We're Alive: Goldrush - Chapter 10 - My best friend, the end

43m

The denouement. The final Chapter. With the Atlas in the dust, the soldiers regroup to find their path again. Things have become clearer on the surface, and everyone can breathe for the first time. As our heroes attempt to ride off into the sunset towards home, the gold calls in the distance...

Set 17 years after the main events of WE’RE ALIVE, GOLDRUSH is a recollection story that describes the efforts of the “soldiers” (Greg Muldoon, Anthony Robbins, Carl Thomas, and Samuel Puck) attempt a side mission to retrieve a suspected stash of gold bullion.

Told from the perspective of an aging Gen. Puck, he confides this previously undisclosed tale to the only surviving relation of his former team, Alex Robbins, the son of Puck’s friend Anthony. Over the course of ten episodes, the show will not only relate past tales of heroics, horror, and humor, but also sets the stage for future characters.

In Goldrush, fans will truly get to know these well-beloved characters characters on a much more emotionally satisfying level. Their humor and unique group dynamic certainly remain intact, and modeled after old Spaghetti Westerns, the story takes directions the series has not yet explored.

Filled with action, battles with the undead, love triangles, conflicting loyalties, and of course gold, WE’RE ALIVE: GOLDRUSH stands out as a truly unique Theater for the Mind experience for both new and old listeners.

SimpliSafe = Protect your home today at SimpliSafe.com/GOLDRUSH

UpStart = Visit Upstart.com/ALIVE

BetDSI = Go to BetDSI.com and use promo code ALIVE101

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen and follow along

Transcript

Sacks Off Fifth is your secret to fashion's most wanted deals at up to 70% off.

On the hunt for designer steals that'll turn heads and leave a trail of envy?

Uncover Gucci, Valentino, Versace, Stuart Weitzman, and more, with new arrivals dropping weekly at prices too good to stay confidential.

Luxe layers, statement booths, and tailored essentials from Sacks Off Fifth will put your wardrobe on the most wanted list.

Head to SacksOffFifth.com or a Sacks Off Fifth store near you for a style lineup you won't want to miss.

We're alive.

Gold Rush.

Chapter 10

My Best Friend,

The End.

Written, directed, and produced by K.C.

Weyland.

Previously on We're Alive,

Gold Rush.

It's obvious we need to get the hell out of here.

Of course, right after you go screwing it all up, now you just want to leave.

Positive.

It was Gloria.

No one else could have done this.

So we're all on board.

Look it.

Let's go home.

Colony.

Not much further now.

Yeah, yeah, I know.

I think I know what happens if you don't want to.

Just just give me a second.

We rode off into the night

away from the Atlas silo.

Rhonda made sure to go out of the way so we would avoid glorious surveillance cameras.

Further.

Uh, what was that Maldoon?

Further.

I think he wants to know how much further.

Carl?

It could be another two hours before we reach the truck.

I don't think this guy's gonna make that.

I mean, I'm exhausted.

I can't imagine what he's going through right now.

Oh, it's wonderful.

Shh, you guys need to stop?

Demon and I can go all night.

You two seem to be getting along.

Seems that way, doesn't it?

Oh, don't get cute with her.

What?

Was it?

We should head over there towards those big rocks.

But what if there's infected hiding?

Nah, there were no people out here to be infected.

Yeah, it looks clear.

Dibs on first watch.

Ah, Dibbs on second watch.

Fine, third.

That'd give us about two hours each.

Let Muldoon sleep, he needs it.

I think he already is.

Okay, but what about us?

We can take a shift.

You sure?

All I need to do is wake everyone up if I see something, right?

Would let everyone sleep a little longer.

Oh, this is perfect.

There's rocks all around us.

We won't even be able to see the horses from the outside.

Yeah, I didn't pack any tents, though.

We did bring four blankets and two sleeping bags.

Here, help me with Greg.

Oh, he's really out.

I'm so glad we taped him up here.

After he fell off the horse the first time?

