On the Myrmidon, sometime later after escaping the bayou, James is sleeping just as Cassandra wakes him up.
Cassandra: James...James...
James: Hmm?
James opens his eyes to see his wife staring back at him.
James: Hey...
Cassandra: Hey...you getting some rest?
Cassandra coughs.
James: Hell, I need it. It's a good thing Chris can drive a train.
Cassandra laughs as James sighs.
Cassandra: What?
James: Nothing....I just wish we did a better job with those fanatics.
Cassandra: We tried our best.
James: We killed their leader...or messiah...whatever you want to call that nutjob....
Cassandra: Yeah, we did.....but we got out.
James: Not to mention, we killed their "holy alligator". What kind of religion worships a holy alligator?
Cassandra: A crazy ass one at that.
Meanwhile, Kyle and Sarah are in their quarters, with Sarah laying her head on Kyle's lap.
Sarah: This is great, Kyle.
Kyle: The comfortable bed or my comfortable lap.
Sarah: Both. We haven't had a comfortable bed in what....
Kyle: Well, I don't know if you have...but I was sleeping on a goddamn spring mattress that was not comfortable. Fucked up back for some time. Mind you I had Shawn and Caleb as roommates.
Sarah: Ooooh....that must've been bad.
Kyle: For a year, it had its moments....you know how Shawn is...you know, this feels like our honeymoon trip?
Sarah: We're a bit overdue for a honeymoon trip. Not to mention, we're on a train full of people.
Kyle: Ten years too long.
Sarah laughs.
Sarah: You know; Rachel is gonna be fifteen in a few days.
Kyle: Really? Well, we definitely gotta do something for her.....what do you think a fifteen year old girl would like?
Sarah: I don't know.
Kyle: Well, you were fifteen once....
Sarah: I know, Kyle, but that was long ago. Not to mention, we're in an apocalypse. Can't really take her to the amusement park or Disneyland now can we....
Kyle: We could take her drinking.
Sarah turns her head, raising an eyebrow to Kyle.
Kyle: I'm just kidding....
Sarah: Thank god....
Kyle laughs.
Kyle: Well, maybe Chris or Kayla saw something entertaining...
Sarah: Uh, define entertaining....
Kyle: Like a theatre? A movie or something?
Sarah: A new car?
Kyle: What?
Sarah: Every teen always wants a new car.
Kyle: She's turning fifteen, Sarah. Not sixteen.
Sarah: Well, we gotta think of something for the kid.
Kyle: We'll think of something, Sarah....
Sarah sighs and after a while, coughs.
Sarah: You know, I had a talk with Kayla....I can't stop thinking about that bridge and those people....we've been in the wasteland for over three decades now....those aren't people who used build cities, planes and rockets, right? There just like us, rejected by Kronos and forced to survive in this wasteland....Those people were, essentially...Slaves! They worked all day and prayed all night...always watched, always told where to go. Everything was under control! Decided by some high mighty asshole like Sawyer...like Ryder...they never had any property, even their underwear belonged to the community! They were so entranced that electricity is a sin...of course, Chris wasn't so fooled easily...but if they asked questions about it, they get fucking banished, sent out to fight the monsters! That's a death sentence! I fail to see how a flashlight is dangerous? Or a radio? But no, they shun everything electric, hiding and praying...How can you even make people believe that bullshit, within just a few years? When the world goes to shit, people start believing lies surprisingly easily, don't they?
Kyle: As long as those lies are convenient, or, at least, familiar.
Sarah: Yeah, take us.....Alright, we haven't met any real threats...
Sarah coughs.
Sarah: Kayla and Chris never met found anything that bad, either....but maybe they are still out there somewhere. If there is a government, they let us suffer for thirty-three years, Kyle! Thirty-three years! They've been lying to us, lying all the fucking time! Were there intentions good? Maybe, but it's still no excuse!
Kyle: You feeling better?
Sarah: A little...but I'm still angry. I hope we find out some answers once we get to this restoration community....
Kyle: I do, too.
Rachel steps out of her room on the train, looking down at her MP3 player just as Savannah runs up to her. Rachel looks down at the six-year-old girl, taking off her headphones, speaking to Savannah through sign language.
Rachel: Hey, sweetheart! What's up?
Savannah: Mr. Rocky has already set up his shop!
Rachel: Has he now?
Savannah: Wanna come look? It's cool!
Savannah pulls Rachel's hand to Rocky's workshop just as Rocky is repairing a weapon. Rocky looks up and perks.
Rocky: Hey, kid....
Rachel: Rocky....I see you've set up shop.
