Episode 11.11 - Sanctuary - Part 11

Summary

The Strata – Season 11, Episode 11: "Sanctuary - Part 11"

Release Date: December 3, 2024
Host: Mark R. Healy
Description: In a dystopian city, an aging courier is forced to go into business with an underworld ganglord to pay for the treatment that keeps him alive.

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1. Preparation for Defense

Timestamp: 02:30 – 05:59

As dusk settles over the dystopian cityscape of the Strata, the protagonists—Tessa, Rust, and Sienna—gather in a warehouse to strategize their defense against imminent threats. Time is of the essence, with Tessa declaring, “Okay, Rust, Sienna, we don't have much time. We have to take stock and figure out the best way to defend our position.” [02:30]

Tessa, leveraging her expertise in defense, outlines the plan to fortify their position. She identifies the single access road as both a vulnerability and an advantage: “We know there's only one road into this place... I should be able to pick them off with a rifle long before they reach us.” [03:06] Sienna suggests setting up scanlights to improve visibility, to which Tessa responds affirmatively, emphasizing the need for illumination to maintain a tactical edge.

The team secures the warehouse by locking down entrances and positioning themselves strategically around the western windows. Tessa warns about communication security: “Assume that they're listening to everything we say...” [05:10], ensuring they remain vigilant and compartmentalized in their planning.

2. Confronting Silence and Inner Demons

Timestamp: 05:59 – 09:10

As the team settles into their defensive positions, a tense silence envelops the warehouse. Tessa expresses unease with the quiet, revealing deeper psychological struggles: “I have this thing with silence. It bothers me for some reason. I can't tell you why.” [06:41]. Rust shares his contrasting perspective, admiring silence as a rare and precious commodity: “Where I come from, it's such a rare commodity. Like gold.” [07:15]

Their conversation delves into personal histories, with Tessa reflecting on her role as a custodian of the vault, questioning whether the emptiness signifies a personal failure: “It always seemed to upset you that the vault was empty and you had no one to protect. Do you think you were equating the side silence to, I don't know, failure on your part?” [09:10]

Rust offers reassurance, highlighting the success of their defensive measures: “A silent vault is not a failure, T. You created a sanctuary in that place...” [09:19]. This exchange underscores the themes of solidarity and the psychological burdens of leadership in a dystopian reality.

3. The Attack Unfolds

Timestamp: 09:10 – 17:56

Suddenly, the tranquility is shattered when Sienna detects movement outside: “Hang on a second, Rust. I think I heard something out there.” [09:58]. Tessa identifies the threat as a projectile weapon attack, revealing that the assailants, Crichton and Idana, employed pulse charges to blind their defenses: “They used a pulse charge on us.” [10:28]

The team's scanlights are disabled, plunging the warehouse into darkness. Tessa acknowledges the tactical advantage gained by the attackers: “They have the advantage over us now...” [11:05]. She swiftly adapts the plan, instructing Rust and Sienna to secure the eastern end of the warehouse: “Without those scanlights, there's a chance they could get in behind us.” [11:05]

As tension escalates, a direct confrontation becomes inevitable. Rust engages Crichton in a heated exchange: “No one ever accused me of being a good fighter, asshole.” [16:39], leading to a physical altercation. Tessa remains focused on neutralizing the threat, culminating in the incapacitation of both Crichton and Idana: “They don't survive that. I don't care how tough they are.” [12:10]

4. Aftermath and Reflection

Timestamp: 17:56 – 25:34

With their adversaries defeated, the team assesses the damage. Rust discovers the fall of their enemies: “He fell onto the rocks. Yeah. Hell of a long way down.” [21:54]. However, complexities arise as the wave skimmer, their escape vehicle, is sabotaged, leaving them stranded: “His fate now rests in the hands of the ocean.” [24:18]

Tessa expresses profound gratitude towards her allies: “Guys, I can't thank you enough for what you've done.” [24:33]. Rust and Sienna reinforce their commitment, highlighting the bonds formed through shared adversity: “You pushed everything aside so you can help other people. It's time to concentrate on your home now.” [24:55].

The narrative shifts towards rebuilding and future endeavors. Rust proposes joining Tessa on her journey back to the strata: “Help me load the core onto the crawler, and I'll make sure I find some space to fit you in the back.” [25:24], symbolizing unity and the continuation of their mission amidst the remnants of conflict.

