Episode 11.5 - Sanctuary - Part 5

Summary

The Strata: Episode 11.5 - Sanctuary - Part 5 Summary

Release Date: September 10, 2024
Host: Mark R. Healy

---

Introduction

In the gripping fifth installment of "Sanctuary," Episode 11.5 delves deeper into the treacherous underbelly of the dystopian city that serves as the backdrop for our protagonist's perilous journey. As alliances are tested and new threats emerge, the ageing courier Rust finds himself entangled in a web of deceit, violence, and survival.

Negotiations and Tensions Between Rust and Rusty

The episode opens with Rust and his associate Rusty finalizing a crucial deal. Their conversation reveals the strained dynamics between them and sets the stage for the challenges ahead.

• [01:03] Rust: "Hey, it's about time. I thought you were never gonna finish up in there."
• [02:16] Rusty: "I've never worn a handbag in my life."

Rust expresses skepticism about Rusty's endgame in their current venture, highlighting underlying mistrust.

The Threat of Hargraves

As Rust and Rusty discuss their plans to locate and secure a powerful core from Valdis' kitchen, the tension escalates when they discover that someone is actively targeting them.

• [03:09] Rust: "Look out. Sienna."
• [03:10] Idana: "Ah."

A sudden attack leaves Rust wounded, intensifying the urgency of their mission. Upon investigating, they identify the assailant:

• [11:17] Rust: "That's the guy."
• [10:35] Rusty: "You know what I mean."

They uncover that Hargraves, a notorious figure with a long criminal history, is behind the attack, raising questions about his connection to Valdez and their own past.

Tessa and Olga's Expedition to the Dome

Parallel to Rust's turmoil, Tessa teams up with Olga to retrieve the elusive power core from the dangerous dome. Their planning session reveals the perils awaiting them:

• [07:02] Tessa: "Once you get down the entrance ramp and past these bulkheads, there's an odor, a gas of some kind. We don't know what it is exactly, but if you breathe a little of it, you get sick. Breathe more than that, and you die."
• [08:05] Olga: "Huh. How do they survive the toxic atmosphere."

They meticulously prepare for their mission, discussing the strategic layout of the dome, the imminent threat of hostile denizens, and the critical need for specialized equipment to survive the toxic environment.

The Confrontation with Morton, Crichton, and Idana

The episode reaches its climax with a tense confrontation between Rust, Rusty, and the enigmatic trio—Morton, Crichton, and Idana. Old grievances resurface as past missions and failures are laid bare.

• [13:03] Idana: "You're enjoying this, aren't you? Because of the words we exchanged the last time we were together."
• [14:00] Crichton: "You were imprisoned inside the vault?"

This dialogue uncovers deep-seated conflicts and betrayals, revealing that Morton and Crichton had previously attempted missions that ended disastrously, leading to their current adversarial stance. The exchange highlights themes of trust, loyalty, and revenge, as characters confront each other's past actions and motivations.

Insights and Character Developments

Throughout the episode, character motivations become clearer:

• Rust is portrayed as both resourceful and weary, balancing his desire to secure the power core with the need to protect himself and his allies from emerging threats.
• Rusty exhibits a mix of skepticism and loyalty, questioning Rust's decisions while standing by him in dire circumstances.
• Tessa and Olga demonstrate determination and strategic thinking, essential traits for navigating the hazardous dome environment.
• Morton and Crichton embody betrayal and resentment, their confrontation revealing the complex interplay of past alliances and present conflicts.

Conclusion

Episode 11.5 of "The Strata" masterfully intertwines personal vendettas with overarching survival missions, creating a multifaceted narrative that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. As alliances crumble and new threats loom, Rust and his companions must navigate a labyrinth of deception and danger to secure their future in a city teetering on the brink of chaos.

Notable Quotes:

• Rust: "That round he plugged me with, that wasn't a warning shot. He was aiming to kill." [11:10]
• Tessa: "Once you get down the entrance ramp and past these bulkheads, there's an odor, a gas of some kind." [07:02]
• Crichton: "It's almost poetic, isn't it? That you would be so scathing of my endeavors, only to suffer the same fate yourselves." [13:32]
• Idana: "Tessa is the one I want. I've evaluated them all." [19:55]

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This episode significantly advances the plot, deepens character arcs, and sets the stage for future conflicts and resolutions in the dystopian world of "The Strata."

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Host]

You're listening to the Strata A Beyond the dark production season 11 sanctuary part 5.

