Episode 11.10 - Sanctuary - Part 10

Summary

The Strata - Episode 11.10: Sanctuary - Part 10 Summary

Release Date: November 19, 2024
Host: Mark R. Healy

---

Introduction

In the tenth installment of the "Sanctuary" arc, The Strata delves deeper into the perilous journey of Rust, Sienna, and their allies as they navigate the treacherous landscape of Highgate City to secure a critical power core. This episode heightens the stakes with unforeseen obstacles, introduces formidable antagonists, and sets the stage for an intense confrontation that could determine the fate of the vault and its inhabitants.

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Operation to Secure the Power Core

The episode opens with Rust and Sienna discussing the success of their recent heist to procure a Faber Surge power core. Their mission, essential for maintaining the vault's survival, is fraught with complications that threaten to derail their plans.

• Rust: "We managed to get the power core. One Faber Surge model xx." [02:42]
• Sienna: "Actually, it was Sienna's plan. I was just along for the ride." [02:58]

Despite securing the core, they face immediate challenges. The power core's extraction has attracted the attention of local law enforcement, leading to heightened checkpoints and increased scrutiny. Moreover, the team's maneuvering through the city's strata is complicated by the core's heat signature, making stealthy transport nearly impossible.

---

Journey to Amity Port

To circumvent the augmented security, Sienna proposes leveraging her connections to utilize a private port in Amity, an abandoned seaport south of the Strata. This strategic pivot aims to facilitate an unobstructed transfer of the power core to the bay, away from the city's vigilant authorities.

• Sienna: "Amity, the port's right there in front of us." [06:02]

Upon arrival, the team discovers that a recent landslide has compromised their original exchange point, necessitating an urgent change in tactics. The debris has blocked the processing facility, forcing Rust and Sienna to seek an alternative route within the warehouse compound.

• Rust: "This shoreline just looks like a bunch of cliffs to me." [06:07]
• Sienna: "There's not much you can see in the moonlight, but it's there, trust me." [06:10]

---

Securing the Warehouse and Encountering Technical Issues

Navigating the damaged infrastructure, the team manages to access the warehouse, but not without facing technical setbacks. The conveyor system intended to transport the power core is failing, threatening the integrity of their operation.

• Sienna: "The conveyor is on its last legs. The levitation system is pretty much out of juice." [08:44]
• Rust: "After this, the core's not going anywhere." [08:55]

Realizing the conveyor's limitations, they decide to abandon its use, leaving the power core temporarily secured while attempting to clear a path for Tessa's arrival.

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Communication Breakdown and Rising Tensions

As the team prepares for the final handover, a significant communication breach is discovered. Nadi informs Tessa that one of their long-range comms units is missing, raising alarms about potential eavesdropping by adversarial forces.

• Nadi: "I'm standing in storage right now and there are none left." [11:21]
• Tessa: "If we've been compromised, we need to cut comms. Radio silence." [12:49]

This revelation exposes the team to heightened risk, as it becomes evident that their communications may be intercepted by the marauders, Crichton and Adonna, who pose a direct threat to their mission and safety.

---

Introduction of Antagonists: Crichton and Adonna

The narrative intensifies with the emergence of Crichton, a steel body, and his associate Adonna. Their motivations are revealed through a tense exchange with Tessa, who stands firm against their coercive demands.

• Crichton: "I need you. A strong steel body so that I can replace my old, worn out computer opponents and continue to live." [22:13]
• Tessa: "I'm going to talk to him." [21:09]

Crichton's desperation to salvage his deteriorating frame leads him to threaten the team, escalating the conflict as he seeks to force Tessa into submission.

• Crichton: "Then we'll do this the hard way, I guess." [22:05]
• Tessa: "No, unfortunately, you're right." [19:45]

---

Confrontation and Standoff

The climax of the episode centers around a heated standoff between Tessa and Crichton. Crichton's ultimatum forces Tessa to reconsider her strategies, but she remains resolute in her refusal to capitulate.

