S3E11: Something New
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Hey everyone, Robert here with a quick message. I'm sure people are dying to hear the episode, so I'll be quick. What you are about to listen to is the season 3 finale of Tower 4, not the series finale. As it stands right now, we plan to have one more season. That being said, we have not started work on the next season. In fact, I'm a little Tower 4-ed out right now. This past season was one of the hardest things I've ever had to write and produce. So we are going to be taking a little break to focus on some of our other shows.

but I promise we will get back to Tower 4 as soon as possible. I just want to be in the right mindset so we can make Season 4 the best season yet.

We know we can take a while to release content, but we go as fast as possible. In fact, this past month was crazy for us as we were hit by two hurricanes. Helene caused minor damage, but Milton was a doozy. We lost power for a time, which is one of the reasons we had to postpone the season finale even more than we wanted to. But as I've stated many times before in past messages, we do our best to get the content out in a timely manner.

Life just often gets in the way. If you can, try to follow us on one of our social media pages, Facebook, Instagram, X, at 7Lamb Podcast. We update there often. We even did an update when we didn't have power. And I guarantee we will make a post when we're starting production on Tower 4 Season 4.

But in the meantime, we will be working on and releasing new episodes of our other shows in the coming months, Crystal Blue, Atlas Avenue Beat, Paralyzed, and End of All Hope, along with a ton of other stuff on our Patreon page. We're even working on a Gene prequel for Tower 4 that will be exclusive to Patreon. Don't worry if you're not a patron. You won't be missing a lot of key story elements if you can't listen. This is just something we want to do for our patrons.

In fact, if you want to help us out, you can go to patreon.com slash 7lam, the number 7 L-A-M-B. We have different tiers with different perks, and we upload a ton of bonus content every month like bloopers, scripts, episode chats, bonus episodes, live streams, and more. Okay, I guess that's it for now. Thanks to everyone who listens, rates and reviews, donates, and or follows us. We truly appreciate the support, and we hope you enjoy the season finale of Tower 4.

I searched for my gun, but all I could find was my little yellow keycard. I put it with the photo in my front pocket since my back one was shredded. Mike, you're back! I know. It hurts like hell. My face, arms, and legs hurt like hell as well. Blood had soaked into my clothes.

We need to bandage it. Not now. We need to keep moving. The guy said "beep"s. I motioned at the tiny box, which was still making its noise. Mike, that guy ran the way we need to go. I know. What if Gene's right and they're cutting us off? He probably is. I wonder if that guy knows. I wonder if they all knew. Well, if he ran the way we need to go, it's possible. We still have a hell of a trek. I know.

That guy had freakin' talons! Well?

This is a problem. Mike? Maybe we can seal a hole by laying a t-shirt across and...

Tying the sleeves? That's a lot of red. I thought she was talking about the blood on my shirt until I followed her gaze. I turned around and saw the flashing of the little box. Four lights were on and they were all red. They started flashing more rapidly. If that is a locator... Oh shit. I hear it too. Someone was coming. The woods! I nodded and grabbed her hand. There was no time to get anything else. I dropped the torn backpack and we hobbled through the woods. We were a mess.

It was a cart. The same cart that had carried the men from NJ's cave to their secret lair.

It came flying over a hill in the distance. Two men were in it and two bodies lying in the back. What the hell? It's what they use to get around. They're not scared of the fires? They came from underground, so I doubt it. What's that in there? Oh. I didn't have to answer Amber's question because she realized they were bodies. As the arms bounced around limply with every bump. They're collecting the bodies? I guess so.

Oh my god. It was fucking Aaron! It's the guy I tied up. I nodded.

Looks like he's back to work. Grab it, man. I got it. Find the bodies, because they ain't over here. I see one. Only one. They said four, right? They said six, but four in the field. I hate this freaking team. Really? But they're the best. Spencer said so. Yeah, okay. The man with long hair took the locator back to the cart. Nothing over here. Well, come give me a hand with this one, Barry.

The man who Aaron called Barry put the locator in the back of the cart. The red light flashed crazily illuminating the two dead rats in the back. That is until he switched it off. Barry walked over to Aaron and grabbed the legs of the poor woman.

They carried her to the back of the cart and tossed her on top of the other bodies. As if she were a bag of garbage. That's so wrong.

I nodded in agreement. Aaron wiped his hands on his pants. Barry did the same. Shouldn't we be wearing gloves? Just hit the showers when we get back. After putting the dead woman's body in the cart, they searched the field. They're never gonna find the other one. Good. We should go though, Mike. We still have a long walk ahead of us. Yeah. Travel is going to suck now that we didn't have any supplies, food, or water. I could see the backpack out there sitting in the grass. Somehow they missed it. Okay, let's go.

Wait, wait, wait. What? We still have miles ahead of us, right? Yeah. That's why we need to hurry. We don't have any supplies, Amber. We don't have anything now. So? What are you saying? I went back to the wood line and leaned out from behind a tree. Amber hobbled up beside me.

Mike, what are you thinking? I want that card. Are you insane? If we have to beat the fires, that might be our best bet. How are you gonna do that? They probably have the keys on them. I don't think there are keys. I didn't see them with any. They could be in their pockets. I've been in one of their cards before and I don't remember seeing any spot for a key.

Could just start up with the press of a button. You want to take that chance? I think we have to. They're searching for the other body. I have time. I don't know about this. Just grab something, anything, and throw it over that way, away from the cart. Mike, if they see you- Take your way closer to the trail and then throw as far as you can so they don't see me. Then take this. She held the gun out to me. Now you keep it, in case anything happens to me. Like them killing you? Just-

"Keep watch, and if things get out of hand, you give me cover." "You want me to shoot someone again?" "Only if it comes to that. Only if you have no other choice." "Mike!" I grabbed her and kissed her passionately. "We're gonna be okay. They're pretty far from the cart right now. We can do this." I crept forward as Amber disappeared into the dark woods. I slowly made my way towards the cart, trying my best to remain concealed by the tall grass. The men were about twenty yards from the cart searching for the last body.

