Episode 11.4 - Sanctuary - Part 4

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Strata – Episode 11.4 "Sanctuary – Part 4"

Introduction

In Episode 11.4 of The Strata titled "Sanctuary – Part 4," host Mark R. Healy continues to immerse listeners in the gritty, dystopian world where survival hinges on uneasy alliances and constant vigilance. This episode delves deeper into the struggles of Emma Shurzhako and her team as they navigate threats both external and internal, striving to secure a crucial power core while managing tensions within their community.

---

1. The Search for the Power Core

Emma Shurzhako is at the forefront of the episode, meticulously planning the retrieval of a power core hidden within Valdis Mansion. Her determination is evident as she discusses her strategy with Peter Wicks.

• Emma Shurzhako: "I've been racking my brain about how we're going to locate the power core that Valdis is hiding in his mansion. I've got a few ideas, but hang on a second." ([01:04])

Emma reveals that she detected the core's energy signature inside Valdas Gallery using a sophisticated detector. However, Peter remains skeptical about the core's exact location and the reliability of an old delivery record.

• Peter Wicks: "What if the core is in a nearby house or something?" ([01:40])

The discussion highlights the uncertainty and the age of the records, with Emma confidently countering the potential discrepancies.

• Emma Shurzhako: "The old delivery record I found showed the core was addressed to Valdis Mansion." ([01:46])

Despite Peter's doubts, Emma is resolute in her plan to enhance her detector's sensitivity, aiming to pinpoint the core's location definitively.

• Emma Shurzhako: "I'm going to beef up this detector of mine, make it even more sensitive to the power core energy signature." ([02:38])

---

2. Encounter with Surveillance

As Emma and Peter prepare for their mission, they notice a suspicious black sedan trailing them. Peter's experience as a courier becomes crucial as he decides to confront the potential threat.

• Peter Wicks: "I'll go and introduce myself to our new friend." ([04:16])

The confrontation leads to an altercation with Paul Warren, referred to as "Naughty," who threatens Peter.

• Paul Warren: "Run, asshole. I'm onto you, Russ." ([04:40])

Although the immediate threat dissipates, Emma and Peter remain cautious, recognizing the ongoing dangers in their environment.

---

3. Developments at the Vault

Simultaneously, inside the vault, Jason Juroi communicates with Paul Warren and Brian Jeffords about managing the core's energy consumption. They have successfully optimized power usage by consolidating living quarters, extending the core's viability by an estimated 30%, translating to about a week’s additional survival time.

• Brian Jeffords: "We've managed to squeeze a little more life out of the core... that'll buy us a few more days." ([07:12])

However, tensions rise when the outer hatch alarm is triggered without any external intrusion, suggesting an internal breach. Paul investigates and discovers footprints leading away, implicating troublemakers Edana and Crichton.

• Paul Warren: "The missing people didn't come from the living quarters... It's those two troublemakers, Edana and Crichton." ([21:25])

This revelation alarms the team, emphasizing the fragile security within the vault and the persistent threat posed by dissenters.

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4. Arrival at Plainview Outpost

Jason arrives at Plainview Outpost, where he reconnects with Chloe Elmore. Their conversation reveals the dire state of Plainview, marked by dwindling resources and decreased trader activity. Chloe proposes integrating her skilled community into the vault to bolster strength, but Jason hesitates, citing the vault's current instability.

• Chloe Elmore: "Do you see a future where there might be a place for us inside the vault? With you?" ([19:14])

• Jason Juroi: "I just... need a little time." ([20:31])

This interaction underscores the ongoing struggle to balance security with the necessity of alliances in a post-apocalyptic world.

---

5. Emotional Undercurrents and Loss

The episode poignantly touches on themes of loss and resilience. Chloe shares the recent death of Pete and Jason mourns the loss of Powell, victims of Morton's relentless aggression.

• Chloe Elmore: "He'd been fading for a while now... But." ([16:35])

• Jason Juroi: "I lost Powell not so long ago, too." ([17:34])

These moments add emotional depth, highlighting the personal costs of survival and the persistent threat posed by antagonistic forces.

