Episode 11.3 - Sanctuary - Part 3

Summary

Podcast Title: The Strata
Host/Author: Mark R. Healy
Episode: 11.3 - Sanctuary - Part 3
Release Date: August 13, 2024

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Introduction

In Episode 11.3 of The Strata titled "Sanctuary - Part 3," hosted by Mark R. Healy, listeners are immersed deeper into the dystopian world of Highgate City. This installment continues the gripping tale of Ava, an ageing courier, and Rust, her steadfast partner, as they navigate treacherous alliances and unravel critical threats to their survival. The episode skillfully balances intense character interactions with plot-driven suspense, culminating in a revelation that sets the stage for future conflicts.

Plot Summary

Ava and Rust’s Mission

The episode opens with Ava and Rust arriving in a picturesque yet foreboding area of Highgate City. Ava reveals troubling news from the Vault’s custodians—Tessa, Coltrane, and Nadi—regarding the imminent failure of the Vault's power source, a Faber Surge Model XX1. (01:01-02:23)

Ava: "There’s only a few weeks of juice left. If we can’t replace it, they might have to abandon the Vault."
(02:08)

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Ava embarks on a quest to locate a replacement power core. Her investigation leads her to a mansion owned by Mr. Valdis, a prominent art dealer, where she suspects the elusive power core is hidden. Despite Rust's skepticism, Ava devises a plan to infiltrate the mansion by posing as an art critic, leveraging her knowledge of Valdis's past to gain access. (02:44-07:06)

Rust: "You as an art critic? Shit. How could you have chosen something more plausible?"
(05:29)

Infiltration Attempt

Disguised as "Bruno," Rust accompanies Ava to Mr. Valdis's mansion. Ava's initial attempts to charm Valdis with her knowledge of art don’t go as planned. The tension escalates when Ava admits their true intent—to locate the missing power core.

Ava: "We didn’t come here to look at your collection. We're actually seeking a rare power core unit that we believe is located on your premises."
(16:45-22:00)

Valdis becomes hostile, forcing Ava and Rust to retreat, leaving them with more questions than answers about the power core's whereabouts. However, Ava’s detection device picks up the energy signature of the power core within the mansion, suggesting it is indeed present despite Valdis’s denials. (22:00-25:05)

Ava: "The detector picked up the energy signature right away. There's a power core nearby."
(24:19)

Parallel Plot with the Vault Custodians

Meanwhile, back at the Vault, Tessa and Coltrane engage in a conversation with Olga from Plainview. They discuss the dire situation with their own power core and the potential of sourcing a replacement from the old vaults, specifically referencing the abandoned dome near Plainview. Their determination underscores the broader struggle to maintain the Vault's sanctuary amid external threats from figures like Morton. (08:05-14:04)

Coltrane: "The power core we're talking about wouldn't really be worth anything to bandits. It's big and unwieldy and doesn't have any value on the market."
(11:02)

Character Development

Ava’s Resilience and Resourcefulness

Ava continues to exhibit unwavering determination to save the Vault, showcasing her ability to think on her feet and take significant risks. Her willingness to infiltrate Mr. Valdis’s mansion highlights her commitment, even when faced with potential failure.

Rust’s Skepticism and Loyalty

Rust serves as the voice of reason, often questioning Ava’s plans but ultimately standing by her side. His reluctance to embrace Ava’s tactics adds depth to his character, illustrating his protective nature over their mission and their workshop.

Tessa and Coltrane’s Leadership

The interactions between Tessa, Coltrane, and Olga reveal the collaborative efforts required to sustain the Vault. Their dialogue emphasizes the communal responsibility they feel towards their friends and the broader community within the Vault.

