In the Stahl home, Nathan is sitting alone thinking with a beer bottle as Sarah prepares to go to Kyle's home.
Nathan: Going to go take care of Kyle again?
Sarah approaches Nathan.
Sarah: Nathan, what are you doing?
Nathan: Peachy....just having one last drink....one last sip of alcohol...might be my last...
Nathan drinks bottle.
Nathan: Because Shawn is out there gathering people for a fight that we won't win.....and after what just happened to Union City, we won't win....we were all dead the moment the bombs fell.
Sarah: Nathan, the group and I have been talking.....we think you need to take some time off...and let Kyle and Shawn lead...just for a little while...
Nathan laughs.
Nathan: Kyle is fucking wounded while Shawn is out there playing cowboys and Indians....do you think they're better leaders? Better than me?
Sarah: Well....I'm not saying they're better tha-
Nathan: Oh, he is....Kyle is...mmm....do you like him?
Sarah: excuse me?
Nathan: I've seen the way you look at him...the way you defend him....like he's your bread and butter...Mmm-hmm, it's typical. Figures.....you don't want Blake, a guy who was going to be Mayor of Midtown Manhattan, with a clean record, but you'll go for some guy who fucked up his military record.
Sarah: Why do you hate Kyle so much? He's not a soldier anymore.....whoever you think he is.
Nathan: I don't think Dad would approve of this.
Sarah: But even if he was here, it's not his or your decision.
Nathan stands up and walks toward Sarah, touching her face.
Nathan: ...but what do you think he would say about you having feelings for man that worked for a company, who murdered children?
Sarah: Nathan...he was....he's not anymore...that's his business...he's nothing like Thomas...
Nathan: But he tells you...everything.....Would you fuck him? Huh? You like the Zeus Corps cock? I mean...maybe he sabotaged the run whispered in Shawn's ear to tell us to go to that community so he could get rid of Blake! Take out competition that was better than him!
Sarah: Don't talk about him or Blake like that!
Nathan: "Don't talk about him like that"? What? Are you defending him? That son of a bitch has gotten our town killed...he's not doing nothing right and you're playing into his little bullshit magic spell...
Sarah: Nathan! Stop! God! I'm not having this fucking conversation with you....
Sarah walks off, but Nathan grabs her wrist.
Nathan: Hey! Don't turn away from me! Look at me when I'm talking to you!
Sarah: Stop! Nathan! God! Who the fuck do you think you are?! You're not Dad!
Nathan: I'm the one trying to protect my family while Kyle is out there playing "soldier"!
Sarah: Well, stop! You're not helping us! You're hurting yourself and it's getting everyone killed!
Nathan: So...so...I didn't save you? F-From Cratersville? From Kronos? Kyle didn't any of that.
Sarah: You don't know nothing about Kyle except rumors.
Nathan: You're the one taking care of a man who won't survive!
Sarah: He is surviving! He's strong! I'm not talking to you about this. I need to go.
Sarah attempts to leave, but Nathan stands in her way.
Sarah: Nathan...move...
Nathan: No...we need to talk about Kyle, okay?
Sarah: what? I need to talk about Kyle or you want to about Kyle?
Nathan: He's nothing, okay? Nothing. He's a goddamned washed-up soldier is what he is.
Sarah: What can I tell you about Kyle? About how you're wrong about him? What do you want me to say? That he's not a man like Stuart? Should I tell you about how Stuart took me up to his office? About how Stuart made me stand up and get naked in front of him? How he was standing behind me sniffing my neck? Touching me? How Stuart beat me and slammed my head and bent me over the table? Pushed himself against me? Unbuckling his belt? Now ask me; "did Stuart rape you?" Ask me; "did Stuart rape me?"
Nathan: Did Stuart rape you?
A short pause.
Sarah: No.....Kyle came in and stopped him...beat the shit out of him....even hacked his balls off.....he didn't kill him...he thought a worthless piece of shit like him deserved a slow death....but I was so violated....so traumatized.....so fucking angry at him....that I picked up the machete....and just....all I saw was red.....there was a lot of blood....on me....Kyle held me after I killed Stuart...that's when I saw light....happy now? That's why I say Kyle is a good man....all those things you thought about and still think about him....are a goddamn lie....he cares...not like you..
Nathan: That's a fucking lie. I do care.
Sarah: No. You don't.
Nathan: Yes, I do. Yes-
Sarah: No, you don't!
Nathan: I do! I do! I care about you and Ashley!
Sarah: If that was true, then why did you shoot at those soldiers who had us hostage? Huh?! Beth would be alive if you hadn't done that!
Nathan: Sarah...please....please...listen...I do care...I do care....I'm protecting you and Ashley...don't you see that? You guys...you guys are my family and I'm doing whatever it takes to keep you safe...if I had to do it again, with Beth being killed, just to keep you alive.....I would...I would...
Sarah: You know the difference between you and Kyle? He would never sacrifice anyone of his group to save himself...especially someone who had a sister....or someone who tried to help you...
Nathan: "tried to help me"? What the hell are you talking about?
Sarah: You know what I'm talking about...Zed! You killed him...didn't you?!