Sorry.

This guy is really.

Oh!

Slippery.

Nice job.

Yeah, don't worry, battle, buddy.

I got you.

Looking at him?

Yeah.

I don't think Gloria is coming after us anytime soon.

Yeah, go back to sleep.

Oh shit.

Oh,

don't worry.

We're done here.

I thought you said he wasn't gonna come out here.

He wasn't supposed to.

You're early, man.

Your shit's in 10 minutes.

You're supposed to be watching up here.

We were watching from various angles.

It's a great view.

Oh, come on.

I'm just gonna.

Yeah.

I'm right behind you.

Uh, maybe you don't wanna sit right there.

Jesus, Louise.

Come on, man.

Good night.

Get out of here.

Robbins.

Robins, that you?

It's just me.

Hey, what are you doing up?

I couldn't sleep.

Well,

all right then

Get over here.

Alright, get close.

It's cold up here.

Oh, you're right

Hey, hey, you're hugging the blanket woman.

Come on.

Oh, yeah, you're so fucking come here.

Okay, I'm trying to share it with you.

Don't be selfish.

Come here.

Wow.

It is gorgeous out here.

Yeah, there's lots of stars.

Hey, I'm glad we left.

Oh, yeah

you sure about that

you were surviving not living

Yeah

Which direction is the colony?

Oh um

It's right over there that way

How long is it gonna take us to get there?

I don't know.

Two days maybe three

So where do you live?

Inside there are like huts or

caves?

No, we're not.

We're not primates, all right?

It's uh there's little houses.

It's it's a fenced-in suburb.

CJ,

the woman who's in charge, I mean, she's she's working on making it bigger, too.

It's it's great.

It's like

back in the day.

Well, will we get our own house?

Well, there's there's three that are open.

Uh, you and Rhonda can have one.

You know, may need a little work, but.

It might

be quick to presume, but

I wasn't talking about a place with Rhonda.

Yeah?

Yeah.

I mean, why go slow when you know?

Why not?

This place just got a whole lot better

for me, too.

You know, um,

my shift is next,

so no one would interrupt us.

Well,

I mean,

we gotta keep warm.

Yeah,

yeah.

Alright, we're loaded.

Horses are ready.

Looks clear.

No movement at all.

How you doing, Moldoon?

I'm here.

That's about it, though.

And we gotta move.

If he's up, she's up.

Alright, we got two hours left to the truck.

You can make it?

Yeah, just be gentle.

I mean,

good.

Then we ride.

Yeah.

So, uh, go horse.

Oh,

yeah, you get me.

Hee-haw!

That was awful, Carl.

Just go.

Yeah!

Don't even gotta use words.

Feeling a little better, man?

Unfortunately.

Hey, uh, I have to tell you something.

Nah, don't do it.

I dropped you a few times last night.

No, I know.

I was awake.

I just couldn't respond.

Yeah.

Yeah.

You cracked your head right on a rock.

Was there a time you gave me CPR or was that a dream?

Well, no.

Short answer is no.

Okay,

Why you gotta get ahead of me?

Why you gotta be in front all the time?

Because I want to make sure that I see everything.

Oh, yeah?

Because you almost missed that Jeep.

What?

Where?

It's down there.

It's a mobile home.

You see it?

That might shave off some time.

Yeah, I think I much prefer that, actually.

You think that old thing will work?

Oh, I'm gonna make it work.

And I am driving.

Of course.

I found the keys.

We can all squeeze in the Jeep, right?

Anita doesn't want to take the horses any further than we have to.

I think we can make it work.

It won't be for too far.

All right, everything's in the back or strapped to the top.

Shotgun.

Are you serious?

Still not feeling great, man.

Too much weed, you know?

Remind me to smack you when you're better.

We take everyone home, okay, Wiley?

Go home.

Good horse, good horse.

Yeah, the best.

You know who's really the best?

Oh, I wasn't talking about you.

Ah, the curse ain't broke.

