2-5 Out of Options (remastered)

[00:00:00] Life was so simple when I was young. I fell in love, graduated from college, and started a family. We shopped in supermarkets, sipped coffee, and watched TV. We should have known it was coming. The Bible foretold it. Nostradamus predicted it. And the Hopi elders told stories about it.

[00:00:24] The Great Quake. The Earthquake that changed everything. People who lost it all became climate refugees, and those that didn't became elitist landowners. They call me the lone survivor of Sacramento. The savior of the refugees. But I'm just a woman, a wife, a mother. This is life on the changing earth.

[00:00:51] I thought they said we were going someplace safe. Is that fire out there? They said a lot of things. What's going on down there? Looks like the fighting has flared up again. Don't worry, it's on the other side of the city. That makes me feel a whole lot better. I'm sure we'll sleep like babies there. The buildings are all crumpled. Crumpled. And look at all the military trucks.

[00:01:20] And all that smoke and the lights. Seems like the Air Force base did just fine. Or they got it back up running a lot quicker than everything else. I think they're taking us to the airport in Vegas. Sit down. Vince, you can sit back down and keep your kids with you. You two, Greg and Penny Sherman, and your kids. Yes. And you two, Harold and Betsy Duncan.

[00:01:49] And your kids are starting out someplace else. We have a special camp for refugees. We like to make trouble. Awesome. I'm so stoked. We got rescued. Oh look. Go on offensive. No way. This is your stop.

[00:02:18] Looks cozy. Freaking five star. Mom, look. There are soldiers up on that ledge. It's a catwalk so they can watch us all the time. This is going to be fun. I hope they plan on feeding us sometime soon. Thank you for helping us, guys. Sorry we got you into this. I'm glad my dad helped you. They took my horses. Besides, we got your back, buddy. We're all in this together.

[00:02:52] Sir, where are you heading today? To the admin building and then to the gym. What's the status of those hunt teams? Charlie's squad is having issues. Aren't they in Texas hunting runaways? They are, sir. Do you really think it's necessary to go that far? Are you in command of those fighters? No, sir. And would you presume to tell me my business? Of course not, sir.

[00:03:22] It's just... Texas stayed free. They broke off. You should be leading that squad. Not waste your talent guarding me. My talent, sir? You're a thinking man and you have balls. These are the kind of leaders I need. Thank you, sir. DJ, sir. I wasn't expecting you here today.

[00:03:51] Do I need an appointment? No, I... Of course you don't need an appointment, TJ. I'm available to you whenever you need me. Don't worry about her. You do have a way with words, woman. Do you value this woman's assistance? Very much, TJ. She's my right hand. Then you better teach her how to talk to me. Or neither of you will like where she ends up. I assure you, it will not happen again.

[00:04:21] Please, accompany me to my office. I have a bottle just for you. The gesture is appreciated. However, I'm on my way to the gym. So, how can I help you, TJ? I toured the supply room yesterday. All of the regions are meeting their quotas, TJ. I personally oversee each shipment and personally tour production

[00:04:50] to make sure everything is accounted for. I was afraid you'd say that. I have ensured everyone is doing their job and I am personally responsible for any shortcomings. That's the reason why I put you in charge. It's holding facilities, isn't it? Well, speak your mind, woman. It is because of the holding cells. We're feeding too many people in cages. Then put them to work.

[00:05:20] We don't need them to work, TJ. We have enough laborers and fighters burning calories as it is. The way the feds are burning through people, the refugees will be worth their weight in gold in no time. Right now, there's just more mouths to feed and we're all on minimum rations because of them. Ouch. That one cut deep. It's the truth. And you told me to speak my mind. I did.

[00:05:49] You took our towns. Why can't you take more? Doyle was attacking me. If I didn't end it, he would have never stopped. He forced your hand? Exactly. I'm not a killer. I'm a hunter and I'm not going to kill more people for food. I didn't know you were so noble. Don't tell anyone. You'll ruin my reputation. It still doesn't solve the problem. The problem is not yours to solve. You keep doing the impeccable job you're doing and keep that woman up front in line.

