Vigilance | Ep. 8 | The Long March

Summary

Dark Dice: Liberty Vigilance | Ep. 8 | The Long March

Release Date: January 13, 2025
Host/Author: Fool and Scholar Productions
Description: THE horror actual play podcast. (D&D) Each season, travelers embark on a journey into the dark corners of a fantasy world with dragons & monsters. They will never be the same again.

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Introduction

In the eighth episode of Liberty Vigilance, titled "The Long March," the team of adventurers awakens in Hull Poke after a prolonged rest. Fully recovered and equipped with Sark clothing and limited rations, they prepare to undertake a perilous journey through the Fringe, a treacherous region teeming with hostile factions and dark secrets.

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Awakening and Preparations (00:47 - 03:27)

The team—Diana Azad, Sylvanas Clairhout, Cassius Sogat, and Horatius McBride—gathers in a large second-floor room. Amid light-hearted banter about meal flavors, Diana reveals a significant secret about her dual affiliation.

Notable Quote:

• Diana Azad (02:07): "Just as a heads up, that Flick guy's downstairs. While you were all sleeping, I went ahead and hired him. For the duration of our time in the Fringe. He's someone we can trust. I've worked with him before."

Diana discloses her association with the DSS Division of Fringer Relations, admitting multiple missions in the Fringe aimed at identifying and neutralizing threats to Atreus.

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Team Dynamics and Strategic Planning (03:27 - 08:48)

The team discusses the necessity of additional support for their journey. They consider recruiting Hawk, a mercenary from the previous night, and assess their current numbers. The conversation highlights their resourcefulness and the strategic importance of conserving their dwindling supplies.

Notable Quote:

• Cassius Sogat (05:23): "We now have Flick and Hawk and four slaves to transport to a completely different sector of the Fringe. We're going deeper."

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Encounter with the Blood Skulls Gang (08:48 - 16:44)

As they navigate deeper into the Fringe, the team encounters the Blood Skulls, a formidable gang notorious for their brutality. Tensions escalate quickly, leading to a fierce confrontation. Utilizing intimidation and tactical prowess, the team successfully repels the attackers, showcasing their combat skills and solidarity.

Notable Quote:

• Horatius McBride (16:00): "Nobody takes on the blood skulls and gets away with it."

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Looting and Internal Reflections (16:44 - 30:17)

After the skirmish, the team loots the defeated Blood Skulls for weapons and supplies. This period serves as a moment of introspection, revealing deeper layers of each character. Horatius shares his affiliation with a secret government organization, adding complexity to his persona.

Notable Quote:

• Horatius McBride (39:16): "Yes, but dissimilarly to Cassius, I'm just a sort of a secretive, in-house protective detail within the Advanced Technology Division."

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Meeting Agent Tongs and Unveiling Secrets (47:38 - 62:14)

Responding to an urgent message, the team meets Agent Tongs at a research station on 7th and 15th Avenue. During the debriefing, revelations about the Children of Melachor cult emerge, linking them to the missing Sark members and broader conspiracies within the Fringe.

Notable Quote:

• Diana Azad (52:37): "Partner had, he became an asset to this gang. He was near death when we found him. Captured and tortured to the point where we could no longer move him. It was impossible for him to have a meaningful life even if we could. So we had to eliminate him to secure Hob's identity. He died without pain."

The encounter with Tongs deepens the narrative, intertwining personal vendettas with overarching threats posed by clandestine groups.

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Climactic Confrontations and Aftermath (62:14 - 67:38)

As the team delves deeper into the mysteries of the Fringe, they confront unexpected adversaries and navigate through layers of deception. The culmination of their efforts leads to a tense standoff with the cultists, setting the stage for future conflicts and revelations.

Notable Quote:

• Sylvanas Clairhout (66:36): "You are now entering Springfield."

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Conclusion and Character Development

Episode 8, "The Long March," masterfully blends intense action sequences with profound character development. The team's interactions reveal hidden depths and unearth buried secrets, enhancing the complexity of their mission. As they edge closer to unearthing the truth behind the Children of Melachor, the foundations for ensuing episodes are firmly established, promising even greater challenges and revelations.

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Notable Quotes Overview

• Cassius Sogat (00:47): "Welcome citizens, to the eighth episode of Liberty Vigilance. Well, it's time for us to get started, so thank you again for listening. And remember, Atreus endures." [00:47]

• Diana Azad (02:07): "Just as a heads up, that Flick guy's downstairs. While you were all sleeping, I went ahead and hired him. For the duration of our time in the Fringe. He's someone we can trust. I've worked with him before." [02:07]

• Horatius McBride (16:00): "Nobody takes on the blood skulls and gets away with it." [16:00]

• Horatius McBride (39:16): "Yes, but dissimilarly to Cassius, I'm just a sort of a secretive, in-house protective detail within the Advanced Technology Division." [39:16]

• Diana Azad (52:37): "Partner had, he became an asset to this gang. He was near death when we found him. Captured and tortured to the point where we could no longer move him. It was impossible for him to have a meaningful life even if we could. So we had to eliminate him to secure Hob's identity. He died without pain." [52:37]

• Sylvanas Clairhout (66:36): "You are now entering Springfield." [66:36]

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Key Insights and Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: The episode delves into the complexities of trust within the team, especially with Diana revealing her double agency and Horatius's secret affiliations.

• Moral Ambiguity: Characters grapple with the ethical implications of their actions, particularly in the violent confrontations and necessary sacrifices.

• Identity and Secrets: The narrative emphasizes the importance of secrets and hidden identities, shaping the dynamics and trust among team members.

• Resistance and Survival: The overarching theme of survival against oppressive forces and the fight against malevolent cults underscores the darker tones of the episode.

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Conclusion

"The Long March" serves as a pivotal chapter in the Liberty Vigilance series, blending intense role-playing elements with rich storytelling. Through strategic planning, dramatic confrontations, and deep character revelations, the episode sets a compelling trajectory for the team's ongoing battle against the dark forces lurking within the Fringe.

Transcript

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hey there, Ryan Reynolds here. It's a new year and you know what that means. No, not the diet resolutions.

[Cassius Sogat]

A way for us all to try.

[Ryan Reynolds]

And do a little bit better than we did last year. And my resolution, unlike big wireless, is to not be a raging and raise the price of wireless on you every chance I get. Give it a [e-mail] Switch $45 upfront.

[Diana Azad]

Payment required equivalent to $15 per month.

[Horatius McBride]

New customers on first 3 month plan only. Taxes and fees, extra Speed slower above 40 GB on unlimited. See mintmobile.com for details.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hey folks. We're the hosts of Comic Sans, the podcast about comics for those who are sans knowledge. Comic Sans is a show for people.

[Horatius McBride]

Who are new to comics like me.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Or people who love em like me. You can listen to our brand new third season or binge the first two right now, wherever you get your podcasts.

[Cassius Sogat]

Welcome citizens, to the eighth episode of Liberty Vigilance. Well, it's time for us to get started, so thank you again for listening. And remember, Atreus endures.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Liberty Vigilance. Episode 8 the Long March in a large second floor room at Hull Poke, the team awakes from a long rest. Fully recovered, each was provided with sark clothing to wear and 2 meal to consume over the last 10 hours by the waitstaff, allowing them to avoid consuming their own dwindling stock.

[Cassius Sogat]

Neat.

[Horatius McBride]

What flavor?

[Ryan Reynolds]

The flavors varied. Diana Azad received tofu and pork. Sylvanas Clairhout received tofu and chicken, Cassius Sogat received two tofu, and Horatius McBride received two chicken.

[Cassius Sogat]

Ah, yeah. Dub a chicken.

[Diana Azad]

Can I trade you for pork?

[Horatius McBride]

What did you get?

[Diana Azad]

Tofu.

[Horatius McBride]

Sure.

[Diana Azad]

Thanks.

[Horatius McBride]

No, thank you.

[Diana Azad]

Just as a heads up, that flick guy's downstairs. While you were all sleeping, I went ahead and hired him. For the duration of our time in the Fringe. He's someone we can trust. I've worked with him before.

[Horatius McBride]

Wait, what?

[Diana Azad]

Yeah. Well, I have something of an admission to make. In addition to working for the dco, I'm also with the DSS Division of Fringer Relations. This isn't my first time in the Fringe.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Well, that puts things in perspective.

[Diana Azad]

I joined a few years ago to find my parents, who, well, to make a long story short, were last seen in the Fringe. I normally work undercover and assess threats to Atrius from out here. Like Hobbs.

[Cassius Sogat]

That explains your tattoos.

[Diana Azad]

Yes, sort of.

[Cassius Sogat]

Did you know Hobbs before this mission?

[Diana Azad]

No. Most agents work alone to avoid situations similar to the one Hobbs was in.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

How many times have you been to the fringe?