Yeah, well, at least one likes me.

Ah, I'm sorry, buddy.

Go on, demon.

Get

Wiley,

home.

Good job.

We'll probably get there in 30.

I'll make it in 20.

Please don't.

We've got time.

No, we don't.

Is that Gloria?

Still a ways off, but that's her rifle.

Get in, now.

Does anyone know where we're going?

Once we get the truck, if she's still...

When I get it running, we'll take this road here and then down the highway and take it across the bridge over the ravine.

The entire stretch is clear of any other cars, I'm sure.

It is.

We flew over it coming in.

And that way will take us back home.

Perfect.

Then let's go.

And sit on my left.

Maybe Gloria's in trouble.

Good.

Anita!

Run now!

Not

There's the truck.

Hang in there, Colony.

We're coming.

She is going ape shit on that town.

Yeah, I'll let her.

She's having a real bad day.

Come on, help Ronda out.

Grab the jack out of the Jeep.

I'm not everything else.

No, we'll take both vehicles.

Won't have to cram it all into the truck's cap.

You remember the code?

Yes, Carl.

I didn't forget.

It's gone!

What?

Ass.

I had you going, though.

I mean, who the hell could move it?

My heart sunk for a second.

And that means you're back to normal.

Ow!

Wow.

You weren't kidding.

Well, it's worth nothing sitting in the middle of the desert.

So you mind helping me out getting this thing fixed up?

You heard her.

All hands, move!

Well, we can't check it up.

It's too heavy, but it is big enough for me to fit under and remove the old drivetrain.

While you're doing that, we'll be fixing up some of the damage on the front.

Loria's still going.

You fuckers go away every other day, but not today.

Huh?

Whoa!

Well, that's that's just fine.

Drag it out from underneath.

You sure you can fix this?

I can weld just about anything.

You didn't know I had a flamethrower, did you?

Well.

Yeah, it's just binged.

I'm fine.

Alright, it's attached.

Start it up.

We're getting out of here.

They're not gone.

No, they're coming back.

They're coming back.

That's it.

All right, we're good to go.

The gold is mobile.

Seriously.

It's finally fucking ours.

Killed everyone?

That's what it sounded like.

We're good.

Let's go.

Come on.

All right, who's going in what car?

I'll drive the G.

B-lead vehicle.

Perfect.

I'd feel better driving the truck in case something happens to the transmission.

Alright, I'll go with you.

The rest of us in the lead car.

Okay.

And no hanky-panky back there, you two.

Focus on the road.

Are you kidding?

This is all serious now.

The gold's in play.

Just remember, avoid the town.

Take the first road to go around and then left to get you back on the highway.

We'll be right behind you.

Hang on, I gotta grab something from the back.

Hurry up!

What are we gonna tell Michael when we bring them back?

And all that gold.

Why?

That's a great strategy.

We'll talk about it later.

I want to look over the numbers on the gold again.

Whatever, you just wanted to hold one.

Well, that too.

Come on, let's go.

We'll be back after a brief word from our sponsors.

Hey there, it's Ryan Seacrest for Safeway.

Cough and cold season is coming, so make sure you're prepared and stock up on your family's favorite personal wellness products.

Now, through October 7th, shop in-store and online for savings on products like Mucinex, Kickstart Combo, Zertec, allergy relief tablets, or liquid gels, Holes, Cough Drops, and Mucinex Fast Day and Night.

So you and your family are armed and ready for the season ahead.

Off friends, October 7th.

Restrictions apply.

Offers may vary.

Visit safeway.com for more

Now, back to Gold Rush.

There will be no further interruptions.

What the hell is that?

Huh?

What are you doing with a truck?

What are you doing?

Hey, how does it look up there?

Any sign of her?

No, nothing.

She might still be in the town.

You really think she'd try and stop us?

I wouldn't put anything past her when she gets desperate.

Tell me if you see anything.

Sure, if you say so.

I see sand.

Sand?

Cactus?

Sand.

Pass me your water, would you?