[00:06:19] I will, TJ. Does it count if your land is still there?

[00:06:49] My house, it's gone. I'd say you could just run to Home Depot, but... The town is still there. We have to take care of those people. The mercs come. We're all refugees. We'd all be rounded up. They'd never find us. Couldn't we have Ginger and Al speak for us? We're dependent upon them. Welcome to our world, Virgis. We need to get back to McClintock and beg for our jobs back. Screw that. I'm not going to beg. I did what I did for the right reasons.

[00:07:17] We were with you then and we still are now. We'll figure this out. Virgis, we need you at the gate. What's going on? Refugees from Kingman. They're trying to invade the town.

[00:07:48] They're after our supplies. Think about Monroe. Props to them for surviving a tsunami. Yeah, but if they take our supplies, we're done for sure. Refugees versus the landowner. Here we go again. Virgis! This situation is about to get out of hand. Give us your food, but we're coming in to take it. Let's just slow down, cowboy. Are you in charge here?

[00:08:18] In this situation, yes. Sir, we need to eat. Our homes, our supplies, we lost it all. Me too, or we're not immune. But your town center survived. We know you have food there. We have minimal supplies for the people of this community. We have more people. We can overrun you. And we can turn this whole encounter into a bloodbath where too many people are going to die over scraps. We don't want to see that any more than you do, but we need help. Just hold on a second. We have injured that need help now. One second.

[00:08:50] Virgis now says the strip mall at the upper end of town can be used for their injured. The refugees can camp on the other side. There's a good barrier there. This situation is going to get bad quick whether they stay or go. We don't have enough food no matter which way you slice it. We can shoot our way in. Okay, everyone, settle down. There's a small strip mall at the far east side of town. Your injured can go there. Everyone holds up on the other side. We will bring medical supplies

[00:09:19] and help you care for your wounded, but you need to understand our stocks are very limited. Peter! What? Barbara? We have to get Rebecca help. Take the offer. We'll figure out a plan, but let's get your people help and go from there. Peter! Okay, point the way, Mr... Virgis. Cole Virgis. Do you have medical personnel in your group? Two doctors and one paramedic. Chaffee? Yes, sir.

[00:09:50] Get with the medics and coordinate with Dr. Kozlowska and Graham. We'll get it handled, sir. Where would we be? Here we are. There's a fence in front of it. The injured can enter the building

[00:10:19] through the back, but yeah, the front was closed off as part of the barrier. That's some kind of warm welcome. Let's not get confused. We'll help the injured, but we need to develop a plan quickly. We can't maintain this population. Is everything under control, Virgis? Barry King, this is Peter Ballantyne. He's the one speaking for these people. What's left of Kingman? What do you think? The water just rose and rose. We went to high ground and then we floated out of town on debris. You understand. We want to help, but... Your man, Virgis,

[00:10:50] already told me about your food situation. We understand. Thank you for doing what you can. Barry, we're going to have to help these people. Monroe, do we have enough gas to get our trucks to Vegas? We have enough for it, but we'll have to get more while we're there. Is there a FEMA camp there? There is. You can take us when you go. Then we can bring supplies back to help everyone here. We couldn't move some of those people right now if we wanted to. We need to mobilize as soon as possible. We're going on a supply route.

[00:11:19] The least we could do is feed these people dinner. And we'll leave in the morning. I'll have to ask everyone what they want to do. Peter, they may not have a choice. What do you mean? You think you're the only displaced people in this country? Where do you think all the people are going? But it's a camp. It's still our choice, right? Nope. The government's been rounding up the refugees and giving them homes in the camp. The refugees work as laborers

[00:11:48] to make essential supplies. They work the factories or the farm. Of course, labor. More like everyone must volunteer to rebuild. I wouldn't worry too much. I saw Vegas myself. There's a refugee safe zone. Peter, the world is on fire. We have to go there, Peter. What else are we going to do? If the government has a safe place for us, then let's go. Okay, Henry. I'll go back and check it out and come back for you and Rachel. Monroe, find Ginger and get a food detail put together. Yes, sir. One giant batch

[00:12:18] of the Monroe special coming up.