---

6. Security Breaches and Future Threats

As the episode progresses, the vault faces further security compromises with forced openings of holding cells. Paul's investigation reveals that Edana and Crichton are likely responsible for these breaches, amplifying fears of ongoing internal conflict.

• Paul Warren: "Those two troublemakers, Edana and Crichton. They're on the loose." ([21:25])

Jason expresses concern over these developments, emphasizing the need for immediate action to secure the vault and prevent further breaches.

• Jason Juroi: "If we have a loophole in our security, we need to patch it up fast." ([22:14])

---

Conclusion

Episode 11.4 of The Strata masterfully intertwines plot advancement with character development, portraying a community grappling with resource scarcity, internal strife, and external threats. Through intense dialogues and critical events, the episode highlights the precarious balance between trust and suspicion necessary for survival in their dystopian reality. Emma's quest for the power core, the vault's energy management struggles, and the looming threats from troublemakers like Edana and Crichton set the stage for future conflicts and alliances, keeping listeners engaged and eager for the unfolding narrative.

Notable Quotes:

• Emma Shurzhako: "I'm going to beef up this detector of mine, make it even more sensitive to the power core energy signature." ([02:38])

• Peter Wicks: "Maybe I'm just not in a running mood right now." ([04:10])

• Chloe Elmore: "Is there a future where there might be a place for us inside the vault? With you?" ([19:14])

• Jason Juroi: "Our door has always been open to those with honest intentions. But right now, I couldn't welcome you with a clear conscience." ([20:33])

---

Final Thoughts

The Strata continues to deliver a compelling narrative filled with tension, ethical dilemmas, and the enduring human spirit amidst desolation. Episode 11.4 "Sanctuary – Part 4" exemplifies the series' strength in building a believable, immersive world where every decision can mean the difference between survival and downfall.

Transcript

[Emma Shurzhako]

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance.

[Jason Juroi]

Do you ever think about switching insurance companies to see if you could save some cash? Progressive makes it easy to see if you could save when you bundle your home and auto policies. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states.

[Michelle Mosley]

You're listening to the Strata.

[Brian Jeffords]

A.

[Michelle Mosley]

Beyond the Dark Production Season 11 Sanctuary Part 4.

[Peter Wicks]

What'S going on? C. You've gone awfully quiet.

[Emma Shurzhako]

Have I?

[Peter Wicks]

Yeah, and that's definitely not like you.

[Emma Shurzhako]

Yeah, yeah, I'm just trying to figure out a few things here.

[Peter Wicks]

What are you looking at on your phone?

[Emma Shurzhako]

I've been racking my brain about how we're going to locate the power core that Valdis is hiding in his mansion. I've got a few ideas, but hang on a second.

[Peter Wicks]

See. How do you know Valdis even has the core? Is he hasn't admitted anything yet.

[Emma Shurzhako]

I picked up a signal, remember? Inside Valdas Gallery. It showed the core was near.

[Peter Wicks]

I didn't see anything that even closely resembled what we were looking for in that gallery. What if the core is in a nearby house or something?

[Emma Shurzhako]

I'm not following.

[Peter Wicks]

Is it possible that the core is close to Valdis Mansion but not actually inside it?

[Emma Shurzhako]

That doesn't line up with the facts. The old delivery record I found showed the core was addressed to Valdis Mansion.

[Peter Wicks]

Isn't that record 13 years old?

[Emma Shurzhako]

Yeah, so what?

[Peter Wicks]

Okay, even if the record is correct, there's still a hundred reasons why the delivery might have ended up somewhere else.

[Emma Shurzhako]

Such as?

[Peter Wicks]

People put the wrong address on packages all the time.

[Jason Juroi]

Really?

[Emma Shurzhako]

I'm not sure that's a likely explanation.

[Peter Wicks]

Hey, you might not realize this, but I happen to have made a few deliveries in my time.

[Emma Shurzhako]

Oh, really, pal?