• Crichton: "We are coming. And when we descend upon you, we will offer you no quarter." [27:02]
• Tessa: "No." [27:02]

Despite the mounting pressure, Tessa's determination underscores the series' ongoing themes of resilience and the fight for autonomy against oppressive forces.

---

Conclusion and Cliffhanger

As the episode draws to a close, the tension remains palpable with Crichton's unwavering threat looming over the team. The unresolved conflict sets the stage for future confrontations, leaving listeners eager to uncover the outcome of this high-stakes battle.

---

Notable Quotes

• Rust: "We managed to get the power core. One Faber Surge model xx." [02:42]
• Sienna: "Amity, the port's right there in front of us." [06:02]
• Crichton: "I need you. A strong steel body so that I can replace my old, worn out computer opponents and continue to live." [22:13]
• Tessa: "If we've been compromised, we need to cut comms. Radio silence." [12:49]
• Crichton: "We are coming. And when we descend upon you, we will offer you no quarter." [27:02]
• Tessa: "No." [27:02]

---

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Maneuvering: The team's ability to adapt their plans in response to environmental and technical challenges highlights their resourcefulness.

• Rising Stakes: The introduction of Crichton and Adonna elevates the narrative tension, presenting formidable adversaries whose actions directly threaten the protagonists.

• Themes of Trust and Betrayal: The loss of communication units signifies potential betrayals and heightens the sense of vulnerability among the team members.

• Character Development: Tessa's steadfastness and leadership are further emphasized as she confronts external threats while maintaining her commitment to the vault's safety.

---

This episode masterfully combines action, suspense, and character development, propelling the overarching narrative towards a gripping and uncertain future. Listeners are left on edge, anticipating the next chapter in Rust, Sienna, and Tessa's struggle for survival within the dystopian confines of Highgate City.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

You're listening to the Strata a Beyond the dark production. Season 11 Sanctuary Part 10.

[Rust]

How'd It Go out there, Rust? Any luck?

[Sienna]

Yeah, I think I managed to tease something up. I had to burn a few favors, but that's a small price to pay, I guess.

[Rust]

You're the best, pal.

[Sienna]

Well, don't thank me yet. Wait until we've got the cargo at its final destination first. There's still a bunch of hurdles we have to jump before we cross the finish line.

[Rust]

Should we call Tessa and let her know what's going on?

[Sienna]

I think that'd be a good idea.

[Rust]

Okay, just let me dial this up here.

[Tessa]

Sienna.

[Rust]

Hey, T. We've got a few things to talk about. There have been some major developments over here. You ready for this?

[Tessa]

As I'll ever be.

[Rust]

Okay, let's start off with the good stuff. We managed to get the power core.

[Tessa]

Are you serious?

[Rust]

Oh, yeah. We have one. One Faber Surge model xx. One right here in the back of Rust's van. Our plan worked perfectly.

[Sienna]

Actually, it was Sienna's plan. I was just along for the ride.

[Tessa]

That's amazing. I. I can't believe it.

[Sienna]

But there are a few complicating factors here that we need to talk about, so don't get too carried away yet.

[Tessa]

What's going on?

[Rust]

Well, see, I think we mentioned the power core was being used In a drug manufacturing operation here in Highgate City.

[Tessa]

You did say something about that.

[Rust]

Yeah, well, the whole situation has stirred up the local cops. Once they moved in on the drug lab and investigated the scene, they realized the power core was missing and now.

[Sienna]

They'Re looking for the damn thing. Checkpoints are on high alert. We figure they assumed that the whole smash and grab operation was carried out by a rival gang wanting to start up their own manufacturing site.

[Tessa]

I'm not exactly familiar with the politics in your part of the world, but I think I get it.

[Rust]

Don't worry too much about the specifics. What's relevant here is that this power core is too hot to move through the strata. And considering the size of the damn thing, there's no way we're going to sneak it through the checkpoints.

[Tessa]

So what's the plan?

[Sienna]

I've got a friend who can pull some strings here at one of the private ports in Highgate City. It looks like we'll be able to load the core into a wave skimmer and take it out into the bay.

[Tessa]

And what then?

[Rust]

Well, we'll circumvent the checkpoints in Highgate City, but once it's out on the water, there's no way we're getting it back into the strata.

