SPEAKER_13 0:39

Of all places, Cyreg. I never thought you'd come here.

SPEAKER_12 0:44

You think I'm so detached from the book of guidance that I'd forget this temple? Let me help you. That's all I came here to say. Help me? You think you're helping by causing more? I caused none of this. That old fool Gillok did this on his own. But then do you really expect anything better from these failures you call your people?

SPEAKER_13 1:12

They are not failures.

SPEAKER_12 1:17

You really still believe that? Because I recall a time like this not too long ago. In this valley, you called the people your remnant. Even after what they did to our world. They destroyed each other and might have destroyed us if they had the chance and power. What did you do?

SPEAKER_13 1:47

I see the potential for something greater than you realize. Something greater?

SPEAKER_12 1:54

The greatest good these people care about is themselves. They look at the incredible freedom you've given them and become delusional with power. How can you expect that to change? Change is always possible. Let me destroy them, and you can create again. You can create a race that will never rebel, never destroy themselves. You have the power to produce pure goodness. I will not abandon what I have created. You could even eliminate your need for me if you want and create them with eternal life. No aging or decay or wickedness is necessary for beauty.

SPEAKER_13 2:42

I desire another kind of beauty.

SPEAKER_12 2:50

And is this it? Is this your beautiful world at last?

SPEAKER_13 2:58

There are those who have chosen me, Cyreg. And that's enough for me. But is it really enough for them?

SPEAKER_12 3:06

They turn more against you every passing age. You're too blinded by pride to see that.

SPEAKER_13 3:14

I could say the same about you. You used to care for them too.

SPEAKER_12 3:18

I stood by as your first remnant failed. And this new remnant you may not believe it. But this hurts me just as much as you. It's my world too, you know.

SPEAKER_13 3:36

Yes, Siri. Man has destroyed almost more than you ever have.

SPEAKER_12 3:42

I know, friend. Just too many variables at stake. Too much uncertainty.

SPEAKER_13 3:51

I was so certain. And I still am. I still have hope. As do I.

SPEAKER_12 4:01

What? It is a dark place we've had to come to. But you're right. There is hope in all of this. I can guarantee it.

SPEAKER_13 4:13

How do you mean?

SPEAKER_12 4:15

The book of guidance. Untouched by the smoke and destruction of the ages after all these years. Remarkable. Do you remember writing this together? Here's your chapter on creativity and order and creation. Oh, here's mine on mining and welding. We truly poured ourselves into this. You needed me then. I wonder Do you still I might. I could. Might. Not the words of truth, old friend. From old John Wright down to Anne Bergen. You say that when one creates, they must know what has been and what must be. You must let go to create something new. Shouldn't life have a chance to start anew? It does. And it will. Yes, it will. Single! Now is the time. It's not worth another remnant. No, seriously.

SPEAKER_10 6:41

Bullet train. I still can't believe you've got one of these cans.

SPEAKER_04 6:47

No, don't insult me trains or age, Missy. They were still around for your time.

SPEAKER_10 6:54

Sure, when I was knee high to a stalagmite.

SPEAKER_04 6:57

They may be small in light, but there's not a thing your big honkin' mech trains can do that this lady can't. Uh except drill, of course. But you know the best part last I can't imagine. All the bullet trains got retired after the mechs came in, right? Aye. So they're all unlisted. Oh. We're as good as invisible.

SPEAKER_11 7:30

Hello, you two.

SPEAKER_10 7:31

Sage! How is everyone?

SPEAKER_11 7:34

So far, and all things considered, everyone's doing amazingly. All tended to and resting in the warehouse quarters. Nothing worse than a few bruises, thank guidance. I'm not sure I can say the same for the valley.

SPEAKER_10 7:47

Is it that bad?

SPEAKER_11 7:49

Our scouts say that assurance is as good as leveled. But they also reported that Quill Stileson is at the site now. Alive and well.

SPEAKER_10 8:01

Thank guidance.

SPEAKER_04 8:03

I guess it's time for a moving out, eh?

SPEAKER_11 8:06

If that disaster wasn't a good enough sign for us to get moving, I don't know what would be. What needs to be done before we start making shipments?

SPEAKER_04 8:14

Just some realignment in the coupling, and some tweaks to the engine, and and we'll be set for a few trips. As long as we make 'em count. How soon can you be finished with the repairs?