Key Scenes and Quotes

• Ava's Explanation of the Problem:
  "Apparently the one they have installed in the Vault is on its last legs. Like we're talking a few weeks of juice left if that."
  (01:23-02:23)

• Rust’s Doubt in Ava’s Plan:
  "You've got a replacement core lined up here in Highgate City, is that it?"
  (04:03-04:29)

• Ava’s Deception Strategy:
  "I'm using pseudonyms to protect our identities. You're Bruno, by the way."
  (16:33-16:38)

• Discovery of the Energy Signature:
  "I saw it with my own eyes. The signal was faint, but the needle definitely moved. There's a power core nearby."
  (24:19-24:33)

Conclusions and Cliffhanger

The episode concludes on a tense note as Ava and Rust retreat from Mr. Valdis's mansion empty-handed but with vital new information—the presence of a power core on the premises. This revelation not only validates their mission but also raises the stakes, hinting at deeper conspiracies and challenges ahead. The audience is left anticipating how Ava and Rust will navigate the newfound obstacle and what implications it holds for the survival of the Vault.

Rust: "You still believe it's here? And why is Valdes trying to hide it?"
(24:43-25:05)

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Final Thoughts

Episode 11.3 of The Strata masterfully intertwines character-driven narratives with high-stakes plot developments. Ava's relentless pursuit juxtaposed with Rust's cautious pragmatism creates a dynamic tension that propels the story forward. The introduction of Mr. Valdis as a potential adversary deepens the intrigue, setting the stage for future confrontations and alliances. Mark R. Healy continues to deliver a compelling dystopian saga that keeps listeners eagerly anticipating each new episode.

Transcript

[Narrator]

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. You chose to hit play on this podcast today. Smart choice. Make another smart choice with Auto Quote Explorer to compare rates from multiple car insurance companies all at once. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates not available in all states or situations. Prices vary based on how you buy.

[Podcast Announcer]

You're listening to 2 the Strata A Beyond the Dark production season 11 Sanctuary part 3.

[Ava]

Pull over, Rust. I think this is it.

[Rust]

Well, it's a beautiful part of Highgate City. See, but I'm still not 100% sure what the hell we're up to here.

[Ava]

Okay, let me go over it one.

[Rust]

More time and talk a bit slower, huh? Your mouth goes like a cargo freighter with no breaks once you get excited.

[Ava]

All right, I'll just. Okay, let's go back to the start. A few hours ago, I was on a call with the custodians from the Vault. Tessa, Coltrane and Nadi.

[Rust]

I know who the custodians are.

[Ava]

Right. So I wanted to tell them about all the new developments with the workshop and the land you got for me in Midtown. All of that stuff.

[Rust]

But you said they were in trouble somehow.

[Ava]

Yeah. Turns out those guys are having major issues with the core that powers the Vault. A Faber Surge Model XX1.

[Rust]

Never heard of it, but go on.

[Ava]

Apparently the one they have installed in the Vault is on its last legs. Like we're talking a few weeks of juice left if that. And this is a big deal for them, Rust. If they can't find a replacement, they might have to leave the vault.

[Rust]

With Morton's maniacs still running around the Deadlands? That doesn't sound safe.

[Ava]

No, we definitely don't want that to happen.

[Rust]

So how do the two of us come into this?

[Ava]

Well, Tessa and the guys are intending to start searching for replacement cores out in the Deadlands, but I'm guessing that's going to be a long shot, so I decided to see if I can help.

[Rust]

Right, so you've got a replacement core lined up here in Highgate City, is that it?

[Ava]

Um, not exactly. See, I started looking into that particular model and availability in the Strata is non existent. I mean, there are no listings anywhere.

[Rust]

You should have come to me first and asked. I could have told you that straight up. Faber's been out of business for years. There's no way you'll get one of those things off an assembly line.

[Ava]

I know that. I was more thinking that something might turn up on the secondhand market. Surely one of those units has been bought or sold somewhere. And if it had, I'd be able to find the transaction details.

[Rust]

And did you?

[Ava]

Well, first I tracked back through about five years of data. There were no records whatsoever. Then I did 10. Still nothing. In the end, I had to go back 13 years to find a record of one of these surge units changing hands. It was delivered to an address right here in Highgate City.

[Rust]

What good is a 13 year old transaction record?

[Ava]

Maybe whoever bought the unit still has it lying around. They might be willing to part with it for a fair price.

