5-9 Making Progress

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. Good morning, TJ. What's for breakfast? The butcher made some new sausage. It better not taste like that last crab. He said it was good. How long? Ten minutes. How we feeling this morning, girly? Fine, TJ. Could you smell that sausage cooking all the way back there? Oh, yeah, you can. Can you smell it? Yes, TJ. Do you want some? Yes, TJ. Tell me what I want to hear. I won't lie to you. You don't have to. Say it and mean it. I'm fine. How long do you think you can last? Long enough. You can't let me die. I can do whatever I want, girly. You think you have a say over what happens to you? No, I don't. What the Supreme General does. TJ, your breakfast is ready. It's about time. Shouldn't she eat something? Jeannie, don't make it your business. She's not hungry anyway. I want her cell cleaned tonight. But where will Erica be? Not in the cell. Okay, TJ. I'll get it. Hola, chica. Is TJ home? Send him in. Buenos dias, hermano. That food smells good. You want some? You know I do. Jeannie. I've got it, TJ. You got yourself a fine chica there, TJ. You keep her to yourself? No one touches her. Sit down and have a shot. Not so fast, brother. Where's the other chica? Miss Savior. She's in the cell. Can I meet her? No. Why not? She's a pain in the ass, Javier. She can't be that bad. You're the master. That's true. But she's nothing but problems. Don't worry. You'll get to meet her later. I'm looking forward to it. Jeannie, bring a bottle. Here you go, sir. And a bottle with glasses. You don't have to call me sir, chica. My name is Javier. Whatever Javier wants, get for him. You understand? Yes, TJ. She is cute, TJ. What are you saving her for? Javier, don't touch her. She can choose her own man. When she's ready. You're a lucky chica. What did you do to earn such a position from TJ? I don't know. Ha ha ha. She is too much, TJ. Jeannie, go do the dishes. Yes, TJ. Aren't you headed out with Bowman to scour the towns? Getting rid of me already? You're serious about that little girl, aren't you? I am. I promised her. Por qué? Don't worry about my business. This guy Bowman, he used to be a fed? He was. Why him? Why is he on the collection crew? He was at the camp in Las Vegas while Erica was there. He hunted that woman for years. He knows what Erica's friends and family look like. He hunted her? She's always been problems. But she flew under the radar. He could never get enough evidence to bring her in. Or I would have had her years ago. Another trophy for yourself? Exactly. Don't worry. She'll occupy that spot soon enough. I have no doubt, hermano. Where are you headed? We're covering ground in the towns around where the farmer reported his truck. I figure since we haven't seen the truck since, they must have ditched it and they're on foot. They can cover ground quickly. You have a. Respect for these fighters that I've never seen before. I've seen them in action. Each of them is a skilled fighter. Well, hermano, we'll see you later. Let's take. A break. I'll second that. Me too, little man. I told you that you weren't going to be happy about walking by morning. It'll be better to rest during the day, anyhow. It's risky to travel with so many people out and about. Well said, my Canadian friend. And my legs need to rest big time. Are you going to make it, buddy? Yeah, I just need to give it a rest. Then let's get a tarp set up. I'll help. All day long. Orange haze. It's so dreary. Bound to break. Sometime, right? I'm going to head out and see what I can forge to supplement our food supply. You want to come, Danny? No. I think I'm going to stay with Dad. Be careful, Star. I will, Dad. I'll come with you, Star. Man, I wish I had that girl's energy. My super star. You know, Dad, I've been thinking. About what? I could just adjust a few of the movements in the sword forms to do the movements with pistols. The sword is great for close range, but I need guns to handle more attackers at once. You know? I think that would work. Bennett could probably help you refine it when he gets off watch. Vince, you need to. Eat something before you go on watch. I know. I'm just not hungry. Greg, he can't go on like this. Hey, brother. You're already not sleeping much. You're not going to be of any use if you stop eating, too. Okay. Nothing is growing correctly this year. Look how small the cattail shoots are. The