[Peter Wicks]

And if I had a cred for every botched street number I've had to deal with, I could buy one of those fancy Highgate City mansions myself.

[Emma Shurzhako]

Well, if I manage to put my plan into action, it's not going to matter where the core is located. I'll find it anyway.

[Peter Wicks]

What plan is this?

[Emma Shurzhako]

I'm going to beef up this detector of mine, make it even more sensitive to the power core energy signature.

[Peter Wicks]

How?

[Emma Shurzhako]

It's just a matter of swapping out a couple of components, adding a few sensors here and there. With a bit of fiddling, I think I can get it doing exactly what I need.

[Peter Wicks]

And then what?

[Emma Shurzhako]

I'll need to take a whole bunch of readings from the area surrounding Valdis Mansion. Maybe do a few laps in the van or Something. With the resulting data, we should be able to pinpoint the exact location of the core.

[Peter Wicks]

And once you pinpoint the location, what do we do then?

[Emma Shurzhako]

I'm not exactly sure. That might depend on where it is.

[Peter Wicks]

Okay, well, if you're really going through with this, let's do it. What components do you need to upgrade the detector?

[Emma Shurzhako]

That's what I'm looking into now. We might need to make a couple of stops to get everything. There are some traders I know who should be able to give us what we need.

[Peter Wicks]

Sounds like it's gonna be a fun day.

[Emma Shurzhako]

It shouldn't take too long. And remember, Russ, this is for a good cause.

[Peter Wicks]

I know. I don't mind helping. To be honest, right now I'm more concerned about how we're gonna shake this tail.

[Emma Shurzhako]

Shake what?

[Peter Wicks]

Black sedan, three cars back on the left. Check the mirror.

[Emma Shurzhako]

Someone's following us.

[Peter Wicks]

Yeah, been there for close to 10 blocks now.

[Emma Shurzhako]

I can barely even see it back there. How the hell did you notice?

[Peter Wicks]

See if I had a credit for every time I've been followed in this.

[Emma Shurzhako]

I know, I know. You could buy half the mansions in Highgate City.

[Peter Wicks]

You got it.

[Emma Shurzhako]

Well, who is it?

[Peter Wicks]

No idea. I can't see well enough at this distance. Could be anybody.

[Emma Shurzhako]

Should we try to lose them?

[Peter Wicks]

That was my original plan, but now I'm not so sure.

[Emma Shurzhako]

Why not?

[Peter Wicks]

Maybe I'm just not in a running mood right now.

[Emma Shurzhako]

Oh, that sounds ominous.

[Peter Wicks]

Leave this to me. You just keep looking for parts on your phone and I'll go and introduce myself to our new friend.

[Emma Shurzhako]

Introduce yourself? Russ, where are you going?

[Paul Warren]

Go around me, shithead.

[Peter Wicks]

Where are you? Ah, there you are, mister. Black sedan. That's it. Keep coming. Yeah, that's it.

[Paul Warren]

Run, asshole. I'm onto you, Russ.

[Emma Shurzhako]

What are you doing in the middle of the street?

[Peter Wicks]

You made her run for it. Goddamn chicken shit.

[Emma Shurzhako]

Did you get a look at him?

[Peter Wicks]

Just a silhouette. Not enough to tell who it was. Couldn't even get a good look at the plates.

[Emma Shurzhako]

Okay, well, he's gone now. How about we get back in the van? We still got a lot of work to do.

[Peter Wicks]

Yeah, okay.

[Emma Shurzhako]

Don't worry about it. We'll probably never see the guy again.

[Peter Wicks]

Wish I could believe.

[Paul Warren]

Hey, Naughty, I've got Tessa here on the long range comms.

[Brian Jeffords]

Oh, nice. Put her through.

[Paul Warren]

Tessa here with Naughty. You reading us?

[Jason Juroi]

Loud and clear. How are you two doing? Any trouble since I left the vault?

[Paul Warren]

Everything's under control. Table. Nadia and me, we run a tight ship.

[Jason Juroi]

Never doubted you for a second.

