4-12 The Bus

[00:00:02] Pain is the great equalizer, the secret to life.

[00:00:08] From the time I was a boy, I learned to always inflict pain faster than my opponent,

[00:00:14] to never let pain guide my decisions, and always harness the pain from my own strength.

[00:00:19] The great quake brought misery and death to a callous number of people,

[00:00:24] but it made me, ruler of my domain, the greatest bounty hunter to ever live.

[00:00:33] No one, no one dares run from T.J. Swenson, except one.

[00:00:39] They call her the lone survivor, the savior of the refugees,

[00:00:45] but she is my greatest bounty ever.

[00:00:49] This is life on the changing earth.

[00:00:59] How did it go?

[00:01:01] Master Rowan didn't have a problem with Nancy staying there.

[00:01:04] His place was incredible.

[00:01:07] He even has some of Daniel's paintings on the wall.

[00:01:10] Daniel's art is magnificent.

[00:01:13] And the gardens out back were breathtaking.

[00:01:16] No wonder Daniel likes hanging out there.

[00:01:19] Did you get your extra rounds for the bus?

[00:01:22] Yes, Bennett.

[00:01:23] You want to do a weapons check?

[00:01:25] Do I need to?

[00:01:26] No.

[00:01:27] What is your problem?

[00:01:28] Nothing.

[00:01:29] Vince?

[00:01:29] Talk to her.

[00:01:30] You know what?

[00:01:31] I don't have time for this.

[00:01:32] I have to go meet with Fergus.

[00:01:34] I'll see you at the bus.

[00:01:35] Whatever.

[00:01:41] You haven't told me how I went with Greg and Penny last night.

[00:01:44] I've been so busy, I haven't seen Jen in a couple of days now.

[00:01:49] Nobody told you?

[00:01:50] Told me what?

[00:01:51] Greg's whole family went with Grandma and Grandpa's group.

[00:01:54] They needed able-bodied fighters, since so much of the force was going to Denver.

[00:01:58] Oh.

[00:02:00] I would have liked to have said goodbye.

[00:02:02] It was a sudden decision.

[00:02:04] I know.

[00:02:05] It's just with Dexter gone.

[00:02:07] And now them two.

[00:02:12] How are we doing in here, folks?

[00:02:14] Just get ready.

[00:02:16] What can I help with?

[00:02:17] We're pretty much all set.

[00:02:20] I'm set.

[00:02:20] I'm set, too.

[00:02:22] We'll meet you two out by the gate.

[00:02:23] And don't forget your cloak.

[00:02:25] I got it, Mom.

[00:02:27] Is everything okay?

[00:02:29] My brother left, and now I didn't even get to say goodbye to Jen and Roxy.

[00:02:33] They just left me.

[00:02:34] It's crazy time, Star.

[00:02:36] I'm sure they didn't mean it.

[00:02:37] But now I'm going into battle.

[00:02:39] I don't know if I will ever survive.

[00:02:41] I don't know if I will ever get the chance to say goodbye.

[00:02:44] Hey, look.

[00:02:45] Everything is going to be okay.

[00:02:47] You can say that, but you don't know that.

[00:02:49] I believe that.

[00:02:50] In this life or the next, I will never leave you, Star.

[00:02:54] Everyone leaves me, Kyle.

[00:02:55] How long did your dad wait for your mom?

[00:02:57] He would have waited forever.

[00:02:59] I will, too.

[00:03:00] I'm here, and I'm not leaving.

[00:03:02] Thank you, Kyle.

[00:03:04] Tell me where-

[00:03:50] If you're asking, go scout the bus she's riding on.

[00:03:52] Yes, sir.

[00:03:57] Come on, Sheila.

[00:03:58] Today you go back where you belong.

[00:04:01] Did you miss your girlfriend?

[00:04:03] I did.

[00:04:04] I missed my vodka.

[00:04:05] I thought you brought a bottle with you.

[00:04:07] I did, but it's not enough.

[00:04:10] We've already been here too long.

[00:04:12] But we are so close, DJ.

[00:04:14] Nothing is going to stop us this time.

