We're Alive: Descendants - Chapter 16 - Train Through the Pain - Part 1 of 3

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Coach, the energy out there felt different.

What changed for the team today?

It was the new game day scratchers from the California Lottery.

Play is everything.

Those games sent the team's energy through the roof.

Are you saying it was the off-field play that made the difference on the field?

Hey, a little play makes your day, and today it made the game.

That's all for now.

Coach, one more question.

Play the new Los Angeles Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, and Los Angeles Rams Scratchers from the California Lottery.

A little play can make your day.

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Mistress Zeneka may do informative deep dives while Dr.

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We're Alive

Descendants.

Written and directed by Casey Weyland

Chapter 16

Train Through the Pain

Part One of Three

17.

You sure?

I thought that was 18.

Nope.

I got a little tally going.

It's 18 shots, 17 kills.

Okay, hold on.

Hold up, hold up, hold up.

Now it's 18.

You know, the only reason that I missed that one before was because of the heat coming off of the ground.

I should have waited.

Still, like 95%, that's pretty damn good.

Haven't even had to change my magazine yet.

That's all I care about.

Between the plane's cargo hold and what the family gave us, we are stocked on rounds.

Could be out here shooting for days.

Good to know.

Hmm.

What kind is this, infected?

Hmm, hard to say.

Got clothes on, but they're pretty ragged.

I'd say first gen.

Used to be human, but was turned in the last few years.

Hmm.

Seen a lot of those on this road.

I wonder if it has anything to do with us being so close to the UA border.

People coming out here to scavenge for supplies or old tech.

We're only like 20 miles from the Mississippi River.

Yeah,

maybe.

I don't know.

You ever been there?

The UA?

UA?

No.

Her parts of it were nice the further in you go.

Most of the states don't even have to deal with the infected anymore.

Must be nice,

but they still have their own issues, you know, conflicts between states over resources, food shortages.

And how do you know that?

Oh,

I overheard a few of them talking in Prim.

The ultra-rich would fly out, spend their money, and go back home.

The UA has strict laws against the kind of games Bohr ran.

Well, good.

At least they got that right.

Generally, they rarely venture past their own borders.

UA maintains some of the railroads and farmland in the Red Zone, but that's about it.

So, probably wouldn't get involved with the Republic if there was a conflict, would they?

Most of the functioning oil refineries are in the Republic.

There's no way they would risk upsetting such a powerful economic partner.

Hmm.

Figures.

What else do you know?

Didn't hear much in Westport.

I mean, I I know we used to trade with the UA via the rail lines, but that's about it.

Uh, a little here and there.

United America has 22 states east of the Mississippi.

Their capital is in Bristol.

Look, Will, you don't need to give me a history lesson.

I know all of that, but like, what do you know that others don't?

Oh, boy, you would have to be a little more specific.

Like, where did most of the people come from that went to Prim?

Like, which states in the UA?

Oh, Mariana, for sure.

Lots of gambling already there, but uh, you know, they like the high stakes.

Uh, well, Warnock, Eden, our two others.

We had visitors from every state, but uh, those were the most common, for sure.

Oh, one more.

Hold up.

19.

Hey, Nick,

are you sure this is the best way?

We have to stay on the road.

Oliver drew out the best route on this map with the least amount of infected and obstructions.

So far, it's been right.

Besides, we have a long way to go, and I am not tromping through all that brush, ticks, mud, all kinds of places for infected, wild animals.

I mean, who knows what else could pop out?

At least on the road, we could see things coming from a distance.

And they could see us.

Meh, I'd rather deal with that.

You know, back in Prim, the one place we didn't get many people from was Westport, even though you were the closest state compared to others.

Doesn't surprise me.

We got pretty good people there.

CJ runs a tight ship.

That's who was in charge?

Yep, and she's also.

What?

Never mind.

It doesn't even matter.

You don't trust me?

Not that.

It's just

operational security, you know?

Oh,

so you don't.

Look, I've been burned bad recently by friends I thought I could trust.

I mean, I've only known you so long, and

you understand, right?

Um,

yeah,

yeah, uh,

that makes sense.

CJ is Vera's mom, all right?

Really?

High-profile position like that, and her daughter still serves as a guardian?

Vera wanted to.

Ever since she was little, she had to be involved.

That's just who Vera is.

Wow, no wonder you never told anyone.

If the boy knew, luckily, she didn't.