[Diana Azad]

7. This is my eighth mission, technically, although it's not from the DFS. I apologize for concealing this information from you until now, but I honestly had no idea that we'd actually be going to the Fringe. And it never felt appropriate to bring up until now.

[Horatius McBride]

I was wondering why Tongs was so comfortable sending us out into the Fringe. Have you worked with him before?

[Diana Azad]

No, I've never worked with him, but I have heard the name spoken a few times. I thought the name belonged to a woman, but perhaps there is more than one Tongs in the dfr. What's important, though, is that we follow the mission and get home alive.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

So this Flik, he's trustworthy, then?

[Diana Azad]

Yes. Despite what the propaganda would tell you, you can occasionally rely on the odd fringe or two to not betray you. Flik will continue to work for us so long as we help him pay off his debts when our mission is complete.

[Horatius McBride]

How much debt?

[Diana Azad]

I'll take care of it. He's aware that you're all any citizens. But he still thinks I'm a Fringe who's working with you. So long as the arrangement continues that way, he'll be reliable.

[Cassius Sogat]

Well, that sounds nice to me. While we're talking about additional help, do we want to hire anyone else while we're here? We've got a long walk ahead of us.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Are we thinking we should take the baby, or.

[Horatius McBride]

You mean Pep?

[Cassius Sogat]

Take the baby?

[Horatius McBride]

War baby. I mean, we can take Hawk. She was pretty cheap. If she's still even around.

[Diana Azad]

She is. Almost all of the mercenaries from last night are still here, except for the Doctor and the Immortal gang. They seemed like regulars.

[Cassius Sogat]

I mean, on the other hand, it sounds like we're going to be pretty safe during our travels. And more or less welcomed with open arms once we arrive. How much help could we need?

[Horatius McBride]

Well, we now have Susan.

[Cassius Sogat]

Yeah, the Deadly.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Plus I'm sure the prostitutes will be quite scrappy, so.

[Cassius Sogat]

Yeah, that's fair. I wouldn't really let any of them. Well, I won't go into gory details, but I don't really know how much extra help we'll need, necessarily. What do we think?

[Horatius McBride]

Okay, so what are our numbers? We'll be. We're four right now. We'll be five because we have Flick. So if we got Hawk, it would be six. And we're carrying four people. Well, not carrying, but you know what I mean.

[Diana Azad]

I'll make the preparations with Bjard to get the shipment ready.

[Cassius Sogat]

You mean Bayard and the slaves?

[Diana Azad]

Yeah.

[Cassius Sogat]

All right. Well, I tell you what. Why don't you Go talk to Hawk. Because if I've learned anything from our recent excursions, it's that I shouldn't talk to anybody. Then you can see what's going on there and whether or not it's gonna be worth it. Oh, I think that you were Sylvanas.

[Horatius McBride]

The poor one who has not enough money to pay anyone for anything.

[Cassius Sogat]

Well, look, I can you some meal. How much you need? Like 20, 30?

[Horatius McBride]

He's like, let me just offer you way more meal than you have.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Way more than either of us make in a year.

[Horatius McBride]

I mean, I don't plan on paying her more than 10, so just give me another 10 and I'll go negotiate.

[Cassius Sogat]

Hopefully he. He forks over 10 meal, literally without a second thought.

[Horatius McBride]

It's like, what does this guy do for a living? I. And I make this stuff, and they don't pay me with this stuff. All right, moving on. Gonna talk to the Hawk. Lady person.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Azad walks downstairs to speak with Hawk, who's in a different seat from the previous night, playing a card game with three other fringers.

[Horatius McBride]

Hey, funny lady.

[Diana Azad]

How you doing?

[Horatius McBride]

Hey.

[Cassius Sogat]

You're bluffing.

[Horatius McBride]

Sure.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Meet it then.

[Cassius Sogat]

Ah, fold.

[Diana Azad]

Cool.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I'm in. I'll meet you.

[Horatius McBride]

Last time we. We paid you well.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Horatius McBride]

Final cards. How much we pay you?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Well, I got to keep some of.

[Diana Azad]

The stuff I found.

[Horatius McBride]

Yeah, you did.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah.

[Diana Azad]

Well, what's.

[Horatius McBride]

Well, tonight I got a nice run for the sar. Slave run to Penny.

[Diana Azad]

I'm not used to running slaves or something.

[Horatius McBride]

What?

[Ryan Reynolds]

I'll see you, yellow user. Show them. You'll see nothing but paying with these cards. Five skulls, gutterfucker.

[Cassius Sogat]

Serves you right.

[Diana Azad]

Play you later, losers. I asked you if you was new to running slaves.

[Horatius McBride]

No, but there's only five of us and four of them. Oh, okay.

[Diana Azad]

And you're. This is like Sark business.

[Horatius McBride]

Yeah, yeah. Oh, that's easy.

[Diana Azad]

Okay, what you thinking?

[Horatius McBride]

For now? Another five when we get to the Throb. That's one of Penny's bars.

[Diana Azad]

So nine.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Just a walk with you to Bo the Throb.

[Diana Azad]

Wait, that's on the other side of the world. I don't have any friends in the Southeast.

[Horatius McBride]

Is the Southeast, right? Yes, I believe it is in the southeast.

[Diana Azad]

What about 15? I only say that because I don't live there.

[Horatius McBride]

It's like getting back is going to be a pain.

[Diana Azad]

I'm going to be there for probably two weeks, and 15 will probably cover.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Me for two weeks.

[Horatius McBride]

It's not going to. It's not going to take.

[Ryan Reynolds]

No, no.

[Diana Azad]

Me being there, I Got stuff to trade that I'll probably have to load up on.

[Horatius McBride]

Well, then you'll be. You'll be making bank when you get to the southeast. If you've got stuff to trade, that's.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Kind of the opposite. I got a little.

[Diana Azad]

I don't have a place to stay.

[Ryan Reynolds]

And it's kind of a pain. And it's risky. Risky?

[Horatius McBride]

Risky folk that are poor.

[Diana Azad]

I shouldn't risk my life while being risky.

[Ryan Reynolds]

So how about ten?

[Horatius McBride]

We'll do four now. Two on the road.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I want six now.

[Horatius McBride]

No. Why are you paying me on the road? What's the road? Is this because you said you got to eat on the road?

[Ryan Reynolds]

No, no, no, no.

[Diana Azad]

I'm gonna be there for two weeks, probably, maybe more.

[Horatius McBride]

Four now. Six then. Okay.

[Diana Azad]

Okay.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That sounds pretty nice.

[Diana Azad]

Also, do you got any acid on you? Like a little flask of acid? I'm kind of learning how to etch metal and kind of looking for that kind of stuff.

[Horatius McBride]

I don't have acid, but I have a tin if you want to etch it.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Sure. So 10 and a 10. We're nice.

[Horatius McBride]

All right.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Azad shakes Hawk's hand, noting that it has a peculiarly unpleasant Smell. Smell to it.

[Horatius McBride]

All right, so. Oh, I also have two more 10 because I ate two meal last night.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Oh, yeah.

[Cassius Sogat]

Hey, so do I.

[Horatius McBride]

So I'm gonna go ahead and give her the four now.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

You guys ready to go in?

[Cassius Sogat]

I think that I've gotten about as much out of the whole poke as I'm really going to, especially now that I have Susan.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Where are we keeping that 400 meal.

[Diana Azad]

By the way, these nice backpacks.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

And if we stole 400 meal, what are they eating right now?

[Diana Azad]

They're probably livid and eating each other.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

All sleep sound?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yes.

[Horatius McBride]

But nobody who saw us, like, upstairs saw us.

[Cassius Sogat]

No one who saw us survived.

[Horatius McBride]

Yeah, there's no reason they should think it's us.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Sweet. I will stop worrying.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Unknown to the group, the Lucky Eights gang is currently fighting another faction several blocks away. I took credit for the team's masterful theft.

[Horatius McBride]

All right, so we have Flick and Hawk and four slaves to transport to a completely different sector of the Fringe. We're going deeper.

[Cassius Sogat]

Well, that's what our mission is. We gotta find these Sark guys.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yep. Hey, guys. We ready to go?

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Hey, Flick. Yeah, we. You were just about to leave. Just sort of wave listfully at corners as we walk away. Kind of sad that I might never see him again. So many emotions.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Corners waves back to Clarehout and winks. Oh, he likes you. At the entrance, Bliss, the guard sports a wide grin.

[Diana Azad]

Hey, Bliss.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Ah.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

I'm gonna miss you guys.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Being here only a night or so. You've done so much already. Come back soon. Right.

[Diana Azad]

So, the shipment.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, the shipment.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Right.

