We're Alive: Descendants - Chapter 18 - Deep in the Red - Part 1 of 2

At New Balance We believe if you run, you're a runner. However you choose to do it. Because when you're not worried about doing things the right way, you're free to discover your way. And that's what running's all about. Run your way at newbalance.com slash running. Get three months half price when you switch to an unlimited SIM with three. That means quick streaming, faster downloads, and more money to spend on the things you love. Join the UK's fastest 5G network and get your unlimited SIM today. Buy now in store or see 3.co.uk. Unlimited 24 month light plan. Proof of switching required, based on Euclis B test intelligence data, 2025, all rights reserved, subject to credit checks and turns. We're alive. Descendants. Written and directed by K.C. Waland. Chapter 18. Deep in the red. Part 1 of 2. Okay, we need to hurry before. Arps in the air, back away from the container. Oh shit. Hey, uh, we were just, uh, I know what you were saying. I'm not sure if you're going to be able to get the right answer. I'm not sure if you're going to get the right answer. I'm not sure if you're going to get the right answer. I'm not sure if you're going to get the right answer. Hey, uh, we were just, uh, uh, I know what you were doing. I told you to go to the front office. Uh, we were only looking around. Well, why is that a problem? Walk now. No sudden movements. Hey, if we could just explain, no talking either just walk. No samples just arrived and checking on them now. I'll keep you posted on the stamps. Chris, look, it's no talking. Hey, Chancellor. What the hell are you doing? Stop. Stop. Stop. Friedrich! Shut up. You don't know him. Hold up. Not any further. What's going on? I caught them snooping around. We were not. Friedrich! He's none of your concern. Weren't you two on the train? That's what I've been trying to explain. I'm taking them to the MP station. Chris, yes. Sir, this doesn't concern you. I'll decide what concerns me. Sir, these two were snooping around and I just... Look, look, we came here just like you told us to, sir. And we just wanted to see what was on the train with us. We were only curious. We didn't know. Well, what's the harm in that? It's not like they're not going to know. I assigned them to this duty station after all. You're in recruitment, yes? Yes, sir. Great. Then do your job and help these gentlemen get to their duty station. Of all the posts on this base having a little curiosity is power for the course. Is it, sir? I'm sorry. I didn't know. Well, now you do. But I must say if there's anyone who doesn't have the authority to be here, it's actually you. But, sir, the current directive they were new and wandering around, I was only... But not in trouble. I deeply appreciate your concern and your commitment to our great nation. But I'll take it from here. Would you escort this recruiter back to their station? Yes, sir. Again, a very sorry chancellor. Yes, yes. Sir, we were just... I just like... For your accuracy. The republic likes to get in its own way. This place goes around that, doesn't it? What do you mean? Experimentation uninfected. That's what's going on here, right? You a rule follower, Jess. I guess it depends. I mean, he knows when it's time to bend them. No, isn't that right, Jess? Oh, yeah. When necessary. Good. Good. I would hope so. Considering I just did a fair amount of bending for you just now. Oh. The real question is, if you stay here, could you continue to, if it was not only necessary but vitally important? I didn't sell it short when I told you this place was meant to win the war. Against who? Our true enemy. The infected, of course. And it's only a matter of time before we lose. And what we know and what we've seen, if we don't change course, there is no way humans will ever win this war. What this place is, and in order for it to actually do any good, no one else can know about what goes on here. You understand? I'm not going to say anything. Yeah. Me neither. I mean, who would I even tell? Walk with me. Welcome to the Red Dragons. Not long after I took up my position in the Republic, I moved second chemical battalion here to continue on in a slightly new direction from their previous assignment. They've been part of the army since roughly World War I, and link chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear substances. Now, they are solely focused on this new war. What exactly do they do with the infected here? The primary objective is to learn everything we can about them. So you're studying the corpses that you bring in? From the inside out. Nothing alive, of course. That would be too risky. Still, people have tried this before with infected dead or alive in every time. It has ended badly, yes. I am well aware