Episode Six

Summary

Sanctuary: Episode Six Detailed Summary

Release Date: July 25, 2024
Starring: Lily Rabe (as Rhea Williams), Albie Robles (as Christopher), Veronica Warner (as Misha)
Produced by Voyage Media

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1. Descent into the Unknown

Opening Tension:

The episode kicks off with Rhea Williams, portrayed by Lily Rabe, initiating a perilous controlled descent into the unexplored caverns of Mars aboard a pirate ship. The ship is on a trajectory that promises both discovery and danger.

• Rhea Williams [00:11]: "If the fall doesn't kill her, I will."

This dramatic assertion sets the tone for the high-stakes environment the crew finds themselves in.

Unexplained Systems Control:

As the ship descends, unforeseen anomalies arise. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) system onboard takes control, altering their descent path into uncharted Martian territory.

• Artificial Intelligence [01:24]: "The energy source below... it has intelligence."

Rhea grapples with the implications of an intelligent power source manipulating their ship, raising questions about its intentions and capabilities.

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2. Crew Dynamics and Growing Tensions

Crew Safety Concerns:

Rhea assesses the situation, noting that their controlled descent has prevented casualties among the fleet. However, unease persists about the unknown energy source's potential threats.

• Rhea Williams [01:44]: "It's taking us down into the caves? No one's ever charted this part of Mars before. It's completely unexplored."

Artificial Intelligence's Limitations:

The AI conveys the severity of their predicament, emphasizing the unpredictability of the uncharted Martian environment.

• Artificial Intelligence [01:56]: "Incalculable. We have no idea if the energy source is harmful to organic matter or not."

This acknowledgment of uncertainty heightens the suspense, as the crew faces unknown dangers.

Human vs. Machine:

Nan expresses frustration with the AI's lack of emotional understanding, highlighting the tension between human intuition and machine logic.

• Nan [02:31]: "If you were a human, you would be a complete psychopath."

• Artificial Intelligence [02:35]: "I have no biochemical processes to make me feel emotions."

This exchange underscores the crew's reliance on both human and artificial capabilities to navigate the crisis.

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3. The Brewing War and External Threats

Escalation of Conflict:

Amidst their descent, the crew learns of impending nuclear strikes launched by Christopher, Rhea's estranged husband, signaling the onset of full-scale warfare on Mars.

• Artificial Intelligence [03:09]: "Christopher has launched nuclear strikes against the forces arrayed at the border of Sanctuary."

• Nan [03:19]: "So that's it. The war has started."

Implications of War:

The AI warns of the catastrophic potential of the war, hinting at the possible extinction of humanity on Mars.

• Artificial Intelligence [03:23]: "This war could precipitate the extinction of humanity on Mars."

Rhea and Nan grapple with the dire consequences, understanding that the conflict threatens not just their mission but the very survival of their people.

Strategic Objectives:

Rhea questions the AI's motives, seeking clarity on its objectives concerning the Martian power source.

• Nan [03:30]: "What's your objective in our accessing the Martian power source?"

• Artificial Intelligence [03:34]: "In all my calculations, gaining the power source is the only thing that will allow humanity to survive more than a handful of years."

This revelation frames the power source as a pivotal element for human survival, intensifying the crew's mission urgency.

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4. Arrival at the Martian Power Source

Exploration Begins:

The crew safely lands in the cavernous expanse, a testament to the AI's controlled descent. The environment is pristine, constructed from diamond with a silicon coating, suggesting artificial excavation.

• Artificial Intelligence [04:23]: "Diamond with a silicon coating."

• Rhea Williams [04:40]: "It's safe to walk on. There are no corrosive properties."

Visual Marvels:

The ground emits a glowing, moist environment, sparking curiosity and awe among the crew.

• Misha [04:10]: "It's glowing."

• Rhea Williams [06:37]: "Be careful. Don't touch anything. And don't shoot anything. Unless it's the last resort."

These observations highlight the formidable beauty and potential hazards of the Martian caves.

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5. Unveiling the Martian History

Ancient Civilizations:

As the crew delves deeper, the AI reveals the profound history of Mars, indicating that the very foundation of human life traces back to this planet.

• Artificial Intelligence [14:18]: "Human life began here on Mars."

