Speaker 1: I remember a time before the Great Quake. I found
Speaker 1: the love of my life and I married her. But
Speaker 1: that wasn't the greatest day of my life. The greatest
Speaker 1: day was when I found her three months after the
Speaker 1: Great Quake. I thought we could take our family and
Speaker 1: live quietly in the woods. But we couldn't stand by
Speaker 1: and watch people become refugees. and refugees become slaves. Chosen
Speaker 1: by the resistance, my wife became the lone survivor, the
Speaker 1: savior of the refugees. I stand by her side, fighting
Speaker 1: for all.
Speaker 2: Of God's people.
Speaker 3: This is life on the changing earth.
Speaker 4: Here.
Speaker 5: Drink this.
Speaker 4: Thanks.
Speaker 5: Don't thank me. Thank TJ.
Speaker 4: He's the one who told me I had to give
Speaker 4: it to you.
Speaker 6: Okay.
Speaker 5: Well, thanks anyway. Are you okay? I'm so sore. What
Speaker 5: happened to me? Don't you remember?
Speaker 7: No.
Speaker 5: I think TJ was there. There was a boy, I remember.
Speaker 5: But it could have been a dream. What's happening to me?
Speaker 5: You'll feel better soon. How do you know? Trust me.
Speaker 5: Can I?
Speaker 2: Good morning. What's the rule?
Speaker 5: I will never run from you.
Speaker 2: That's right. Did you give her water this morning?
Speaker 6: Yes, TJ.
Speaker 2: Did you make it just like I told you?
Speaker 3: I did.
Speaker 2: Why aren't you telling me?
Speaker 5: I did it just like you told me. It's just,
Speaker 5: she's so confused.
Speaker 8: She's fine. And it will help with the pain. Don't
Speaker 8: make it your business. Just do as you're told.
Speaker 9: Yes, TJ.
Speaker 2: How about some breakfast?
Speaker 5: Eggs and bacon?
Speaker 6: Perfect.
Speaker 2: Make a lot. Erica will be hungry.
Speaker 5: You're feeding her?
Speaker 2: Don't make it your business. But yes, she can eat
Speaker 2: as much as she wants.
Speaker 5: I'll make enough.
Speaker 2: Don't make her your business. How are we feeling this morning?
Speaker 6: Fine.
Speaker 5: Except... I can't get my mind straight.
Speaker 2: Your mind is right where it's supposed to be. Here,
Speaker 2: with me.
Speaker 5: Maybe you're right. I don't know what I'm trying to
Speaker 5: remember anyway.
Speaker 2: How's your back?
Speaker 7: Fine.
Speaker 10: Why?
Speaker 2: You had an accident last night, but it's better now.
Speaker 6: Oh, yeah.
Speaker 5: You told me that, didn't you?
Speaker 3: You're right.
Speaker 2: See, your mind is doing just fine. Are you hungry?
Speaker 4: Yes, TJ.
Speaker 7: I am.
Speaker 2: What's the rule?
Speaker 5: I will never run from you.
Speaker 2: Put these shackles on.
Speaker 5: Yes, TJ.
Speaker 2: Give me your hands. I don't think we need this.
Speaker 5: Are you sure it's okay?
Speaker 2: Why wouldn't it be?
Speaker 5: I don't know. It feels like I've always worn it.
Speaker 2: Things are going to be different now.
Speaker 5: How?
Speaker 2: Don't think. Trust me. Okay.
Speaker 6: Come on.
Speaker 2: Sit down on the couch while we wait.
Speaker 11: Ow!
Speaker 2: Your back. That's right. Sit here by me.
Speaker 8: You can lay your head on my leg until the
Speaker 8: food is ready. Your back won't touch the cushion.
Speaker 5: Thank you, TJ.
Speaker 11: The room is quiet. The lights are low. Your eyes
Speaker 11: look up at me. Soft and slow. No fire, no poison.
Speaker 11: No words that cut deep.
Speaker 12: Just a gentle curiosity as I pull you close to me.
Speaker 11: You smell good.
Speaker 6: I think I need a shower. We'll take care of
Speaker 6: it this afternoon.
Speaker 11: Beautiful scars, right up.
Speaker 6: To your ears.
Speaker 10: Are they?
Speaker 6: Scars give us strength. You've survived many battles.
Speaker 5: Have I?
Speaker 2: All this haze is killing my gardens.
Speaker 5: What happened to the sun?
Speaker 8: A volcano erupted. It's been a month since we've seen
Speaker 8: real daylight.
Speaker 5: That sucks.
Speaker 2: That's right. Sleep, girlie. My girlie.
Speaker 7: TJ, your breakfast is ready.
Speaker 6: Leave it on the table.
Speaker 13: It's going to get cold.
Speaker 6: Jeannie?
Speaker 14: I finally hold you without the hate in your eyes.
Speaker 14: My heart's finally calm after.
Speaker 6: All of this.
Speaker 15: So, how'd it go last night, DJ?
Speaker 5: Fine.
Speaker 15: You went to a party at T.J.
Speaker 13: Swenson's house, and all you have to say about it
Speaker 13: is it was fine?
Speaker 2: Come on, guys.
Speaker 16: If he doesn't want to talk about it, he doesn't
Speaker 16: have to.
Speaker 6: Whatever, guy.
Speaker 8: Yeah, you're freaking square.
Speaker 15: You don't count.
Speaker 7: Hey, you know what?
Speaker 16: At least I don't make a fool of myself everywhere
Speaker 16: I go.
Speaker 15: What are you trying to say?
Speaker 2: I think I said it.
Speaker 7: Knock it the hell off, Rick.
Speaker 6: Guy's up right. If the DJ doesn't want to talk
Speaker 6: about it, he shouldn't have to.
Speaker 2: His business is his own damn business.
Speaker 17: I bet there was some fine-ass woman there.
Speaker 12: Rick.
Speaker 7: Let it go.
Speaker 17: Oh, I like that fine-ass woman that just got transferred
Speaker 17: to our unit.
Speaker 3: Where has she been all my life?
Speaker 13: I can't wait to see her face in the pit.
Speaker 2: She'd probably kick your ass.
Speaker 6: How about you, DJ? Got your eyes on anyone?
Speaker 15: No.
Speaker 10: For them, there was many, but for me, there was
Speaker 10: just the one.