of what's happened in the past. The city of Lassoals. That facility in Fort Bragg made a lot of mistakes, and they were doing tests for all the wrong reasons. Thankfully, we have learned so much about handling specimens since then. There won't be anything like that happening here. I'm sure they thought the same thing. Too shay. But as they say, progress is never free. There is always a cost. How is this place progress? You can't defeat an enemy you don't know or never attempt to understand. We are working to find what makes them tick. So we can finally unwind the damage they've caused for so many years. Oh, wait. So you mean you're trying to kill them? All of them. You're not trying to do something else. If we can find a perfect way, yes. That's the plan. To destroy them on a mass scale. Really? How close are you? We've made several advances, but unfortunately we're still the ways off. Well, what have you tried exactly? A nerve-agence chemical compounds? All of that and more. Nothing seems to work the way we want, and many methods have too much collateral damage to be deployed at any scale. I've brought in the brightest minds I could find, you know, those who are willing to help. You can understand it. Take some persuasion. I very much hope I have the right intuition about you two. Just for your mind and Chris for your first-hand experience. All of it could be invaluable here. We need fresh blood. This all sounds like you got the right idea. The infected have always, always been our true enemy, and people keep forgetting that. We aren't you in charge of running the Republic's government? Why are you so involved here? How are you even talking to us right now? My job is to ensure our nation continues to thrive. And while the focus of the Republic is often out of my control, this is one area I truly believe in. If we succeed here, we can finally focus on all the other problems much more easily. Every struggle our country has had, or the world for that matter, stems from what those things are becoming, and make no mistake, the infected are getting worse. I've been saying that for a long time. And you'll fit right in here. With every new species and sample we import, we learn of new traits, adaptation, potential weaknesses. But, you can imagine how hard it is to secure them for import. Bet you have to work with all sorts of interesting people. You can say that again. I mean, if most people really found out what's going on in here, they'd be against it. They mistrust and fear the science behind understanding the infection because of the mistakes of the past. But the general public has no notion of the growing reality of the situation, focusing on their own short term wants. No one wants to do the dirty work, but in the end, this is what we truly need. Damn strength. You've been running all of this for how long? It's been my pet project for many years now. I and a few valued partners have vested a lot of time. Energy and finances into seeing this through to the end. Like who? Those interested in securing our future. Before we can go any further, and from here on out, I'll need you to adhere to strict operational security and officially bring you aboard. Aren't we already doing that? In a way. But I'll need to swear you in. Wait, you're wet? A sort of pledge. Standard procedure for most Republic posts, but in this place, I get to do the honors. Oh, boy. I mean, if that's what we have to do. Repeat after me. I state your name. I, Chris, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Republic against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Republic against all enemies, foreign and domestic. That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, and that I will obey the orders of the general of the Red Guard and the orders of those appointed over me. That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, and that I will obey the orders of the general of the Red Guard and the orders of those appointed over me. According to regulations in the Republic Uniform Code of Military Justice. According to regulations in the Republic Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me, God. So help me, God. Now, which room is open? Ah, yes, to see. At the end, we'll be your barracks. All personnel are stationed and live on the premises for security and safety reasons. Oh, all right. Like, we never get out. We do fairly often. Recreational runs are in our outings and PX trips. But most of the time, everyone here is motivated and focused on the main goal. Now, I'll let you two get settled in. Get some rest. I know you've been traveling a while. There will be time to show you everything else later. Welcome aboard. Ah, Friedrich. You're not fucking around with the infection, right? I just want to make absolutely sure that we're all