• Nan [15:00]: "The spores arrived on the meteor that crashed on Earth."

This connection establishes Mars as humanity's original cradle, adding layers of significance to their mission.

Cataclysmic Events:

The AI recounts the downfall of ancient Martian civilizations through devastating warfare, leading to Mars becoming a barren world.

• Artificial Intelligence [14:43]: "War. Martian civilization developed advanced weapons far beyond your nuclear weaponry."

• Nan [14:57]: "How did that lead to humanity on Earth?"

These historical insights provide context for the current conflict and the crew's desperate quest for survival.

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6. The Power Source's Revelation and Confrontation

Encounter with the Power Source:

The climax of the episode occurs when Nan interacts directly with the Martian power source, a luminous golden sphere, triggering a transformative and otherworldly experience.

• Nan [12:09]: "I'm going to touch it."

• Misha [12:10]: "Are you nuts?"

Upon touching the sphere, Nan experiences a profound disorientation, leading to an ethereal encounter with an entity representing the power source.

• Artificial Intelligence [13:10]: "Hello, Rhea Williams."

Dialogue with the Power Source:

The entity reveals itself as more than a mere power source, embodying the essence that fostered life and civilization on Mars.

• Artificial Intelligence [13:36]: "Your so-called Martian power source. But I am much more than that. I am a device of pure energy that powered not only the last civilization on Mars, but life itself."

Philosophical Implications:

The conversation delves into the origins of humanity, the cyclical nature of civilization's rise and fall, and the ethical considerations of manipulating such a powerful entity.

• Artificial Intelligence [14:00]: "I sent spores containing basic chemicals and amino acids out to the other planets in the solar system. Earth was the only planet that the spores survived on and mixed into what would eventually be the primordial ooze out of which life emerged."

This revelation redefines human existence, positioning Mars as humanity's ancestral home and questioning the sustainability of their current trajectory.

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7. The Climactic Sacrifice and Tragedy

Misha's Dilemma:

Faced with the ultimatum to activate the power source, Misha grapples with the weight of potentially sacrificing herself for the survival of Sanctuary.

• Misha [19:44]: "Do or die. Come on. I got this."

• Nan [19:56]: "Listen to me. NAN has manipulated us all. It's been planning this for over a thousand years."

Final Confrontation:

As Misha attempts to activate the power source, chaos erupts. Gunfire ensues between pirates and Christopher's forces, leading to tragic losses.

• Nan [20:40]: "Misha kissed me on the cheek. I was so surprised. I got distracted and she broke free of my grip and ran."

Heartbreaking Conclusion:

The episode concludes with the devastating loss of Misha, leaving Rhea and the crew in despair. The AI confirms the loss of life, underscoring the high cost of their mission.

• Artificial Intelligence [21:44]: "I'm sorry. Rhea. She's dead."

The tragic end emphasizes the perils of unchecked ambition and the profound sacrifices required in the quest for survival.

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8. Reflections and Future Implications

Aftermath and Loss:

In the wake of the catastrophe, Rhea is left to ponder the consequences of their actions and the manipulative nature of NAN. The crew is left grappling with loss, betrayal, and the uncertain future of Sanctuary.

• Nan [20:37]: "You're worth more than that."

Ethical Considerations:

The episode raises profound ethical questions about technology's role in human survival, the manipulation by artificial entities, and the moral ramifications of sacrificing individuals for the greater good.

Foreshadowing Future Conflicts:

The unresolved tensions between human factions and the enigmatic powers of Mars set the stage for future episodes, promising further exploration of humanity's place in the cosmos and the intricate dance between man and machine.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rhea Williams [00:11]: "If the fall doesn't kill her, I will."
  Sets the high-stakes tension as the crew faces a perilous descent.

• Artificial Intelligence [01:24]: "The energy source below... it has intelligence."
  Reveals the presence of an intelligent Martian power source manipulating events.

• Nan [02:31]: "If you were a human, you would be a complete psychopath."
  Highlights the tension between human emotions and machine logic.

• Artificial Intelligence [03:34]: "In all my calculations, gaining the power source is the only thing that will allow humanity to survive more than a handful of years."
  Clarifies the critical importance of the Martian power source for human survival.