SPEAKER_10 8:26

Sooner with me helping, that's for sure.

SPEAKER_11 8:28

No, that's the spirit, Camden. Briar, don't take this the wrong way, but I think you should stay a passenger in this matter. Oh no.

SPEAKER_10 8:41

And why is that? It may be an ancient old thing, that bullet train, but my tinkerin' ways can manage.

SPEAKER_11 8:48

It's not your expertise I'm worried about. It's just you. You've done plenty to help the cause, but you need to go back to where you belong. You also need to heal. The sooner you get out of salvation, the better.

SPEAKER_10 9:02

Listen, I appreciate you for that. And it hurt losing Shafty. But I can't let it kill me inside more than it already has. I can't save him. But I can't help save others who don't know they're in trouble down here. Especially Granda. I belong here.

SPEAKER_11 9:25

Are you sure you've healed?

SPEAKER_10 9:26

Look, I'll never really heal, alright? I never really healed after the caving of my parents when I was little. But I kept living. Little Kyla's lost her mama in a way that's worse than death. So if anyone needs healing, it's her. She's going back up. She needs to. I need to help you here. This is my way of healing. Besides, Quill's got his part to deal with up there. And now I got mine.

SPEAKER_04 9:57

Alright. If you didn't believe he was a gearlock before.

SPEAKER_10 10:03

Always will be, Cam. Sage, is there a way to let Quill know I'm okay? Knowing him he'll be throwing a fit trying to find me. He doesn't even know I left for salvation.

SPEAKER_11 10:13

I can try contacting the scouts. I doubt the connection for their portable intercoms is open now. They only open and close it a few times a day for a very short time, just so we aren't tracked as easily. I'll keep an eye open for the next open connection contact, though, and I'll give them a message.

SPEAKER_10 10:28

Thank you, Sage. Please somehow know I'm okay, Quill. You gotta trust me. I'll be coming back for you soon enough. You just gotta trust me.

SPEAKER_06 10:54

Too late. What have I done?

SPEAKER_01 10:57

I should have never left. Minister Styleson? Mrs. Yarrow! What happened here? The ground shook, a whistle blew, and well, look around you. Our lives are over, Quill. Don't say that. You're still alive. But so many aren't. And my home. All I had. All we had left, so little. It's gone. We can't say that until we start doing something. Where were you when this happened? Why couldn't you do something then? If you really had something so precious to lose, why did you leave? What are you possibly hoping to find now?

SPEAKER_06 11:30

I don't know.

SPEAKER_01 11:35

Search all you want, but I assure you, she's gone.

SPEAKER_06 11:40

Where can I find a search party?

SPEAKER_01 11:42

There's a big one at the old hall. Your old office, I believe. Another at the temple.

SPEAKER_06 11:46

The temple?

SPEAKER_01 11:47

It's a small one. Scrappers and scroungers.

SPEAKER_06 11:50

It's right along the way to Bri's workshop. I'm coming, Bri. Just hold on.

SPEAKER_08 12:05

She couldn't remember you?

SPEAKER_03 12:07

No, sweetie. That's why we couldn't go back.

SPEAKER_08 12:10

She can't even remember me?

SPEAKER_03 12:14

I don't think so.

SPEAKER_08 12:16

But what about the day of guidance festivals? The times you snuck up on her and picked her up.

SPEAKER_03 12:22

Or the time sweetheart, you have to let her go. I know it sounds awful, and it is, but she's just not there anymore.

SPEAKER_08 12:30

So it's like she's dead?

SPEAKER_03 12:35

Honey, look at me. If I could tell you something else, I would. If I could tell you there's hope to go back to how things were, I would. If I could put our family back together again, I swear by guidance, I would. And if I could talk to you like the little girl you were before and tell you there would be a perfectly happy ending in all of this, I would. But I can't anymore. You can do something for me. No grain running or news. Just be strong. I need you to be strong.

SPEAKER_08 13:12

I will, Daddy. I promise.

SPEAKER_03 13:15

Thanks, my girl. Let's go see where the next train leads.

SPEAKER_04 13:26

I see where you're coming from, Brandon. I can't say I know too well, uh, not being a father myself, uh, but as a fellow leader, uh, you're sure you can't stay and help with your Camden.