Speaker 18: Same?
Speaker 6: Yeah, her name was Rebecca.
Speaker 19: Rebecca?
Speaker 7: Our parents were killed.
Speaker 6: In the quake.
Speaker 13: We came here together.
Speaker 20: From the orphanage.
Speaker 3: What happened to her?
Speaker 16: She died on a mission.
Speaker 6: I'm sorry.
Speaker 21: For me, her name was Megan.
Speaker 7: Blackshirt's killed her family.
Speaker 2: I don't even know if she's alive or not.
Speaker 19: Oh, shit.
Speaker 15: What are you two whispering about over there?
Speaker 13: Think they got a bromance going, right?
Speaker 6: Just like you two bitches.
Speaker 20: Now you got jokes, Wayne?
Speaker 15: DJ shows up and you're the comedian?
Speaker 2: Yeah, what are you going to do about it, Rick?
Speaker 6: What are we going to do about it?
Speaker 5: Yeah, what are you going to do about it, James?
Speaker 6: Nothing, DJ.
Speaker 3: Sorry.
Speaker 20: Yeah, sorry, bro.
Speaker 12: Thanks, DJ.
Speaker 3: I got your back.
Speaker 10: Erica.
Speaker 6: Erica. Calm down. It's okay.
Speaker 7: I'm right here.
Speaker 11: TJ?
Speaker 13: Who else would it be?
Speaker 6: I don't know. I.
Speaker 22: You're just hungry and breakfast is ready.
Speaker 5: That makes sense.
Speaker 2: Jeannie, get Eric another glass of water.
Speaker 5: Thank you, TJ. I'm so thirsty.
Speaker 2: You'll never want again.
Speaker 5: Oh my, this smells wonderful. Bacon and eggs?
Speaker 6: Erica.
Speaker 5: Yes, TJ.
Speaker 2: Calm down. You're okay.
Speaker 16: Yes, TJ.
Speaker 2: Erica, let the girl go.
Speaker 6: Still scared?
Speaker 5: Yes, TJ. There's something, something I should know.
Speaker 2: Ask me a question. I'll tell you whatever you want
Speaker 2: to know.
Speaker 5: That's the thing. I don't even know what to ask.
Speaker 3: Don't worry.
Speaker 2: It'll pass. Come on. You can rest while I go
Speaker 2: see my boy. Do you need to go to the bathroom?
Speaker 7: Yes.
Speaker 4: It's nice you never leave me.
Speaker 8: Really?
Speaker 10: Yeah.
Speaker 5: It makes me feel better when you're watching out for me.
Speaker 2: Well, then you're in luck because I'll watch you for
Speaker 2: the rest of your life.
Speaker 5: Promise?
Speaker 2: Without a doubt. Lay down and get comfortable.
Speaker 8: I'm going to be gone for a while, but it's okay.
Speaker 8: You rest and I'll be back this evening.
Speaker 2: If you need anything, you call for Jeannie.
Speaker 5: Okay, TJ.
Speaker 2: Are you okay?
Speaker 7: I'm fine.
Speaker 2: Let me see your head.
Speaker 7: I said I was okay.
Speaker 2: I heard what you said. Let me see your head.
Speaker 5: It's no big deal.
Speaker 8: It cut you open pretty good. I'll send Dolores by
Speaker 8: to put a couple stitches in it. Put some of
Speaker 8: that ice we keep for Mr.
Speaker 2: Lee on it.
Speaker 6: I will.
Speaker 5: Why did she do that?
Speaker 2: She's a killer, Jeannie. Her instinct is to fight.
Speaker 12: I guess so.
Speaker 2: You need to be more diligent, because I need you
Speaker 2: to take care of her.
Speaker 5: It's the water.
Speaker 4: She was always kind to me before that.
Speaker 6: When?
Speaker 2: When was she kind to you?
Speaker 4: When I brought her stuff.
Speaker 2: It is not your business.
Speaker 7: I know, but you broke her. You've never used that
Speaker 7: stuff before.
Speaker 2: You're right.
Speaker 8: But Erica needs to comply for the Supreme General, and
Speaker 8: the drugs will ensure I can have.
Speaker 2: Her ready in a month.
Speaker 8: After that, well, let's just say it's going to be
Speaker 8: a very different story. I'm going to train. Erica's staying
Speaker 8: in my room. Wake her every four hours for her water.
Speaker 8: No one goes in or out.
Speaker 4: Yes, TJ.
Speaker 2: Every four hours.
Speaker 19: I know.
Speaker 5: I got it.
Speaker 2: I'll send Dolores by.
Speaker 11: Thanks.
Speaker 13: Like a fire burning wild, a freight train you can't stop.
Speaker 22: Like a nightmare, but this time you don't want to
Speaker 22: wake up. It pulls you in, it takes over, you
Speaker 22: just can't let go of the worst, best thing that's
Speaker 22: ever happened to you.
Speaker 21: Hey everyone, this is Phil Radley from the Matter Facts Podcast,
Speaker 21: voice and the role of Cole Verges. If prepping guns
Speaker 21: and politics sounds like your cup of tea, come check
Speaker 21: out the Matter of Facts podcast every Friday on iTunes, Stitcher,
Speaker 21: and Spotify with my co-host, Andrew Bobo.
Speaker 3: Oh, wow!
Speaker 19: Look at the walls!
Speaker 15: Are we going to get anywhere near there?
Speaker 6: We are not. Graham and I will go. No one
Speaker 6: will recognize us.
Speaker 17: We have landowner and cross-regional travel passes. We can move
Speaker 17: through the city unnoticed. You guys stay right here. We'll
Speaker 17: be right back.
Speaker 15: Cole, what do you think? He's right.
Speaker 23: It's a good plan. We have to do something quick.
Speaker 23: We're too exposed out here in all this farmland.
Speaker 10: Everyone in Topeka is trading something.
Speaker 15: Food, horses, cows, refugees.
Speaker 2: Maybe you should take someone in as.
Speaker 6: A refugee for trade.
Speaker 15: He's right.
Speaker 13: I can go.
Speaker 15: You're on the federal list.
Speaker 13: I've been off the grid for a long time. I'm
Speaker 13: probably down at the bottom.
Speaker 5: And we're at the top.
Speaker 19: That's the truth.
Speaker 6: Then it's settled. We will be back.