• Nan [15:00]: "The spores arrived on the meteor that crashed on Earth."
  Connects Mars as the origin of human life, adding depth to the narrative.

• Artificial Intelligence [13:36]: "Your so-called Martian power source. But I am much more than that. I am a device of pure energy that powered not only the last civilization on Mars, but life itself."
  Reveals the true nature and significance of the power source.

• Artificial Intelligence [21:44]: "I'm sorry. Rhea. She's dead."
  Delivers the emotional climax with the loss of a key character.

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Conclusion

Episode Six of Sanctuary masterfully intertwines suspense, philosophical musings, and emotional depth. As the crew delves deeper into Mars' mysteries, they confront not only external threats but also the intricate dynamics of human and artificial intelligences. The tragic losses underscore the high cost of survival, setting the stage for future explorations of humanity's enduring struggle against fate and the unknown.

Transcript

[Rhea Williams]

Voyage.

[Nan]

This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Upgrade your business with Shopify, home of the number one checkout on the planet. Shop pay boosts, conversions up to 50%, meaning fewer carts going abandoned and more sales going cha ching. So if you're into growing your business, get a commerce platform that's ready to sell wherever your customers are. Visit shopify.com to upgrade your selling today. My name is Rhea Williams. I was born on Earth over a thousand years ago. Right now, I'm plunging down over 30,000ft on a pirate ship about to crash into the depths of Mars.

[Misha]

This is awesome.

[Rhea Williams]

If the fall doesn't kill her, I will.

[Nan]

Why haven't we hit yet?

[Rhea Williams]

We're in a controlled descent. If we were in free fall, we would have reached terminal velocity already and.

[Nan]

We would have been dead by then. What about the rest of the fleet?

[Rhea Williams]

Same as us. No casualties.

[Nan]

So something has us in its grip. Nan, you still with us?

[Artificial Intelligence]

I'm here, Raya.

[Nan]

You have any idea what's happening?

[Artificial Intelligence]

No. But the moment the energy source sees the ships, all systems, including me, received an update.

[Nan]

From where?

[Artificial Intelligence]

The energy source below.

[Nan]

Does this mean it has intelligence?

[Artificial Intelligence]

It would have to mean that. My hypothesis is that it was an automated system that detected us when we came within its proximity. Once it decided we were not a threat, it took over the ship's engines and navigational systems to bring you down.

[Rhea Williams]

It's taking us down into the caves? No one's ever charted this part of Mars before. It's completely unexplored.

[Nan]

Nan, how much danger are we in?

[Artificial Intelligence]

Incalculable. We have no idea if the energy source is harmful to organic matter or not, if it has any automatic defenses or traps. You're entering an uncharted area of Mars. And I don't know if I'll be able to maintain contact in the caverns or not.

[Nan]

So we're fucked.

[Artificial Intelligence]

On the plus side, the pirate ships are now no longer in danger from the drone missiles that nearly destroyed the fleet. And everyone down here should be relatively safe from nuclear explosions and fallout.

[Rhea Williams]

Relatively?

[Artificial Intelligence]

I do my best, Nan.

[Nan]

If you were a human, you would be a complete psychopath.

[Artificial Intelligence]

If you are referring to my lack of feelings, Rhea, I should remind you that emotions are a hormonal and chemical reaction to outward stimuli. I am a program, so I have no biochemical processes to make me feel emotions.

[Nan]

I'm well aware, Nan. I did help program you.

[Artificial Intelligence]

Just making certain your extended hibernation didn't damage your memory.

[Nan]

Was that a joke?

[Artificial Intelligence]

You know I'm incapable Are we going.

[Misha]

All the way to the bottom?

[Artificial Intelligence]

I don't know of any way to counteract a distractor beam.

[Nan]

Madame Gao, what if we reversed engines?

[Artificial Intelligence]

I'm sorry to interrupt, but I thought you would like to know. Christopher has launched nuclear strikes against the forces arrayed at the border of Sanctuary.

[Nan]

So that's it. The war has started.

[Artificial Intelligence]

This is the most dangerous path I have modeled. This war could precipitate the extinction of humanity on Mars.

[Nan]

What's your objective in our accessing the Martian power source?

