S5E13: A New Understanding

Summary

End of All Hope

Episode: Season 5, Episode 13 – A New Understanding

Release Date: November 9, 2022

Host/Author: Bloody FM

Description: In this gripping episode of End of All Hope, our trio of survivors—Ava, Jay, and Brielle—continue their perilous journey across a post-apocalyptic landscape ravaged by an alien invasion. As tensions rise and challenges mount, the group faces both external threats and internal conflicts, leading to profound revelations and a fragile sense of hope.

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Plot Summary

Journey Through Hostile Territory

The episode begins with the survivors trekking along a desolate highway, navigating through areas devoid of alien vegetation but littered with stalled vehicles and the distant sounds of gunfire and chaos. The oppressive heat and lack of resources intensify their struggle for survival.

• Ava’s Leadership: Ava (Hope Ennis) takes charge, making pragmatic decisions to keep the group safe. At [04:15], she suggests staying off the road to avoid hostile encounters:

  “There’s not much we can do about it. Unless we can get off the road.” – Ava [04:15]

• Resource Scarcity: The group debates the risks of foraging versus staying hidden. Jay (Adam Jetmore) expresses concern about limited supplies:

  “Especially when you can't find food or water.” – Jay [05:18]

Encounter with Hostile Forces

As night falls, the survivors take shelter in a Kia, only to witness a violent confrontation outside. A woman is relentlessly chased and ultimately overpowered by a group of men wielding weapons.

• Moral Dilemma: Evelyn (Brielle) confronts the group's hesitation to intervene:

  “We could have tried.” – Evelyn [15:49]
  Ava justifies their inaction by prioritizing their safety:
  “We have to look out for each other, remember?” – Ava [16:22]

Search for Safe Haven

Determined to find refuge, the group decides to venture towards a nearby bay, hoping to secure a sailboat that could transport them to a safer location, Bodega Bay. Their journey involves physical exertion and teamwork, highlighting both their resilience and vulnerabilities.

• Teamwork in Action: Despite their lack of sailing expertise, the group collaborates to navigate the boat:

  “We’re gonna figure it out together.” – Jay [17:59]

Arrival at Lake Isabella

After enduring harsh conditions and narrowly escaping environmental hazards, the survivors arrive at Lake Isabella—a purported safe zone. They meet Janet, an elderly caretaker who welcomes them and assures them of safety.

• Emotional Reconciliation: Ava opens up about past struggles and gains a deeper understanding of her motivations:

  “Now I understand where Mark was coming from.” – Ava [21:39]
  Brielle expresses her lingering sadness and seeks closure:
  “I feel bad.” – Evelyn [16:30]

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Character Development

Ava (Hope Ennis):
Ava's leadership is tested as she balances the group's immediate survival with their long-term hopes. Her reflections reveal a transformation from someone solely driven by the need to survive to a leader seeking deeper connections and understanding.

• “We have to be careful. We have to be cautious.” – Ava [16:08]

Jay (Adam Jetmore):
Jay exhibits both vulnerability and determination. His struggles with limited resources and the physical demands of their journey highlight his commitment to the group’s safety.

• “I need ammo.” – Jay [05:51]

Brielle (Evelyn):
Brielle's emotional state underscores the psychological toll of their ordeal. Her interactions with Ava reflect a desire for emotional support amidst the chaos.

• “I still don't like it.” – Evelyn [11:38]

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Key Themes and Insights

1. Survival vs. Humanity: The episode delves into the moral complexities of survival in a hostile world. The group’s decision to not intervene in the woman’s plight raises questions about the cost of human decency when faced with existential threats.

2. Leadership and Trust: Ava's role as a leader becomes more pronounced as she navigates the group's dynamics and external dangers. Trust within the group is tested, especially when confronting past traumas and differing survival strategies.

3. Hope Amidst Despair: Despite the relentless challenges, the arrival at Lake Isabella symbolizes a beacon of hope. This safe zone represents the possibility of rebuilding and finding peace in a world overrun by chaos.

4. Psychological Resilience: The characters grapple with fear, sadness, and guilt, illustrating the psychological strains of prolonged survival. Ava's reflections on her past and her evolving understanding of herself and her lost companions highlight the enduring human spirit.