[00:12:23] Hi, this is Sarah F. Hathaway,

[00:12:54] 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

[00:13:22] It sure is comforting having them stare at us all day. My favorite is they even watch you in the bathroom. Completely demoralizing. You can say that again. It's like living in a fishbowl.

[00:13:51] Hopefully, we'll be out of here soon. It's already been a week. And still the fighting goes on out there. At least someone is fighting this bullcrap situation. Good morning, ladies. Good morning, gentlemen. Any word on getting out of here? Nope. Any word on my mom and Brett? Nada. If they wouldn't have gone looking for Big John, we might not be here. It doesn't do us any good to think of what-ifs.

[00:14:21] Here we are, and that's that. But I wonder what happened to Big John. They separated out the single people from the families. He may have gotten put with the group well before we got there. Or he saw what was going down and still hiding out in the woods. Knowing Big John, I wouldn't be surprised. What about food, guys? Nope. Too bad they're reappropriated all the meat we preserved in Tahoe. Guess we'll have to make do

[00:14:51] with our whopping one meal a day. I swear, my body would be completely gone if it wasn't for the martial arts forms you taught us. I'm glad you joined me. We have to stay self-defense ready. But honestly, I started training again because I was bored. Come on, we have to cheer up. What are we starting with today, Erica? From the sound of it, jaw jacks and diddly squats. I was thinking about the squat sets, push-ups and sit-ups, warm-up,

[00:15:20] but I wanted to shake it up. Greg, you trained as a kid. Do you remember any of your forms? Yeah, a couple. I would love to learn something new. Excuse me, ma'am. We couldn't help but notice you all training every day. Would you mind if we joined you? Not at all, but more the merrier. Name's Reese Mungum. Erica Moore. Nice to meet you. I've been watching your training. You're skilled for such a little thing. Thanks, I guess. I don't mean to interrupt,

[00:15:50] but are we gonna get started? We sure are. Take it away, Greg.

[00:16:23] Yuri has a visitor at the gate. He wants to talk to you. Who is it? A leader from one of the communities to the south. What does he want? To talk to you, sir. I'm coming.

[00:16:54] TJ, this is Ralph Wright from Clinton. Mr. Swenson, sir. Nice to meet you. Call me TJ. Why have you come to see me? Word has it, you've been training quality fighters. fighters. I need some fighters to help my community learn to defend themselves. We've got refugees raiding our southern territory. And what do you plan on trading for our

[00:17:24] services? Liquor, uniforms, and whatever food we can spare. I'm listening. Please come with me to my home. We can discuss it over dinner. I would be honored. Thank you, TJ. Welcome. TJ, I wasn't expecting you for another hour. What is she doing out here? Having some leftovers for dinner.

[00:17:54] You aren't supposed to be home yet. Woman, it's my home and she is not supposed to be eating at my table. TJ, I... Don't. Just close your mouth. Yuri, take her back to her room. Teresa, get this cleaned up. I have a guest for dinner. Yes, TJ. Ralph, I apologize for their intrusion. Please, sit down. What do you prefer, Ralph? Beer or whiskey? I'll have a beer once business is settled. Let's get it done then. We need a hundred fighters.

[00:18:24] Not in a possible request, but a tall order nonetheless. We need to increase the guard while shifting men out for more training. We make a fine potato vodka. Yuri will be happy about that. It's true. Our vodka stores are running low. Plus, we have a textile plant online with cotton coming from the south. We could definitely use the clothing, but we need more food. We're trying to keep a lot of people fed.