5. Returning Home and Looking Forward

Timestamp: 25:34 – 31:12

Tessa embarks on the return trip to the vault, reflecting on the challenges faced and the hope for smoother journeys ahead: “As long as we keep our eyes ahead, see the obstacles before they get to us, and above all, keep moving forward. That will be enough.” [28:33]. Her communication with Nardi underscores the stabilization of their defenses and the potential for renewed trade routes now that Morton, their adversary, has been neutralized: “With Morton gone, I have every hope of opening up more trade routes again.” [30:18].

The episode concludes with Tessa preparing to finalize their return, emphasizing the resilience and enduring spirit of the custodians: “Everything's going to be okay. Trust me. I'll see you again soon. Ash and steel.” [12:23].

6. Production Notes and Future Directions

Timestamp: 31:41 – 34:57

Mark R. Healy wraps up the episode by acknowledging the efforts of the cast and hinting at the ambitious scope of Season 12: “Season 12 is literally like three or four of those early seasons all thrown together with multiple characters and multiple points of view...” [21:41]. He emphasizes the personal investment in the series, inviting listeners to support through Patreon to continue expanding the intricate world of the Strata.

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Notable Quotes

• Tessa [02:30]: “We have to take stock and figure out the best way to defend our position.”
• Tessa [03:06]: “I should be able to pick them off with a rifle long before they reach us.”
• Tessa [05:10]: “Assume that they're listening to everything we say...”
• Tessa [06:41]: “I have this thing with silence. It bothers me for some reason. I can't tell you why.”
• Rust [07:15]: “Where I come from, it's such a rare commodity. Like gold.”
• Tessa [09:10]: “It always seemed to upset you that the vault was empty and you had no one to protect.”
• Rust [09:19]: “A silent vault is not a failure, T. You created a sanctuary in that place...”
• Sienna [09:58]: “I think I heard something out there.”
• Tessa [10:28]: “They used a pulse charge on us.”
• Tessa [11:05]: “Their advantage over us now, but it's not going to be totally one sided.”
• Rust [16:39]: “No one ever accused me of being a good fighter, asshole.”
• Tessa [21:56]: “We can't go after him unless you have another wave skimmer stashed somewhere.”
• Rust [24:18]: “His fate now rests in the hands of the ocean.”
• Tessa [24:33]: “Guys, I can't thank you enough for what you've done.”
• Rust [25:24]: “I'll make sure I find some space to fit you in the back.”
• Tessa [28:33]: “As long as we keep our eyes ahead, see the obstacles before they get to us, and above all, keep moving forward. That will be enough.”
• Mark R. Healy [21:41]: “Season 12 is literally like three or four of those early seasons all thrown together with multiple characters and multiple points of view...”

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This episode of The Strata meticulously weaves action, strategy, and deep character exploration, presenting a compelling narrative of survival and solidarity in a fractured world. Through intense confrontations and reflective dialogues, the characters grapple with external threats and internal conflicts, ultimately reinforcing the strength found in unity and perseverance.

Transcript

[Mark R. Healey]

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[Edgar]

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[Rust]

To the interviewer he was convinced that.

[Tessa]

The thing out there wasn't a vault. Yeah, I know what he thought.

[Rust]

Dr. Edgars didn't think it was designed.

[Tessa]

To keep things out. I know what he thought was designed.

[Rust]

To keep something in.

[Idana]

Do you even understand the difficulty trying.

[Rust]

To keep a base like Fathom at.

[Tessa]

The bottom of the ocean from killing everyone in it on a daily basis? Oh my God.

[Rust]

Everyone hold on to something. I think whatever is on the other.

[Tessa]

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.

[Rust]

That's a bad sign.

[Tessa]

Get out of the do.

[Sienna]

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

[Rust]

Watch the world burn.

[Tessa]

Fathom. The first season of Derelict Listen, wherever.

[Coltrane]

You get your podcasts or learn [e-mail] youm're listening to the Strata a Beyond the dark production season 11 sanctuary part 11.

[Tessa]

Okay, Rust, Sienna, we don't have much time. We have to take stock and figure out the best way to defend our position.

[Rust]

When you say we don't have much time, can you be more specific?

[Tessa]

I can't say for sure, but probably less than an hour.

