S6E4: Leading the Pack

Summary

End of All Hope - S6E4: Leading the Pack

Released Date: June 23, 2025
Host/Author: Bloody FM
Podcast Description: A fictional podcast following three survivors as they trek across the country trying to survive an alien invasion.

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Episode Overview

"Leading the Pack," the fourth episode of Season 6 of End of All Hope, delves deep into the intricate dynamics of survival, leadership struggles, and the relentless threats posed by alien invaders known as Thrashers. As alliances are tested and new challenges emerge, the survivors must navigate both external dangers and internal conflicts to maintain their tenuous hope.

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Kenny and Dana’s Struggle for Survival

The episode opens with Kenny and Dana navigating the rugged terrain on their bikes, trying to secure their limited resources amidst the chaos of the alien invasion.

• Kenny's Frustration:
  [01:09] Kenny: "Ugh, these things suck."
  Expressing his disdain for the dry protein bars he’s consuming, Kenny highlights the scarcity and hardship the survivors endure.

• Hunting Antelope:
  [01:26 - 02:14] The duo spots antelope grazing and Kenny playfully boasts about his hunting skills. This moment underscores their reliance on hunting for survival and reveals Kenny's background from Willow Creek, Alabama. Dana, once a ranger in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, provides a contrast with her past role in conservation.

• Personal Histories:
  Discussions between Kenny and Dana reveal their personal losses and motivations. Kenny reflects on his ex-wife and the impact of the invasion on his relationships, while Dana mourns her lost girlfriend and grapples with leadership responsibilities after Roger's absence.

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Grant, Naomi, and Mia’s Medical Crisis

Meanwhile, another segment focuses on Grant, Naomi, and Mia as they confront a dire medical situation within their group.

• Medical Emergency:
  [04:07 - 05:20] Naomi attempts to extract a fragment lodged in Mia's pelvis after she was shot. The tension heightens as they realize the severity of Mia’s injuries and the imminent threat posed by the Thrashers.

• Under Attack:
  [05:02 - 07:10] The group faces an intense attack by Thrashers, forcing them to defend their position. Naomi's medical expertise is put to the test as they struggle to keep Mia alive amidst the chaos.

• Escape Attempt:
  [07:24 - 08:44] Dana’s desperate attempt to evade attackers results in her bike being disabled and her crashing into a creek. This action-packed sequence highlights the constant danger the survivors face from both the alien invaders and hostile human factions.

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Base Defense and Leadership Tensions

As the Thrashers intensify their assault, the episode shifts focus to the strategic maneuvers and leadership decisions impacting the survivors' fate.

• Assessing the Base’s Defense:
  [11:15 - 13:27] Grant and Kenny observe the heavily fortified base being overwhelmed by a massive Thrasher attack. Grant contemplates retreating to an abandoned town, realizing the improbability of mounting a successful assault against the well-defended base.

• Group Dynamics:
  [13:27 - 14:34] Faced with dwindling resources and increasing threats, Grant grapples with group decisions. He acknowledges the failed plan to strike the base and considers settling in the abandoned town despite its vulnerabilities.

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Confrontation and Decision-Making

Internal conflicts escalate as leadership decisions become more contentious, leading to pivotal confrontations and strategic choices.

• Public Address:
  [28:34 - 31:07] Grant delivers a heartfelt speech to the group, explaining the current situation and urging unity. Despite skepticism from members like Kenny and Dana, Grant emphasizes the need to settle in the town and maintain vigilance against potential threats.

• Resource Shortages:
  [31:00 - 31:57] Concerns about food scarcity and the limitations of their new settlement fuel debates within the group. Kenny expresses skepticism about the base's future, highlighting the ongoing struggle for survival.

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Dana’s Captivity and Hayden’s Ultimatum

Dana’s storyline takes a dramatic turn as she is captured by Hayden, a key antagonist, leading to tense negotiations and dire ultimatums.

• Capture and Interrogation:
  [20:55 - 23:01] Dana is forcibly taken to a storage room where she meets Hayden. Their confrontation reveals Hayden's authority and the precarious position of the survivors. Dana remains defiant despite Hayden's threats, illustrating her resilience.

• Hayden’s Ultimatum:
  [35:37 - 38:30] Hayden offers Dana a chance to relay a message to her group, demanding that they stay away from the base. He sets a grim condition: if any survivor approaches, Mia will be killed. This high-stakes negotiation underscores the tension between the survivors and those controlling the base.

• Reunion and Deception:
  [36:19 - 37:08] Dana meets Mia, who appears to have survived Hayden’s initial attack. Their reunion is bittersweet as Hayden reveals his intentions, forcing Dana to agree to deliver his message under duress.

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Climactic Resolutions and New Beginnings

The episode culminates in critical decisions that will shape the survivors' future amidst relentless threats.

• Message Delivery:
  [38:30 - 39:14] Dana, under Hayden's coercion, returns to her group to convey the ultimatum. Grant grapples with abandoning the base while ensuring the group's safety, reflecting the heavy burden of leadership in crisis.