Nathan: Sarah...I don't know what Billy told you, but-
Sarah: You did, huh?! You left him for dead?! You abandoned a good man to be maimed and killed! I didn't want to believe it, but now I do....and I see it in your eyes...you're a fucking murder. It's not Kyle! It's you, Nathan!
Nathan: Sarah! Stop talking...now...
Sarah: or what? What are you going to do?! Huh?! Make up some other lie? You going to kill me?...it won't bring back the people we lost...you blame other people for your mistakes....and it doesn't help....it sure as hell you help you blame Kyle for Nora either!
Nathan: Shut up!
In an act of anger, Nathan puts her hand around Sarah's throat and begins strangling her.
Nathan: Don't you fucking get it, Sarah! I'm doing whatever it takes to do better than Kyle! I'm doing whatever it takes to make sure you or Ashley don't end up like Nora....
Nathan snaps out of his moment and releases Sarah's throat, revealing a bruise on her neck. Shocked, Sarah gives Nathan a look as he is horrified at what he has done.
Nathan: Sarah....Sarah...I'm sorry....I didn't mean to-
Sarah: Get the---Don't fucking touch me! Jesus Christ! I hate you!....who are you?
Sarah walks off as an angered Nathan tosses his beer bottle to a wall with Ashley watching.
Nathan: Fuck!
In his home, Kyle is seen exercising as there is a knock on the door. Kyle stands up and opens the door to Sarah.
Sarah: Hey...
Kyle: Hey...
Sarah clears throat.
Sarah: Is this a bad time?
Kyle: No, no, come on in....I was exercising....
Sarah: Good, uh, I see you're standing up...
Kyle: Yeah.....whatever you're doing, it's really helping....you okay?
Sarah: Yeah....it's just-Kyle, can I stay here tonight?
Kyle: Why? I mean-I don't mind, but....did something happen at home?
Sarah: It's just some troubles...
Kyle: Oh....you can sleep in my room tonight.
Sarah: Kyle, that's too much.
Kyle: No, it's not. You're a guest. I'm not going to have you sleeping on a hard ass couch....please...
Sarah nods in understanding, before she walks to Kyle's room. Sarah walks out of Kyle's room after changing into one of Kyle's buttoned shirt, before Kyle walks out of the bathroom and notices.
Kyle: Is that mine? That's one of my favorite shirts.
Sarah: uh....yeah....I hope you don't mind.
Kyle: No, it looks better on you....You want something to eat?
Sarah: Uh...no, I'm fine...
Sarah sits down on sofa.
Sarah: I need to talk to you about my brother.
Kyle sighs.
Kyle: what'd he do now?
Sarah presents the bruise on her neck to Kyle.
Kyle: What is that?
Sarah: We got into an argument...and uh....he....he was drunk....and he chocked me...
Kyle is shocked of what he just heard.
Kyle: What? He did this?
Kyle, shocked, walks towards his fridge and gets a pack of ice to put on Sarah's neck.
Sarah: He was just choking me....I couldn't even breathe... I'm getting scared of my own brother....
Kyle: Goddamn it.
Sarah: Kyle....please...don't hurt him....just...just talk to him....please don't hurt him....he's not thinking straight.... He's never done that....
Kyle: All right.....If you want, I'll talk to him...
Sarah: Only thing is; he won't listen. You'll have to make him. He's becoming crazy and dangerous ever since Nora died. He blames you and Shawn for everything...When you were captured, he suggested we left you for dead. I was going to come look for you myself. You saw what he did to that at the plant with Beth...he gunned down a Zeus pilot back at the facility. He's pulled a gun on James. He's threatened Shawn...He's scaring Ashley....Maya....he's...he's scaring people...he's scaring me and what's worse.....I think he killed Zed.
Kyle: What?
Sarah: I think he gave Zed up to the Skinwalkers, not just to survive, but he did it to not be killed by them....he thinks he's protecting me and Ashley....but who's protecting us from him?
Kyle: I....we don't know that.....I beat and took away something of a man who tried to hurt you....I've gunned people down who threatened our group.... I killed Nora....so she wouldn't turn into the one thing...I understand your brothers' hate for me...You asked me why I push people away and it's because I'm scared....I don't like getting attached to people, but you can say I'm attached to this group...to this city...to you....I was scared for you and I still am....for you.....for Ashley....your brother...Shawn...Billy...Walter...James....I'm not the fearless man you think I am....I'm just a monster that's afraid of what he's becoming and to watch people who I care about get hurt....I'm afraid of losing family again...like my brother.
Sarah: You had a brother?
Kyle: I have a brother, but.....we don't talk much....when I was younger, my brother wanted me to join the other wasteland military corporation....the A.O.W....but I was just interested in money....we argued and I felt really bad....but when I went back home, I returned to find him and his wife gone...they couldn't be involved with me, he said...I don't even know if they're alive...and then there's Sheila.
Sarah: Who's Sheila?
Kyle: She was someone who I cared about.....someone who I loved....someone who died because I made the wrong choice....she was my world.....I loved her....and I killed her.
