S2 E2: Shelter

kidney beans to what's next? Lots of different glad of that. Let's it discourage us at time when courage and determination chicken noodle three, cream of mu troum. Yeah, only unfortunately a command we may owe our survival to that can of cream of mushroom soup. All right, that's enough of that talk. Know how many of our bombers were tomato soup three A lot of soup, but only one box of saltines. We admit our saltine to sup ratio could

be better significant. We're careful, we would be. Once I receive information that is declassified, it will be relayed to this and other news athletes for public dissemination. This is Vance Norwood Broadcasting Alive from w e A l t V twelve New Cadan. We will continue to monitor developments throughout the region and updates you on late breaking developments. For the moment, we will resume our normal broadcasting day and we will interrupt the program immediately should we receive

further communication from Comrade or the U. S. Military. From the distance space station known as Nightingale, she travels rocketing through space at the time at the speed of light. She is an agent of the Intergalactic Police Agency, assigned to preserve light throughout the galaxy. What the hell is this? And it looks like a cartoon. I can see it's a cartoon, Lankford, Why is it on the air? Is this channel? Twelves? And they have so something they can

only read the same bullets and so many times. This is something rand as my study crisis fatigue. If it's immersed in bad news twenty four hours, the mind just can't cope with it anymore. But a god damn cartoon. It will be a comfort to any children were watching. We want to maintain a sense of normalcy, so people feel that life is going on as normal. I thought the point was to make them understand life is not going on as normal. We don't want to incite fear.

Why shouldn't we. We just told him the world is coming to an end. They need to keep their asses hunkered in the bunker and do what they're told, play cartoons and to be up Christmas shopping and protesting again. All right, let's think about this. We have to show them that we are still in control. Yeah, but the voice of authority. What about the voice of authority? That whole business, it's it's dead. Okay. Listen. In the advertising world, they call that the voice of God, and people are

tired of listening to it. What the hell? Langford? Tired of listening to God? Some times they want a softer voice, more human voice. But they need to know that order is being maintained. It's nine. People are changing the way they listen to authority. They're not listening. That's the problem, and so authority needs to change the way it speaks. We put across the same message, but just it's a

different voice. Change the voice. Huh. They think they're getting a break, they think they're being reassured, but the message is still being communicated, if anything, even more effectively. We did it back in the fifties with cartoons for the classroom, Bert the Turtle and all that they made. Nuclear war seemed like child's playing. We just need to do it for grown ups. Go on, I don't even make and listen. We don't scold them, we don't warn them, and we

don't pretend to have all the answers. Jesus Langford, you're losing someone who isn't the voice of authority, someone who doesn't know a thing about politics, but someone who trusts authority and encourages the listener to do the same, someone to calm the listener like a tranquilizer. Well, I agree with you in theory, but who can sit in front of thousands of people talking about nothing while the world is inding, put on a happy face and pretend everything's

unky dory. Welcome back, ladies. Now, yesterday we were all left wondering if there was going to be a tomorrow. But look at us now. Tomorrow has become today, and I've got a pretty good feeling that tomorrow will be today as well. In today segment, we'll talk about ways to keep the tops occupied while we keep the world from coming Apart of the scenes. We'll have a bunch of little projects you can craft using common household objects. Who knows, you may discover that Johnny and Susie are

the next Michaelangelo's food Warm not. I wish they would tell us what's happening on the outside. Maybe they want to keep quiet on the details in case the enemy is listening. Once again, this country is more concerned about the enemy than its own people. You know that's not true. It's at the door. What I know? You're not giving me a minute's piece. Please turn off the television set. Someone's at the door. M Should we answer it quiet? Maybe it's Daddy. Maybe he lost his key. No, he

wouldn't do that. It can't be him. Mother, it's a dog. Do you think it's Ginger? Maybe the Barclays have come to check on us and brought Ginger. Please hello, I'll go listen mother. No, we're still barred. We're safe. We're safe. M h m. Who's there? I don't need to be along, come here. I need you to stay completely quiet. Do you understand dryer? Mother? I would never fit. Besides which, I'm not trust you. Stay completely still until we find out who it is. Just a moment, the door is barred, No,