[00:18:54] Aren't we all? However, we had a large amount of distribution centers stacked to the brim with canned goods. Plus, expansive warehouses growing vegetables. We made their power supplies a priority, and they are expecting a large yield soon. We can make sure you're getting a steady supply. In that case, Ralph, you got yourself a deal. Yuri, grab a bottle

[00:19:24] from the cupboard. Yes, DJ. Ralph, do you and your companions need a place to stay tonight? Yes, sir. We sure do. Here you go, DJ. Go tell Lawton to make accommodations for Ralph and his men and have him bring some entertainment here. Sounds like a plan to me. Make yourself at home, Ralph. We can handle the details in the morning. Thank you, DJ. Hello,

[00:19:56] this is L. Douglas Hogan, voice of TJ Swenson. You can follow me at Amazon or go to Facebook.com slash Honor Your Oath. I look forward to seeing you there. 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

[00:20:25] or visit humantraffickinghotline.org for more contact information. You may be helping to save a life. What's going on? We've been robbed The bastards killed Chavez and Rodrigo. Did you see which way they went? Ginger said she saw people run into the camp outside town. But we fed them. We're helping them.

[00:20:55] What's up with that? I say we go shoot the bastards. What happened here, boys? They robbed us blind. We're going to find the thieves. Why don't you help keep these people calm here? We'll go handle this. They have every right to be pissed. What's left won't last us two weeks. Al is right. We have the upper hand. Let's do what? Create a bloodbath in the streets? We have to find that food, Virgis. We're dead without it. I swear if any of you go starting problems before you give me a chance to settle this you won't just be

[00:21:25] fighting them. That's how it's going to be, Virgis. Al, Virgis is right. He's the best interrogator I've seen. Give him a chance to get the information before you go do something you may regret. Fine. Take right out. You have one hour and then we're coming for our stuff. There won't be a need. I'm gonna go check out the best plan of attack just in case things go south. Be discreet. Will do, sir.

[00:21:55] Monroe, Rydell, you got my back? You know it, Virgis. There's only two of us. Just follow my lead. Barbara, where's Peter? He's in with Rachel. What happened? What happened is some of your people robbed us and I need to talk with him now. I'll go watch Rachel and send him out. Thank you. Something is up, Virgis. You could hear it in her voice. What can I help you with, Virgis? I think you know exactly why I'm here. Virgis,

[00:22:24] it wasn't us. Barbara told you. A large group of our people left last night. They didn't want to go to Vegas. You knew they were leaving? Did you know they were going to rob us on their way out? I knew they were leaving. But I didn't know they intended on robbing you. What did you think they would do? We fed you and treated you injured and this is how you repay us? Just because we were walking together doesn't mean we know each other. I just met those people a day before that. How was I supposed to know what they had planned? I heard them discussing leaving

[00:22:54] but that's it, I swear. This town is screwed. They took everything. If two truckloads is all you had, you're probably screwed anyway. How did you know how much was there? You just said... I said they took everything. Not how much we had. You're lying. I... Like you didn't know they robbed us? They... Tell me. They went south. Mark said he was headed to Mexico. Crap. I'm sorry, Virgis. I tried to stop them but what was I going to do?

[00:23:23] Alert security. Come tell me. That would have been a good start. I couldn't. They said they were going to kill Barbara. Better to kill Rare than the people in that town. They're pissed. And they're coming this way. I tried to stop them, Virgis. Time's up, Virgis. They have our food and we want it back. Al, let's just calm down. Half their group left to go to Mexico last night. Maybe it wasn't these people. They're lying, Virgis. Look around. They're all still

[00:23:53] here. No. People have been straggling in all day. You're going to believe this crap, Virgis? Peter, we're going to have to do a search to be sure. Line your people up. The hell you are? No one will go for that. Are we now guilty until proven innocent? You got that right. There's no more law. And if there was, you are the ones who broke it first. We are not responsible. We will not be treated like this. Line up now. Don't point that thing at me. I will defend myself.