• Group Consensus:
  [39:44] The survivors reluctantly agree to make the abandoned town their new home, despite its vulnerabilities. This resolution marks a significant shift in their survival strategy, emphasizing the themes of sacrifice and adaptation.

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Notable Quotes

• Kenny on Scarcity:
  [01:14] Kenny: "Not a lot to choose from, Dana. I have one more of these and I'm pretty much done with my supply."

• Dana on Leadership:
  [03:53] Dana: "Didn't want to. She wanted to leave. Somehow Roger convinced her to stay and help out. Kind of turns my stomach into a knot knowing she's most likely dead because of us and the move."

• Grant on Strategy:
  [11:15] Grant: "Honestly? Seriously. Seriously."

• Hayden’s Threat:
  [37:00] Hayden: "Mia's staying here. If we see one person outside our walls after tonight, we'll kill her."

• Dana’s Resilience:
  [37:01] Dana: "I thought you were dead. Everyone did not surprising."

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Conclusion

"Leading the Pack" masterfully intertwines multiple storylines, showcasing the relentless struggle for survival against both alien threats and human antagonists. Through intense action sequences, heartfelt character moments, and strategic leadership decisions, the episode captures the essence of End of All Hope—a testament to human resilience in the face of overwhelming despair. As alliances shift and new challenges arise, the survivors must navigate a treacherous path to preserve what little hope remains.

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Cast and Crew

Written by: Robert M. Lamb
Edited by: Mia Sukvalai
Starring:

• Hope Ennis as Ava
• Adam Jetmore as Jay
• Jack Austin as Ambridge
• Gina Coyle as Kylie
• Ariel Hack as Mia
• Brett Wilkins as Travis
• Stacey Golden as Chris
• Logan Ferdinand as Dana
• Ian Feller as Hudson
• Mike Lenhart as Grant
• Veronica Wolfart as Grace
• Brian Messick as Cohen
• Maurice Shelton
• Douglas Solway
• Adam Ibin
• Clifton Smith
• Zane Bowman
• Nick Cornelius
• Corey Kein
• Gareth Thomas
• Walter Mack
• Jabrina Cooper
• Tiffany Cornelius
• Mia Sucvolai
• Jose Caraballo
• Ryan Wiggs
• Ethan Guest
• Rhino Alberts
• Clayton Flood
• Morgan McCormick
• Nick Keeney
• Robert M. Lamb

Music Provided by:

• [e-mail]
• Additional Tracks: Artlist IO and Pond5

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Support and Merchandise

Fans can support the podcast and access exclusive content by visiting patreon.com/7Lamb. Merchandise is available at sevenlam.com, sevenlamstore.com, and 7Lamb.threadless.com, featuring shirts, hoodies, mugs, stickers, loot boxes, and more.

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Thank you for listening to End of All Hope. Stay tuned for the next episode!

Transcript

[Robert M. Lamb]

Hey everyone, don't forget we are on Patreon. If you'd like to help us out, you can go to patreon.com 7Lamb the number 7Lamb and you can donate as little as a dollar a month. And it all goes to helping us create podcasts such as this one. We do have other tiers to choose from with a ton of different bonus content so you can check us out once again. That's patreon.com 7Lamb the number 7Lamb and any support is much appreciated. Thanks everyone and enjoy the next episode of End of all hope. Seven Lamb Productions presents End of All.

[Dana]

Hope.

[Robert M. Lamb]

Season 6 Episode 4 Leading the Pack.

[Kenny]

Ugh, these things suck.

[Dana]

What?

[Kenny]

These dry ass protein bars.

[Dana]

Well, why do you keep eating it?

[Kenny]

Not a lot to choose from, Dana. I have one more of these and I'm pretty much done with my supply.

[Dana]

Kenny and I were sitting on our bikes on top of a small hill just north of the road.

[Kenny]

Hey, there we go.

[Dana]

What? Thrashers?

[Kenny]

No, antelope over there.

[Dana]

I looked where he was pointing southeast of us. Four antelope were grazing.

[Kenny]

I bet I could pick one off from right here.

[Dana]

Except you can't do that.

[Kenny]

I didn't say I would, just that I could.

[Dana]

He held up his arms as if he was holding an imaginary rifle. Then he playfully shot, moving his arms with pretend recoil. You're a pretty good shot, huh?

[Kenny]

Been hunting all my life.

[Dana]

And riding dirt bikes.

[Kenny]

That's right.

[Dana]

Where'd you say you were from again?

[Kenny]

Small town of Willow Creek, Alabama.

[Dana]

What brought you to Denver?

[Kenny]

My buddy and me, we was doing some contract oil field jobs.

[Dana]

You were a driller?

[Kenny]

For about a year. It was a new interest, so we drove up this way, figuring we'd be out here for a few months. And now it's been a half a year and an alien invasion.

[Dana]

You ever think about trying to get back to Alabama?