[00:04:17] I can't wait to break this girlie, Sergei.

[00:04:20] I've been waiting for years.

[00:04:22] Speaking of, what has taken Carl so long?

[00:04:25] I don't know.

[00:04:27] Bishop.

[00:04:29] Bishop.

[00:04:30] What, TJ?

[00:04:31] Where did Carl go?

[00:04:32] To get a status update from Rodriguez.

[00:04:35] What are you reading?

[00:04:36] The Bible.

[00:04:37] You still think there's a God after all we've seen?

[00:04:41] No, more than ever.

[00:04:42] Whatever floats your boat.

[00:04:44] I'm going to find Carl.

[00:04:46] I'll go with you.

[00:04:50] My mother used to read the Bible.

[00:04:53] Teresa used to talk about some of that stuff.

[00:04:54] But Mr. Lee has never seemed worried about it.

[00:04:57] And I'd rather be a God than worship one.

[00:05:00] Amen, brother.

[00:05:01] It was two of Rodriguez's men that tried to take Erica out.

[00:05:34] What?

[00:05:34] Don't they know what we're here for?

[00:05:36] They were trying to be heroes, TJ.

[00:05:38] The Supreme General would have tore them off, though.

[00:05:42] He told me to bring her home pure and unbroken.

[00:05:46] That's no fun at all.

[00:05:48] There will be plenty of time for fun once the Supreme General is done with her.

[00:05:53] Is Rodriguez coming to Denver?

[00:05:55] No.

[00:05:56] The Supreme General has other plans for him.

[00:05:59] The five of us is more than we need anyway.

[00:06:02] Come on.

[00:06:03] Let's go get the boys and get this over with.

[00:06:05] Sounds good to me.

[00:06:32] Disaster Coffee is fueling disaster relief in America.

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[00:06:47] That's disastercoffee.com.

[00:06:50] Would you stop?

[00:07:00] We have to get dressed.

[00:07:03] Packed your gear four times last night.

[00:07:05] I have to make sure I didn't forget anything.

[00:07:11] We have a few more minutes.

[00:07:13] No, we don't, baby face.

[00:07:17] Are you sure?

[00:07:19] Well, maybe a few more minutes.

[00:07:22] Just a little.

[00:07:34] The trucks are loaded.

[00:07:36] See, we have to go.

[00:07:37] Damn it.

[00:07:38] You're fine.

[00:07:48] Come on in.

[00:07:51] We're getting down to the wire, sir.

[00:07:53] I know.

[00:07:54] We're coming.

[00:07:54] Eli has been calling for you, Cassidy.

[00:07:57] He knows what to do.

[00:07:59] Knock, knock.

[00:08:00] Good morning, sir.

[00:08:01] Bennett.

[00:08:02] Zareka locked and loaded.

[00:08:03] She's geared up and headed toward the bus, sir.

[00:08:05] I'll see you later, baby face.

[00:08:08] Excuse me, fellas.

[00:08:09] Hold on a second, Miss Cassidy Baker.

[00:08:12] Love you too, Cole.

[00:08:20] Make sure you come home to me.

[00:08:22] Just a little time.

[00:08:26] Any updates I need to know about, sir?

[00:08:28] Everything's on track.

[00:08:30] Fight well, Patrick.

[00:08:31] We'll see you back at command when the job is done.

[00:08:33] Your team is assembled, sir.

[00:08:35] Then let's get them moving out.

[00:08:36] Yes, sir.

[00:08:37] I should have told my mom where we were going.

[00:09:10] She would have told Bennett.

[00:09:12] Bennett never would have let us go.

[00:09:13] I know.

[00:09:15] Are you sure this waterway will lead to a road?

[00:09:17] It's a pretty sure thing that water will lead to roads or towns.

[00:09:22] But I've never been here before.

[00:09:24] You were supposed to scout the mission before we left.

[00:09:27] I did.

[00:09:28] I know the highway is up here somewhere.

[00:09:32] There it is.

[00:09:33] I'm getting into the central region.

[00:09:49] Most people are trying to escape from there, not get in.