Speaker 15: Good luck. Tread lightly.
Speaker 6: I guess there's not much to do except wait. We
Speaker 6: can't have a fire.
Speaker 3: Nothing can ever be done.
Speaker 2: Everything is so messed up.
Speaker 15: Vince, calm down. Penny's right. We need to stay as
Speaker 15: hidden as possible.
Speaker 2: I can go scout the area.
Speaker 15: Be discreet. We do not need questions right now.
Speaker 3: What we need right now is a damn miracle.
Speaker 2: I understand, sir.
Speaker 3: Well, I, for one, am happy to wait.
Speaker 15: I could use a break.
Speaker 6: I'm with you.
Speaker 3: It's the last thing I need. I need her.
Speaker 6: Vince!
Speaker 22: Vince!
Speaker 10: Vince!
Speaker 7: What?
Speaker 3: Just leave me alone, Bennett.
Speaker 2: It's time to snap out of it.
Speaker 20: I know.
Speaker 10: No, you don't know. I've never been able to grip
Speaker 10: on you like I could Erica. But now it's time.
Speaker 10: You've always been there in the background, ready to step
Speaker 10: up when you're needed, but not stepping up on your own?
Speaker 7: Well, now it's time.
Speaker 3: Bennett, I can't do this right now. We are doing this, Vince,
Speaker 3: right now. What do you know about it, Bennett? This
Speaker 3: is your fault we're in this position.
Speaker 10: You think so?
Speaker 1: Do you really?
Speaker 10: I've read your file over and over. Who initiated the
Speaker 10: very first offense on your way to Las Vegas?
Speaker 23: I did.
Speaker 10: True.
Speaker 3: They took her dog. Erica was furious.
Speaker 7: Yeah, Erica was pissed.
Speaker 10: You're always using the Erica shield.
Speaker 6: What? Everything is for her, right?
Speaker 10: You never step forward on your own without using her
Speaker 10: as an excuse for your actions.
Speaker 7: In Vegas, you went for Tweed.
Speaker 6: Why?
Speaker 3: Because I knew Erica would, and I couldn't watch her
Speaker 3: get hurt or worse.
Speaker 2: The Erica Shield.
Speaker 10: You should have gone after that son of a bitch
Speaker 10: because of the years of the torment he put you through.
Speaker 10: Not to mention your kids. For your own self-worth, not
Speaker 10: for her.
Speaker 3: Just stop, Bennett. No.
Speaker 5: You are a strong and capable man.
Speaker 10: You want to be in these chains?
Speaker 12: No.
Speaker 3: Then why do you put yourself in them?
Speaker 2: I don't.
Speaker 3: I wanted to take my family and leave all this
Speaker 3: behind a long time ago. But you and Colt. You
Speaker 3: two couldn't let that happen, could you?
Speaker 10: The feds were already going after you. Where were you
Speaker 10: going to go? What were you going to do? You're
Speaker 10: as big a part of this as she is. There's
Speaker 10: a reason they want you dead.
Speaker 6: You are a threat. You need to realize that.
Speaker 3: I'm just a guy who loves his family and growing food.
Speaker 3: I'm not a soldier or a rebel.
Speaker 5: You're wrong, Vince.
Speaker 21: You trained just as long as she has.
Speaker 10: You've been in all the battles, right along with us.
Speaker 4: You are powerful.
Speaker 3: And you're an asshole. Dad, stop!
Speaker 20: Daniel, let them go!
Speaker 10: You want to hit me?
Speaker 7: That's fine.
Speaker 6: Let's go!
Speaker 10: You don't have the courage to beat me without her,
Speaker 10: do you?
Speaker 12: This is going too far.
Speaker 24: We need to.
Speaker 19: No, let him.
Speaker 20: Work it out.
Speaker 15: Now, I think it's time to step in. Vince, that's enough.
Speaker 15: Come on, Vince.
Speaker 3: Get the hell off me, Bennett.
Speaker 15: You proved your point.
Speaker 11: See, Vince?
Speaker 3: You are powerful. You know how to dominate. Now is
Speaker 3: the time.
Speaker 10: That man took your wife and your son.
Speaker 2: What?
Speaker 3: What do you mean, took my son?
Speaker 23: Harold told me before we left.
Speaker 10: Dexter's tracker came online as DJ Swinson.
Speaker 3: And you neglected to tell me that.
Speaker 10: You've been a zombie since we started this mission. We're
Speaker 10: all here for you. You hold the cards and won't
Speaker 10: even look at your hand to play them.
Speaker 7: We need you.
Speaker 5: We need you, Dad.
Speaker 19: We all do, Dad.
Speaker 3: You all are my closest friends. I appreciate you so much.
Speaker 3: You're right, Bennett. I have been checked out for too long.
Speaker 7: We're going to get them back. All of us together.
Speaker 9: Broken roads and stormy skies.
Speaker 7: Winds that howl and tears we cry.
Speaker 22: Devil's challenges try to tear us down. But we lift
Speaker 22: each other when we hit the ground.
Speaker 18: Hand in hand.
Speaker 5: Through the pouring rain.
Speaker 6: Every scar.
Speaker 7: I can't wait to tell Jose about last night. He's
Speaker 7: going to love that story.
Speaker 8: It was a long time coming. You know how long
Speaker 8: I've chased that girlie? And how many men I've lost?
Speaker 8: You guys got anything on Vince and Bennett yet?
Speaker 17: No.
Speaker 7: I'm headed back out with Bowman this afternoon.
Speaker 2: You're not going out, Uri?
Speaker 6: No.
Speaker 2: What's up with you?
Speaker 6: Nothing.
Speaker 2: You're going to pout.
Speaker 6: Over a woman?
Speaker 13: Look who's all obsessed over a woman.
Speaker 8: You made the bet, Uri. It's not my fault you lost.
Speaker 8: So you better suck it the hell up. You wouldn't
Speaker 8: see me pouting like a bitch if I lost. I'm
Speaker 8: not the one who wrapped a whip around my friend's
Speaker 8: neck because he touched some whore. She is not some whore.
Speaker 8: She belongs to the Supreme General. If I can't touch her,
Speaker 8: you can be sure no one else will. I don't
Speaker 8: even know why I'm explaining this to you. My business
Speaker 8: is my own, Yuri. Would you rather be a neutered
Speaker 8: soldier for the Supreme General with a coat on your arm? No, T.J.,
Speaker 8: And I suggest you rethink your attitude.
