S4E4: Bird's-Eye View

When she was found, she was uncovered alive in a 3000-year-old sarcophagus.

What happened to Katie?

“From the studio that brought you weapons and producers James Wahn and Blumhouse comes a terrifying new vision on April 17.”

Discover the truth. Weakronons, the mummy, some things are meant to stay buried. Only in theaters in IMAX, April 17, this film is not yet rated. It's been a long time since I smoked, and the fact that I'd gone through two packs in one day now wasn't saying. But I just couldn't stop. Marlow!

Edna, a chubby and heavily tattooed bartender leaned out the front door. I looked to the window ledge where five empty glasses said. Yeah, sure, thanks. You got it sweetheart. I've been out here for hours now, calling and waiting.

Maybe it was pointless. Jane, you really fucked things up this time.

She was right there with you.

I took a long dragon and looked back at the empty glasses. Hmm. I grabbed all five and went to the door. Edna opened the door almost pumping in. Oh, you don't have to worry about that. I would have gotten those.

It's the least I can do.

“Honey, why don't you just come inside and use my phone?”

No, no, it's fine. Alright, when I stepped inside, the payphone. Shit, I looked to Edna. Just put those anyway. I dropped them on to the nearest table and ran back outside.

What about your beard? But I didn't look back. I just pulled the cigarette from my lips, tossed it and grabbed the phone. Amber? Me? Where the hell are you?

She seemed to hesitate a moment before answering. I'm not saying Jean. Well, are you at least safe? I am right now. Now for the question I was dying to know.

Are you... Are you of Mike again, hesitation? You are, aren't you? No, Jean. No, I'm not answering your questions.

You're going to answer mine. Amber? Stop. What the fuck is going on here?

“I looked to the bar and then to the road.”

No one else was around. I don't know. You're lying. I mean, I don't know what's going on now. They kicked me out of the Ranger Station.

They did? Yeah, all of us. And I called Vic and Wes and they're on their way to get evacuated. Where? They're heading for the valley.

I'm sure you know we have some nasty fires out there. Yeah, but they aren't natural. Are they? Now it was me who was hesitating. I looked around again. Are they?

No, they aren't. And they're not accidents.

Amber always had trust issues, so I decided not to play with fire right now.

The pun not lost on me. No. Amber, if you didn't get out yet, they're going to trap you. Please tell me you got out. These fucking assholes would do whatever they had to to keep their stupid secrets.

Dean, why are they doing this? Apparently they have some people that they say are dangerous running around out there. Some people? Dean, if you're hiding anything from me, I'll hang up right now. Okay, okay.

Apparently they were operating out there. The company Iris. I didn't know that, but I had my speculations. Which was a half truth. I knew they were operating out there, but not to what extent.

But when they said people escaped, I got nervous. But of course they didn't tell me much else. Anyway, something happened, and they told me there were some dangerous people loose. I don't know who they are or what they want, but they're dangerous enough that they can't let them out of the forest. What about that?

That includes you. Well, not you, but Mike, I told you he's dangerous. How could she not see that? He's not. They wouldn't go to such Langsamber, he attacked them.

Dean, they tried to kill him. Is that what he told you?

They tried to kill me, too, Dean.

That caught me off guard. What was she talking about? There was no way. They told me they wouldn't hurt her.

“Obviously they'd go to extreme lengths, but there's no way they would harm Amber or me or any of the other Rangers.”

They needed us. Dean? I don't believe that. Well, it's true. It can't be.

You saying I'm lying, they did gene. That's why Mike saved my life. He saved her. How? Why?

Why would he have to do that? It must be a mistake. There's just no way.

He must have been manipulating her.

Amber was naive and easily persuaded, even she admitted that at times. I know you know more of what's going on. Amber, I can just do as they say. You know this. They kick me out of the Ranger Station because they don't want me to know what they're doing.

I was asking too many questions, something I'm not supposed to do. But it doesn't take a genius to know they're going to box you in. What? Me and a few of the other Rangers had been monitoring the fire. We were able to use the fields behind the medical clinic for breaks and refueling.

A several of the other Rangers, including Nashville, working with people from Iris, law enforcement, and wild and firefighters to set up a new base camp somewhere south. If you didn't get out, then you're going to be trapped. They have fires east to tower four and apparently another one to the west. They also got guys to the south and west along the highway and move it along the road to the Ranger Station.

They want to make sure no one gets out without them knowing, which made our flying about hard. I didn't expect them to do anything to us since we were still assisting. But I didn't know what else they had up their sleeves.

And if what they say is true, not only will you be trapped by them, but you'll be trapped with the other dangerous people.

I was wouldn't say who these people were, but they showed me a picture of the mutilated corpse of one of their workers. Some guy named Lance, man had his face bashed mulch. Please tell me you got out and that you're somewhere safe. I don't care about Mike. Just you.

Are you safe? Are you out? But the delay an answer really worried me. No. I'm not out.

Oh. Jesus. Okay. Well, you don't have to say it, but I have a good idea where you are.