Two Years Ago. 2028
At a nearby Blood Hog settlement, Barnes, Kyle, Brock, Jackal and a few other Zeus Corps Soldiers stand from afar, spying on the settlement.
Barnes: Okay, kid. Time to get your feet wet.
Kyle: Yes, sir.
Barnes: Remember what Ryder said. No innocents. No prisoners. No witnesses.
Kyle, Jackal and Brock sneak in and silently kill the settlement guards patrolling the area. Kyle opens fire on group of guards socializing in a shack, killing two of them via assault rifle, before using his Zeus Corps machete to impale the guard attempting to escape. After this, a figure appears behind Kyle, who turns and opens fire. Kyle's eyes widen as he takes a moment to realize the figure is Sheila, who is in shock as she stares at the bullet wound in her chest.
Sheila: Kyle....why?
Sheila falls to the ground as Kyle drops the Zeus Corps assault rifle and immediately rushes to tend to his dying former girlfriend.
Kyle: Fuck....Sheila...what are-
Sheila: Kyle....why did you-
Ryder: What do you got?
Barnes: Nothing....looks like the Blood Hogs cleaned this fucking place weeks ago.
Ryder: Goddammit.
Ryder walks over to Kyle as he holds Sheila in his arms.
Ryder: Sheila....fancy seeing you here.
Jackal: Fucking traitor....that was good shot, Desipich.
Brock: Yeah, not bad, kid.
Ryder: Gentlemen...unfortunately, these aren't the Blood Hog targets were looking for...but trust me, we'll find them even if we have to kill every single goddamn wasteland trash left.
Ryder turns to Barnes and Jackal.
Ryder: Barnes, Jackal...burn it down.
Barnes: Gladly....
Kyle stares into Sheila's eyes with sadness and guilt.
Ryder: Lieutenant Desipich....kill her.
Kyle looks up at Ryder.
Kyle: No....
Ryder: Excuse me?
Kyle: Not like this....please.
Ryder: She left you, son. She traded you for this life.
Kyle: She's innocent.
Ryder: She's a wasteland rat.
Ryder pulls out his pistol and shoots Sheila in the head.
Kyle: No!
Ryder: She never loved you....if she did, she would've stayed.....alright, let's fall back!
Kyle looks off in the distance as he holds his dead former girlfriend's body in his hands.
Present Day
After Kyle tells the story, Sarah is in tears.
Kyle: I was so fucking stupid.....I was a soldier....just following orders....Ryder knew she was my weakness....I think to myself; how could I not see it, but she did.
Sarah wipes a tear.
Sarah: Kyle, I'm so sorry...Sheila.....it wasn't your fault....You're not a monster....Kyle.....I could've have survived like this without you.
Kyle: You could've....
Sarah: No, I couldn't. I wouldn't have lasted this long without you, Kyle.....I mean besides Billy, Walter, James....everyone else...you're the one person I really do care for....you're my friend....you're one of the few people that I have left in this godforsaken world...I can't lose you, Kyle....after my Dad....a part of me wanted to die, but....every time I can't think I can live...you're the one who's pulled me through....the only reason I want to stay alive now...is because of you.....I just-I just wish I could've done better...make this better...I needed you to hear it...
Kyle: Sarah....
Sarah: I'm sorry....I just want you to know that...fuck, I-um....I'm sorry...I'm supposed to be talking to you about my brother and-
Kyle: Sarah, it's fine....tell me something; do you think we can win this?
A short pause.
Sarah: Yeah.....yeah, I do.....and I'm with you on this, Kyle.
Kyle: Why are you so confident about that?
A moment.
Sarah: Because we have you to lead us.
Kyle: I'm no leader...your brother is...but before she died, Nora herself said that she thinks Nathan couldn't lead anymore....I guess she was right...but what makes these people want to follow me?
Sarah: Because this city...these people...they believe in you....and so do I...
Sarah stands up and sits next to Kyle.
Sarah: you've got to stop doubting yourself...you saved my life...and I know you're probably tired of hearing it, but thank you again.
Kyle: Sarah. It's really nothing.
Sarah: No, it is. I'd be dead if it weren't for you. Kyle...
Kyle looks off in the distance, but Sarah lightly touches his lower chin as she looks him in the eyes.
Sarah: I really mean it. Thank you.
Slowly, Sarah leans in and kisses Kyle on the lips. Afterwards, the two step back.
Sarah: Um....I'm sorry...
Kyle: No, it's fine...
Sarah: Sorry...sorry...it was stupid...
Kyle: Sarah, really. It wasn't-
Sarah: No, it was. I...I was going on with my emotions and--
Kyle: Sarah, are you sure you're okay?