[Rust]

And how do you know the unit is still working? You're really clutching at straws here.

[Ava]

See, it's a long shot, I'll give you that, but it's the only one we've got.

[Rust]

Well, it can't hurt to look, I guess. What's the location? A warehouse or some kind of factory?

[Ava]

No, it's that mansion across the street.

[Rust]

He tracked the power core unit to a mansion.

[Ava]

This is the address. I triple checked it.

[Rust]

What the hell are they doing with it?

[Ava]

I don't know. The guy who lives here is some big shot art dealer.

[Rust]

An art dealer? See, this is nuts.

[Ava]

How come?

[Rust]

What's an art dealer doing with a surge unit big enough to power an entire goddamn vault, putting extra bright lights over his wall hangings?

[Ava]

I don't know. I haven't figured that part out yet.

[Rust]

Have you called about it at least and asked him?

[Ava]

I made some discreet inquiries on the grid, but the channel got shut down fast. Yeah, that made me suspicious. I think he's hiding something.

[Rust]

Maybe he just doesn't have time for crackpots.

[Ava]

Either way, we need to find out what's going on. This might be the only chance we have to get our hands on this core.

[Rust]

If this guy really is hiding something and you go up there asking about the surge unit, he's just going to turn you away at the door.

[Ava]

I know. That's why I have a plan.

[Rust]

Sneaking in the back door somehow?

[Ava]

No, I'm going to walk right inside and have a look around. And in fact, that bastard's going to give me a guided tour.

[Rust]

What have you been snorting? See, there's no way that's going to happen.

[Ava]

I have a plan, pal. I'm going to pose as an art critic. What are you laughing at?

[Rust]

You as an art critic? Shit. See, couldn't you have chosen something more plausible?

[Ava]

Well, the guy's an art dealer, Russ. That kind of narrows down my options.

[Rust]

Why not say it from a cleaning service or something?

[Ava]

This is my operation, Russ. Just let me run it. My Way.

[Rust]

Okay, okay, okay. Whatever you say.

[Ava]

Good.

[Rust]

What about me? Am I just going to sit here and wait?

[Ava]

No. I'm going to need your eyes in there while I'm distracting the dealer.

[Rust]

Sorry, but no one, and I mean no one, is going to buy that I'm an art critic.

[Ava]

I'm the critic. You're my bodyguard.

[Rust]

Bodyguard? Shit. This just gets better and better.

[Ava]

It's going to work, pal. Trust me. Just roll with it.

[Rust]

Well, yeah. A genius plan like this, how could it possibly fail?

[Ava]

You'll see. Let me work my magic and you'll be eating your words in no time.

[Rust]

Oh, I can't wait.

[Ava]

You ready?

[Rust]

Just one thing first. Are you sure you're okay with putting your workshop on the back foot for this? I mean, you waited so long to get things up and running again. We just started putting the pieces together. And now you're getting distracted.

[Ava]

This is important, Rust. The custodians need us. Our friends need us. And besides, things are humming along just fine over at the site. The assembly bots are hard at work doing their job. We don't need to be there right now.

[Rust]

As long as you're sure.

[Ava]

Yeah, I'm sure. But one thing first. Just let me check the calibration on this thing.

[Rust]

What's the gizmo?

[Ava]

This? Oh, it's just something I put together last night. Designed to pick up a certain energy signature.

[Rust]

Energy signature?

[Ava]

Yeah. During my research on the power core, the Faber Surge Model XX1, I learned that the unit puts out a certain frequency while it's operating. It's unique to this model.

[Rust]

So the gizmo will tell us if there's a functional power core nearby.

[Ava]

Well, I hope so, if we're close enough. I haven't had a chance to test it yet.

[Rust]

Now seems like as good a time as any.

[Ava]

Guess so. Okay, it's ready. I think we're set.

[Rust]

Alright then. In that case, let's go soak up some culture.

[Tessa]

Tessa, There you are. Found you.

[Coltrane]

Hey, Coltrane. I was just finishing up repairs to this filtration unit. What's going on?

[Tessa]

Good news. I finally managed to contact Plainview on the long range comms. Got him on the line right now.