Here, you ass.

How are you?

That completely wore off.

Glory's gotta be furious by now.

now.

She's not your problem anymore.

She's ours.

I really doubt she'd follow us out this far.

I know where you're going,

but I can take the short way.

I see Gloria.

The dust cloud on the right.

Ah, shit.

It's here.

What do we do?

She's gotta be in the buggy.

We need to beat her to the bridge.

After that, we'll be clear.

Let's step on it.

Roads clear.

Floor it, Muldoon.

Well, alright.

Game on.

We gotta play.

Let's play.

Out of the way, Coyote.

She's on my tail.

She's coming up fast.

Well, the line between normal and batshit crazy has definitely been crossed.

She's chasing us.

She's actually chasing us.

She's horrible.

She doesn't want us to leave.

It's obviously why we need to.

We have to say something.

Here she comes

there.

The bridge.

It's up ahead.

Open rope past that.

She won't be able to keep up.

Wait, what that sign say?

Under construction?

This bridge isn't done?

Are we going off a cliff?

They finished it.

I've driven over it many times before.

She's right.

Alright, then hold on.

Listen to me.

You left without even talking to me.

No!

We are done!

God damn, she's driving on the shoulder.

You know, I'm beginning to think that my obsession with Gloria Anderson is gonna be a part of a phase.

Just let me explain.

Too many times, Gloria.

Too many times.

No, wait.

It's your last chance.

Bless you, okay.

We don't want another.

Just go back.

Let's go.

God, you're back.

Oh, shit.

She's in the dust.

We're gonna make it.

You can't leave her like that.

She just doesn't want to be alone.

Neither do I.

I know, but.

We're to the bridge.

Go, go!

Hunch it!

Almost free!

Oh no.

The Jeep had just made it to the other side of the ravine.

As I looked back, I could see the reflection of Gloria's scope on a big old rifle.

She was perched on top of a buggy, aimed our way.

As the truck crossed onto the bridge, she fired twice.

one immediately after the other.

The back set's tires exploded We dropped the back half of the truck to the rims.

Gloria had no idea what was in the truck.

I don't think there's any way she could have known what was gonna happen next.

Get out, hurry!

Shit, grab my back.

Yeah, I gotta.

I felt dead.

We're gonna get

off.

Oh, Ronda, they got me in fire.

We are too, but damn.

Now we need another truck.

Jesus, what are you trying to do to us, Gloria?

Kill us?

I

mean, we're in Oh, ah.

What?

Ah, I damn it.

Look, guys, I didn't mean for it to go this far.

You did it, didn't you?

The kill switch.

Am I right?

Oh my god.

The bridge.

Oh my, we need to get them off the bridge.

Dude, dude, stop.

Stop.

It's not our fight.

Maybe Muldoon's right, Puck.

Puck!

Just admit it!

I saw the backup log, Scoria.

You killed the puggy.

Yeah, you would find that.

Look, I had to stop you.

I thought you were leaving.

Come on, Gloria.

I didn't want you to go.

I still don't want you to.

Oh, fuck.

The truck is too heavy.

Anita, Anita, get over here.

I sponded with it.

I am always running.

Do you see what's left of the bridge on our side?

Uh-huh.

That's right where Robins grabbed me

just as it all started to come down.

The gold was too much weight.

The rest of the tires blew out on the truck.

Rhonda and Anita ran to the opposite side of the bridge.

It all happened so fast.

I didn't know.

She was trying to come back to me.

That's when the bridge gave way.

I only heard a voice.

As the truck filled with several tons of gold, it pushed the entire section of the bridge into the massive river below.

It was like I blinked.

And everything was gone.

It all went down.

And no one came up.

No, no, no, no,

no,

oh my god,

Sam, we gotta get off the bridge.

We can't keep standing here.

Come on!

I got you, man!

I got you!

Where's everyone else?

Rhonda and Gloria are on the other side.

Easy, man.

Easy.

Breathe, breathe.

