Obscurum: Invasion of the Drones – Episode Three: "24 Hours"

Release Date: February 18, 2025 | Host: Gabe Lenners | Produced by iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the gripping third episode of Obscurum's first season, titled "24 Hours," host Gabe Lenners delves deeper into the mysterious drone sightings that have unsettled rural America, particularly in Nebraska and Colorado, since 2019. This episode chronicles a pivotal day in the investigation, unraveling the intricate web of events, eyewitness accounts, and governmental responses that have fueled conspiracy theories and hidden truths.

Key Figures

• Maria Tremarke (Narrator): Guides listeners through the unfolding mystery, providing context and connecting various testimonies.

• Rod Miller: A passionate local with a background in geography and ancient history, Rod leads a dedicated group investigating the drone phenomena.

• Kenny: A cattle rancher in Sterling, Colorado, who became a direct eyewitness to the drone activities and their terrifying consequences.

• Dave Jansen: Owner of a local company that produces agricultural track logs, Dave provides a critical perspective on the alleged extraterrestrial elements of the case.

• Sheriff James Bruggeman: The Perkins County Sheriff, involved in the official response to the drone sightings and related incidents.

Events Unfold

The episode opens with a harrowing account from Kenny, who recounts his first direct encounter with the mysterious drones:

Kenny (03:00): "It would say, like, local. Like, if it's a local call, it would. Sterling, Colorado."

Kenny describes witnessing unidentified aircraft that vanished into thin air, leaving little to no trace. His experiences take a darker turn as he connects the drone activity to the inexplicable mutilations of cattle on his ranch.

Kenny (09:35): "Yes, absolutely."
(Referring to whether the drone was targeting him specifically)

Maria Tremarke narrates her relentless pursuit of the truth, detailing her 24-hour ordeal as she navigates through baffling clues and elusive sources. Her investigation leads her to Rod Miller, whose lifelong fascination with geography and history fuels his commitment to uncovering the drone mystery.

Rod Miller (05:07): "I had nine grandkids, four kids, and they all live in this area. Instantly, my concern was... that got us started."

Mysterious Mutilations and Suspicious Drops

One of the most disturbing elements of the episode is Kenny's account of cattle mutilations potentially linked to drone activity:

Kenny (10:21): "I Get up there. The cow is set upright and is completely cut apart... all the jaw and the tongue was gone again, and the eyeballs were still there."

These gruesome findings raise alarming questions about the drones' true purpose. Maria's investigation reveals that since 2013, thirteen cows on Kenny's ranch have met untimely and inexplicable deaths, with no predator traces found:

Maria Tremarke (12:07): "His cell phone lost service and truck battery died in close proximity to a dead cow."

Investigative Breakthroughs and Skepticism

Maria's quest for answers leads her to Dave Jansen, who demystifies the mysterious "capsules" initially suspected to be extraterrestrial in origin:

Dave Jansen (24:47): "They're basically about a 6-inch by foot cylinder in a net wrap bag... It's kind of a clear white gel. And that's pretty much all they are."

Despite explanations, skepticism persists within the community. Dave humorously addresses the alien theories, dubbing the capsules "Space Potatoes," highlighting the gap between ordinary explanations and extraordinary suspicions.

Dave Jansen (25:19): "Space Potatoes. Yeah, yeah, exactly. That was just hilarious to me."

Official Response and Continued Mystery

Sheriff James Bruggeman provides an official standpoint, acknowledging the unprecedented nature of the drone sightings and the collaborative efforts with federal agencies to investigate:

Sheriff Bruggeman (21:13): "I think the biggest concern is just the uncertainty. It would be nice to know who owns the drones and what the purpose of the flights is."

However, the Sheriff's explanations—such as attributing the capsules to agricultural tools—do little to quell the fears and suspicions among locals. The community remains divided, with some believing in hidden agendas or extraterrestrial involvement, while others lean towards mundane explanations.

Kenny (26:02): "Ah, the drones are interesting. I've got some friends in the military that said it sounds like a military operation."

Cliffhanger and Unresolved Questions

As the 24-hour window closes, the episode leaves listeners with more questions than answers. The intertwining of personal testimonies, official responses, and conflicting theories paints a complex picture of rural America's struggle to comprehend and respond to the unknown.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kenny (03:04): "It had listed Palestinian territory."

• Maria Tremarke (07:40): "There was something very compelling about Rod. He had tattoos covering his face and arms, a gray beard and piercing eyes."

• Kenny (09:35): "Yes, absolutely." (Regarding whether the drone was targeting him)

• Kenny (10:21): Detailed account of cow mutilation.

• Dave Jansen (24:47): Clarifies the nature of the "track logs."

• Dave Jansen (25:19): "Space Potatoes. Yeah, yeah, exactly."

• Sheriff Bruggeman (21:13): Discusses concerns about drone ownership and purpose.

Conclusion

"24 Hours" serves as a pivotal episode in Obscurum's first season, skillfully weaving together firsthand accounts, investigative efforts, and official perspectives to explore the unsettling drone invasion in rural America. Gabe Lenners leaves listeners on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the untold truths that lie beneath the surface of these mysterious aerial phenomena.

Listen to "24 Hours" and the entire season of Obscurum: Invasion of the Drones on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.