shoots will be good, but none of the berries are ripe. It's weird. It's this damn haze covering the sun. Look at the forest. He's right. The trees are sickly. They're going to wither away. Not a lot of ash came this way, but I bet the amount that did fall didn't help. It's all quiet. I'm headed out. But you hardly ate anything. I'll eat the rest of it later. I have got some pocket snacks. I will make sure he gets some. You got pocket snacks? I want some. Oh, you do, do you? Calm down. You'll get yours. Guess I'm headed out with Thor and Odin. I'll see you later, babe. Be careful. Get some sleep. You two make sure you get some sleep as well. We will, Dad. You don't have to tell me twice. Good morning, TJ. Well, my morning is good. I don't know about yours. Good morning, Mr. Lee. How's she been doing? He meets every challenge and makes sure to exceed it. Good fighter. Is everything all set up for the test? We're ready. Come on. The trainees are in the mess. Yes, sir. Just wait here. Let me do the introduction. Yes, sir. Good morning, boys and girls. This morning we have a special treat. Bow your heads to our fearless leader. Good morning, Mr. Lee. Good morning. DJ, look at me. Are you enjoying the food? Yes, sir. Are you finding the abilities of your fellow men at arms suitable? Yes, sir. Any problems? Nothing I can handle, sir. Excellent. Are you done with your breakfast or should I come back? I'm done, sir. Stand up. Let's get started. Yes, sir. Good morning, sir. Put him in the pit. Yes, sir. That's a female one. Interestingly. You're in, kid. Not bad. You studied her style. But she can switch it up. Oh, that had to hurt. If the boy can't best a female fighter, maybe I should reconsider my decision. Just give him a second. He's calculating on me. See? I told you. Send in another fighter. Come on! He's running out of gas. I've had him on half rashes. Don't work out for a week. Send in another. He has a maze. You like this kid? Definitely growing up. You want me to throw in another, sir? No, bring him out. Very impressive, son. Thank you, sir. I've always respected archers. My mom used to bow, hon. She loves archery. You don't say. Mr. Lee, how do the archer numbers look? Sir, I'm sorry. I saw the arrow, and I just moved, and I'm sorry, sir. No need for explanations, son. You just saved my life. You see this boy? You should all strive to be like him. Yes, sir. DJ, go get your black shirt and meet me at the game. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Hi, this is Sarah F. Hathaway, the creator of the Changing Earth series and the voice of Erica Moore. Visit changingearthseries.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. Visit us at www.changingearthseries.com. That's www.changingearthseries.com. I don't. Know why you want to come all the way back out. Here. Ah, you're just worried we're going to be late for the party. Maybe a little. TJ has never invited me to one of his private parties. Oh, you got promoted. You've known TJ for a long time, right? Longer than anyone else he knows. Really? What was he like as a kid? That's not a story for you to hear. Know your role, Bowman. Sorry, I mean, he had to be a good fighter, even back then. He always was. He saved me. I would have died in Las Vegas if you hadn't made me a black shirt. What? The chica saved you. If it weren't for her, you wouldn't have the position you have with TJ. I never thought of it that way. Give credit where credit is due, amigo. Can I help you, sir? You saw the red truck we were looking for a few nights ago? That's right. They were out in my field. Can you describe any of them? Well, the main guy doing most of the talking was like a big Viking man. He was scary. I would have asked them for the past myself. And how many were there? Oh, shoot. A lot. Maybe ten or fifteen. They had a boy with them, too. I remember because I wanted to buy a boy, but the kid I got was older than I wanted, but he was a hard one. How old was the boy? Maybe 13. Strong young man, that's for sure. How about any of the other men? Can you remember anything about them? One guy was as big as the Viking. He was chained like a slave, but I could tell that that man was no one's captive. He had a mustache shaved like a walrus, you know, all the. Way down his chin. Come to think of it, the man they were answering to, his face looked so young, but he was older and experienced. That's Bennett