And I'm sure the people Vera's with now know, so honestly, it doesn't even matter anymore.

Well,

I appreciate you telling me.

Mm-hmm.

What's it like back home in Westport?

I don't really know much about it.

Is it safe?

Safe?

Yeah.

Probably the safest place you could be.

Big ass walls surrounding the entire city-state.

We're talking 50 feet high and wide enough to drive a truck on.

I mean, they actually do.

Moving mounted guns around the perimeter, it's crazy.

That makes sense.

We'll cover more ground that way.

Mobile defenses.

I mean, since I was a kid, I'd practice shooting infected from up there on the walls.

Honestly, as to how I got so good at it,

there's also a few outer fences past that and other smaller walls inside if anything got past the first line defenses.

So,

yeah, I'd say it's pretty damn secure.

Wow.

Has anything ever got in?

Rarely.

Only times I've heard of is when some idiot snuck in infected body parts, then turned, mishandling them.

Aside from that, we haven't lost anyone, so I'd say we're pretty lucky.

And living there?

What's that like?

You and your questions.

If I'm gonna end up there, I want to know what to expect.

It's where I grew up.

It's all I've ever known, so...

How would I know any different?

But in Westport, you can do what you want, eat what you wish, go where you want to go, go shopping for the most part.

Yeah, military service used to be mandatory, but they got rid of that too, not too long ago.

So many people showed up in the last few years, it's not even an issue now.

You get to be who you want, as long as you follow the rules.

And who sets those?

I don't know.

The council, the elected people, I guess.

Whoa, that's so cool.

Is it?

I mean, just the idea of the people controlling the people, it's weird.

I guess for you, maybe.

I'm excited.

What can I say?

Already the most free will I've ever had in my life is my time with you.

That's

pretty sad.

Will.

Well, look, we're gonna change that.

But first, we gotta do some things.

Hey, I understand.

And I am all in.

I'm able to do what I want now.

and I choose to follow you, right?

However far you want to go.

How you been feeling, by the way?

Oh, you know, legs are sore.

I'm more tired than I've ever been, but

I can do this.

No, I mean with the other thing.

Uh

still nauseous, but sweating it out seems to help.

Good.

Good to hear.

Anything from your, you know,

the bite?

Um

nothing.

Um

I'm fine.

It's mostly healed.

It's just the the the whole thing is kinda crazy.

You know, I I still can't wrap my head around it.

You are immune.

Only living person who can claim that.

Yeah, um,

learning to live within myself.

Didn't know for sure until this, but

I guess now I do.

It does make me wonder something.

What's that?

Well,

if you're immune, right,

does that mean that there's some way that you could help others be too?

When I was young, they did tests with my grandmother and me back in Westport.

Took a lot of blood, tried a bunch of different things.

They spent years doing that, but nothing ever came of it, so.

Well, maybe they just didn't know what they were doing.

It seems like they did.

Lots of tests or whatever.

Finally, doctors told me about a year ago, whatever makes me special can't be shared with anyone else.

Well, I mean, part of me wonders if there's there's still a chance, you know?

Man, look, I can only get poked so many times for it not to mean something.

Well, so then what if Will?

Relax, okay?

I'm done with all of that, all right?

Just just gotta deal with what I am, okay?

Yeah, yeah, of course.

Um, sorry, just curious.

Oh, another

add another mark.

Hey, hey, you know, I could try to shoot the next one with my MP5 if you want, you know,

for practice.

No, no, no.

Save your ammo.

That's better for up close, anyways.

Huh.

Another first gen.

Well, what happens if we encounter something different?

Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Speaking of bridges, this must be the Red River.

Ugh, should be the Brown River.

I meant, what if we encounter something that our guns don't work on?

Tanya's journal describes some fourth and fifth generations having skins so thick that even bullets aren't effective.

I mean, we've already seen some of those.

What's your point?

Well, we do have something that could make a difference.

The Mata pistol I made.

Now, it's out of ball bearings and the gases are low, but if we could stop somewhere, I saw an old hardware store not far from here.

Most of those places aren't going to have much.

I'm sure they were already picked clean.

But what if they weren't right now?

I don't think we have the time.

Where we're at on the map, we're not even halfway there.

And the train passes through tomorrow afternoon.

So we step it up.

Make time.

Here, you take a look, okay?

You're better at this stuff than I am.

You tell me how long it'll take to get to the train.

Let's see.

I um

Oh boy.