[Rust]

Hey, it's about time. I thought you were never gonna finish up in there.

[Rusty]

Sorry, pal. I ended up haggling on these parts longer than I hoped.

[Rust]

No, you haggling.

[Rusty]

Eat me, Rust.

[Rust]

Did you get what you were looking for?

[Rusty]

Eventually, yeah. I think we're in business. Where's the van?

[Rust]

Just down the street. The parking's terrible around here. I couldn't get anywhere closer.

[Rusty]

Okay, lead on.

[Rust]

It's nice you got the parts and everything, but I'm still not sure I'm able to see your endgame here.

[Rusty]

What do you mean?

[Rust]

Okay, let's say you use your fancy gizmo to pinpoint the exact location of this power core. Let's say you find it right there in the middle of Valdis kitchen.

[Rusty]

What would a Faber surge unit be doing in his kitchen?

[Rust]

I don't know. Maybe he's got it hooked up to his dregs machine.

[Rusty]

You think Valdus is using an X class nucleated core system designed to power an underground fortress to heat up his morning dregs?

[Rust]

Well, I don't know.

[Tessa]

Damn.

[Rusty]

Hate to see what's powering his toaster.

[Rust]

Okay, forget that part. Let's say you find the core. Then what? Do you think you could just walk in there and slip it in your handbag and saunter out again?

[Rusty]

I've never worn a handbag in my life.

[Rust]

Rusty, stop dodging the question.

[Rusty]

Okay, look, I don't know exactly.

[Rust]

Because you may or may not have noticed while you were drooling over the guy's crappy sculptures that he's got some serious security hardware in there. Those rectangular depressions in the walls and ceilings, I've seen ones just like it. They're hidden turret assemblies. As soon as there's trouble, bam, out they pop. They blow your face off in about two seconds flat.

[Rusty]

The first thing I want to do is confirm my suspicion that Valdis has the core. You said yourself it could be one of his neighbors who has it.

[Rust]

But you don't believe that.

[Rusty]

No. And with this upgraded detector, I'll get the evidence I need to confirm my suspicions. I'll know for sure. And then what that all depends.

[Rust]

I hope Tess and the other custodians appreciate the lengths we're going to here.

[Rusty]

I'm sure they do.

[Rust]

At least if we come through for him. Shit. Look out. Sienna.

[Idana]

Ah.

[Rust]

God damn it.

[Rusty]

Russ, are you ok?

[Rust]

Yeah, yeah. I got me a good one right in the back. I think it might have ricocheted.

[Rusty]

Let me see. Roll over. Yeah, looks like it pinged right off. You lucky you're not hurt.

[Rust]

No, you?

[Rusty]

I'm fine. I had you covering me like a blanket.

[Rust]

Sorry if I landed on you.

[Rusty]

Are you kidding? I think you just saved my life.

[Rust]

Don't mention it.

[Rusty]

So what the hell was that? Some friend you've made over the years or just a random asshole taking potshots in the middle of Crosstown?

[Rust]

That. That was neither. Didn't you see the car?

[Rusty]

No, of course I didn't, pal. You were between us. And no offense, but that metal ass of yours is big enough to block out the sun.

[Rust]

Well, I saw it. It was a black sedan.

[Rusty]

Wait, you don't mean.

[Rust]

Yep. The same one that was following us earlier. And guess what? This time. I got the plates.

[Tessa]

Tessa. There you are. I've been looking for you.

[Olga]

Hey, Olga. I was restless and decided to take a walk around the lower caverns.

[Tessa]

Find anything interesting?

[Olga]

You have a lovely community here, old friend. It's a credit to you.

[Tessa]

Thank you. I appreciate that. So, are you ready to take a trip? I thought we might get an early start while the weather is clear.

[Olga]

Wouldn't have it any other way.

[Tessa]

That's what I like to hear. Do you mind if we go over the layout of the dome and plan our trip first?

[Olga]

Sounds like a good idea.

[Tessa]

This is a basic representation of what we're gonna find out there. It's not to scale or anything, so take these distances. With a grain of salt, of course. The entrance to Dome faces due north. Once I imagine there was an outer shield that could be retracted to allow people to come and go. But not anymore. The whole thing has been blown apart, and all that's left is a gaping maw of shredded, rusty metal.

[Olga]

How big is the hull? Large enough to accommodate a crawler.