[Kenny]

Nah, not in this. Wyoming seemed like as far as I wanted to go. Plus I've always wanted to live in the Midwest. Plenty of hunting up here.

[Dana]

No family in Alabama.

[Kenny]

I got me an ex wife and part of me hopes that she was at work in Atlanta when the meteors fell.

[Dana]

But meteors hit all the big cities.

[Kenny]

Yeah, I know that. I very much hate my ex wife.

[Dana]

Kenny finished the rest of his protein bar and threw the wrapper to.

[Kenny]

What about you, Dana?

[Dana]

I lived in golden and worked in Golden Gate Canyon State Park.

[Kenny]

That's right. You were a ranger. Or you still are.

[Dana]

I don't know anymore. I think the rangers are done, aren't.

[Kenny]

These guys in the base? Rangers?

[Dana]

Some of them.

[Kenny]

Apparently they just don't save zones like you guys did.

[Dana]

Nope.

[Kenny]

You have a family and your relatives?

[Dana]

Distant cousins. An uncle. I had a girlfriend. We broke up. Shit. Maybe two weeks before the meteors.

[Kenny]

Dang.

[Dana]

Yeah. Sometimes I think about her. But she moved back in with her family. At least she had someone.

[Kenny]

Unlike you, who just had a bunch of sweaty burly men in campaign hats.

[Dana]

Yeah.

[Kenny]

Hey. You miss Roger?

[Dana]

Almost as much as my ex girlfriend.

[Kenny]

Yeah, me too. Not too crazy about Travis. He's alright. Sometimes. But most of the time. Sheesh.

[Dana]

Tell me about it.

[Kenny]

How come you didn't take over?

[Dana]

Didn't want to. I'm not looking to run things. Although.

[Kenny]

What?

[Dana]

That would have helped me if she decided to.

[Kenny]

Why didn't she?

[Dana]

Didn't want to. She wanted to leave. Somehow Roger convinced her to stay and help out. Kind of turns my stomach into a knot knowing she's most likely dead because of us and the move.

[Kenny]

Yeah, I get that. I like Mia. I would have loved it if she ran the show.

[Dana]

Just then, Kenny's eyes darted to the side. What is it?

[Kenny]

Look.

[Dana]

The antelope were now galloping and hopping towards the wood line.

[Kenny]

They look spooked. You think?

[Dana]

Yes, I do. You ready for this?

[Kenny]

Oh yeah, let's do.

[Grant]

What's with her?

[Naomi]

What's with her? She was shot, Grant. And I realize there's a fragment missing from one of the bullets.

[Grant]

What?

[Naomi]

Look. This one here was the one that hit her through the side into her pelvis. Look at it.

[Grant]

I see it.

[Naomi]

I'm thinking part of it shattered when it hit bone and is now lodged.

[Grant]

Well, get it out.

[Naomi]

Going to try, but I don't know if I'll be able to. I have to be careful. This was the worst one to retrieve. There's a lot of vital organs down there.

[Grant]

Naomi. This guy is gonna kill us if we can't keep her alive. You heard him.

[Naomi]

You know, Grant, if you guys just did what you set out to do.

[Grant]

Was that a thrasher?

[Naomi]

I think so.

[Grant]

We're under attack. Catwalk. Get to the catwalk. What the hell is going on?

[Naomi]

Holy shit.

[Hayden]

Do not let them get too close. Protect the vehicles at all costs. Watch the main entrance.

[Grant]

Here they come.

[Hayden]

And what are you two doing out here?

[Grant]

What's going on?

[Hayden]

Isn't it obvious? Ton of thrashers are attacking now. Get back to medical and make sure Mia doesn't get hurt.

[Grant]

But how do we do that? We don't have weapons.

[Hayden]

And you won't get any Then what do we do? Cross your fingers and hope we keep these things from getting in.

[Grant]

Come on.

[Dana]

I skidded a bit on the loose soil near the back of the base. Men started appearing at the top, firing down at the thrashers now clawing their way up the walls, although it proved to be too tough for many of them.

[Kenny]

Looks like it's working.

[Dana]

There were damn near a hundred thrashers all vying to get in now. Yeah, let's see if they have enough ammo for that.

[Grant]

Hey.

[Kenny]

I'm just glad the damn things lost interest in us.

[Dana]

Yeah, but we need to get out of here.

[Kenny]

Yeah, we do. Look over there.

[Dana]

A couple thrashers were coming around the other side, forcing more men onto the catwalk. At one point, the nearest man turned to us, pointed us out to the other men.

[Kenny]

Oh, shit.

[Dana]

Go, Kenny. Head for the woods.

[Kenny]

Where are you going?

[Dana]

The other way.

[Grant]

Go.

[Dana]

I steered the bike to the creek on the north side of the compound.

[Grant]

Hit the bike. Hit the bike.