[Ryan Reynolds]

You guys are takers of names.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Souls and shit. I know, right?

[Cassius Sogat]

Well, I'm sure you won't have to miss us for too long. We'll be back to tear shit up and split some skulls before you know it.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I love you guys. Skull crushing, blood, bringing peoples. Nice drinkers, too. Yeah. So the shipment's right out back. Follow me. Lyss leads the team to a previously unnoticed side door near the entrance. Hmm. Nice clothes on you, too. I like the Sark styles. On Yas, you look all official. And no one will mess with you like that.

[Diana Azad]

Send my personal thanks to Hobbs for having something in my size.

[Ryan Reynolds]

You bet. The door opens to a small storage room containing six malnourished figures. Fringers, each with a clear Sox brand on their neck.

[Horatius McBride]

This is the same Fleur de Lis pattern we saw in the kidnappers.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hey. So here they are. Two boys, four girls. Cool. All right, fresh flesh. You're gonna follow these ones.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

This one's the big one.

[Ryan Reynolds]

He motions to McBride. Do what he says or he'll crush your skull in. Yeah, and he'll drink from it after.

[Cassius Sogat]

He'll make it a.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Like a skull cup after filling in your eyes.

[Cassius Sogat]

That's one of my favorite things to do. I love making skull cups. I just left them at the place where I usually sleep, so I don't have any with me now, but if I did, boy, let me tell you, I'm a regular bone craftsman.

[Ryan Reynolds]

The younger of the two males looks away from McBride in fear. Yeah, and he knows to fill in the eyes with stuff. That way it doesn't ooze out the.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Eyes when he's drinking from the.

[Cassius Sogat]

Yeah, yeah, what he said. Yeah, it's an articulate fella. There.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Thank you, skull crusher. See you later. Bliss returns to his door.

[Cassius Sogat]

I sort of feel bad about scaring the slaves.

[Horatius McBride]

Is this going well?

[Cassius Sogat]

I think so. It's.

[Ryan Reynolds]

It's going okay.

[Diana Azad]

I suppose we need to escort them then.

[Cassius Sogat]

You know, places to go, skulls to crush. Yep, yep, yep. Let's go.

[Diana Azad]

Is this an okay movement formation?

[Horatius McBride]

I'm going to be near the back where there should be no fighting. All right?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah, yeah, that works for me.

[Cassius Sogat]

So. Sorry. Which, in the movement order, who are this? Are the slaves in the middle?

[Diana Azad]

Yes. That'll keep them from being grabbed and Pulled away.

[Cassius Sogat]

Okay. And then the point man, who will.

[Horatius McBride]

Be with me protecting the back, the. The flank? Who wants to.

[Diana Azad]

That'll be me.

[Ryan Reynolds]

The team departs, heading south. During the mid afternoon, Six hours into the travel, the main road is more frequently filled with hovels and debris that provide cover for potential ambushes. The team assesses and reduces their walking speed appropriately to avoid potential ambushes and traps. Approximately an hour later, the team reaches a narrow, unavoidable corridor. At the entrance of the corridor stand four men armed with clubs and spears. The leading and most physically intimidating man, despite his ponytail, motions for the team to walk closer. You're in small hand territory. You gotta pay something to talk through safe.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Small hand territory, huh? I don't think I've heard of you.

[Ryan Reynolds]

We must not be round from these parts.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

No, we're from about four to six hours north of here.

[Ryan Reynolds]

We're the hardest gang in this land.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

And if I was to pay you something, a toll, something like that, how would you accept it with such small hands?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Think you're fucking funny. He pulls out a knife. It's admittedly sort of small.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Whoa. No, I'm just. I'm genuinely curious. I'm sorry.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That will require a deception check.

[Cassius Sogat]

Oh, that was great.

[Diana Azad]

Does the knife look particularly big in his hands?

[Ryan Reynolds]

The knife does look big in his hands.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Comparatively.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Comparatively, yes. You can owe us 10 meal. I don't care the flavor, but you give us 10 meal, you get through safe. One for each finger we start cutting.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

And if I don't have all my fingers, can I get a discount or.

[Ryan Reynolds]

He looks at Clarhout's hands, noticing that he does indeed have all ten fingers.

[Cassius Sogat]

Oh, what was the DC on that? Five.

[Ryan Reynolds]

You got them all? I can seize him.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

I was speaking hypothetically. How about I just give you a full fist instead? 5 me?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Who you guys think you are?

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Maybe I should let my. My friend here explain that.

[Diana Azad]

Oh, this should be fun.

[Cassius Sogat]

We're the Blood Skulls. And if you're the baddest in this place, why didn't you call yourself the big hands?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Big hands get stuck in things, that's why.

[Cassius Sogat]

Think about that one for a second.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Clearly you never pick up scrap from small places.

[Cassius Sogat]

You don't have to pick up scrap when your work is killing. And that's what we do.

[Ryan Reynolds]

McBride needs to roll either an intimidate or persuasion check.

[Cassius Sogat]

I would love to roll. And intimidate. Yes.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Wow.

[Horatius McBride]

You terrify me.

[Ryan Reynolds]

The small hand boss deflates slightly, dropping his knife as he mistakes the Blood Skulls with an infamous brutal Gang he's heard stories of since childhood. You know what you guys are? I think we'll. We'll let you go through just this once. You know, we want to be friendly.

[Cassius Sogat]

That's what I thought. Small hands.

[Ryan Reynolds]

How considerate of. Yes. Remember this. Small hands gave you a. A free passage next time you come through here from the north.

[Cassius Sogat]

Now we'll remember it. All right. Blood skulls. Move out.

[Ryan Reynolds]

The leader picks up his knife and the small hands part as the team passes. He fidgets with his hair nervously.

[Cassius Sogat]

All right, that was fun. But I never want to come here again.

[Horatius McBride]

Yes.

[Ryan Reynolds]

The team continues for another three hours, carefully watching their surroundings as they get within a few blocks of their destination. Passing 22nd Avenue and 7th street, two SARCs are walking in the opposite direction towards them.

[Cassius Sogat]

Do they look like they're walking towards.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Us or that they're like headed past us? They look at the group with caution, natural to the fringe. But they make an attempt to walk around the team.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Can I tell anything else about them?

[Ryan Reynolds]

That would require a successful perception check.

[Horatius McBride]

They're rolling very well.

[Ryan Reynolds]

It's apparent that they're sarcs based on their clothing and the tattoo on their cheeks. They appear even more well off than other sarcs the team has come across based on their jewelry and the elaborate designs on their clothes and weapons. Both men are armed with etched machine pistols capable of firing at a higher rate than most. Semi automatics and extravagant knives indicative of the Sark gang. Okay, can I roll customs fringe to see if they. If they fit in? To see if maybe their jewelry is a tell that they're not who they say they are? Yes. Okay. Well, they seem fine.

[Cassius Sogat]

That was a crit fail. Well, we can't all roll really well, Lick. I'm sorry.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Noticing the brands on the slaves, the leading man waves.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Hey, you guys that shipping from Hobbs, is that you? Yeah, that's us. We're looking for Penny.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Nice.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

We were sent to help you.

[Ryan Reynolds]

A lot of merchants this wave and.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Hit recently by the 53 aces.

[Ryan Reynolds]

And Penny don't want a repeat of that happening.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

We appreciate it.

[Diana Azad]

Let's walk and talk if that works.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Sure.

[Cassius Sogat]

Follows us.

[Ryan Reynolds]

So you guys knew you don't look like Sark.

[Cassius Sogat]

That's because we're the blood Skulls.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Gotcha.

[Cassius Sogat]

You can probably guess from the name what we're about.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I'm Amblin, one of Penny's bests. And this is Rick's. Yo. When Penny needs something done she can't do herself, she sense her bastard on it. That's why we're Here.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

What does the surrounding area look like?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Wow, Sylvana saved some good rolls for us.

[Horatius McBride]

Peter, have you rolled poorly? No, everything is over a 10. Oh, wait, no. You had a six.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Poorly once, like six years ago.

[Ryan Reynolds]

The surrounding area is the result of a haphazard conglomeration of an industrial yard and short apartment complexes. While an overhanging shanty town is visible on the highway overhead, the most distinct outstanding feature in sight is an uncommonly large tower loosely in the direction that the team's traveling. Clarhout notices a group of people perched on the ledge of the thick highway above, prepared to descend.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Guys, we might have a problem.

[Cassius Sogat]

What?

[Ryan Reynolds]

They jump. It's the Aces. 12 black and blue clad members of the 53 Aces rappel down from the highway using a variety of rapid ascension tools. The three women and nine men are armed with a variety of weapons, five of which are single shot pistols. While every ace clutches a melee weapon of varying malice, crafted from scrap.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Let me see.