[Tessa]

Easy. In fact, you could probably fit two or three side by side if you wanted to. But I strongly advise against driving inside.

[Olga]

Why's that?

[Tessa]

This entrance has been exposed for decades. And that means all kinds of debris has drifted in at one time or another and settled on the ramp. Ash, dust, who knows what else. There's no way a crawler can maintain traction down that incline.

[Olga]

Leaving the crawler Outside isn't ideal, but what you say makes sense. It shouldn't be a major problem.

[Tessa]

Why would you want to take a crawler down there anyway?

[Olga]

The power core that I'm looking for, it's heavy, way too large to carry. I was hoping to strap to the back of the crawler and take it out that way, but. That's okay. I'm sure I could find a conveyor that'll do the job. It'll just take more time.

[Tessa]

Where's this core of yours located?

[Olga]

I can't say for sure, but it will be in a central location somewhere down in this region, maybe.

[Tessa]

I was worried about that. In that case, it's a good thing you brought up the issue of time. Time is definitely going to be a factor.

[Olga]

Why is that?

[Tessa]

I think I mentioned on comms about the foul air down there.

[Olga]

Can you elaborate on that?

[Tessa]

Once you get down the entrance ramp and past these bulkheads, there's an odor, a gas of some kind. We don't know what it is exactly, but if you breathe a little of it, you get sick. Breathe more than that, and you die. That's why I've got a pair of these breathing tanks to take with us.

[Olga]

How long are they going to give us?

[Tessa]

About half an hour. Is that enough?

[Olga]

For the initial inspection? Yeah, most likely. But if I need to extract the unit and bring it out, I'm going to need longer.

[Tessa]

How much longer?

[Olga]

An hour, at least.

[Tessa]

Well, we don't have any gear with that kind of capacity on hand, but if we really need to, we could probably put something together.

[Olga]

I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

[Tessa]

Right. And one other thing you should be aware of. It's not unusual to find denizens out there who've taken up residence in the dome. I mentioned it before, but just as a reminder, there are bandits who sometimes take shelter as they cross the wasteland.

[Olga]

Huh. How do they survive the toxic atmosphere.

[Tessa]

If they wander down too far? They don't. But most of them have heard the stories and are smart enough to stick to the upper levels. I wouldn't expect any trouble from them. But now, at least you'll know what to expect if we run into any.

[Olga]

You said all the valuables had been stripped from the dome years ago.

[Tessa]

No one visits the dome for treasure. Not anymore. These days, it's just the troublemakers, the lawless.

[Olga]

And us, the desperate. Yeah, the desperate. I think that sums me up pretty well.

[Tessa]

You and me both, friend. Come on, help me grab this gear, and then we'll Be on our way.

[Rust]

Okay. I'm back.

[Rusty]

I can see that. You look pretty happy with yourself, too.

[Rust]

Why shouldn't I be? I just found the first useful cop in the entire history of Midtown.

[Rusty]

A useful cop?

[Tessa]

Hmm.

[Rusty]

Isn't that a contradiction in these parts?

[Rust]

Well, so I thought until just now.

[Rusty]

So who is this mythical cop of yours?

[Rust]

None other than our good friend Detective Kavanaugh. The withered old bastard really came through for us with those plates.

[Rusty]

You found out who was driving the black sedan?

[Rust]

Yeah. Cat was able to run the plates in no time at all. Check it out. I've got a name and a whole bunch of details on our new friend Hargraves.

[Rusty]

That's the guy.

[Rust]

That's him.

[Rusty]

I've never heard that name before. Are we supposed to know who that is?

[Rust]

I haven't figured out the connection yet, but check this out. The guy's got a rap sheet longer than a Starliner's vapor trail. Assault, larceny, extortion, harassment.

[Rusty]

Well, you can add attempted murder now as well.

[Rust]

Definitely a piece of work.

[Rusty]

So where did he come from? And what does he want with us?

[Rust]

I haven't been able to make that connection yet.

[Rusty]

Do you think this has something to do with Valdez?

[Rust]

I wouldn't rule it out.

[Rusty]

But how does a deadbeat like Hargrave's fit into the glitzy, high roller world of Valdez?

[Rust]

No clue.

[Rusty]

Maybe it has nothing to do with him at all. What if this is just another old acquaintance of yours who suddenly decided to come find you and kick your ass?

[Rust]

I wouldn't call this an ass kicking yet.

[Rusty]

You know what I mean.