Speaker 6: I'm sorry, DJ. You're right.
Speaker 2: I made the bet. Besides, I didn't use Sheila.
Speaker 6: Thank you for that.
Speaker 2: We're brothers in life, Yuri.
Speaker 22: I don't know why you wanted to come all the
Speaker 22: way out here.
Speaker 2: They'll have to come to a city center for food.
Speaker 7: How long did you oversee Erica Moore?
Speaker 6: Almost a decade.
Speaker 7: Did you research the family? Of course I did.
Speaker 3: They were all involved in all.
Speaker 6: Of her plots.
Speaker 7: Did you review how they were trained for the salvage
Speaker 7: missions by your idiot boss?
Speaker 2: I don't see what you're getting at.
Speaker 7: They were trained in wilderness survival. They know how to
Speaker 7: forage from the land as they go. They don't need
Speaker 7: a city.
Speaker 1: But they do need information, and you'll find that in
Speaker 1: the city.
Speaker 7: Or on the outskirts of one.
Speaker 3: Good day, gentlemen.
Speaker 19: It's not every day we get black shirts visiting our establishment.
Speaker 19: What can I help you with?
Speaker 7: We're just here for a drink.
Speaker 19: Well, well, you came to the right spot. We actually
Speaker 19: have the finest tequila in Tepeka. Let me show you.
Speaker 6: To a seat.
Speaker 3: For you, sir?
Speaker 2: I'll just have a beer.
Speaker 7: I'll be back. See anyone you recognize?
Speaker 18: The refugee traders love to eat here.
Speaker 2: That's who a majority of these folks are.
Speaker 19: Here you go, gentlemen.
Speaker 7: Why don't you sit down with us for a momento, beautiful?
Speaker 19: I'm actually needed in the kitchen.
Speaker 7: You are needed right here. Sit down.
Speaker 19: I guess I can spare a moment.
Speaker 7: Smart choice. Would you like one? I'd call you by name,
Speaker 7: but I don't know it.
Speaker 19: Jessica, and I'd love a drink. What are you looking for, mister?
Speaker 7: A group of runaways.
Speaker 19: I'm sorry, sir, but you're going to have to be
Speaker 19: a bit more specific. This is Topeka. We've got nothing
Speaker 19: but traders, runaways, and riffraff.
Speaker 7: And what does that make you?
Speaker 19: I guess we got pub owners, too.
Speaker 7: Such a pretty smile. I always was a sucker for
Speaker 7: a redhead. These are big boys. You wouldn't be able
Speaker 7: to miss them. All of them are skilled fighters.
Speaker 19: Sounds like you have merc traders on your hands, not
Speaker 19: escaped refugees.
Speaker 7: Aren't you perceptive? What if I told you you were right,
Speaker 7: and if you could tell me where they are, you
Speaker 7: would never want anything again?
Speaker 13: Then I would ask you what your name is, so
Speaker 13: that if I heard anything, I would know who to take.
Speaker 19: The information to.
Speaker 7: They will come through town, and I want to know
Speaker 7: exactly when they do. This is Rex Bowman. He's the
Speaker 7: one to contact if you need to talk to me.
Speaker 19: Is there a name I should look out for?
Speaker 7: Patrick Bennett.
Speaker 19: I'll keep my ears open.
Speaker 14: Just get while the getting is good.
Speaker 2: Hello, this is L. Douglas Hogan, voice of T.J. Swenson.
Speaker 8: You can follow me at Amazon or go to facebook.com
Speaker 8: slash honor your oath.
Speaker 2: I look forward to seeing you there.
Speaker 17: I did not know it would be this big.
Speaker 13: It's the supermarket for the capital.
Speaker 6: Good gracious, look at these women. A man could get
Speaker 6: used to this town.
Speaker 13: I thought you were married.
Speaker 7: A man can sample the flavor so he appreciates the
Speaker 7: one at home, right?
Speaker 13: Nah, it's not supposed to work that way.
Speaker 3: It's no big deal.
Speaker 15: Yeah, it is.
Speaker 17: Those women would not have anything to do with him. Anyway,
Speaker 17: he's just talking shit.
Speaker 15: Check that place out.
Speaker 6: The Sherwood Lake Clubhouse.
Speaker 17: A perfect place to steal from the rich and.
Speaker 6: Give back to the poor.
Speaker 13: Hold on a second. Blend into the crowd.
Speaker 6: What's wrong?
Speaker 13: That guy coming out of the restaurant. His name is
Speaker 13: Rex Bowman. He was a guard out in Las Vegas.
Speaker 6: He would know you?
Speaker 13: For sure.
Speaker 2: You can bet on me.
Speaker 13: What is he doing here?
Speaker 2: Same thing all black shirts do.
Speaker 15: They're looking for someone.
Speaker 13: Who's he with?
Speaker 6: A Mexican guy. He's got a lot of tattoos. It
Speaker 6: looks like he would be a fine warrior.
Speaker 13: I don't know.
Speaker 15: Do we go in?
Speaker 13: There's not too many people in this world that would
Speaker 13: recognize me. Have we run into one that would?
Speaker 6: They are looking for us.
Speaker 17: What if there are more black shirts in there?
Speaker 2: I'll go in and check it out.
Speaker 6: It might look suspicious.
Speaker 15: We won't know until we walk in.
Speaker 6: Then let us walk in.
Speaker 19: Hello, gentlemen. Must be my lucky day for meeting handsome
Speaker 19: new men.
Speaker 17: Probably not too unusual for this location.
Speaker 19: You're right, sir. Would you like a table or a
Speaker 19: seat at the bar?
Speaker 6: A table.
Speaker 19: What brings you gentlemen into town?
Speaker 15: Selling off this refugee.
Speaker 3: Just one? Yes.
Speaker 6: Interesting.
Speaker 3: Why is that?
Speaker 19: Most folks around here bring 15 or so to make it.
Speaker 6: Worth their while.
Speaker 17: We are looking to buy some horses as well.
Speaker 19: Oh, well. Why didn't you just say so? I may
Speaker 19: happen to personally know one of the top breeders in
Speaker 19: the area. Let me grab you fellows your drinks and
Speaker 19: we can talk business.