[Dana]

I looked back to see several men turn their attention from the thrashers to me. Shit. I swerved back and forth, trying my best to evade their fire. I jumped over a couple hills, getting closer and closer to creep. I can make it. I can make it. Just then, a bullet hit the back wheel. I lost control. I went flying over another hill, came crashing down into the creek.

[Naomi]

What if those things do get in?

[Grant]

I don't. I don't know.

[Dana]

Naomi.

[Naomi]

We should check on the others.

[Grant]

What? Hayden told us to stay here.

[Naomi]

I want to make sure they're okay.

[Grant]

But what about Mia?

[Naomi]

Rebandage her wounds for now, her leg and arm. I'll be back in a bit.

[Grant]

Are you serious? Damn it. Okay.

[Mia]

What's going on?

[Grant]

You're awake.

[Mia]

Yeah. What's going on out there?

[Grant]

Thrashers are attacking.

[Mia]

They are? How many?

[Grant]

I don't know, but a lot.

[Mia]

Where they come from?

[Grant]

I don't know. The south, possibly. Why?

[Mia]

I thought about the pack that was following the convoy. I wonder if they did it.

[Grant]

Did what?

[Mia]

Brought the thrashers here.

[Grant]

Who?

[Mia]

Travis and the others.

[Grant]

Your group.

[Mia]

They leaned up, but it was painful. I bet they led them here.

[Grant]

But why would they do that?

[Mia]

Why do you think?

[Grant]

What about us? What about you?

[Mia]

They were probably hoping this would hurt them enough so they could rescue you guys. Me? Well, I'm pretty sure they think I'm dead. The girl who had been helping me, Naomi, I think, ran back into the room.

[Naomi]

Grant?

[Grant]

What is it? You check on everyone?

[Naomi]

I saw them, but that's about it. Seems like Hayden and his group have been Able to keep the Thrashers out.

[Grant]

You hear that, Mia? Looks like their plan didn't end up working. Sam, how's it looking now?

[Kenny]

Not good.

[Grant]

Seriously? Seriously.

[Kenny]

Look.

[Grant]

I took the binoculars from Terrell and scanned the base, which was about 200 yards away. Me, Terrell and several others were waiting for our chance to strike. But the Thrashers never even made it inside. And now it looked like nearly half of them were dead. So we're not striking? We can't. You'd be gunned down like the fucking creatures. Damn, that makes you really admire the base. Sammy. Not now. Am I wrong? Why the hell do you think we were moving up here? Doesn't look like it was all that big though. Yeah. How are we gonna fit everyone? Doesn't matter much now. I ignored Sammy's comment and looked around for any sign of Dana or Kenny. Where are the bikes?

[Kenny]

I lost track of the them.

[Grant]

Terrell now used his rifle scope to survey the area.

[Kenny]

But I think Kenny headed for the woods.

[Grant]

I don't see him, but maybe he'll run into the others. We had positioned another group in the woods to the east of the base. They too were ready to strike if the Thrashers made a meal out of the bandits. But it didn't look like it was happening. Should we head back now? One minute, son. I kept looking for Dana. Swear to God, if he got hurt and I don't hear them, that's not a good sign.

[Kenny]

Hey, look.

[Grant]

A couple Thrashers almost made their way into the front and then they were killed. God damn it. We're not getting in. The best we can hope for is that it made them waste a lot of their ammo. That place is stocked. I doubt they have much to worry about. Yeah, and look how many vehicles they have. Hey, those Thrashers were just outside the wall. That's something we can hope for. That the vehicle shut the bed. It's still not enough. I watched as the last of the few Thrashers were disposed of. Dana's idea was a decent one that didn't pan out in our favor. And now my thoughts on the base were changing. Earlier I was starting to believe that the abandoned town would be a fine enough place to call home. But after seeing the way the base held up to an all out attack. Well, so are we leaving? I dropped the binoculars to my side. Yeah, we can't afford to lose any more people.

[Kenny]

What about Dana and Kenny?

[Grant]

Let's hope they made it out. What about the other group? Tabitha motioned towards the woods. Should we radio them? No. Those bastards in the Base could pick up our signal. The other group was told to wait for our movement first. But we're not moving. Not towards the base anyway. Exactly. They'll get the hint. The other group in the woods consisted of Rhett, Banks, Ozzie, Anton and Vinka. All guards that were protecting the convoy on the way up. In fact, with the loss of Gale and the others and us over here, that MEANT Less than 20 were back in town protecting it. I didn't like that number. Come on, let's hurry and head back. So what's the plan then? That town our new home? For now, it's. Well, that's it. If that was your friend's plan, it failed.

[Mia]

None of them got in.

[Naomi]

It was close, but no.

[Mia]

I leaned back down on the COD as Naomi finished replacing the bandage on my arm.

[Naomi]

There we go.

[Mia]

I wondered what Travis and the rest are up to now. Maybe their plan wasn't to lead the Thrashers after all. But I swore I heard bikes were people out there again.

[Naomi]

Hey, I know you're not feeling well, but I have to go back in and try to dig out another fragment I missed.