Is it that bad?

Oliver said that we could make it in time.

At our rate,

it is possible, but only if we don't stop walking.

Even through the night.

You're shitting me.

I wish I was.

Unfucking believable.

If I had known it was this far, I would have asked for a truck or something.

Like those family goons would have given us one anyways

What if we weren't supposed to make it on time

Wait, what are you saying that that this is a setup what maybe

they they wanted to get rid of us didn't even give us transportation for this death march Do we do we even know that that's when the train comes through and you're just now bringing this up I'm only asking questions yeah damn good ones we should have asked earlier.

Listen, listen, I could be wrong, right?

We didn't know what our pace was gonna be, we didn't know how long we were gonna stop for brakes, didn't calculate the weight of our weapons, our packs.

Okay, okay, okay, I get it, okay?

Well, look, it's it's too late now, so

I take it you want to keep going.

Look, train or not, we're headed south.

I have to go southeast eventually, so no matter what, we're going the right way.

Still, this road has been pretty quiet.

So maybe there's some truth to what Oliver said.

I'm gonna hold on to that, at least for now.

Oh,

that's- I know, I know.

You can stop counting.

Will, you take point.

I'll cover the rear.

Nick.

Yeah.

I didn't want to say anything, but I don't think I can walk a whole lot more.

Well, I'm glad one of us says something.

Wasn't gonna be me, but for real,

I'm beat.

How are you gonna catch the train then?

No way around it.

We'll just have to wait for the next one, I guess.

There's always another, right?

I'm sure there will be.

So

then we need to find a place to spend the night, right?

Uh-huh.

I'd rather not travel in the dark anyways.

It's a lot harder to see something coming at you.

I'm sorry.

I know you were set on getting to your mom as fast as possible.

Yeah.

Marksville, Louisiana.

Well, should we set up camp in town?

Why not?

Okay, what should we look for?

Where would be best?

Someplace high up, a rooftop, second floor, anywhere we could put some distance between us and them with good visibility.

Most of these buildings are one story.

Everything's kind of flat here.

I've noticed.

It's not like my LA, that's for sure.

What what?

Oh, Louisiana.

I get it.

Okay, it looks like this town has a water tower.

That's high enough?

Got a catwalk around it near the top?

Yeah, I don't know about spending a whole night thirty feet in the air on some railing.

It's high enough that the infection won't bother us.

Let's just keep looking.

Nick,

uh,

I'm seeing something else.

Well, I hope it's better than the water tower.

It's not.

There's some

bodies on the ground up ahead.

All right, stay sharp.

Take it slow.

Oh,

there's a bunch.

They're all spread out.

I'm seeing that

bullet holes scattered around the buildings here, too.

This was a shootout.

Oh boy.

Easy.

Man, focus and breathe.

I'm trying.

We may not need to worry.

This happened a long time ago.

They're decomposed.

Maybe it's been six months.

You can tell?

In Prim, I saw bodies decay over time when they were left in the arenas.

It's gross, but helpful to know now

decomposition references.

More dead first-gen infected, too.

The people they attacked had uniforms on.

Oh,

this was their truck.

It's all smashed in.

Big

dead third or fourth gen infected over here.

That was a muckraker for sure.

Its skin isn't even fully decomposed yet.

What do you think happened exactly?

It wasn't just one-on-one.

This infected's body was completely crushed in.

They were having an all-out raw.

Everything and everyone at once.

These uniformed guys have IDs.

This one was a contractor for the UA.

Same with this dude.

They definitely weren't prepared for this.

They were armed, fought back, tried to escape, but their truck was stopped.

The whole front end is flat.

There was no way out.

The infected fought each other and the UA people?

mm-hmm That big muck there has some infected claw scratches in its skin and bullet holes

Barely did any damage Look at that hide they couldn't take it down with guns massive hyperkeratosis.

What'd you say?

Keratin growths

I learned about it in in one of my bio books It's fairly common among infected hardens and thickens the skin

See that's what I was worried about.

Bullets can't penetrate this.

It wasn't the UA that finished it off, either.

It must have been another infected.

Massive bruising along the skin.

The skull is concave.

Your grandma wrote about behavior like this, remember?

They're very territorial.

A bigger muckraker had to have done this.

Fighting another over the kill.

Infected, killing other infected.

As long as it's not us.

Must have been so massive.

They did this just to fight over the bodies.

And in the end, still left them all behind to rot.