[00:09:53] It's going to be a trick.

[00:09:54] You don't think your act like you're part of the work crew routine will work?

[00:09:58] It's the central freaking region, Johnny.

[00:10:02] I don't think you'd want to be on that work crew.

[00:10:06] You're not lying.

[00:10:08] I heard the central region is like one big prison.

[00:10:11] That's comforting.

[00:10:13] Don't worry.

[00:10:13] We got this.

[00:10:14] I'd do anything to see my dad one more time.

[00:10:17] I've got your back.

[00:10:18] Thanks, Dex.

[00:10:19] Hey, everyone.

[00:10:50] This is Phil Rabley from the Matter of Facts Podcast, voicing the role of Cole Verges.

[00:10:55] If prepping guns and politics sounds like your cup of tea, come check out the Matter of Facts Podcast every Friday on iTunes, Citroen, Spotify with my co-host, Andrew Bobo.

[00:11:02] I guess this is the worst part about falling in love with a soldier.

[00:11:12] It's been a long time since I was worried about someone at home.

[00:11:15] You be careful.

[00:11:17] We were just getting started.

[00:11:18] And I can't wait to continue the adventure.

[00:11:20] Where will I find you?

[00:11:22] I'll meet you in Denver.

[00:11:23] There's a civilian caravan coming in to help with food supplies and resource backup for the fighters.

[00:11:29] You joined that crew?

[00:11:30] I did.

[00:11:31] I would feel better if you'd wait here.

[00:11:33] Patrick, I've always made my own way.

[00:11:36] This is the way I can help.

[00:11:39] You're free, so make your own decisions.

[00:11:40] Well, thank you for your permission.

[00:11:43] But I don't think we're quite there yet.

[00:11:46] I don't want to argue.

[00:11:47] Then don't.

[00:11:48] Wish me luck like I did you.

[00:11:51] Good luck.

[00:11:52] I'll see you later.

[00:11:58] Looks like Bennett has a lady.

[00:11:59] A fine lady, if that.

[00:12:02] What do you think, Bishop?

[00:12:03] You want a piece of that?

[00:12:05] We came here to get a job done, TJ.

[00:12:08] Not gawk at women.

[00:12:10] Oh, come on, Bishop.

[00:12:11] Maybe he likes men.

[00:12:13] I can get you one of those when we get home.

[00:12:16] I'm fine.

[00:12:17] Carl, your boy here is not much fun.

[00:12:20] But he's loyal.

[00:12:21] I guess that will do.

[00:12:24] You five gentlemen have been chosen for a special assignment.

[00:12:28] Please follow me.

[00:12:29] We're headed out with Erica's team to distribute the weapons and provide camp support.

[00:12:44] And the vehicle?

[00:12:46] We'll be ready when we need it.

[00:12:47] Well done, Merkley.

[00:12:49] I'm putting everything on the line to bring her down.

[00:12:52] And you will be well compensated.

[00:12:55] Just imagine when you control the West.

[00:12:57] All that money.

[00:12:59] And power.

[00:13:00] And women.

[00:13:02] You can have your pick of any woman you want.

[00:13:05] What about Erica's daughter?

[00:13:07] Unfortunately, we have to eliminate her.

[00:13:10] Or I would have taken her myself.

[00:13:12] Come on.

[00:13:13] We have to make sure the shipment is ready to go.

[00:13:16] Lead the way.

[00:13:17] Are you nervous?

[00:13:28] That's a pretty broad question right now.

[00:13:31] I mean about the crowd.

[00:13:33] Soldiers.

[00:13:34] After what happened when we left the homestead.

[00:13:37] It's cool, Victoria.

[00:13:38] They're on our side.

[00:13:39] Yeah.

[00:13:41] To fix!

[00:13:52] You all set to go, Cupcake?

[00:13:53] Yep.

[00:13:54] What about you, Vince?

[00:13:55] I'm as ready as I'll ever be.

[00:13:57] We're starred.

[00:13:58] Kyle.

[00:13:59] They're coming.

[00:14:00] Let's load up, Bennett.

[00:14:02] How you doing, Erica?