SPEAKER_11 13:41

Really?

SPEAKER_03 13:42

Nah, it's all right. I appreciate the honor, but there's a time to step back and leave the leading to someone else. I've done my share of rampaging. I've got something more important to care for.

SPEAKER_10 13:55

That's the spirit, Marlow.

SPEAKER_04 13:58

I hear you, lad. Now leave it be and put you two on the first train hidden up. Oh, I can't thank you all enough for everything.

SPEAKER_03 14:09

You really shouldn't. After all, I did have a hand in your pain. You saved us, Ada. And showed me that hope comes in the strangest ways. Maybe not the ways I want, but it's still hope. I wish you all the best in your new life up there. Hope to see you on the other side.

SPEAKER_00 14:28

I thanks. You don't have to worry about leaving behind a lack of leadership, though. I'm staying with Briar to help with the refugees. Yeah?

SPEAKER_03 14:39

Uh you don't have to. What? I'm just taking up what Marlowe left. Listen, if anyone knows the ins and outs of salvation, it's her. If she wants to help, let her give her the chance.

SPEAKER_00 14:52

I trust her. Look, I'm not trying to prove anything or earn anybody's trust. I am who I am. And I appreciate your votes of confidence, but I understand your wariness. If I'm really that much of a disturbance to you, I can just No.

SPEAKER_10 15:09

I trust her too. I got a chance myself. There's still a chance for Granda. Let's give this one a chance.

SPEAKER_11 15:18

Alright. A chance it is.

SPEAKER_03 15:21

Fine then. Now we're getting somewhere. Good. So, when does your train head out, Captain?

SPEAKER_04 15:29

I hate to say it, but we're looking at a day's wait with these little repairs all stacking up. I don't want to risk anything with the cargo we're toting. I just You have a thought, Miss Facade.

SPEAKER_00 15:44

I just don't understand how long you've been able to keep up this whole operation. Outdated technology, scant cover, dismal numbers and leadership. Not that I doubt your abilities, but I understand.

SPEAKER_11 15:58

Well, to be frank, we don't believe our fortune half the time either. We've got reason to believe it. Oh yes. So good to us.

SPEAKER_10 16:09

You came from the peak, didn't you? The third peak?

SPEAKER_11 16:13

I did. He'd been preparing me in the way of the mess. He led me to meet Camden down here, and we filled in the gaps from there.

SPEAKER_04 16:20

But our mission's end was clear from the beginning. Save the remnant to join the remnant. It's the gittin' there. The joinin'. That's the fun part for us. Well, I'm not sure about fun. I leave the fun to the leaving. How long does it take to deliver a shipment? Uh depends. Not that we idle around like a busted bull gine in the train yard, uh, but we play it by ear a lot of the time. Sometimes uh we got some sick ones that need tendon from sage, or we need resources for the trip. Or the train needs some repairs, like now. For a time such as now, with everything combined, I'd say we'll be out by the morrow.

SPEAKER_11 17:03

There are many factors. As casual as it looks, it requires precision.

SPEAKER_04 17:08

His instincts and my know-how of the busy times for certain lines and rails and and now uh Miss Gearlock's know-how uh make for quite the show. We'll have this shipment up and out in no time. I see.

SPEAKER_08 17:22

Come on, Dad. You heard 'em. If they need time, let's give them the time they can get. Guidance knows they're gonna need it.

SPEAKER_03 17:28

All right, sweetheart. We'll see you at the shove-off then.

SPEAKER_10 17:32

If that's what you want to call it, sure.

SPEAKER_04 17:36

I'd swear a little girl walked in, and a young woman just walked out. Yep.

SPEAKER_09 17:45

It happens that it does. That it does.

SPEAKER_02 18:09

Episode 55, Guidance was written by Jordan Jarrett. Featuring the voice talents of Darrell Nelson, Sam Van Fossen, Corinne Keane, Mark Howison, Jonathan Bullock, Joshua Reed, Esther Eaton, Chris Nelson, Madeline Nelson, and Kara O'Brien. Sound design by Caleb Lindevolts. Music by Mark McDowell. The Encounter is written, performed, and produced by Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Visit us online at encounterseries.com.