I stopped where the grass before me parted and gave way to a large open gravel area. That's where the cart was parked. I wouldn't be able to remain hidden here, so I waited. Come on, Amber. There was nothing. No sound. What was taking her so long? I looked back to the woods but saw no movement. I'm not seeing shit. I'm going to get the cart and we'll drive over to the trail. No. Amber, where are you? Maybe they miscounted. No, man. These are the bests.

Oh God. Aaron was coming this way. Shit, shit, shit! Aaron was close. Amber, where are you? Aaron was no more than 20 feet from me and now staring at the backpack. He picked it up, inspecting the thing. Two granola bars and gauze fell out. Aaron pulled his gun and started looking around nervously. Shit, he was looking in my direction.

Did he see me? He took a step towards me. What could I do? I was stuck, trapped, and in dire need of help. Aaron was now 15 feet from me. "Amber, where are you?" Now 10. "Amber?" "Hey!" A noise. Aaron spun around and faced toward the trail and open field. "You hear that?" "Yeah, I heard something." "It came from over there." "Hey, be careful. This fucker may still be alive." That was close. I leaned up and peered over the top of the now swaying grass.

Please work, please work, please work. You gotta be kidding me.

Come on, come on! Come on! Please! Shit! Wait.

Could it be? Shit. How?! Yes! Hey! I see you! I see you! I leaned up to see Aaron no more than ten yards away. He slid to a stop and aimed his gun.

I slammed the pedal down. "You gotta be fucking kidding me! Shoot! Shoot him!" "Shit!" "Shit!" The cart bounced over the terrain. I veered to the right, but Aaron ran towards me. He lunged at the cart as I jerked the wheel. He was hanging on the side. "What the hell are you doing? You were supposed to leave!" "I am leaving!" I threw an elbow up, catching him in the jaw. He fell back but hung on. I jerked the wheel left, flying over a hill.

I was heading for the trail but swerving back and forth. "Shit! Hey! Hey! Don't shoot you asshole!" "I'm fucking buried!" I looked back to Ciaran climbing up at the dead bodies in the back. He was covered in blood that most likely wasn't his. He got to his knees and aimed a gun.

I hit the brake and he went flying forward, landing on top of me. I hit the gas and continued forward. I grabbed his face as he tried to take the wheel. I didn't know where the gun was, but it seemed like he didn't have it now. We continued to fight for the wheel. He punched me in the face and yanked the wheel. We flew over another hill and hit the ground with a thud.

causing us both to almost fall out. I looked up to see that we had passed the trail. "Shit!" "Mike! Stop!" The cart was going a lot faster than I thought it could. I spun the wheel while simultaneously kneeing Aaron in the face. We fell back onto the passenger side. We kicked again and leaned up.

I turned the cart around, noticing Barry running towards us. I had to get back to the trail, back to Amber. But Barry aimed his gun. He riddled the cart with bullets. Two of the bullets hit the dead bodies behind me and sent blood spurting up. "Stop you fucking idiot!" "I said stop!" Aaron pulled himself up, but instead of attacking me, he waved frantically to Barry. Barry froze. I looked over to Aaron who had one knee on the passenger seat.

We both noticed the gun on the floor rattling with the movement of the cart. We both lunged for it but I had to keep my hand on the wheel and foot on the gas. He got to it first and aimed. I swerved. Aaron fell back but was able to hang on to the end of the tiny windshield frame.

I continued to swerve, but he wouldn't let go. I noticed Barry not moving but talking into his radio now. I veered left towards the trail marker which caused Aaron to slide down a bit. He must have been just inches above the ground. "You son of a bitch!" He was trying to pull himself back up, but I leaned over and tried pushing his legs off. But he wouldn't budge. I then pushed one of the bodies.

The body slid and fell on him, knocking his feet into the back bed. He was now dragging on the side. I veered left again, but the son of a bitch hung on. He ended up pulling himself up, able to keep hold of the gun as well. This guy would not give up, but neither would I. We swerved onto the trail. The cart bounced, but that actually helped Aaron getting footing. He aimed the gun at me.

I didn't have time to react, but I didn't feel anything. Aaron was the one hit. Blood was pouring out of his shoulder. He fell into the back of the cart, dropping the gun, then flipped over the bodies and off onto the trail. I hit the brake. Aaron was rolling around on the trail in pain. Was that his partner or? Amber? Amber! I looked towards the woods. I wasn't far from the field on the trail. Amber, where are you? Right here.

She hobbled out of the brush, aiming her gun at Aaron. Was that you? Pretty good shot, huh? Holy shit! She jumped into the car. We both looked back at the flopping Aaron. Sorry I had to shoot someone. I had no other choice, right? Down the trail a good 40 yards, Barry ran up, still talking into his radio. Mike! I see him. I pressed the pedal down and we lurched forward. Mike, he's aiming at us! Get down! We ducked our heads as Barry fired wild.

But moments later, we were around the bed and both men were out of sight. Amber looked back. That was crazy. I still can't believe your aim. Thanks. I smiled at her, but she wasn't looking at me. She was looking at the dead bodies in the back. I looked over my shoulder at them, too. The two remaining bodies were that of a dead woman with a bullet hole in her head and another what looked like a woman with a clubbed foot. Mike? Yeah? I hate to say this, but can we...

You know... Dump the bodies? She nodded. Yeah, but let's make a little more space first. Okay. And we did. We made good distance, at least I thought. Come on, quickly. I didn't know how to shift it into park since none of the controls were labeled, so I pulled near the side of the trail next to a softball-sized rock, which I used to hold the brake pedal down. There's no park? Probably is, but I'm not testing any switches or cutting the power. We can't afford to shut down now. Good idea. Ugh!