No, maybe not all.

There's bloodstains over here.

Some were dragged off.

Not that any of this matters matters now.

We should keep walking till we find another spot to stay for the night.

Well, it might matter.

What about their weapons, these rifles and ammo?

I mean, those have sat outside exposed to the elements.

See?

Showing spots of rust.

Not worth trusting your life with.

And we have enough ammo.

Don't care to add more weight.

What about their uniforms?

We need to board a UA train, right?

Should look the part.

Ew, you want to wear their nasty-ass gear after they've been decomposing in it?

Well, what if they had spares?

A change of clothes?

Maybe that would come in handy.

Nice.

What size are you?

Large, long.

Okay, put the shirt and pants in your bag, and we have their IDs as well.

We can use those.

Who do you want to be?

We got Jess Forrester or Chris Danes?

You look more like a Chris.

Was thinking the same thing.

Jess?

Anything else useful in there?

Not really.

Unless.

What are you looking for down there?

A blessing in disguise.

Wait, is that...

No.

Uh-huh.

The fuel tank has a lot left in it.

It's not sludged like the rest of the ones sitting out here.

This gas is still fresh.

I mean, yeah, but we can't drive this truck, obviously.

No, no, but

if it has one other crucial part, uh, give me a hand with this.

Bingo!

Car battery still intact.

So we're driving.

We don't have to walk.

Well, we gotta find the right car under the ideal conditions.

It's not that simple just to get anything running.

Yeah, but you can do it, right?

You worked in the motor pull and prim, right?

I mean, you've said that before.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Okay, I need some additional parts, and it'll take some time, but I can probably do it.

Gotta move quick before we lose light.

But are you sure you want to hang around?

You see what happened here.

Yeah, that was a long time ago.

Things change.

Look, we'll keep an eye out and play it careful.

Okay, so you're good with this plan?

Oh, yes.

We just need to find a car around here that'll work, right?

Yep.

Let's go car shopping.

Let's go car shopping.

Ooh, ooh, look at this one.

Not in bad shape.

On the outside, on the inside.

The engine is a rat's haven.

Ugh.

Nasty.

Oh, this one looks pretty new.

Too new.

We don't want fuel injection.

Too many parts to replace.

Is this one old enough for you?

Hmm.

Yeah, hmm.

Could work.

Too bad there's already someone driving it.

Uh,

yikes.

How long do you think they've been in there?

Long enough to look for another option.

How about something red, fast,

and flashy?

The drive shaft is sitting on the ground.

Are you even looking at these cars?

Oh, fine.

Will your turn.

Let's take a look in that garage, the blue house over there.

And what makes you so sure about that one?

A hunch.

Damn.

Wow.

There.

That's our ride.

A 64 Chevy Nova wagon.

Oh, that's a pretty rare find, even for back then.

And now, Will, how the hell did you know this would be in this garage?

Those old car parts sitting on the side of the house, owner was definitely working on something, and this is something.

Now, it ain't new, but damn sure looks good.

Okay, I've been sitting in here for over 17 years, hasn't been exposed to the outdoor elements.

Let's just hope it's not missing anything.

Woo!

Found the keys on a hook over here.

That'll make things easier.

And let's see, it's stick shift.

Good so far.

Can you drive manual?

Manual.

I mean,

kinda.

My Uncle Vic let me drive his car a few times.

You know,

I'm not the greatest, but I could do it.

Okay,

not too bad.

Carbureted engine, downdraft system.

And

it's not frozen.

Let's see here.

Fuel tank is empty too.

That's good.

So what I'm hearing is that you can make it work.

I think so.

I'll need to replace a few things, spark plugs, check the seals, maybe have to rig some sort of trickle charge, you know, for the battery, but but uh

uh yeah, yeah, by morning we'll be driving.

Woohoohoo!

We will be driving!

But we gotta move fast.

Siphon the gas from the smashed car, remove the battery, and get back here before dark.

I saw an auto parts store back in town where we could get some small stuff.

And

luckily, looks like there's enough tools here already.

Cool, cool, cool.

So, we do all of that, and we'll be able to make it to this train on time, right?

With this,

oh, yeah,

with plenty to spare.

Music to my ears, Will.

You're a genius.

No compliments yet.

I got a long night ahead of me.

Descendants will continue after a word from our sponsors.

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Coach, the energy out there felt different.

What changed for the team today?

It was the new game day scratchers from the California Lottery.