[Brian Jeffords]

How about You. Is the crawler holding up? After we made those modifications?

[Jason Juroi]

Smooth as silk. Naughty. In fact, I'm making better time than I thought. Those extra cores really helped to eat up the hills.

[Brian Jeffords]

Just make sure you keep a close eye on your energy reserves. You don't want to get carried away and burn too much juice.

[Jason Juroi]

Carried away? Me? No chance.

[Paul Warren]

So, any sign of activity out there?

[Jason Juroi]

What activity are you referring to?

[Paul Warren]

Come on, you know what I'm talking about.

[Jason Juroi]

Morton. No sign of him or his cronies. In fact, I haven't seen a single ash plume since I left the vault. If I didn't know any better, I'd say mine was the only crawler for a hundred clicks in every direction.

[Paul Warren]

Don't get complacent, T. Seriously, guys, stop worrying.

[Jason Juroi]

This isn't my first trip across the Deadlands.

[Brian Jeffords]

Personally, I don't know if it's a good sign that Morton has disappeared. That guy is always up to something.

[Jason Juroi]

Let him stick his head up. I'll gladly take the invitation to blow it clean off his shoulders.

[Paul Warren]

Just keep your rifle within arm's reach, huh?

[Jason Juroi]

Got it right here. Train? Locked and loaded.

[Brian Jeffords]

What are the conditions like out there? Any weather on the horizon that might slow you down or get in your way?

[Jason Juroi]

No maelstroms in sight. The Ashfall is pretty light, all things considered. I couldn't ask for better.

[Brian Jeffords]

How much further to Plainview?

[Jason Juroi]

It should be coming into sight anytime soon.

[Brian Jeffords]

That's good to hear.

[Jason Juroi]

Enough about me. What about you two? How are things going back at the vault?

[Paul Warren]

You're not going to believe this, but we've got some good news for a change.

[Jason Juroi]

You're shitting me.

[Paul Warren]

Nope. Not at all.

[Jason Juroi]

So, hit me.

[Brian Jeffords]

We've managed to squeeze a little more life out of the core, T. Or at least we think we have.

[Jason Juroi]

How'd you do that?

[Paul Warren]

Nadi had the idea of mapping out the current feed on a room by room basis. And as it turns out, we weren't handling things in a very efficient way.

[Brian Jeffords]

Right. We had a whole bunch of living quarters with only two or three occupants that were drawing power for light and heat, among other things. So we consolidated. By relocating the occupants into rooms with more people, we've been able to empty almost a third of the living spaces. That, in turn, has allowed us to shut down the redundant power feeds.

[Jason Juroi]

So what's the bottom line from that?

[Brian Jeffords]

We may be able to extend the core for another 30%. In its current condition. That may not add up to a whole lot, but it'll buy us a few more days. At least maybe as much as a week.

[Jason Juroi]

Oh, that's great to hear. Seriously. I mean it, guys. Great job.

[Brian Jeffords]

I just wish I thought of it sooner.

[Jason Juroi]

Better late than never. Naughty. How did the whole relocation thing go? Any complaints?

[Brian Jeffords]

Everything went fine. We explained the situation, and people moved, no questions asked.

[Paul Warren]

Smiles all around, far as I could see. You know, for the most part, we really have a decent bunch of people down here side from, you know, a couple of bad apples. It seems like the makings of a pretty great community. Good.

[Jason Juroi]

I'm glad to hear it.

[Brian Jeffords]

Oh, before I forget, I also have to tell you about the Grow Light situation. I've been taking apart some of those broken units, and if we can collect a few more spare parts, I think we.

[Peter Wicks]

The hell?

[Jason Juroi]

What's that I hear?

[Brian Jeffords]

It's the outer hatch alarm.

[Jason Juroi]

Someone opened the entrance to the vault.

[Paul Warren]

No, that can't be. We'd have heard someone forcing it from the outside.

[Brian Jeffords]

What if it was triggered from the inside?

[Paul Warren]

Nadi, go. Come on. Move it. Grab your rifle.