We quickly move the bodies to the side of the trail. Okay, the other one. There we go! We put the bodies just off the trail. There we go. You don't think this is a bad idea, do you? What do you mean? It's proof. Proof of what they do. Amber, I don't think we're going to get all the way to Yellowstone in this thing, do you? No. No, probably not. I put my arm around her a moment while we both stared at the poor women. They were on the radio, so we need to hurry, especially since they know we're on the trail.

Okay, probably should get rid of these then too. She grabbed two locator boxes and tossed them into the woods. Don't toss that though. Aaron's gun was in the back too, along with some other stuff like batteries, tarps, and a toolbox. But we didn't bother with the rest. Let's go. I removed the rock and we were off. Okay, you were right. About? The cart was worth it.

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It's hard to tell. I haven't seen another marker in a while. Me either, and I've been looking. I have to admit, I'm surprised we haven't hit any opposition.

Sorry. You know...

That guy... I was just trying to hit him in the arm. Really, the hand. Amber, I don't know how you hit him at all. I've been shooting before. I know my way around the gun. Yeah, but moving on a swerving cart at night on a bad ankle? I was also worried about hitting you.

I figured. And I'm sorry about before. What do you mean? About the guy after the car crash. You were right. It's us versus them. I realize what that means and what's expected of us. And I know you expected me to leave if anything happened to you back there. When you were getting the cart. But I wasn't going to. I wouldn't leave at this point, no matter what.

Yeah, but if they killed me... Well, I wasn't about to let that happen. I took a moment to look into her eyes. I then held out my hand and she took it. My feelings for her continued to grow exponentially in such a short amount of time. Obviously, some of that probably had to do with our situation and how bad we had relied on each other. But not all. Not all. We drove in silence for a good twenty minutes until the jinx became a reality. Oh no. I let my foot up as we came around the bend.

What?

I don't know what time it is, but... You thinking about Site 3? It should be close. Amber... Maybe if we're together... No. I'm sorry. I can't. I can't trust it. I can't trust him. Okay. But I think you should. I mean, maybe you should. No! I told you! We're in this together. You don't go, I don't go. You're sure about that? Yes! She gripped my hand tighter. She leaned back, took a breath...

So, let's, um, see if we can find a path through. I nodded, and we headed towards the smoke. Another half hour or so had passed, and we were getting closer to the fires before us. We could just see the faint orange glow. We might have to take a chance and deviate. Odds are they'll have the trail blocked. Or worse, they'll try to funnel us through it. They know we're on it, that may be why we had met any opposition. The further we got, the more nervous I got.

Another ten minutes passed and the smoke was now visible in the headlights. Amber, how's the terrain over there? What do you mean? Off the trail. Oh, uh, I mean it's not too crazy. Mountainous? Not really. There's some elevated areas to our west, but nothing like we saw south of here. Why? Look at the smoke. It's thick. I'm thinking maybe it's time to deviate. Okay. We were getting closer and closer to the fire. I just don't see a good opening.

It's over there too, to the east. I see. Mike, look, over there too. I don't think any path is going to be easy. Me either. Another ten minutes passed and we still didn't get off the trail. Although it was more open here so the smoke wasn't as bad, but ahead, it looked horrible. The orange glow had spread and we continued straight towards it. Look! Papers were floating through the air. Many were stuck in branches. Amber reached up and snagged them.

More fire warnings. I grabbed the paper from her. Lance set it and crumpled it. I slowed the cart, trying to look for any sort of opening up ahead. I don't see anything. I'm gonna have to just force our way through then. Where does it look the best? Uh, that way. To the left. I pushed the pedal down and the nerds forward. The smoke was getting thicker, filling the woods before us. We're going to make it. Both of us. Again, we held hands as we weaved along the bumpy, rooted ground.

Oh my god... Mike, can you see?

*coughs*

Mike, watch out! Oh!

That wasn't the only animal we saw. A herd of pronghorn bounced our way through the field, crossing our path. I swerved back and forth, trying to avoid hitting them. There were so many. Watch it! I see, I see. What about there, Mike? You see something? Yeah, go right. I swerved around more sheep and bearded rye. See, right there? That might be your way through. She was right. It was a section of the woods that wasn't as smoky.

Oh shit!

Crap.

I swerved, narrowly missing a large buck. There were now deer bouncing past. And coyotes. Watch out! Hang on! They flew over an incline, slamming down into bushes and gravel. I swerved with the right, narrowly avoiding two does and a tree. But the machine gun fire kicked up rocks and debris right along our left side. I was hit in the face with dirt and rocks as if it wasn't already hard enough to see.

I was startled by the loud gunshots. Amber was looking back, firing up at the helicopter. I can't get a good shot! I looked over my shoulder a moment to see only smoke, wires, and tree branches. That is, until a harsh spotlight hit us, blinding me momentarily. I looked away, squinting. Oh, shit! I yanked the wheel hard right to avoid another large buck. I kept going right to avoid trees and gunfire. Damn it! Wait! He's backing off! He is? Yeah! Wait! Wait! Wait!

Goddammit! Oh no no no no no no no no no!

I can't get over! What?! Five o'clock!

There's nowhere to go! I still couldn't get over the brush was too thick. Just then the man hanging out of the helicopter opened fire hitting the ground before us. We both ducked as dirt and gravel went flying over the windshield hitting us in the face. Once the debris died down I saw the cliff's edge in front of us approaching quickly.