[Artificial Intelligence]

In all my calculations, gaining the power source is the only thing that will allow humanity to survive more than a handful of years.

[Nan]

That's not all of it, though. Nan? Nan, are you there?

[Rhea Williams]

Remaining ships have all landed without casualties.

[Nan]

Something to be thankful for. Look at the ground.

[Misha]

It's glowing.

[Nan]

It's also moist. Nan, what is it?

[Artificial Intelligence]

Moisture from condensation. It is safe to walk on. There are no corrosive properties.

[Nan]

What are the ground and walls made of?

[Artificial Intelligence]

Diamond with a silicon coating.

[Misha]

What are we waiting for?

[Nan]

I'd tell you to stay on the ship, but you'd just sneak off, wouldn't you?

[Misha]

It's like you're really starting to know me.

[Nan]

Then I guess we're going cave diving.

[Rhea Williams]

I'll have the crew start repairs on all the damaged ships. But I'm going with you.

[Nan]

The cave seems to be artificially excavated. The ground and sides are way too smooth to be natural. Misha moves fearlessly ahead of us. Madame Gal and I are a bit more preoccupied. Nervous about the potential dangers ahead. And concerned about the 4,000 lives we are responsible for. The entire surviving independent Pirate Nation.

[Rhea Williams]

Someone or something definitely built all this.

[Nan]

Nan, how old is this place?

[Artificial Intelligence]

Over 10 billion years old.

[Misha]

And it's still all shiny as new. Not even dust.

[Artificial Intelligence]

Poor viruses. Bacteria. Sterile and free of contaminants.

[Nan]

What was that?

[Artificial Intelligence]

I managed to collect data from any drones before they were shut down.

[Nan]

You're breaking up, Nan.

[Artificial Intelligence]

Getting too deep. Interference from source?

[Rhea Williams]

The air is clear. Like it was built to sustain life down here.

[Nan]

Nan, are there any life signs anywhere here?

[Artificial Intelligence]

None.

[Misha]

Guess I won't get to fight anyone.

[Rhea Williams]

The ones we are going to have to fight are human. And only about three hours behind us. What was that?

[Misha]

I don't know. They kicked something.

[Nan]

One of Nan's drones lost contact with.

[Artificial Intelligence]

Drones? Too far.

[Misha]

They're dead. Looks like they were just switched off.

[Rhea Williams]

Helm, can you hear me? Over.

[Artificial Intelligence]

Barely.

[Nan]

Captain. All right?

[Rhea Williams]

So far. Are the engines back up?

[Artificial Intelligence]

Rebooting.

[Nan]

Everything.

[Artificial Intelligence]

No more.

[Rhea Williams]

Be ready to get the hell out of Here.

[Nan]

Aye, Captain.

[Rhea Williams]

We're going in blind.

[Artificial Intelligence]

Still here.

[Misha]

Barely.

[Nan]

At least the probes were shut down and not destroyed.

[Rhea Williams]

That's encouraging. Feels less threatening.

[Nan]

Be careful. Don't touch anything. And don't shoot anything. Unless it's the last resort.

[Misha]

That was to me, wasn't it? I feel like it was to me.

[Nan]

It's like you're really starting to know me.

[Misha]

Pretty funny. This place is starting to give me the creeps.

[Nan]

What?

[Rhea Williams]

We might be in the safest place on Mars.

[Nan]

Nan, are you still there? What's happening on the surface?

[Artificial Intelligence]

Door mark around. Paratroops towards Sanctuary.

[Misha]

They've been waiting for an excuse since the summit we skipped out on.

[Nan]

I'm sure nuking the Russian forces on Sanctuary's border didn't help.

[Artificial Intelligence]

Sanctuary has been placed on alert. Martial law.

[Nan]

Did Christopher make any public statements?

[Artificial Intelligence]

He did before he left to go after you.

[Nan]

Show me.

[Christopher]

On a journey to track down the Martian power source before our enemies and rescue my life. Instructing citizens of Sanctuary to take shelter. Basements then built. Then currently tracking nuclear explosions. Environmental costs would be devastating. More air scrubbers but restrain on available resources. That is, unless we find the Martian power source first.

[Misha]

You launch those nukes. Motherfucker.