Just breathe.

I can't...

I can't hear.

Brothers!

Oh, no!

On the other side of the ravine, Ronda was...

inconsolable.

They were so far away, but you could still hear her scream.

Your mom started beating against Gloria.

Even taking a few swings.

And she just stood there taking it.

It's alright, man.

I got you.

I got you.

So sorry.

I didn't know what to do.

I sat here, I stared down.

Might have been hours.

Felt like days.

There was no way any of us could talk with Gloria, Rhonda.

And there was no place to cross for miles.

Rhonda just continued railing into Gloria.

There was no way to listen to what was being said,

but I understood.

None of it would change anything.

When Rhonda was done,

Gloria handed over the buggy keys, turned,

and walked away.

That's it?

But she never wanted to hurt anyone.

Took me years to realize that

I know Gloria felt every bit responsible

She lost everything

All the luxury in the world doesn't mean a thing

if you don't have anyone to share it with

Did you ever go back to the Atlas

Activate Atlas quarantine?

Yes!

Do it!

I did.

Once.

The keypad by the barn was still on.

It was all fixed up.

No codes worked.

Long-term locks and gauging.

You deserve this.

Can't imagine what Gloria went through after that.

Three.

Two.

One.

So sorry, India.

Long-term locks engaged.

Even after Gloria walked away, the rest of us didn't leave.

Robbins continued to stand about where you are now, watching your mom on the other side.

I think they both understood that there was no possible future for them.

Not after what just happened.

And they came to that conclusion.

Without any words.

A little while later, she turned.

She got into that buggy and she left.

That was the last time your parents ever saw each other.

Wait, so he never knew about me?

He never had the chance to.

Geez.

I wish my mom told me about

any of this.

Yeah, well, maybe she meant to.

Eventually.

She kept the tapes, didn't she?

I mean, to some people, talking about it is reliving it.

The good

and the bad.

It's hard to be constantly reminded of the pain.

It's no wonder she sent me away.

I hate to crash your little uh pity party, but I found this Rhonda's stuff at Lake Matthews.

She never sent this letter.

I thought you said that was my stuff.

Addressed to me.

Well, sorta.

She messed up my middle name, but whatever.

To Samuel V.

Puck.

Anita trusted you, and so I will too.

Help Alex to become a man like his father.

Wait, what?

That's it?

Maybe it says everything.

Also, sounds like she wanted me to look after you.

I can take care of myself.

I don't need special treatment.

Oh, yeah, is that so?

Yes.

You sure?

100%?

Why?

Well, you know, what if that special treatment included a portion of what's down there?

You're saying the gold's still down there?

Hey, hey, don't say that too.

Loud, some of these goobers, you don't want them over here.

You're serious.

Like a heart attack.

You want it?

All of it?

Not like a portion?

I sure as hell don't want it.

It's yours now.

Do whatever you want.

Leave it down there.

Out Falcon Stand.

So that's it then?

Shit.

That's all I got.

You ready?

Let's go home.

I'll drive.

Give me a sec.

I'll find a map.

So,

Blockbuster, huh?

Yeah, you know, I uh I started it only with video.

Oh, you're a trader.

Real nice.

Hey.

Yeah.

I can go.

Load up!

So, what'd you tell Michael when you got back from all that?

What we had to.

Really?

That's the whole story.

Yeah, pretty uneventful.

Had some car trouble, but that's about it.

And that's everything.

Carl?

Yeah.

Grammy was already gone.

At least, you know, I can move on.

It was good to get away.

Put things in perspective.

Well,

you're really late.

But at least you found three refugees from Boulder on the way back, so

I guess that balances out.

Yeah.

They're lucky, too.

If we hadn't been traveling that way, we would have totally missed them.

You know, just a few more days on the road.

I mean, it worked out okay in the end.

Yeah.

Yeah, yeah, you should all be proud.

That was the last time anyone said anything about the trip.

No one brought up what happened, ever.

Not a word.