and Burgess. I'd put money on it. Where's the kid you got that night? He's out in the stable, stacking eggs. Can I talk to him? Sure, but I bought him at the Capitol. He doesn't have anything to do with this. It's strange that they showed up the same day you brought him home. You can talk to him. Well, come on. Hey, Johnny. Yes, sir. Come here. Can you give us a minute? Yes, sir. Let me know when you're finished with him. We will. Let me see your arm. He has an encrypted tag. Can you read it? Hold on. What's it going to say, Nino? Nothing important. Then why is it encrypted? Because my father was a traitor. And who was your father? Who was he? General Dwayne McClintock. Oh, shit. He's not lying. Did they come to see you? No. Don't lie to me, Chico. This place is much more cozy than the one I could. Take you to. I said hello because the farmer told me to. I was captured and sold. I have a tracker. Where am I going to? Bowman, radio to Mr. Lee and see what he wants us to do. Yes, sir. Nest, come in. Urgent message for command. What did you find? The kid the farmer bought is General McClintock's son. They made contact. They definitely saw him. You know it was them. The farmer described Bennett, Virgis, and the boy. Should we bring home McClintock's boy? He has a tracker, right? Yes, sir. Just get the number and leave him there. Yes, sir. What did he say? Get his tracker number and leave him. Serve your master well, Chico, or we'll be back, and your life will be much different. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. He's clean. Good kid. If you hear anything else, you tell us immediately. Yes, sir. I'll stay vigilant. That's still glowing Under that orange sky Money already Ancient blood flowing. From the streets to the end, I keep owning. El puño del barrio, forever. See? DJ could be the next. Maybe. But this situation with his family bothers me. If he knew his. Father was alive, would he be so loyal? We should have that problem taken care of soon. It's only a matter of time until they show themselves. And then. We'll squash them. Well, I think we should continue with his training. He's a good pick. You're coming by tonight, right? Yeah, I'll be there. Trust me, you won't want to miss this. Well, if she's as impressive as her son, you may actually be right. I'll see you later. I've got other work to do before the night begins. Have fun with that. Right away Oh, it hits you like a ton of lead. Oh yeah, it'll mess with your head. Hello, sir. You all set? Yes, sir. You never come here unless you're invited. Yes, sir. Don't call me sir. My name is TJ. Yes, TJ. Hi, TJ. Have a seat. Here you go, TJ. Oh, hi. You want whiskey or beer? I'll take a beer, TJ. You heard the man, Jeannie. Yes, TJ. What are all of these maps about, if you don't mind me asking? A bounty I'm hunting. Hello, sir? Is TJ home? Send him in, Jeannie. Come on in. Dr. Bones, how are you doing tonight? Good. Let's go into the kitchen. I need a glass of water. Jeannie, get it for him. Here you go, sir. Should I go to my room, TJ? Stay here. I want you to learn how to mix this. Yes, TJ. I'm especially proud of this, TJ. It should work much quicker than my traditional blend. Even in the state she's in, her body should be able to process it just fine. What about missed doses? The withdrawals come much faster. Erica will be begging you for more. I'd be impressed if anyone can get off that stuff. She'll never be able to live without it. Like I said, you pushed me outside the box, and I found the golden recipes. That's usually what happens when you have to leave your comfort zone. You grow. You only need to put a drop of it into a glass of water. A little will go a long way. You don't want to give her too much. Are you listening, Jeannie? Yes, TJ. What if I want to take her off of it eventually? You know I hate this stuff. Eventually, you can do whatever you want. Right now, you need her to perform, right? I do. Nothing can go wrong on the wedding day. Even if she breaks, this girlie is crafty. I don't know that she could ever be trusted. Double her dose on the wedding day. She should keep her mind blank enough to handle the stress of the event. It doesn't change the clarity of the water and barely changes the flavor. It's almost perfect. Why isn't it perfect? It won't erase all her memories. She'll know mechanical things like how to fight, but her loved ones will be faint