[Mia]

Where? My side. It was the only bandage he didn't change.

[Naomi]

Yeah, I think it may be lodged in your hip.

[Mia]

Please tell me you have more drugs.

[Naomi]

I do.

[Mia]

Yeah. There's no way we can just leave it.

[Naomi]

I don't know. I'm new to all this.

[Mia]

Okay. How about it then? Naomi went to her cart as Grant came over.

[Grant]

So that's it? Your people are done?

[Mia]

I don't know, but I can't imagine them risking any more lives. And part of me wondered if any more lives were lost.

[Dana]

I was in pain. The arm for which I was shot not too long ago was on fire. I reached up and felt a lump on my head. Oh no, a Thrasher. The thing came slowly over the hill, limping. It must have been shot. It sniffed the air for a moment before locking onto my location. Its back stiffened. It slowly crept towards me. I looked for my gum.

[Grant]

Where was it? Where was it?

[Dana]

Thrasher slowly made his way closer, like it was playing with me, wanting me to run, wanting to hunt me down. I scrambled to get up, but I was in so much pain. Push, Dana. Find your fucking gun. I dunked my head under the water, but couldn't see it. I brought my head out of the water to see the creature standing no more than six feet away. Its front legs lowered. It was about to pounce. I braced for impact. Just then, a bullet burst through its right eye and the creature fell over, dead.

[Grant]

You're welcome.

[Dana]

Four men came over the hill towards me again. I tried to look for my gun.

[Grant]

Don't bother. Your gun's way over there.

[Dana]

Point to t the bend in the creek about 10 yards back. You went flying, but it didn't say anything to the man.

[Grant]

You really caused us some trouble. Luckily that base is secure as they come. Time to get up now. Someone's waiting to meet you. The other group had finally made their way back with Kenny in tower. He kicked his stand and hopped off his bike. As Kenny walked over, I saw him glance up at the two people on the nearest rooftop with rifles. There were several guards on rooftops keeping watch in the town since most of the convoy was scattered around the main street sitting on sidewalks or stoops of homes.

[Kenny]

Where's Dana?

[Grant]

I was going to ask you.

[Kenny]

We split up. He didn't make it back.

[Grant]

No shit. I wouldn't be too worried. They just got back themselves. So you didn't make it in the base either. Chris and Ira walked up behind me. I told you, Chris, no one went in. The plan was a bust.

[Kenny]

Yeah, they wiped out those thrashers like nothing.

[Grant]

Well, what do we do now? I think we call it a day. Oh, come on, Ira. I'm serious. The only way we're getting in there is by launching a full on assault. Then let's do it. Chris. What? Travis, we can't do that. We're already short people, able people. Now with Dana gone. What about Mia and Gail and Annie? I know, okay? I know. I. I have to think. Son, Rhett, Sammy and Tabitha walked up to give me more grief, I'm sure. Travis, people are getting restless. They want to know what we're doing. Well, he has to think. Well, that shouldn't take long. I shrugged off Sammy's remark and spun to the group. I don't know. Okay. I guess we should try and make this work for now. The town. Well, we'll settle in for the time being. Hey, it's safe and there's plenty of space. Well, that means there's more ground to guard. We'll handle it. Rhett and Ira? Yeah? Why don't you and son and Tabitha and the rest help these people out? That's your decision. I just need some time. Anybody else? Anything that Travis isn't over his head.

[Dana]

I was led into a mess area of the compound. My hands were tied behind my back, which really messed with my arm. But the man leading me refused to loosen my bonds. Here he is at the far end of the last row of tables sat A big man with a bushy black beard and mustache. He was wiping his forehead with a small rag.

[Hayden]

Sit.

[Dana]

I did as I was told. The man had a missing tooth and large gash on his forehead.

[Hayden]

Don't worry. This head injury isn't a thrasher scratch. Actually banged my head against one of the posts underneath the catwalk stairs. May end up with a bump on my head as big as yours.

[Dana]

I finished with his head and set the rag down.

[Hayden]

Now, who might you be?

[Dana]

I didn't answer right away until the man behind me hit me in the back with his gun. Her name's Dana.

[Hayden]

Dana. Well, hello there, Dana. My name's Hayden.

[Dana]

Nice to meet you.

[Hayden]

That doesn't seem genuine, but it's okay. You know, normally, a little stunt like the one you and your friend just pulled would piss me the hell off, but I'm actually not that upset.

[Dana]

No?

[Kenny]

No.

[Hayden]

Because other than my head and Vic's errant tumble down the stairs, we're still very much intact. So your little plan, it didn't work.

[Dana]

You can't fault us for trying.

[Hayden]

And I don't. But I won't lie to you. Part of me wants to blow your goddamn brains all over this table here.

[Dana]

My stomach sank as he said that, but I was trying to remain stoic.

[Hayden]

But before I figure out what I want to do with you, you, I got to ask. Are your friends planning any more stunts like this one?