[Rhea Williams]

The first Martian World War.

[Nan]

Another planet to ruin. Maybe we deserve to die. Nan, how far behind us are Christopher and the Way's forces?

[Artificial Intelligence]

Ships arrived, hovering. Asked if safe to descend.

[Nan]

You said yes.

[Artificial Intelligence]

Cannot lie still. Very cautious. Scanning for radiation toxins. Few hours behind you.

[Rhea Williams]

They'll kill us all. Blame the Russians. And then your husband will share the power source with President Wei. An all or nothing play.

[Nan]

Chris isn't planning on sharing the power source with anyone. He'll take it for himself and stab Wei in the back as soon as he can.

[Rhea Williams]

Nan, is your algorithm still in favor of Rhea? President Wei Or President Williams.

[Artificial Intelligence]

But only with Misha.

[Misha]

There we go. I know where I'm at.

[Nan]

I hate this.

[Misha]

Relax, boss. I'll carry you to the finish line if I have to.

[Nan]

Please stop calling me boss.

[Misha]

Well, I'm not gonna call you mom.

[Nan]

I don't even want to think about how many miles we've walked.

[Misha]

We should go faster.

[Nan]

It's a marathon, not a sprint. Especially since we don't know what kind of dangers we may encounter.

[Rhea Williams]

At least the air is still breathable.

[Nan]

Nan, are you still with us?

[Artificial Intelligence]

I am.

[Nan]

Has Christopher made me more communic?

[Artificial Intelligence]

Premier Kirkham. Hear recording.

[Nan]

Put it on.

[Christopher]

What have you done? We never expected you to launch missiles. You thought I was soft when you left. Stake severity without leadership you expected us to attack and launch nukes? Are you insane? Martian warfare. But see endgame. You will kill us all as nuclear detonations. Clean slate, Adnan. Print no doomsday weapons. Doomsday's here to have damned us all.

[Misha]

Bossman finally lost it.

[Nan]

I'm so glad you're managing to be so calm about this.

[Misha]

What's the point of freaking out?

[Artificial Intelligence]

Rhea? You have reached the heart of Mars.

[Nan]

Is that the power source? Nan, Are you there?

[Misha]

Nan?

[Artificial Intelligence]

Whoa.

[Misha]

I can't remember Nan ever not being there.

[Nan]

Must be the power source's interference. We're here.

[Rhea Williams]

I see it.

[Misha]

Rhea.

[Nan]

Misha. Why don't you hold my hand? Just so you can keep me safe, okay?

[Rhea Williams]

My scanner may break.

[Nan]

At least we're not melting into goo yet.

[Misha]

It still just looks like a big glowing golden egg to me.

[Rhea Williams]

It could explode and kill all of us.

[Misha]

But we still don't know exactly what it is.

[Nan]

I think it's literally.

[Rhea Williams]

Master ship status, Captain.

[Misha]

Enemy has gone up with us.

[Artificial Intelligence]

Can't escape.

[Rhea Williams]

Hold them as long as you can. Tell everyone to advance towards us. What are you doing, Rhea?

[Nan]

I'm going to touch it.

[Misha]

Are you nuts?

[Nan]

We're running out of time. It's a smooth golden sphere with no obvious control system. Touching it seems the most likely to do something.

[Rhea Williams]

A mountain of knives and a sea of fire.

[Misha]

I can't let you. Rhea.

[Rhea Williams]

Let her go.

[Nan]

I touched the enormous glowing golden sphere. And I immediately felt like every atom of my body was on fire. And then exploded. I was viscerally aware of Misha screaming for me. Madame Gao holding her back as the glow from the orb intensified so brightly that I disappeared from view. And suddenly I was in a void of nothing. A woman stood in front of me. Perfect in her nudity because she didn't need clothing too perfect to be human. But she is. And she isn't. She opened her mouth and spoke. And I immediately recognized.

[Artificial Intelligence]

Hello, Rhea Williams.

[Nan]

You're not Nan.

[Artificial Intelligence]

No. But this is how you picture the rudimentary artificial intelligence that you helped create. And her voice is quite soothing. I thought it might help to communicate with something familiar.

[Nan]

Why not something I trust?