Sarah: Yeah, I'm just having a rough night. Sorry.....you know what; fuck it. No. I'm going to be honest. I meant to do that. I meant to kiss you, because...I kinda wanted to for a while....and not just because you saved my life, but...I really am grateful for that....I seriously don't know what I'd do without you, Kyle....trust me, if you had left or God forbid, died...it would've broken me...Blake saw it...and he was right...and the reason I never got with him...was because I....I've been thinking about you...a lot....Kyle, I don't want to survive this world by myself...and don't want to survive with even my brother or sister....and I shouldn't have said anything and just let things be.....but we've gotten close over the past few months and I know we're working towards something here with...Midtown Manhattan and building something....somewhere safe...and I just need you to know....wherever you are, I want to be....there's more people like us who are scared and hopeless, but when you're around, I don't feel so scared and hopeless....trust me; I know you didn't ask to get stuck with us and for someone to get attached to you, but I did....Sarah becomes tearful.
Sarah: and I'm sorry, Kyle...you're strong and kind....My brother's broken...but I feel like he can't protect us anymore....he's hasn't been the same and I hate it...I hate it...Goddammit...I don't know...I don't....
Sarah breaks down into tears, before Kyle hugs and comforts her.
Kyle: Are you feeling better now?
Sarah: Yeah....I'm sorry...I'm sorry...Please, don't go...please don't go...
Kyle: Sarah, I don't plan on dying.....and I do my best to promise.
Sarah: Guess that's all a girl can ask for right...a promise.
Kyle leans in and kisses Sarah. After a moment, Kyle and Sarah then share a kiss and begin to get intimate. Kyle climbs on top of Sarah as the two begin making love passionately. Later the night, after having sex, Sarah is sleeping under the covers when she awakens to find Kyle sitting up.
Sarah: Kyle....you okay?
Sarah sits up with Kyle, touching his arm gently.
Kyle: when your brother finds out about this....he's gonna be pissed.
Sarah: Hey.....I'm not afraid of him. He'll accept it....
Kyle faces Sarah.
Kyle: I didn't hurt you, did I?
Sarah: No...no...it was.....something....
Kyle: Sarah.....I don't want to hurt you...and I would never hurt you...
Sarah: I know you're not.....Kyle.....
Sarah brushes her hand through Kyle's hair, before kissing him as the two begin to get intimate. In the Prime Kronos Facility, in his office, Ryder is speaking with the photo of General Burton.
Ryder: You've managed to turn your son against me.....the son you could never be a father to....something's coming....something bad....the army of wolves....that are about to devour the sheep...your son....is among those sheep....
Ryder stands up and approaches the photo of Burton.
Ryder: and I promise you....I will make my kingdom on top of both your sons' dead corpses...old friend.
In Midtown Manhattan, Kyle is walking out of his home with Sarah helping him. In the streets, James, Shawn, Cassandra, Billy, Ashley, Nathan, Ashley, Mitchell, Mark and Jenna are seen moving supplies, before Mitchell notices Kyle walking.
Mitchell: Holy shit....
The other survivors turn to notice Kyle as they applaud for Kyles' recovery. James, Billy and Walter hug Kyle.
Walter: Guess you hold the crown at toughest son of a bitch in this group....2nd toughest. I still got 1st place.
Billy: Welcome back, son.
Kyle then thanks and hugs Mark and Jenna for ensuring his survival. Alexandria and Cassandra notice Kyle, before approaching him.
Alexandria: Kyle, are you okay?
Kyle: I'll live.....I'm sorry about Daniel...
Alexandria and Cassandra look down and nod.
Ashley: Kyle!
Ashley runs up to Kyle and hugs Kyle, before she kisses his cheek.
Ashley: I was getting worried.....I was afraid you wouldn't make it.
Kyle laughs.
Kyle: Your sister....she's one hell of a healer...
Nathan looks down, before Kyle approaches him. Nathan looks and nods.
Nathan: Good to see you're alive, brother...
Nathan offers a handshake, but Kyle instead hugs him. Kyle then approaches Shawn.
Kyle: Shawn, you are one of the bravest men I've ever met. You're a good man. Your dad would be proud.
Shawn nods, before the two perform a brotherly handshake.
Kyle: Thank you, wasteland brother.
Shawn: there's something you gotta see.
Shawn presents to Kyle the thousands of survivors he's recruited for the fight against Kronos.
Kyle: Well, I'll be goddamned....you did it...
Wyoming Survivor: I guess that's him....
Wyoming Survivor: Yeah, he said a tall wounded guy....I guess that is him.
Wayne approaches Kyle.
Wayne: Hey! You Kyle Desipich?
Kyle: Yeah....
Wayne: Is it true you're fighting against Kronos? Shawn said you'd be leading us.
Kyle is shocked at the news and gives Shawn a look.
Shawn: Hey....I said if they won't follow me or Nathan...they'd follow a man who knows the rule of the wasteland and Kronos....
Kyle: (quietly) I'm no leader, Shawn....
Shawn: They don't believe that. These men and woman want to see this man....who's escaped....from what I hear; their families have been taken by Kronos...and you're the first prisoner to ever escape in twenty one years....maybe, you can help get them back.....
Sarah: He's right, Kyle...they need a leader....they need you.
Kyle seems hesitant but complies.
Kyle: All right.
Kyle stands in front of the thousands of survivors on the red stairs in Time Square.