[Rust]

I told you, I've never met this Hargraves asshole. Not once.

[Rusty]

Then he's working for someone else you crossed paths with over the years.

[Rust]

Why does this have to be all about me? Couldn't it be someone you've pissed off?

[Rusty]

I don't usually attract thugs like this, Rusty.

[Rust]

Could have fooled me.

[Rusty]

Well, either way, the point is, do you think this is an old grudge or a new one?

[Rust]

To be honest with you, I really don't know. But we need to get it sorted out before we go any further with this power core mission for Tessa. Once Hargraves finds out we're still breathing, he's gonna come after us again.

[Rusty]

What makes you think that?

[Rust]

That round he plugged me with, that wasn't a warning shot. He was aiming to kill. And if I didn't have this steel rig for protection, that bullet probably would have gone through us both. So once he saw Us go down. Hargaz clearly thought the job was done. I'll bet the last thing he expected was that we would get up and dust ourselves off after he left.

[Rusty]

Yeah, he probably figured we were going to get loaded into a meat wagon and carted off to the nearest morgue instead. Well, we've got a surprise for him.

[Rust]

You bet your ass we do.

[Rusty]

So what's the plan? How are we going to track him down?

[Rust]

That's the beautiful part. Kavanaugh ran an ID check for me as well. As it turns out our friend Hargraves just walked past the security cameras at a bar in Highgate City.

[Rusty]

He's there now?

[Rust]

Yeah. So what do you say? Fancy a drink?

[Morton]

Cry 10. This way. Over here.

[Idana]

What's going on?

[Morton]

He's ready for us. Boat.

[Idana]

Damn. Time.

[Rust]

Mr. Morton. We'll see you now.

[Host]

Right this way.

[Crichton]

Ah, Idana. Crichton. Sorry for the delay in granting you an audience. There were some urgent matters that needed my attention.

[Morton]

Wipe that smug look off your face, Morton.

[Crichton]

Smug? Why would I look smug?

[Idana]

You're enjoying this, aren't you? Because of the words we exchanged the last time we were together.

[Crichton]

Words we exchanged? Oh, you mean the way you two insulted me in front of the entire clan? How you called me a failure and a weakling? You mean those words?

[Morton]

Yes, of course.

[Tessa]

Those.

[Crichton]

What was it you said about my qualities as a leader? Oh, yes. You said my attack on the vault was akin to the inept fumblings of a child. Do I have that correct?

[Idana]

Not quite, but close enough.

[Crichton]

It's almost poetic, isn't it? That you would be so scathing of my endeavors, only to suffer the same fate yourselves.

[Morton]

We haven't even told you what happened yet.

[Crichton]

True, but from the look on your faces, I'm sure I can take an educated guess at what might have happened out there. After all, my scouts found you scrambling across the dirt, running from the vault like a pair of buzzards with their tails clipped. It's a good thing we found you when we did. Well, what do you have to say for yourselves?

[Morton]

Our mission wasn't a complete failure, but a failure nonetheless.

[Idana]

You need to watch your tongue, Morton.

[Crichton]

No, Crichton. This is my enclave. I'll say what I want.

[Morton]

Stand down, brother. This isn't the time or the place.

[Crichton]

Listen to your friend, Crichton. Don't do something you'll regret. So, the last time I saw you, you assured me that you had a fail safe plan at the ready. You told me you were going to walk into that vault and take down the custodians, all without even breaking a sweat. I assume at some point, things went horribly wrong.

[Morton]

We made it into the vault just fine without anyone suspecting a thing. That part of the plan went flawlessly. But while we were getting ready to take the next step, someone overheard us talking. We got into an argument, and it looked like he was about to blow our cover, so we had to take him out. But the damage had already been done. As it turns out, they were on to us.

[Crichton]

What happened?

[Morton]

They locked us up.

[Crichton]

You were imprisoned inside the vault?

[Morton]

Yes.

[Crichton]

And then?

[Idana]

We managed to escape, but by then, our quarry had left.

[Crichton]

What quarry?

[Idana]

Tessa. She's the one that I need.

[Crichton]

Why didn't you take down the other custodians while you had the chance?

[Idana]

They were on high alert, equipped with rifles, carrying them everywhere. It wasn't worth the risk. Especially when we lost the element of surprise. With our primary target no longer there, we decided to move on. On the way out, we managed to recover most of our possessions, so.

[Crichton]

So you fled into the wasteland with nothing to show for your efforts but your bruised egos.