Not a joke, not an innuendo, not a breath about any time in the Atlas.

It didn't even happen.

They did that for me.

No one ever found out.

No one ever caught on to what I was feeling every day.

A soldier never shows his pain.

Does it ever get better?

There aren't enough years left in my life to forget about her.

But talking to you helps.

Back to the training ground, sir.

Alex?

You still have me.

Am I still unenrolled?

I'm sure I can make something happen.

Sure, you can.

I know.

I know.

All right, BA, let's go.

All right, Cab.

Move out!

Oh, I'm sorry, are we taking up your time?

Because I do remember doing this once before.

Well, if someone didn't lose the tape, oh, whatever.

It's the last scene.

Let's just get this done.

Carl, are you done messing around with the camera?

Yeah, I think so.

Man, it's really not that complicated.

Hey,

what are you guys doing?

Making your movie?

Like, can I be in it?

No, we don't have room.

Hey, Robinson, am I in the scene?

Are we good?

I think that was our last one.

Yeah, you're done.

Thanks again, guys.

You were great.

Bye, guys.

Thanks.

See ya later, y'all.

Michael and Pegs have roles, huh?

But not Datu?

I see how it is.

It was just one scene.

Seemed like four.

Don't you shut up?

I'll come up with the next few days to help you out a bit.

Oh,

y'all still doing this?

Hey, so we're about to head back, but uh,

it was really great filming with you earlier.

Sure was.

No reshoots, right?

Uh, we'll make it work.

Later, Gators.

Was everyone in this film?

Not everyone.

Here, you left a sandbag in my backyard.

Where do you want these?

You were in it, or just crew?

Background?

I had a whole monologue.

Max?

You had Max in the movie?

And not me?

No one even knows who he is.

Hey, I do a lot.

I'm important, all right?

Wow, we're cutting that scene anyway, Datu.

Still,

I fixed your TV.

That shit deserves something.

Oh my god, fine.

Go stand back there and shovel something.

I would love to shovel that something.

Some junk over there.

I'm just trying to move one of the generators over it.

Still?

I thought you'd be done by now.

All right, hobble off, Captain Ahab.

Art takes time.

You know what else takes time?

Food retrieval.

Other priorities.

Yeah, we'll get on those in a sec.

Are we ready?

Yes, let's do this.

Clear the frame.

This is the martini shot.

Starting places.

And roll camera.

Carl, action.

And cuts.

Holy shit, that was amazing.

Fuck right on, man.

Woo!

Hey, hey, it wasn't me.

It was this guy.

Dude, I never knew you had that in you.

I didn't either.

That was surprising.

Happens to the best actors, man.

The way you went from laughing to crying.

Was that all improv?

You didn't write any of that before.

It was weird.

You called my character over, and I just had to say something.

The take was good.

I have things to do, and we're not gonna get anything close to that again.

Wait.

Uh, yeah, yeah, that's it.

That's a wrap.

Uh, Carl, here, let me see uh the playback.

Um,

no,

it's fine.

I can break the time code.

We're not recording anymore

Yeah

Coral what happened

Carl?

It's literally the red button shows it on screen Carl

You know what film your own damn movie

If you thought goldenly breaded Madonna's chicken couldn't get more golden, thank golder because new sweet and smoky special edition gold sauce is here.

Made for your chicken favorites.

I participate in McDonald's for a limited time.

We're Alive Gold Rush was written, directed, and produced by Casey Wheland.

We start by saying thank you to the dedicated soldiers and producers of the series.

Brett Newton as Puck, Tony Reyes as Robbins, Sean Lewin as Gregory Muldoon, Christian Vieira as Carl.

From the crew of the Atlas, Christy Carlson-Romano, Brenna Ottz, Aaron Breen, to the next generation of descendants, Austin Trace, Hajin Cho, Vincent Tyrone Green II, Thomas Bell, and of course, our OG crew.