[Dana]

I opted for silence. Kept eye contact with him.

[Hayden]

Oh, come on. You can tell me.

[Dana]

But still, I kept silent.

[Hayden]

All right, I get it. I do. Ty, put him with the others for now.

[Grant]

You got it. Come on. I was sitting in the Riverside town hall, just off the dirt road from the main road everyone was on. I just needed some time to myself to figure things out. Damn it. Someone just came in. I peered around the corner to see both Chris and Terrell. Yeah, Chris and I were talking. And we want a fight, guys. But we understand the situation right now, Travis. So we understand not going in. Terrell told me how well they handled the thrashers.

[Kenny]

It proves a fight would be costly.

[Grant]

Right? I do want payback for Mia, but after talking with Jess and the rest of the guards, they seem to both take a moment to compose themselves. The point is, we can't let them get away with what they did. But we can hold off, be rational about it. Any idea what the people will think of this? No, but you should address them. Let them know that we plan on staying here. I reluctantly nodded. And Sammy actually had a good idea about the town we shouldn't spread out right now. There's a chance these bandits could retaliate if they find where we are. So we should keep our living space small for the time being. And keep guards up 24 7. Yeah, I was thinking about that too. Okay, then. Okay. Chris and Terrell headed for the door until Chris stopped and turned back to me. Promise me you won't let them get away with what they did to Mia. That eventually they'll pay. I wasn't sure if I could keep a promise like that, but I made it anyway. Okay, Chris. I promise.

[Dana]

How is she?

[Naomi]

Not good, Grant. I couldn't find the fragment.

[Grant]

Well, you have to find it.

[Naomi]

I did the best I could. Oh, my God. What is that smell?

[Grant]

They're burning the thrashers.

[Naomi]

Where?

[Grant]

Right outside the tent outside the compound. That shit just travels. There were a lot of them.

[Kenny]

Ugh.

[Naomi]

It's so bad.

[Grant]

I know. Now please, Naomi, find that fragment.

[Naomi]

I'm exhausted, Grant, and so is she. She just needs more rest.

[Grant]

Naomi, do you grasp the significance of keeping her alive?

[Naomi]

Yes, I do. But I'm tired, so I'm not going to risk slipping up right now. I can't find it. I don't know what else you want me to do. If it's lodged, it's lodged. There's no getting it out. Not unless we get an actual doctor in here. Then maybe we'd have a chance.

[Dana]

I don't want to die.

[Naomi]

Neither do I, Grant.

[Grant]

Hey, Travis. You are getting restless. Yeah, I know. I know. I'm ready. I know it was stupid, but I was rehearsing what I would say in the mirror of the bathroom. Hours had passed and it was now time to address everyone. I dusted off my clothes like it mattered and followed San out. Right by the entrance stood Hudson. Hey, Travis. We cleared the road that leads to encampment. And like me and Dana said earlier, this place is abandoned. So there's plenty of room to spread out if we need to. Not yet. Any word on Dana? No, sorry. In the base, Terrell and a couple of others are keeping watch to make sure none of their people get any ideas to retaliate. But so far no word on anything. Odds are they don't even know where we are. Good. Any other questions? Think the people will be upset? Some of them, sure. But it probably won't be so bad. He smirked. And it's my fault, right? With Dana and Gale gone, you're the last one. Last one of what? Ranger. Yeah, but I wasn't a true ranger. I don't think that Matters now. In their eyes, you are. You're the man in charge. And now you gotta take the bad with the good. Rumors are spreading. Time to put them to rest. We turned the corner of the small road until we were in the center of it all. People resting by vehicles, on stoops and inside homes with doors open. I saw people standing on the sidewalk leaning against wooden fences, and kids rolling in the grass, playing.

[Dana]

Hey, Travis, what's the deal?

[Grant]

What are we doing?

[Kenny]

Yeah, when do we get to the base?

[Grant]

Um, where should I. Where should I stand? Right there. San pointed to a small crate in the middle of the road. Seriously? Unless you want to climb on one of those cars over there. But there were people already sitting on all the vehicles. Fine. It. It's fine. I wasn't as nervous with public speaking as Dana was, but it didn't mean I enjoyed. Okay, here we go. Hello, everyone. As you know, we have hit plenty of snags on our way north. It hasn't been easy, but I wanted to say that everyone did a great job. I want to thank all the guards, all the.

[Naomi]

What happened with the base and the Thrashers?

[Grant]

Yeah, we staying here for the night? Please, let me finish. Some of you may not know that we had an issue with the Thrashers, and that's why we had to walk fast the last few days. We needed to keep ahead of them. But are they gone? The Thrashers were dealt with. This is why we diverted to this town. Is it too safe? Is what safe? The town, yes. Hudson and Dana scoped it out last night, and they didn't find.

[Kenny]

Where is Dana and Mia? What about Gail?

[Grant]

Please, let me finish.

[Hayden]

If the Thrasher problem was dealt with.