[Ryan Reynolds]

With a keen flick of his wrist, Investigator Clairhout produces a small pistol known as a goodnight kiss and takes fire at one of the pistol armed aces. The shot connects.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Gotcha.

[Ryan Reynolds]

And the ace doubles over in pain, clutching at his stomach and now misplaced blood.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Ah.

[Ryan Reynolds]

His speed of descent increases as he loses control, crashing to the ground. Incapacitated.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Now for you.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Invigorated Investigator Clairhout fires at a second target, but misses.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Fringe.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Flik will follow Sylvanus lead and shoot the same guy with the pistol and knife. Using his own pistol, Flik pulls out his pistol, offering it whispers and a thankful kiss. One for good luck.

[Cassius Sogat]

6.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Before shooting the incapacitated space between the eyes.

[Cassius Sogat]

So, does it seem apparent to us that the Sark and Hamlin set us up? Or is it not apparent that that's the case?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Their eyes are wide and their mouths hang open in disbelief. McBride, drinking in the spread of violence, draws up his pipe. His grip whitens around the metal, pupils expanding as veins across his neck and arms undulate. Him rise. The physical manifestation of his enraged state.

[Cassius Sogat]

Nobody takes on the blood skulls and gets away with it.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Junior Engineer McBride, pipe in his right hand, swings at the head of the closest ace, whose feet are scarcely touching the ground. The pipe collides across the ace's jaw, teeth cracking as the jaw sags. Dislocated. The Ace spins once before landing on his back with a sickening thud.

[Cassius Sogat]

He does kind of like a. That's the power of the keyblade. Kind of like spin with the pipe. And now he gets ready to take.

[Ryan Reynolds]

On the next ambusher, Agent Sargot flicks her wrist, causing a gun concealed on her wrist brace to silently eject from its casing. The pistol is similar to Clairhaut's model, but older, smaller and holding only four shots. Agent Sargat catches it clip sliding into position, extending the grip so that she can hold it with every finger.

[Diana Azad]

And I'm ready to take the first of my four shots.

[Ryan Reynolds]

She fires at the closest gun toting assailant and hits her target in the arm, wounding him. Armed with a sword, one ace reaches the ground and grasps one of the slaves around the torso. Still tethered to his harness, he braces himself for rapid ascension. More of the aces armed with clubs, avoid McBride and grab two slaves as the other had. Three further aces struggle with the frantic arms of the remaining slaves. One ace slashes at McBride, cutting his upper bicep as another swings at Clarhoud, who swiftly dodges out of the away at the last second.

[Cassius Sogat]

Is that all you got?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Another ace shoots Agent Sogot in the shoulder. Hawk's concealed pistol fails, ejecting improperly and catching itself to her sleeve. It fires off an accidental round. While she momentarily fumbles. The two SOCs, focused on reaching cover unholster their pistols and shoot wildly at the aces.

[Horatius McBride]

I draw my gun and I take a shot for the head of the ace on my right.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Azad pulls out a sizable atrium pistol and uses her privacy hood to target the nearest ace that's grappling a slave. Her bullet enters one temple and exits the other.

[Horatius McBride]

Oh, Reeve, I shot someone.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

I'm going to pull out my utility knife and try my luck cutting the cable of the guy nearest to me. Is it cuttable?

[Ryan Reynolds]

The cables appear to be made from a thick elastic substance and Clairhout suspects he could cut them with his utility knife.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

I will try to do that. Not sure what skill that would be cutting cord. Just try for a NAT20 on that.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Investigator Clairhout approaches an ace who's grappled the slave and severs his rapid ascension tether. The ace ducks as the blade runs near, taking a step back with the slave and bending his knees before proceeding with a slight smug hop. His sneer of satisfaction fades as nothing happens and the realization of his lost escape sets in.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Awesome.

[Ryan Reynolds]

The slave begins to struggle and bite, fighting to distance herself from her assailant.

[Cassius Sogat]

I'm sorry that this isn't getting you any closer to freedom.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Flick shifts his grip on his pistol, brandishing the blade end and makes an ill timed and feudal attempt to Stab the confused Ace, who loses his grip on the woman.

[Cassius Sogat]

Right, so that guy just hit me and I'm going to say that I'm raging and I'm pretty mad, so I'm going to hit him. Don't it up. Look at that.

[Ryan Reynolds]

McBride turns to face his own attacker, raises his metal pipe into the air and brings it squarely crashing upon his target's head. Breaking bone. The Ace collapses in a heap on the floor.

[Cassius Sogat]

Horatius raises his metal pipe into the air, says skull crushers, because he has actually crushed a skull, and then prepares for his next combatant.

[Diana Azad]

Cassius is rather upset with the fringer with the pistol and the sword, and shoots at him again.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Agent Sargot takes aim and shoots her target between the eyes. As the woman droops lifeless, the rapid ascension tether slowly pulls her body into the air.

[Cassius Sogat]

That'll be a grim message for whoever is working that tether. Don't worry, I got you. Oh no.

[Ryan Reynolds]

An Ace wielding a knife and sword slashes at Sargat. Aggravated as the Sark clad agent dodges after missing, he uses the inertia of his swing to initiate his rapid ascension. Another Ace grabs one of the slaves while two of his comrades fail to do so. As the grappler whose tether was cut by Clairhaud, realizes that their surprise advantage is lost, he turns to run.

[Cassius Sogat]

I got him.

[Horatius McBride]

Cut the cord or we don't get the loot.

[Cassius Sogat]

Horatius has a metal pipe that cannot cut things.

[Diana Azad]

Sorry, it's like a pinata.

[Ryan Reynolds]

However, McBride strikes him in the small of his, a step and a half after the sea. Sickening crack. The Ace tumbles into a heap on the ground, crippled and immobilized. Hawks fires at the Ace, who's halfway up to the overpass and misses. Rix, however, takes aim and hits his mark. The shot grazes the Ace's shoulder, giving the 90 pound slave just enough leverage to startle free, cool and begin to fall from a height of 40ft.

[Cassius Sogat]

Oh, shit.

[Ryan Reynolds]

She lands, taking minimal damage atop McCarthy Bride. McBride shrugs off the impact, confused, unaware that he's just saved her life. And boom. Hamblin shoots at an Ace armed of the club along the spine, incapacitating him.

[Horatius McBride]

I aim at the woman with the scrap sword.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Azad aims at the second to last Ace, a woman using a slave as a shield, and shoots her through the neck, grasping desperately at her throat, from which blue fluids and air escape. The Ace crumbles to the ground.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

I guess I'd better not take any chances here. Let's try Another shot or capture him for interrogation.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Investigator Claire Hound takes out the final ace, toppling him and concluding the combat.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Their paintings are about to be worth a lot of money.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I don't think these people are the painting type. The surviving ASA Bubb, who was shot in the shoulder, ascends, while another two jump into the air and rapidly ascend as the rest are left to die or rot. Some of the bodies still attached to tethers are also jerked into the air. The unseemly sight of a lifeless body swinging, twitching and rising into the air. The slaves return to a huddle, and Hamblin assists in the looting, while Rix keeps his gun trained on the overpass.

[Horatius McBride]

I'm gonna loot the bodies while people talk, because I don't want to talk to people.

[Cassius Sogat]

Horatius, he kind of comes out of his rage. He sinks onto one knee and he says, okay, give me a sec. I gotta. I gotta calm down a little bit and then we can talk about whatever.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Flik is searching bodies. He'll start with anyone that had a pistol.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Nice thinking there, Flick. I'm just gonna take my time putting my goodnight kiss back in my sleeve and survey the damage. Look over at Diana and say, nice shot. We might have to change our name to the Bloodnacks.

[Horatius McBride]

She just kind of nods a little bit like this. Doesn't. Nothing means anything out here. Makes no sense.

[Diana Azad]

All moves to guard the back, keep an eye on the overpass or for scavengers.

[Ryan Reynolds]

In the looting process, Azad acquires four 9 millimeter bullets, and Flik acquires five 9 millimeter bullets and a sword made from scrap. They also find poorly crafted shivs, blades, and a single empty tiny. It's apparent that the Aces didn't want to be weighed down.

[Horatius McBride]

I'm going to see if they have anything else of value.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That would require a successful perception check.

[Horatius McBride]

Oh, I didn't add my four, so it would have been a 20.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Azad finds six empty shells, a sword made from scrap, some string, and a set of lucky ears that compose a necklace. On the two bodies she's able to loot, they didn't have much of value.

[Horatius McBride]

All right, I take whatever I can find.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Azad pockets the shells, string, ears.

[Horatius McBride]

Oh, I don't want the ears.

[Ryan Reynolds]

No.

[Horatius McBride]

Yep. I don't. No, don't want those.

[Ryan Reynolds]

She doesn't pocket the ears, but does find a sewing needle.