memories buried deep within her brain. A perfect mix would completely erase her mind forever. Ha ha. If you say so, Doc. Thanks for this. Of course. Have a nice night, TJ. Let me know when you need more. When I ask you for water for Erica, you make this and bring it to her. Uh-huh. Yes, TJ. Oh, the worst, best thing. What route were you going to take to the capital before you were captured? Well, um, truthfully, TJ, Johnny had the route planned. You were along for the ride? I mean, yeah, I guess so. There was your first mistake. Never go without a plan A, B, C, and D. Trusting your friend clouded your focus. We'll fix that. DJ, are you home? You know that I am. DJ, go stand in the kitchen. Sit down, my brothers. It's so epic that all the boys are getting back together just like old times. You think we can get grumpy-ass. Lee over here for this one? You know we'll have to try. All he does now is sit around on his ass yelling at kids. He's still training the finest fighters in the nation. Still doing the same job he's always done. And he already said he's coming. No way. Nice job, DJ. What's the kid doing here in your house? That kid saved my life today. Here in a real dinner. No joking? Come here, DJ. No joke. Some slacker misfired his bow at my head. Luckily, DJ was there to save me. Check it out. Even bled for me. Badass, brother. Well, en la que, pull up a chair. Have a cerveza, mi amigo. Gracias, senor. Smart boy, too. Good pick, DJ. Bye. Fistful of fury, wild and free. But the changing earth calls sharpened our blades. Turn, brothers, to. Reapers in these endless shades. From the astro-canyons to the fractured sea, we track them. Silent on I want that girl even more, TJ. This spaghetti is delicious. You aren't getting her, so shut your damn mouth. I'm telling you, DJ, no love. He's got no love for his brother. My sister was one hell of a cut. But I don't even think she could make spaghetti this good. Your sister? Is she hot? Don't worry about it, Javier. We don't discuss the past at this table. She was. Enough. I'm sorry, TJ. It's not your fault. TJ, I brought you a bottle. Come on in, Scott. TJ, it's time for you to go home, son. And let the big boys play. Don't get too comfortable, though. I may call for you later. Yes, TJ. Thank you. The spaghetti was awesome. Nice meeting you, kid. Nice meeting you, too, sir. Where am I? No light. No light. The bomb shelter? Vegas? No more chains and cuffs. I promised myself. But here I am. I can't. I can't go on. I'm so thirsty. I can't win. I can't leave. I can't stay awake. Where's TJ? I need water. He took them. He took Vince. But it can't take your spirit. Don't you break, Erica. Don't you break. Here. A whole glass? Just for you. Here's your food. I really suggest you try to eat. You're going to need your strength tonight. You didn't earn anything but a bowl of maggots. Who made it this way? I did. That's right. Now eat. I can't. Suit yourself. That's right, girly. You can do it. So hungry. That wasn't so bad. That was. Nasty. She's so stubborn. Miss Wild and Free. Now that wasn't so tough, was it? Reply. Can I get some salt next time? Push, push, push. Just keep pushing, girly. That's okay. I'll be back for you later. She ate it. Ate what? DJ has been giving her maggots to eat. She's never eaten them before. That's disgusting, brother. She ate them? Yep, without question. She's gonna break tonight for sure. When's Carl supposed. To be here? Anytime now. I'm a V.I. 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. He is so powerful. He could command the sun. But his place. The chains. The big boys need time to play. Wonder what that means. Scary. Mom was there. In that place. Wonder if he really will call for me later. Guess we'll find out later. They're not back yet. I should have washed this better when it happened. Probably mean it's bitches. Oh, wow. A fearless mask I'll wear But I'm something more The right I knew is distant Yet it claws inside my chest While the rush of wrong. Consumes me Puts my soul to the. Test Hey, DJ. Where were you all afternoon? At TJ's. No way. Are you serious? That was pretty cool, what you did in this training field. I thought you were trying to take TJ out. Shut up, Rick. DJ wouldn't do that. Yeah, Rick. You shut up too, James. You thought of the same thing. At least Rick has the guts to admit it. How come you still have your shirt on? Swimson said he might call