[00:14:03] You ready for this?

[00:14:05] Ladies and gentlemen, the savior of the refuge.

[00:14:37] See, you made it.

[00:14:38] We made it, didn't we?

[00:14:39] Just in time, superstar.

[00:14:42] I got an extra seat here.

[00:14:43] Do you know all these people, Mom?

[00:14:45] Yeah.

[00:14:46] The two men with Cassidy are Phillip and Eli.

[00:14:48] Phillip is Cassidy's guard, and Eli is one of the major directors of the militia.

[00:14:52] He was friends with Cassidy's dad.

[00:14:55] And he did not like your mom when they first met.

[00:14:58] That's true.

[00:14:59] But that's all in the past now.

[00:15:01] The hillbilly-looking guy is Ned.

[00:15:04] He's a friend of Cassidy's brother.

[00:15:06] Usually that group of homestead fighters don't fight with the mercs or the militias.

[00:15:09] I can't believe you convinced him to join us.

[00:15:12] Cassidy asked, and he agreed.

[00:15:14] I didn't have anything to do with it.

[00:15:16] You have everything to do with it.

[00:15:19] I can believe Victoria agreed to come along with us, but Henson?

[00:15:22] When he found out who I was, he had a change of heart.

[00:15:25] I guess being evaded by the lone survivor is a badge of honor.

[00:15:31] Oh, come on.

[00:15:32] Ah, it's true.

[00:15:34] He's been talking it up all over the place.

[00:15:37] I'm glad we have Bennett and Nicholton with us.

[00:15:40] I just wish Cole would have come with us as well.

[00:15:43] Divide and conquer.

[00:15:45] I don't think it's supposed to work that way, Dad.

[00:15:47] It's the enemy that's supposed to get divided.

[00:15:50] Sounded cool, though, didn't it?

[00:15:52] I guess so.

[00:15:56] I'm so glad I didn't kill you.

[00:15:58] Likewise.

[00:15:59] I would have liked to have seen that fight.

[00:16:02] At least all you got was a bad headache.

[00:16:04] Tell me about it.

[00:16:06] How big is the force meeting us?

[00:16:08] It's a prepper group, about 500 strong, not extremely well armed, but tenacious as ever.

[00:16:14] With the munitions General Merkley is sending, they'll be a serious threat.

[00:16:18] Is General Merkley coming to Denver?

[00:16:20] That man doesn't leave his desk.

[00:16:22] He has sent his son to handle the exchange.

[00:16:25] The guy could make a diamond in his ass it's so tight.

[00:16:29] The bus is this way.

[00:16:37] The bus?

[00:16:38] Carl, you owe me so big for this.

[00:16:41] Come on.

[00:16:42] It won't be so bad.

[00:16:44] Think of all the sob stories you'll get to enjoy.

[00:16:47] We take her home.

[00:16:48] All this would be worth it.

[00:16:50] TJ.

[00:16:51] There she is.

[00:16:52] In that bus.

[00:16:54] Something's bothering her.

[00:16:56] It's going to be a big battle.

[00:16:59] Fight well, girly.

[00:17:01] TJ.

[00:17:02] Make sure you survive.

[00:17:04] So we can take you home.

[00:17:07] Relax, TJ.

[00:17:08] We'll get her.

[00:17:19] I've never seen those guys with Merkley before.

[00:17:23] Who?

[00:17:24] Those guys right there.

[00:17:25] Look.

[00:17:26] They look tough.

[00:17:28] New recruits.

[00:17:29] We've been flooded with them.

[00:17:31] I'll be right back.

[00:17:37] What's up?

[00:17:39] Again, Bennett.

[00:17:40] Really?

[00:17:41] Again what, Erica?

[00:17:42] Why didn't you tell me?

[00:17:44] Tell you what?

[00:17:45] That Yellowstone is in the process of erupting.

[00:17:48] What?

[00:17:49] Don't play dumb, Bennett.

[00:17:51] It doesn't suit you.

[00:17:52] Erica, I don't know where you got your information, but I haven't been informed of that situation.

[00:17:59] Please don't analyze me like that.