it's going to hurt anyone. Just talk to them. Hellow anyone down there, Yes, I'm here, just one of you, Yes, just me, search and rescue. Oh, we're going to house to house. May I come down? Guess? Of course? Any weapons or anything dangerous I should know. No, no, nothing like that. Don't tell him. That's be quiet. Stay there, boy who I'm sorry to barge in on you that way, but but you're supposed to keep your exterior doors unlocked

civil defense regulations. I mean, that way we can we can check on the elderly who might not be I'm sorry. My husband is away, and I suppose I'm being overcautious. That's all right. I just feel rotten about busting your door. Yeah, please please don't worry about it. Well, thank you, ma'am. Government certainly appreciates it. So why are you here? Oh? Oh um? Well, we're we're going house to house, performing first aid and driving people to the hospital if they

need it. Since ambulances are all busy reporting any fatalities. Have there been any fatalities? Oh no, no, no, no, not not on my shift, not so far as taking the lord. That such a relief. Yeah, but I'm fine here. No, no, need of assistance. You're you're all set for rations. We have enough for a week. I think some can goods, blankets, we me me. I I'm used to my husband being here saying we our our house. I think that it helps me so. Um, since I'm doing an accountant of

the neighborhood. Where where is your husband? If you don't mind my asking, He's away on business Atlanta. Oh Jesus, any word. No, I haven't heard anything yet, So I'm going to keep saying we and our us until i'm told otherwise. I like that positive thinking. You know what, I'll say a little prayer for you. You all not now obvious sleep, but but later. So kind of you to think of us. That's what neighbors are for, ma'am. Those windows face the outside. Yes, I've put up blankets

to try and shield. Damn, those blankets aren't any protection from what's coming. I mean, I hate to be the one to tell you that, but you really ought to be in a proper show. You're supposed to have at least eight inches of concrete or masonry between you and the outside world. I mean, sand, dirt, anything, that's the best I could do. I am alone, after all, and that's what's got me worried me being alone. And I'm gonna be blunt with you. There's things that are happening

around town right now. They're not telling you on the radio because they don't want to create a panic. Um what what kind of things? Well, I don't want to scare you know, I'm too late. You're scaring me. Looters, looters as soon as the soon went down last night they were looters and worse, you don't mean it. They're always looking for an excuse to ride. Who are they? Oh? You know what? Whatever word we're supposed to use these days.

Last night they kept it across the tracks mostly, But pretty soon they're going to run out of grocery markets and used the pliant stores. Pretty soon they're gonna jump the tracks a nice neighborhood like this. Now, listen here, Miss Langford, Dorry, Mrs Doris Langford, Miss Langford. The world right now is a completely different place. And it was twenty four hours ago, even twelve hours ago. Trust me on that I had a feeling they weren't telling us

everything on the TV and the radio. I mean, I guess they got good reasons, but all the same is there anything else you need from us? No, no, no, I got what I came to find out. But but it don't feel right me leaving you here, no way to defend yourself, plus radiation just gonna see right through the windows. Well, I'll I'll go get some things from upstairs barricade the windows. At this point, I don't think you're gonna be able to mhmm. Let me tell you what.