Rocky: Like the new place?! Fit for a king! What do you think?
Rachel: You've certainly outdone yourself.
Rocky: Well, most of the shit that the guys found outside and gave to me, went into making this workshop happen....
Rachel: Will you need more?
Rocky: Yep...I'm gonna need more. We're gonna have to keep pitching in like this if we're gonna survive out there. The further from Washington D.C we get, the harder they'll probably be to get, so don't forget to collect materials while you're out there. I'm going turn us into a real bad ass army!
Rachel: Well, keep up the good work.
Rachel turns and walks away, before Rocky calls her.
Rocky: Hey, Rachel.
Rachel: Yeah?
Rocky: Question; back at my old hideout...my old town....did you take one of my magazines? Or my Marvel comic books? Or my Dixie Chicks cassette?
Kyle walks by, hearing the conversation and turning his head, knowing Rachel stole Rocky's possessions.
Rachel: Nope...
Rocky: See; I remember having a whole pile of Marvel Comic Books. Avengers....and Playboy Volume 12 edition with fully nude pictures and thongs.
Rachel: Is that what they call those things to make your ass look tight?
Rachel covers her mouth as Rocky furrows his eyebrows.
Rachel: Oh! I mean...uh....
Rachel lets her hands down.
Rachel: No! I didn't steal your shit.
Rachel smiles, before walking off. Rocky shakes his head and goes back to building weapons, before he notices Savannah, who attempts to communicate in sign language.
Rocky: Uh...sorry, kid. I don't understand any of your...uh...finger language.
Savannah gives Rocky a thumbs up.
Savannah: Cept that.
Kyle steps out of his room and turns to notice Chris in the back, having a cigarette. Kyle then approaches Chris.
Kyle: Chris...
Chris: Kyle....hey, man...
Kyle: Taking a smoke break?
Chris: Yeah....if that's cool...being on that wheel takes its tool so I gotta do something...
Chris offers Kyle a cigarette.
Chris: Want one?
Kyle: Nah...I don't smoke.
Chris: Well, don't start on my watch, brother. If this wasteland won't kill you, cancer will.
Chris coughs up smoke.
Chris: Fuck....takes your mind off shit, though....you and your friends are right kind of people for sure. Good people....Y'all tore shit up on the bridge! Shawn's a fucking bragger, though, but a good guy!
Kyle: Yeah....he and I have been friends for a long time.
Chris: Hard to find a friend like that now these days...Thanks, Kyle. You people accepted me and I...I'm a simple dude. I'll pay that debt back someday.
Kyle: Pay it back by staying alive.
Chris: Simple enough....so...how do you like it out here after trapped in Taker city? Freedom, eh?
Kyle: Yeah...I love it....a chance for us.
Chris: Sure. It's a lot of space, though. Just trees and ruins...and the damned mutants...but y'all are going to see the government...or what's left of it....don't get pissed off at this question; but why are you going to see them?
Kyle: Why do you mean?
Chris: I'm just saying; of course it peeks interest, but throughout time, the only government there is of this wasteland is...military; Kronos and gang leaders. Let me tell you, man. They're worse than your typical bandits-they make a speech about being noble, then do some honest to god awful thing....so, what I mean is I didn't give a shit about the government before the war...much less now....I mean, thirty-three years and everything's gone to shit...so what for?
Kyle: Clarity. Peace. Knowing that the world is rebuilding itself, I guess.
Chris: I'm a simple man and I'm with y'all for the long run...just not to keen on stopping to see this restoration government community....although, their bunkers are probably better than the beds we got know.
Meanwhile, Shawn is showing off his tattoos to Jenny.
Shawn: This one I got because my mom loved eagles....and I got another one...
Shawn presents a tattoo on his chest.
Shawn: Right here.....
Jenny: What made you ink yourself?
Shawn: Living the soldier life does that, plus I'm somewhat of a nature boy....but I think Marcus has me out done. Dude has his whole right arm tatted.
Jenny: It looks painful....
Shawn: Nah. It only stings for a little bit....hurts when you get it, though.
Jenny: I got a tattoo.
Shawn: No shit. Where?
Jenny stands up and presents a tattoo of a horse on her lower stomach.
Shawn: Whoa....
Shawn looks up at Jenny, who blushes.
Shawn: Uh.....I mean, it's just a fascinating tattoo of a horse. You know? Also, you have a very attractive stomach.
Jenny laughs.
Shawn: This is sounding more and more awkward.
Jenny: Yes, it is.
Jenny pulls her shirt back down, before sitting down in front of Shawn.
Jenny: I wonder if where we're going has horses.....