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Notable Quotes

• Ava on Leadership and Sacrifice:

  “We have to look out for each other, remember?” – Ava [16:22]

• Brielle on Emotional Struggles:

  “I still don't like it.” – Evelyn [11:38]

• Jay on Resource Limitations:

  “I need ammo.” – Jay [05:51]

• Ava on Understanding the Past:

  “Now I understand where Mark was coming from.” – Ava [21:39]

• Brielle on Regret and Responsibility:

  “I have to.” – Ava [22:05]

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Conclusion

A New Understanding serves as a pivotal episode in the End of All Hope series, blending intense survival action with deep emotional and psychological exploration. The survivors’ journey to Lake Isabella not only advances the plot but also enhances character development, revealing the profound impacts of their harrowing experiences. Themes of leadership, morality, and enduring hope resonate throughout, offering listeners a compelling narrative of resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.

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Further Information

End of All Hope is a seven Lamb Productions creation, featuring a talented ensemble cast and immersive storytelling. For more episodes and related content, visit sevenlam.com and follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Don’t forget to rate and review to support the series!

Transcript

[Hope Ennis]

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[Jack Austin]

Hey, guys, what's going on? Jack Austin and Robert Lamb here from seven Lamb Productions.

[Hope Ennis]

Hello.

[Jack Austin]

Here to talk to you about a brand new scripted podcast series from our friends over at Voyage Media called Red Meat Village. This is a neo noir contemporary thriller set in New York City about an unusual private eye team that's asked to find a woman named Destiny in the most dangerous neighborhood in New York City. It's fun, action packed, and actually has some pretty great actors.

[Gina Coyle]

That's right, including Catherine Bell, whom you might remember as the female lead from the TV series Jag, in a very against type role as a femme fatale kind of character that she absolutely crushes. It also features the great Malik Yoba, who. Who I think I'm pronouncing correctly.

[Jack Austin]

Yeah, that's Yul Brynner.

[Gina Coyle]

You're right. Who you definitely would remember from Cool Runnings and also the TV series New York Undercover. He even sings the theme song, which you're going to hear right now in the trailer.

[Corey Pettit]

Now playing from Voyage Media.

[Hope Ennis]

My sister's gone, Tony.

[Michael Moman]

For how long?

[Hope Ennis]

Long enough that I came to tell you.

[Michael Moman]

Where was she last?

[Hope Ennis]

Brownsville.

[Corey Pettit]

Red Meat Village, starring Jag and the good witches, Katherine Bell.

[Hope Ennis]

Find her, Tony, please. She's my kid sister. She's in trouble.

[Corey Pettit]

And Malik Yoba from Cool Runnings in New York Undercover.

[Hope Ennis]

I suppose we're not calling the nypd.

[Corey Pettit]

Nope.

[Jack Austin]

Destiny awaits.

[Hope Ennis]

You think you're going to find Destiny Hunter? I looked Tony dead in his eyes and lied to his face. He drove off, certainly having committed multiple felonies. The murderer in the backseat, who might be our best shot at finding. Finding Destiny.

[Reed Kreiner]

And it hit me the whole goddamn.

[Hope Ennis]

Scheme fell into place.

[Michael Moman]

Aiming guns in my direction is a quick way to shorten your life expectancy, ma'am.

[Hope Ennis]

Drop the gun.

[Corey Pettit]

Available now from Voyage Media, producers of the hit fiction podcast Fever Dreams, a pulp collection, a new contemporary neo noir thriller that takes you into the most dangerous neighborhood of New York City in search of destiny.

[Jack Austin]

Red Meat Village.

[Corey Pettit]

Red Meat Village. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere.

[Jack Austin]

You listen to podcasts.

[Gina Coyle]

There it is. So go ahead and check out Red Meat [e-mail] or anywhere you listen to podcasts 7 Lamb Productions End of All.

[Hope Ennis]

Hope.

[Gina Coyle]

Season 5 Episode 13 A new.

[Reed Kreiner]

Understanding.

[Evelyn]

It'S still so hot.

[Corey Pettit]

It sucks. There's no shade over here.