[Coltrane]

Great. Who is it?

[Olga]

Tessa, it's good to hear your voice.

[Coltrane]

Olga, is that you?

[Olga]

None other.

[Coltrane]

Damn, it's been too long. How have you been?

[Olga]

Doing fine here. No complaints. We just finished repairs on the outer walls last week. Plainview has never been more secure.

[Coltrane]

How are the crops doing this year? You were having issues with your ag rooms last we spoke.

[Olga]

Not Perfect. But good enough. No one's gonna starve. Put it that way.

[Coltrane]

Great to hear.

[Olga]

Hey, sorry about taking a while to get this comms unit up and running. After your boys dropped it off, it somehow got misplaced. I totally forgot about it until I heard it chirping away under a stack of gear this morning.

[Coltrane]

I've gotta admit, I was worried for a while. Thought maybe Morton had gotten to you.

[Olga]

Morton? Nah. We've seen a few of his scouts from time to time, but they're keeping their distance. I get the distinct impression he's concentrating on defense for the time being. No reports of attacks from any of our neighboring enclaves either. You vaulters really taught that bastard a lesson.

[Coltrane]

Well, he had it coming. Damn straight.

[Olga]

So, what can I do for you, Tessa? Coltrane said you wanted to talk.

[Coltrane]

Yeah, we've got a bit of a situation here, Olga. Issues with our core. The unit's on its last legs and we need to come up with a solution fast.

[Olga]

Sounds like a real pickle tea. So how can we help?

[Coltrane]

We need a like for like replacement for the core. And we figured the best place to find one might be inside one of the old vaults. Remember those old vaults?

[Olga]

Shit. That's going back a long way, Tessa. Like years.

[Coltrane]

I know, but we're trying to investigate every possibility. Leave no stone unturned.

[Olga]

Yeah, okay.

[Coltrane]

There was a vault near Plainview back in the day, wasn't there? I remember you talking about it once.

[Olga]

Oh, you mean the dome. Yeah, I know it well.

[Coltrane]

The dome.

[Olga]

That's what they used to call it. Has a weird looking outer layer that sticks up out of the dirt. Like a half buried shell rat.

[Coltrane]

So you've seen it yourself?

[Olga]

Well, most of us have seen it at one time or another. We tell our people to steer clear of it, but some of the younger ones get curious from time to time and go exploring.

[Coltrane]

Is there much left of it?

[Olga]

Not much. The shell, obviously. But anything of value was stripped decades ago. Not long after it was abandoned.

[Coltrane]

No one's taken up residence there.

[Olga]

Every now and again there are bandits who take shelter inside. But no one stays long. There's something foul about the air down there. Not sure what it is, but sure keeps the bog flies away.

[Coltrane]

So if I was to go there, I probably wouldn't face any resistance.

[Olga]

Resistance? Unlikely, I'd say. But Tissa, do you really think you'll find what you're looking for in that place? I already told you. It's been stripped of valuables long ago.

[Coltrane]

The power core we're talking about wouldn't really be worth anything to bandits. It's big and unwieldy and doesn't have any value on the market. Besides, you really have to know how to get down to the access shaft so you can reach it. Then you have the job of pulling it out, which isn't easy, so I think there's a fair chance it'll still be there.

[Olga]

Want me to go take a look? I can be there within a couple of hours in a crawler.

[Coltrane]

Thanks, but I don't want to take you away from your duties at Plainview, Olga. Besides, assuming the core is there, I'm going to need to run a bunch of diagnostics to make sure it's still functioning. There's no point hauling it all the way back to the vault if it's already dead.

[Olga]

I'm happy to help in any way I can.

[Coltrane]

Great to hear that. Thanks again. Let me sort a few things out here and I'll be in touch.

[Olga]

Sure thing. Talk to you again soon, I hope.

[Tessa]

So, what's the plan? T?

[Coltrane]

Plan is to get to the dome and see what's there. If everything works out, this could solve all our problems.

[Tessa]

Should I get a crawler ready?