Shawn: What is it with you and horses?
Jenny: My mom....she was a big fan of horses when I was a kid.
Shawn: Was Buckwheat your first horse?
Jenny: No....my first horse was Beth. She had a helluva kickback. My Dad was once kicked in the back very hard. How did the fucking old cowboy survive?
Shawn: Shit, he tell you he once fought a Condemned Lieutenant?
Jenny: He actually did. That was a helluva fight he told me about. Well, enough about me....tell about you; like your family or your time in Zeus Corps. How was it?
Shawn sighs.
Shawn: It was....okay....until I figured out what Kronos is really capable of...
Jenny: What do you mean?
Shawn: Once the world went to shit, all Kronos cared about was keeping the wasteland in control...they did it for twenty-one years. They...had my Dad executed...then they framed Kyle up for it. Kyle and I formed a army of Bloodhogs and some of our own people then took them down....thought the world would try get back to normal, but...it didn't...things got so much worse. Gangs took control....people got worse....some of us wanted clarity or to start futures. You'd think that the monsters were bad, but you fight them for so long, you forget what other people are capable of.
Jennylaughs when Shawn presses his chin against his wrists as he cupples themagainst the table. Cassandra walks up to Kayla and Savannah. Cassandra sits down with Kayla.
Cassandra: I'm sorry to ask this, Kayla...but...your Dad and boyfriend....they're dead, aren't they? Does Savannah know?
Kayla frowns.
Kayla: They are....my boyfriend I let her know about, but my Dad...I tried keeping it a secret, told her he left on a run...Around four days passed and I just kept it in...I just sat there with my knife in my hand, ready to slit my own wrists...and didn't see any point....it was all black before my eyes....and then she snuggles up to me and says: "you should let it out and cry, sis....you will feel a whole lot better..." Reed, my boyfriend, used to say that....she really looked up to him. He was always so nice to her...always playing with her...so I just broke down and cried....she knows...she knows it all.
Cassandra: I'm sorry, Kayla...I truly am so sorry. You don't deserve this.
Kayla looks down, wiping a tear, before she looks up at Cassandra.
Kayla: Let me tell you about how we ended up at the bridge...as I said, I'm from California...but the road we took was a straight line to the South...but it took us two months...with everything bombed to shit out there. My Dad used to say there were a lot of old Kronos factories out there...general industry....and the Krens infestation there was so bad...no railway...just upon the crater...we were quite far, but I still here the screeches. One route appeared intact-there was no destroyed bombs....so we used that one, thinking we'd get further south, but...of course, the fanatics wouldn't let us cross the bridge with our gas, they said it was Satanic...devil's work...they were to let us stay, but if we give them the gas to "cleanse" it....so left with no choice, we stayed...and we couldn't leave even leave if we wanted to....That old asshole, father Sawyer, brainwashed everyone, so they would just pray and bow day after day...they broke our gas down with their bare hands and threw it into the river...and on top of it, they gave us shit for not helping them! Reed and my Dad went to see what the hell was going on-and there were only locals there! Because, the old prick, had sent our people away to test them...he said if they wanted to be truly accepted by God, they had to defeat one of those flying gargoyles. Reed and my Dad went to stop them...but it was too late, he only found their bloody rags....and then Sawyer had Reed fed to the alligator....and....sent my Dad to do the same....from the window, I could see a gargoyle taking him to his lair where....I turned Savannah away from the window...
Cassandra: Jesus Christ....Kayla, I'm sorry. I didn't know.
Kayla: Well, you really didn't. What's done is done.
Kayla looks to Cassandra.
Kayla: Thanks for taking us away again, Cassandra. You're a good person.
Cassandra smiles.
Cassandra: It's nothing....
Out in the lobby of the Myrmidon, Caleb, Rachel, Abigail, Marcus, Joseph and Margaret are sitting down having a conversation with Marcus making dinner.
Caleb: Guys, there's something I've been thinking about...what does everyone expect of this trip?
Rachel: Personally, I want to hopefully find a good community full of good people. Start fresh again. A place of kids, too. Younger kids, I mean. That need examples of what people should be out in the wasteland.
Caleb: So, you're expecting to whip the little brats into line! That works!
Abigail: What about you, Caleb?
Caleb: It's so embarrassing, but my heart is just now aching for true romance! But, in Homestead, all women were like "I'm just getting out of a relationship" or "I just don't feel you're the right type of guy and this won't work out" or "I feel like God is putting me in a different direction and I'm embracing my singleness". I mean, it's a fucking apocalypse. How can you want to be single in a apocalypse?