“If my assumption is true, you need to leave ASAP.”

Why? Because they're close. They have people waiting by the towers and both supply drop-offs. You need to stay hidden. You also need to toss your phone or smash it.

They can track me? Possibly. They have my phone now and they have all our past transcripts. They took my phone at the station and gave me a different company one. That way they can keep track of me easier. I'm sure.

Oh, fuck. This isn't saying. They will figure out where you are. Dean, how can I trust anything you say? You have no other choice. Now I'm at a payphone and Jackson wing to hear back from Hayley.

Where are she? She's in charge of the e-vac for a vicken west. When she gets back, I'm going to have her fly me back out. Because now that I knew Amber was still out there, I had to evac her, too.

What? Sight three. What are you talking about? I'm going to have her fly me to Sight three. You need to get there.

Pysight three. Because last I heard Sight four and five were being monitored. For what reason? I don't know. And you think Sight three is safe.

I don't know, but it's a chance I'm willing to take. Now I'm going to be there at seven tomorrow morning.

“You do whatever you need to get your ass there.”

Amber, you hear me? We may not get another chance. And what about Mike? Seriously. Screw Mike. I couldn't chance anything with him.

I would really piss off the company. You have to leave him. He can't come or we'll all be at risk. Please, Amber. Please, do as I say.

Have to go now. Seven AM at Sight three. I'll wait for one hour. Please. Trust me.

Seven Lamb Productions presents. Tower four. Season four. Episode four. Birds I view.

Anything? I turned to Hayley who was sitting in the cabin of the helicopter kicking her feet back and forth. No, nothing. I guess the noise I heard was just another fearful deer.

Although I kept getting the feeling I was being watched. But by whom, I don't know. I haven't had my revolver with me just in case.

I noticed more and more smoke all around us.

Anything new? Well, no. Not since I changed frequencies. Want me to switch back? No, no.

Okay.

“Hey, I don't know how much longer you want to stay out here.”

But the wind is picking up. I looked at my watch. What time is it now? Eight fifteen. Gene, we've been here a long time.

I don't think she's coming. Yeah. But if... Hayley climbed back into the cabin and over to the cockpit. We changed radio channels, but that was so we could have a direct line with Maria,

who was offering out of the new base camp at Skip Diamond Ranch near Buffalo, Fort River. Go for Hayley. Are you still a deer?

What kind of question is that?

Well, I wanted to direct line with Maria. I couldn't say I totally trusted her. I was pretty sure she was the insider, or at least one of them who reported back to Iris Constantly. Hello.

Of course, Maria. Where else would he be? Didn't know he guys were still doing reconnaissance. reconnaissance? Hayley shrugged. You told me not to mention any of this.

She motioned to our surroundings. Okay. Whatever. Just ask her what she wants. She shook her head in frustration and put the radio up to her mouth. Maria, go ahead for Gene. Tell them they got Mike.

Ask her about Amber. What about Amber? Gene wants to know about Amber. Did they find Amber?

The wait was excruciating.

Maria, you copy that? Yeah, I copy. Hold please. Hayley gave me a look at concern than bitter lip. I did the same.

I wondered who she was talking to. I only knew a few of the Iris people. Earl, my main contact. A friendly guy named Aaron, who I helped over the years,

“and to important guys in miles and Spencer.”

Spencer, I had the displeasure of talking to when we were kicked out of the Ranger Station. I didn't like his demeanor or the way he talked to my crew. I also didn't like that he took my phone. Hayley?

Yeah? Tell Gene he needs to come in. Come in. Come in where the ranch motel? Come in where exactly Maria.

I'm told he knows. Hayley now gave me a look of confusion. Seriously? What's she talking about? Oh, fuck this.

Hey. I snatched the radio from Hayley. Maria, did they find Amber, is she okay? Maria, you copy? I'm being told they want you to come in.

Just tell me if she's fucking alive you bitch. She's dead, Gene. I'm sorry to tell you. She died. That was Earl's voice.

My main contact over the ears. Are you a airborne? Can you come in?

“But all of a sudden, I couldn't breathe.”

Hayley slowly pulled the radio from my grasp. Hi, uh, Gene needs a little time. I understand, but I need to know if he can come in. Hayley looked me, but I still can speak. We're not airborne yet, but if in, means to skip diamond, sure.

Just give us an hour or so. Actually, one second. Copy. I sat in the seat and fought back tears. I could feel Hayley staring at me, but I didn't care.

You're still there. Go ahead. Can you fly Gene to Eno's lake? I saw her out of the corner of my eye. Check gauges and nod to herself.

Sure. I can. Is it a safe? Yeah. Is there now someone will be waiting for him?

They caught me off guard. Hayley and I shared a confused look. They said Eno's lake is safe. But I thought there were fires east of Tower Fuller. Me too.

Maybe there were, but what the winds may be Eno's lake was out of the path. Everything southeast and three posts seemed to be fine. I thought there were fires east of Tower Fuller. Me too. Maybe there were, but what the winds may be Eno's lake was out of the path.