Speaker 3: Thank you.
Speaker 13: Why did you tell her we were buying horses?
Speaker 6: I don't know.
Speaker 17: The one refugee seemed a little lackluster.
Speaker 13: You better make up something quick.
Speaker 19: I have to tell you this story about one of
Speaker 19: the horses my friend has. It's one of the finest
Speaker 19: in the stable and can fight like a beast. His
Speaker 19: name is Bennett.
Speaker 17: That is funny, because my friend has a horse named
Speaker 17: Bennett as well.
Speaker 19: I had a feeling that may have been the case.
Speaker 19: It's far too hot now for you to be on
Speaker 19: the street right now.
Speaker 20: Two black shirts.
Speaker 5: Just left here.
Speaker 6: We saw them.
Speaker 19: How big is your group?
Speaker 18: Twelve.
Speaker 7: That many?
Speaker 6: Good Lord above.
Speaker 19: You came for Erica, didn't you?
Speaker 6: I am looking for a man named Yamir. Shh.
Speaker 19: You really aren't from around here, are you?
Speaker 20: Come with me.
Speaker 19: Shane, cover the door.
Speaker 17: Yes, ma'am.
Speaker 16: Hey, did you see the way that chick worked James
Speaker 16: in the ring?
Speaker 15: His head was all mixed up.
Speaker 6: You know what TJ says.
Speaker 17: The plumbing between their legs makes no difference how hard
Speaker 17: you fight.
Speaker 13: That's right, Wayne. She's so beautiful.
Speaker 2: You're hopeless.
Speaker 20: Okay, maggots. That's enough chatter.
Speaker 24: Yesterday we discussed the tracking system and how to use
Speaker 24: the locator. Now get your asses into two groups of ten.
Speaker 20: Each one will scan the other.
Speaker 13: Wait.
Speaker 20: Get over here and get your team scanner.
Speaker 2: Thank you, sir.
Speaker 24: DJ, let me see your code.
Speaker 6: My code?
Speaker 20: Yes, your code. Let me see your arm.
Speaker 3: Yes, sir.
Speaker 20: Now you want to make sure... to.
Speaker 24: Get the red line even and clearly picks up the barcode.
Speaker 24: The information shows up in the readout screen.
Speaker 20: See here?
Speaker 24: It shows your handler and all your former owners.
Speaker 20: This shows T.J. Swenson. You're new here, aren't you?
Speaker 7: Yeah.
Speaker 20: I had no idea.
Speaker 6: T.J.
Speaker 13: Had a son.
Speaker 20: My name is Renaud Baker.
Speaker 24: Very nice to meet you, sir.
Speaker 20: Okay, okay, shut up. Let's continue this exercise.
Speaker 10: T.J.
Speaker 15: 's your dad? I, I mean.
Speaker 20: Now, boys, I said shut your mouth. Pay attention here
Speaker 20: to your group.
Speaker 2: Yes, sir. Yes, sir.
Speaker 6: A flicker in my heart A.
Speaker 3: Life I used to know Faces lost to ashes.
Speaker 6: And the embers fading low. I was someone gentle.
Speaker 25: With dreams that held me tight.
Speaker 6: Now I'm carved from shadows.
Speaker 25: Standing in the fight. A voice commands my future. I'm
Speaker 25: so screwed now.
Speaker 2: It's got its own soul.
Speaker 18: Hello, sir.
Speaker 2: Surprised to see me?
Speaker 6: Yes, sir.
Speaker 19: Why?
Speaker 5: Well, I mean, I thought now that I served my purpose.
Speaker 2: Don't tell me my business, son.
Speaker 8: You think that because I used you to get your
Speaker 8: mother to fold, I'd discard you?
Speaker 3: Yes, sir.
Speaker 8: I wouldn't be training you with that leather in your
Speaker 8: hand if I had any intention of discarding you. I
Speaker 8: like to think of you as my son.
Speaker 2: No bullshit.
Speaker 5: I'd be honored, sir.
Speaker 2: Follow my pattern. Yes, sir. Your turn. Your brain is
Speaker 2: getting in the way. What's on your mind?
Speaker 10: We scanned my code in class today.
Speaker 2: I registered it.
Speaker 3: Does Yuri know?
Speaker 2: What business is it of his?
Speaker 3: None, I guess.
Speaker 2: That's right.
Speaker 8: Now let's do some training. Eventually you'll have to pick
Speaker 8: up a name for your whip. But for now, let's
Speaker 8: make you a master. You follow my pattern. If you
Speaker 8: can't hit it exactly, you do ten push-ups, squats, or sit-ups.
Speaker 3: I'll call it.
Speaker 2: Yes, sir.
Speaker 7: Your turn.
Speaker 2: Sit up.
Speaker 6: Yes, sir.
Speaker 9: Dust on the wind, orange haze burning low.
Speaker 11: Kids got that fire, watch the leather flow.
Speaker 2: I snap the whip and match.
Speaker 7: It clean and true.
Speaker 22: It's the rhythm once you know what you gotta do.
Speaker 7: But every time you rock, I feel it in my chest.
Speaker 22: The sun I never had putting all this hope to
Speaker 22: the test.
Speaker 2: You better get some chow.
Speaker 7: Mr.
Speaker 8: Lee has plans for you tomorrow, but I'll be by
Speaker 8: when he's not. We're going to make you strong.
Speaker 5: Sounds great, sir. Thank you for coming out.
Speaker 2: I have to say, I really enjoyed it. This is
Speaker 2: just the beginning, DJ.
Speaker 21: Thank you, sir.
Speaker 2: Javier, how are you? Working hard or hardly working?
Speaker 7: Where have you been all afternoon, Mr. Happy-Go-Lucky?
Speaker 8: I was out at the whip range I made, training
Speaker 8: with DJ. That boy's going to be good.
Speaker 7: You made a whip range? I gotta check that out.
Speaker 7: Sounds awesome.
Speaker 2: You coming in for dinner?
Speaker 7: You know that I am.
Speaker 2: Where's Scott?
Speaker 7: He should be home right about now. I sent him out.
Speaker 2: Got a lead?
Speaker 7: Something like that.
Speaker 26: Human trafficking is not fiction. It's a reality in every country.
Speaker 26: The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children explains that
Speaker 26: every 30 seconds a child is trafficked in the United States.