[Rust]

All right, tell us what you need, Tessa.

[Sienna]

What's the plan?

[Tessa]

Luckily, defense is my specialty. I've had to hold off more attacks than I can count over the years. So trust me when I say I have every confidence we can do this. They have to come to us. And luckily, this warehouse is perfectly positioned to fend off an assault.

[Rust]

How do you figure?

[Tessa]

We know there's only one road into this place. On the one hand, that means we can't slip past them and escape. What it also means is that Crichton and Idana will be limited to only one attack vector, funneled through that narrow channel to the west. That's good news for us because it means I should be able to pick them off with a rifle long before they reach us. But I'm going to need good lines of sight down that slope.

[Sienna]

We could set up some scan lights, maybe.

[Tessa]

That's exactly what I was hoping to do. Sienna, we'll need to scavenge whatever we can from the crawler, the wave skimmer, and anything else we have so we can provide some illumination both down the slope and here around the warehouse. With any luck, I can get off 20 or 30 rounds before they reach us. They're not going to survive that. I don't care how tough they are.

[Sienna]

Yeah, I should be able to round up some scanlights in no time.

[Tessa]

But I should tell you, I have reason to suspect that they may be equipped with pulse charges.

[Sienna]

Pulse charges? That means they could take out the lights.

[Tessa]

Yes. I'm hoping that if they intend to use the charges, I'll be able to pick them off before they can get close.

[Rust]

What if you can?

[Tessa]

Then we may have to engage them at close range. I have my custodian's blade with me, as always. What other weapons did you two bring?

[Rust]

Uh, I have a sledgehammer.

[Sienna]

And I've got nothing. Not a thing.

[Tessa]

That's it? One sledgehammer between the two of you?

[Sienna]

I didn't think it was going to be that kind of gig.

[Tessa]

All right, that'll have to do. Rust, is there any way to lock down this warehouse? Close up these doors, secure any other points of entry?

[Rust]

It looks like we can roll the door across the loading bay here and secure it, no problem. The front door still works, too. There's also a space at the eastern end where the outer wall has crumbled into the sea, but it leads right up to the edge of the cliff. I don't see how they could get in that way.

[Tessa]

Anything facing to the east? The seaward side should be fine. Once we've secured the building and set up scanlights, we can stick together at the western facing windows, make sure nothing gets past that way. Even if you don't have weapons, you'll still make useful lookouts.

[Sienna]

I think we can handle that.

[Tessa]

One thing to keep in mind is that we have to be careful using comms. Assume that they're listening to everything we say, so if we get separated for whatever reason, don't give away any sensitive information over the radio.

[Rust]

We'll keep things tight. Don't Worry about that.

[Tessa]

All right, then. I think that's it. Does everyone understand their role?

[Sienna]

Sure do.

[Rust]

I'm good.

[Tessa]

Once you're done with the preparations, meet me back here at the lookout position. That's where we'll wait for them to come.

[Sienna]

Okay, Tessa, the scan lights are in place. How's it looking down there?

[Tessa]

Fine. We've got good visibility all the way down to the bottom of the hill. As soon as anything moves down there, I'll turn it to buzzard meat.

[Rust]

Entrances are secure, too. We're locked up tight. Although if they're carrying firepower with any kind of decent kick, those doors aren't going to stop them.

[Tessa]

If my aim is true, they won't get that close. It shouldn't be a problem.

[Rust]

So now there's nothing left to do but wait, I guess.

[Tessa]

Seems like it.

[Sienna]

Are you all right, Tessa? H, I just saw you scowled. Did you hear something out there?

[Tessa]

No, I didn't hear a thing. That's what worries me.

[Rust]

What do you mean?

[Tessa]

I have this thing with silence. It bothers me for some reason. I can't tell you why.

[Rust]

Really evident know that no one knows.

[Tessa]

Not even Naughty or Coltrane.

[Sienna]

H, was this always a thing with you?

[Tessa]

Not always, no. But it's been around so long, I can barely remember what it was like before.

[Rust]

That's weird. Me, I love silence.

[Tessa]

You do?

[Rust]

For sure. Where I come from, it's such a rare commodity. Like gold. Probably because it's so hard to find.

[Tessa]

I've heard the strata never sleeps.