Everything southeast and three posts seemed to be fine. From our view now. We're lucky with the direction of the wind. I wouldn't necessarily say lucky.

It spreads across and they'll have their hands full for weeks to come.

You mean we will. Sure.

“I was able to breathe again and even talk.”

The pain in my chest wouldn't go away. I needed it with a knot in my stomach. I can see the lake coming up ahead of us. Hey, look. She pointed south.

It looked like another three or four birds. With the glaring sun and made it hard to tell, though. Think Nash has ripped them? Doubt it. I told him to hang back for the time being.

Why? Because that's what they wanted. What about that? What about us? What did they want us to do?

Exactly what we're doing. Seriously? I shrugged. Is that why? Do you think I'm wrong?

Wrong. No.

You were a little harsh with Maria back at sight.

But I get it.

“Hopefully you were a little easier on Nash.”

One, I don't have any issues with Nash. And two, Nash could handle it if I went off on him. I don't know. He has a thinner skin than you think. He almost quit a couple of times with Mills.

Seriously? Mills looks harder than you. Granted, that was before the company. Right. I kept looking south, shade my eyes.

Trying to make out the newcomers. Looks like company birds. Yeah, I don't. He banned me bucket. I can't believe it's taking them so long to get organized.

But I wasn't so sure if that was the case. Hey, Jean. Yeah. I'm sorry.

I felt my jaw tighten as it tried to fight back more tears.

The part of me wasn't truly convinced. I didn't respond to Haley. Instead just forcing him not to acknowledge me. Hey, I'm going to put her down on the north side. I turned my attention back to the lake.

Yeah, yeah, that's fine. I'm going to be a little bit more nervous. I'm going to be a little bit more nervous. I'm going to be a little bit more nervous. I'm going to be a little bit more nervous.

I'm going to be a little bit more nervous. I'm going to be a little bit more nervous. I'm going to be a little bit more nervous. I'm going to be a little bit more nervous. I'm going to be a little bit more nervous.

I'm going to be a little bit more nervous. I'm going to be a little bit more nervous. I'm going to be a little bit more nervous. I'm going to be a little bit more nervous. I can't believe this is the spot.

I know, it's weird. I don't see anyone. I don't think any of those birds were headed this way. They weren't. So I don't understand what we're doing here.

Just then, I thought of some movement in the woods. Haley. Yeah. Stay here. I'm going to go have a look around.

I'll look around. Yeah, if anyone shows up, don't say anything. I signed my NDA's gene. That's not a joke. I'll wait here.

I nodded and climbed out. A duck, even though the blades are almost at a full stop now. As I walked to the woodline, I looked up to the sky and back to the lake.

“If someone was here, how the hell did they get here?”

Hello? When I reached the woodline, I heard a branch snap to my left. Hello? A tall, bald man and tactical gear came out from behind the near tree. Was this one of the company men?

I held my hand over my gun. I was told to come here. I'm gene. But the bald man said nothing. He just looked to his left where another burly man

with a go-tee stepped out for another tree. Is Earl here? No. I turned to my right. Where the man known as Miles came down a small hill.

Well, Earl told me to come here. I know. I told him to tell you that. I want to know what happened. I know you do.

Well, Earl said she was dead. How do you know? Do you have her body? No. Then I don't believe it.

She fell. With the cart into the fire. She didn't make it, man. Hey. Bald guard walked towards me, but Miles stopped him.

You were there? Oh yeah. What cart? I turned to Miles. What's he talking about?

What?

“They were driving along a cliff in well.”

They subdued and retrieved Mike.

But just Mike. Mike's alive, right? Yes. Still unconscious, but in stable condition. Then what the hell happened to Amber?

I just told you what happened to the girl. But how? Gene, please. I know you're hurt. But we really need to get our story straight.

About Amber? About all of this. You already talked to the authorities. I had, too. And I didn't say shit about anything you were a Spencer didn't want me to say.

Or don't want me to say. I'm just treating this shit like any other dangerous fire. We're not blaming you. Earl's been talking to the authorities now.

And we have others working with the fire department said.

Where's Earl now? He's still on the ranch. I want to talk to him. Earl was the only one I trusted, even though I knew he wasn't the one in charge. And it was probably dumb to trust anyone in this company.

Earl had built a report with. I talked to him by a weekly during the seasons and often during the off seasons. I know you're hurting.

“But right now it's more important than ever.”

Why? Why? Because half of the forest is on fire. I want to know what the fuck happened to her. We were given orders to use lethal methods.

Stop. One amber on all parties in the cart and all parties in the car. Ah, Jesus Christ. I look back to miles. Trying to hold in my rage.

Is that true?

Gene, they weren't going to site three.

They weren't going to meet with you. How? They bypassed it. We tried? You tried?

We wanted to tell you earlier, but you didn't have your phone on you. You gave the order? No. Dr. Spencer gave the order, which was passed on the line. But she wasn't a threat.

But Mike was. He was taking a live? That only happened because they got to him when he was unresponsive. But still breathing. We would have taken the girl, too.