Abigail laughs.
Caleb: Oh, cut the smug smile! It's unbearable to look at! And I haven't had much luck here so far....
Caleb nods to Joseph and Margaret.
Caleb: You two are together, so....that ship has sailed. James and Cassandra have each other. Kyle and Sarah....well, I know better than to step on Kyle's toes with that for sure....
Abigail: There is Kayla.
Caleb: Yeah, but she doesn't spell looking for a boyfriend right now.
Everyone else to laugh.
Caleb: Anyway, I'll catch my stroke at true romance anytime soon. At the restoration community, women have gathered all around for your one true Canadian!
Caleb nods to Joseph.
Caleb: How about you, Joseph? What made you go?
Joseph: Well, I at first just ended up with you guys, been with James since starting that hydroelectrical plant....but I'm thinking this is my chance to hopefully start a church if they don't have one in this restoration center....but first, we must let people know that God hasn't abandoned the wasteland....or the people. They're free to turn to Jesus.
Joseph turns to Margaret.
Joseph: You think about that, Margaret?
Margaret: I'm with you, babe. Yet, telling people about God is not so simple....I knew an A.O.W soldier who was all about freedom and God, too...he prayed just before entering the fight into the wasteland....he died under thirty....
Caleb: Well, Joseph, don't feel bad she didn't side with you! It comes with the baggage.
Marcus: Baggage that comes with a lot of reading. My sister is more of a book reader, too...just not of the bible.
Margaret: You should know this, big bro.
Abigail: Alright, Marcus, how about you? Got any dreams?
Marcus: Well, I think it's best that we get a sense of peace....we've been out there way too long.....just fighting and killing....it mentally drains you in some way.....maybe teach kids about the Native-American culture...how it changed my perspective.
Caleb: Oh, get the fuck out of here.
Marcus laughs.
Marcus: So, you know before I joined the A.O.W, I used to wear my hear long.....
Margaret: I remember and I pleaded with you to get it cut.
Margaret: That you did....he gave me this headband that I wear now....anyway, I wanted to be a teacher of many cultures. That's my dream.
Abigail: Your dream sounds nice, Marcus.
Marcus: I'm glad someone approves. What about you, red? Got any dreams?
Abigail: You know....I just want to ride my board again, spark a joint up on a beach and stare into the sunset....there's still a relaxed Californian girl inside me, still! Roscoe said that dream was bullshit...and I should just put it to the side....anyway, once we get there, I'll part ways and try to find the ocean and find a ship, maybe?
Marcus: Yeah, just imagine it. You arrive on that ship and people will be like....
Marcus stands up and poses his arms up.
Marcus: Ah! The Reapers are here!
The group laughs as Rachel frowns at this.
Rachel: Guys!
Marcus: Sorry, sorry! Bad misinterpreted words.
Marcus sits down.
Marcus: Anyway, you're one of us now, red. You really shouldn't be trying to leave us.
Abigail sighs.
Marcus: We've all done things we've regretted....but still, we're family.
Caleb: That is a true statement....so who has any expectations for our reception at this restoration community?
Rachel: Well, your expectations, Caleb, are quite obvious; sweep some poor girl off her feet!
Caleb: Yeah, I'm simple!
Marcus: Well, I hope they can answer a few questions....For example, why did you let the world go to shit from Kronos and Krens for thirty-three years?
Margaret: Best putting it likely.
Caleb: Yeah, y'all can ask that yourselves. I'll be busy with the ladies.
Rachel: I don't know. I'm in the mood for a road trip.
Marcus: Yeah, we'll have to live and see.
On the bridge of the train, Cassandra is turning the radio dial while James is operating on a decoding device, leaving the Myrmidon on autopilot.
Cassandra: Babe, remind me again; why I'm looking for....
James: The restoration community signal....while I decode the signal...
Cassandra: And why are you doing that?
James: Because I want to talk to these guys.....
Cassandra sighs, before she coughs.
Cassandra: Damn it...
James: Babe, are you sure you're okay?
Cassandra: I'm fine...just still a little tired.
Cassandra sighs again.
Cassandra: James, I get you want to talk to them and this restoration community sounds legit, but....don't you think you're betting on this too much?
James: What? No! Cassandra, this is a chance for us to start a life....as a couple...as a family....
Cassandra: We could do that out here, just as easy, though.
James: With all the threats that out there?!
Cassandra: Well, easy isn't the correct term, but....you get what I'm saying.
James: Yeah...I do...anyway, can you try to find that signal again? Please?
Cassandra frowns a bit.
Cassandra: Sure....