for me later. To go to his party? I don't know. I guess so. What was his place like? It's simple. There's a kitchen, and the other room has his couch and dining table. Oh, but his dinner was amazing. Genie can cook. We can take him to the market during the week. Who was there? This creepy doctor guy, Kane. Dr. Bones was there. Why? TJ hates to forgive me not. Weird. Be quiet, guys. Let DJ talk. Then, Chuck, Yuri, and this guy, Javier, came in. Now, I was watching Javier practice yesterday. That dude is an awesome boxer. He's not lying. It was pretty good. Pretty good? I'm gonna kick your ass in about three seconds. But deep within a whisper mourns the boy I used to be. Torn between the light and dark, which one will set me free? Here you go, Gimp. Thanks. You were supposed to be on lookout, not making crutches. I did both. If he cannot hobble along a little faster... He would not have a leg to stand on by the time we get there. A leg to stand on. That's funny. Eat your chow and let's get moving, guys. We got a good trail scouted. Damn, Star. This is good. Very good. Usually, it's easier to find better ingredients. But this year. It's going. To be interesting. Isn't that the truth? All right, boys and girls, nothing left to do but get moving. You guys know the drill. Six pairs of night vision, four scouts on front, two pairs with the group. Bennett, Nicholton, Starr, and I will blaze the trail. Yes, sir. Dust chokes the wind under fractured skies. Boots carve the earth where the old roads died. Whispers of thunder chase the fading light. We slip through the crowd. Sir, we've got more barbed wire up ahead. What is the hold up here? More fencing. We can't cut anymore. I don't want to leave a trail. Then fix it. What? We can cut the wire by the puss and fix it after we go through. Wouldn't it be faster to go over? We only need to cut a strand or two. The key is to avoid red flags. If we go over. We may press the fencing down, but animals do the same thing. If we cut the line, whether we fix it or not, only a person. Can do that. Then we go over. Let's keep moving. Going to Topeka will take us very close to the capital. I know. Eric and McClintock are in the capital. We need more intel and time. So we go to Topeka. What did you find, Star? There's a neighborhood up there, but it looks abandoned. All the homes look like they're intact, but I don't know why people aren't living there. Don't they need all the land they can get right now? Exactly. We've got a route, but let's double time it. Nobody collect water here. Why not drink the water, Dad? If they abandon the land because of the chemical contamination, the water resources would be compromised as well. We've got a small group camped in that home over there. Let's go down this alley. So we avoid it. But he did. That means I get two nights with Tina. I'll take the first one tonight once we're done. Tonight? Tonight? You took the bet, my friend. I know. Ready to come out and play? Can I say no? No. I figured not. Give me your hands. Yes, TJ. Put your shackles on. Yes, TJ. I want to hear them click tight. Gentlemen, I present Mrs. Erica Moore. Mrs. Erica Moore. Vince. Here she comes. You said it's been two weeks without food? She's strong. I'm telling you, Robert. I guess we'll see. So this is the chica everyone's been looking for? I expected her to be bigger. Trust me, Javier. This woman is one hell of a fighter. No, this chick is a freaking badass. I was just telling TJ, I bet she could do amazing things in the pit. And I told you that her face can't get messed up yet. And I'm not sure I want it messed up at all. She's so pretty. Seriously, Mr. Lee. TJ lit her up something fierce. And she still didn't break. It was epic. Let's see what she can take, TJ. Don't worry, Scott. She won't disappoint. Damn, T.J., that's some fine work right there. We call that the pain frame. Right, Carl? Oh, shit. Oh, shit. Oh, shit. I can't break it. Ever since I first met Miss Erica Moore, I've only wanted her to tell me one thing. T.J. I will never run from you. She killed two of. My top men, bringing her home, and callous others when I sent them to capture her in the past. She's escaped three times from my personal custody, if you can believe that. After all of this, I'm still going to give her the opportunity to end our whole night if she will just tell me what I want to hear. Give in. Damn you. Say it and mean it. Say the words, and I'm the person. That's right. I have to face them in heaven. Piss off, TJ. Oh, man. This chica has some cojones. Let me go first, TJ. I told you. Didn't I tell you? That's why I tell everyone you can't underestimate this girly ever. Let's get the pain frame lit. Up. Ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha! No noise? You're not doing it right, TJ. Let me try. You two. Both suck. You gotta get some Nordic strength on that one. Why won't you pray? Why won't you yield? Oh, sweet Maria, how could you let me down? This woman can't feel the warmth of your touch. Go over and listen, Javier. This time it's the one. She pass out yet? Nope. She can take more. Watch this time. Knock that shit off you're gonna ruin her muscle she wants to pass out by now i've never seen anything like it most men will be crying for the pain to stop or be passed out by. Now like i told you robert badass can't say i. Disagree Let me in your mind, girly. You want a drink of water? Maybe you could have some. You've learned manners. Tell me what I want to hear. Say it and mean it. No! I will not break! I ain't in my bones, I'll never break! This chica is tough! Maybe we should bring her to the pit. The user's a sparring dummy. She's so tough. After the wedding, Mr. Lee. Uh, after the wedding? Imagine what this woman could do in the bedroom, and you're going to let the Supreme General have her first? D.J., you've been tracking her for years. Yeah. Good morning, D.J., D.J. You get to have all of our favorites. The Supreme General would never know. You dumbasses make the bets. It's not my fault you lose them. Put her on her knees, TJ. Supreme Leader can have the first stab. That doesn't mean she can't take care of us first. This hunger devours Back up, Scott. She's mine. You should consider yourself lucky I even let your whip touch her back. Whoa, okay, T.J. Damn, man. Come on, boys. If T.J. Doesn't want to share, at least we. Can still drink. Give in. Damn you. Make me complete. Don't worry, Scott. The girls will be here soon. Leave it be, man. She still has a role to play. Someone else still has a role to play, too. Yuri, go get DJ. Prepper Broadcasting Network is nine dynamic hosts, seven podcasts a week, live shows, chat rooms, daily updates, all on prepping, survival, and patriotism. Visit prepperbroadcasting.com for your dose of self-reliance and independence. Do you think TJ will call for you? It's been a few hours now. The parties there go all night. I heard they are the best. Of course. TJ's top shelf liquor is so smooth. Never had any. I did. When? This guy I met at the pit. He had some. I bet it's all watered down. What do you think that they're doing? TJ's probably drinking. You've been there, TJ. What'd you think? Yeah, TJ. I don't know. He had those chains on the wall. Of course he did. He retrains refugees. That woman, Susan, that was a Margaret. She tried to. Kill him years ago. He broke her. And remember Angelo? DJ messed that dude up. DJ, get your butt up, you piece of garbage. DJ wants you. Yes, sir. Move your feet. Ow, I'm coming! You want to talk to me, boy? No, sir. I'm sorry. It would give me nothing but pleasure to watch the life drain from your eyes. I'm sorry I can't give you the honor, sir. Don't think you're something you're not. Without TJ, you are nothing. Don't you forget that. Yes, sir. Get up. Let's go. Yes, sir. This is not decent. Let me in on that. Let's see how many more this girlie can take. Oh, this woman's gonna take it. I could crush you. Bend every bone But. It's your soul I need on. The throne The final submission The one. I can't take. It's tearing me. Open for. Heaven's sake. Unbroken. Unchained. Why won't you break? Look who's here. Baxter. Tell me what I want to hear. Your son dies. Come here, boy. Don't hurt him, TJ. Please. Tell me what I want to hear. TJ, I promise I will never run from you. Tell me again. TJ, I promise you, I will never run from you. TJ, come here. TJ? The girl with the wit marks. He's wearing a wit. I would never kill this boy. I think of him as my own son. Don't you touch him! You don't make demands of me, woman. Who is your god? You are, TJ. That's right, I am. Jeannie. Yes, TJ? Get Eric a glass of water. Yes, TJ. Good girls get rewards. Thank you, TJ. Now we're getting. Somewhere you're the master my. Brother you did a great job son you understand I would never let Yuri harm you