She didn't go over. I want to see your goddamn body. Dr. Spencer plans to send out a team and even drones once the fire becomes a little more manageable. But I ignored miles and turned to the chatty tactical man. Where did you find him?

Where'd you pick him up? Shit. Several miles south of the road to the Ranger station, I believe. I want an exact location. We don't have it.

“Gene, please, you have to control yourself.”

I want to know for sure. Well, Dr. Spencer. And I want to see Dr. Spencer. You will. He wants to see you, too. Now, take me to him now.

I don't know whether you guys are operating now. The Ranger station still, or fucking Moran, or Casper, or one of the fucking service roads. But I want to see him. Gene. Dr. Spencer is busy, but trust me, he's concerned.

Over amber? I believe that when I hear it from him. You do realize this is a very trying time. For all of us. Miles, look to the guards, then back to me.

What about your pilot? She can find me there if you give me the location, or I can ride with you. Ride with us? Sure.

You have something parked over that hill? A cart, maybe? No. I squinted as I tried to understand what he was getting at. What the hell are you talking about?

How'd you guys get here? But Miles looked to the guards again. Then back to me, then to the ground. Holy shit. You're kidding.

I look down at the ground below my feet. Follow me. [music playing] Morelo. Dr. Spencer, the intimidating head of the company,

came in and sat at the Sponsour table across from. Miles gave you the tour? Of this level. I told him he could show you more. Well, he didn't.

Maybe he ran out of time. Spencer looked towards the vending machines in fridge. Would you like another drink? So-to-can in front of me was still half full. No.

We were in a little break room. It was so jarring and oddly funny how I was sitting next to vending machines. And mostly white walled and towed break room. Like it was a normal office building rather than some weird lab stories below the forest.

Amber was my girlfriend.

“She was living with me in the off-season.”

I got her to the job. I know.

And yet, you gave the order to kill her.

No. I gave the order to open fire. From my recollection, she was not shot and killed. But fell. Because you ordered them to fire.

Marlo, please relax. I got her to the job. Exactly. You got her to the job. That felt like a punch to the gut.

This man was making me so angry. No wonder why the guards with Miles confiscated my revolver. You. We gave you final say on the tower three resident years ago. And that's who you chose. You think we didn't know of the relationship?

Then why? We gave you control of the forest so we could maintain control below it. No. Why? The order.

Because she joined up with Archer.

We couldn't allow him to escape and she was helping him.

It got too risky. We let it go on too long. She didn't know what she was doing. You believed that? I wanted to. Ah.

Yes. Yes, I do. Don't be so naive, Marlo. That was her job, right? To help these people?

To keep them content. To keep them here. To talk to them. That was her job. Okay.

Well, that's why I offered her the job. She's personal. Superfriend. Two friendly. At least with Mike.

She didn't realize what she was doing. Or hell, maybe she did.

Of course, I knew what she was doing.

She was moving on. Our home life wasn't great.

“I knew she had a secret savings account.”

She was looking for an excuse to leave. We had to take precautions. We held out for as long as we could. And we even gave that one final chance for her to go to site three to meet with you. She didn't take it.

We couldn't afford to give any more chances. They were obviously tracking or watching me to know what they knew. Is that why you burned everything? Not everything. A lot.

They were other dangerous people out there too. That's what you say. Because it's true. And that's enough to burn everything down and killer. You looked away a moment.

Probably trying to figure out another way to explain her. Spend things. I have done a lot for you and your work. I followed all the rules. Every time Earl called I answered.

Every time he told me there was something needed to be done. I did it. I never asked questions. I only talked to tower four occupants when they need a rose. And I kept them calm.

I leaned forward. Motion to the vending machines. But look. Look at this place. You are operating out here.

Not just in Moran or Casper or wherever else. Here. Not only out here, but below ground. These guys said some strange things. And I don't know what to believe.

Was anything or everything they said true? No. How can I know for sure? You're not supposed to know for sure. We're doing you a favor.

A favor? That's right, Marlo. You were hired for a job. You get paid more for your efforts. And if you doubt that,

I'd like you to try going to any other national park. You've got a promotion. Many freedoms to do whatever you want at top side. And the ability to move around and hire for positions within. You leaned forward, which caused me to lean back a bit.

“Do you really want to throw all that away over a woman who chose to chase after another guy she barely knew?”

Instead of getting on the helicopter with you? You really want to give up all your pay? You really want to go back into debt? Not that you're ever fully escaped. Because last I heard you haven't been able to stop visiting the casinos and win river,

or bidding on sports, or showing up to your secret high-stakes games. Holy shit. You was actually threatening me. If you want out, you can't leave. We replace you in less than five minutes.

You sit where you are because of a favor. That's it. Because I can assure you no one, including Earl, will have any problems with us feeling your position if you choose right now to leave. Or question my authority on matters related to my work.

Amber may have been hired by you. Stationed in Tower 3, but I can assure you she worked for me, not the NPS, and so do you. Now, are we going to have any more problems? I wanted to jump over this table and beat the ever-lovin' fuck out of this man.