[Morton]

We gathered some important intel on the vault. Not only that.

[Crichton]

Don't try to spin this, Idana. You were humiliated. Admit it.

[Morton]

I'm glad you're enjoying this so much, Morton.

[Crichton]

I have to admit, it's satisfying to see the two of you brought back to Earth after weeks of having you strut around the enclave, pretending to be better than everyone else. Better than me?

[Morton]

We never said we were better than you.

[Crichton]

And the most ironic thing of all is that this entire situation could have been avoided.

[Morton]

How'd you figure?

[Crichton]

Remember when you arrived here at the enclave, withered and worn from weeks traveling across the plains? You told me that back home in the Western Reaches, there was no one who could best you, that you were formidable opponents, and as such, there was much you could offer me as mercenaries.

[Idana]

Get to the point.

[Crichton]

You came to me with only one demand. That I help you to acquire the body of one of the Custodians. Such a simple request, wasn't it? On the surface, at least. And in return, you promised to supply me and the clan with certain assets.

[Morton]

We held up our end of the bargain. We brought weapons from far and wide to help bolster this little army of yours.

[Crichton]

And then things started to unravel, didn't they? I created a perfect plan to capture not one, but two Custodians while they were crossing the wasteland. But at the critical moment when you were supposed to land the killer blow, you let them slip through your fingers.

[Morton]

We told you the custodians had to be taken without damaging their bodies. No bullets, no grenades.

[Crichton]

Which is why I supplied you with tox bombs.

[Idana]

The poison was weak. It took too long to incapacitate them.

[Crichton]

It wasn't the hardware that was lacking, it was the execution. And you insisted on coordinating the ambush yourselves. An ill fated decision, as it turned out.

[Idana]

If your crawlers had the power to keep up, we could have followed them.

[Crichton]

It's a moot point, Crichton. Are you forgetting what happened next? Barely three days later, another of your precious steel bodies entered our midst. I had him in my grasp for hours. And yet the moment I described him to you on the radio, you told me you weren't interested.

[Idana]

Old wreck from the Strata. Why would I be interested in him?

[Crichton]

His body was steel, just like you wanted.

[Idana]

His body was ancient and utterly broken. Incomplete. Hell, you told me he didn't even have legs.

[Crichton]

What's the difference?

[Idana]

Have you somehow missed the fact that I can barely walk? Most of the time, Morton. I need a prime specimen to replenish my parts. I told you that from the start.

[Crichton]

And yet you walked away from two more candidates in the Vault.

[Idana]

Tessa is the one I want. I've evaluated them all.

[Crichton]

Now, maybe you shouldn't be so picky, Crichton.

[Idana]

You're dodging the issue, Morton. The point is, you never came close to holding up your end of the bargain.

[Crichton]

My end? Let me tell you a little about my end of things. Since the two of you arrived on my doorstep, I've done nothing but bleed. Bleed assets, bleed men and supplies.

[Morton]

The weapons we supplied you should have all but guaranteed your dominance of this entire region for years to come.

[Crichton]

No, Idana, on the contrary. The losses I sustained during the attack on the Vault have set this clan back months, maybe even years.

[Morton]

So what do you intend to do? Stay huddled in your enclave, cowering while your enemies gather strength?

[Idana]

This is no time to play defense. We have int.

[Rust]

No.

[Crichton]

I don't want to hear any more of your clans or schemes or machinations. We've been down this road before, haven't we? And look where it got us.

[Morton]

Morton, there's something you don't know.

[Crichton]

I know one thing, Hidanna. I've had enough of your counsel. Don't think because I gave you an audience here today that I care about your opinion.

[Idana]

So why did you bring us here, huh?

[Crichton]

To see the look on your faces when you returned from your triumphant mission to the Vault. Who's the failure now, Crichton? Who's the weakling.

[Idana]

You think you can talk to me that way.

[Crichton]

Crichton? Don't forget your place. If you think that metal hide of yours will withstand a barrage from my guards, I think you'll find yourself sorely mistaken.

[Morton]

Come on, brother, let's go.

[Crichton]

Yes, go. Both of you. Gather your things and get out of my enclave. And don't ever come back.

[Rust]

Foreign.

[Host]

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 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.

[Narrator]

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[Rusty]

You don't hear that, do you?

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[Morton]

Which grave did you get the dirt from?

[Crichton]

Which grave?

[Jason]

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[Morton]

It's number nine.