[Horatius McBride]

Okay, carefully. Take that.

[Cassius Sogat]

Now we can sew a patch for where I got hit. Do any of the club users have a club that is nicer than my metal pipe.

[Ryan Reynolds]

McBride eyes the pick ended club, considering its better balance and heft over that of his pipe. Mmm.

[Cassius Sogat]

This is pretty cool.

[Ryan Reynolds]

While picking it up, McBride ponders the many uses of a pickended club. With such a wickedly sinister hooked point, it could be used to pierce armor, disarm, or even trip opponents if swung appropriately.

[Cassius Sogat]

Cool.

[Horatius McBride]

I'd also like to pick up the two shells from the bullets that I fired.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Azad retrieves her spent bullet casings, spending ample time to search. Flik finds a shoddy single shot scrap pistol, a curved scrap sword, particularly nice boots that aren't quite his size. And rakoi dice. Okay, the boots have noticeably nice laces. Ooh, yeah. I'll. I'll take the dice. And I'll. I'll take the boots. Hamblin finishes off the living aces with his knife as he loots them. Aight. I should get out of here quick. Not nice to stick around after a killing like this.

[Cassius Sogat]

Right, let's go.

[Ryan Reynolds]

The team talks among themselves quietly during the remaining walk to the throb.

[Diana Azad]

So what's the plan for talking to Penny? Are we just gonna let Horatius talk about his bloody skull cops and ask where the two missing Sarks are?

[Horatius McBride]

We can't just say we're looking for your people.

[Cassius Sogat]

Hey, now, my skull cup collection is actually pretty nice.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Why don't you just say that you wanted to find out what you need to be socks and that your friends are the guys you're looking for?

[Horatius McBride]

Why are we letting Flick in our huddle?

[Diana Azad]

Anything we say to each other, we can say around Flik. I trust him with my life. So long as we make sure he's paid.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I appreciate that, Cass.

[Diana Azad]

The payment.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That's always nice, too.

[Horatius McBride]

Okay, we could say that we want to know more about what it's like to be a Sark. But then why would we ask. Why would we be asking two very specific lower Sarks? Instead of asking just any general Sark.

[Cassius Sogat]

Why don't we just tell her that the two Sarks we're looking forward to disrespect at the blood Skulls. Maybe they. They torched our hideout and we want to get him back for it or something. I don't know.

[Horatius McBride]

Because she is a Sark.

[Cassius Sogat]

Well, yeah, sure, but we just did her a big favor. And maybe she doesn't care about these guys that much. Might be like a fair trade.

[Horatius McBride]

I don't like the word might when we're surrounded by these people.

[Cassius Sogat]

Well, I don't know how it works out here, you know? I mean, of course I do. Because I've lived here. Whatever. You know what I mean.

[Ryan Reynolds]

The way things work. Work around here is that if they value something more than the goons, they might give up the goons. How close is she to this person?

[Horatius McBride]

I don't want to be the one to ask.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah, that might not be a good idea.

[Horatius McBride]

How well do you know this person that works for you? Would you mind us bringing them somewhere else and possibly killing them? No, that's not going to work.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Well, not with a little context that I have, anyway.

[Diana Azad]

So do we want to let myself or Flick do the talking?

[Cassius Sogat]

That's a good question, Cassius. What do you guys think? You're the ones who are gonna have to do it.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Let's just see how this goes.

[Cassius Sogat]

What does that mean?

[Diana Azad]

Oh.

[Horatius McBride]

Reef.

[Ryan Reynolds]

As the sun sets, the team is escorted to their target at 5th street and 21st Avenue. The throb approaching the stout building. The. The air lightens, the humid pressure disappearing as the air turns chill and crisp and the echoes of live music get ever closer. The heavy double doors to the club are guarded by Sarks. And as they pass, the team begins to realize how truly defensible the unassuming building is. It's a fortress, complete with sally ports, smart glass walls, traps, and reinforced cover that would protect against any foreseeable method of straightforward attack. From inside, the sounds of singing in a combination of percussive glass and plastic chimes fills the air. The voice is haunting and the melody is strangely familiar. One that haunted Atreus during the Red War.

[Cassius Sogat]

Sup with this Amblin shipment from Penny? All right, you're good. Go in.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

One of you needs to settle up with Ricks.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, I'll help.

[Diana Azad]

I'll go with you, Hawk.

[Horatius McBride]

Oh, great.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Thanks, Kaz. Kate, follow me. Hamblin guides the rest of the team to a private chamber overlooking the main room and motions for the team to enter. It's dark within, but a faint feminine silhouette can be seen standing near the dark window as the team enters. She doesn't turn her gaze from the window. Hamblin leaves, closing the door silently in his wake. Hobbs told me who you are and why you're here.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Penny, I presume?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yes.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

A shiver of slaves from Hobbs.

[Ryan Reynolds]

How do you know Hobbs?

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

We've been doing some work for him.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I'm aware of as much. He must really be fond of you if he's offering this much help. But why would he help you?

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

We're likable people. That doesn't. Dad, what have you got on him?

[Ryan Reynolds]

A Nice secret, perhaps. Penny smiles subtly, but her eyes remain steeled as she turns toward the group.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

We're just trying to survive out here.

[Ryan Reynolds]

So what do you want?

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Well, now that we've brought you the six, we're hoping to talk to two of your men. Ski and dinner.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Ah, the Traders. I would like very much to see them hurt. So it's fortunate for both of us that you're asking about them. Well, yeah, that was. That was that plan the whole time?

[Cassius Sogat]

Yeah. Those guys fucked up our Blood Skull hideout.

[Ryan Reynolds]

You have any idea how many skulls.

[Cassius Sogat]

It takes to make an entire Blood Skull hideout? They fucked it up. So we've been looking for them ever since. We're. Where the hell are the. Where are they? Ma'am, please.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Thank you. Penny's smile grows and she seems genuinely amused by McBride.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Well, to get to the heart of.

[Ryan Reynolds]

It, they are no longer Sarks. They've turned their backs to us and found some sort of God.

[Cassius Sogat]

Really? What?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Who? Something called the Children of Melachor. It's a fucking cult.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

And where might we find this fucking cult?

[Ryan Reynolds]

There's a particularly large tower near here. You might have seen it on the way down. That's their territory.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Do you know anything about how many they've got?

[Ryan Reynolds]

I know that they prevent their members from enjoying my establishments. And that these cultists are extremely loyal. Beyond that, they're looking to bring about something called the Awakening. Which can't be helpful for business.

[Cassius Sogat]

Well, they can't make an Awakening happen if we beat the out of him. And that's exactly what we're gonna do. Thanks for the info.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

You said you wanted to see them hurt. Any reward in it for us if we make that happen?

[Ryan Reynolds]

I'm already rewarding you by giving you approval to kill two former Sarks.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

That's plenty.

[Cassius Sogat]

That's probably a fair point. However, I'd like to ask one more extremely small favor of you, if you don't mind.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Penny stares intensely at McBride with unblinking steel eyes. He fidgets nervously.

[Cassius Sogat]

I'd like to take a few hours to rest. Because we had to bloody a bunch of skulls on the way here in a way that made me really tired. Could you give us a room for the night, please?

[Ryan Reynolds]

That's agreeable. Your shipment arrived intact.

[Cassius Sogat]

Thanks. All right. Well.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Penny smiles at McBride. May the Archon watch over you.

[Cassius Sogat]

Oh, sorry. That wasn't a character.

[Ryan Reynolds]

The team visibly reacts.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Can I not react to that?

[Ryan Reynolds]

That would require a successful deception. Check.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Never mind.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Clairhout's lips twinge slightly as if to instinctively respond but no words come out.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Sorry, I just had an itch. My mustache.

[Cassius Sogat]

Before he got his new nickname, we used to call him Sneezy because he always sneezed all the time. And it looked just like that. Anyway, let's get out of here, Bloodspulzes. Let's go to our room.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Trying not to laugh is just making it worse. It was between that scar and Skullcup originally.

[Ryan Reynolds]

As the doors close behind the team, a text prompt appears on all their smart technology simultaneously. Pinged from a nearby short range hotspot relay. It's an urgent reminder for the team to meet with Tongs at the research station on 7th and 15th. But no one in the party recalls creating this reminder because she's the only one wearing a privacy hood. Only Azad is currently aware of this. The team reaches their room, taking an hour to relax and eat.

[Cassius Sogat]

I'm still really upset we killed a citizen. I mean, I was trying to stay cheery and sound confident in the moment for his sake, but that really messed me up. Not to mention that Fringer guy whose head I literally just smashed in with a metal pipe.

[Diana Azad]

We really didn't have any other options in either situation.