[00:18:01] I'm telling you the truth.

[00:18:03] Who told you that anyway?

[00:18:06] Where did you hear that?

[00:18:08] You know the restricted access door at the camp?

[00:18:11] Oh, no you didn't.

[00:18:13] We did.

[00:18:14] Vince?

[00:18:14] You were in on this?

[00:18:16] Of course he was.

[00:18:18] Yeah, I was.

[00:18:19] And you, Star?

[00:18:21] Oh, no.

[00:18:22] Don't look at me like that.

[00:18:23] What's back there?

[00:18:24] Scientists, I guess.

[00:18:26] We ran into Brad.

[00:18:27] That little turd from Minnesota?

[00:18:29] Yep.

[00:18:30] He told us that Yellowstone is erupting.

[00:18:33] Then we're all screwed, right?

[00:18:34] Brad doesn't think so.

[00:18:36] He thinks the quakes and fissures have released so much pressure that the eruption shouldn't be as impactful as predicted.

[00:18:43] But Merkley thinks he can use the eruption to keep us secure from the air attacks.

[00:18:47] We have anti-aircraft missiles on hand.

[00:18:49] They will attack from the air, if they fly at all.

[00:18:52] Why wouldn't they fly?

[00:18:54] The Air Force Academy was in Colorado Springs.

[00:18:56] We're hoping we can recruit their pilots.

[00:18:59] We can disarm their trackers and free them.

[00:19:01] Dr. Costanza found the code?

[00:19:03] He did.

[00:19:04] That explains why the brass insisted you have gas masks for everyone.

[00:19:09] What do gas masks have to do with planes?

[00:19:11] Nothing.

[00:19:12] But you do need masks to survive a volcanic eruption.

[00:19:16] The dust will stick to your lungs.

[00:19:18] I didn't get one.

[00:19:19] I have yours.

[00:19:20] There weren't enough, though.

[00:19:22] So they had soldiers making them with activated charcoal.

[00:19:25] I thought it was because of chemical threat.

[00:19:27] It still could be if those planes get in the air.

[00:19:30] But they can't fly in ash.

[00:19:33] How could you let your parents go north when you knew about this volcano?

[00:19:36] They couldn't go south.

[00:19:38] He's right.

[00:19:39] The refugees are flooding the small slice of Texas that's left.

[00:19:43] The bounty hunters are rounding up large numbers.

[00:19:45] Dixon is trying his best to hold it together.

[00:19:47] But with so many fighters up here, it's getting crazy down there.

[00:19:51] Once the fighters come home, it will be a long cleanup process.

[00:19:56] I didn't want them going into that mess.

[00:19:58] North is still the best option.

[00:20:01] Brad said they would be okay.

[00:20:03] If the eruption is like he says, they may have to shelter in place for a day or two.

[00:20:09] Did you warn them?

[00:20:10] It would have only given them more to worry about.

[00:20:13] I told Greg, and he said he'd look out for Mom and Dad.

[00:21:13] Yes, sir.

[00:21:14] Remember what I said about staying focused?

[00:21:17] I'm here, sir.

[00:21:18] Go on.

[00:21:19] These people we're going to meet have only heard of your legend.

[00:21:22] We need you to make a strong appearance as well.

[00:21:25] Don't I always?

[00:21:26] But I know your head is somewhere else.

[00:21:28] Same place mine is.

[00:21:30] We're in about Dex.

[00:21:32] Look, guys.

[00:21:32] I've been out with Dexter and Johnny.

[00:21:34] Those boys can blend.

[00:21:36] If they wanted to disappear, they easily could.

[00:21:38] Especially with Pontever on their trail.

[00:21:41] No offense to her, but she's not the best tracker.

[00:21:44] I can't believe he left.

[00:21:46] Right before the battle.

[00:21:47] Now, wherever they went, they didn't want to be followed.

[00:21:50] Regardless, we still have a mission to do, and I'd like to see you live through it.

[00:21:55] Yes, sir.

[00:21:56] Vince?

[00:21:56] Yes, sir.