[Coltrane]

I'll do it. Leave it to me.

[Tessa]

You're gonna leave the vault? I'm not sure that's such a good idea. With things the way they are, you.

[Coltrane]

And Nadi are fully capable of running things while I'm gone.

[Tessa]

Well, yeah, but.

[Coltrane]

Coltrane. I'm responsible for this mess we're in. I need to be the one to fix it.

[Tessa]

You're not responsible, T. Gotta stop beating yourself up.

[Coltrane]

I'm not arguing about this train. I'm going. Okay, sure.

[Tessa]

Whatever you say.

[Coltrane]

I'll need to rig up a crawler with a heavy duty carrying rack to handle the weight. Plus take any tools I might need for the job.

[Tessa]

You think a standard crawler is going to bear the weight of one of those cores?

[Coltrane]

I doubt it. I'll have to fit it out with a few extra power units and maybe swap the tires.

[Tessa]

And hey, don't forget to take one of the long range comms units. That way you can stay in touch with everybody while you're crossing the plains.

[Coltrane]

Do we have enough radios?

[Tessa]

I put together another one last week for us to take to Flat Rock on our next trip. So we'll still have one for each of us. And for the time being, an extra as well.

[Coltrane]

Good. Those will come in handy.

[Tessa]

Come on, I'll help you get things ready. You'll be churning sand in no time.

[Rust]

Well, here we are, Ms. Art Critic, stuck outside a big ass gate. What now?

[Ava]

Let's see. Wait a sec while I try the intercom.

[Mr. Valdis]

Yes, what is it?

[Ava]

Oh, Mr. Valdis. I was hoping to have a word with you. If that's how are you.

[Mr. Valdis]

What do you want?

[Ava]

My name is Ava. I work on a grid cast called Living Art. And I'm currently doing a piece on the top 10 art collections in Highgate City. And yours.

[Mr. Valdis]

What a waste of time. I abhor the very concept.

[Ava]

Well, Living Art is one of the highest rated.

[Mr. Valdis]

Go away and stop wasting my time.

[Ava]

Okay, okay, I'll give it to you straight, Mr. Valdes. I came here for you.

[Mr. Valdis]

For me?

[Ava]

I'm sorry if I sound like I'm gushing, but you've always been a hero of mine, Mr. Valdes. I read about you during my studies. How you led the protests against the off world investors who were snatching up all our most treasured sculptures and paintings all those years ago. I mean, you were only in your 20s back then, but you accomplished so much. Much. In my opinion, you saved the strata from becoming a cultural wasteland single handedly. I can't think of a more important contribution in the entire history of Highgate City.

[Mr. Valdis]

You read about that, did you?

[Ava]

Multiple times, sir. I even memorized some of your speeches. Friends, we stand on a precipice here today.

[Mr. Valdis]

And should we fall, we shall consign ourselves to a bleak and joyless world from which there is no return.

[Ava]

Oh, to hear you say that is. Well, it's like a dream come true.

[Mr. Valdis]

It was one of my better ones.

[Ava]

My favorite.

[Mr. Valdis]

Well, alright then, I'll entertain this visit, but I can't offer you a great deal of time.

[Ava]

I'll be quick, I promise.

[Mr. Valdis]

Come up the path and meet me at the door, will you?

[Ava]

What did I tell you, pal? We're in. And to think you ever doubted my ability to charm anyone.

[Rust]

Okay, I stand corrected on that one. But who the hell is Ava?

[Ava]

I'm using pseudonyms to protect our identities. You're Bruno, by the way.

[Rust]

I'm what?

[Ava]

Bruno? That's your name?

[Rust]

Yeah. I don't think so.

[Ava]

Just go with it. It sounds artsy.

[Rust]

I am not Bruno. And by the way, how do you know so much about this Valdus character?

[Ava]

Because I did my research. Now put a cork in it. Bruno, we're almost at the door. Just let me do the talk.

[Mr. Valdis]

Ava, welcome. It's good to. Who's this?

[Ava]

This is my bodyguard, Bruno.

[Mr. Valdis]

I thought you were alone.