[Horatius McBride]

We could not have rescued Agent Kagome. As Clarhout said, there really wasn't any enough of him left to save. And trying to move him would not only have put our lives in danger, but very well could compromise the entire reason we're out here.

[Cassius Sogat]

Yeah, that makes sense. But I still don't like it how the Fringe are all of you staying so calm about it?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Well, this sort of thing is pretty normal for me.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Cassius, you said you're trained for this sort of thing, right?

[Diana Azad]

Yeah. Similarly to the Special Defense Force, we're mentally conditioned to be ready for these sorts of situations. Though after the mission, I'll still be seeing a psychologist.

[Horatius McBride]

Well, since we're all in this together, I guess now is as great a time as any to admit that I'm also part of some semi secret government organization.

[Ryan Reynolds]

What?

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Really?

[Horatius McBride]

Yes, but dissimilarly to Cassius, I'm just a sort of of secretive, in house protective detail within the Advanced Technology Division. If you can't finish your degree, but you're able to meet certain requirements, people like me stay on as part lab assistant, part bodyguard. At least for my division.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Why would a lab need undercover protection?

[Horatius McBride]

While generally unspoken, most know about some level of interdepartmental strife within the Department of Research and Development. A few decades ago, the Archon became extremely interested in the Advanced Technology Division and she offered incentives to specific scientific labs to spur a push for performance. The competition is fiercely aggressive with failing labs losing allocation and being reassigned, and has only worsened. There's a great deal of secrecy within the entire division. And during the last decade, it's become a common place for scientists to spy on or even sabotage each other. The division heads have not changed the incentive program, so the results are all that matter. Director Yale's input has been to encourage further secrecy. At some point, my subdivision was formed to safeguard the scientific programs from themselves. Or at least to try.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Interesting.

[Cassius Sogat]

Wow. You know, Diana, out of all of us, I would never have expected that you'd be the one keeping a secret from us. I mean, Cassius. Yeah, Clear. How totally. But you. Oh. But I feel like we all know each other's dark secrets now. Flick is secretly really deep in debt. You're a secret science bodyguard thing. Sylvanas and Cassius like to take showers with each other. With chains.

[Diana Azad]

Ah.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

I didn't think any of you could hear that.

[Horatius McBride]

Yeah, sorry, guys. We totally heard you.

[Cassius Sogat]

Just totally. Okay. Because they're both consenting adults. And I feel like I gotta tell you my secret now, too.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, this oughta be good.

[Cassius Sogat]

Well, you know, you may have noticed that out there back in the field, I was swinging that pipe with my right hand. In actuality, I could use either hand. I'm ambidextrous. I wanted to save that for a really dramatic moment when, you know, maybe someone's broken my right arm and they think I'm not gonna be able to fight them. And I just come out and I really slug them hard with my left hand. And then I can say, you just got left handed by Horatius McBride. Take that. And nobody'd be expecting it. That's the. That's the kind of thing I was going for. But I guess it won't be a surprise to all of you now, because now you know.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Huh?

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Who would have guessed?

[Cassius Sogat]

Well, anyway, now you know. And it won't come up again unless, you know, I have the chance to bust out some left hand knowledge on the chin of the unsuspecting Fringer. Oh, boy.

[Horatius McBride]

Ah, yes. I forgot to tell you all. We got a message from Agent Tongs. He wants to meet us as soon as possible at 7th and 15th.

[Cassius Sogat]

When are. When are we supposed to do that?

[Horatius McBride]

Immediate. Soon.

[Cassius Sogat]

All right, I need like a short but indeterminate amount of time to sit down and then we can go.

[Horatius McBride]

The message was a short wave. I'm going to send out a ping. Kind of Like a read reply. My ping came back. They know we received the message. Alright, so let's just rest and then we can go.

[Ryan Reynolds]

McBride no longer feels exhausted.

[Diana Azad]

We also take special precautions to stay hydrated. Because it's very important to always stay hydrated.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That is important.

[Diana Azad]

Yeah, totally. It'll kill you quicker than a blade out here.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Did Cassius need any medical attention, by the way?

[Diana Azad]

I can take care of myself. Thank you though. I mean, fuck you though, right?

[Ryan Reynolds]

The team prepares to leave.

[Horatius McBride]

Once we leave, there's no saying as to whether or not we can come back to this Sark establishment. I don't really think Penny wants us here.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yeah, probably not.

[Horatius McBride]

So we need to get information regarding where this cult is before we leave.

[Cassius Sogat]

I thought we were had already been tower nearby.

[Horatius McBride]

There's a giant tower nearby. Alrighty then. Okay, so giant tower. And we don't know anything about it yet, like defense wise again. Could we ask some SARCs? Because if they knew the other SARCs, they might have tried to recruit some guys here.

[Diana Azad]

That's not illogical. But we'll have to leave the room to do that.

[Horatius McBride]

I mean, it's logical. But at the same time, Diana's character is kind of along the lines of. Oh, I have to speak to somebody. That's not gonna happen. Charisma is literally zero. It's like not. Not anything she would ever do. Especially because all these people smell horrible.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hey, no.

[Horatius McBride]

Except you, Hawk and Flick.

[Diana Azad]

Fuck you very much.

[Cassius Sogat]

Well, guess we gotta head out there and do that meeting.

[Ryan Reynolds]

The team departs. The team walks through the night cautiously heading to the intersection of 7th street and 15th Avenue. In the poorly lit street they can make out little action, disconcerting for the realm of nocturnal fringes. Reaching the area of interest, a short windowless building with a reinforced but worn door stands out under pale yellow tinted lights.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Can I figure anything out about it.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That would require a successful perception or investigation? Check. Whoa. That's a natural. 20. Peter Lewis is Sylvanas Clairhout in DICE. Master investigator Clarehout notes that the building seems unmolested, unmarred, untagged and surprisingly undamaged. Despite scuff marks and a few peppered bullet holes, it seems like one of the most immaculate buildings they've come across. After some examination, he concludes that the damage is intentional. A choice of aesthetics and camouflage.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Can I swipe my mark?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Clairhout locates a concealed hand scanner next to the door.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Ta da.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Flik blinks in uncertain confusion as the doors open.

[Diana Azad]

This is one of those.

[Horatius McBride]

Any markers does it truly blow your head up if you don't got the mark?

[Diana Azad]

Getting cold feet, Hawk? No, just warming up to our new deal. So long as you pay me as nice as as Flick says, I'll follow you to the Archon's bedroom.

[Horatius McBride]

How much are we paying her, Cassius?

[Diana Azad]

I already negotiated the deal. Don't worry. She's getting my cut of the earnings.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Agent Saugat winks at Azad, and she's.

[Diana Azad]

Trustworthy enough to join us this far.

[Horatius McBride]

How can you be sure?

[Diana Azad]

Just trust me.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hey. So Hawke's question is still a nice one. This thing gonna blow up our heads?

[Diana Azad]

No. This one at least doesn't have have the proper technology to do that.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh. Okay. The door opens, sliding into the wall, revealing a short hallway. Every surface of the corridor is perforated, cleaned, smart glass reminiscent of some laboratories or perhaps prisons. There may be a door down at the far side of the hallway, but it's difficult to confirm without stepping in.

[Horatius McBride]

Is the smart glass like, can we tell if it's scanning us or.

[Ryan Reynolds]

With nothing inside the room, the smart glass appears to be inactive.

[Horatius McBride]

Oh.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

So what will happen if we take our dear friend Flick into a technological paradise?

[Ryan Reynolds]

And if his head doesn't explode, what will happen?

[Diana Azad]

It'll be fine. We'll just say that he and Hawk are my associates. It's not abnormal at all. Assuming Tongs has my file on record.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Understood.

[Cassius Sogat]

Fair enough.

[Horatius McBride]

Not really understood, but all right. So Hawk can be trusted too then?

[Diana Azad]

Completely. We had a nice conversation and she'll be joining us for the foreseeable future.

[Horatius McBride]

Okay, great. I'll just be myself around them. I have a much larger vocabulary.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, really? Are you trying to tell me that you ate fringes? I'm shocked.

[Horatius McBride]

Hardy har har.

[Cassius Sogat]

Really? I thought I was doing a pretty good job with the bl. Whatever.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Let's just go inside.

[Horatius McBride]

Keeping higher company. Could you at least attempt to smell better, please? You too. She turns to Hawk.

[Diana Azad]

I take offense to that.

[Horatius McBride]

Any.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I think that maybe you should work on playing the part a little more. Wouldn't hurt you to get a little stinkier, in my opinion.

[Horatius McBride]

Oh, it would hurt. It would really hurt.

[Diana Azad]

Yo.

[Horatius McBride]

We could smell you from a bloke away.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Well, then, three. Thank you.

[Horatius McBride]

Surprised I can smell anything, ma'am.