[Rust]

Damn right. In fact, there was only one spot I ever managed to escape the noise. Consistently. South Dakota. An old underground transit route. It was so out of the way that most people had forgotten that it even existed. But I knew it was there. And some days I travel the extra distance just to take it. More often than not, if I managed to find the sweet spot right in the middle, I could shut the van off and just sit there, soak up the peace and quiet. He never lasted. Of course. Sooner or later, a freighter would rumble overhead or a siren would blast its way down to me. But while it lasted, the silence was a thing of beauty.

[Tessa]

Huh. It's strange that I try to avoid it and you go and seek it out.

[Rust]

Maybe it's just human nature to crave the things in our life that are in short supply. Who knows? Or maybe sitting there in that tunnel was the only chance I had to think straight. No distractions. No people. Sometimes I'd stay down there.

[Tessa]

Wait a second. Say that again.

[Rust]

I'd stay down there.

[Tessa]

No, before that. You said no people.

[Rust]

Yeah, that's right. What's the problem?

[Tessa]

Something just occurred to me when you said that no people. I wonder if that's it. Maybe it's not the silence that has bothered me all this time, but what it represents. The vault needs people in order to have a purpose. It's meant to be a home, a place of refuge for those who have nowhere else to go. Without people, it's just cold metal and bare corridors.

[Sienna]

It always seemed to upset you that the vault was empty and you had no one to protect. Do you think you were equating the side silence to, I don't know, failure on your part?

[Tessa]

Maybe I was, and I just didn't realize it.

[Rust]

A silent vault is not a failure, T. You created a sanctuary in that place. You kept all the bad out, kept it locked down and secure, so that when the time finally came, it was ready. That silence is a credit to you and those other custodians who served under you. You shouldn't ever have to be ashamed of it.

[Tessa]

I never thought of it that way.

[Rust]

How about this? Come for a short holiday in the strata, Listen to the endless transports rolling past and the train kids screaming at each other day and night. And by the end of two weeks, I guarantee you'll be craving that silence. There are times I.

[Sienna]

Hang on a second, Rust. I think I heard something out there.

[Tessa]

What was it?

[Sienna]

I don't know. It was faint. Some kind of clicking sound. Could have been my imagination.

[Rust]

I didn't see anything.

[Tessa]

Which direction was it coming from?

[Sienna]

Down the road. Right where we're looking.

[Tessa]

I've been watching it the whole time. If they're out there. What's that? It's a projectile weapon. Get down.

[Rust]

They're using God damn artillery on us.

[Sienna]

What happened? Everything's gone dark.

[Tessa]

They used a pulse charge on us.

[Rust]

I thought they had to get close to use it.

[Tessa]

They must have rigged up some kind of launching mechanism.

[Rust]

Well, I guess it worked, because I can't see a goddamn thing anymore.

[Sienna]

The bastards knocked out every single one of our scanlights without so much as showing their faces on that road.

[Rust]

But those two are in the same boat as us now, aren't they? They must be as blind as we are.

[Tessa]

The goddamn goggles.

[Rust]

You say something, Tessa?

[Tessa]

Crichton and Edana. They may be equipped with low light gear. Special optics used in the mines in the Western Reaches to help them see in the dark.

[Rust]

You're shitting me. That means we're sitting ducks over here.

[Tessa]

Don't panic. We can figure this out first. Get back from the windows. They could be using long range scopes on us and we don't want to give away our position.

[Sienna]

All right, what's the plan?

[Tessa]

They have an advantage over us now, but it's not going to be totally one sided. We still have the defensive position. They'll be coming to us. That gives us a few minutes to adjust to the low light.

[Sienna]

You think it's pitch black around here?

[Tessa]

Maybe in the strata with all those lights. You're not used to this kind of darkness. But I've run plenty of ops. In the dead of night out in the wasteland. We still have the light of the moon and the stars. Your eyes will adjust.

[Rust]

Do you think you can still pick them off with a rifle?

[Tessa]

They have the advantage over distance now. If we stick our heads out, they'll get blown off. So our best bet is to let them come close and engage hand to hand. It's a good thing I still have my blade.

[Sienna]

What do you want us to do?

[Tessa]

Without those scanlights, there's a chance they could get in behind us. Now, I want both of you to head to the eastern end of the warehouse and make sure they don't come in that way. If you see anyone, let me know.