here to kill those things. Every single one. There's some literature in your room to get you acquainted with the procedures here and orientation starts tomorrow. See you in the morning. The red dragons are happy to have you. Oh, and every dorm has clean uniforms and their own bathroom with a shower. Is that a suggestion? Take it however you like. Oh. Well, it looks like we're here for at least the night. Oh, he made us swear allegiance. I don't know how I feel about that. Oh, I have my fingers crossed the whole time. I don't know about you. I wish I thought of that. Look, well, not any of those words have to matter. It's going to just relax. I've never had to do anything like that before. Just think of it as a moral gray area, right? Just like stealing the money on the train. We're only trying to survive here. Okay. But the plan is still to leave tomorrow. Oh, definitely. Nothing's getting in the way of me finding my mama. She's so close now. But we are for sure getting out of here. Sounds like you were really believing what he was saying about this place. Friedrich's a smooth talker, selling something that he knows I want. I don't know if I'm exactly buying it. I get the feeling that there's a lot he's not telling us. I'm trying dad. I am. We need to get out of the training. Oh, it's a lot of fun. We need to get out of the water right before. Heather, Heather, you have to keep up. I'm trying dad. I can't. Warren, I'll have no choice but to leave you and your family behind. Get to the roof. Go. Doc, can you carry her? There's only one helicopter left. These things are damn near everywhere. I can't get you baby. We're going to be alright. Not much for him. Fort Dragon's law. I repeat, Fort Dragon's law. The most slick and blatant yellow run. We need to find a way out the base. I told you this would happen, Friedrich. This is your damn fault. You pushed too far. None of that matters now. Just hurry. Don't let go of me, Heather. Whatever you do, don't let go. Doc, you're taking gun. I'll carry her to rest of the way. Sorry, I just can't carry her anymore. Warren, I'm not leaving my family behind. Well then, that's your choice. The backdoant is sitting. We're getting recovered. I repeat. We just have to make it to the roof. Go, go. No! Come back! You bastard! Friedrich! He left us. He fucking left us. Oh no. Nice shot, Ty. There's more coming. I'm going to get you. I can't. You come to us. You're the only one small enough to fit in the air duct. You have to hide, Heather. Whatever you do, don't come out. Promise me you'll keep hiding. Don't let anything get you. I promise. I promise. I promise. I promise. I promise. I promise. I promise. I promise. I promise. No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! What are we going to do? I don't know. I don't... Shit! Get in the car! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! No! Hey! Hey! It's okay! It's okay! You're okay! Hey! Hey! We're okay! You're in the atlas. Remember? Remember? Oh, geez. Alex? Yeah. I'm okay. I'm okay too. I just got up too quick. Some pair we make. Is there any water in here? No one in my mom's sheet. I've actually supplied stash in the room. Probably very old though. Dog? Oh, is this... Oh! Nope, that's vodka. Hey, no. All right. Hey! Easy, easy! Just it back, Alex. Got any water? Yeah. Oh, man. That helps. Yeah, with your concussion, you need to rest. No, large strain. The body needs to heal. Now, look forward. Let me see your eyes. I've been in here for days. I'm tired of resting. Stay. How long do I have to keep doing this? How do you feel? Only a little dizzy, and that's all. Haven't done anything. She won't let me. Well, maybe some mild exercise would be good. And some fresh air. Dog, you mind refilling the water? Sure. I was with another patient down the hall. And then I heard screaming. What was that? It was Dad. She was having a nightmare. Oh. Yeah. With all dots gone through, and everything that's just happened, a bit of her past may be coming to the surface. I mean, could be. Hey, at least I haven't heard one dot out of her yet. I've been working with her a bit while you've been here under my care. And honestly, that's the best I've heard from her. She's picked up a couple new words I've noticed. Maybe it's a comfort thing. Being safe here. Well, maybe. It's you. Yeah, I doubt that. I haven't been doing her any favors just getting her into more trouble. Anything that's been her helping me. Well, the best thing for Dog is to keep talking. Every new word can help us slowly work through her aphasia. Her what? I...well, I may be wrong. But from what I can tell, that's what it is. Physical and emotional brain trauma. Specifically, something that affected her speech centers. Can't read or write either because whatever happened, it was at a very