[00:21:59] Hi, this is Sarah F. Hathaway, the creator of the Changing Earth series and the voice of Erica Moore.

[00:22:33] Visit changingearthseries.com to explore the novels behind the drama and the survival knowledge behind the stories.

[00:22:40] Join the Changing Earth membership program and get one week early access to the show.

[00:22:45] We appreciate you helping the Changing Earth world go round.

[00:22:49] Visit us at www.changingearthseries.com.

[00:22:53] That's www.changingearthseries.com.

[00:22:57] Hello, this is L. Douglas Hogan, voice of T.J. Swenson.

[00:23:01] You can follow me at Amazon or go to facebook.com slash honor your oath.

[00:23:05] I look forward to seeing you there.

[00:23:14] Look, bro.

[00:23:14] A car is coming.

[00:23:26] Boys headed.

[00:23:27] To Armarello.

[00:23:28] To catch the ferry.

[00:23:29] Headed that direction myself.

[00:23:31] Hi.

[00:23:32] Be quiet, Missy.

[00:23:33] You two look like you could hold your own.

[00:23:37] I could use a couple of young men like yourselves to help me guard my shipment.

[00:23:43] We may be interested.

[00:23:45] Do you have trackers?

[00:23:46] No.

[00:23:47] Do you have a landowner's pass?

[00:23:49] No.

[00:23:50] How's that?

[00:23:51] We lived in a free town out west.

[00:23:53] It was destroyed in the last wave.

[00:23:55] Refugees without trackers.

[00:23:58] Interesting.

[00:24:00] Do you have a landowner's pass?

[00:24:01] Of course I do.

[00:24:03] How else do you think I could carry cargo into the central region?

[00:24:09] And if you're real good, I'll show you how you can get one for yourself.

[00:24:14] What do you say?

[00:24:16] You want a ride?

[00:24:17] I don't know.

[00:24:18] Sounds good to us.

[00:24:19] Get in the back, Missy.

[00:24:22] One of you ride up here with me.

[00:24:24] The other can get in the back with my cargo and keep an eye on it.

[00:24:34] Hello.

[00:24:35] Oh, no need to talk to the cargo, son.

[00:24:38] Um, what's your name, boy?

[00:24:40] Name's Jonathan Johnson.

[00:24:42] And my friend back there is Justin Case.

[00:24:44] Well, nice to meet you, fellas.

[00:24:47] My name's Jasper Parker.

[00:24:50] Where are you taking your cargo?

[00:24:51] This group is headed for the central region.

[00:24:55] Well, good-looking ones go to the central region.

[00:24:58] The ugly ones, they go down south to Mexico.

[00:25:02] Fascinating.

[00:25:03] Don't judge me, boy.

[00:25:05] Man's got to eat, don't he?

[00:25:08] Just one of those girls can feed me for a month.

[00:25:11] I didn't realize trade was so lucrative.

[00:25:14] With all those refugees on the move, it's easy to snatch one of them.

[00:25:19] Oh, the Mexican cartels and the elites in the central region,

[00:25:23] they pay damn good money for clean girls.

[00:25:26] Maybe I'm in the wrong business.

[00:25:28] You just may be, son.

[00:25:31] Fighting with the mercs is lost cause anyhow.

[00:25:35] The world has ended.

[00:25:37] Might as well go out with food in my belly, a few girls.

[00:25:41] Right, missy?

[00:25:42] Yes, Jasper.

[00:25:55] Remember, guys, when we exit the bus here, Erica and Cassidy are our top priorities.

[00:26:01] We box around our persons of interest and take them into the building, and then we extend

[00:26:06] our perimeter.

[00:26:07] You got that?

[00:26:07] Yes, sir.

[00:26:08] Ladies and gentlemen, the lone survivor.

[00:26:42] Equal.

[00:26:44] Let's move, ladies.

[00:26:46] On point.

[00:26:46] I think introducing you will ever get old.

[00:26:57] How are you, gentlemen?

[00:27:02] Happy to see you.

[00:27:04] Just like I told you, Darren, weapons to fight the good fight.

[00:27:07] It's not just about the weapons, Cassidy.