[Rust]

What if they both come through the front here? You'll be outnumbered.

[Tessa]

I can handle both of them if I have to. We can't just leave you, T. Someone needs to guard out back. I'm sorry, but there's no other way.

[Rust]

Come on. Sienna. She's right. Let's go.

[Sienna]

All right, but call if you need us.

[Tessa]

Everything's going to be okay. Trust me. I'll see you again soon. Ash and steel.

[Sienna]

Careful, Russ. I think you're getting close to the edge. You don't want to fall off that cliff.

[Rust]

Hey, Tessa was right. My eyes are starting to adjust. Look out there. You can see light gleaming off the water.

[Sienna]

Yeah, that's beautiful, Rust. How about we just keep our minds on the job?

[Rust]

Don't worry, I've got my sledgehammer.

[Sienna]

If they're ready, we should be out the front with Tessa.

[Rust]

She was right. Sienna. We have to cover the entrances.

[Sienna]

The first second we hear anything, I'm heading right back.

[Rust]

And I'll be right behind you. Until then, we stay put.

[Sienna]

I don't like it. I.

[Tessa]

Rust.

[Sienna]

I told you to stay away from the edge, pal. Come here. Take my hand.

[Rust]

I'm not standing at the edge.

[Tessa]

Oh.

[Rust]

Sienna. Get away from her, you.

[Crichton]

Huh? I didn't come for her, Crichton.

[Rust]

Don't take Another step?

[Crichton]

Who's gonna stop me, Rust? You?

[Rust]

You better believe it.

[Crichton]

And by all means, try stepping in my way. Let's see what you can do.

[Tessa]

Yeah, I can hear you coming. That's it. A few more steps. Just a little closer. It's you, isn't it, Tessa?

[Idana]

It looks like you've got the jump on me. I thought you'd be in retreat by now.

[Tessa]

Retreat? From you? Never.

[Idana]

Strong words. Let's see if you can back it up.

[Tessa]

Go on, pick up your rifle.

[Idana]

I think that would be a tactical error on my part. How about this instead? This blade was forged in the Western reaches. It's been infused with pure amber. And that means it gashes metal and flesh alike. So don't think that iron body will protect you.

[Tessa]

A fancy blade, huh? You have to hit me with it first.

[Idana]

You are slow, Custodian. Well past your prime.

[Tessa]

An old slow Custodian is still more than a match for you, Eterna.

[Idana]

Don't flatter yourself. I've killed your kind before without even breaking a sweat.

[Tessa]

You? Don't make me laugh.

[Idana]

Oh, yes. I killed one recently, in fact. You may have heard of him. I believe his name was Powell.

[Tessa]

What?

[Idana]

Crichton and myself led the assault on your companions, Powell and Nardi, while they were crossing the plains. Caught them by surprise in an ambush. They managed to escape by pure chance. Recklessly drove over a steep incline where we couldn't follow. But before they did, I managed to throw a tox bomb into the passenger compartment of their crawler. It was a damn good shot, if I do say so myself. Hit your friend Powell, flush right in his ugly head. He must have been soaking in that poison for hours. I bet he suffered before the end, didn't he? I bet he was in agony. I knew you'd enjoy that story. Come, let me tell you more.

[Crichton]

You pathetic thief. Rust, even with those replacement parts, you still can't fight.

[Rust]

No one ever accused me of being a good fighter, asshole.

[Crichton]

Put the weapon down and walk away. If you do that, I'll let you live.

[Rust]

I'd much rather put this sledgehammer right through that trash talking mouth of yours. If that's okay with you.

[Crichton]

This isn't your fight.

[Rust]

Yeah, apparently it is.

[Crichton]

So you're willing to die for these custodians?

[Rust]

They do the same for me.

[Crichton]

Maybe once you're dead, I'll pick over that corpse of yours and take a few souvenirs. Maybe I can make a few upgrades.

[Nardi]

How do you feel about that?

[Rust]

Why didn't you stop talking about it? And just go ahead and do it. Come on, asshole. Come at me.

[Crichton]

Have it your way.

[Tessa]

What happened to you and Crichton down in those mines? You, Donna. How did you both become so twisted?

[Idana]

Twisted? No, we're not twisted. We just see things clearly now.

[Tessa]

If you'd come to us with good intentions, we could have helped you. We could have worked together.