I couldn't stop. I couldn't cut over. I couldn't veer. There was nothing else we could do. The cart tilted on crumbling ground. "We have to jump!" She nodded and grabbed my hand. The man in the helicopter was reloading as I tried to keep the cart steady for as long as I could. There was no break in the trees, but we couldn't wait any longer. We were closing in. "Ready?" "Yes!" Everything seemed to happen in slow motion as the man shot, hitting the tires and ground below us. Sending the cart wheeling.

As I gripped the windshield frame, Amber screamed. She was hit in her leg. She faltered just as I stepped onto the side of the cart. It slid on the crumbling ground. I didn't have time to think as I pushed off, pulling Amber just as the man fired again. The cart fell just as I became airborne, but I slammed right into a tree, losing my grip of Amber who slipped and grabbed the edge of the cart as it completely flipped over the edge. I spun with the impact, hitting the ground hard.

I was in a complete daze as I went rolling along the ground. My last vision before losing consciousness was seeing the cart and Amber all over the side out of view and into the flames below. Well? He's alive. What about his condition? Stable. But he's not awake? Not yet. Miles, is it important he stays alive?

Do you want me to be frank? Go ahead. I think it was a mistake not to try to take him in alive earlier. Luckily for us, things worked out in our favor. In your favor? I don't think there's any reason to get rid of him now. Maybe not, but I believe- If you want to stay ahead of Caldway- Oh, screw Caldway!

I look over all these notes and there's not one thing in here that we wouldn't have figured out ourselves. In less time, mind you. You believe that? With 100% certainty. This has all been one long waiting game. Precisely. But we shouldn't give up on any- I'm not giving up. There is no reason to give up. But there is a reason to end certain relationships, as you've seen in the past. Well, I was just giving my honest opinion. A, uh...

informed suggestion, sir. Informed suggestion? Killing him will mean more cover-ups. Miles, the whole forest is engulfed in flames. Where do you think we will falter? Then what shall we do? Has the creature seen him? When we brought him in earlier, not since. We have a blood sample? Yes. Is there anything else we can extract from him at this time? Any information, perhaps? I think he was attacked by another rat.

The missing one? Possibly. And you believe he still may be of use later? Yes, I do. To what extent, I can't say. And maybe that's just me being hopeful, but...

I don't think there's any harm taking that chance, especially now, due to the setbacks. Setbacks he caused. And 142. Do you believe this to be a Taverson or Campbell situation? Campbell. We could still keep tabs on him. If we do this, I don't want any more trouble. No, we won't have any. You so sure about that? Can you administer the injection now while he's out? I could, but

But it may be best to wait and see. You said he's stable. He is, but he's been through a lot. Miles... Shouldn't we ask him about the rat? I don't care about that, not now. I don't want to take any chances with Archer. He's already killed three men that we know of, and injured more. Yes, I know. But we have him now. You have the Coleman file. You... you have the kid. I think that's all we need for him to cooperate. Alright, Miles. This falls on you.

I have too much work to do right now and with these fires things won't get any easier. So do it Archer as you see fit, but if anything happens in the future, if he gets in our way, I'll personally feed you to that chained up beast. Understood? Understood. Miles, I'm serious. Don't make me regret this decision. You won't. My eyelids were crusted with sleep and dirt.

I had to force them open, but even then they were hard to part in the bright light. Where was I? I had a raging headache and every slight movement hurt. I slowly sat up. I was in a cold, hospital-like room with white walls, bright lights, and a small table in the corner. On the table sat a notepad and pen. There was also a camera in here. It sat above the door. Where the hell was I? Oh, Mr. Archer, you're awake. You feeling alright? No.

I feel awful. That's not a surprise. You had quite the night. We took care of your injuries. Emotion to my chest. I was shirtless, but half my body was covered in bandages. You're lucky to still be alive. If you say so. Here's a shirt. This is... This is my shirt. I held it up, inspecting it. It wasn't the one I was wearing last night, but one I left in my tower. It should fit. Please hurry. We don't have a lot of time. What...

What's going on? Where am I? Please. I slowly put on the shirt as every muscle ached. Nothing life-threatening, which is good, but it'll take a while for you to fully recover. Good. This way. He took a step back and motioned to the door. I made my way to the door as the man went to the small table to grab the notepad and pen. He slid the pen to his shirt pocket. Here, I'll get that for you.

He came over and pressed the black button to the right of the door. It slid open to reveal an empty wheelchair with a tall, muscular man with a five o'clock shadow, buzz cut, and of course, a tactical vest and rifle standing behind it. "Go ahead." I stepped out and the man with the notepad followed. "We're gonna need you to sit." "I can walk." "That may be so, but-" He stepped to the side of the wheelchair in front of the muscular military man. "You must sit." He had his hand on some kind of strap on the arm.

They were gonna strap me down? Please, Mike. Don't make this difficult. Where's Amber? Mike, please. Tell me. Where am I and where's Amber? We're underground, aren't we? If you don't sit, we'll have to use force. I don't want to do that. I couldn't let them strap me down. I didn't trust these guys. I had to get out of here. Mike? I felt that rage rise up in me. The same rage that made me shoot the man after the car chase. Mike, please. It's important that you listen to me.

Fuck it. I quickly grabbed the man's pen from his shirt and jabbed it into his hand. I then pushed him into the muscular man. He stumbled back. This was my chance. Don't shoot him! I ran down the hall and quickly ducked into an intersecting hallway. I ran down the brightly lit hall, looking for a way out. But every door I passed was shut and locked.

Damn it!

Gene? Mike? Mike!

Come on, where the fuck-- And it was a dead end!

I quickly spun around the side, leaving the door open. Barry came bursting through, gun drawn. I punched him in the face, then grabbed his arm and shoved him into the doorframe. He pushed off and we both tumbled to the table. I wrapped my arms and legs around him and yanked. He fell back on top of me and we rolled into three of the chairs.