[00:27:09] You guys brought hope and motivation.

[00:27:11] Don't you think the feds are doing a fine job of that on their own?

[00:27:14] They sure are.

[00:27:15] The feds are only letting landowners back into the north.

[00:27:18] Why would they do that?

[00:27:19] I don't know, but all refugees are being turned away.

[00:27:22] Don't they need the labor?

[00:27:24] They said their camps are too full and they don't care where their loyalties lie.

[00:27:27] The central region is snatching people up, though, using them to clean the nuclear waste

[00:27:32] in Illinois.

[00:27:33] That's a death sentence.

[00:27:34] That's why we're fighting.

[00:27:36] We'll be better off without the feds.

[00:27:38] But enough of that.

[00:27:40] We haven't been introduced to your traveling companion yet.

[00:27:43] This is Miss Erica Moore.

[00:27:44] Her presence is sure to draw the feds out of their holes.

[00:27:48] Hello.

[00:27:48] Nice to meet you.

[00:27:49] Darren Patel and my wife, Sabrina.

[00:27:52] My tall friend here is Craig.

[00:27:55] Ma'am, will you excuse me?

[00:28:01] Hold up, Craig.

[00:28:02] I'll introduce you to Staff Sergeant Merkley.

[00:28:05] The General's son.

[00:28:06] He sure is.

[00:28:09] How did you two get wrapped up in this?

[00:28:11] Before the quake, I camped a lot and was into outdoor stuff.

[00:28:16] My wife, Sabrina, grew up in a prepper family.

[00:28:19] When I met her and she started showing me the preparedness lifestyle, it just made sense.

[00:28:25] You were preparing before the quake?

[00:28:27] Yeah, we even ran a survival training school.

[00:28:30] When everything went down, the community of survivors started looking to us for direction.

[00:28:34] Then when everyone got sick, my nursing skills sure paid off.

[00:28:38] A lot of people are still in our group thanks to Sabrina.

[00:28:41] Anyway, it wasn't by choice that we became the leaders.

[00:28:43] It just kind of happened.

[00:28:44] I never chose to be in this position either.

[00:28:47] Really?

[00:28:48] Sometimes, life just deals you cards and you have to just play them.

[00:28:52] Isn't that the truth?

[00:28:54] I have a feeling those medical skills are about to come in handy again.

[00:28:57] I have the same feeling.

[00:28:59] Guess we should check out these weapons.

[00:29:01] I'm going to go check in at the medical tent and make sure we're ready.

[00:29:05] It was so nice to have met you.

[00:29:07] It was nice to meet you two.

[00:29:08] Come on, Erica.

[00:29:09] Bennett's waiting for us.

[00:29:19] Seemed decent enough to me.

[00:29:20] I bet we would have been friends in another life.

[00:29:23] Their man, Craig, runs the military operation.

[00:29:26] Good job.

[00:29:27] Keep those ears open, okay?

[00:29:29] Yes, sir.

[00:30:15] It's Jane Austen, otherwise known as Survivor Jane and the voice of Dolores Chapman.

[00:30:35] I'd like to invite you to my website, SurvivorJane.com, where I write in a conversational tone on topics of how better to prepare yourself and family.

[00:30:44] You can also find links to my books, What Could Possibly Go Wrong, Emergency Survival Hygiene, and my game book, Puzzling Over Preparedness.

[00:30:54] You can also find information on Prepper Camp, the largest three-day preparedness event in the country every fall, hosted by myself and my husband, Rick Austin.

[00:31:15] There she is.

[00:31:20] Bennett's going to be a problem.

[00:31:21] He's a skilled soldier.

[00:31:24] Do we have to minimize the number of guards around here?

[00:31:27] Ladies and gentlemen, the lone survivor.

[00:31:57] They left the youngest boy at the homesteads.

[00:32:00] We can't circle back.

[00:32:02] I'll have Rodriguez keep an eye out for him.

[00:32:06] The daughter is with Erica.

[00:32:08] They'll move together as a team.

[00:32:10] We can take her and her husband out when we take Erica.