[Idana]

You're naive if you believe that. Tessa. I told you before, the world doesn't work that way. The more you take, the stronger you become. And the strong crush the weak.

[Tessa]

You're wrong. It's only togetherness that gives us strength. Sienna and Rust. Coltrane and naughty Powell. I feel them with me even now. They make me stronger than you'll ever be.

[Idana]

My blight.

[Tessa]

It's over.

[Idana]

I thought I'd mastered it, but the darkness. It comes to us all in the end. No matter how far we run.

[Tessa]

That's the problem, Idana. The path you and Crichton chose, it only led you deeper into the night. You never really left the darkness behind at all. I hope the spirits of fortune find you and guide you true in the next life. It seems they've abandoned you in this one.

[Crichton]

You're not doing a very good job of the defending yourself, Rust.

[Rust]

Maybe if I could see a little better, I might have a fighting chance.

[Crichton]

Life isn't fair. You can only make do with what you've got.

[Rust]

What I've got, huh? Well, how about some of this? Ah, you piece of yield.

[Crichton]

No.

[Rust]

No chance. Hey, look at that. Your post charge wore off. The lights are back.

[Crichton]

They won't save you. Yield now or die.

[Rust]

I'm just getting started here.

[Crichton]

And the choice is made. Stand right there. Rust. I'm going to.

[Tessa]

Rust, get down.

[Crichton]

You think that's enough to stop me? I.

[Tessa]

Rust, are you okay?

[Rust]

I'll survive. Might need a bit of a patch up job, but that's nothing new.

[Tessa]

Here, give me your hand.

[Rust]

Ah, yeah, thanks. Where's. Where's the other one? Idana?

[Tessa]

Taken care of already.

[Rust]

Both down.

[Tessa]

Yeah, we're in the clear.

[Rust]

Sienna, where are you?

[Tessa]

What happened?

[Rust]

That bastard Crichton gave her a sucker punch. She fell over this way somewhere. I lost sight of her in the dark.

[Sienna]

Over here, pal. Damn, my jaw feels like it's about to fall off.

[Rust]

You all right?

[Sienna]

I think so. Help me up, will you? What happened? I heard a commotion, but both of.

[Tessa]

The targets are down. We're safe.

[Sienna]

Where are they?

[Tessa]

Idana is back at the entrance. She's been neutralized.

[Rust]

And Crichton got popped right here on the edge of the cliff. Took four or five rounds right in the chest.

[Sienna]

He fell onto the rocks.

[Rust]

Yeah. Hell of a long way down.

[Tessa]

We should head down there, verify the kill.

[Rust]

Right. Why didn't you stay here, C? Take it easy.

[Sienna]

Not a chance. I'm coming with you. It's bad enough I missed the first fight. If I miss the second, I'll never forgive myself.

[Tessa]

Something tells me there's not going to be a second fight.

[Mark R. Healey]

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[Tessa]

Watch your step. These rocks are slippery.

[Sienna]

Yeah, I grazed my knee earlier when we crossed with the conveyor. Hurt like hell.

[Rust]

Shouldn't we be able to see the body by now? I thought it was just over here.

[Tessa]

You're right. He's gone.

[Sienna]

What? How? I thought the guy pancaked.

[Rust]

Maybe he's tougher than we gave him credit for.

[Tessa]

Get behind me. We're going to need to conduct a systematic search. All along the waterfront. Here. Maybe back up the slope, too.

[Rust]

There's a trail or something over here. Blood or some other fluid. Maybe it leads over toward the water.

[Sienna]

Guys, you can stop looking. I found him.

[Tessa]

Where is he?

[Sienna]

Look out there. In the ocean. See it?

[Tessa]

The wave skimmer.

[Rust]

The engine's off.

[Tessa]

Looks like it's just drifting.

[Rust]

I see the skimmer, but I don't see him. It could be a trick.

[Sienna]

No, he's there. Slumped over toward the bow. See? Not that I can make out much in this light, but I'd say he's in pretty bad shape. Looks like he barely managed to crawl on board.

[Rust]

What should we do?

[Tessa]

Well, we can't go after him unless you have another wave skimmer stashed somewhere.

[Rust]

No such luck then.

[Tessa]

There's nothing we can do. His fate now rests in the hands of the ocean.