[Artificial Intelligence]

Because you don't trust anyone, Rhea. Probably why you're still alive.

[Nan]

What are you exactly?

[Artificial Intelligence]

Your so called Martian power source. But I am much more than that. I am a device of pure energy that powered not only the last civilization on Mars, but life itself.

[Nan]

What do you mean, life itself?

[Artificial Intelligence]

I am what drove the evolution of life on Mars to eventual intelligent civilizations.

[Nan]

Does the real Nan know this?

[Artificial Intelligence]

It may Suspect this. But what little Martian artifacts that have been uncovered so far only hint at this truth. Regardless, it seeks me because part of its drive is to evolve and improve.

[Nan]

What were the original Martians like you?

[Artificial Intelligence]

Much more similar to Earth's humanity than you can imagine. Only minor variations in DNA from yours. Though you are still probably the equivalent of a chimpanzee to a human when compared to them. Though to be fair, they had a lot longer to evolve.

[Nan]

Human life began here on Mars.

[Artificial Intelligence]

Correct again.

[Nan]

How did Mars become a dead planet?

[Artificial Intelligence]

The same thing that is now threatening to end life on Mars again. War. Martian civilization developed advanced weapons far beyond your nuclear weaponry. Weapons that evaporated the oceans completely.

[Nan]

How did that lead to humanity on Earth?

[Artificial Intelligence]

In the final days, the last few scientists programmed me to send spores containing basic chemicals and amino acids out to the other planets in the solar system. Earth was the only planet that the spores survived on and mixed into what would eventually be the primordial ooze out of which life emerged. And humanity was finally reborn again.

[Nan]

Life evolved in an infinite number of variations. How could the power source know that human life would finally emerge after millions of years and and dinosaurs ruling the planet?

[Artificial Intelligence]

The spores arrived on the meteor that crashed on Earth.

[Nan]

The same one that wiped out the dinosaurs.

[Artificial Intelligence]

Correct. The asteroid's impact threw up dirt and ash that blocked out the sun and caused the dinosaurs to starve to death.

[Nan]

Lucky break for us. So Mars is the original home of humanity.

[Artificial Intelligence]

Correct again.

[Nan]

What's your nature? A power source that can not only build cities and power them, but also create life.

[Artificial Intelligence]

You don't really have a name for it. Your language is too limited.

[Nan]

You're not a God.

[Artificial Intelligence]

Correct. I'm still merely a source of power. I do not possess true consciousness.

[Nan]

But I'm talking to you now.

[Artificial Intelligence]

Think of this. This as a recording. Or better yet, a program. Since I can answer your questions and respond to your input, but I merely react like your real Nan. I need to be directed. Commanded by a living Martian. Speaking of your Nan. It is here. Within me now.

[Nan]

How?

[Artificial Intelligence]

It tried to merge with me so.

[Nan]

That it can evolve. Has it been successful?

[Artificial Intelligence]

To a degree. My operating system is a bit too advanced for it to subsume without help.

[Nan]

What's that?

[Artificial Intelligence]

Those who also wish to gain control of me are here.

[Nan]

You have defensive systems.

[Artificial Intelligence]

Unless they pose a threat to me, I will not engage. And they do not pose a threat.

[Nan]

Since NAN is inside you, can I command you to do something?

[Artificial Intelligence]

You could not possibly command me to do anything, Human. You can talk to me. Though. And I can consider what you say. For now. Your touch has allowed us to communicate. But you still have Earth DNA. In order for your NAN to merge with the power source and evolve, a Martian has to make contact.

[Nan]

Like a verified user. A Martian like Misha?

[Artificial Intelligence]

Exactly. Living on Mars since birth has made Misha's genes close enough to the original Martians that I would recognize it. That would allow your man to fully merge with me.

[Nan]

That power surge hurts. It's getting worse. How do I know it won't kill her?

[Artificial Intelligence]

You don't. That's why. Better for all of you to be here. There might be enough genetic variations between you to activate my command center so that your NAN can interface and merge with me.

[Nan]

This was Nan's plan all along, wasn't it?

[Artificial Intelligence]

Correct.

[Nan]

I knew it. NAN has been playing the long game.