early age. Aphasia. That's what it's called. Can it be cured? No. It may improve over time with the writing encouragement and through therapy. How much though is...well, anyone's guess. The brain is a funny thing. I mean, she's been getting a little better the entire time I've known her. Then keep doing what you're doing. Every bit will help her. Oh, no, no, wait. If you...you have to take things slowly. Your brain's been rattled as well. Kind of being recovery for quite a while. So...you're like a real doctor? Well, it's really like that, I guess. Where did you come from? Used to work in Journal Medicine in the Old World, bounced around a bit, and ended up captive in Prim, taking care of whomever I could at the camp. And now, thanks to you and the others, we're here. Wait. So the bore? She hasn't... No. No. No, she hasn't come back. Easy now. Easy. And her animals haven't either. It's just been us here for the last four days. No shit. Anyway, I should get moving now. I have other patients who need me. Go, go. I...if you're fine, I can manage. No, overexertion. Take it slow. Don't. Don't? Keep looking after him. Make sure he doesn't push it too far. Okay. Thanks, Stark. No, Alex. Thank you. Everyone here is very grateful for all you've done. You... Don't. No. I've been laying down long enough. I...I want to know what's going on. Doc said I could get up, breathe some fresh air. We can do that. Dr. Zorders? Ah. Okay. Okay. Back there when you woke up, you were screaming. Really scared me for a minute. Thought? You said Mama and Dad, you saw something happen to them? Uh-huh. You want to talk about it? Or, I mean, well, whatever you can, would that help? Nah. And, happened where you were from? That city? Uh-huh. No, talk. Okay. Okay. I get it. Oh. Look at this place. Already making a difference. Come. Hey. Hey. Check with the foreman first. I'm not sure that that's going to work if you connect the dude like that. Grant! Well, I'll be. Who's up? Are you ready to go to work? Kind of. I'm kidding. I'm kidding. Come on. I know. Doesn't even resemble what we saw when we first came here. Have I been out that long? Yes. But no. No. Not really. Everyone's just so motivated working around the clock. I would think they'd be tired after all they went through. When Gloria told them to make this place their own, they took it to art. She said that? Well, many of these people have never been able to call some place home. Never been truly safe. Now they have both. Lots of hands to build a new future. Hell, even started calling themselves ATLANDS. Can the ATLANDS even fit everyone? Oh, good amount. But not comfortably. The rest are rebuilding part of the town of Hackbury, at least the parts that weren't too badly shelt. Will they be safe up on the surface? If the bore comes back... Ah, well, they're already on that. Let me show you. Come on, this way. Descendants will continue after a word from our sponsors. Get three months, half price, when you switch to an unlimited SIM with three. That means quick streaming, faster downloads, and more money to spend on the things you love. Join the UK's fastest 5G network and get your unlimited SIM today. Buy now in store or see 3.co.uk. Unlimited 24-month light plan. Proof of switching required, based on UCLUS BTES intelligence data, 2H 2025. All rights reserved. Subject to credit checks and turns. And now, we continue with Descendants. Good to know, the stable still made it. What about... Demon. Ah, the big black horse? He's wandering around here somewhere. Been keeping an eye on things, but from a distance. Seems you too are the only ones he trusts. I'm all... I'm just claddy safe after all that. What about the kid? Gus. He's good too. Working in the town, I think. That's a relief. Yeah. Unless someone's too injured, everyone's been helping out. So, what I wanted to show you, maybe hard to see from here, but all of the military equipment that the bore left behind has been repurposed. There's no apple in those tanks and gun trucks, but hey, no one else who saw them would know that. Is that tank blue? Repainted the desert Camelomachar logo, even borrowed yellow light-dine bolts from the Atlas' crest. I'm telling you, these atlants are really rallying behind the place. And Gloria is okay with all of this. Why wouldn't I be? Gloria! Always sneaking up. Hey, you're a jumpy kid. That's not my fault. I was just saying, you didn't seem like the sharing type. From everything I've known about you. And look where that led me. When my grandma started building this place, she saw it as a refuge from the rest of the world. She'd be proud that what she helped build would inspire so much hope and change for others who need it. Yeah, Atlas? Well, what had died with me? And now it won't. Thanks to you, too. I don't know about any of