Speaker 5: If you see something, say something.
Speaker 26: Dial 888-373-7888 or visit humantraffickinghotline.org for more contact information. You
Speaker 26: may be helping to save a life.
Speaker 18: Can't beat the warmth of the fire on a fall evening, eh?
Speaker 2: I guess.
Speaker 16: I could do without staring at the stack of metal
Speaker 16: I need to turn into horseshoes by the end of
Speaker 16: the night.
Speaker 18: Looks like you need to hire an assistant.
Speaker 16: The horse trading is good, my friend. And new shoes
Speaker 16: always sweeten a sale. Sure does give me job security.
Speaker 16: I got a whole army of farriers that head out
Speaker 16: during the day, but no one to help move the metal.
Speaker 13: I'd give you a hand.
Speaker 16: You know metal.
Speaker 18: I sure do. My family has had large horse farms.
Speaker 2: Jump on in.
Speaker 16: I've got an extra apron over on the hook. How
Speaker 16: come you ain't at your family's farm?
Speaker 18: My family's farm was taken by the feds up north.
Speaker 16: How'd you get a pass into the central region?
Speaker 18: Who says I did?
Speaker 15: Do you have a tracker?
Speaker 6: No, sir.
Speaker 18: I was a landowner and always will be. Doesn't matter
Speaker 18: what the government says.
Speaker 16: You better make yourself scarce. If a quad comes around,
Speaker 16: they'll sell you on the stage by the river.
Speaker 18: Don't I know it.
Speaker 2: Do you know metal? I'm impressed.
Speaker 16: How are you planning on surviving here?
Speaker 18: I hadn't really thought that far. My only focus was
Speaker 18: getting into the central region. Now that I'm here, I'm
Speaker 18: not sure what to do.
Speaker 16: Well, I can pay you for your work tonight.
Speaker 18: I can't spend credits.
Speaker 15: I can pay you in silver.
Speaker 16: That should get you by with plenty of the vendors
Speaker 16: around here. But I can't do more than that. The
Speaker 16: feds keep us on a tight leash. You'll learn that
Speaker 16: following their rules isn't such a bad idea.
Speaker 6: No, sir.
Speaker 18: I don't think I will. They killed my family, took
Speaker 18: my land, and forced me to become a fugitive. I
Speaker 18: will have justice.
Speaker 15: Best of luck to you on your journey, my friend.
Speaker 6: Hi, TJ.
Speaker 2: Hi, Jeannie. It smells good in here. What are you making?
Speaker 4: Fried chicken.
Speaker 2: The boys are coming.
Speaker 5: I made extra for them.
Speaker 2: Is she still asleep?
Speaker 5: She is.
Speaker 2: Did you wake her for water like I told you?
Speaker 26: I did.
Speaker 2: You are the best. What would I do without you?
Speaker 4: Thank you, TJ.
Speaker 6: Erica.
Speaker 12: Hmm.
Speaker 5: Hi, TJ.
Speaker 2: Did you sleep well?
Speaker 25: Yes.
Speaker 2: Any bad dreams?
Speaker 5: No. I was out like a light. Jeannie brought me
Speaker 5: more water. I'm ready to get up.
Speaker 2: Well then, let's do it.
Speaker 25: Ugh.
Speaker 5: I feel so good.
Speaker 2: You're stretching all the way down to your toes. Does
Speaker 2: your back hurt?
Speaker 3: No.
Speaker 6: Why?
Speaker 2: It's nothing. However, you stink. You want to take a shower?
Speaker 20: Oh, yeah.
Speaker 2: Hold on a second. Genie, is Yuri here yet?
Speaker 6: I'm here.
Speaker 2: Grab me new clothes for Erica and her chain.
Speaker 6: Beautiful.
Speaker 20: You could at least let me come in and watch.
Speaker 2: Go drink your vodka. Get on your knees, Erica. So
Speaker 2: wild and free.
Speaker 8: Give me your hands. Take off your shirt and bra.
Speaker 8: Let's put this back on for now.
Speaker 6: So beautiful.
Speaker 2: Stand up. Now take the rest of your clothes off.
Speaker 6: Come here.
Speaker 2: Here's fresh clothes. There's a shower.
Speaker 5: Thank you, TJ. Will you stay here with me?
Speaker 2: Woman, I wouldn't leave if you wanted me to.
Speaker 5: Good.
Speaker 11: Make your legs start to shake.
Speaker 7: TJ, dinner is ready.
Speaker 2: Keep it warm. We'll be there in a minute.
Speaker 4: Okay.
Speaker 2: Finish up. Dinner's ready.
Speaker 26: Ah, good.
Speaker 5: I'm starved.
Speaker 2: Eugene, it to yourself.
Speaker 4: Did I?
Speaker 2: Don't worry about the past. The focus is always on
Speaker 2: the future.
Speaker 5: I like that. I can't remember what I'm trying to
Speaker 5: remember anyway.
Speaker 2: So stop trying.
Speaker 3: Come here.
Speaker 2: Step into your towel so I can hold you.
Speaker 5: You're so warm.
Speaker 2: Say it.
Speaker 5: T.J., I will never run from you.
Speaker 2: You smell much better.
Speaker 5: I feel much better. You have to put on my cuffs.
Speaker 8: Give me your hands. I have some friends over. They
Speaker 8: aren't going to hurt you, okay?
Speaker 5: Okay, TJ.
Speaker 2: No surprises. Even if they touch you, okay?
Speaker 5: If you say so, TJ. No surprises.
Speaker 6: The curfew will be here soon. Where the heck are they?
Speaker 2: We can't stay here much longer.
Speaker 3: You didn't see them coming in, Nicolton?
Speaker 24: Nope.
Speaker 15: It's been too long already. What if they got caught?
Speaker 19: It's about time.
Speaker 6: What's the scoop?
Speaker 17: I found an Irish lady named Jessica.
Speaker 6: Who knows Vince? She is from Lumpkinport, Texas.
Speaker 3: Yeah, I remember her.
Speaker 17: Her house was demolished the last time the Mississippi Sea surged.
Speaker 17: She says the secret police are out in full force.
Speaker 6: Everyone is in a panic.
Speaker 17: They're looking for someone, and they're sniffing their noses everywhere.
Speaker 8: Shit.