[00:24:23] Whoa, whoa, whoa. Let's slow down. We want our food back. Then go chase the real thieves. You know where it is. Everyone settle down and return. This is not going to end well. We have to back up Al. Let's do it, boys. Round up the refugees. Yes, sir. I can help. We have to flank them and expose their weak side. Come on. Break the line on the left side.

[00:24:54] Wedge formation. Peter, it's over. Call your people up. Put your guns down. Blake, put your gun down. Put your guns down. Line up against the building. Monroe, zip ties. Chappy, medical triage. Yes, sir. None of this had to happen, Peter. I told you it wouldn't end well.

[00:25:23] They lit the building on fire. Rachel, Barbara. Get some water on that building, people. Don't you move, Peter. Get off me. Chappy, pack that wound on Rydell's arm. Monroe, get a team and get those people out of that building. You attacked us. He was just trying to protect us. You need to focus

[00:25:53] on protecting your daughter, ma'am. No. Oh, my God. No. How is that, Burgess? What are we gonna do? We're leaving. Tell everyone to pack up. We're going to Vegas. What if people don't want to go? If they stay, the soldiers will be back to round them up. Okay. I'll get them moving.

[00:26:47] I came to deliver this card myself. What is it? Your assigned sleeping area. Thank you, Captain. Erica, I don't want you teaching that crap to refugees. Do you hear? I assure you, we'll get plenty of daily exercise without it. People have a right to know how to defend themselves. Not these people. Do not make waves here. What did he want? He told me not to teach other people martial arts here. Screw him. We can train

[00:27:17] if we want to. Looks like we're all assigned to the same area over here. Down this row, tense? Look, Mom. There's Grandma. Everyone okay? Yeah, we're fine. How is it here?

[00:27:47] There's too many refugees and not enough food. They've been trying to build a fence to expand the camp. To keep us in or danger out? To keep us safe, Erica. Have you not heard the gunfire? It's a war zone out there. We need the fence to keep people safe. I think I would feel better out there. You're not buying that crap, are you, Brett? We're obviously prisoners here. Yes, but we're safe here. I guess.

[00:28:17] I'm just saying, there's work to be done here. We can help build the fence and shelters for people. Vince, you could help establish gardens to help feed them. These people don't have any other place to call home. Just like us, we can help. Always the good Samaritan. Maybe that's just what we need. I mean, if we're going to be stuck here, at least we can help. I can't disagree with that. I think this place could definitely use some cheering up.

[00:29:03] Getting settled in? We're fine. Good. We need volunteers for food prep. Your name tag? It says Bingham. Any relation to Andrew Bingham? Yes. My brother's name is Andrew. Have you seen him? Yeah. He... He's dead, isn't he? I know the feeling of having to deliver bad news. Yes, he is. How? In the wave.

[00:29:33] He was taking care of a large camp in Lotus, California. He was a wonderful leader. Without Andrew, we wouldn't be here. He was one hell of a guy. You guys were with him? You survived the wave? Yes, we left right before the wave, but he chose to stay. He didn't want to leave people behind. Sounds just like him. Damn. I hoped he'd made it out somehow. Why didn't you call or text him? They cut all communications

[00:30:02] in and out of California. We couldn't save both coastlines at once. How could they do that? I'm not supposed to talk about that. The country's in chaos. The refugees have spread everywhere. people are killing one another for the scraps of food in their cupboards. Whole areas are being put in quarantine for disease control. I would try and make yourself at home here

[00:30:31] for a while. We might not have much food, but we are maintaining control of the city, and you'll be safe. It doesn't feel like it. You are, and you have my word.