[Tessa]

So how does this plan help?

[Sienna]

That's what we need to talk to you about. We're going to have to make a slight change in plans here. The good news is this will actually make things easier for you.

[Tessa]

T. Alright, I'm listening.

[Sienna]

There's an old seaport called Amity, south of the Strada. It's abandoned, hasn't been used in decades, but it would be an ideal place for us to make landfall. No checkpoints there, no prying eyes. We could hand over the power core easy, no hassles.

[Tessa]

Are you sure you can make it there?

[Sienna]

I used to run a few deliveries there back in the old days. I know exactly where to find it, and I think this is our best shot by far. As long as you don't foresee any problems.

[Tessa]

Sounds fine to me.

[Sienna]

I can shoot through the coordinates. Shouldn't be too hard to find. There's only one road in, so you can't miss it. Here, check it out.

[Tessa]

Yes, I see it. It's just a slight change of course south for me. I should be able to make it there within a couple of hours.

[Rust]

Hopefully we'll be there about the same time later tonight. Assuming we can get the wave skimmer sorted out.

[Sienna]

We'll get it done, don't worry about that.

[Rust]

Is There anything else you need from us, T?

[Tessa]

No, that all sounds fine. Thank you for the Sienna. And you. Rust. You don't know what this means to me. To everyone in the vault.

[Rust]

I'm looking forward to seeing you again, T. Even if it's just a short catch up.

[Tessa]

Yeah, I can't wait.

[Rust]

We'd better get moving.

[Tessa]

Take care.

[Rust]

Okay. See you soon.

[Sienna]

Okay. See, that's it. Amity. The port's right there in front of us.

[Rust]

Really? That shoreline just looks like a bunch of cliffs to me.

[Sienna]

Well, there's not much you can see in the moonlight, but it's there, trust me.

[Rust]

Where do we pull in?

[Sienna]

I've got it. Just wait there a second while I navigate to the deck.

[Rust]

Smooth, pal. Nice landing.

[Sienna]

Come on. Grab a scanlight. Let's take a look around.

[Rust]

This place sure needs a good cleanup. There are loose rocks everywhere. Watch your step.

[Sienna]

Yeah. This sure doesn't look the same as the last time I was here. In fact, it. Shit. Point your scanlight over there toward the cliff.

[Rust]

What's going on?

[Sienna]

Looks like there was a landslide here at some point. Half the damn cliff has fallen down.

[Rust]

Is that going to be a problem?

[Sienna]

I guess so. Especially since it happened to fall right on top of the goddamn processing facility. That was where I intended to make the exchange.

[Rust]

So what are the ramifications?

[Sienna]

Tess isn't going to be able to bring the crawler through to the loading dock. And she sure as hell isn't going to be able to drive all the way down here across these rocks.

[Rust]

Do we have to find another place to do the handover? Another port?

[Sienna]

I think we're still going to be okay. See this path around here? We should be able to use the conveyor to take it around the side and up the incline. At the top, there's a warehouse. That should work fine for the handover.

[Rust]

Are you sure? That hill looks pretty steep.

[Sienna]

The conveyor should handle it. I don't think we'll have a problem.

[Rust]

If you say so.

[Sienna]

Come on, let's get this done. Tessa will be here soon, and we don't want to keep her waiting.

[Rust]

Okay. We made it up the cliff at least. But I've got to tell you, I don't like the look of this warehouse.

[Sienna]

The structure is weakened a little, but it'll hold together.

[Rust]

Yeah, but the entire roof is gone. And don't get me wrong, seeing the stars twinkling overhead is nice and all, but we're exposed to the elements. That can't be good for the core.

[Sienna]

We'll keep it covered for Now. And it's not like we're going to be here long enough to worry about rain. In an hour or two, this thing will be on its way back to the vault, and we'll be headed home.

[Rust]

What's that?

[Sienna]

Uh, let's see. Okay. I thought so. This conveyor is on its last legs. The levitation system is pretty much out of juice.

[Rust]

So after this, the core's not going anywhere.