But he was right. I couldn't give this up, and I hated that. No. No more problems. Good.

Because we have a lot of work to do. We plan to let the fire burn a little longer, but need to manage it. Why?

then too many people will get involved.

There's already a lot of people involved. To contain sure, and we're actively working with them, but we don't want more. And while I let it burn, because there are still some dangerous people out there. Who are they? For some reason, he's smart.

People who are sick, people who are unpredictable, people who want to harm us and our research. Why? I love the interest, Marlo, but let's try to keep things as they were. Yes?

That meant no more questions. The door slid open behind him. A big man with broad shoulders stepped in. Dr. Spencer, there's a phone call for you. Okay.

Marlo, I do want to say that I bow you your efforts as a team player. Maybe Mr. Braddock here can give you a proper tour of the facility. You look to the man behind him.

“We can't show you everything, but we can offer a little more insight into why this place and our work is important.”

Sure. Show him around and take him up and find out from our team leader what they plan to do to subdue the last few stragglers. Yes, sir. Wait. Yes, Marlo?

I'd still like to do it. Some point, recover the body. Give her a proper burial. I could feel my eyes well enough. Okay, that's fine.

Let's give it a little more time. Get the fire contained. And then you can do as you wish. I nodded and wiped it to your fallen from high. I am sorry for your loss.

I wasn't sure I truly would believe that, but there was nothing I could do at this point anyway. I carried that sentiment the whole stupid tour. And we're back. So, no tour of the lower levels. Very shook as head as we exit the elevator.

“You'll have to ask him about those levels as even I don't have access.”

Who does besides Spencer? Earl? Earl? No. Earl's communications.

Biles and a few others. The scientists, the technicians. I'm just a runner or a transporter. I only have access to these two levels in this facility. This facility?

Oh, yeah. There's another facility south of here. Where? He appeared nervous.

But for the first time in the last hour I was distracted from Amber's death.

North West of Site 5. There's two? What's over there? I probably shouldn't say this, but there's four sectors. Four?

Sure. But we don't really use one of them at all. The other is four storage. Sector 1 is where I and many of the others are housed. At least a few left over from the old team.

And then this one. How many others? How many people work here? Not many from the old team. Other than miles, me and the other transporters.

And maybe two or three texts. You know some of them because you've been in talks. Earl and Aaron. I know you've helped them topside a few times. Both of them sure.

But they never told me much.

I just helped with anything that had to do with the forest and trails or rivals or tower four. Right. I know. But old team. New company came in and got things going again.

They brought on a lot more technicians and other workers. But even more were brought on to help with the current situations. The escaped patients. That's how he put it earlier. Yeah.

This whole place gave me the creeps, especially when the halls were always empty. We didn't see any of these volunteers. Are they on their restricted levels? Some. But the rest are housed in Sector 4.

North of Sight 5. Yeah. The tour didn't do much for me. I was still hurting, which made it hard to think about anything else. And it wasn't like I was getting much more information anyway.

I didn't know why this place was built here.

“What they did on their restricted levels or why secrets he was so important.”

I mentioned how they were trying to help people through some kind of scientific means. And they did mention a curious drug. But when I pressed that, very couldn't say much. I want to ask a question. But I'm not sure you can answer it.

I'll try my best if it seems like it won't piss off the higher-ups. You say that these people are volunteers, right?

Then why do you need to bring in a tactical team to chase them down? How come they're dangerous?

“Because some of the tests don't go according to plan.”

Okay. I got something. I wanted to ask more and I planned on it. That is, until we turn the corner and saw. Mike? He was there in the hallway.

Bruce, bandage, and barefoot. His eyes widen when he saw us. Shit. He quickly turned down the different hallway. Stay here.

Mike! Barry pulled his gun off his head and chased after Mike. I quickly followed. Mike had to be one of these dangerous people. And I wanted to hear from him what happened to Amber.

It took a minute, but I finally found the room they were in.

I rushed in, but Mike pulled Barry up and pointed a gun at his head. Don't! I froze. Two seconds later, big man. Another guard rushed in.

Gun up. I'll kill him. Mike? Just relax. Okay, don't do anything crazy.

“Probably not the best choice of words, but I had nothing else.”

Where is he? Miles ran in holding his hand dripping blood. Did Mike do that? Now I couldn't help but think of Amber again. Did he hurt her?

God damn it, Mike. I was helping you. Don't do this. But the tension continued escalating until Dr. Spencer entered. Where is Amber?

Shit. He didn't know. She's dead.

Hearing it again like that was another punch to the gun.

And I could feel my eyes well and up again. How? How? You did it, Mike. You took her with you and put her in danger.

And instead of turning yourself in or meeting with Jean, you continued to put her life in danger. Fire anger rose within me. He did do that. He manipulated her.

Bullshit! Your people did that. They chased us. They shot at us.

“Now my anger was redirected to Dr. Spencer”

and the fact that he gave the order. I did my best to control it. But we weren't after Amber. We were after you. The next five minutes were an emotional blur.