I'm a little ahead of schedule. Well, once I finished the street, I could swing back by and put put you in my truck and run you over to the city out of Wream. Last I heard they still had open corts. Pretty nice set up there. Trust me, you you don't want to go to the library with power board. They're packed in like sardines there. It's up to you. You do that for us, ma'am. I'm here to serve the community. Then, I'm afraid I must make a confession. I am a we I'm not sure I understand. Becky. Hi,

where did you come from? While you pretend to she not here, you yourself mentioned looters. Oh way, you thought I might be some kind of until I saw you spoke to you. Realize you're a good man and could be trusted. This is my daughter, Becky, Rebecca, Rebecca. This is oh, yes, ma'am. My name is Noon and my whole name's Brian Paul Noonon. But everybody just calls me Noon, and it's might be nice to meet you back. That's Blondie. Blondie is my dog, but you probably figured out you're

gonna love him. Mr Noona has offered to give us a ride to a city shelter. He's gonna come pick up all right, Well, I'll go on in maybe thirty minutes. If at long, we'll be packed and ready. Right well, let let me go finish my hands and I'll be right back, Thank you, Mr Oh, they're happy to oblige. Mom, you mind telling me what on earth is going on right now? Whatever do you mean? If we want to go to a shelter, why don't we just take our car?

Where would we park it? And considering what's going on in town? Besides, I want to be exciting to ride in a military view. But there I'm fifteen, not five. That's old, I agree, but not old enough to be making life or death decisions on your own. Behalf, do you kind of want to know what I think you kind of want to know what. No, I don't care

to know. Mother. When things go a little easier between us, if you would just treat me like an adult, just for a few days, please, I will try to treat you as an adult, but I won't be taken care of you any less. Sorry, Blondie, you gotta ride in the back for a while. Buddy, here, let me get that. I'll put it up against the cab. Y'all, y'all go on again. You want to keep you a little bag when you sweep your heart? Yes, thank you? You go ahead,

all right, everybody in fingers and toes and Paul. That's right, blondie. Don't be jealous, boy, this is nice. The army sure gave you a sturdy truck. This here's mine. All army vehicles have been called in the active service, so so militia are using civilian vehicles. Is that what you are? Militia? Yes, ma'am. You're pretty much just locking the history books. And you'd be surprised how many times history is made by regular folks and not the politicians. Who knows you or me

might end up saving the world this time around. Just you wait and see check I'm here but I'm not sure I'm there. Can you repeat that quas are one? Unlock the capsule hatch. Unfeeling capsule will result in loss of critical resources. Loss of resource. Unlock the capsule hatch as you wish, stand by for deep pressurization. Please are one capsule hatch open. Let's see that your discretion. Please are one and tell us everything you see. M h m hm hm hm. I'm activating my telescanner. M anything.

Wait a second, Yes, I thought it was just a rock formation, but I see towers of stone that may have at one time in building. We need you to investigate. If there is any life on this planet, however primitive, we must find it and nurture it. Don't be discouraged. I don't give up easily. Yes, my dear, I know I'm going closer all radio when I reached the formation. M oh, how could we have been wrong? This is Helio three. I'm sure of it. I wonder if I

just got here too late. Wait, you see something? What is it? I don't know, unlike anything i've seen. Oh, bluish lights changing shape, humanoid infoot amorphous h Do you hear that they're they're making a sound it could be language translate translation and m hm mm hmm. Yeah, just a few more seconds and I'll there, try again. Ready, I can talk to them. Yes, go ahead. Are you an inhabitant of this planet? Do you live on this planet?

Who not live? Much? Nothing less? On this planet? We received a signal that life on this planet is in danger. I have come to preserve it. I'm afraid have come to nothing is on this planet? But h isn't this Helios three? Yes? This was Helios three? There's nothing now it is a cold stones and nothing more? What happened to it? Destroy it? Lying this time? Is you can these ghostly creatures possibly be telling the truth? Did quays are one arrived too late to save Helios three from destruction?

For the after? Even if you don't, line noon and I'll go in and confirm they can take us. And if so, I'll come out and get Becky in our things said, okay, sure, but if this is your registered shelter down, they'll take you. Hi, how can I help you? Oh? Hi, Ernie? I oh, hello, Dori. I didn't know you were a volunteer here. Apparently I signed up for assistant manager in one of the preparedness classes. They drafted me you by yourself. Becky's outside Wayne went to Atlanta on the day when

it all happened. Geez story, I'm sure you hate to hear that, but don't go assuming the worst. With no communications outside the valley, anything could be happening right now. So what can we do for you? I was hoping Becky and I could stay here. We were sheltering in our basement, but one of the guardsmen suggested that may not be safe with the looting that's going on is looting, but he said occasion. I guess now, I've been pretty quiet around here. Chip, you hand me the occupancy list.