[Hope Ennis]

We were walking along the highway. There was still no alien vegetation over here, but plenty of stalled vehicles. We stopped trying cars, though. There was no point in it. The road would be too hard to drive on. And they were noisy, although that didn't stop others. We heard them every so often, along with gunshots.

[Corey Pettit]

This isn't good.

[Hope Ennis]

What?

[Corey Pettit]

There's no cover out here.

[Hope Ennis]

You want to rest?

[Corey Pettit]

I don't mean from the sun. I mean, if those people show up.

[Hope Ennis]

There'S not much we can do about it. Unless we can get off the road. But then we chanced getting lost.

[Evelyn]

Have you been over here before?

[Hope Ennis]

Sure. Passing through a couple road trips. That was nearly a decade ago. I really don't know this area.

[Corey Pettit]

Me either.

[Hope Ennis]

Connor didn't talk much about his past experiences or his family. He said he was from Santa Maria, but used to live in LA before that. He seemed young, but I still wasn't sure if he was actually 18. Although maybe it was because of Brielle's lie that I was so skeptical.

[Corey Pettit]

We have to be close. I saw a picture inside somebody's house that literally showed the lake.

[Hope Ennis]

You know it was Lake Isabella.

[Corey Pettit]

Well, they had a bunch of pics of sequoias, so I guess I just assumed.

[Evelyn]

But still, that doesn't mean anything. I had pics in my house of la, but I didn't live there. I just visited. So they could be old pics.

[Corey Pettit]

Yeah, I guess. But I've been to Sequoia before. It was never that far of a drive.

[Hope Ennis]

Walking's much different.

[Evelyn]

Walking sucks.

[Corey Pettit]

Especially when you can't find food or water.

[Hope Ennis]

You think these people you've seen strip this whole area?

[Corey Pettit]

Maybe. I figured they were robbing people too. But then I saw.

[Hope Ennis]

Well, I get it. Maybe you're right. Maybe we should get off the road. Most of these cars are empty of supplies anyway.

[Evelyn]

But it's easier to walk on.

[Hope Ennis]

Not worth our lives. Maybe we can follow the road without staying directly on it. We only have two guns and not much ammo.

[Corey Pettit]

Yeah, that's something else. I need ammo.

[Evelyn]

I hope you're right about this place.

[Corey Pettit]

Like Isabella. Yeah, I hope so too.

[Reed Kreiner]

We walked along the coast until we were clear of some of the alien vegetation. It looked like a ship had come in recently and sprayed the area. Since most of the vegetation was still in its algae. Like State, there's some boats over here. The other boats we saw earlier were broken or we couldn't find the keys. Some were covered in alien growth.

[Adam Jetmore]

I feel like you're looking for a specific type.

[Jack Austin]

I just want something that's clean and usable.

[Adam Jetmore]

You want a sailboat?

[Jack Austin]

Yes, I do.

[Adam Jetmore]

Do you know how to sail?

[Jack Austin]

No, not at all. But unless we find keys, that's our best bet. But the wind carries.

[Reed Kreiner]

There was a smashed dock jutting into a small bay. But no boats were docked. They all floated freely.

[Jack Austin]

What about one of those?

[Adam Jetmore]

I don't see any alien plants.

[Jack Austin]

And they're still afloat.

[Reed Kreiner]

Most of them, anyway.

[Adam Jetmore]

Okay, so we're doing this?

[Jack Austin]

I say yes.

[Reed Kreiner]

How do we get to them?

[Jack Austin]

How else?

[Reed Kreiner]

Ambridge took off his shoes and socks. He shoved it all into his backpack.

[Adam Jetmore]

Water's gonna be super cold, right?

[Jack Austin]

Most likely.

[Reed Kreiner]

Do you know how to swim?

[Adam Jetmore]

Yeah, I know how to swim, but it's been a while.

[Reed Kreiner]

Kylie, too, started taking off her shoes and socks. I did the same. So which one?

[Jack Austin]

Straight ahead.

[Reed Kreiner]

The blue one?

[Jack Austin]

Yeah. What?

[Reed Kreiner]

It's small.

[Jack Austin]

Well, which one do you want, Jay?