[00:31:22] I'm quite concerned about what's coming next. Personally, I think we'll probably see food shortages and other disruptions. Are you prepared if things go wrong? Does your family have enough food and supplies on hand to last at least 30 days? If not, the time to prepare is right now. Don't wait another minute. To help you on your journey, I recommend My Patriot Supply. They're the leaders in self-reliance, and they have a four-week supply of emergency food that lasts up to 25 years in storage,

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[00:32:22] Move your feet or you'll be sitting ducks out there. Kind of late to be pushing them so hard, isn't it? TJ, my son, just a man I wanted to see. You know you can always send for me. I shouldn't have to. I haven't been seeing enough of you in here. I train every day, Mr. Lee. When? When you're having your

[00:32:52] afternoon siesta. Serge? Yes, sir. Lead the session. Yes, Mr. Lee. TJ, would you accompany me to my office, please? Of course, Mr. Lee. Are you lying to my face? Mr. Lee, I come early in the morning or after I get back at night. I've been putting in my hours. Don't you pull that cocky-ass bullshit with me, son. I'm sorry, Mr. Lee.

[00:33:22] The men who follow me... We maintain an image of your leadership in front of those fighters out there, but don't you ever disrespect me. It won't happen again, sir. You're lucky I don't give you a new scar to remember it. And I have another bone to pick with you. Sit down. Yes, Mr. Lee. I never could stand your fidgeting around.

[00:34:02] Well, what is it? Be patient. There he is. Laudner. Tell TJ what you told me. We're at max capacity. If we don't find a solution, we're going to start starving very soon. I know. I'm aware, but it sounds like you already have a plan. I have a solution. What's that? We kill the weak ones. We save the potential fighters and the laborers. We're not going

[00:34:31] to start killing the people I'm saving. You have too many, TJ. You have any solutions, TJ? As a matter of fact, I do. What is it? I just met with a man by the name of Ralph Wright. The leader of the area to the southeast? That's the man. He wants fighters to defend his community. In return, he'll give us uniforms, liquor, food. Where is he getting all this food from?

[00:35:00] He has control of multiple distribution centers. It's a win-win. We get rid of people and get more supplies. All right, TJ. See, I told you building your reputation would pay off. Yeah, that means you can go collect more people. Let's give it some time to stabilize first, son. We're not out of the woods yet. Whatever you want, Mr. Lee. In the meantime, I expect to see you in the gym. I want to personally oversee a few of your sessions. Yes, sir.

[00:35:31] I solved the problem. And he gives me more gym time? TJ, is everything all right? Everything is fine. What do you want? Did you get the new supply lists? However you worked out that deal, good job. It's exactly what we needed. I told you I would solve the problem. You did. I'm proud to have a leader like you. You care about these people. I'm trying to save as many as I can. Everyone could be useful now. We're definitely going to keep some bellies full with these new

[00:36:01] rations. It's what I do. Why don't you come over for dinner after you're done with Mr. Lee? I don't really have to see him until tomorrow. It's not like he's expecting me. I could come with you now. Then let's go. Damn it, Teresa. What is she doing out here? I'm sorry, TJ. She needed a shower and then I'm sick of your excuses. Susan, go back

[00:36:30] to your room. Yes, TJ. Your pasta better be good tonight, woman. It will be, TJ. Excuse the ladies, Alyssa. Please, come have a seat. Thank you. Bring us a bottle, Teresa. Yes, TJ. You're awfully quiet. I'm curious. About what? Who was that

[00:37:00] woman? She was from Henderson. She tried to kill me, her and her brother. My fighters killed her brother in the pit, but I promised him I would give his sister a second chance. I thought you didn't do that. He told me what I needed to know to save Henderson, so I gave him his sister's life. What will you do with her? Soon she will join my fighters. She just need to be broken and retrained. She'll learn how to behave. Is that what you do? Only with people who are worth my time, otherwise they

[00:37:30] become laborers. It's actually an extremely rewarding experience. The more intelligent people are, the harder it is to break them. You have to set your will against theirs and be persistent. If she has learned to behave, why keep her in a cell? Because she tried to kill me. She still has more suffering to do. As long as my housekeeper can respect my rules. Teresa? Rumor has it she makes the best pasta

[00:38:00] left in this world. Teresa, come over here. Yes, TJ. Teresa, this is Alyssa. Alyssa, Teresa. Nice to meet you, ma'am. Likewise, I've heard TJ commenting how well you do with supply management. I'm flattered by his kind words, but he's the one that keeps us stocked. I'm still amazed by a woman that could put up with him all the time. TJ, he talks a big talk, but his bark is much worse than his bite.

