Episode 1: Oildale

Thomas begins his walk through the Union, arriving in Oildale after nine days on foot from Ramona. Guided by conscience and shaped by the memory of neighbors who once saved his life during a hurricane, he steps into a community marked by extraction and civic neglect. A small act of intervention leads to a chain of human connection: a young man protected, a neighborhood linked, a star passed on, and a priest who reminds Thomas of the signs that still guide those who live for the Republic rather than the empire.Credits & CopyrightWritten and Directed by Stephen BrewerSeries Bible, worldbuilding, and episode structure by Stephen BrewerMusic created with SunoVoices created with Elevenlabs.ioArtwork by CiceroProduced by Stephen Brewer for the Columbia podcast on SubstackThis is a work of fiction rooted in themes of conscience, mercy, and civic responsibility. It does not depict real institutions or endorse political action. The moral and spiritual themes in Columbia are presented for storytelling only. They do not speak for any real religious body, denomination, or church.This episode includes depictions of coerced eviction, private security intimidation, and economic precarity. No violence is depicted, and the tone emphasizes peace, restraint, and civic dignity.© 2025 Stephen Brewer. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from the author. Get full access to Drawing the Line at percival84.substack.com/subscribe