[Reed Kreiner]

That one over there by the rocks.

[Jack Austin]

That one's even smaller.

[Reed Kreiner]

No, it's not. It's just further away.

[Adam Jetmore]

I say we go for that bad.

[Jack Austin]

Boy with the blue stripe. Yeah, that's a 50 footer.

[Adam Jetmore]

Can't handle it.

[Jack Austin]

I told you, I don't know how to sail.

[Adam Jetmore]

Yeah, but it's closer to the opening of the bay.

[Jack Austin]

Meaning?

[Adam Jetmore]

Meaning it might be easier to get out into open water.

[Jack Austin]

Maybe, but it'll be a farther swim.

[Adam Jetmore]

Yeah, yeah, good point.

[Reed Kreiner]

What about that one over there with the red cover?

[Jack Austin]

Guys, we just need something to get us to Bodega Bay.

[Reed Kreiner]

Yeah, but can't we travel in style?

[Adam Jetmore]

I agree with Jay.

[Jack Austin]

Okay, okay, let's see. What about that one?

[Reed Kreiner]

We followed Ambridge's finger. He pointed to a large, wide cruiser with forest green markings. A green lining along the edge of the rolled up sail. That looks just as big as the one Kylie pointed out.

[Jack Austin]

It's a little smaller, maybe 35ft.

[Reed Kreiner]

I think your perception is off.

[Adam Jetmore]

Are you picking that one because of the name?

[Jack Austin]

You don't like it?

[Adam Jetmore]

Feeling naughty? Clever?

[Reed Kreiner]

I didn't even notice that.

[Jack Austin]

I'm actually picking it because it's facing out towards the ocean right now. If we get to it in time, maybe we'll be able to steer it out with ease. Plus, it's not a far swim.

[Adam Jetmore]

All right. All right, fine with me.

[Reed Kreiner]

Me too.

[Jack Austin]

Let's go.

[Reed Kreiner]

We stored everything in our Packs rolled up our pant legs and set out. I was nervous about this, but it would definitely cut down on time. That is if we could figure out how to sail. Ambridge seemed confident. I wanted to match that confidence.

[Adam Jetmore]

I know I said I could swim, but it really has been a while.

[Jack Austin]

So just, you know, well, make sure you don't drown.

[Adam Jetmore]

Appreciate.

[Evelyn]

I heard the gunfire again last night, but it was further away.

[Corey Pettit]

That's good. Maybe we're leaving those messed up people.

[Hope Ennis]

Behind another day and we're still walking along the highway. We diverted onto 178 after seeing a sign for a campground near Lake Isabella.

[Evelyn]

Did you hear it, Ava?

[Hope Ennis]

No. It must have been when I fell asleep. I hated falling asleep around Connor because we didn't know him well enough yet. But Brielle had taken to him and, well, they were really getting along now.

[Evelyn]

How's your arm?

[Corey Pettit]

I'm getting used to it, but it doesn't make going to the bathroom easy.

[Hope Ennis]

We spent last night in an SUV with busted windows. Before we left in the morning, Brielle had helped Connor affix the new sling since the old one had gotten torn when he climbed into the suv.

[Evelyn]

Well, I'm not helping you with that.

[Corey Pettit]

Whoa, whoa, whoa. I didn't say you had to.

[Hope Ennis]

The whole day they had been joking around. It was nice to see she had been through a lot since we left that cave. And it was good for her to be around someone closer to her age. Her real age.

[Evelyn]

That's one of the worst things about all this. I mean, besides the aliens.

[Corey Pettit]

What?

[Evelyn]

Finding food, water and places to go to the bathroom.

[Hope Ennis]

I don't know. It's like a hike out in the wilderness. Something you just get used to.

[Evelyn]

I still don't like it.

[Corey Pettit]

The main thing I hate is not being able to be on my phone.

[Hope Ennis]

You mean in general?

[Corey Pettit]

No, I mean going to the bathroom.

[Evelyn]

Yeah, that's true. But I also miss my phone in general.

[Corey Pettit]

Let me guess. You were on TikTok Insta Facebook.

[Evelyn]

You weren't?

[Corey Pettit]

Not TikTok. Stupid dance videos.