Mike was erratic. Mike, if you just okay, Marlo, he's scared.

He has every reason to be.

Who gives a shit if he was scared? I just wanted all this to be over. I wanted to leave this place, but also question Mike. But realistically, I knew I wouldn't get that chance. Back and forth continued.

What's favor? Ha, favors. This company was something else. They threatened Mike, told me he had to take something. They're drugged.

Mike had a lot of questions still. Is there another tracker? No. No, it's not. We already put one in you, Mike.

They put a tracker in him. Yeah, and I took it out. No, we know about that one. Strickland told us about that. Dr. Spencer turned in me.

It was Strickland, yes? What the hell? He was asking me who the hell was Strickland? I... I don't know.

Strickland? Mike's eyes darted between Dr. Spencer and me now. Aaron Strickland. Oh, Aaron, I knew him. I often helped him in Earl of the Station of a few times.

I was required to go to the office and ran. One of our employees. He let us know so we made sure to implant another. Miles took care of that while you were in the medical bay. It was weird.

I was Spencer including me in this. Five minutes later after the wheeled Mike away, I found out. What was all that? Coleman report, injection, forgetting stuff. What is it you're doing down here?

Are you messing with people's memory? After gathering the files from the table, Dr. Spencer approached me. Smurkin. Don't worry about all that. He reached into a shirt pocket.

Hold out a small fold piece of paper. Your total dead right now sits at around 35. Yes? What? You owe around 35 in debt to various parties.

Is that right? Uh, yeah, roughly. He handed me the folded paper. I unfolded it to reveal it check. Made out to me for $35,000.

Holy shit. Um, why? I realized I may not have come across as sincere and gracious as I wanted to earlier. I often have trouble conveying sympathy that I do feel. [laughs]

Something my wife often scolds me for. I was listening, but I couldn't take my eyes off the check. We appreciate what you've managed to do for us. Is this a forward? It's a gift from my silence.

And participation. Participation. That's right. Don't squander it. You walk past me in the hallway, but then stop and turn back.

We're going to need a lot of help with cleanup, Marlow,

And Amber? Yes, Marlow, I told you.

You may still search for her when the fire clears.

Just then, Barry walked up behind me. Still rubbing his neck. Oh, and Mr. Braddock. Don't let that happen again. Yeah, uh, yes, sir.

Good. Now show Mr. Marlow out. [music]

“As I left the woods in secret lab behind me,”

I holed you my weapon and pocketed my phone. After which we're giving back to me before I walked down, and I was told to keep my other phone, too, for dedicated calls with Iris. Jesus Christ, where the hell were you?

Let's go. Hey, we was laying in the back of a helicopter.

One leg dangling outside, but she jumped up the moment she saw me approaching.

What happened? One of those goons with all the gear talked to me, said you'd be a while, but then he fucked right off. Sorry. Jane, what happened with Amber?

They say she's dead. Did you see her body? No. Then how would they know? It's an assumption, climbed in the helicopter,

and she climbed in the front seat. So we don't believe them? I don't know what to believe anymore. Jane, where are the hell were you? I don't know how much I should tell Hayley,

so I didn't tell her much at all.

Even though I was dying to.

She didn't put up much of a fight, because she knew it did everyone in the station, that the company's secret seems important. I don't know how much I should tell Hayley, so I didn't tell her much at all,

even though I was dying to. She didn't put up much of a fight, because she knew it did everyone in the station, that the company's secret seems important. Today's past before we were able to effectively search the area

where Amber's supposedly fell. I still wasn't quite sure I was being told the whole truth.

“Maybe that's why I foolishly held out hope.”

See anything? No. We've been searching all morning. It was a travels due with the forest below it become, wasteland, charred, brush and ash.

The grey ruins lay far off to the south as we came in, surveying from site three. Do you want to try so? I know they said it was further north, but maybe they meant the old mountain trail of Windwalk.

She meant the bright and rock area. No. They had to be further north. But why not head towards the highway? Isn't it obvious?

I pointed to all the commotion of the west. Several helicopters hovered over the highway, still dropped in thousands gallons of water. Sadly, it's not true. It's not true.

“There's no drop in thousands gallons of water.”

Sadly, the fire had started to spread past the highway, regardless of efforts. Well, I'm not saying anything to you. We've controlled this bridge here the entire way. East and West.

We've also been circling for hours on end. We may need to refuel again. Okay. Just one more pass, Haley. Please.

She nodded and turned as northeast. Once again, Braum and Doctor are there. We'll be right back. 20 minutes passed and we continue to circle the area. Here, let's stop this and instead follow Shoshone.

Towards the Ranger Station. But let's stick to the west side. There's lots of elevation before we reach the road. Maybe they gave us the wrong coordinates. The wrong ridge?

Had to be the case. Okay. She turned the chopper and headed north. What about that? We've been over here.

Right. But only once. Let's do another pass. Another 20 minutes flew by and still saw nothing. Gene, I'm going to have to bring her in to refuel.