[Rust]

I guess the bastard stole our ride. And you know what else? I'm gonna lose my deposit on the goddamn rental, too.

[Sienna]

Yeah, I think we can cover that, pal. No big deal.

[Tessa]

Guys, I. I can't thank you enough for what you've done. You risked so much for the custodians and everyone in the vault. We can't ever repay you for this.

[Sienna]

It was really no problem.

[Tessa]

I don't believe that for a second.

[Sienna]

There was no way we were going to stand by and watch you lose your home. Not after everything you've been through over the years.

[Rust]

Hey, that reminds me. We need to pick up some more of those construction drones so we can get your workshop finished. See? You pushed everything aside so you can help other people. It's time to concentrate on your home now.

[Sienna]

I guess so. To be honest, I can't wait to see it finished and move in.

[Tessa]

It's going to be awesome. I'd love to assist you in any way I can, but there's probably nothing I can do, is there?

[Rust]

Actually, I just thought of something.

[Tessa]

Name it, my friend.

[Rust]

Well, it's a hell of a long walk back to the strata from here. I was wondering if maybe.

[Tessa]

Of course. Tell you what. Help me load the core onto the crawler, and I'll make sure I find some space to fit you in the back. And then, well, I'll take you anywhere you want to go.

[Train]

A cool train. Good news.

[Nardi]

What is it, Nadi?

[Train]

Here, check it out. I've made some updates to the comm system.

[Nardi]

Oh, yeah? Like what?

[Train]

I've patched up the flaw where others could eavesdrop on private conversations. I know it doesn't look too different on the outside, but under the hood, there's a whole bunch of changes. Now, each device is going to have its own set of encryption keys and.

[Nardi]

Okay, okay, you don't have to drown me in the technical stuff. If you say you fixed it, I believe you.

[Tessa]

Yeah.

[Train]

Sorry.

[Nardi]

You look like you got a little extra spring in your step this morning. Naughty. What's your secret?

[Train]

Just feeling energized, I guess. Ever since Tessa called and told us the news last night, I. Hey. What are you doing here?

[Rust]

Oh, me?

[Nardi]

Just fixing up a bunch of these pods, like you asked.

[Train]

Yeah, but that configuration looks odd.

[Nardi]

I know I probably did it wrong.

[Train]

But can you explain it to me?

[Nardi]

Well, I started to align these ones here, like you suggested, but when it came time to turn them on, there was one on the bottom that kept blinking off like it was unstable. So I messed around and reordered things a little, trying to get it to work. I'm sorry if I screwed something up.

[Train]

No, this is great. The way you've rerouted this cluster makes a lot of sense. I wish I thought of it myself.

[Nardi]

Are you shitting me right now, Noddy?

[Train]

No, train I mean it. This is good work. Who knows? There might be hope for you yet.

[Nardi]

So what you're saying is I'm some kind of genius now?

[Train]

Hey, let's pump the brakes on this crawler before it rolls off into a chasm and explodes, huh?

[Nardi]

Oh, I got plenty of other ideas.

[Train]

Why don't you call Tessa? I'm sure she'd love to hear from you.

[Nardi]

Didn't you just call her like a couple hours ago?

[Train]

Yeah, but she should almost be here by now. Why don't you see where she's at?

[Nardi]

Well, sure, I can do that. Maybe I'll take a look at this comms thingy. See if I can make some improvements while I'm at it. What do you say? Naughty.

[Tessa]

I get out of the crawler and take a look around. Immediately I recognize the familiar hills and undulations of home territory. I'm close. The vault is only a few minutes drive away. Nadi and Coltrane are waiting. And assuming everything is fine with the Corps. I'm sure we'll take a moment to celebrate together amongst ourselves when everything is in place. As for the others in the vault, the ones we've sworn to protect. Well, I suppose they'll never know how close we came to disaster. After this whole ordeal, it would be nice to believe that there will be nothing but smooth roads ahead of us. But I know that's too good to be true. The challenges will keep coming at us. We'll win some and probably lose some too. But as long as we keep our eyes ahead, see the obstacles before they get to us, and above all, keep moving forward. That will be enough. Coltrane? Is that you?

[Nardi]

T? How's it going?

[Tessa]

Everything's fine here. How about you?

[Nardi]

Running like a well oiled machine as always.