I needed you. For this I understand sir. Glad I could be of assistance. Excellent. Leave the kid alone, TJ. He needs a shot. No hard feelings, brother. You understand that this woman is the Supreme General, right? You're the man in charge. You always have been. Come here. This is my private stash. Best moonshine made since the Great Quake. This bottle is yours. No hard feelings, brother. Aw, you guys get to make up. Shut up, jerk-off. Let me get a shot of that stuff, Scott. DJ never shares it. So where's the kid? With Mr. Lee. Oh, that will not be. Come on, let's go save. Him. So you're the son of Erica Moore. Yes, sir. Well, it all makes sense now. You know TJ's taking a big risk training you. You better make him proud or they'll be hell to pay. Dude, your mom is one badass mama. After all this is said and done, we're going to have some good time together, little brother. Don't fill his mind up with the future. The focus is always the now. You're just a stick in the mud. Always focus on the next objective. Having a family and taking a break will be good for. You, buddy. Speaking of the next objective, the girls will be here soon. And I still have a job to finish. You better head back to your bunk. But you did a great job here tonight, son. Thank you, sir. Come on, I'll walk you back. You're leaving already? Y'all have fun. I'm out of. Here. Where are we at? I'm right here, sir. Sir? What's your name? I, um. I. Mrs. Erica Moore, sir. Sir again. Interesting. You're married? Who's your husband, Erica? I. I. What happened to him? I don't know. Do you have any kids? No. I mean, I don't... Who is your God? You are, TJ. Tell me what I want to hear. TJ, I will never run from you. And you said I couldn't control your mind. I did? Yes. And there you have it. It may have taken a while, but eventually they all break. I'm impressed, DJ. Whispers in the haze Pulling me under Faces fade like dust in the desert wind I reach for the light But it's slipping, brother Memories bleed out Where do I begin? You know, DJ, you have a real good future ahead of you here. Thank you, sir. No, DJ, I'm serious. I'm the one who trained DJ. I found him when he was just a bully little boy. Scared to turn a corner. But he. He was a race fighter like you were. You could be absolutely unstoppable with. The right training and dedication. I don't know. Unbelievable. You need time to think about it. Most of the fighters around here would be ecstatic to have the personalized attention you receive. You need time to think about it. I just want to make sure I'm fighting for the right reasons, sir. It's amazing. You can dominate anything, yet you are humble, respectful, and compassionate. The world is what it is now, and people gotta eat. How do you think we can afford all those supplies and food to feed this many fighters? I understand, sir. But I was in the system. I lived it. Look at your wrist. You are in the system. Remember, do you want to train to lead or follow? Lead, sir. Good answer, son. Now get back to your boom. Yes, sir. Do I chase the warmth I lost or embrace this sharpened edge? Am I still the dreamer or a shadow on the ledge? The choice is like a blade. It cuts me to the bone. To stand in my forever or to find my way back home. She did it for me. I was the reason she broke. Stupid freaking idiot. Drifting in the silence where my battles never cease. A soul caught in the balance Torn between war and peace The power pulls me forward But the past won't let me go Who am I beneath it all? I may never know. Dolores, my sweet, welcome. Hello, T.J. And the lovely Miss Tina. Come on in. Hi, T.J. Can I take her to her room, T.J.? No, she. Stays here, Dolores. Erica? Get on your knees. She's going to put cream on your back, and you're going to let her. Okay, TJ. Here, let's get that hair out of your face. Does that feel better? Yes, TJ. Why did my back hurt so badly? You had an accident, but it's fine now. Why do I have a chain around my neck? Because sometimes you're violent. I'm scared. Come here. It's okay. Everything's going to be okay now. Come on. We're going to chain you to the wall for a while. Why? Those violent tendencies, remember? Yeah, but I'm so tired. I'll never run from you, T.J. This is for your own good. Okay, T.J. Good girl. Beautifully done, T.J. That's why you're the master. Thanks, Chuck. Now where's Tina? 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.