[Sienna]

No, I'd say not. There's still enough power to get it loaded onto the crawler, but after that, we're gonna need to find a way to charge the conveyor if we want to move it again.

[Rust]

Something tells me we're not gonna find a working wall outlet out here in these ruins.

[Sienna]

It's fine. We'll abandon the conveyor. No big deal.

[Rust]

Fine with me. So what now?

[Sienna]

Let's take the skein lights and go check the road. There might be more rocks and debris cluttering up the place. If we can move some of it out of the way, it'll give Tessa a clear route to the warehouse.

[Rust]

Sounds good. Let's get to work.

[Coltrane]

Tessa, please tell me you're looking at that core right now.

[Tessa]

Not quite, Train, but I'm on the final leg of the journey. According to the coordinates Russ gave me, I should be there in just a few minutes.

[Coltrane]

Can you see the ocean yet?

[Tessa]

It's too dark for that. And this road leads down through a valley with cliffs on either side. I can't see too far ahead.

[Coltrane]

When was the last time you saw the water? T? Reckon it must be 25 years myself.

[Tessa]

Wow. It's been a long time for me, too. At least 10 years. I did a supply run to one of the coastal outposts. I think it was called Fisher's Bay.

[Coltrane]

Yeah, just don't fall in love with that fresh ocean air and decide to stay, huh? We need you back here.

[Tessa]

Don't worry. As soon as I load up the cargo, I'm coming straight back.

[Coltrane]

Ever since you told me Sienna and Russ came through with the power core, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my back. Things were looking grim for a while there.

[Tessa]

Hey, I still have a long journey back. And once we get the new core in place, there are still going to be a lot of challenges to overcome. But, yeah, I think we'll be okay.

[Nadi]

Coltrane, do you have a spare comms unit down in maintenance?

[Coltrane]

Comms unit? What are you talking about? Nice.

[Nadi]

A radio. A long range one like you're using now.

[Coltrane]

I've only got one. And that's the One I'm holding in my hand. What's the matter? Something wrong?

[Nadi]

I think we're missing one.

[Tessa]

Naughty. What's this about? Is there a problem?

[Nadi]

Okay, look. We used to have three of the units, but I forgot that Coltrane put another one together a week or so back. The one designated for the outpost at Flat Rock. I've been trying to account for them all, but I can't. I have one here with me, and Coltrane has one.

[Tessa]

And I took one with me.

[Nadi]

Right, and that's the problem. I'm standing in storage right now and there are none left.

[Coltrane]

So there's one missing. Maybe we misplaced it.

[Nadi]

No, I've been searching all afternoon. It's not in the vault.

[Tessa]

Well, it can have disappeared into thin air.

[Coltrane]

Wait a minute. Crichton and Adonna broke into the storage when they left, right?

[Sienna]

Remember?

[Coltrane]

They took their gear back. You don't think.

[Tessa]

They took one of our radios?

[Nadi]

I don't know for sure, but. Damn it. I'm sorry, T. I should have noticed this earlier.

[Tessa]

It's fine. Naughty. It's a nuisance, but not the end of the world, is it?

[Nadi]

Actually, it could be bad. Very bad. If Crichton and I figure out how the unit works and make a few tweaks, they could have access to everything we say.

[Tessa]

Are you telling me those bastards could?

[Coltrane]

T, didn't you say someone's been following you? You've seen the ash plume. If they've been listening this whole time, they might know everything. All of your plans, your destination.

[Tessa]

If we've been compromised, we need to cut comms. Radio silence.

[Coltrane]

Well, yeah, but.

[Tessa]

Coltrane. Not another word. Nadi. I need you to find a way to take that rogue comms unit out of the loop. Can you do that?

[Nadi]

I. I think so, but it's going to take time. I'll have to set up a new method of encryption. Of course.

[Tessa]

Don't talk about specifics. Not on the air. Just see what you can do. If worse comes to worst, we'll just have to get by without comms until I make it back to the vault.

[Coltrane]

If you need support, I can load up a crawler and head out.

[Tessa]

No, you'll never get here in time. Just stay there. I'll handle this.

[Coltrane]

You sure?