Play is everything.

Those games sent the team's energy through the roof.

Are you saying it was the off-field play that made the difference on the field?

Hey, a little play makes your day, and today it made the game.

That's all for now.

Coach, one more question.

Play the new Los Angeles Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, and Los Angeles Rams Scratchers from the California Lottery.

A little play can make your day.

Please play responsibly.

Must be 18 years or older to purchase play or or claim.

All right, we are going where?

Back to school shopping.

This is the playoffs for parenting, aka getting ready to get back to school.

As we get ready for back to school, doesn't matter your income, your race, your background, whether you have a disability or not.

Our public schools are a place where all kids feel like they belong.

My child.

My children.

My family.

My friends, kids, my community.

All students.

All students.

All students belong in a great public school.

Let's get ready for back to school at NEA.org/slash back to school.

Listen to this ACAST show.

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And now we continue with Descendants.

Now remember, Vera, for every test you fail, you will need to repeat the previous training course.

I know

Are you sure you're ready?

Can I start?

Begin.

Okay.

Does this have to be timed?

Everything is.

I.

In this test, pin tumbler locks have various lengths.

You need to get them all to the shear line if you hope to turn the plug.

I know.

I know.

Use your tools, that's what they're there for.

If you turn the tension wrench when it's not ready, you'll break it.

Not like that.

If that one isn't working, move on to your rake pick.

Just.

I almost have it.

I can.

I can feel it.

It's going to break.

No.

No, it's not.

Oh, really?

Looks like it's going to snap to me.

No,

it won't.

Huh.

Very good, Vera.

Now on to the next lock type.

They get harder with each set.

I feel ridiculous.

Disguises are an onion.

Each component is like a transparent layer, but when applied together, you are meant to disappear.

Really?

Facial hair, too?

When someone were to describe you, the real you,

we would want every way they could to be wrong.

It's not always about looking like someone else, more about not looking like you anymore.

Hair is one of the first things someone notices.

Where do I put this?

Over your teeth.

To hide yours and change the profile.

Weird.

And where does this part go?

The palette of your mouth.

It'll forcibly change the way you speak.

Like

this?

Oh, wow, how could anyone use this?

You get used to it after a while and relearn how to speak.

Disguises aren't just about facial appearance, but how you dress and carry yourself, your every move, and especially

how you are hurt.

Whoa.

Aim, pull pull back, and let it slide through your fingers.

I don't understand what I'm doing wrong.

Grip the knives like you're shaking someone's hand.

Aim, pull back, and once your arm gets to here, let the knife slide out.

Let the blade do the work for you.

Now you do it.

Don't rush.

Take your time.

Hey, that's one.

Yeah,

now get all the knives there.

Oh, boy.

No, nope, that's not it.

Wrong.

Try again.

The cipher shifts based on the calendar day.

Run the calculations and send the message again.

Isn't there like a program or something you can make for this?

And we have them.

But if and when you find yourself in a place and need to contact the family with someone else's radio, the only tool you'll have is your head.

Does that happen a lot?

How do you think Vincent was able to contact us from the plane?

Think about it.

Encrypted Morse code is the only way we can use open channels.

It's life or death.

Stop bitching.

Now keep memorizing.

You're doing quite well, actually.

It's shit like my granny did and she's dead.

Now come on, pick it up.

You want faster?

Fine.

Oh,

you've been spotted.

Better get out of that kill zone.

Shit.

You're not seriously shooting at me, are you?

Shooting at you?

Yes.

Seriously?

Not really.

You're doing great, Vera.

Only one more module left for the day.

You promise?

You miss me.

Why are you one of my instructors?

You forget that I'm a full member.

I went through all this too.

Came out with a few specialties.

Oh, really?

And what is yours?

Deception.

Ah, I should have guessed.

That is something you are qualified for.

Now, now, you might want to play nice.

This module includes a few perks on my end.

Go ahead and have a seat and strap that around your wrist.

A lie detector, really?

Among other things.

Now, go on.

Do I have to?

It's all part of the process.

Vincent will treat you like any other instructor would.

Right, Vincent?

Of course.

I think you understand the point of this.

The idea is to deceive me.

Convince me.

Establish a baseline of your normal self.

What is your reality?

And try to maintain that.

Are you ready to begin?

Yes.

Good.

Now,

where are you from?

Westport.

Ow!

What the hell?

The idea is to lie to me.