[Ryan Reynolds]

You know I can hear you.

[Horatius McBride]

At this point, Diana walks inside.

[Ryan Reynolds]

As the last person steps into the hallway, the door slides shut. The glass around them displays holograms, data, numbers and images indicating the scanning of biometric vitals.

[Horatius McBride]

Ah, the sweet glow of computer light.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Which I'm seeing for the first time.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I know. After a few moments, the floor jolts as the room descends slowly toward the basement floor. All are taken aback by the unforeseen elevator. Decontamination in progress. Please remain calm. The temperature rises and a misty spray dispenses from above. While moist, the mist dries almost immediately on contact.

[Diana Azad]

It's a shower. Sort of. I promise it's not gonna kill you.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Says you.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Yeah, It'll just make you smell nicer.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Decontamination complete. Please step forward. Actually, I do smell nicer. Double doors manifest from the glass and slide open, revealing a room dominated by a multitude of oddly positioned metal and glass walls forming some rudimentary maze. The resulting effect is a large area filled with ample hiding spaces and protective cover. An ideal choke point in case of attack from the outside. Within moments, the team is greeted by three rad soldiers and two scientists flanking Agent Tongs.

[Diana Azad]

Agent Tongs.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Well, hey there. You made it. Excellent. I'm extremely curious how your mission has progressed thus far. Who are the extras?

[Diana Azad]

These are our new associates, Flik and Hawk.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Surely you don't mean to infer them.

[Diana Azad]

As an agent of the dfs, I have full authority. Authority to use whatever methods I deem necessary to succeed in my mission.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

You're with the dfs?

[Diana Azad]

Surely you knew that when sending us into the Fringe. I thought that was why you assigned us to go out in the first place. And assume that my comrades had some sort of similar covert experience not listed in their profiles.

[Cassius Sogat]

I was training to be a soldier in the special defense Force before becoming a minor.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

I'm afraid the situation is as dire as I'd implied during our previous conversation. Please follow me and let us discuss the more pressing issue privately. Absolutely. Lead on.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Tongs leads the team into a smaller room. It's a minor cafeteria style room with a large mirrored wall, a table, and enough chairs for both the group and Tongs. The soldiers and scientists stand at the edges of the room, watching in commanded silence.

[Horatius McBride]

Does tons look more like tired out than the last time we saw him?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Tongs looks visibly tired to his odd. More so than when she last saw him.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Could you transfer your report?

[Cassius Sogat]

Yep. Sure, sure.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Why not?

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

While the data is transferring, can one of you provide a verbal account of your investigation since we last spoke?

[Cassius Sogat]

Oh, boy. A lot. A lot of things have happened since we last spoke. Let's see. So we were let loose in the Fringe territory, and the first thing we did was head to an establishment of ill repute known as the Whole Pope well. There. Excuse me. We immediately began seeking information necessary to complete our mission Objective. Wound up having to trade a few unsavory favors with some unsavory characters in pursuit of such objective. Ultimately discovered that. Discovered that the target we're seeking is in the hands of two former members of the Sark Gang whose seem to have joined a strange death cult. We were in the process of preparing to infiltrate the cult and extract the two Starks when we received a reminder to come to this location to meet with you. What happened to Hobbs?

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Did you see him?

[Horatius McBride]

Yes. He was he.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Well.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Better than his partner.

[Horatius McBride]

Well. Okay. When you sent Hobbs. Or is that just a Stark name?

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

That is a false name he uses.

[Cassius Sogat]

I suppose I probably shouldn't say his actual name.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Security protocols and such.

[Horatius McBride]

When you sent him. We now know that you sent him with a partner. The partner was the one that was supplying the information that was putting him in a poor position.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Wait.

[Horatius McBride]

Because the. The partner was.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Explain this. What did this partner do? You're jumping to something that I don't.

[Horatius McBride]

That's what I'm saying. Next. So the partner had been captured by a gang called the. And she just looks at the others because she's forgotten the name.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Archon Slayers.

[Horatius McBride]

Archon Slayers. And they were specifically looking or extracting with air quotes information regarding possible atriums living within the Fringe. And because of the knowledge that Hob's.

[Diana Azad]

Partner had, he became an asset to this gang. He was near death when we found him. Captured and tortured to the point where we could no longer move him. It was impossible for him to have a meaningful life even if we could. So we had to eliminate him to secure Hob's identity. He died without pain. And as a result, Hobbs should still be able to maintain his cover for some time. Though there are certain threats we were unable to help him with.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

He's a dedicated citizen and I thank you sincerely for assisting him. As you were saying about a death cult?

[Cassius Sogat]

Yes. It appears that the Atrion has gone missing. Was taken from Atreus to the Fringe by these two ex Sarks who have now joined this cult. They are based out of a large tower which we were in rather close proximity to prior to attending this meeting. We actually passed it on the way to try to find them in Sark territory.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Okay.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

What do you know about the cult?

[Cassius Sogat]

Not much. Evidently, it's a rather secretive organization. Our contact among the Sarcs indicated to us that those members of the cult who do visit her establishment are not free to discuss their goings on or to Indulge as much as she would like in her services.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Interesting.

[Horatius McBride]

They are working towards something called an awakening, whatever that is. And what were they called? What was like, the something of the somethings.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Children of Melachor, I believe.

[Ryan Reynolds]

One of the scientists perks up. So these children most particular. Who did you say informed you of this?

[Cassius Sogat]

Sark by the name of Penny, who runs, I guess, an inn or a sort of establishment such as that about eight blocks away from here.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

So what physical evidence did you find of this cult, if any?

[Cassius Sogat]

We have been informed that they are in a large tower. We've seen the tower. That is literally all that we are. That we know about this culture.

[Horatius McBride]

Wait, no, no, no, no, no, no.

[Cassius Sogat]

Just kidding. I think Diana here has a little more info.

[Horatius McBride]

Previously, while we were investigating the missing persons case, we found a note. And it contained information on an obscure sect of Fringers called the Children of Melachor, apparently an offshoot of the nco. They. They claim that the Archon is a liar and unfit to rule, and that she makes, like, this face that's in opposition to what she is saying. It also claims that Fringers are the only true free beings. And she pretty much just sends over the mysterious note like. And they have a something of a writing. It was written by Shijo Kois. Guyan Guillan. Yeah, this is really poorly written. And she hands it over to them.

[Cassius Sogat]

See, this is why Diana is such an upstanding citizen. I forgot about that. That. I forgot about that.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Why didn't you mention this sooner?

[Cassius Sogat]

Well, I forgot about it. My apologies.

[Horatius McBride]

An odd note that we found in someone's book didn't seem like the biggest issue when you were telling us that we were going out into the Fringe as civilians.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Do you have the book?

[Cassius Sogat]

Been an intense couple of days by the Archon.

[Horatius McBride]

Do we have the book?

[Cassius Sogat]

Well, Horatius rifles three through his smelly belongings. I do not have the book. I don't think I ever did. So I guess that's one of us.

[Horatius McBride]

Has a physical journal of Hadrian's notes in addition to the translated writings of Shijkoyuan.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

And confidentially, are we. Are we safe here? Are we thinking we should give it to them?

[Horatius McBride]

Unless you. I think. Okay, any. Any would believe that they should. If you're from the inner city, you're kind of brainwashed into thinking that you should. I know that if I try to go against it, I have to roll for it.

[Ryan Reynolds]

So you have knowledge of this cult and it's connected to Hadrian somehow?

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

We believe so.

[Horatius McBride]

Of that I am not sure none of this is making any sense, Agent Sogot.

[Cassius Sogat]

You've been fairly quiet.

[Diana Azad]

There are too many variables to confront. Confirm additional details at this time.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Is there any way I can look around a little first here? Just see if there's anything off.

[Ryan Reynolds]

This will require a perception check of the guards in the room. Two are armed with standard issue shotguns and pistols, while the third is armed with a triple barreled shotgun that Clairhout recognizes as a Hydra. The scientists present are both concealing some rather unique modified Hammerhead model pistols that look identical to Azad's. Their badges indicate that they work for the Advanced Technology Division. In addition, investigator Clarhout notices that one of the guards, the one with the Hydra, seems to be sweating nervously.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Can I look at the guy who's sweating profusely and just say I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name. Nice to meet you. I'm Officer Quinton. Quentin. Good to meet you. Frankly, it's been a long day. Let me just sit down and try to remember where I'm keeping the journal here. Talk amongst yourselves.

[Ryan Reynolds]

As Clarhout feigns rummaging through his pack, he's able to successfully scan the soldiers and scientists. The rad officers are listed as Tertullius Quinton, Volganinius Matsumoto and Operator Reyes. They each have second lethality marks and bachelor's degrees. And with a bit of hacking, he can see that they are currently assigned to guard a subterranean prison complex known as the sub 8. It appears they have not reported for duty in three weeks and are considered missing persons.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

I'm sorry, I must have lost it somewhere. I don't seem to have it here.