[Brian Jeffords]

What's the plan?

[Paul Warren]

I'll check the entrance. Make sure you get everyone back in their quarters. Secure the area.

[Brian Jeffords]

I'm on it.

[Paul Warren]

Hey, and stay on comms.

[Jason Juroi]

Coltrane, talk to me.

[Paul Warren]

We got it covered, T. Probably just a glitch or something.

[Jason Juroi]

A glitch? Come on.

[Paul Warren]

There's nothing you can do. Just keep driving. I'll call you back soon, okay?

[Jason Juroi]

Yeah, I. Yeah.

[Paul Warren]

Coltrane out.

[Jason Juroi]

Coltrane naughty. Status report. What's going on down there?

[Paul Warren]

Okay, I just finished inspecting the outer hatch. Looks like you were right, T. The mechanism has been triggered from the inside. But I'm not sure we need to be worried. There's no one up here.

[Jason Juroi]

Maybe someone already got inside.

[Paul Warren]

No way I'd have met him coming down the entrance ramp.

[Jason Juroi]

And there are none of Morton's crawlers waiting out there.

[Paul Warren]

There's nothing. Coast is clear. Whatever this was, it wasn't an invasion.

[Jason Juroi]

So someone went all the way up to the entrance and triggered the release. And then what? Vanished?

[Paul Warren]

Now, I can see some footprints leading away from the entrance out into the ash, but I can't tell you much more than that right now.

[Jason Juroi]

Someone left.

[Paul Warren]

Yeah, looks like it.

[Jason Juroi]

Why would they do that?

[Paul Warren]

Maybe they got sick of Nadi's cooking.

[Jason Juroi]

I need some answers, Train. Real answers.

[Paul Warren]

Yeah, I'm working on it.

[Jason Juroi]

Nadi, what about you? What have you found in the living quarters?

[Brian Jeffords]

I've just finished getting everyone back to their rooms. Initiated a lockdown. No one in or out.

[Jason Juroi]

Did anyone see anything? Does anyone know who might have Gone to the outer hatch.

[Brian Jeffords]

I haven't had time to look into that yet. Still just trying to calm everyone down. After that alarm went off, they all assumed we were under attack, so people are a bit jumpy.

[Paul Warren]

You need me to come down, Nutty?

[Brian Jeffords]

No. You make sure the outer hatch is secure, Coltrane. That's the most important thing.

[Paul Warren]

Yeah, all right. Once I've gone over the checklist and reset everything, I'll make my way down.

[Michelle Mosley]

Yep.

[Brian Jeffords]

I'll see you when you get here.

[Jason Juroi]

Are you sure everything's under control?

[Paul Warren]

We got it, T. No sweat.

[Jason Juroi]

All right. As long as you're sure. Guys, I've reached Plainview. I'm going to cut comms now. Give me a call if you find anything.

[Paul Warren]

Will do.

[Brian Jeffords]

Good luck.

[Paul Warren]

Till.

[Jason Juroi]

Ahead of me, the ramparts of Plainview Outpost rise up out of the earth, worn and blackened. A low wind sweeps across the dirt and tugs at my cloak, lifting ash and sand and tiny swirling eddies. And atop the watchtower, the highest point of the outpost, a flag flutters. Briefly. As the wind dies down, the flag goes limp and silence descends. Shit. The silence. It's following me, haunting me everywhere I go. A terrible thought crosses my mind, and I wonder, did I bring something here? Have I cursed Plainview somehow?

[Chloe Elmore]

You, then identify yourself. Pull back your cloak.

[Jason Juroi]

Olga, Is that you? Shit. It's Tessa.

[Chloe Elmore]

Stand down, people. Tommy, get the gate. Are you trying to give us a heart attack, T? Why the hell didn't you announce yourself?

[Jason Juroi]

Oh, I'm so sorry, Olga. There's an issue back at the vault, and I've been on comms with Coltrane and Nadi. It totally slipped my mind.

[Chloe Elmore]

Is everything okay?