Speaker 15: What are we going to do?
Speaker 6: Calm down, big man.
Speaker 17: Jessica has a friend outside the city. They have a
Speaker 17: large horse ranch, and she stays there on the weekends.
Speaker 17: She told me to take you guys there. She will
Speaker 17: meet us there in the morning.
Speaker 6: What about Graham and Holmes?
Speaker 17: They are staying with Jessica tonight as collateral. She does
Speaker 17: not know me from Adam, and she wants to make
Speaker 17: sure her friends stay safe.
Speaker 7: She will verify.
Speaker 17: Vince's identity tomorrow and set up a meeting with Yamir
Speaker 17: if everything checks out.
Speaker 15: How are her friends going to know we're okay?
Speaker 6: I have a letter from her to them.
Speaker 17: We'll find the farm, you guys hide out, I'll make
Speaker 17: the introductions, and we should be.
Speaker 6: Good to go.
Speaker 5: Sounds like you've got it all figured out.
Speaker 6: First, we need to find the ranch.
Speaker 17: She said it's west of the city, and I have directions.
Speaker 3: There it is.
Speaker 15: Go ahead, dear.
Speaker 2: We'll cover you.
Speaker 15: Nicolton, Bennett, we have two perimeter guards approaching.
Speaker 23: You want us to intercept? No, let's hold up here
Speaker 23: and see how this plays out. Looks like gear is
Speaker 23: talking to the owner. The owner has perimeter guards.
Speaker 15: On the radio.
Speaker 23: Gear signaling us to come in.
Speaker 2: How y'all doing tonight?
Speaker 3: Fine, you?
Speaker 10: Mr.
Speaker 23: Johansen has requested y'all's presence out back, please.
Speaker 15: Lead the way.
Speaker 26: I'm quite concerned about what's coming next. Personally, I think
Speaker 26: we'll probably see food shortages and other disruptions. Are you
Speaker 26: prepared if things go wrong? Does your family have enough
Speaker 26: food and supplies on hand to last at least 30 days?
Speaker 26: If not, the time to prepare is right now. Don't
Speaker 26: wait another minute. To help you on your journey, I
Speaker 26: recommend My Patriot Supply. They're the leaders in self-reliance, and
Speaker 26: they have a four-week supply of emergency food that lasts
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Speaker 26: of hunger or standing in government food lines. Go to preparewithchangingearth.com
Speaker 26: today and your emergency food will be shipped quickly and
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Speaker 26: using today to prepare. So visit preparewithchangingearth.com, the original Patriot
Speaker 26: Preparedness Company. Their mission is your survival. That's preparewithchangingearth.com.
Speaker 6: Welcome to the Lucky H.
Speaker 27: Any friend of Jessica's is a friend of mine. I
Speaker 27: have just the sort of accommodations you need.
Speaker 3: A wine cellar.
Speaker 13: It's always got to be a wine cellar.
Speaker 27: I assure you the accommodations are much better inside.
Speaker 13: Please come in.
Speaker 27: Name's Christopher Johanson.
Speaker 3: That's more.
Speaker 6: Like the Vince Moore? Husband of Erica Moore?
Speaker 3: The same.
Speaker 6: You're supposed to be dead.
Speaker 2: I know.
Speaker 3: And I still have the bruises to prove that.
Speaker 27: But Erica came here. She's marrying the Supreme General in
Speaker 27: a month?
Speaker 3: She didn't come by her own free will.
Speaker 6: I knew it. Unite the country.
Speaker 5: What?
Speaker 3: How many times have you seen her in public?
Speaker 27: She was at a big welcoming parade, and then there
Speaker 27: was some grand ball with Canadian delegates.
Speaker 3: Did she look okay?
Speaker 27: Actually, both times she wore high-neck dresses that aren't really
Speaker 27: popular amongst the elite right now. My wife made mention
Speaker 27: of it. Other than that, she looked healthy. At the ball. Yeah?
Speaker 6: T.J. Swinson was there.
Speaker 12: So?
Speaker 22: So?
Speaker 6: So, Mr.
Speaker 27: Swenson doesn't usually frequent formal events like that. He's a
Speaker 27: tolerated element of society because he does the landowner's dirty work.
Speaker 27: Now that I think of it, he stood behind her
Speaker 27: and followed her all evening.
Speaker 3: He still got her.
Speaker 13: Do you know if she's being housed at the Supreme General's?
Speaker 27: You would think so, because she's marrying the man. The
Speaker 27: Supreme General has entertained other women in the past, and typically.
Speaker 3: They'll.
Speaker 27: Be in the marketplace or with him during the day.
Speaker 27: But since the ball, no one has seen Erica.
Speaker 15: They must have her someplace else.
Speaker 3: Or they have her locked in there.
Speaker 15: We're going to have to find out before we can
Speaker 15: make a move.
Speaker 6: And we're trying to get her back.
Speaker 2: Of course we are. Sir, you don't mind if a
Speaker 2: couple of us stay as guests in the house?
Speaker 7: I'm sure you're a really great guy.
Speaker 2: But you understand, right?
Speaker 6: You have papers.
Speaker 7: Both Jere and I.
Speaker 27: I think housing your people here is trust enough. My
Speaker 27: home is out of the question. However, I have room.
Speaker 6: In the bunkhouse. If you're going to be.
Speaker 27: Here long term, I'm in need of hands. And there's
Speaker 27: always plenty of work to be done.
Speaker 2: We'll be more than happy to pitch in where we can.
Speaker 6: Let's settle it in tonight.
Speaker 27: We'll see what Jessica has to say tomorrow and then
Speaker 27: figure out a plan from there.
Speaker 3: Thank you for your help.
Speaker 27: It's an honor to have you here.
Speaker 5: This is cozy.
Speaker 19: Look at that kitchen. Let's make some dinner.
Speaker 6: Sounds good to me.
Speaker 3: How can I help?
Speaker 6: Anyone out for a game of Uno while we wait?
Speaker 3: Deal me in.
Speaker 18: I'd be more than happy to get your butt at
Speaker 18: a game of Uno.
Speaker 5: Oh, big talker.
Speaker 22: The world I fought for crumbled, a lie I couldn't see.
Speaker 22: She showed me what we're fighting for, truth and liberty.
Speaker 22: Her kids, they call me uncle. Their laughter heals my scars.