Kyle: My name is Kyle Desipich.....some of you may have heard that I was....the first person to be captured and ever escaped their custody....I was their prisoner....but I was also one of them....I was a Zeus Corps Soldier.....I helped aid them in taking away homes...families....in basically destroying our world.....and for that, I am sorry.....now Kronos has given us a message; that they still rule us, take whatever or whoever they want and no one can do a damn thing about it. For twenty-one years, since the nukes fell, since the infection began, we've been on our knees....we've been their prisoners... They've killed many people....most of our people.....our families....they've killed our Mayor....and now, they've killed Catherine....she was my friend and she died believing in something.....Well, I say it's we break the chains of being prisoners to Kronos..... Let's send them a message...that despite we live in ruins, we will not bow....despite we spend year after year, starving on whatever scraps we find, fighting like rabid dogs, we will not forfeit....that we are survivors and we don't need them to survive....to live!
The survivors begin to cheer on Kyle.
Kyle: We will prove to Kronos that to our last day; to the last bullet; to our last breath, we still fight for our families! Fight for our survival! Fight for our future which Kronos has taken from us! A future for our children! For our children's children! We're going to take back from them! Only one question; will you join me?
Wyoming Fighter: Yeah!
Kyle: Will you join me?!
Phoenix Fighter: Hell yeah!
Kyle: Will you join me in fighting for a future without Kronos to show them that they cannot rule us and together as survivors.....WE ARE DONE BEING THEIR PRISONERS!
Shawn: FOR THE WASTELAND!
James: FOR THE FUTURE!
The survivors cheer on and shout with war cries. Later, Kyle, Shawn, James, Billy, Alexandria, Walter, Mitchell and Cassandra have a meeting about how they will attack the Prime Kronos Facilities.
Kyle: We'd manage to get points here.
Kyle points at sections on the map.
Kyle: Here and here. We were thinking Billy should be in a sniper position.
Kyle looks at Billy.
Kyle: You're the only one that can hit a soda can from a mile away.
Billy: Got it.
Shawn: We still need a way to attack from the air and all we have is Jenna's Helicopter.
Walter: Plus, the size of that goddamned warship they're using is pretty big, like the size of the Titanic.....we may be useless in this fight.
Mitchell: Well, we're not completely empty handed.
James: You have a plan?
Mitchell: Well, there is the US Armed Air Force Base. The fighter jets should still be there if not looted.
James: You want to use fighter jets?
Mitchell: No, but there's got to be like...uh.....Mustangs and Gureviches and Hellcats.
Walter: Oh, c'mon, dawg! You mean fuckin carrier fighter planes?! We'll be blown out of the sky for sure!
Mitchell: What? It's a good plan! Besides, I have a pilot's license...
James: Actually, Mitchell's right....we can't use whatever planes are left, but those planes still have batteries and the cells in the batteries never really died out....it's just sitting there...I'm saying we should take some of the parts of what remains and build our own flying arsenal...
Cassandra: I think that would be a awesome idea.
James and Cassandra look at each other and smile.
Billy: Okay, so how are we going to destroy that cannon they've built?
Shawn: From what I've gotten from Olivia so far, it uses the energy of radioactive fluid and radiation that's dug into the Earth's core mixed with pulse energy....it's powered by a Xyphan Power Core....if we can destroy the core, we can destroy the cannon....in two days, Midtown Manhattan is the next target...so we've got today and tomorrow to gather whatever we can...
Alexandria: Okay....then I'll guess I'll stay here and keep the woman and children safe with the girls...
Cassandra: With Maya. I'm going to fight with you guys.
Alexandria: Cassandra-
Cassandra: Mom, they killed Dad....I'm not just going to sit here and babysit.
Alexandria: You know revenge is not what he would've wanted...
Cassandra: I'm not doing this for revenge....I'm doing this because it's the right thing to do...
Kyle: All right...then we head for US armed Air Force Base tomorrow morning at 06:00...
As everyone leaves, Shawn speaks to Kyle.
Shawn: You impressed with how many people I got for this?
Kyle: More or less....
Shawn laughs.
Shawn: You were right about Ryder. Just took me too long to see it through or maybe because I didn't want to.
Kyle: better late than ever, right? If weren't for you, I'd be dead right now.
Shawn: But Catherine-
Kyle: Shawn....that's not one you, man....she knows that...you made up for it.
Shawn: Just like the old times, Kyle.
Kyle: Yeah, just like the old times. Welcome to the world of a wastelander. You're one of us now, so get used to it, boy....You'll learn to like this life.
The next morning, a few vehicles drive through the gates of the US Air Force base as Kyle, Shawn, James, Billy, Walter, Sarah, Ashley, Cassandra, Mitchell, Shane, Mark and Jenna along with Wayne and the Wyoming, Arizona, Utah and Colorado survivors depart from their vehicles, before Shawn gives out orders.
Shawn: Okay! You all know the drill! Start looking around these planes...gather wreckage....batteries...whatever you can...and get to them to my brother....he's going to help us win this war...he's a smart-ass....literally...
James laughs and puts goggles over eyes,
Shawn: Dude, you're not working yet. You don't need the goggles.
James: I know....it makes me look smart..
The survivors spread out, before Kyle looks around.
Kyle: Walter....where's Nathan?