[Jason Juroi]

Yeah. They've got it under control.

[Chloe Elmore]

Well, you're lucky we didn't start using you for target practice, sneaking up like that.

[Jason Juroi]

I'm sorry. That was stupid of me.

[Chloe Elmore]

Our bullets would probably just bounce right off that metal hide of yours. Right? Come here. It's good to see you, old friend. And you, Come on through to the lower caverns. I'll help you get settled.

[Jason Juroi]

Huh. You've made changes since I was last here.

[Chloe Elmore]

Sure, we've moved some things around here and there, but at its heart, it's still the same old plain view.

[Jason Juroi]

I always like the lower caverns here. So cozy.

[Chloe Elmore]

Really? If it were me, I'd rather have those big open spaces of the vaults to run around in.

[Jason Juroi]

It can get awfully lonely there.

[Chloe Elmore]

Not lately, though, right? Sounds like you've really got your hands full these days.

[Jason Juroi]

Yeah, you can say that again.

[Chloe Elmore]

What's the story with this issue you're having. Anything serious?

[Jason Juroi]

Just a small security matter. Nothing too major, I don't think.

[Chloe Elmore]

Anything to do with Morton?

[Jason Juroi]

No, not him.

[Chloe Elmore]

Well, that's a relief. I've got a pallet set up for you over there in the corner. I know it's not much, but.

[Jason Juroi]

It'll be fine. Thanks for this, Olga. I appreciate it.

[Chloe Elmore]

Don't mention it.

[Jason Juroi]

When do you think we'll be able to head out to the dome?

[Chloe Elmore]

It's too late tonight. I suggest you get a good night's sleep and head out at first light. I can take you there myself if you like.

[Jason Juroi]

Are you sure? I don't want to take you away from your duties here.

[Chloe Elmore]

It's no problem. Won't take long.

[Jason Juroi]

Great. Is Pete around? I haven't talked to him in ages. I was hoping to ask him about some of those grow lights. He. What's the matter, Olga? Is everything okay?

[Chloe Elmore]

Do you. Do you mind if we talk in private for a minute?

[Jason Juroi]

Yeah, of course.

[Chloe Elmore]

Here. Follow me. Yeah? About Pete, he. He didn't make it through last winter.

[Jason Juroi]

Oh, damn, Olga, I'm so sorry.

[Chloe Elmore]

Yeah. He'd been fading for a while now, and he was a tenacious bastard. Always insisted he'd be around forever. Told me he'd live to see the day that trees and grass cover the dead lands again. But.

[Jason Juroi]

He was a good man.

[Chloe Elmore]

The best. Anyway, life goes on. I've got an outpost to run, and I can't be sitting around feeling sorry for myself.

[Jason Juroi]

You have to take time to grieve, Olga. I lost Powell not so long ago, too.

[Chloe Elmore]

I heard. Morton, wasn't it?

[Jason Juroi]

Yeah. The bastard ambushed Powell and Nadi while they were making a crossing, hit him with tox bombs. It's a miracle that Noddy was able to get the two of them out of there and back to the vault. Even so, Powell absorbed a massive dose of poison, and that was that.

[Chloe Elmore]

Sorry to hear it, T. I hope you're coping okay.

[Jason Juroi]

I'll be all right.

[Chloe Elmore]

Yeah. Listen, I wanted to talk to you for a minute, away from the others, if that's okay.

[Jason Juroi]

Sure. What's on your mind?

[Chloe Elmore]

I know that during our conversations on comms, I painted a rosy picture of life here at Plainview, but that was because I had people listening over my shoulder. I didn't want to alarm them, but the truth is, I don't know how much longer we can hold on here. Every season, our crops struggle, the yield gets lower year on year. Basic supplies are dwindling, and there are fewer traders passing through Nowadays.

[Jason Juroi]

Maybe more will show up again now that Morton has gone into his shell.

[Chloe Elmore]

Haven't seen any evidence of it yet. If they did, it would make a real difference round here. But as it is, we're stretched to breaking point. Something's got to give.