Try again.

Who are you and where are you from?

Eileen Hames, Oregon.

That was so obviously a lie.

Try again.

Confident and with specifics.

Know your deception before you tell it.

Again.

My name is Kylie Walter.

I'm from Lenore Village in New Vermont.

I'm a Taurus.

Lie.

Ow!

Is that really necessary?

Only when I think you're lying.

How would you even know?

That machine does.

No need to check it.

Every bit of your face reveals either your authenticity or a fabrication.

If you believe it, I will too.

Breathe normally and try again.

What do you do?

I'm a personal trainer.

Ah!

You touched your arm.

It's a pacifier movement.

Maintain your baseline like I told you.

Did you take my money?

Of course I didn't take your money.

Did not, not didn't.

Syntax shortening provides an easy insight to a lie.

Every time?

How would you even know that?

Witness interrogations and enough experience.

It becomes like second nature.

So you do this a lot.

Where were you last night?

I was in my room.

Doing what?

Sharpening my sword.

What?

That wasn't a lie.

You actually did that.

How would you know?

Because I can tell.

Again, the point of this is to teach you you how to lie under pressure.

Convince me it's truth.

Vera,

do you enjoy being part of the family?

It's growing on me.

Very good.

We'll continue.

It was nice training with you.

Fuck off.

You have to expect to get a little hurt in the exercises, right?

What was the point of that?

And with him?

I didn't learn anything.

Oh, I think you did.

By the end, there, you started to look and sound convincing.

You saw all of that?

Have you been watching?

A few of us have.

Your evaluators.

Overall, you're doing well.

How much more of this is there?

Hard to say.

You have to pass all these modules before your your final test.

And what is that gonna be?

It's different for everyone.

Yours has yet to be determined.

But you'll get there.

I'm confident.

I don't know who you were watching, but I've gotten my ass kicked so far.

That's the point.

And this is just the start.

So it gets harder?

Why?

Thinking of quitting?

You understand this initiation is all a choice.

You can back out any time.

I'm not quitting.

That's what I thought.

Giving up is not in your blood.

You know,

I've waited for this for a long time.

You being here and all.

Started to think it might not ever happen.

Didn't want to imagine the alternatives.

That your bloodline wouldn't live on.

Is that it?

Selfishly, yes.

But there's a lot more to it than that.

Things that have been going on for some time, the changes on the horizon.

Part of the reason I watched you with him in there.

Vincent?

I wanted to see how he responds to you.

What he truly thinks of you being here.

You don't trust him either?

But you played it off.

Who do you think used to be the instructor for this module?

When everyone here knows how to lie, how can anyone possibly understand what the truth is?

Honestly, I'm surprised he brought you back here at all.

I don't understand.

Vincent, nice work in there.

Top by the master.

Only hope I did all right.

Few more sessions, and you might think Vera actually enjoys this.

Ha.

I'm heading back for dinner.

You going there too?

I have something pressing for now, but I'm sure Vera is hungry.

Yeah,

sure.

After today, you'd have to be

again.

Nice work.

You know, all those jolts I gave you.

That's all part of this training.

I'm only doing what's required.

Uh-huh.

Should have seen my wrist after my first session with your pops.

He wasn't the head of the families back then, but it didn't matter.

He was brutal.

In the end, I learned a lot.

The process lets you focus on the flaws, programs them out.

Did it feel like that's what you were doing?

Don't be like that.

Look, we got along before.

Before I knew who you really were.

Even now, I don't even know.

That's the point of all this, right?

Deception and lies.

You may not believe it, but once I found out who you really were,

I can't tell you how excited I was.

Uh-huh.

Right.

No, really.

After the outbreak, there's not many in the next generation.

There's so few of us left now.

We need good family members to help shore up the walls.

Be damned to let it all cave in after we've been around for so long.

So you really believe in all this?

The rules, the...

the facade, the black and white?

Sure.

I may be biased.

I grew up in it.

Surrounded me at every moment of my life.

And yet,

the things you get to see and feel.

The experience, the power, it's unlike anything else in the world.

Even after the rest of the world ended, we're still here.

What's left anyway?

But what has the family actually done?

I hear talks about all these influences throughout history.

And yet, looking around, how it continues and survives,

it's living in the past.

What about what's going on out there now?

Maybe you are starting to understand this place after all.

It does need to change.

Fresh blood will do it some good.

That's what everyone keeps telling me.