[Ava]

Actually, Bruno goes everywhere with me. He's pretty much my shadow.

[Mr. Valdis]

How appealing.

[Ava]

I know it all looks pretty unsophisticated, but I happen to carry some valuable pieces with me from time to time. And it's a great deterrent having a big dumb Neanderthal trailing around with me everywhere I go.

[Olga]

Ow.

[Rust]

Sorry, m'lady.

[Ava]

You need to watch your step there. Bruno, you big oaf. He's got huge feet. But don't worry, Mr. Valdis. He'll be careful around the collection. Yes, and it really is such an honor to meet you face to face like this. Everyone back at Living Art was just so damn jealous.

[Mr. Valdis]

Well, the pleasure is all mine, I suppose. Won't you come in?

[Olga]

Wow.

[Ava]

Look at this. It's incredible. How did you gather so many exquisite pieces in one place?

[Mr. Valdis]

What you see before you is the accumulation of many decades of hard work and dedication. And no shortage of skill, I might add. These works were not easy to come by, to say the least.

[Ava]

You are one of the most renowned dealers in Highgate City. Is everything we see here for sale?

[Mr. Valdis]

Not everything, no. There are certain pieces that I simply couldn't bear to let go. Those are part of my own collection and shown here for display purposes only.

[Ava]

If you had to put a price on it, how much would you say this collection is worth?

[Mr. Valdis]

I couldn't. There are some pieces here that are worth more than life itself. Take, for instance, this sculpture by Markov. Look at the way it flows like water, the way the curves intersect so perfectly.

[Ava]

I love it. I've never seen a real Markov in the flesh.

[Mr. Valdis]

You really can't appreciate the true beauty of a piece like this on a grit cast. No offense.

[Ava]

Oh, I agree with you, Mr. Valdis. For me, the grit cast is just a stepping stone to something better. One day, I hope to spend more time around real art, just like you do.

[Mr. Valdis]

Well, it's going to take a lot of dedication and hard work, Ava, of course.

[Ava]

But you've proven that it can be done, so that gives me hope.

[Mr. Valdis]

Indeed. And what do you think of this piece?

[Ava]

This one? Oh, yeah.

[Coltrane]

It's a beaut.

[Ava]

Yeah. To me, this represents the futility of humankind. Yeah, the futility of humankind juxtaposed with our need for order in a universe that's full of chaos.

[Mr. Valdis]

Wonderful. I feel much the same way.

[Rust]

Really? Because to me, it looks like someone took out a ruler and a red pen and drew a bunch of crooked lines all over the place.

[Ava]

Oh, Bruno, I wouldn't expect expect you to appreciate this. How about you just stick to the things you're Good at, like, looking mean and punching people in the face.

[Rust]

Well, I'll say one thing, this piece sure has a lot of power. Can't deny that power.

[Ava]

Yeah, that reminds me, Mr. Valvus, do you mind if I take some readings in here?

[Mr. Valdis]

Reading? What are you talking about? What's that thing?

[Ava]

Yeah, it's all part of understanding the holistic experience. Not just interpreting the way things look, but taking into account everything else that impacts the viewer. The temperature, humidity, the light, and the overall resonance of the space itself.

[Mr. Valdis]

Resonance?

[Ava]

Sure. Some of the latest studies I've been reading have shown that the resonance is critical to one's enjoyment of the art. And I'll bet you have some kickass resonance going on in here.

[Mr. Valdis]

Put that away right now.

[Ava]

Is there a problem, Mr. Valdis? There's nothing wrong with a little resonance testing, is there?

[Mr. Valdis]

Do you take me for an idiot?

[Ava]

No, of course not.

[Mr. Valdis]

There's no such thing as this resonance you're talking about.

[Ava]

It's a very new field of study. Cutting edge. If you'd like me to explain it.

[Mr. Valdis]

I don't know what you're playing at, but I want you out of here. Both of you.

[Rust]

Calm down, mister.

[Ava]

Okay, Mr. Valdes, I'll level with you. We didn't come here to look at your collection. We're actually seeking a rare power core unit that we believe is located on your premises.