I finally stripped the gun free and hit him in the side of the head with the butt. And rolled him off. Gene came rushing into the room, so I grabbed Barry, lifted him up, and pointed the gun at his head. Don't! Gene froze. The muscular man came rushing in, gun drawn, but he also froze when he saw me. I'll kill him! Just relax, okay? Don't do anything crazy. I backed up to the end of the room behind the table, dragging Barry and his bleeding face with me.

Where is he? The man I stabbed with the pen came in next. The pen had been removed, but he held his hand wrapped in the bottom of his shirt. Blood was pouring to the floor. God damn it, Mike. I was helping you. Don't do this. Don't do what? Don't let you strap me to a wheelchair and do God knows what to me? No thanks. At least let Barry go. Fuck Barry!

You could have made this easy. So could you. You could have just let me leave. We planned to. Yeah, right. I believe that. We couldn't before. Not at first, but we plan to now. God! Mike. Stop. Don't come any closer.

I've killed some of your men already and I'll kill this one. You don't understand what you're doing. No, but I haven't understood much out here. I know. So why don't you just listen to us? Listen to me! And put the gun down. Not until I'm out here or I get some fucking answers! Like what? Where is Amber? She's dead. Another man entered the room, casually fixing the collar of his shirt. As if this was a fucking meeting. He was a tall guy with glasses, neatly dressed with a salt and pepper beard.

It took me a moment to process what he just said. "Wait, what? No." "Yes, Mike. She's dead." "I don't believe you." "Well, you should." He looked over to Jean, who now had red, glassy eyes. "Is this strange man telling the truth?"

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. Bullshit! Your people did that! They chased us! They shot at us! But we weren't after Amber. We were after you. Mike, your time here is done. I was still trying to process everything he said. Amber was... dead?

See Miles, we should have just strapped him to his bed and took care of this matter the easy way. You're right, Doctor. I assume your stance hasn't changed though, even with your new injury. He looked down at the pool of blood at Miles' feet. I'll uh, I'll be okay. Let's just finish this. The Doctor gave him a weird side-eyed glance and turned back to me. I gripped the gun tighter, pressing it hard into Barry's head.

Relax, Mike. We're going to set you free. Like your bird, yes? He smiled and sat across from me.

"What are you doing?" "In order to set you free, we need you to do us a favor. Normally we don't ask, but Miles here was adamant that you wouldn't be a problem." The doctor looked again at the bleeding man, who quickly checked his hand. "Well, how was I supposed to know?" The doctor shook his head slightly and turned back to me. "I guess Miles didn't expect you to put up such a fight. Especially after everything you've already been through."

Now, may I have just a minute of your time? Fuck you. I can't say I'm surprised by your temperament. Miles, can we get the Coleman report? Sorry, let me rephrase that. Are you able to get the Coleman report? The doctor looked down at the pool of blood. Yes. Thank you. Miles walked out, leaving a trail of blood behind him. Hey! Hey! It's okay. He'll be back. I'm not doing you any favors.

You know I understand why you're like this. I too would be rather frightened if I were in your shoes. So I can't blame you, and I don't. He ran a hand through his hair. But why don't you try your best to relax and take a seat? Miles will be back shortly. No thanks. Mike, if you just- It's okay, Marlowe. He's scared. He has every reason to be. What do you want with me? I told you, nothing.

We don't need you anymore and that's why we're setting you free. Just like that. Well, I did say we need a favor. What favor? Ah, there we go. A man willing to talk. We're going to need to give you an injection. Oh, well, you can just fuck right off. An injection? Fuck you! See, I figured you would say that. It's totally understandable. You don't know us. Why would you let us stick you with something?

The problem is, we have to do it. Is it another tracker? No, no it's not. We already put one in you, Mike. Yeah, and I took it out. No, we know about that one. Strickland told us about that. He turned to Jean. It was Strickland, yes? I... Strickland? Aaron Strickland, 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.

I looked at the crevice in my right arm, but it was bandaged. So was my left arm.

So is the rest of my upper body. Why, if you don't need me anymore? Let's just say it's a precaution. So you don't plan to kill me? No. And you have miles to thank for that. You gonna turn me into one of your... rats? No, Mike. We're just going to make you forget. What are you talking about? We've done it before to a lesser extent, but apparently it wore off. So we need to give you a larger dose. You are quite the fighter. What do you mean, forget?

Forget Mike. Forget this, the woods, the fire lookout job, all of it. It'll help you move on and help ensure that we don't have to worry about you. You have been quite the thorn in our side recently. I don't even really know what's going on here. Yes, but you know enough that it could really hurt us, like your friend 142. Barry moved a bit, but I dug the barrel of the gun deeper. Why don't you let him go and have a seat so we can really talk?

Although I must say, I don't have much time. We are really talking, and I'm not sitting and I'm not taking any damn injection! We'll see about that. I don't plan to forget. That's why we need the injection. Just then the man known as Miles came back in with a folder. Miles. Now I remembered. That was the guy Amber talked to over the phone. There he is. He whispered something to the muscular man who lowered his weapon and walked out of the room.

You then handed the folder to the doctor. Here we are. He set the folder down splayed on the table. We didn't want it to come to this, but like I said, I don't have a lot of time and you don't seem like you planned a bunch, so we need to wrap this up. He slid the folder across the table. It came to rest at the edge. Take a look at that, Mike. I took a step forward, pulling Barry with me. You see that photo there? It was of a young boy. Do you recognize him?

It took a moment, but when it clicked, my jaw dropped. He must have noticed. That's right. It's him. He said, Coleman. The Coleman Report. That is nine-and-a-half-year-old Nathan Coleman. But you probably remember him as Nate. And you probably remember him as a four- or five-year-old, yes? I could feel a tear sliding down my cheek. Is this... This is how we're going to get you to take the injection.