Jim Gleason, Otto Sterck, Nate Gees, Elisa Elliott, Constance Parne, Glenn Hoffner, Jay Oligario, Tammy Klein, Blair Whalen, Shirley Jordan, Scott Marvin, Claire Doden, Greg Miller.

Lastly, pour one out again for our weary stranger, guest starring Danny Treylo.

Additional character voices provided by James Stiebick, Graham Bechtahl, Liam Holton, Caitlin Bristow, Katie Whalen, Jenny Lynn, KC Whelan.

Danny Berkhoff-Hopkins, Chase Hooper.

Those other support units in our corner.

Associate producers, Shanti Ryle, Lauren Kroon, Blair Wheland, the people who found the other people with good voices.

Casting by David Sidon, Vanessa Knight, to the creator of the tunes that encompass the sound, supporting audio narratives like no other.

Original music by Danny Berkhoff-Hopkins.

Eileen Kim on violin.

Let us not forget the wonderful talent from the colony cantina, Jenny Swoisch, Charlie Magdaleno, Katie Whalen.

The biggest of all, shout out to the talented architects of sound that take voices from a black box to the oral exploration in your ears.

Sound designers, Casey Whaler, Michael Keen, Ryan Lincoln.

Additional sound team, Steve Widmark, Tim Mulhern, Kennedy Phillips, Katie Whalen, Victoria Cheng, those zinterns that tick away education credits while creating audio.

Jennifer Loesch, Tej Master, Graham Bechtal, Sofia Hernandez, Erin White, Carla Contreras, Paris Presiado.

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

We'd like to thank the entire team at Podcast One.

As the leading podcast network, we have made it possible to bring this series to life for you.

And they have more than 200 of today's best podcasts easily accessible on the free Podcast One app.

Thank you for listening to Gold Rush.

Until our next adventure, we're alive.

Scouts honor.

This has been Michael Swan.

Thank you for listening to this Theater for the Mind by Whalen Productions.

Dedicated to Nick.

Hey, can I get a martini?

I've not felt good all day.

If you have a second,

you need help.

Huck?

Violet.

Oh my gosh, how are you?

You know me, just doing fine.

You here for the old guy's birthday?

Can you believe it?

80 years, still ticking.

You kidding me, Bert's as feisty as ever.

You back in town or uh?

You heard about you.

Ugh, yeah, I know.

It sucks.

I'm sorry.

There's not a lot holding me to the Republic, you know?

And it's so strict there.

I just thought it might be a good change of pace to come back here.

Ah, well, you were right.

Oh, crazy.

Look at this guy.

Hey, you know, you didn't have to wear a uniform tonight.

I wanted to.

Yeah.

Hey, Alex, Violet, Violet, Alex.

Really?

From way back, huh?

Oh, Fucks talked about me?

That was so long ago.

Yep, only good things.

Now, you mind if I borrow him?

I gotta get moving.

I want to give Bert my gift.

You mind?

I'll be right here waiting.

Well, all right then.

Thank you for the extra points.

You need all you can get.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Was spam that night.

And a tuna sandwich was damn good compared to that.

So I sat there thinking, damn, I don't think he had a name.

And then it hit me.

He didn't have a name.

But he did.

It was horse.

Hey, old man, you got a minute?

Ah,

look at you.

All graduated?

Just trying to figure out what to do next.

Well, take your time.

Don't hit 18 and go crazy like the rest of them.

Yeah, you gotta get moving, right?

Right, right.

I wanted to give you something.

Come here.

Boom?

Secret, huh?

Alex and I wanted to get you something special.

Well, you didn't have to do that.

What'd you get me?

You're killing me.

Can I open it?

Go ahead.

You like it?

Where the hell did you get this?

My mom had a connection.

It used to be Saddam's.

It looks just like her, but

gold.

Look at the other side.

It's her.

Had it specially engraved.

Oh baby

Been too long

I can finally hold you in my hands

Why are you loading it?

Get away

How the hell did one get in here everyone back up

I should introduce you to my better hands

Say hello to Sherling.