[Evelyn]

There was more than just that.

[Corey Pettit]

Yeah, Lip syncing. Cool.

[Evelyn]

What's wrong with that?

[Corey Pettit]

Ugh, man.

[Evelyn]

What?

[Corey Pettit]

You did those types of videos, didn't you?

[Evelyn]

Not all the time and never on my own. I just did it when my friends wanted to. But they did the dances and stuff too. I never did that.

[Corey Pettit]

Used the filters a lot too, didn't you?

[Evelyn]

No.

[Corey Pettit]

Uh huh.

[Hope Ennis]

I remember me and Mark talked about missing gps. That could have really helped us out across the country.

[Corey Pettit]

Who's Mark?

[Hope Ennis]

Just. Just Someone we were traveling with.

[Corey Pettit]

Oh.

[Hope Ennis]

He looked back at me and gave me a sincere nod. We all stopped.

[Evelyn]

Um. What was that?

[Reed Kreiner]

Shit.

[Corey Pettit]

It's them.

[Evelyn]

What do we do?

[Hope Ennis]

Where do we go? Up there. I pointed to several stalled cars ahead of us. We ran to the closest vehicle, which was a Kia. Get underneath now. Brielle pulled her gun, and so did I. We all quickly climbed under the car.

[Evelyn]

I can't get my backpack.

[Corey Pettit]

I got it. I got it.

[Evelyn]

You see her?

[Corey Pettit]

It's coming from the woods. Over there.

[Hope Ennis]

I see her. We lay under the car, watching intently as a woman in a baggy sweater and ripped pants come running out of the woods. A man was chasing her.

[Evelyn]

Is it just the one guy?

[Hope Ennis]

If it is, we can take him.

[Reed Kreiner]

It's not.

[Hope Ennis]

Are you sure?

[Corey Pettit]

Trust me.

[Hope Ennis]

He was right. From down the road came an F150, driving erratically, knocking into the front of cars, pushing them out of the way.

[Evelyn]

It's gonna hit us.

[Hope Ennis]

Don't move. We watched as the truck approached, but quickly veered off the road. Behind it, another vehicle, a black Jeep. The man chasing the woman tackled her. She was kicking and screaming as the truck and Jeep pulled up.

[Evelyn]

We have to help her.

[Corey Pettit]

Are you crazy?

[Evelyn]

They're attacking her.

[Corey Pettit]

They'll attack us if we help.

[Evelyn]

We can shoot them.

[Corey Pettit]

Do you see their weapons?

[Hope Ennis]

They had plenty of them. Big stuff, too. Each one carried a rifle, but I could see sidearms on their waist, along with machetes and knives.

[Evelyn]

Eva.

[Hope Ennis]

Bree. We can't do anything. Stop. We have to stay here and be quiet. She looked frustrated, hurt. A couple of men jumped out of the truck to help the initial chaser. They all grabbed an arm or leg and made their way back to the vehicle. The woman continued to struggle, continued to fight to no avail. The men were all dressed in black. Connor wasn't lying. As the vehicles took off, I tried to count the men. There were at least three in the truck with the one giving chase. Then it looked like four or five in the Jeep. All the men were unkempt and looked like some biker gang without bikes. But while the last biker gang I ran into turned out to be helpful, these guys seemed like the complete opposite.

[Corey Pettit]

Jesus.

[Hope Ennis]

We waited until it was completely quiet again. Until we climbed out from under the kia.

[Evelyn]

I can't believe we just watched them do that.

[Corey Pettit]

We couldn't do anything.

[Evelyn]

We could have tried.

[Corey Pettit]

Did you see how many there were?

[Hope Ennis]

That you're a pussy, Brie.

[Evelyn]

What?

[Hope Ennis]

I couldn't believe it. But I agreed with Connor. Boy, how times have changed. Connor's right. I told you. We have to be careful. We have to be cautious.

[Evelyn]

But what about that girl?

[Hope Ennis]

It makes me sick to my stomach. But if we intervened, there's a chance they would have hurt us, too. I couldn't risk that.

[Evelyn]

Because of me?

[Hope Ennis]

We have to look out for each other, remember?