Nathan Coleman is in fourth grade. He goes to Lawrence Elementary. He has been struggling with his grades, but that's probably due to the rough last year he had. His mother, Melinda, she overdosed. It happened when he was at school, but he discovered the body when he got home and did call 911. Sadly, there was nothing else he could do. She was pronounced dead about 20 minutes after arriving at the hospital.

Now young Nathan is living with his grandmother, but she has recently been put on dialysis. So things aren't any easier for the poor boy. It seems that there may be an aunt that will take him in, but it's unknown at this time. I was listening to him the whole time, but I couldn't take my eyes off the photo. It was a school photo. He sat there smiling at the camera and his dinosaur shirt in front of the aqua background. Go ahead. You can look through all his information. Everything I told you. It's all there and more.

Why are you showing me this? Because we thought this would be a good backup. What do you mean? In case we were at any point in a situation like this one now. What does that mean?

It means, Mike, if you don't put down that gun and take the injection, harm will come to the boy. What? Now, we don't want that. As I told you, the boy has had a rough life as it is. But we need to get this little situation resolved. Miles believes in taking another chance with you, and I've come around to that idea. So, Mike, I think it's time you put down the gun. I couldn't believe this. Did they really harm Nate?

*door opens*

Mike, this won't be as bad as you'd think. It'll be painless. Look at it with more optimism. You'll not only forget this job, but you'll forget the woods, the chases, the rats, and the pain. We can make you forget a lot more than just the last two months, too. We can take away the pain of your father leaving and your mother passing away. We can make you forget Nate and your exes and the bird and everything else that's been a burden. Hell, even all the writer's block.

"No. I picked up the glossy photo." "No?" "I don't want to forget all that." "Okay. Then maybe we just focus on what you've experienced here." I put the photo down and closed the folder. "Amber?" "What about her?" "Is she really dead?" He looked at Jean who looked away to the corner of the room, seemingly holding back a flood of tears. "She's dead, Mike. But don't worry, you'll forget her too." Just then, the muscular man in the tactical vest came in with the wheelchair.

As much as I would like to keep talking to you knowing that none of what I say will stay with you, I'm afraid it's time for you to go. I was slowly pushed down a long corridor. I wasn't strapped into the wheelchair because they knew I wouldn't run now. I'd been defeated. Amber was dead and Nate was threatened. "This way." Miles was pushing me but the muscular vested man followed. He turned the corner and there, a huge steel door at the far end. It was like in my dreams.

Except the hallway was clean, the lights weren't flickering, and there was no banging. Is that where it is? Yes, for now. As we got closer, I felt its presence, even though I couldn't hear it. I could. It was there, behind the door. We were going towards it. My heart was thumping. I squirmed. Relax, we're not going in. We turned, leaving the large door behind, but the next hallway had more of those windows with bluish mist. It's in there.

Yes. I looked back to see Miles facing forward. He pushed me slowly, his hand bandaged now wrapped in loose gauze. What is it? Something not from this world. An alien? But he didn't answer. I jumped. I heard chain movement and the mist swirled in a large arm and four-fingered claw came into view. It stretched, tightening long, dark chains around its wrist. It knows you're here. Why does it want me? Because it knows you.

Why do you have it chained? Because we can't let it get out again. Miles stopped the wheelchair when we reached the smaller door at the end of the hallway. Here. The muscular man went over, slid a yellow keycard into the slot, and pressed the button with his thumb. The door slid open. The room looked like an operating room with several metal tables and some metal dentist-type chairs in the center. Rows of computers and monitors and cables along the left wall. But to my right, shuttered windows. I was wheeled into the center of the room.

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He asked me to sit in one of the metal chairs. I was there for a while before Miles told the muscular, vested man to leave. Surprisingly, he did. Here we go. Can I ask a question? Sure, but I can't promise it'll be answered. Why couldn't you have done this while I was asleep? You wouldn't have had to threaten me and you could have avoided a hand injury. Miles looked at his hand. A large blood spot had formed in the center of the gauze. I wanted to make sure you were healthy. And now that you know about the kid...

Even if the effects wear off, you won't have the urge to pursue any answers. You won't be driven to come back here. Because you assholes will harm Nate. So threatening me was important. I'm sorry. Yeah, sure you are. There is another reason why I didn't inject you earlier. Why's that? I wanted you to see it. Miles went to the corner of the room and pressed a button on the wall. The shutters rose slowly, filling a large domed room filled with a bluish mist.

I saw movement inside, a large black silhouette. The mist swirled as the creature pushed its way toward the glass windows. "Why? You'll see." Miles pressed another button on the wall which raised a cylindrical computer system from the ground by my chair. There were three different tubes situated around a vertical monitor. Miles came over and hit a button on the screen, then pulled loose a needle connected to one of the tubes by a little hose.

Then he pressed another button and the tube in which it was connected filled with orange liquid. Miles stared intently at the vertical screen. I couldn't see it from my angle. I looked back at the windows and blue mist. I saw the green-black skin of the creature rise and fall within the swirling mist. An arm came up and then down. A tentacle or tail appeared and whipped back and forth. Then a loud thud from within the large dome as if the creature fell. "Ready?"

What happened? But Miles didn't answer. He just raised the needle. I looked into the blue mist, searching, but seeing nothing now. He pressed the needle into my skin. I turned away, feeling the weird liquid enter my body. I closed my eyes a moment. When I reopened them, I saw the creature's eye. It was no more than a foot or two from the center pane. What? The eye didn't blink, and I didn't either. Until... What do you see, Mike? A flash came before me, and I was reminded of the darkness.

The flickering fluorescent lights. And Dad. It'll all be over shortly. I closed my eyes again and remembered something NJ said. They made us forget. I tried to relax, but I could feel my heart beating faster. I thought about Nate and Melinda and the woods and the tower. Tower 4, sitting there, surrounded by fire most likely. My heart beat faster. I thought about all the mysteries surrounding that place. Tower 4.