[00:38:30] I'm not sure about that. TJ, where's your restroom? Through my bedroom on the left. Dammit, Teresa, I told you not to get attached to Susan. She's here, I'm here, we talk. Then go out and talk with people. Leave her in the cell like I told you. You said keep her clean. Don't you have pasta to make? I do. Then go do it. Yes, TJ.

[00:39:10] You're quiet again. Your room is so simple. Maybe it needs a woman's touch. There's chains on your bed and hanging from your walls in your living room. Not all women are smart like you, but most learn quickly. Oh. Dinner is served. What about the people we left behind? We'll send

[00:39:39] squads out for them. What do you mean, Will? Are you going to join them again? I'm not a landowner anymore. If I don't, I'll end up in the camp. You and Ginger will be housed with the landowners. Look at all those people going into the camp. A lot more people were made homeless last night, Ginger. Someone has to stabilize the chaos and the only thing people will respect is force. If I would have done that in Peach Springs, maybe we wouldn't be in this position. We tried to help. It was the right thing to do.

[00:40:09] We did, and they still robbed us blind. There's the city. Looks like the line isn't so bad today. What town are you all from? We have people from Kingman and Peach Springs. Take your vehicles over into that line for refugee processing. Hold on a second. A large group of these people are landowners, and myself and these two men were part of the Mercs. Do you men have IDs? No, but Radio Sergeant Bingham,

[00:40:38] he'll vouch for me. He's playing the city today. Let me get Captain Reno on the line. Excellent. Fingers crossed this guy remembers us. Okay. The captain will see you. Everyone else, get in the refugee line. Virgis, what's going on here? We were supposed to get landowner status. Set type. I'll get this straightened out.

[00:41:25] Cole Virgis, Tim Monroe, and Bill Chap. I am Captain Paul Reno, and as you can imagine, I have a busy schedule and a great many things to attend to. The soldier at the gate told the landowners from Peach Springs to get in the refugee line. That town is listed as Badlands territory. The refugees, and so are you. Is Nicholton in town? No. The mercs are on the round loop. Sir! Excuse me for a minute.

[00:41:55] It appears I was mistaken. There is a Major General Barnes here to see you three. They're classing them all as refugees, even Ginger? Let's stay cool, Monroe. I don't want to end up in a cage, Virgis. But Ginger can, and you're cool with that. I'm trying to make it so no no one will end up in a cage, but the last time I saw Major General Barnes, we didn't exactly part on good terms. Virgis, Monroe, Chappie, Addiesman. Yes, sir. I was on my

[00:42:25] way to find you when the tsunami hit. My home was lost in the wave. I heard about the classification before Arizona well before the wave. You knew this was coming, sir? More or less. Arizona's lands aren't considered critical infrastructure. National triage. Exactly. Why didn't General McClintock send for us? I wanted to come myself. I wanted to ask you myself to accept your ranks back. Thanks for making the effort, sir. Before you say anything else, let me explain. The feds are

[00:42:54] putting us in charge of the badlands. They will man Las Vegas, the California border checkpoint up north, and a southern checkpoint. We need a quality leader here to oversee the refugee roundup here and maintain order once it's done. You are the man for this job. If you don't take it, you're going into that camp. Doesn't seem like we have much of a choice. That's why I wanted to come myself, to show you that you are a respected member of the force, and it would be our honor to have you back. Monroe, Chappy, what do you think? I think we'd be morons if we didn't

[00:43:24] accept. I second that. Looks like you've got yourself a deal, Major General Barnes. Very good, Major. We have housing accommodations set up for you three. We have five squads ready to assist. We'll meet again in the morning for further debriefing, but this will be your show, Major. In the meantime, get some chow and some rest. You'll find clean uniforms in your rooms. Thank you, sir. Your country thanks you for your service.

[00:43:47] 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

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