your hoods. Papers. Please give me your passes, guys. Me air, that's unique name. My father gave honor to the Norse gods when he gave me that name. Sounds interesting. Here as you passes back, they check out he got in the back fresh meat. None of them are federally registered yet. I am going to make a killing at that wedding celebration. I'll be there myself. I gotta work, but it's gonna be one half party for days. I'm gonna look you up when I get there. Even with the hood that blown in back is smoking hot. She was a real trick to capture, too. Look at the big man in shains. He'll bring in some good credits for sure, sir. Weren't the black shirts looking for some big guys in the truck. Oh, I'll tell you what. I'll try to hold her sale to give you a shot. What is your name, sir, named Sergeant Leon Rickard. Maybe I can get some of the guys to. Throw in on that come in where she is not going to go cheap. You guys better get off the road past curfew. Transporting after curfew, we'll only get your problems with the secret police. There's a handler campsat in next town. I suggest you getting there quickly. Well, thank you for the advice. See you at the Capitol. Way to go. Gear. You might be big and ugly, but you should talk your way out of that one. Zip it slave boy. You won't be able to talk. Your way out of this asshoop, but I'm going to give you when these cups come off. Oh it's on now, place your bets, folks. At least he wasn't pawning you off to the highest bidder, Bennett. Did you see he had a bar hold. We've always used the refugees and the forces. It's ready to source some manpower. Even in the federal forces. Sure, how do you think my family got employed there? Landowner wants to go and die fighting refugees. Basically, it's well fed refugees fighting starving ones. Or organized termination. Where are we gonna go, guys? Hell, we can pull over anywhere. The trees will help hide the vehicle and we'll burn the code of fires. I see it plays down that turned road in bed. Oh good eye, Ned's face unclear character shines through down in the. Bound by through the darkest time. Where do you come from? Jid DJ? That's your name? Does it stand for something? Nope, just plain old DJ. Name's Robert Lee. My daddy named me after the greatest general in history. As you can see, we're well supplied here. I can see that. Let's get your uniform. Students run here. They haven't graduated. Where camouflage, But this uniform is black. You're already marked. That's where in the yard the keyj Ever takes you out. Then you wear this shirt over your T shirt. Yes, sir, and already so well trained. We'll have a chance to assist your skills tomorrow. But in the meantime, let me show you where you're going to sleep. Yes, sir, it's a crack reles. My post begins to race. Put in the mirror. I don't recognize my fince. Theose are all TJ's favorite sleep. None of these boys are graduated yet. Keep that in mind when they start wondering about your clothes. Yes, sir, have you eaten yet? Yes? Sir? All right, They make yourself at home and I'll see you in the morning. Thank you, sir. Oh Man, what did I do? I left my family. And now I've ended up in hell. Well, my mom she was here, He has her, he has her. But this new fire's rising and it's calling out my name. I'm told inside the tempest, where my truth and last. Coloile who Alm? I becoming? Look what we got here? Wayne a newbie? Nah, Look at his shared Wayne. He's not a rookie. He's already in black. He'll be out to your spot for sure, will. Even be for tonight. We'll get mine story tomorrow. We'll use euchton memory, lessons from the past, roots that held me study. But they could. And now I'm shapefire, force and cruel command. You wait up. Strange feels heavy, yet it. Fits my hem. Thank you for listening to the Changing Earth audio drama based on the Changing Earth novel series by Sarah F. Hathaway. Grab your copy on Amazon or get signed editions at Changing Earth series dot com. This content is copyrighted. For details on performers, sound effects, and music credits, visit Changing Earth series dot com, where you can subscribe to support the series and keep the adventure alive. Check out the Changing earthstore for exclusive gear. Love the show like, subscribe and drop a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Rumble or your favorite platform, Stay prepared, and stay tuned for the next episode of the Changing Earth audio drama Y