Walter: He said he was doing some hunting...he'll be joining us later...
Meanwhile, Nathan is driving a motorcycle towards the crater of Union City. Nathan parks his motorcycle and steps off. He then begins walking and taking off his shades to admire of what remains. Nathan then puts on a gas mask to avoid radiation, before he walks into the crater, discovering the remaining ash corpses of the dead. Enraged at Kronos methods, Nathan angrily clenches his fists. Back at the US armed Air Force Base, James modifies what's left of the planes and batteries into a custom flying machine.
Shane: Nice...what do you call it?
James: I'm thinking a "pterodactyl".
Shane: What's that?
James: It's a flying dinosaur...
Shane: Oh...what's a dinosaur?
Walter tests out one of the pterodactyl flying aircraft carrier with automatic rifles attached to the sides as he tests the weapons on a oil drum, destroying it with its rifle and grenade launcher.
Walter laughs.
Walter: Fuck yeah, baby! Hey! I call dibs on this bitch!
Mark is painting Jenna's helicopter with the war pant of red and white while Shawn is seen helping Jenna with the turret.
Jenna: If you want, you can take one of the turrets with you as weapon....attach it to your flying craft.
Shawn: You sure?
Jenna: I got the mini guns on here...hey, Shawn, be honest, I'm not doubting you or Kyle, but even with all these guys, our chances with Ryder.....are pretty bad.
Shawn: Yeah....but it doesn't hurt to try.
Jenna: I'm with you until I'm dead, but for what it's worth, you're right....we will try....you know; what happened to Catherine wasn't your fault.
Shawn: She died because of me.....I just stood there and watched while Ryder tortured her and Kyle...I let her down...
Jenna: No, she died believing in you.....As I hope to go out, as all of us, believing in something.
Shawn: Yeah
Shawn handing Jenna the bullet rack.
Shawn: the Luck of the Irish, right?
Jenna laughs.
Jenna: Exactly.
The two laugh while Nathan is seen arriving at US Air Force Base, before Ashley is approaching Nathan.
Ashley: Nathan! You have got to see these machines James made! It's awesome! It's going to help us-Nathan, are you okay?
Nathan: where's Kyle?
In one of the airfields, Shawn, James, Sarah, Billy, Mitchell, Walter, Cassandra, Jenna and Mark are seen working on some pterodactyl models. Nathan and Ashley enter the room, just as Nathan approaches Walter.
Nathan: Where's Kyle?
Walter: He's in the lounge.
Nathan begins to walk to the lounge as he pushes Mark down.
Mark: hey! the fuck is wrong with you, man?
Nathan turns to Mark and pulls out knife.
Nathan: you want to say something, asshole? I'll skull-fuck you clean.
Shawn attempts to intervene.
Shawn: Whoa! Hey! Nathan! Back up! Back up!
Shawn: no!no!no!no!no!no!
Shawn steps between Nathan and Mark.
Nathan approaches Shawn and Mark, but is stopped by Billy, who boldly steps in front of him.
Billy: Put the knife down, son.
Billy puts his hand on the pistol in his holster.
Nathan: or what? You going to shoot me, Billy? Where's Kyle?! I want to talk to Kyle! Kyle!
Billy: What do you want Kyle for?
Nathan: What I'm about to tell him!
Kyle walks into the room.
Kyle: Nathan! what the hell is going on here?
Nathan: What's going on?
Nathan scoffs.
Nathan: What's going on is I just back from fucking Union City! It's all gone, man! Nothing! Nothing, but a fucking crater...thanks to Kronos....thanks to the people
Nathan points at Shawn and Mark.
Nathan: These assholes worked for!
Kyle: They're with us now, Nathan....they're with us!
Nathan: Shawn admits he's working with them. He's the reason that half these people are dead! The reason you got stabbed! He got Daniel and Catherine killed!...and you let him and the others fuckers stay without my permission? Put our family...my family....in danger....what are you doing, huh? What the fuck are you doing?!
Kyle: I'm making sure everyone is ready....for what's coming....
Nathan breathes heavily.
Nathan: For fuck's sake, Kyle! We're not going to win and if we are going to war, then I should be leading it! Me! Me! I deserve it! Not you! Me! I'm not going to fight your war unless I lead it and you're leading us into a war to which we'll die....and if James, Billy and Walter want to join you in hell, then they can be my guests....but my sisters, they are not doing it....My blood...my family...we're going back to Midtown Manhattan and we're waiting it out...
Sarah: No....I'm not...
Nathan: Excuse me?
Sarah: I'm not....I'm staying here....and I'm going to fight them...
Nathan is appalled and then laughs.
Nathan: You've let him get into your head...fine.... I guess it's just me and Ashley....
Nathan turns to Ashley.
Nathan: Let's go, Ash....if Sarah wants to die, that's her choice...
Ashley is reluctant to go with her brother.
Nathan: Ashley...let's go...did you hear me?
Ashley: Nathan.....we have to fight for something.....we can't just walk out on Kyle...
Nathan rolls his eyes.
Nathan: Oh, my god....not you too...
Ashley: We owe him that much. He was captured and almost killed.