[Mr. Valdis]

A power core?

[Ava]

Yeah, a big old thing that maybe you've got in storage somewhere and forgotten about. We have records that show it was delivered here more than 10 years ago.

[Mr. Valdis]

I've no idea about any power cores and this whole situation is outrageous.

[Ava]

You sure? We'd be happy to offer you a decent price for the unit.

[Mr. Valdis]

Get out. I mean it. Don't make me call my security team.

[Ava]

Alright, we're going. Sorry to upset you that way.

[Tessa]

Hurry up.

[Rust]

Hey, keep your grubby meats off.

[Ava]

Come on, Bruno, let's just get out of here.

[Mr. Valdis]

Get off my property and don't ever come back or you'll regret it.

[Rust]

Well, I think our cover's blown.

[Ava]

Yeah, I guess I might have stretched things a little too far. Making up that bullshit about resonance.

[Rust]

You think?

[Ava]

I had to come up with some excuse to bring out the detector.

[Rust]

Next time you might want to be a little more subtle. I could have created a distraction by, I don't know, pushing off one of those stupid statues or something.

[Ava]

Rust. Just one of those sculptures is worth more than what you make in a year.

[Rust]

Not much, in other words. And now we're back to square one. What a Waste of time.

[Ava]

What do you mean? That wasn't a waste of time.

[Rust]

We didn't get any info about the power core.

[Ava]

Of course we did. We got plenty of information.

[Rust]

How do you figure?

[Ava]

The detector did its job. Rust. It picked up the energy signature right away.

[Rust]

Seriously?

[Ava]

Yeah. I saw it with my own eyes. The signal was faint, but the needle definitely moved. There's a power core nearby.

[Rust]

Well, Valdes was adamant he didn't know anything about it. And I sure as hell didn't see one.

[Ava]

Nor did I. And that begs the question, where is it?

[Rust]

You still believe it's here?

[Ava]

Yeah, I do. And you know what's bugging me even more? Why the hell is Valdis trying to hide it?

[Podcast Announcer]

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 Turai, Michelle Mosley, Brian Jeffords, Peter Wicks, Paul Warren, Chloe Elmore, Corey Kohler, Rebecca Tamwin, Jimmy Yamaguchi, Max Hertzfeld, Eric Wilmot and Philip Krienhoff. Created by Mark R. Healy. A Beyond the Dark production.

[Narrator]

The Fable and folly network where fiction producers flourish.

[Podcast Host]

When Kilner accepted the job of smuggling escaped heiress Samantha Trapp across the galaxy, she expected the job to be over and done with quickly. But now they're stuck with each other, and they have a job to do.

[Ava]

Think of Automnicon as a sort of student loan company.

[Coltrane]

You take a loan from them, and.

[Ava]

Then they own you until you've paid.

[Coltrane]

It off with interest.

[Olga]

So all I have to do is.

[Ava]

Pay off my debt? Fine. I can do that. How much do I owe?

[Rust]

900,027 credits and counting.

[Ava]

You're stuck here with me to work it off.

[Podcast Host]

We Fix Space Junk is a sci fi sitcom from Battlebird Productions featuring traveling by cryo.

[Ava]

Don't worry if you feel like you're drowning, that's perfectly normal. Wait, what?

[Podcast Host]

Aliens from across the galaxy.

[Mr. Valdis]

Greetings, visitors.

[Rust]

Snap Popcorn.

[Ava]

Hello, your excellency.

[Podcast Host]

AI's dad.

[Tessa]

How do I do air?

[Rust]

You're already doing it automatically.

[Ava]

Calm down.

[Podcast Host]

And of course, thrilling and exciting missions in outer space. Hello, valued employees. Here are the details for your next exciting mission. You will be repairing a device redacted in or at the location. Redacted We Fix Space Junk is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, or wherever else. You get your podcasts, subscribe, consume, integrate, indoctrinate, assimilate, degenerate, and watch your body decay into a faceless husk as your mind floats aimlessly in space. Register your interest with Automicon now.