[Evelyn]

Yeah. I'm just. I feel bad.

[Hope Ennis]

Me, too.

[Corey Pettit]

Hey, me too.

[Hope Ennis]

Come on, guys. Let's get out of here before they make their way back. And let's stay off the road.

[Adam Jetmore]

Anything?

[Reed Kreiner]

No. Some pictures and letters. That's all.

[Adam Jetmore]

Letters?

[Reed Kreiner]

Yeah, a bunch of thank you letters. Guess the owner of the boat took some people out fishing. Oh, I was dripping and pretty exhausted from the swim. There's some sad letters, too.

[Adam Jetmore]

What about?

[Reed Kreiner]

Some lady named Delilah. Lost someone close to her. I think this is her.

[Adam Jetmore]

Her and her son?

[Reed Kreiner]

Guess so.

[Adam Jetmore]

Wonder if she lost him.

[Reed Kreiner]

Maybe.

[Adam Jetmore]

That's sad.

[Reed Kreiner]

Yeah.

[Adam Jetmore]

Hey, Ambridge says he's ready if you are.

[Reed Kreiner]

Yeah. Just wanted to make sure it was safe.

[Adam Jetmore]

Good idea.

[Jack Austin]

Guys, wind's picking up. I say we get this thing going.

[Reed Kreiner]

I don't know what to do.

[Adam Jetmore]

None of us do. But we're gonna figure it out together.

[Reed Kreiner]

Because we make a good team.

[Adam Jetmore]

That's right.

[Reed Kreiner]

We walked back up to the deck to find Ambridge fighting with the near sail.

[Jack Austin]

This is gonna be tricky.

[Adam Jetmore]

Think you can hold that steady?

[Jack Austin]

I'm tying the boom now. I think that's what it's called.

[Reed Kreiner]

Sadly, there was no sailing for Dummy's book Below deck.

[Adam Jetmore]

Shocking.

[Jack Austin]

Guess we're on our own. I got this so far, but when I let this go, we're gonna take off.

[Reed Kreiner]

What about the other sail?

[Jack Austin]

Get at it.

[Reed Kreiner]

Okay. I went to the front sail and loosened the rope. It took forever to unwrap it, but once I did, it filled out completely.

[Jack Austin]

Here we go, Kylie.

[Adam Jetmore]

I got it.

[Jack Austin]

By the way, I don't really know technical terms, so this may be tricky.

[Adam Jetmore]

Just do a lot of pointing.

[Jack Austin]

I'm pointing now. Do you see that boat?

[Adam Jetmore]

I see it. I see it.

[Reed Kreiner]

Kylie pulled hard left, and we zoomed past another smaller boat, barely missing it by a couple of feet.

[Jack Austin]

Jesus.

[Hope Ennis]

We're good.

[Jack Austin]

Just get us through those rocks and then change directions.

[Adam Jetmore]

Sounds good to me.

[Reed Kreiner]

Hey, what's the left side called?

[Jack Austin]

I don't know.

[Adam Jetmore]

Left is port side. I think Starport is right.

[Jack Austin]

Sounds good to me. But maybe we'll just say left and right for the time being.

[Adam Jetmore]

I'm fine with that.

[Reed Kreiner]

Me, too.

[Jack Austin]

Uh, Kylie, we have rocks on our right. Rocks on our right.

[Adam Jetmore]

I'm pulling faster.

[Jack Austin]

This is Gonna be a real short trip.

[Adam Jetmore]

Turn the sails.

[Reed Kreiner]

I got it. I jumped to the other side and pushed the boom as Ambridge yanked a rope attached to it.

[Jack Austin]

Push.

[Reed Kreiner]

I am.

[Jack Austin]

Shit. I need to tie this off.

[Reed Kreiner]

What about that?

[Jack Austin]

What?

[Reed Kreiner]

The crank. I pushed one more time before letting go. Ambridge held the boom in place with the rope until I reached a small steel crank on the side. This helping?

[Jack Austin]

I think so. Faster, Jake.

[Reed Kreiner]

I'm going as fast as I can. I saw Kylie spinning the wheel hard as I turned the crank.

[Jack Austin]

This might be rough.