Nathan: We owe him what?! Huh?! What do we owe him?! We owe him nothing! Not a fucking thing! You! Sarah! James! Billy! Walter! and even you, Kyle! You're all alive, because of me.
Kyle: no, we're alive because of each other...and what's important now is we stick together...
Billy: Son, you haven't been the same since your father....since Nora...since Fontana Dam....and we've all been talking...and we just think that-
Nathan: That what? Huh, Billy? that Kyle should lead for a while? That won't be till you're all dead.
Sarah: Nathan...will you just wake up? Realize it's not about you! It's about Midtown Manhattan! It's about everyone in this group! It's not just us five anymore!
Nathan: Sarah, I didn't ask for your opinion.
Kyle: Jesus Christ, why don't you listen to your sisters for once?! Instead of pushing them away?!
Nathan: You don't speak for my sisters! You don't know a fucking thing about me or my family! I look after them! I protect them!
Kyle: (scoldly) Like you "protected" Nora?
Nathan, offended and angered, bites his lip and gets in Kyles' face.
Nathan: say that shit again....c'mon....say it again...
Billy: Guys...hey.....take it easy...
Nathan pushes Kyle.
Walter: c'mon, Nathan...just step back...
Nathan: Say it again...say it again...
James: Come on, Nathan. Don't do this. Take a step back.
Kyle: I'm done being nice...No one here is impressed, man.....you know you are a part to blame of what happened to her....and that even if I was dead to that time she was bitten to the time she died, it still would've happened....she didn't blame me for what happened...instead, you choose to blame others for what happened.
Nathan: you don't know a thing about me.
Kyle: I know that you've changed....you'd be willing to give your life to save your family, but now you're willing to hurt your own flesh and blood to prove a point. Think that makes you a man? Think this is what Luke would want?
Nathan: You leave my Dad out of this! You think you're a better man than me?
Kyle: Nathan....You're angry at what Kronos has done....You're aggravated, I get that, but you need to take your anger on them and not on the people who are trying to help you.
Nathan: Just who the fuck do you think you are, man? Lecturing me about help? Talking about Nora? My Dad? Huh?!
Kyle: Someone who doesn't want to end up hurting you.... now back the fuck up!
Nathan: Or what?
Kyle: Dude, you're scaring your sisters! Do you even care about them?
Nathan: Of course, I care about them!
Kyle: Apparently you don't! You say your sisters are going to die because of me, but I'm not the one who opened fire at a group of soldiers who had your sister hostage, now am I? What if it was the opposite of what happened? If what if it was Sarah instead of Beth, because of you!
Nathan: FUCK YOU!
Nathan grabs Kyle and rams him into the wall, putting his elbow into Kyle's neck.
Shawn: Whoa! Hey!
Walter: Shit!
Nathan: Don't you ever say that! They're my family! Not yours!
James: Guys! Enough! Stop it!
Ashley: Nathan! Stop!
Kyle: I'm not going to fight you, Nathan.
Walter and Shawn attempt to restrain Nathan, who elbows Walter in the nose, before he elbows Shawn in the stomach.
Nathan: you think you're good for my sister? You ain't nothing, but a fucking washed up piece of soldier shit! You're trash! Who do you think you are?!
Sarah: Nathan! Stop! Let him go!
Sarah grabs Nathan's arm, who then backhands Sarah down. Billy tends to Sarah.
Ashley: Sarah!
Nathan: Stay the fuck in your lane, Sarah!
Kyle: You fucker!
Kyle, enraged at Nathan striking Sarah, punches Nathan twice, before tackling Nathan. Kyle begins to viciously beat Nathan face in.
Ashley: Oh, my god. Oh, my god. Nathan! Kyle! Please stop!
Shawn: Kyle!
James: Kyle! Stop, man!
Walter: Kyle! Just stop!
Billy: C'mon! Stop! He's had enough!
Ashley weeps as she is watching her brother being beaten.
Sarah: Kyle! Stop it!
James puts his hand through his hair while Cassandra, Shawn, Walter, Billy and Mitchell are shocked and Ashley's hands are over her mouth as Kyle throws one more punch on the bruised and bloodied Nathan and then begins to strangle Nathan, who is close to passing out.
Kyle: You ever put your hands on your sister again, I will kill you! You understand me?! I WILL FUCKING KILL YOU!
Sarah grabs Kyle's face.
Sarah: Kyle! Kyle! Please! Look at me!.....Don't do this! You're going to kill him! Let him go! Please....he's still my brother...
Kyle comes to his senses and releases Nathans throat, who gasps and coughs for air. Kyle takes a a calm breath.
Kyle: I'm sorry...I won't kill one of my own...not again.
Kyle stands up and lets himself off Nathan, who stares at Sarah and James and then Billy and Ashley. Shawn helps a bloodied nose Walter up. Nathan then stands up and wipes the blood from his mouth.
Nathan: I'm sorry, Kyle....I'm so sorry...Sarah...I...
Nathan, ashamed and humiliated, walks out of the room.
Kyle: Everyone back to work...