[Grant]

Why aren't we heading to the base now? Because we're not going.

[Kenny]

Right? Right.

[Grant]

We know there have been rumors, so we want to clear some things up. The base was taken over. It's something we were worried may happen. Mia and a few others went to check it out for themselves, and, well.

[Robert M. Lamb]

Are they dead?

[Kenny]

They're dead.

[Grant]

Yes, they're dead.

[Kenny]

So just like Roger.

[Grant]

Through the crowd, I could see Chris and Jess coming up. Chris's eyes were teary, and I hope to God she didn't start something right now. Please, everyone, settle down.

[Naomi]

What are we going to do?

[Grant]

We already tried doing something, but it didn't work. What? We tried leading the Thrashers there. Why?

[Dana]

Why did it work?

[Grant]

Is the vase destroyed? No. No. These bandits who took over the base, they were able to disperse the Thrashers. Will they come after us now? No. How do you know we have guards.

[Robert M. Lamb]

How many people do they have?

[Grant]

Can Mia and the others still be alive? What if more thrashers show? What are we doing now? Please, I'm. I'm. I'm trying to explain. The crowd noise died down a bit. Oh, boy, here we go. The plan right now is to stay here and make this our home.

[Kenny]

Here.

[Robert M. Lamb]

What about the base?

[Naomi]

We are promised a base with walls.

[Dana]

This is too exposed.

[Grant]

Where do we stay? Try to attack the base.

[Hayden]

Yeah, we should.

[Grant]

We should attack.

[Naomi]

Did Dana die too?

[Grant]

Where's Annie?

[Dana]

Where is she?

[Grant]

What if more thrashers show? More thrash triggers? We have to do something. While the crowd continued with questions, Hudson came up to me and smirked. See? Not so bad. I didn't appreciate the humor right now.

[Dana]

Where will we stay?

[Kenny]

How big is this?

[Grant]

We're running real low on food, guys.

[Kenny]

So what do you think they'll do now?

[Dana]

I don't know.

[Kenny]

That true or you don't want to say?

[Dana]

That's the truth. After meeting with the big man named Hayden, they put me in a small, empty storage room with one other person. Keaton, One of the Rangers we met when we were up here previously and one of the ones we kept in contact with over the radio. He looked rough now. Swollen cheeks, black eyes, and what looked to be a broken nose. He told me he tried to escape and suffered the consequences. Now he was kept in solitary. That is, until I arrived. Jesus, it's so hot in here.

[Grant]

You get used to it.

[Dana]

He spit into a corner of the room and wiped his brow. The storage room only had one bucket for his business and it made the room reek. Even after being stuck in here for hours, I wasn't used to it.

[Kenny]

If they think you're dead, they won't retaliate.

[Dana]

I don't know. I'm sure they'll be upset, but I don't know if Travis will want to risk any more lives.

[Kenny]

Where's the convoy now?

[Dana]

That I think I'll keep to myself. Sorry.

[Kenny]

No, no, that's understandable.

[Dana]

He motioned to the door, where outside, a guard stood.

[Kenny]

They listen.

[Dana]

Keaton was in the steel cages with the other survivors from the base, but was moved here after he tried to escape. The dried blood on the walls made me think that this is where they worked him over. I mean, if it was up to me, I'd cut my losses. No offense, but as far as they know, your group is all dead too.

[Kenny]

Like they would care either way.

[Dana]

You don't think.

[Kenny]

Not to sound callous, but I wouldn't expect them to. Everyone has to watch out for their own parties. I just wish we could have held these guys off a little longer.

[Dana]

I nodded. I'd been here for several hours now, but Keaton had been here for nearly two days. I asked him if he knew anything about Mia Gail and the others, but he only heard shots. He saw and knew nothing. I peered out through a crack in the wooden wall. It's getting dark.

[Kenny]

Don't expect them to bring you dinner.

[Dana]

What are the expectations? How long are they going to keep your group locked away?

[Kenny]

Not all our group is. Luke surrendered, actually helped them. That backstabber. Now he gets some perks. Grant, for some reason they let stay out. But I think he just plays mediator between our groups.

[Dana]

Maybe they'll eventually let you guys go.

[Kenny]

Maybe. But I'm not holding out any hope. And neither should you.

[Dana]

He moved to the opposite corner of the bucket and sat. Another couple hours passed in silence. Then suddenly footsteps. Someone was walking up.

[Grant]

Alright, get up. Hayden wants to have another chat.

[Dana]

The man grabbed me by the arm and yanked me up.

[Grant]

Come on, let's go.

[Dana]

I stepped out and took one more look at Keaton, who appeared confused.

[Grant]

Walk.

[Dana]

I did as I was told, wondering if I was about to look like Keaton.

[Hayden]

Naomi Grant?

[Grant]

Yeah.

[Hayden]

How is she?

[Grant]

Conscious?

[Naomi]

Yes. But she may end up having complications. She may have problems walking. I wasn't able to find a few fragment.