[Adam Jetmore]

We're fine.

[Reed Kreiner]

She was right. The crank pulled the rope tight, keeping the boom steady. We narrowly avoided the rocks to our right and pulled out into the open ocean.

[Hope Ennis]

Whoa.

[Jack Austin]

That's what I'm talking about.

[Reed Kreiner]

My hand hurts.

[Adam Jetmore]

Me too. Now turn the sail back.

[Reed Kreiner]

All the way?

[Adam Jetmore]

Not all the way. We need her going right now. We gotta follow the coast.

[Hope Ennis]

Yeah.

[Jack Austin]

Don't let the coast out of our sight. Last thing we want to do is drift out in the middle of the ocean.

[Adam Jetmore]

Aye aye.

[Reed Kreiner]

Kylie smiled at me. I smiled back. We made it. Looked like this wouldn't be so hard after all. You'd be in Bodega Bay in no time.

[Hope Ennis]

Another day passed, and we didn't see much. We stayed close to the road, but not on it. Those guys never showed back up. In fact, we didn't hear any gunshots or screams either.

[Corey Pettit]

Is it me or is it even hotter today?

[Hope Ennis]

But neither me nor Bree responded. Bree was still somewhat upset with Connor, and it made me sad to see her like that. So while Connor walked in front of us, I slowed down more to be next to Bree. Hey.

[Evelyn]

Hey.

[Hope Ennis]

You doing okay?

[Evelyn]

I'm just sad.

[Hope Ennis]

I know. I am, too.

[Evelyn]

Really?

[Hope Ennis]

Brielle. We may not know each other well, but I always want to help you. Wouldn't be here if I didn't.

[Evelyn]

I know.

[Hope Ennis]

Mark knew that, too. It's who I always was. And for some reason, it would make me angry sometimes that Mark couldn't understand. Especially when all this shit began. I saw people in pain, and I wanted to ease their pain.

[Evelyn]

I know.

[Hope Ennis]

But now I understand where Mark was coming from. Hell, maybe I understood then, too. But I didn't want to admit it, you know? Now I have to.

[Evelyn]

Because of me.

[Hope Ennis]

Because of us.

[Evelyn]

Oh.

[Hope Ennis]

Connor looked back at us, but didn't say anything. It actually looked like he picked up pace to give us more room to talk, which was a nice gesture.

[Evelyn]

It was like that old man said.

[Hope Ennis]

Yeah. He warned us. So did Connor.

[Evelyn]

I just didn't like how Connor said what he said.

[Hope Ennis]

I understand that. But he was right. We could be dead or worse.

[Evelyn]

I know. I know all of this. But it doesn't make me any less sad.

[Hope Ennis]

Right. And you know why that is? It's because you have a good heart. Unlike those people we saw yesterday.

[Evelyn]

I don't want to be like them.

[Hope Ennis]

Good. Don't. Don't ever let this. All of this. Get to you.

[Evelyn]

I won't.

[Hope Ennis]

Don't let it change who you are. At least not for the worse.

[Evelyn]

I won't. Really.

[Hope Ennis]

Okay.

[Evelyn]

You think I should apologize to Connor?

[Hope Ennis]

What do you think?

[Evelyn]

Yeah. I think I should.

[Hope Ennis]

I smiled. Good. Make sure you let him know you just. Down.

[Michael Moman]

Everyone on the ground.

[Hope Ennis]

Six men jumped from the side of the road dressed in ghillie suits. I went for my gun.

[Michael Moman]

Don't.

[Hope Ennis]

Shit. They had us surrounded. Each person holding a gun aimed at us.

[Michael Moman]

Do not go for your weapons, Theo. Eric, Pat him down.

[Hope Ennis]

I could see Brielle shaking as two men approached us.

[Corey Pettit]

Is this Lake Isabella? Are we here?

[Michael Moman]

You looking for it?

[Hope Ennis]

Connor hesitated a moment as one of the two men grabbed his backpack and rummaged through it.

[Corey Pettit]

Yes. We are.

[Michael Moman]

Why?

[Corey Pettit]

We heard it was a safe zone.

[Michael Moman]

By who?

[Corey Pettit]

By other survivors.