[Tessa]

Yeah, I got it. Good luck, T. Tessa out. God damn it.

[Sienna]

Edgar said to the interviewer he was convinced that the thing out there wasn't a vault. Yeah, I know what he thought. Dr. Edgar didn't think it was designed to keep things out.

[Tessa]

I know what he thought it was.

[Sienna]

Designed to keep something in. Do you even understand the difficulty trying.

[Crichton]

To keep a base like Fathom at.

[Sienna]

The bottom of the ocean from killing everyone in it on a daily basis?

[Rust]

Oh my God.

[Coltrane]

Everyone hold on to something.

[Sienna]

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. That, my friend, is a dire combination. That's a bad sign.

[Coltrane]

Get out of the door.

[Rust]

It's spreading like some kind of technological contagion. We can either stop it here or.

[Sienna]

Watch the world burn them. The first season of Derelict. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or.

[Narrator]

Learn [e-mail].

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[Rust]

This looks like her. Heads up, Rust.

[Sienna]

Perfect timing. Right this way. Yeah, that's it. Bring it in through here.

[Rust]

Tessa. Oh, it's great to see you, Sienna.

[Tessa]

Rust, is everything all right here?

[Sienna]

Everything's fine. Why should we be worried about something?

[Tessa]

There have been some new developments. We might not be safe after all.

[Rust]

Since when?

[Tessa]

Nadi discovered that one of our long range comms units has recently gone missing. We don't have any conclusive evidence about where it might be now, but we strongly suspect it's in the possession of a pair of dangerous marauders. They were being held prisoner at the vault, but they broke loose. It's possible that they've been listening to our conversations over the radio.

[Rust]

So how does that put us in danger?

[Tessa]

Just before I left Plainview Outpost, a lookout spotted an ash plume to the north. It changed course right after we had our conversation. Over comms started moving east, headed toward the strata. I don't think that was a coincidence.

[Sienna]

So you think those marauders are following you for some reason?

[Tessa]

Crichton and Idana? Yeah, I think they might be.

[Rust]

There are a lot of cliques between here and Plainview. Are you sure they'd bother coming all this way?

[Tessa]

I saw the ash plume again an hour or so behind me in the valley west of here. So yes, I think they're still coming.

[Sienna]

They must really have an axe to grind if they followed you this far. What's their story?

[Tessa]

I don't know a lot about them. They're from the Western Reaches. And one of them, Crichton, is a steel body, like us.

[Sienna]

A steel body? So is he a custodian?

[Tessa]

Definitely not.

[Sienna]

Well, no big deal. Why don't we wait for them to show up and then punch their lights out? Send them packing.

[Tessa]

It won't be as easy as that, Rust. These two. I think they could be formidable adversaries. And ruthless. They killed an innocent man back at the Vault. And they've proven themselves to be cunning and resourceful.

[Sienna]

So you don't want to fight?

[Tessa]

Not if I can help it. I think the best course of action is for me to keep moving, load up the core and leave right away.

[Sienna]

Yeah, that's not gonna work. If they're following like you say, you're gonna run right into them on your way home. There's only one road in and out of Amity, remember?

[Tessa]

There's no other way.

[Sienna]

None.

[Rust]

Well, you sure set us up with a nice little dead end here, Rust.

[Sienna]

I didn't know there were homicidal crazies on the loose when I chose this spot, did I? And the next suitable port would have added hours of travel time.

[Tessa]

It's fine, guys. This is all on me. I'm the one who brought Crichton and Idana here, not you.

[Rust]

So what are we going to do? What's our fallback plan?

[Sienna]

If we're not gonna fight, then we'll have to retreat. That means heading back down the cliff, getting on the wave skimmer, and heading out on the water.

[Tessa]

Is there room for all of us?

[Sienna]

Plenty. Especially with the power core staying here in the warehouse.

[Tessa]

What do you mean?

[Rust]

It's the conveyor, T. There was a rock fall down at the cliff, and that forced us to bring the power core along a much steeper path. This conveyors pretty much out of juice. Definitely not enough left to take it all the way back down again. And we can't drag the power core across the rocks.