Speaker 22: I face a thousand battles to keep them safe from harm.
Speaker 22: We clash on rules and reasons. Her questions never cease.
Speaker 22: But in her spark, I found my home.
Speaker 18: My heart has found its peace.
Speaker 5: Family forged in fire. Through battles we've been torn.
Speaker 18: We've been waiting on you guys to eat. How are
Speaker 18: you tonight, girly?
Speaker 2: She needed a shower.
Speaker 7: Let's eat then. I'm starved.
Speaker 2: Erica, sit here in between Yuri and me.
Speaker 5: Yes, TJ.
Speaker 18: That means I get to sit across from her. Nothing
Speaker 18: I'd rather gaze at while I eat.
Speaker 2: Scott, back off.
Speaker 18: What, I can't look at a woman?
Speaker 7: You're making her nervous. Just eat your damn food, you fools.
Speaker 18: Who the hell cares if she's nervous?
Speaker 7: Eat your food.
Speaker 18: TJ's got her so well trained, his mood is the
Speaker 18: only thing controlling that woman. She looks to him for
Speaker 18: every direction. Look at me, girly.
Speaker 5: TJ.
Speaker 2: Do as he commands.
Speaker 10: See?
Speaker 18: That's not so bad, is it?
Speaker 2: Did you find the truck yet?
Speaker 18: Commander Gray has men scouring the east, but I think
Speaker 18: they're on foot headed west.
Speaker 7: The truck would have popped up by now if they
Speaker 7: were still in it. I think Scott is right on
Speaker 7: this one.
Speaker 15: Why wouldn't he?
Speaker 18: While you've been chasing bounties out of the central region
Speaker 18: I think commander gray let a terrorist group live right
Speaker 18: under his nose.
Speaker 2: Are you serious Carl Carl's a thorough man.
Speaker 4: Here Erica have some more water Thanks.
Speaker 18: Well, I've been playing the flip side. Trying to infiltrate
Speaker 18: the resistance. No one here knows me and I don't
Speaker 18: stick out like a sore thumb like Javier.
Speaker 7: Hey, man. I resemble that statement. Every tattoo has a story.
Speaker 2: Where are they?
Speaker 18: They could be north of the capital. I'm not exactly sure.
Speaker 18: And the members are guarded with all the pressure they're under.
Speaker 18: But I have a gut feeling.
Speaker 2: Where?
Speaker 11: Topeka.
Speaker 18: Javier is going to rattle some cages tomorrow.
Speaker 20: Good.
Speaker 7: You know, TJ, you could just let them come to you.
Speaker 7: You know they will.
Speaker 2: This job was supposed to be done a long time ago.
Speaker 2: The sooner the better. Tomorrow's another day. I suggest you
Speaker 2: find me some answers. I'll see you then.
Speaker 18: Good night, TJ.
Speaker 7: See you in the mañana, hermano.
Speaker 2: Come on. You did good today.
Speaker 5: Thanks, TJ. Does that mean I can go back to
Speaker 5: your room?
Speaker 20: No.
Speaker 3: Hmm.
Speaker 2: You'll be fine. I'll be back to get you for breakfast.
Speaker 2: So wild and free. What is she doing? She's working out.
Speaker 2: Such a creature of habit. She's been in.
Speaker 8: Motion for so long she doesn't know how to sit still.
Speaker 8: And she's still so strong.
Speaker 5: Is everything okay, TJ?
Speaker 2: Exercise will run the drug out of her system.
Speaker 4: Do you want me to stay up to give her
Speaker 4: more water?
Speaker 2: No, I'll do it. Go to bed.
Speaker 26: Good night.
Speaker 14: I finally hold you without the hate in your eyes.
Speaker 14: My heart's finally calm after all of those lies.
Speaker 12: You're safe in my arms.
Speaker 7: You don't want to run.
Speaker 14: I've waited so long.
Speaker 12: Just to feel like I've won. Stay with me tonight.
Speaker 12: Please stay with me tonight.
Speaker 11: I trace your shoulder, your skin warm on mine.
Speaker 12: No flinch, no curse, just a soft little sigh.
Speaker 2: Eric, uh, Calm down.
Speaker 3: It's me.
Speaker 5: TJ, is it morning?
Speaker 6: No.
Speaker 2: I knew you'd be thirsty after your workout.
Speaker 5: Thank you. That's so kind.
Speaker 2: And I brought you a bigger, softer blanket.
Speaker 5: Really? For me? Thank you.
Speaker 2: Lay down. I'll tuck you in.
Speaker 5: You're the best.
Speaker 2: Go back to sleep, and I'll see you in the morning.
Speaker 14: Stay with me tonight. Don't wake from this dream.
Speaker 8: One day I'll be able to take her off that
Speaker 8: drug and have her, body and mind. Vince, that bastard
Speaker 8: is still out there. She has that look when she
Speaker 8: thinks of him, but now she looks to me like that.
Speaker 8: I have to kill him or she'll never be mine.
Speaker 8: What are you doing here?
Speaker 10: I knew you were going to be alone tonight and
Speaker 10: thought maybe you needed a warm body in your bed.
Speaker 2: You're not wrong. You know what, Dolores?
Speaker 11: What?
Speaker 2: This is a life I could get used to.
Speaker 6: Please stay with me tonight.
Speaker 12: It's not all real, not the way I need, but
Speaker 12: I'll take this moment. I'll take what I can keep.
Speaker 12: One day you'll choose me, not forced, not afraid. Till
Speaker 12: then I'll hold you close.
Speaker 9: Thank you for listening to the Changing Earth audio drama
Speaker 9: based on the Changing Earth novel series by Sarah F.
Speaker 2: Hathaway.
Speaker 9: Grab your copy on Amazon or get signed editions at ChangingEarthSeries.com.
Speaker 7: This content is copyrighted.
Speaker 9: For details on performers, sound effects, and music credits, visit ChangingEarthSeries.com,
Speaker 9: where you can subscribe to support the series and keep
Speaker 9: the adventure alive.
Speaker 6: Check out the Changing Earth store for exclusive gear.
Speaker 2: Love the show.
Speaker 9: Like, subscribe, and drop a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Rumble,
Speaker 9: or your favorite platform. Stay prepared and stay tuned for
Speaker 9: the next episode of the Changing Earth Audio Drama.