DERELICT WAR – Series Recap and S3 Crowdfund Launched

Podcast: DERELICT
Episode Title: DERELICT WAR - Series Recap and S3 Crowdfund Launched
Date: March 10, 2026
Produced by: Night Rocket Productions

Episode Overview

This special episode serves two purposes: a tense, cinematic recap of DERELICT's core story so far—teasing its mysterious deep-sea discoveries, moral conflicts, and cosmic dangers—followed by a direct call to fans announcing the crowdfunding launch for Season 3, DERELICT: WAR. Host and creator J. Barton Mitchell (JBM) personally invites listeners to help bring the next chapter of this gripping, science fiction saga to life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Series Recap: The Vault, FATHOM Base, and the Threat Beyond

(00:00–01:29)

• Discovery and Dread:

  • Maas-Dorian, a powerful corporation, uncovers an ancient artifact—described as a "door" or “the Vault”—buried nearly 20,000 feet beneath Earth's ocean.
  • The company's secret laboratory, FATHOM, is constructed to study and ultimately open the Vault, but deep uncertainty and fear surround what lies within.
    • "I think whatever is on the other side of that door out there, it's not friendly. I think it's trying to get out." (A, 00:06)

• Escalation and Catastrophe:

  • Characters speak of catastrophic events: a failing power grid, explosion aboard the ship Eldritch, and a war threatening to engulf all involved.
    • "The entire grid's knuckling." (A, 00:16)
    • "Just lost the Eldritch...It exploded." (B & A, 00:32–00:33)

• Personal Sacrifice and Leadership:

  • Tension mounts as characters face impossible choices and terrible losses for the greater good.
    • "I lost something. Something perfect. And I'm gonna bring it home." (A, 00:38)
    • "You're the only one who can get the others through that ship. I'm sorry. But it's going to come down to you." (A, 00:33–00:37)

• War Brewing:

  • The recap teases a coming conflict—"Mars versus Dorian"—connecting personal stakes with galaxy-scale consequences.
    • "So it's to be war between us then, I think." (B, 00:56)
    • "Mars versus Dorian. Jesus Christ." (A, 01:00)

• Mysterious Forces and Key Figures:

  • Mentions of unnamed key players (e.g., Dr. Graff, Killian) and enigmatic entities intensify the intrigue.
    • "Killian is so important to what is happening here." (B, 00:43)

2. Season 3 Announcement & Crowdfund Details

(01:29–02:18)

• Direct Call to Action:

  • JBM steps in to thank listeners and introduce the crowdfunding campaign, encouraging the community to pledge support for DERELICT: WAR.
    • "[...] Our crowdfund for season three, Derelict War, is now live on Kickstarter. If you've enjoyed the show and would like to support Derelict and help us bring season 3 to life, please visit derelictpodcast.com/war." (JBM, 01:29)

• What's on Offer:

  • Details are given about donation tiers, stretch goals, and exclusive content including:
    • “The Traveler” bonus season for backers
    • Concept art and info about the new season’s direction
    • Teasers and trailers available to prospective supporters

• Early Support Emphasized:

  • The team stresses the difference made by early backers within the first 48 hours, which boosts campaign visibility and drives momentum.
    • "Backing within the first 48 hours really helps us out tremendously. Early support builds momentum by increasing the campaign's visibility on Kickstarter, which helps more people discover the crowdfund." (D, 02:18)

• Closing Gratitude:

  • Warm, heartfelt thanks to the listener community—signaling the project's reliance on and appreciation for its passionate audience.
    • "Either way, we're tremendously grateful to have you with us on this journey and thanks for listening." (D, 02:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Foreboding Premise:

  • "I think whatever is on the other side of that door out there, it's not friendly. I think it's trying to get out." (A, 00:06)

• Loss and Determination:

  • "I lost something. Something perfect. And I'm gonna bring it home." (A, 00:38)

• Imminent Conflict:

  • "So it's to be war between us then, I think." (B, 00:56)

• Creator's Direct Appeal:

  • "[...] We've launched the crowdfund for season three, Derelict War. If you’ve enjoyed the show and want to help us bring season three to life, please visit derelictpodcast.com/war." (JBM, 01:29)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–01:29 – Cinematic series recap: the discovery of the Vault, tragedies, core characters, and setup for war
• 01:29–02:18 – Host J.B. Mitchell announces the Kickstarter launch for Season 3, outlines rewards, new trailers, and urges early support

Summary: For New and Returning Listeners

This compact episode is a high-octane audio montage, plunging listeners into the heart of DERELICT’s tension—immense cosmic mysteries, doomed expeditions, corporate warfare, and human resilience set deep under the sea. Ending with the news that Season 3 is on the horizon (if fans rally), it’s both a love letter to listeners and a clarion call for support. New listeners are primed for the wild narrative ahead, while seasoned fans are urged to join the next phase and keep the perilous journey alive.