[00:32:13] What about the eldest boy?

[00:32:15] He's M-I-A-T-J.

[00:32:18] From what I've heard, even his family doesn't know where he is.

[00:32:22] I hate to leave loose ends, but we can pick him up later.

[00:32:30] The battle will scatter and eliminate her entourage.

[00:32:33] The Supreme General is ready for them.

[00:32:37] The buildings are loaded with our best snipers.

[00:32:40] That's what I want to hear.

[00:32:42] Once they squash their army, they can press north and finish the job.

[00:32:46] All we need to do is pluck Erica out of the chaos.

[00:32:54] Line them up according to shooting ability.

[00:32:56] Those who are better shots take rifles.

[00:32:59] The others take shotguns.

[00:33:01] Yes, sir.

[00:33:01] You have your command teams and designation.

[00:33:04] Yes, sir.

[00:33:06] Sergei, Gerber, and Bishop stay to help Merkley.

[00:33:09] Carl, let's go scout.

[00:33:11] Baby, I'm coming.

[00:33:13] Coming for ya.

[00:33:14] Baby, I'm coming.

[00:33:16] Coming for ya.

[00:33:18] Baby, I'm coming.

[00:33:20] Coming for ya.

[00:33:22] Baby, I'm coming.

[00:33:24] Coming for ya.

[00:33:30] I hate the calm before the storm.

[00:33:32] That's always the worst part.

[00:33:35] So many of them won't be coming home.

[00:33:38] We gotta do what we gotta do.

[00:33:40] I know, Vince.

[00:33:46] Come on, Cupcake.

[00:33:46] We're headed out.

[00:33:55] First stop is Littleton.

[00:33:56] We need to sweep the feds out to clear a path east to Centennial.

[00:34:00] That's where we'll make our stand.

[00:34:09] It's started.

[00:34:11] 10-4, sir.

[00:34:14] Okay, people.

[00:34:15] We have federal turret sites up ahead.

[00:34:17] They're armed with .50 caliber machine guns.

[00:34:19] We'll take it from the rear.

[00:34:21] Hello?

[00:34:22] Not yet.

[00:34:23] Right now, we want them to know we're here.

[00:34:25] I'll let you know when.

[00:34:28] This is our stop.

[00:34:33] Move forward.

[00:34:34] Wags formation.

[00:34:36] It's too quiet.

[00:34:50] Stack down this alley.

[00:34:52] Erica, you're with me.

[00:34:53] You don't want me in front, sir?

[00:34:55] No.

[00:34:55] But I'm the smallest.

[00:34:57] Everyone can shoot over me.

[00:34:58] Just get over here.

[00:34:59] Yes, sir.

[00:35:00] Kyle, you're on point.

[00:35:19] In the large force before we take them out.

[00:35:21] Our rounds won't penetrate that concrete barrier.

[00:35:24] The rain has packed it tight.

[00:35:26] Shoot at the top and you can chip the concrete shards at them.

[00:35:29] They'll radio it in.

[00:35:31] Then we can hit them with explosives.

[00:35:32] Yes, sir.

[00:35:33] Spread out into these buildings.

[00:35:36] Everyone pick a target.

[00:35:49] There's a large group approaching from the north.

[00:35:52] Hold your fire.

[00:37:01] A frosty.

[00:37:02] Yes, sir.

[00:37:51] Thank you for listening to the Changing Earth audio drama.

[00:37:55] Based off of the novel series, The Changing Earth by author Sarah F. Hathaway.

[00:38:01] Available at Amazon or get your signed copies at www.changingearthseries.com.

[00:38:08] This content is copywritten in 2023 by author Sarah F. Hathaway.

[00:38:14] For a list of performers, music, and noise attributes, head on over to www.changingearthseries.com.

[00:38:22] Become a subscriber and help the Changing Earth world go around.

[00:38:27] Pick up your Changing Earth gear at www.changingearthseries.com.

[00:38:33] Don't forget to leave a review or like and subscribe to the YouTube channel author Sarah F. Hathaway.

[00:38:39] Stay tuned for the next episode of the Changing Earth audio drama.