Thank you? Is there space? We are a capacity, but you live in Hillcrest? So this is yours signed shelter right, yes, for sure, the response, I have it. We'll make some space for you. Can you give me about five minutes to set things up? Of course? Wait right here, pull down the fort chips Europe Africa and waam a cruise with both seed to their pre designated targets. Well, why did these civil authorities have giving the finals on? I brought you of the immediate se that's my sacians above all.

On any systems excuse sweek, Miss Johnson. Yes, you have two children here. Yes, that's right. We're gonna need you to gather up all your things, get the kids together. Okay, something wrong, No, nothing wrong, We just need to relocate you to a different facility. Well, everybody is supposed to

be in the shelter. They're assigned to by neighborhood. We didn't mind you all being here, but now that we're a capacity, I gotta give priority to the families that belong here, belong here, you send them me to a black shelter. No, no, no, no, Now it ain't that way at all. But each shelter serves a specific area, and rations and beds are based on the number of residents in that neighborhood, but not more. You got it.

While you get your stuff, will radio over to book or T Washington to make sure they have personing me to a black shelter. It's not a black shelter, it's just the town is divided into zones, and each shelter services that zone. We can take outsiders, but we have to give priority to those just going to turn us up American citizens. I pay taxes, I have a right fall to build it for Your part of town is

Booker t Elementary. Our part of town. I'm here, This is where I am now is here, and that's all that meant, Ernie, Nie, your calls in a saying, I'm just trying to protect my family. Now. We don't need to stay. No, No, it's no problem, just a little misunderstanding about which shelter they're supposed to be in. There's no misunderstanding. You just want to put me with my own kind or better yet, just turn me out. Nobody's turning you out. Are you getting so angry? There are rules.

We follow the rules. She's following the rules. You feel like the rules don't apply to know. The rules do apply to me, and that's what makes me Angerie, don't tell me to calm down. Sorry, it was a misunderstanding. I didn't realize it was going to force anyone out. There is a space here for you, and she's in it. Ernie, Seriously, it's fine. I have another place I can go. I didn't mean to disturb anyone. Dory, I feel better about

it if you'd stay here. I'd hate to think what Wayne would say if he heard there wasn't space for you and your own shelter, he'd blow his sack. Thank you for your help, Ernie. I'm I'm sorry I caused a scene. You didn't cause a scene, Dory, please reconsider. We're fine, I promise. Say hello to Angela for Merican. Oh good, here she comes. She don't look happy. What they say? It's wrong? What is it? Mother? We can't stay here? What? Why not? Nonsense? I'll go talk to him. No,

I don't want to stay here. Why not? If this is a shelter for your district, they got to let you stay. The shelter is full. Our beds are occupied by another family, a colored family. And when I went in there, they tried to you wouldn't stay there because there was a black family sleeping in ours. That is a mother. I'm mortified. No, Becky, you don't understand. No, and I hope I never understand how a person gets that way. I've never been so humiliated. Can I trouble

you to take us somewhere else Where? Am I supposed to take you another shelter? It's lang for this is your shelter, and I ain't got time to be driving you from place to place. Apparently there's room at book or t Washington, Miss Laning for day, no place for a woman like you, especially for a girl like Becky. Here. Take us there, Becky, please, I'll handle this. Then take us back home home. You can't do that. It's our home. We'll be fine with all the looters and riders and such. No,