[Jason Juroi]

How can I help?

[Chloe Elmore]

It's not easy for me to ask about this.

[Jason Juroi]

Just go ahead and ask.

[Chloe Elmore]

T. Do you see a future where there might be a place for us inside the vault? With you? We have a lot of skilled workers here. Everyone pulls their weight. I think we can make a real contribution to what you're doing over there.

[Jason Juroi]

I know you would, Olga. Your people would make wonderful additions to our community.

[Chloe Elmore]

But.

[Jason Juroi]

Lately, we haven't been faring much better than you. There's been a whole string of problems, one after the other. Infighting, equipment failures, and now the core. I just.

[Chloe Elmore]

There's no room for us.

[Jason Juroi]

It's not that we'd welcome you all to the vault, every last one of you. But right now, I can't offer you any guarantee of safety or security. And I don't want your people uprooting their lives and making the trek across the wasteland only to find things are no better at the vault.

[Chloe Elmore]

So you weren't kidding about your predicament. It's that bad?

[Jason Juroi]

If I can find a replacement core, that's going to make a huge difference. All of those other minor problems can be ironed out, too. I think I just need a little time.

[Chloe Elmore]

I understand.

[Jason Juroi]

I'm sorry, Olga. I never thought that I'd be in a situation where I'd have to turn people away from the vault. Our door has always been open to those with honest intentions. But right now, I couldn't welcome you with a clear conscience.

[Chloe Elmore]

Of course, T. But just promise me that when things improve for you, you. You'll think of us.

[Jason Juroi]

You're at the absolute top of my list, Olga.

[Chloe Elmore]

That's good to know. Anyway, enough of that. Why don't you take a few minutes to go freshen up after your journey? I'll help the cooks with dinner. And after that, we can all settle down around the fire and share some stories. How does that sound?

[Jason Juroi]

Sure, I'd like that.

[Chloe Elmore]

Can you find your way back to your bunk?

[Jason Juroi]

Yeah, no problem. Thank you, Olga.

[Chloe Elmore]

See you soon.

[Paul Warren]

Hey, T. You there, Coltrane?

[Jason Juroi]

What's news?

[Paul Warren]

I've secured the outer hatch again. We're all good there, but something else has come up.

[Jason Juroi]

God damn it. What is it now?

[Paul Warren]

I went back down to help Nadia organize things at the living quarters. We've been Doing a head count. And? Well, I think we found out who might have left the vault.

[Jason Juroi]

Who is it? Which room are they from?

[Paul Warren]

Well, that's the thing, T. The missing people didn't come from the living quarters. I was doing some checks over at the holding cells and it was a mess. Somehow a couple of the cells got forced open.

[Jason Juroi]

Forced open how?

[Paul Warren]

Well, we don't know exactly how yet, but.

[Jason Juroi]

Then we need to investigate. If we have a loophole in our security, we need to patch it up fast.

[Paul Warren]

Yeah, we're on it, T, but right now we're more concerned about something else.

[Jason Juroi]

And what's that?

[Paul Warren]

The ones who escaped. We think it's the same ones who triggered the outer hatch and left the vault. It's those two troublemakers, Edana and Crichton. They're on the loose.

[Jason Juroi]

Well, maybe there's a silver lining. We don't have to worry about them anymore.

[Paul Warren]

Yeah, I wish I could believe that, but call it a gut feeling. I don't think we've seen the last of them. Not by a long shot.

[Michelle Mosley]

This podcast is made possible by 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 Juroi, 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.

[Jason Juroi]

The.

[Emma Shurzhako]

Fable and Folly Network where fiction producers flourish. Every story is a ghost story. When we tell an anecdote or a funny thing that happened to us. When we talk about the way things used to be. When we desperately try to touch the things that have faded. Anytime we remember, we're talking about ghosts.

[Chloe Elmore]

And ghosts want something.

[Peter Wicks]

Palimpsest Created by Jameson Ridenauer and Hayley Heininger.

[Jason Juroi]

Embrace what haunts.