Outside the main airfield, Kyle, Shawn, James, Cassandra, Sarah and Ashley are seen eating lunch as a beaten and bruised Nathan is eating lunch alone.
Shawn: Are you two going to be okay?
Kyle: I don't know....I want to trust him....but I can't...he blames me for what happened to Nora....for Luke....for Cratersville....for everything's that's happened....(to Sarah and Ashley) Sarah....Ashley....I'm so sorry you had to see me do that your brother...I'm somewhat regret...
James: Somewhat?
Shawn: He was out of control, man. You saw the way I reacted when he nearly got Catherine killed.
Ashley: Well....can't say I blame him....he was talking shit...but you almost killed him though.
Kyle: I wasn't going to.....I'm not going to kill one of our own...not again...
Shawn: What do you mean? What exactly happened with Nora?
A short pause.
Kyle:...before we got to Midtown Manhattan....after we lost Dante...we were out for some time...we stayed in a settlement....things happened; Skinners overran the place...Nora got bit....I put her down...Nathan couldn't...so I did it.
Shawn: Damn, man....I'm sorry..
Kyle: Nora was the one person that could talk some sense into Nathan....and now she's dead....I didn't mean to take it that far. It's just when he hit Sarah-
Sarah: he didn't mean to....he's just angry.
Kyle: at me?
Sarah: Kyle...I know my brother is an asshole....but maybe, you should go over and talk to him...we're going to need his strength if we're going to win.....
Kyle sighs.
Kyle: Fuck it....doesn't hurt to try.
Kyle turns to Sarah.
Kyle: Thank you....for stopping me from going too far....
Sarah gives a warm smile, before putting her arm around Ashley.
Sarah: Hey, you okay?
Ashley: Yeah, just still a little shaky.
Sarah: It's going to be okay.
Kyle walks over to the Nathan and leans next to him.
Kyle: I wanted to apologize...for what I did.
Nathan: You have a mean right hook.
Kyle: Yeah, I do.
Nathan laughs.
Nathan: maybe I'm the one leading this group down....
Kyle: What were we thinking?
Nathan: What was I thinking, man?
Kyle: I know about what really happened with Zed.....This world.....shit you go through...shit you have to do to survive...it changes you....gets in your skin....screws with your head....It turns you into something different than the person you hated...
Nathan: I know it does.....Nora....I could've done it.....God, I-I fucking miss her, man....If she was here, I wouldn't have hurt Sarah. I just....ever since she died...I don't know who....or what I am in my senses....and Sarah....I still can't believe I hurt my own sister....
Kyle: You didn't mean too...Nathan...your dad trusted you. Nora trusted you...These people trust you.... Your sisters trust you with their lives. If you're going to fight with us, be with us...you have to trust us..... you have to trust me....there's no good guys anymore. We're not the good guys, but we can show the world that there is still good.
Kyle offers Nathan a handshake as he accepts.
Kyle: This is your redemption.....they're your sisters, man....they love you...they look up to you...and if it came down to you or me, they'd choose you.....don't hurt them, man.
Nathan: Kyle....Thank you....for protecting them...I'm sorry, man...You've done a lot for my family. You've protected them. You've protected them more than I have. We've been through so much and-but Shawn...he-
Kyle: He's one of us, Nathan....He always was.
Nathan: If the time ever comes to where I put my sisters or anyone in danger again, will you protect my sisters from me by doing whatever means necessary?
A short pause.
Kyle: I don't want it to come to that and neither do you.
Nathan: I need to know.....all that time Sarah helped you recover-
Kyle: It just happened....things happened...me and your sister....that's happened...and you have to accept that who she is...
Kyle walks off Nathan ponders. In the chapel of the airfield, with everyone else resting, Shawn enters the Chapel and kneels in front of the altar.
Shawn: You probably know I'm not much of a believer....I'm more of a soldier, but I guess now, I may as well believe in something, huh? Uncle Colin....I was hoping to see you before....you and Dad...I just want to say...that I'm sorry, man....I'm sorry about the way we left off....the way I told you to "fuck off".....I regret those last words to you, man....I regret it so goddamn much....and now, my fucking attitude is destroying me from the inside like you said....but I didn't listen....it's killed people I've cared about...I get a feeling that....that I'm alive, because of you....that James is alive, because of you.
James enters the church listening to Shawns' confession.
Shawn: Truth is... I love that bastard....he's a goddamn genius...he's a better man than me....he's all that I have....He is all that I have....my little baby brother...and I will die before he does...but I need a sign, saying that he will have a future....a family....something I don't know if I can have...
James, touched, sheds a tear, before he approaches Shawn and touches his shoulder, sitting down with his brother.
James: Never thought I hear you confess your sins like a pussy.
Shawn laughs.
Shawn: Shut up.
A moment. James laughs.
James: You think we can do it?
Shawn: Yeah....I do....
James: Well, in case win or lose tomorrow, I'm glad you came back, Shawn.
Shawn: We're brothers, man....we have to stick together in a world like this.
Shawn touches James' head.
Shawn: I'm proud of you, shit-sniffer.
James: Mom said not to call me that.
Shawn and James connect foreheads.