I thought about NJ and the other rats. My fights. The monster. The radio. The classical music. Faster. I could hear the music now. Classical music coming over some kind of intercom. The creature. It's roaring at died down. Was the music for him or me? I didn't know if the needle was out yet. I didn't feel much now except for the rhythmic beat of my heart. I'd calmed. Even though I could still feel the weird liquid coursing through me. I continued to calm.

I now thought about dad and mom and my childhood bed. I thought about my friends. I thought about Calvin. I thought about Sarah and the question, why? I thought about Carl Young and all of my conversations over the radio. I was drowsy now and fading fast. I was having a hard time focusing. I was having a hard time remembering. But then she appeared. Amber. Amber.

Your father left when you were young, but your mother was there for you until she passed away. Your mother passed away from C.A.D., but she passed away peacefully. You were fine with it. You then wanted to leave and find something new, so you sold what you could and put the rest in storage. You thought a moment about Bodega Bay, but that wasn't far enough away for you. So instead, you left California and headed home. You weren't sure where you were going, but you were looking for someplace quiet. A quaint little spot where you could write. One day, while driving, a car T-boned you.

Your car flipped and you were knocked unconscious. You ended up being in a coma for several months. When you finally awoke, you moved into a motel, only for a couple weeks as you searched for a job. Something to get you back to normal life. One day, someone at the motel mentioned an opening for a part-time freight dockhand in Alaska that came with cheap room and board. That seemed perfect. So you sold your truck and went.

You've been in Ketchikan a while now, working and living. You have a small studio space here at Jackson Street where you can see the woods, mountains, and when you write in your spare time, it's still a passion. You've also been on dates, but you're not looking for anything serious. Not right now. But someday you'll find your happiness. Until then, it's working, writing, and drinking with buddies. That's all.

But there's one more thing on September 29th, and you're gonna want to go to Benny's Pub in Mountain Point. There, you are meeting someone who's seven foot. You cannot go. Looking for something new Not sure what hope to find it soon Not trying to complain But I could use a chain I'm already up, I'm already up I risked it all, I played it safe

And it don't matter, the outcome stays the same Nothing lost, nothing gained I could just use a change A little up, a little down A little lost, a little found A little home, a little And I may be wrong But I wanna believe The change is somewhere in between Drunk at a bar Or singing in church Walked away feeling worse Disappointed and ashamed

man i could use a change and every day there's someone new who's trying to sell me their version of true and i don't buy what they say but i could use a change a little love a little that may be wrong but i want to believe

Changes somewhere In between Give me this two-shelf car

Hi there, what can I get for you this morning? Hey Alice, it's Mike. Gonna get the usual. But actually, can you make mine a large today? Oh, hey Mike. Sure thing. Go ahead and pull up. Thanks. A little up, a little down.

Yeah, yeah, I know it's my turn you assholes reminded me last night. I already got it. Yeah on my way in now. All right. See ya. Changes somewhere in between changes somewhere in between.

Oh yeah, that's the stuff.

Clark shook his big belly. Yes!

I sip my coffee as Lenny and Beth entered. I don't think there are enough coffees here. Not if Pete got one. I don't get coffee, Norris. I'm just here for a donut. Which one's decaf? Right here, marked on the side. Thanks. What's the point of decaf? It's stupid. You're stupid. You're taking away the best part of coffee. All you're left with is a taste. I like the taste. Hey, who's got next Friday? It's not on the board. Not me. I know that for sure. Hey.

Ain't mean. Oh, give it to me. I don't give a shit. But I'm only getting what's on that board by Thursday at 5. No last minute calls, changes, or substitutions. Lemmy shot Owen a dirty look. What?!

That wasn't me. That was Pete. You've done it. No. Only when they're out of something like bear claws. Owen called me today. Just to check in. I wasn't even running late. Yeah, ten minutes late is on time with Mike. I hated having this reputation of being late. Especially now after the boss had lent me a car. Now I didn't have an excuse. I knew it would get worse too once the cold months hit. Because I had a hard time getting out of bed when it was cold.

And from what I heard, the winters here could be rough. That being said, I did like it here. It was beautiful and I liked the people. Plus, I only worked four days a week, which allowed the other three days to be writing-focused. And the view from my window was gorgeous. Thanks, Mike. Yeah, man. Everyone but Clark walked out. Hey, you clock in? Ah, shoot. I rushed to the other side of the interior wall to the computer and entered my number. You make it so you're later than you actually are. I keep forgetting.

Yeah, isn't it supposed to only take two weeks for someone to make something a habit? Maybe I should tie a string to my finger. You'll still forget why it's there. He patted me on the back and turned to head back to his workbench, but my eye caught a glimpse of a calendar on the wall. Hey, Clark. Yeah? You ever been to Benny's Pub in Mountain Point? Yeah, I go like every other weekend. Why? I'm, uh, supposed to meet someone there tomorrow. Never been. You've never been? No.

It's like six miles south on Tongass, right next to Helen's Bed and Breakfast. I know, I looked it up. Didn't we all go once? I probably missed out. Stayed home writing. Yeah, that makes sense.

Often when the guys went out or had one of their fishing or poker nights, I stayed in my place writing, working on my story tentatively titled "Girls". Well, the boss gave you a car. He didn't give it to me, he lent it to me. Right. Well, it's a ten minute drive right off the highway, you really can't miss it. Who are you meeting? You got yourself another date? I'd been on a few the last two months, but nothing materialized. I still wasn't sure what I was looking for. Nah, nothing like that. He waited for me to give a real answer though, and I didn't have one.