that. I only wanted to help my friends. This was just a bonus. Maybe that's how it may have started. But that's not how it's going to end. These people were the hands that built that huge city prim under the threat of death. Imagine what this place will become when it's their own. Tied. Hey, you must be hungry. You've been in your room for a while. I wasn't going to say anything, but there's not a lot of food, right? And so many mouths. A trading caravan passed through here two days ago. Sold off what equipment we could for everything they had. But what about the Atlas? If others find out about it? As far as outsiders can see, we're rebuilding the town of Hackbury to live there. Everyone's staying here knows what's at stake and why we need to keep the Atlas secret. So what's next? One piece at a time. We got to repair all the life support systems in the underground silos, food and water planning, rebuild the town to fit everyone else. Whatever's necessary for these people to stay here. And if the board comes back, prepare for that inevitability as well. Keep one eye over our shoulders and the other on our work. At least there's no infected still living in this area that we've seen so far. Doesn't seem like you need much of my help now. We could always use it. But why? You thinking of leaving us? I was just wondering. I want to make sure that my friends are okay. The ones we left behind, and if they made it back to Westport. Our comms don't really work, right? You tried all that before. Can our radio's even reach Westport? Well, the problem has more to do with the jammers from Prem. The radio relays that connect to Westport are still as far as I know are up, what the frequencies in or out are blocked. I could put together a detail to take down whatever Prem set up in the desert that's scrambling the signals. There's a guy from Camp Who will know where to look. May take a little time, is all. What have you left them alone? Those also might be keeping others from finding us. I know how much you want to protect this place. And I do too. But cut off from the rest of the world, we're living in the dark. What if the board does come back? And we need help. What then? Who would come? Westport would. It only took a few of us and local we did the Prem. And it's because of us that these people here have a real chance. If there's any good left in this world, it's there. He's right. There's a reason so many have traveled far and wide to live in Westport. Myself and my daughter included. Only a place left, I trust. All right, do it. Fix the comms. But don't jeopardize the atlas. Be careful what you say. You don't know who could be listening. I promise. We'll be careful. Of course. Do what you need to do for now. I need to head back down and check on the hydroponic system. Let us see you on your feet, Alex. Thanks. Well, I guess I'll get that group together for the jammers. I didn't want to bring it up with her, but honestly, I really wanted to call home too. Tell them everything we know and maybe get in contact with my daughter. Good job. Thanks, Grant. Bye. You hungry? No. Well, you have a job to do around here? You. Me. You have to watch me. Well, I'm feeling fine, so you're fired. No. But that doctor had mentioned that there were ways we could help with your words. You want to work on that? I mean, listen to you're already forgetting your name. Whatever, Alex. Damn. Given speech is already on slow down, let me catch up. Fold it here. Uh-huh. Make sure it's really tight. That seam has to be really sharp with the corner. Is that the last one? That's it. Now we just pull it apart and there you go. You have a swan? Mine doesn't look anything like that. Oh, maybe you missed a step. It's so frustrating. I hate this. Hey, I don't see that. It took me a while, too. Hell, I mean, even the guy who taught me origami puck, it took him a lot of practice, too. It's also about patience. What? Hmm. What? You said a bad word. Oh, really? Oh, really? Are you going to go tell on me? Who are you going to tell? Her. Huh? Her, dot? He said the bad word. I only said hell. He said it again. Bad, Alex. I told you. That is so not a bad word. There's a bunch of prudes. Check, check. Alex. See if any signals are coming through now. I'm dialed into Westport's emergency frequency. It's still static. Nothing coming in from the long range still. They're constantly broadcasting a message on this, so it should be good. All right, hold on. There must be one more jam around here where this stand by. These things are pretty high-tech. I wonder where they got them. Radio's still not working. Did you push all the buttons? Look, if I push all of these buttons, then it's definitely not going to work. Okay, have your swan. Sure. I mean, if you want it. I'm going to tell people I've made it and see if they believe me. All right, you do that. Bye, Alex. Dot, dot. Bye. You done with your session with the doc? Uh-huh. How are you? My head. Still fine. It feels a little weird, kind of dizzy at times, but I've been taking it easy. Not much strain working the radio here, you know. Good. Dot. Work? Grant seems to think we'll have it up soon. Can't wait to find out what's happening back home. Oh. Alex. Home? Stay. Go. Oh, me? Stay here or go? I haven't really thought much about that. They don't need me around here anymore. These people really know what they're doing. Dot, stay. Go. You? That depends. What do you want to do? Dot, stay. You with... You go. Dot, go. I'm glad to hear that, honestly. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. The arena, the pass, fucked up kid infected. You need that. Yeah. Kind of do. It's nice, you know, to be able to hear you talk this much. The doc helps a lot. You do. Me. Please, I haven't done anything. I'm surprised you haven't been annoyed by my constant picking at you. No. I do appreciate what you said. Wherever we go, we go together. Together. Alex, you thought... I... I am. Now who's having trouble with words? Uh-huh. You know, we have a lot in common. And then we can rely on each other. More than that. You know, right? Dot? I am. That was the last game I think. Uh. Mm-hmm. Hey, hey, hey, we got something. But we must be prepared. It worked. We're getting a signal. Get back here. I'm out of weight. We'll not fall. Sailor... Sailor. What's going on? What is this? This is President Chen Wei-Jang. Westport citizens and Alley the Westport. We have received reports of Republic Redgar soldiers and tanks crossing the Arizona, California border. No. Their actions so far have made their intentions clear. Westport is now switching to a full, defensive posture. It's home. We have to send support. Your efforts would be greatly appreciated. Westport citizens beyond our borders. Proceed to a stay zone and wait for their instructions. We do not know what might follow. But we must be prepared. Westport will not fall. Sailor. Sailor. This message repeats. This is President Chen Wei-Jang. Westport citizens and Alley the Westport. So much for them being able to help here if we need support. And they are crossing the Arizona, California border. Not... Not. No. Just... Just knew. What do? I don't know if we can do anything. I... I just don't know. Fuck. We do not know what might follow. But we must be prepared. Westport will not fall. Sailor. Sail life. To be continued in the next episode of We're Alive Descendants. And now a word from our sponsors. You've been listening to We're Alive Descendants, produced by Wailand Productions, written and directed by Casey Wailand, starring Austin Trace as Alex, primarily as Young Dot, Dot and Mother Dot. Levi Petrie as Chancellor Friedrich, Christie Carlson Romano as Gloria, Leonard Kelly Young as Conductor Grant, Ditton Gilbert as Nicholas, Sam Skolnik as Will, Augie Wailand as Gus, Constance Parne as CJ, Karim Krunfner as the Anteland Doctor, and I'm Michael Swan, additional voices by Phil Nierov, Kelsey Hughes, Greg Warrow, Cade Holbrooke, Shannon Zimmerman, Amy Newman, Eric Dades, Jason Patrick Gallett, editing and sound design by Tim Mohern, and Casey Wailand, post-production supervisor Casey Wailand, original music by Robert Mai, theme music by Danny Burke of Hopkins, score assistance by Evan Tomani, recording and engineering by Wailand Productions, sound engineering by Gino Jang and Victoria Chang, script supervisors Gino Jang, Aaron Ridd, Kelsey Hughes, and Lynn McKayla, audio production manager Demetri Keele, associate producers, Jason Oeder, Mistress Zeneca, Raul Miller, John Grills, Mandy Arndt, and Christoph LaPouca, co-produced by Rusty Quill, executive producer Alexander J. Nue, chief marketing officer, Kalam Dauert, marketing assistant, Hadi Quinlan, network liaison, Tom Park, thank you to the following Kickstarter backers. Martin Nairland Haaland, Ryan Claremont, Aaron Barrett, Albert Bellas, Nicholas McDaniel, Benjamin Fairfoot, Jeff Salvatore, for more info about the show and a complete list of cast and crew, visit us at www.weeralive.com, access exclusive content and lore on our Patreon, and follow us on social media for regular updates. Special thanks to our patrons and Kickstarter backers for making this series possible. This has been a theater for the mind by Wailand Productions. At New Balance, we believe if you run, you're a runner, however you choose to do it. Because when you're not worried about doing things the right way, you're free to discover your way. And that's what running's all about. Run your way at www.newbalance.com slash running. Construction shapes our communities. 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