James gives a look of regret, before putting the decoder down after finally fixing it. He then wraps his arms around Cassandra.
James: I'm sorry...it's just....you know, ever since we got married, I want a future with you....
Cassandra: I know...
Cassandra turns and kisses James, before eventually the signal is found again. The two turn to the radio with excitement.
James: You've found it! Keep it right there!
Cassandra: Ah...
James grabs the decoder and decodes the restoration community signal.
James: Got it!
James turns to Cassandra.
James: Can you go get Kyle and Shawn?
Cassandra: Sure...
Cassandra stands up and fetches Kyle and Shawn, who follow Cassandra to the bridge to meet James.
Shawn: You look excited.
Kyle: Like a kid on Christmas about to open his presents.
James: I've opened the restoration community signal to make it available to talk to!
Kyle: How the hell did you manage that, James?!
James: I've decoded the signal, but never mind that! I figured that since you're our leader, Kyle, you should be the one to talk to them.
Kyle turns to Shawn, before grabbing the radio and speaking into it.
Kyle: Come in! This is....what's the call sign?
James: Uh....there isn't one...
Kyle: Fuck it...this is a survivor calling on the train called the Myrmidon. Reply. Over.
Gilbert: Hello! Myrmidon! Identify yourself! Over!
Kyle: My name is Kyle Desipich, I'm the leader of a group of survivors. We've received your signal and are currently heading your way. Do you copy?! Over.
Gilbert: Yes, yes...hear you loud and clear, son...
Kyle: Who am I talking to? How do I address you as?
Gilbert: Doctor Gilbert Ludwig, deputy of communications....a moment...
Kyle: Yeah, I understand that check ups are in order.
Gilbert: Great, Mr. Desipich? I'm sorry for the lack of trust, but there are procedures we need to follow....we can't just let anyone in....there are always people out there who are ready to take what's ours! What we've worked so hard to rebuild!
Kyle: Yeah, I understand....and since you're the leader, I hope you can tell them that my people are true survivors and will be at their full disposal as soon as we arrive! We have technicians on our train. Over!
Gilbert: Thank you for the great news! How large is your group, Mr. Desipich?
Kyle: I have a squad of strong survivors...strongest there is.
Gilbert: A squad...Ah...I see...Well, this is great....great...
Kyle: Yeah, I'm sorry we can't be any larger, but....how many gangs do you have around the area?
Gilbert: As far as I can see, there's no gangs around here in our area...I'm sorry to say this, but I'm afraid our conversation must end here, but know that we are very eager to for your arrival.
James smiles.
Kyle: It's an honor, sir....what's the situation currently there, right now?
Gilbert: I'm sorry, son....but I'm afraid due to military intelligence, that's classified...but don't worry, son...we're doing just fine....Well...we'll see you when you get here. Over and out!
Kyle: Over and out....
Kyle turns to Shawn, James and Cassandra.
James: I'm so excited my hands are shaking....Doctors, ministers....and departments of communications....
Shawn: Did you hear the suspicion in his voice, James?
James: What are you talking about, Shawn?
Kyle: He did sound suspicious....
James: Or maybe just nervous....about who were are...or what we've done...
Kyle takes a look at the map as the others discuss the conversation.
James: We're heading straight for their complex. Kayla and Chris told me that their line is in descent condition....it's not even that far, but it depends on our speed.
Shawn: Again, James, dude had suspicion in his voice.
James: How?!
Cassandra: Don't you think it's a little odd he asked how large our group is? I don't know, James. Something about this doesn't fit....
Shawn: I mean, think about it; if there is a government, why rebuild now?
James: They didn't know so many of us survived! That it wasn't for anything....all these years, we've been killing each other over land, disagreements and now, we have a chance and goal!
Shawn: And what would that goal be, little brother?
James: You don't get it, do you? The restoration community will have control networks, and intelligence...answers! Information that rules the world! We can finally get back to getting back to the old world and repopulating...that's a fun start, right? Repopulating? Eh? Guys?
Kyle: He's got a point there...
Cassandra: Kyle, are you even paying attention? You've been looking at the map since you got off the phone.
Kyle: Huh...no...sorry.
Shawn: What are you looking at the map for?
Kyle: We need to make a stop.
James: Why? We have plenty of supplies for the trip.
Kyle: Not the trip. It's something for Rachel. It's her birthday and I want to do something for her.
James: Dude, we're on our way to the community and you want to—
Kyle: It's important to me and Sarah, James! Besides, it'll take us a day, anyway!
Cassandra: He's right, James. I mean, you only turn fifteen once...
James sighs at this.