All I knew is that I put it on my calendar months ago. Benny's Pub, September 29th, 7 o'clock, and in big bold letters, "Don't be late." "Mike?" "Yeah?" "You alright? Looked like you were drifting again." "Sorry, yeah, I'm good, thanks." He smiled awkwardly and went outside, heading back to the docks. Past our loading zone and lot, I could see another cruise ship pulling out. I got those awkward smiles often.

I think it was pity for being the new guy and for always being late, always forgetting things, always drifting off. Basically pity because everyone knew my past. They knew about my coma, so a lot of my forgetfulness I couldn't help. My therapist said it was probably due to a combination of things, not just the collision. My mother had passed away and now I was living in a new state, new environment. He also attributed the drifting off to having a writer's mind. Sometimes I'd find myself in a fog.

as I was thinking about my story and I'd have to walk around a bit to clear it. Hopefully my therapist was right and it wasn't the signs of early dementia. It was a cold night. I fixed my beanie as I got out of the car. I stopped in front of the place and looked up at the small red neon sign. The red plexiglass covering the "B" was shattered, revealing the white light beneath. It suddenly flickered. Oh no! I felt my heartbeat quicken. It was hard to breathe. It was happening again.

Every so often I would get panic attacks. I never knew what would trigger it. It always seemed so random. Another thing the guys could pity me for, but as I stared at the white flashing light I was having trouble breathing. Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. Weird images flashed into my head. Hallway. A dark hallway flashing fluorescent bulbs. I shut my eyes and hugged myself trying to calm. Please. Hey buddy, you alright? My eyes shut open.

I looked up at the sign, the light wasn't flickering anymore. Need any help? A man and woman in dirty wrinkled jackets came down the two steps from the entrance. Noah, I'm okay, thanks. Maybe he needs a ride. You want me to call you a cab? An Uber? No, I'm good. You sure? Yeah, I'm okay. You said he's good, Roland. Okay. They seemed unsure but eventually walked off across the parking lot towards the B&B.

Okay, Mike, it passed now. Let's see who's here for you. I entered the tiny, smoky pub. There were only like eight people here and half of them were playing pool in the back. I went to the bar and sat. The clock on the wall read five past... Yeah, of course. Late. There were two guys at the far end that the bartender was talking to. They finished their conversation and the bartender laughed as she came over to me.

You're a new face. First time here. That makes the third one tonight. Are you a tourist? No, I moved here not too long ago. You're here, but Ketchikan. She looked over her shoulder at the people playing pool. Can I get you something? Sure. I wasn't a big beer drinker, so it took me a moment to look over the options. I scanned the chalkboard, then taps. Can I just get a Calypso Odyssey? You got it. Thanks.

She poured the beer, the whole time looking towards the pool table. Here you are. Thanks. You meeting someone here? Yeah. Did your name happen to be Mike? I was taken aback. Yeah. She nodded and walked across the bar. I nervously sipped my beer and watched her. Thank you.

"Hey, hotshot! He's here." The pool game stopped. Everyone in the bar was now staring at me. "Please don't have a panic attack. Please don't have a panic attack." One man in the far corner of the room put down his cue and made his way over, beer in hand. He had a dark beard and shaggy hair that hung over his ears. He was a fit dude with a tight flannel shirt and jeans. He walked right up to me and stopped. He then looked over his shoulder at the rest of the bar.

They all stopped staring and returned to conversing and drinking and playing pool. Even the bartender started wiping down the bar, acting like she was no longer interested. Hi there. Hello. I think I'm supposed to meet someone here, and I'm going to assume that someone is you. It is. Yeah, uh, okay. Well, my name's Mike Archer, and I... I already know that. Nice to meet you, Mike. He stuck out his hand. I shook it. Firm grip. My name...

is Jerry Campbell, and I'm really excited to talk to you. Okay. About what? I sipped his beer and smirked. About everything you forgot. Good. Sorry, I'm not trying to scare you. We're really glad to have you on board, Mr. Archer. I hate to be that person, but I gotta ask. What brings you out here? I don't know.

I believe there's a problem. Wise words. Here's some more. Don't use any lines. Don't trust them. Whoever's out there, I just want you to know I'm armed. Watch. No, no, Amber, I'm telling you. Well, I don't know what you want me to do. You said he was right. You want me to call him a liar? Hello? All I wanted to say was... Jerry, are you here? That's not Jerry. Jerry, hit the brakes! Hit the brakes! No!

What the hell are you doing? You were supposed to leave! I am leaving. Wow. You think you're pretty important, huh? Shit. What do we do? Get him! Mike! You also didn't get any banana chips. Night, Mikey. Tower 4. Written by Robert M. Lamb. Edited by Jose Caraballo and Robert M. Lamb.

Starring Jack Austin as Mike, Gina Coyle as Amber, and Brian Messick as Gene. Co-starring Nick Cornelius, Eric Holloway, Nick Keeney, Adam Iben, Veronica Woolfarth, Max Carr, Amy Saunders, Michael Blakeman, Daniel Ketchum, Mitchell Lee, Megan Austin, Jose Caraballo, Robert M. Lamb, and Amy LeRae.

Music provided by Taco at soundcloud.com slash madebytaco. Additional tracks from pond5.com and artlist.io. And Brett Wilkins at facebook.com slash wilkinsmusicfl. If you enjoy Tower 4, visit 7lam.com for more podcasts such as this one. Don't forget to rate and review and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at 7LAM Podcasts.

And we want to give a special thank you to everyone who has donated via our website or on Patreon. We wouldn't be able to do this without you. So from everyone here at 7 Lamb, thank you. And we want to give a special shout out to this month's 7 Lamb patrons. Kelly Foles, Brendan Beadle, Ryan T. Ralston, Corey Ireland, Brad McQuaid, Bradley Williams, and Chris Williamson. This has been a 7 Lamb production.