[Hayden]

I don't care if she can walk.

[Mia]

I opened my eyes to see the big man. Hayden pushes way past Grant and Naomi came over, grabbed a chair and sat by the cot.

[Hayden]

Hello there. Heard you were feeling better, huh?

[Mia]

What about you? Hope that's from a Thrasher emotion to his forehead bandage with my eyes.

[Hayden]

Funny. She's funny. No, actually none of those thrashers made it in the base. Don't you worry your pretty little self.

[Mia]

That's.

[Grant]

Too bad.

[Hayden]

Guess it's all a matter of perspective.

[Mia]

He shifted in his seat, leaned in closer.

[Hayden]

Now I know you aren't too fond of me, but I'm not a bad guy, okay? To show you I have no hard feelings, I'm gonna let you have a visitor.

[Mia]

Oh, Just then the doors opened. I leaned up as best I could. I saw two figures in the shadows. As they got closer, their faces got clearer. The one on the left, I didn't know. But the one on the right. Dana.

[Hayden]

Mia.

[Mia]

He ran over and gave me a big hug. Okay. Careful, it hurts.

[Hayden]

Easy there, guy. She's still recovering.

[Mia]

Hayden smirked and got up. Dana took a seat, grabbed my hand.

[Dana]

I thought you were dead. Everyone did not surprising.

[Mia]

What are you doing here?

[Hayden]

Dana was a real thorn in our side today. If I wasn't such a nice guy, I would have shot him on the spot. But I didn't. And do you know why I didn't?

[Mia]

Dana and I shook our heads, not sure where Hayden was going with this.

[Hayden]

Because Dana here is going to take a message back to your people, wherever they are right now.

[Dana]

I am?

[Hayden]

That's right. You're gonna tell your people that this is our base. They can find somewhere else to stay. As long as it's not within 10 miles from here. On any side.

[Dana]

What about Mia?

[Hayden]

Mia's staying here. If we see one person outside our walls after tonight, we'll kill her. But if you guys play nice and let us be, we'll let her go.

[Dana]

After how long?

[Hayden]

We're gonna have to wait and see how things play out.

[Dana]

Just let her go. We won't come back.

[Grant]

No.

[Hayden]

One now, one later. You better make sure your message is crystal clear. Mia here survived a barrage already, but I can assure you, she won't survive another bullet. Ty.

[Grant]

Yeah?

[Hayden]

See Dana out.

[Dana]

How will I know?

[Hayden]

Don't worry. We'll be in touch. Just deliver the message. And don't ever show your face around here again.

[Mia]

Dana leaned over me, gripped my hand tightly.

[Dana]

Mia, Go.

[Grant]

I'll.

[Mia]

I'll be okay.

[Dana]

Stay strong.

[Mia]

He gently placed my hand at my side and followed Ty out.

[Kenny]

See?

[Hayden]

I'm a reasonable guy. If they care for you as much as I hope they do, they'll leave us alone. And sometime down the road, we'll let you go. Now try to get better. I need you to stay alive.

[Grant]

SA.

[Robert M. Lamb]

END OF ALL HOPE Written by Robert M. Lamb Edited by Mia Sukvalai Starring Hope Ennis as Ava Adam Jetmore as Jay Jack Austin as Ambridge Gina Coyle as Kylie Ariel Hack as Mia Brett Wilkins as Travis Stacey golden as Chris Logan Ferdinand as Dana Ian Feller as Hudson Mike Lenhart as Grant Veronica Wolfart as Grace and Brian Messick as Cohen Maurice Shelton Douglas Solway Adam Ibin Clifton Smith Zane Bowman Nick Cornelius Corey Kein Gareth Thomas Walter Mack Jabrina Cooper Tiffany Cornelius Mia Sucvolai Jose Caraballo Ryan Wiggs Ethan Guest Rhino Alberts Clayton flood Morgan McCormick Nick Keeney and Robert M. Lamb Music provided by [e-mail] madebytaco additional tracks found@artlist IO and pond5.com if you enjoy this podcast, don't forget to rate and review. We now have merch. You can visit sevenlam.com to find two separate stores that sell different Seven Lamb merch, including shirts, hoodies, mugs, stickers, loot boxes and more. Or you can go directly to the stores at sevenlamstore.com or 7Lamb.threadless.com Also, if you'd like to help us out, we are on Patreon. You can go to patreon.com 7Lamb the number 7Lamb and you can donate as little as a dollar a month. We do have multiple tiers to choose from with different perks including bonus episodes, bloopers, behind the scenes, podcasts, live streams and more. Once again, that's patreon.com 7Lamb the number 7Lamb we also want to thank everyone who has donated either via PayPal or Patreon. We appreciate the support. Special shout out to seven LAMB patrons Chris Williamson, Carter Jewell, Brad Mc Quaid, Daniel Wolfman, Kelly Lamont and Kelly Foles. From everyone here at seven Lamb, thank you. This has been a seven LAMB production.