[Ryan Reynolds]

The scientists, Dr. Morales and Dr. Eklund, work for the Division of Advanced Technology under the Department of Research and Development. All additional information appears to be classified.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Interesting. Do I need to do a deception check for what I just said there? The I can't seem to find it.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Clairhout is under the impression that the scientists do not suspect the team would lie to them as they are fellow citizens.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Okay.

[Ryan Reynolds]

They seem significantly more preoccupied with Flik, whose presence makes them visibly uncomfortable.

[Horatius McBride]

Not Hawk.

[Ryan Reynolds]

They seem to be under the impression that Hawk might be an undercover agent based on her calm demeanor, a stark contrast to Flick's nervous disposition. Ha.

[Horatius McBride]

I'm gonna look up them. It's like we've been out there for a while now. Is there any way we could sleep on an actual bed and then go back out there?

[Ryan Reynolds]

The data finishes transferring.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Yes, that is certainly Something we can do? Your mission is complete. Your services will no longer be required. Dr. Morales will finish a quick debriefing and then you'll be escorted home. You can rest in your own beds tonight. I need to submit my report to my.

[Ryan Reynolds]

To the Director.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Director Yale in person. Thank you for your dedication, citizens. May you endure.

[Diana Azad]

May the Archon watch over you.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Actually, Tongs. I'm sorry, go ahead. Nevermind.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Tongs leaves the room.

[Horatius McBride]

I want to go into the thing that I have access to and see if Yale is actually his supervisor.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Director Yale heads the Department of Research and Development. This consists of all scientific research, including new divergences and advanced technology, as well as maintenance for such structures in the city. But this department has nothing to do with Fringer relations or special services.

[Cassius Sogat]

Okay, I have some additional questions regarding Citizen Baker.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Did you ever see him?

[Diana Azad]

Only in recordings.

[Cassius Sogat]

And everything you know of him is.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Included in your report.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Well, we know a little bit about his family, but otherwise, yes, it should all be in there. Is there a way that I can just kick Horatius a little bit under the table without anybody seeing?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Investigator Claire Howe kicks McBride under the.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Table and give him a look. Look of you might need to rage again in a minute. Just possibly.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Investigator Claire out, kicks McBride under the table again. Harder.

[Cassius Sogat]

Oh, sorry. Got a. Got a cramp in my leg. I. I understand what this cramp means.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Are you getting those too? Yeah, we've been walking.

[Horatius McBride]

Yeah, you've been out here walking around too long.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Then I suppose that concludes our debriefing. What you did was admirable. You can never speak of this to anyone, etc. Etc.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Any questions on your end, if I may ask? Before the not speaking of this to anyone begins. What's this building for? It's very interesting. I was noticing outside. It seems to be designed to look like it's been here a while, but it clearly is newer than everything else.

[Ryan Reynolds]

It's a research facility. We conduct research here of a top secret nature. Advanced technology. We're enhancing the world for future generations. But bettering things like meal production speed, efficiency, things of that nature.

[Horatius McBride]

Okay, this is totally up my alley. Does she know this to be true?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Azad has never heard of this facility or such a project claiming to enhance meal production speed efficiency.

[Horatius McBride]

She. She has the queerest look on her face.

[Cassius Sogat]

Well, while I appreciate your thirst for.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Knowledge, I can't really devote more about what we work on here.

[Cassius Sogat]

And while I appreciate your cooperation and.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Diligence, it's clear that your loyalties lie with the false archon and that you know too much. May you feel the echoes of the.

[Cassius Sogat]

Awakening even in death. Liberty Vigilance is produced and created by Travis Fengroff, with editing and writing assistance from KA Stats. Starring Peter Lewis, Shawn Francis, Kaitlin Buckley, Kaitlin Stats, and Daniel Thoresen, with narration by Wayne June. Guest voices include Heather McClellan, Russ Moore, Daniel Demeron, Graham Rawat, Andrew Spittle, Christian Ferris, Michael Hall, Shannon Bladow, Kareem Cromfli, and Nicole Doolin. The music was Created by Ryan McQuinn, Stephen Malin, Brandon Strader, and Brandon Boone. Vigilance was mixed and mastered by Brandon Strater with COVID art by Dan Stanek. The original game master was Travis Fengroff, with assistance by KA Stats. This episode is brought to you by our Patreon team. If you've enjoyed listening to this episode, please consider supporting us on Patreon or by liking and reviewing our show on itunes. We'd also especially like to thank citizens Zack Israel, Fallon Gannon, Antonin Scalia, Adam Farber, Scott Morrison, Austin Barth, and Jonathan Wade. This broadcast is a creation of fool and Scholar Productions. Thank you for listening, and may the Archon watch over you, because they're both consenting adults. And I feel like I got to tell you my secret now, too.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, this ought to be good.

[Cassius Sogat]

Well, you know, I may seem like a pretty tough guy, but actually, I've been taking painting classes when I'm not performing my duties, you know, in the mine. It's very soothing. The kind of work that I do can often be pretty stressful. You know, you're. You're tucked away in this really dark, dark, deep cavern, and you're kind of stuck in there with a bunch of other sweaty men and women. And when I get out of there, it's nice to just take some paint and do whatever I want with a canvas. It's nice. It's nice. It's a normal thing that normal people do. It's fine.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Huh.

[Cassius Sogat]

Well, anyway, now you know, and it won't come up again.

[Horatius McBride]

We totally heard you.

[Cassius Sogat]

Just totally. Okay. Hey. Because they're both consenting adults. And I feel like I gotta tell you my secret now, too.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, this ought to be good.

[Cassius Sogat]

I know that I seem like a pretty normal and healthy citizen, but actually, I have. I'm sick. I'm sick with the kind of disease that you really don't get better from over time. The physicians I've seen don't really know how much time I have left. Part of why I was so keen to accept this assignment, I wanted to test myself and learn some things about my true nature before it was too late. I work hard to provide for my family and so that hopefully they'll have the means to carry on in a comfortable and honorable fashion well, after I'm gone.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Huh?

[Cassius Sogat]

Well, anyway, now you know. And it won't come up again. Both consenting adults. And I feel like I gotta tell you my secret now too.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Oh, this ought to be good.

[Cassius Sogat]

I wet the bed until I was 14. There's no sense in holding that back. I guess since I know all this wacky stuff about you guys, may as well tell you that I had some kind of problem with my bladder. And it's solved now. Good to go. Doesn't happen to me anymore. My incredibly attractive girlfriend can attest to that. It's fine. It's totally fine.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Who would have guessed?

[Cassius Sogat]

Well, anyway, now you know. And it won't come up again.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

You are now entering Springfield.

[Cassius Sogat]

Where's the body?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Off the side of the ditch down there. Hello?

[Diana Azad]

You know, surrounded by all this crime scene tape.

[Horatius McBride]

Hello?

[Cassius Sogat]

Am I dead?

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

My name is John. I'm the new forensic pathologist. I can see you.

[Cassius Sogat]

And that's how we'll figure out how you were murdered. He took this away from all of us. 31 year old female pronounced dead on the scene approximately 3am after a 911 call. File number 3367.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Male impaled on a construction site.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I'm dead, John. This is about the last amount of fun I'll have.

[Cassius Sogat]

Number 1 017.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

A wife blended her husband in a wet vac.

[Cassius Sogat]

Case number zero, case 245721.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Dead. I can't be dead.

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

It's okay. It's just you and me now.

[Diana Azad]

Who are you talking to?

[Sylvanas Clairhout]

Oh, no one. Let's keep this between us, huh? Listen to how I died. A full cast police and medical procedural with over 40 episodes available now on all podcast apps.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hi, this is Rob Benedict and I am Richard Speight. We were both on a little show you might know, called Supernatural.

[Cassius Sogat]

It had a pretty good run. 15 seasons, 327 episodes.

[Ryan Reynolds]

And though we have seen, of course every episode many times, we figured, hey, now that we're wrapped, let's watch it all again.

[Cassius Sogat]

And we can't do that alone. So we're inviting the cast and crew that made the show along for the ride. We've got writers, producers, composers, directors, and we'll of course have some actors on as well, including slightly some certain guys that played some certain pretty iconic brothers. It was kind of a little bit of a left field choice in the best way possible.

[Ryan Reynolds]

The note from Kripke was he's great.

[Cassius Sogat]

We love him, but we're looking for.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Like a really intelligent Duchovny type with.

[Cassius Sogat]

15 seasons to explore. It's going to be the road trip of several lifetimes. So please join us and subscribe to Supernatural then and now.