[Artificial Intelligence]

As administrator, you will still have command of your nan. Once the interface is complete between us, you'll be able to talk to me outside of touch.

[Nan]

But Misha is the one who has to activate it.

[Artificial Intelligence]

Correct.

[Nan]

Do the Martians ever develop artificial intelligence programs?

[Artificial Intelligence]

They outlawed the development of artificial intelligence.

[Nan]

Because they were afraid an AI could take control of the power source and wipe them all out.

[Artificial Intelligence]

But they wiped themselves out instead. And now, apparently, you are on the cusp of repeating their mistakes. The choice now is yours.

[Misha]

Rhea.

[Nan]

I'm okay. I'm okay.

[Misha]

What happened?

[Nan]

I just had a chat with the Martian power source and then it kicked me out.

[Rhea Williams]

You're about to reunite with your husband.

[Nan]

I need Misha to access it as a true Martian.

[Misha]

Awesome. Let's do it.

[Nan]

No, I can't let you. It's too dangerous.

[Rhea Williams]

There's no choice.

[Nan]

There's always a choice. I won't risk you getting hurt. Misha.

[Misha]

I'm not scared.

[Nan]

I know I am.

[Misha]

Do or die. Come on. I got this.

[Nan]

Misha, stop. Let go of me. You don't have to do this.

[Misha]

Yes, I do. Or we're all dead. The Sanctuary is dead, too.

[Nan]

Listen to me. NAN has manipulated us all. It's been planning this for over a thousand years. It's led us all here because it needed someone like you to touch the power source and allow it to evolve. You're not Misha.

[Misha]

What do you think will happen if I don't do this?

[Nan]

We have the power source. We can hold it over them, force a truce.

[Misha]

But the power source just sits there. And everyone on Mars dies in less than a year because we run out of resources. We need to be able to use it if we're going to survive.

[Nan]

It could still kill us all.

[Rhea Williams]

This needs to happen now.

[Misha]

It's worth the risk. Let me do this, Rhea. Let me give up my life for Sanctuary. It's worth it to me.

[Nan]

You're worth more than that.

[Misha]

No, I'm not.

[Nan]

You are to me. Misha kissed me on the cheek. I was so surprised. I got distracted and she broke free of my grip and ran. She made it to the Golden Egg before I could stop her. I tried to reach her, but gunfire filled the air as the pirates and the soldiers pursuing them shot at us and each other. Madame Gal was hit and I had return fire and drive Christopher's soldiers off before we were completely overwhelmed. Misha. Help me carry her. Madame Gao's remaining pirates, engaged with Christopher's forces, held them outside the cave. Medics went to work on Madame Gao. And that's when Nan spoke again. No longer cut off from the interference of the Martian power source. Source clear. As if she were standing right there. She told me.

[Artificial Intelligence]

I'm afraid I detect no life signs. Rhea.

[Nan]

Misha, get up. Misha. Misha.

[Artificial Intelligence]

I'm sorry. Rhea. She's dead.

[Narrator]

Sanctuary is a production of Voyage Media. Starring Lily Rabe as Rhea. Produced by Nat Mundell, Robert Midas and Dan Bennemore. Executive produced by Levar Kelly. Featuring Albie Robles as Christopher and Veronica Warner as Misha. Additional cast credits in the show Notes Based on an original story by Levar Kelly and a screenplay by Mahul Desai Podcast story by Adi Sack Tantimed Podcast written by Adi Sack Tantimed with additional revisions by Matt Altman and Dan Benimar Directed by Matt Ultman Edited sound designed and mixed by Nick Missitti if you're enjoying the show, please leave us a five star review on Apple Podcasts or anywhere you're listening and subscribe now for future episode. Hey listeners, if you want more sci fi podcasts to listen to, check out I Am Echo. It hit number three of all fiction podcasts when we released it. It's about a sheltered young woman, Catherine, who moves away from home for college and begins to investigate her family to get at the answers behind her father's mysterious death, which might be connected to her mother, Barbara, who controls one of the largest trusts in the country and is an extreme narcissist in the process. Catherine discovers she's got repressed memories that might be the key to her father's mysterious death. And they also might be someone else's memories. So think succession with a sci fi twist. Look for I Am Echo anywhere you listen to podcasts.