After you.

Where you want to sit?

You know what?

Nakoma is up in our room and hasn't eaten all day.

I was gonna get mine to go.

So yourself.

See you tomorrow, Vera.

Hey,

well,

hey, hey, hey, man.

I hate to wake you up, but it's getting late.

Hey,

Didn't remember where I was for a moment there.

Oh, seems even higher in the day.

Uh, really the tallest place in the whole town.

You're right, though.

At least it was safe up here.

With that ladder lock, ain't nothing was gonna scale the water tower.

We uh we getting down now?

Yeah, here, I'll unhook you.

Ugh, I did not get enough sleep last night between finishing the repairs and being up here.

Yeah, me neither.

You think that the car is ready?

Trickle charger should have got enough light by now.

Battery hopefully has enough voltage to start the engine.

Nothing else left that you gotta do, right?

You're sure?

Well, that was the last thing, but

no way of knowing it all worked until we turn it over.

Town's pretty quiet at least.

No infected other than that ambush site.

With all the racket that you were making in the garage last night, I thought for sure you would draw something in.

Yeah, yeah, we were lucky.

Let's hope it holds out.

Oh, man,

I am beat.

You know what?

We get that thing running.

You may be able to sleep a bit while I'm driving to the train.

Or, if we get to the tracks early, I'll keep watch.

Oh, man.

That would be great.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Oh, shit.

Back, back, back, back.

Do you think it's us?

No.

Still wandering around by the garage.

Looking for something.

Um, maybe it- maybe it smells where we were.

So

oh, boy, I'm so glad that we spent the night up in the in the water tower.

Oh, shit.

That's one big-ass muckraker.

Do you think it's the one that killed all the others?

I mean, it could be.

It looks pretty scarred up.

So what?

What?

We wait?

Back off?

And see if it goes away?

What if it's waiting for us?

Then we don't let it find us.

It'll get bored and wander off.

I mean, we only have so long.

We can risk a little time, but we need to get moving to the rail line.

So what are we gonna do if it doesn't leave?

Walk the rest of the way?

No, no, no.

If we missed the train, we'd end up stuck by the tracks for days till maybe the next one passes through.

But all while other infected can come around and pick us off.

Nah.

If that muckraker's gonna get between us and our ride, we have no choice.

We're gonna have to take that fucker out.

To be continued in the next episode of We're Alive Descendants.

And now a word from our sponsors.

You've been listening to We're Alive Descendants.

Produced by Wayland Productions.

Written and directed by KC Weyland.

Starring Daton Gilber as Nicholas.

Hodgin Cho as Vera.

Sam Skolnick as Will.

Michael Ursu as Vincent.

Joe Souza as Oliver.

Mario Prado Jr.

as Alistair Chisholm.

Teresa June Tao as the Family Instructor.

And I'm Michael Swann.

Additional Voices by Thomas Hargreaves.

Phil Mieto.

Masaka Malimba.

Shannon Zimmerman.

Hero Carlisle.

Amy Newman.

Eric Daines.

Editing and sound design by Gino Jang.

Additional editing by Ryan Liu.

Trailer editing by Vicki Lucas.

Post-production supervisor Casey Weyland.

Original music by Robert Mai.

Theme music by Danny Berkhoff Hopkins.

Score assistance by Evan Tamani.

Recording and Engineering by Weyland Productions.

Sound Engineering by Gino Jang and Victoria Cheng.

Script supervisors: Gino Jang, Aaron Riard, Kelsey Hughes, and Lynn Michaela.

Audio Production Manager Dimitri Keog.

Associate Producers Jace Oly, Mistress Zenica, Raul Miller, John Grills, Mandy Arnold, and Christophe Laputka.

Co-produced by Rusty Quill.

Executive Producer Alexander J.

Newell.

Chief Marketing Officer Callum Dougherty.

Marketing Assistant, Hattie Quinlan.

Network Liaison, Tom Park.

Thank you to the following Kickstarter backers.

Mistress Zenica, Ryan Pampbush, Melissa Bird, Jason Xenophage Frisfold, Jacob Filmer, and Anthony E.

Ferrybee.

For more info about the show and a complete list of cast and crew, visit us at www.we'realive.com.

Access exclusive content and lore on our Patreon and follow us on social media for regular updates.

Special thanks to our patrons and Kickstarter backers for making this series possible.

This has been A Theater for the mind by Weyland Productions.

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