[Sienna]

Obviously, we're not dragging it anywhere without the conveyor. Damn thing weighs a ton.

[Tessa]

Now that you mention it, do you mind if I see that power core for a second?

[Rust]

Sure. It's right over here.

[Sienna]

How does it look? Is it the one you're after?

[Tessa]

Sure looks like the right model, but I just need to run some diagnostics to make sure everything's okay.

[Rust]

Damn. It would really suck to go through all of this just to End up with a dud core?

[Tessa]

No, it's. It's good. Perfect integrity, all conduits intact. Oh, by the looks of it, this thing has plenty of good operating years left.

[Sienna]

Great. So it should be fine to sit here until we come back for it.

[Tessa]

We can't leave the core here for Crichton and Idana. That's not an option.

[Sienna]

Why not?

[Tessa]

By now they'll know how important it is to me. To the vault. My guess is, if they get a chance, they'll destroy it. I'm sure they'd like nothing more than to see us evicted from our home, wandering the wasteland.

[Rust]

So we have to stay and protect the power core.

[Sienna]

That doesn't give us a lot of options then, does it? We fight. It's the only way.

[Tessa]

Yeah, unfortunately, you're right.

[Sienna]

Then it's settled.

[Tessa]

I'll stay. But the two of you should leave. Take the wave, Skimmer. This is my fight and.

[Rust]

Ah, to hell with that. We're staying.

[Sienna]

Yeah, let's not waste time arguing. We're in. And now we've got that sorted, let's figure out how we're going to approach this thing.

[Crichton]

Tessa, how are you there? Are you hearing me?

[Sienna]

What the hell?

[Tessa]

It's crazy. The bastard does have Archons unit. Nadi was right.

[Crichton]

Judging by that last conversation with your friends back at the vault, I assume you know the game is up. You know that we have you. So we really need to talk. Tessa. There's a way this can all be resolved with a minimum of bloodshed.

[Rust]

What's he playing at?

[Tessa]

I don't know. Don't answer it yet.

[Crichton]

You see, there's only one thing we want, Tessa. Only one thing we need. And that thing is you. If you're willing to hand yourself over to us, then all of your problems will disappear. That's it. Simple, isn't it?

[Tessa]

I'm going to talk to him.

[Rust]

Careful, T. He might be using this as a way to get more information out of you.

[Tessa]

I'll be careful. Crichton. I'm here.

[Crichton]

Ah. So, yeah, I'm glad you decided to see reason.

[Tessa]

I haven't agreed to anything. And you haven't heard my counteroffer yet.

[Crichton]

Counter offer?

[Tessa]

Yeah. How about this? You turn your crawler around right now and head back the way you came. Take a long drive and don't come back. Leave me, the custodians and everyone in the vault alone forever.

[Crichton]

And what do I get in return?

[Tessa]

You get to live.

[Crichton]

I don't think much of that offer, unfortunately.

[Tessa]

That's a shame. Because it's the only one you're gonna get.

[Crichton]

Then we'll do this the hard way, I guess.

[Tessa]

Tell me one thing, Crichton. Why me? What do you want with me?

[Crichton]

It's really quite simple. I need you. A strong steel body so that I can replace my old, worn out computer opponents and continue to live.

[Tessa]

Wait. Is that what this is all about? You want to harvest my body parts?

[Crichton]

I have to. This old frame of mind has been ravaged by shadow mites in the depths of the western reaches. Has fallen apart.

[Tessa]

If you told me, I could have helped. There are repairs that can be done. Procedures.

[Crichton]

I've already been down that road. And I've taken it as far as I can. There's no other choice now. I need replacement parts.

[Tessa]

Well, that's too bad.

[Crichton]

I can make this painless for you, Tessa. Quick and merciful. And once it's done.

[Sienna]

Hey. So did your hearing implants fizzle out? She said no.

[Crichton]

Rust, is it? I thought you of all people would understand my plight.

[Sienna]

Why in hell would I understand anything about a psychopath like you?

[Crichton]

You met with Morton and his clan recently, didn't you? I was told that you were missing some of your limbs while you were there. I trust you've made a full recovery.