Okay, that's fine. But we aren't done here.

Wait. You got something? Hard to make out. I was appeared through my vernacular. She tried to locate the object again.

Holy shit. I think that maybe it.

“I'm not seeing a place where I can put her down.”

I dropped the vernacular to get a better view of the entire area. What about over there? Looks like it's clearing. Where? Over there.

Okay. Let's try it. You want me to call it in? No. I don't want to call anything in.

You don't want to let the company know?

Let's wait to make sure first.

All right. How far would you say it is from here? Quarter a mile at that. Okay. I'm not sure if I want this to be it or not.

I know, Gene. As we walk through the chart for us, try to remain calm. Doesn't this just break your heart? That sounded like something Amber would say. And as much as I tried not to think about her, I couldn't help it.

“I remember the first day taking her out here.”

How ecstatic she was. How well we were getting along. This isn't seen. In a good way? Oh yeah.

You're not tired. A little winded, but maybe I can sweat off some of my winter wave. Don't act like you haven't noticed. I haven't. Yeah.

Okay. I'm serious. You're just saying that because you like a girl with a little meat on her bones. Well, look at me. Do I have room to talk?

Yeah, but it's always been your type.

Can't help what I like. We walked along when walked a tower three. I can't wait to see it. Showed your pictures. It's not the same.

“I get it. I'm telling you you're going to love it.”

Yeah, I know. What's with that voice? I don't like when you're right. Ever had been pretty playful the last few days. I still kept my distance. I didn't want her to accuse me anything.

We talked about trying us one more time, but had to let things play out naturally. No rushing. I hope I packed it up. You're fine. It's a long walk back to the highway if I did.

What could you have possibly forgotten?

I don't know. I'm worried about boredom. I thought you were prepared for that with crosswords and books and whatnot. Yeah, but I'm sure after a few weeks I'll realize I've got something. Hell, I should've brought weights. Wades?

To work out. Oh, stop. You don't look bad. I actually think you look very... Oh, pretty.

She gave me a sarcastic look. Uh-huh. I'm serious. You're even more beautiful than the last time I saw you. Okay, okay, enough. I'm sweaty and gross right now, and it feels like you're just saying things to make me feel better.

Well, I'm not. And you really want to lug weights all this way? Just five founders. Something to carry me all my morning walks. Morning walks, huh? You said I could do that?

I know. Oh, okay. You just needed seam. Listen, you check for fires every so often and call it in. You have a large map in your cabin. You let us know when we'll judge if it's something we need to do with.

Same for the occupant tower four, right? Right. What does this name again? Sam, Sam Tabberson. He's talked to him?

I hired him. I hired. Sure. I explained some things to Amber earlier when going into more detail over duties. But I'd go through my notes with her tonight or tomorrow before I took off.

Got it, Mitt. It's actually the thing I'm most nervous about. Not the board of more loneliness, dark nights, animals or fires. Just talking to tower four. Really?

really be able to help someone else with theirs?

I think you're perfect for it. You say so.

“I told you it'll be simple. Just check in every so often.”

And take notes. Yeah. And only tower four. Not the other tower. A tower one?

Tower one is big. You don't have to check up on big. No? No. I told you.

You've been doing this stuff long enough. You'll be lucky to get more than a few words out of the guy. So, just Sam and you. That's right. Sam and me, which is exactly how I wanted it.

I figured during the season.

Not a lot of people to talk to.

We would bomb. We would get closer than maybe the off season. You could really work on strength in our relationship and get back to a point where we once worked before I fucked up. [Music]

Wow. See? The inside's pretty neat. And you still get that awesome view. She took her time. Slowly taking everything in.

This is awesome. You say that now. Wait till month two. Yeah, yeah, I know. Everything is here.

Obviously, bed table. Cabinets are full of dishes. You got a coffee pot and kettle. Food storage in the cabinet. Note books.

Pents and whatnot in the desk.

For my notes. And if you want to do any writing. You should I draw my hand up poetry? Whatever suits you. You could let the woods inspire you.

Become a female jack carawack. Female jack carawack.

“You couldn't name a single female author.”

He's the only author I know who is also a fire look out. Oh, okay. That cabinets for clothes, but there's also an extra pillow in sheets. I didn't bring many clothes. You don't need many.

No one's going to see you or smell you. What about hikers? They're few and far between. Really? Most people stick the north side of the forest.

Pass the ranger station. Because of Yellowstone? Yeah. This is a lot of dried food. Told ya.

She was checking out all the cobras over the counter and sink. That's a lot of ravioli. I tried to warn you. It's fine. I'm okay with it.

When you run low, there's more food than the storage crates in the shack. You mean shed? I'm not it. I already showed her everything below. Storage, fire pit, bathroom and shower.

She was not a fan of the shower. We also do supply drops now. So if you get low on anything, let me know. But don't wait till the last minute. Okay.

I really do appreciate this opportunity, Jean. Thank you. You're welcome. She grabbed your bag through it on the large center table.