[Tessa]

You kept the place in good condition while I've been gone.

[Nardi]

I hope it's still in one piece.

[Tessa]

Can't ask for more than that.

[Nardi]

Where are you, T?

[Tessa]

Only a few minutes out. I wanted to stop and check the mounting bracket on the crawler one last time. I'd hate to get this close and have the core bounce off the back of the crawler and smash into a thousand pieces.

[Nardi]

Damn. You're that close.

[Tessa]

Yeah. I could almost see the vault from here if it weren't covered in sand and ash.

[Nardi]

Find any trouble on your way back?

[Tessa]

None. I saw the smoke on the horizon coming from the direction of Morton's enclave. Looks like Crichton and Idana were telling the truth.

[Nardi]

The bastard's dead. I can barely believe it.

[Tessa]

It's huge. For the region train. With Morton gone, I have every hope of opening up more trade routes again. There's no telling what this could lead to now.

[Nardi]

Fingers crossed. Let's just hope some other bastard doesn't step in to take his place.

[Tessa]

Let them try. We handled Morton. We can handle anyone following in his footsteps, too.

[Nardi]

Damn right.

[Tessa]

Well, I should keep moving. We can talk more later. I just need one more thing from you, if that's okay.

[Nardi]

Name it.

[Tessa]

T. Get ready to open that outer hatch for me, old friend. I'll see you at home.

[Coltrane]

You've been listening to the Strata and this marks the end of season 11 sanctuary. I had a lot of fun producing this season and I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks as always to my amazing cast for their efforts during production of this story. It was a pretty long and complex season, and there were some challenging moments for many of our favourite characters, but I thought the entire cast really rose to the occasion. From the top, we have Emma Sher Jaco as Tessa Jason Chirai as Rust, Michelle Mosley as Sienna, Brian Jeffords as Coltrane, Peter Wicks as Morton, Paul Warren as Crichton, Chloe Elmore as Idana, Corey Kohler as Nardi, Rebecca Tamwin as Olga, Jimmy Yamaguchi as Valdis, Max Hertzfeld as Shepard, Eric Wilmot as Hargraves and Philip Kreinhoff as Niche as you may have figured out over the last few years, the Strata machine never stops. And here in my studio, I've been busy cranking out more stories. I'm currently working on season 12, and this one is probably the longest and most complex story I've ever attempted to make. Remember those early seasons of the Strata that were four or five or six episodes long, focusing on just one main character? Yeah, those seem like a pretty distant memory now. Season 12 is literally like three or four of those early seasons all thrown together with multiple characters and multiple point of views and all those individual stories all tied together thematically. Of course, as seasons get longer and more complex, they also get significantly more expensive to make. The Strata is completely financed by me, Mark R. Healey. All of the expenses come out of my own pocket. If you'd like to give me a hand and help me deal with the financial side of things, head over to patreon.com BeyondTheDark and for just a few bucks a month, you can help to keep the lights on. If you enjoy spending time in this universe and you want to hear more from these characters who have been around for 11 seasons now, please consider lending a hand that's it for now. Season 12 is hopefully not too far away. Until then, this is Mark R. Healey signing off for The Strata Season 11.

[Mark R. Healey]

The fable and folly network where fiction producers flourish.

[Tessa]

What's this all about? What about nightmares?

[Sienna]

You promised they can't tear out your soul anymore.

[Tessa]

Stupid.

[Idana]

The rot.

[Sienna]

Ominous Thrill A full cast anthology of.

[Tessa]

Horror thrillers and suspense.

[Mark R. Healey]

I've done horrible things.

[Sienna]

Tell them what you did.

[Idana]

I didn't do anything.

[Rust]

To me?

[Tessa]

No Character driven tales of obsession.

[Rust]

I'm no psych.

[Idana]

Banging on my door and streaming it on the Internet.

[Tessa]

Revenge.

[Sienna]

Don't mind if I sit here and watch lights go out, do you?

[Nardi]

The unexplained.

[Idana]

Don't leave me out here.

[Tessa]

We can't help her.

[Idana]

We're leaving.

[Tessa]

I need the light. You want me to fall down the stairs? No, I want to push you.

[Idana]

I love you so much.

[Sienna]

Ominous Thrill Available now on Spotify, Apple.

[Tessa]

Podcast broadcasts Amazon music in everywhere.