[Hope Ennis]

We were searched next. They grabbed my backpack. Yanking it hard. They pulled the gun from my waistband and did the same to Brielle. These men weren't dressed like the guys who attacked that woman yesterday. And the fact that they knew about the lake made me hopeful.

[Michael Moman]

Well.

[Hope Ennis]

Three handguns. Only two with ammo. The man who seemed to be in charge had a long salt and pepper beard and a crooked nose. He had bags under his green eyes and a deep red tan.

[Michael Moman]

You see anything on the road on your way here?

[Hope Ennis]

A lot of stalled cars.

[Michael Moman]

What about ones that worked? Namely trucks and jeeps?

[Hope Ennis]

We did.

[Corey Pettit]

You're not them though. I can tell.

[Michael Moman]

That's so.

[Corey Pettit]

Yeah. I knew we were close. This is it, right?

[Michael Moman]

Yeah. That's right. About a quarter of a mile up ahead. I'll have a couple of my men walk with you. You can keep your guns. But the cliffs will stay with my men until you reach the animal shelter along with your packs.

[Evelyn]

Animal shelter?

[Michael Moman]

That's the point of entry.

[Corey Pettit]

Are there a lot of people?

[Michael Moman]

We'll let you see for yourself. Theo, you, Greg and Maddox. Take them in.

[Hope Ennis]

Want us to send replacements?

[Michael Moman]

Nah. We still got a couple more hours. But make sure these guys talk to Janet and get settled.

[Gina Coyle]

You trust him?

[Michael Moman]

They ain't them.

[Hope Ennis]

The three men led us a quarter mile along. 178 until we hit a small town of roughly 20 buildings. It was situated in front of some mountains to the north and flat prairie to the south. Almost there. They didn't talk much at all, and neither did we. While hopeful, we were still tense and on alert.

[Evelyn]

I don't see anyone.

[Corey Pettit]

We're not there yet, he said.

[Evelyn]

We're close.

[Corey Pettit]

Wait. You hear that?

[Hope Ennis]

I do.

[Corey Pettit]

Look.

[Hope Ennis]

There was a bus pulling out from behind a small brown one story building with a cracked glass door. On the side, by the sign for Animal Clinic was another sign written in paint on plywood. It read, welcome to Lake Isabella.

[Corey Pettit]

Yes.

[Hope Ennis]

Connor nearly jumped for joy. I was still cautiously hopeful. The three men led us to the building. I kept staring at the sign. The paint reminded me of the note left by Scott, and the word Isabella reminded me of Isabelle, Christina's nurse. I was once again hit with sadness, which I tried to shake away as we entered the building. Hey, Janet. Yep. Got some more for the haven. A short old woman with a hunch came out from the back room. She had a cigarette hanging from her lips. She puffed and pulled it out. Is that so? Perry had us bring him in. Well, thanks guys. I'll take care of them. Good deal. Theo and the other two men walked out, leaving us there with the old woman. They still have our things. Don't worry, they'll give them back shortly. In the meantime, let's get you guys settled. Oh, and I almost forgot. Welcome to the lake.

[Gina Coyle]

End of All Hope Written by Robert M. Lamb Edited by Ashley Cartisano Starring Hope Ennis as Ava Adam Jetmore as Jay Jack Austin as Ambridge Gina Coyle as Kylie Evelyn as Brielle Ariel Hack as Mia Stacey golden as Chris Michael Moman as Roger Brett Wilkins as Travis Reed Kreiner as Dana Corey Pettit as Jess Jerry Swindle Jr. As Gale Ann Feller as Hudson Christina Lewis as Annie and Gareth Thomas as Sammy Co Starring Ryan Glover, Fran Paredes, Zachary Thatcher, Douglas Solway, Sherman Alpert, Ashley York, Curtis Edwards, Adrian Bordeaux and Chris Datoli. Music provided by Kevin McLeod at incompetech.com Dylan Mixer at dmixmusic.com and Eldridge T'Challa of Nemesis Black at reverbnation.com Nemesis Black if you enjoy End of All Hope, visit sevenlam.com for more podcasts such as this. And don't forget to rate and review. This has been a seven Lamb production.