“As much as I hate that shower, I think I'm going to test it out since I feel gross.”

That trail isn't the easiest. It's a lot easier than the eastern side, trust me. Well, I need to rinse off. Okay. Um, it's getting pretty late.

You don't plan to walk back, do you? Uh, no. I was planning to sleep here for the night. Oh. Don't worry.

I plan on using one of the sleeping bags in the shack. I mean, shed. But I'll rinse off after you. So I don't funk it up. You know, mind if I just sleep on the floor here, do you?

Her mouth twisted and it looked like she was trying to think of something clever to say. Maybe something even a bit snarky because she was taking it so long. I decided to jump in. I'm trying to be gentlemanly here. I see that.

But of course, I don't mind, especially if we're, you know, I just don't want to move too fast for you. That's why you asked me to move in. Was that snark? You know what I mean. I do.

And I appreciate it. Was there a bit of manipulation going on? Sure, but I couldn't help it. I knew Amber and I knew that I wanted to get close to her again. She had to see change.

Real change. And that's not like it was a complete act. A smile thinking about that night. We ended up sharing the bed.

I remember missing that feeling, missing her touch and smell and warm.

“It made me glad that I offered her the job.”

But now. Hey. Yeah. Are you sure we're going the right way? I took a moment to survey our surroundings.

Well, much of the foliage was charred and some still smoldering. I could just make out the ridge ahead. Yeah. This way. I was right.

A few minutes later when we reached the broken and scorched vehicle. You all right? Yeah. I was trying my best to keep my composure. We walked around the overturned vehicle, the cart.

So much was covered in ash and debris. We, we may have to lift it. Hey, we touched it, seeing if it was hot. It wasn't, but much of it was melting. Can we push it to the side?

Against the tree trunk, maybe. Use the rock for leverage. Okay. My heart was beating rapidly.

“What I see here is this the last image I want in my head.”

Let me know when you have a good grip. Okay. Ready? Yeah. One, two, three.

Hmm. He's going. Yeah. Thing was wedge, but we managed to turn it onto its side. There.

After we got it on its side, I was scared to look down. Ugh. Gene? Is it her? There's nothing here.

A little bit of hope climbed in me as it looked down at the ash. Burned leaves. Nothing at all. We both started kicking chart pligs and dirt. Checking under all the debris.

Keep looking. The more we searched, the more I was filled with hope. Maybe just, maybe. Gene, don't get your hopes up. I know, I know, but keep looking.

The next half hour was spent frantically searching. One point I was on my hand and knees pushing black logs aside and brushing away leaves. Anything? Nothing.

We brought in our range, expanding never further.

Checking every stone, log, leaf pile. I'm not seeing anything. Is there a chance she got out? Or do you think they're lying? Maybe she didn't fall.

I hated that idea. I didn't even want to think about that. I wanted to remain hopeful. I don't know. I looked up the cliff face.

It's a far drop, but there's a chance she could survive the fall. Maybe even climb back up? You think? Sure. Amber's a fighter.

She's resourceful. I could see her doing it. I could see her doing anything to survive.

Another 20 minutes passed and we never stopped.

Not even for a break. But while I was being filled with more and more hope, I could see Hayley did not share in my sentiment. Anything? Still nothing.

We're pretty far from the cart now.

“If all of this was on fire, how could she make it out?”

I don't know, but if we don't find a body. Gene? I know, I know. But there should be something here. She really did fall as they said.

We would have found something. They didn't lie about the cart. Even if she didn't die from the fall, she would have been injured. But there's nothing. No remains.

I think maybe. I know I could begin to add to myself, but just maybe she escaped. Maybe she survived. Gene? What?

It could be. I spun to Hayley who wasn't moving anymore. She had to look as sadness, and that's when all my hopes sank with my heart and stomach. She motioned to the ground before and slowly moved to large stick with her foot. There.

Half buried in ash in debris, black and blistered face. I could see more of her chartered mains poking through the debris. She was burnt beyond all recognition. She obviously survived the fall, but couldn't survive the raging fire. I'm sorry.

I closed my eyes, forcing a few tears down my cheeks.

The image that instantly popped into my mind was that first night in Tower 3.

My arm over her, as she slept soundly. The night I realized I got her back in the first night in a long time. That was truly happy. This was all my fault. My legs gave out.

I fell to my knees. This was all my fault.

I fell to my knees. Tower 4.

Written by Robert M. Lamb.

“Edited by meestuk-fly and Robert M. Lamb.”

Dialogue editing by Jack Austin. Starring Brian Messick as Gene. Gina Coil as Amber and Jack Austin as Mike. Coastarring Marina Craven. Nick Cornelius.

Jim Bradley.

Adam Iben and Eric Holloway.

“Music provided by [email protected]/madebytaco.”

Brett Wilkins at Facebook.com/WilkinsMusicFL. Kevin McCloud of Encompetect.com. If you enjoy Tower 4 visit 7lamb.com for more podcasts such as this one. Also, don't forget to follow 7lamb on Facebook, Instagram and X at 7lamb podcast.

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