I can't do that. We can defend ourselves. We have a gun, Becky. The other problem is they are not wanting anyone to shelter at home unless they have a basement. That's up to civil defense. Coach can't force us out of our own houses, Miss Langford. In times like these, U. S. Army can do just about anything. Yet you are not U. S. Army what he has no insignia? Mother, didn't you notice, Becky, I'm sure I'm a volunteer, a minute man, you see. I'm not getting paid to be doing this. I'm just

cursed with the protective nature. Taking care of other people has always been a fault of mine. I wish more people had faults like that, don't you, Becky, Yes, ma'am. You don't got to say that just because your mama tells you too. I didn't mean nothing by it. Yeah, hold on a second, now, if you want to avoid all the crowds. I could take you to a private shelter. We guarantee to have a bad rations security. I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner. And in

fifteen minutes, all right, we're going north. We need to get outside the city. Get you out to God. It's come from where it's safe. That sounds wonderful. You know Cross Mountain Um, you know the big cross up off. Yes, of course, cross mountains what we call my daddy built that cross are serious? Well he did actually build things over hundred feet tall, but it was his idea. Daughters of the Confederacy put up the money, so now they're

building crosses rather than burning them. Zip it. My daddy was a buddy Noon you run Noon and shoot stores all cross Alabama. I remember Noon and Shoot. That's my dad. We owned a lot of property in North Etend County, and since that's a highest elevation, he wanted to put a cross there, sort of watch over everyone in New Canyan always wondered about that. Well, now you know he kind of ladder to the top. They say you can see four states. Isn't that fascinating? Becky? Is your daddy

still with us. No, ma'am. He passed on about a nine years back. I'm sorry to hear that. Thank you kindly. I sold off a lot of the land, but I kept property on Cross Mountain, sort of a monument to him. That's so sweet. Sorry, going toward Cross Mountain right now? That's right. There's nothing on Cross Mountain except across you see as where you wrong. I wouldn't know. I might radio. I think I should tell you what really happened inside the shelter. I think it would be better. Just don't

speak to me right now. I just don't know. And the children vola like they say. It may not look like much, but it is one hundred percent complied with civil defense fallout shelter spects poured concrete, covered with six inches of earth to ventilation chimneys, enough rations for more than a month, not ten days, which is all the downtown shelters you're equipped for. It's certainly impressive, Mr Noonan, But we can't move into your personal shelter. What about

your family? There's just me and I promise I won't take up too much room. No, I can't, it's too please now, please, it'll make me feel better if you stay here while you two settle in. I mean, Blondie's going back down the hills, save some more lives. You're going back to town. Yes, ma'am. You must be exhausted. You can have been prepared my whole life for this. I'm not gonna miss a minute of it. You're sure you don't mind? Mom, Come on already, my shelter is

your shelter? Do you have the TV? Becky, there's one by the cooler. I don't expect the power to stay down much longer, so what you like you can with the time in his schedule to occur. Radio eleven sixty we'll see this broadcasting completely. We lose power, we don't rain our battery, you know, want to place up a little. We brought some of those two radio scrape Miss Langford. Radio eleven sixty will not return to the air until

such time as government. So if you don't have any more questions and to limit the airwaves, I'll be saying good back, good luck, Mr. Thank you for your cooperation, and we wish you mailed a certain times and again luck we will read. Let me get out of here before I start blush. I see you good that you remain safe and healthy, and that God have mercy upon us all. Thank you. Wow, how do you like that? Becky? We have to get out of here. Are you talking about?

He could be some kind of meniac, Becky. We can't just leave. Why did he lock us in? It would be so childish? Should not being child ish? In fact, I'm being very grown up in my thinking right now. And what, pray tell, are you thinking he's getting her half the time? I don't. I don't even understand what

you're saying to me. The Control Group is a production of My Heart Radio, written and directed by Brett Would, recorded and mixed by Rob gal featuring Tess Malice and Cade, Alexandra Vicken, Hannah Berman, Minka Wilts, Mary Kraft, Tim Habigger and Keith Brooks. Music composed and performed by Rob Gaal. The executive producer is Ben Bolen, Supervising producer Paul Deckett.