[Sienna]

What's it to you?

[Crichton]

Well, I'm curious. Did those legs of yours grow back? Or did you acquire them through some other means? Did you steal those legs, Rust?

[Sienna]

I didn't steal shit.

[Crichton]

Is that so? Well, that makes you both a liar and a thief. The two of us, well, we're not so different after all.

[Sienna]

Like hell.

[Crichton]

There's no need to be ashamed. Edana and myself, we've learned the hard way, the new no one ever gives you anything in this world. The only way to survive is to rise up and take it for yourself. Let no one stand in your way.

[Sienna]

You're one twisted piece of work, aren't you, Crichton?

[Crichton]

Twisted? No. I just have a different perspective on things. Maybe if you'd seen what we've seen down in the darkness, you'd think differently too.

[Sienna]

Keep talking, asshole. We'll see if you've got anything to say after I kick your ass all the way back to whatever hole you crawled out of.

[Tessa]

Ignore him. He's just trying to get under your skin.

[Crichton]

Tessa. Time is growing short. You need to make a decision.

[Tessa]

I have nothing to gain from this deal, Crichton. For all I know, you could march straight back to the vault as soon as you're done with me. And carry out another attack?

[Crichton]

You don't Trust me.

[Tessa]

Hell no. You remind me of that dirt snake, Morton.

[Crichton]

Morton? Well, you don't have to worry about him anymore.

[Tessa]

What do you mean? Why not?

[Crichton]

As it turns out, we once had a deal with Morton. We supplied him with various assets, and in return, he was supposed to help us capture a steel body. One of the custodians from the Vault we'd heard so much about in our travels.

[Tessa]

Morton was coming after us so hard because of you.

[Crichton]

Oh, not just because of us. He also had his own agenda. You were a threat to his supremacy in the region.

[Tessa]

But Morton had no intention of capturing us. He tried to kill us. In his last assault, he planted a bomb that would have turned the entire vault to slag.

[Crichton]

Yes, he was angry. After he killed so many of his men, he wanted to retaliate. In doing so, he abandoned his original objective. It was fortuitous that you managed to thwart his plan.

[Tessa]

You said we don't have to worry about Morton anymore. Is that because he's done chasing us?

[Crichton]

No. It's because he's dead.

[Tessa]

What? How do you know that?

[Crichton]

Because I killed him myself. He was a coward and a weakling, and he got what he deserved. Now his enclave is nothing but a smoldering ruin.

[Tessa]

Morton is gone.

[Crichton]

Yes. And now that you understand what you're up against, I'm going to offer you this one final chance. So I ask you now. Will you sacrifice yourself to save the Vault?

[Tessa]

The answer is still the same as before, Crichton. Same as it'll ever be. No.

[Crichton]

Then you leave me no choice. We are coming. And when we descend upon you, we will offer you no quarter. Know that to be the truth. Tessa. For you and anyone else who stands in our way. You have lived to see your last dawn. Now the only thing that awaits is darkness.

[Narrator]

This podcast is made possible by my supporters on Patreon. If you'd like to hear ad free early release episodes as well as my exclusive series, the Strata Luna, head over to patreon.com BeyondTheDark your support means I can keep bringing you more seasons of the strata. Season 11 Sanctuary starring Emma Shurzhako, Jason Jury Michelle Mosley Brian Jeffords Peter Wicks Paul Warren Chloe Elmore, Corey Koehler Rebecca Tamwin, Jimmy Yamaguchi, Max Hertzfeld, Eric Wilmot and Philip Brian Hoff Created by Mark R. Healy A Beyond the Dark production.

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[Rust]

Really big monster, zero irony me Gloria.

[Tessa]

Might my husband and I have a word?

[Sienna]

The radio is talking to me.

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[Rust]

Pocket dimension in the deep freeze.

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[Crichton]

What the hell?

[Nadi]

Is that?

[Rust]

Because you're having a cigarette in 415 million BC.

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Where are we?

[Rust]

Space.

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Can you narrow that down?

[Rust]

The bad part? Ava?

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