Episode 11.6 - Sanctuary - Part 6

Summary

The Strata - Season 11, Episode 6: "Sanctuary - Part 6"

Release Date: September 24, 2024
Host/Author: Mark R. Healy
Description: In a dystopian city, an ageing courier is forced to go into business with an underworld ganglord in order to pay for the treatment that keeps him alive.

---

1. Infiltration at Glitter

The episode opens with Rust and Rhys arriving at "Glitter," an opulent nightclub teeming with affluent patrons adorned in extravagant attire. Their mission is to locate Hargraves, the elusive ganglord they suspect of orchestrating attempts on their lives.

• Rust: “We don’t want to tip Hargraves off that we're here.” (02:07)
• Rhys: “It looks like he’s struck out there. He’s moving on to the next table.” (04:27)

As they navigate the flashy environment, Rust expresses his discomfort with the establishment's extravagant atmosphere:

• Rhys: “Well, whatever the case, it looks like he's struck out there.” (04:30)
• Rust: “These are drinks, right? Not fully equipped. Penthouse sweets. They’re selling. They’re so expensive.” (02:28)

Their search leads them to spot Hargraves interacting suspiciously with other patrons. Tensions escalate when Rust confronts Hargraves directly.

• Rust: “Why are you trying to kill us?” (03:50)
• Hargraves: “I think you got the wrong guy.” (06:43)

The confrontation culminates violently as Rust overpowers Hargraves, forcing him to divulge information about his motives and connections.

• Rust: “You can start by telling me why you tried to kill me a couple of hours ago back in Midtown.” (06:37)
• Hargraves: “I think you got the wrong guy.” (06:43)

Despite Hargraves' attempts to evade, Rust insists on extracting the truth, highlighting the relentless nature of their pursuit.

• Rust: “You probably thought that was enough to take care of me, huh? Hate to tell you, asshole, but I don't go down that easily.” (06:56)
• Rhys: “He's the one that tried to kill us. He got what he deserved.” (08:59)

Ultimately, Hargraves meets his end at the hands of a robotic courier, closing this chapter of their investigation but leaving questions unanswered.

• Rust: “He got cleaned up by a robo courier. What a mess.” (08:46)
• Rhys: “Well, there goes our chances of finding any answers, I guess.” (09:03)

---

2. The Dome and Unexpected Encounters

Parallel to Rust and Rhys's endeavors, the narrative shifts to Shepherd and Olga as they explore the mysterious dome. Their exploration is punctuated by encounters with other characters, including Tessa and Idana, who are grappling with technical malfunctions and potential internal threats.

• Shepherd: “See these maintenance hatches along the walls? You have to be careful of these.” (10:00)
• Olga: “Whatever you're doing, don't drop anything. Get down.” (08:26)

During their investigation, they discover remnants of past conflicts and evidence suggesting sabotage within their ranks.

• Idana: “It looks like the blade has been treated with something exotic.” (18:28)
• Tessa: “If someone used a blade to open up the cells, that means Crichton and Adonna must have had an accomplice here inside the vault.” (20:02)

Their discovery of a missing blade and the implications of internal betrayal add layers of complexity to their mission inside the dome.

---

3. Clash with Morton and Crichton

The tension escalates as Morton and Crichton, antagonists within the enclave, confront Rust and Rhys. The conflict reaches its peak in a dramatic showdown where Rust and his allies overpower Morton, effectively dismantling his threat.

• Morton: “Why are you wearing those odd headsets?” (22:14)
• Rust: “They were just preparing to leave.” (22:25)

Morton’s attempts to rally his forces are swiftly quashed, highlighting the shifting power dynamics within the underworld.

• Crichton: “This is our mission.” (25:28)
• Morton: “You need to leave.” (26:06)

The encounter concludes with Morton’s demise, symbolizing the downfall of old alliances and the emergence of new leadership.

• Rhys: “It's a clean kill, brother.” (28:57)
• Crichton: “We should just focus on moving forward.” (29:06)

---

4. Unveiling Hidden Threats

As the episode progresses, the narrative delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the dome and the enemies lurking within. Tessa and Idana's investigation reveals unsettling patterns of violence and the possibility of advanced weaponry being used against them.

• Tessa: “This is a small blade we're talking about?” (19:59)
• Idana: “I found the same exact residue on the slash wounds that were inflicted on the dead guy, Rayan.” (20:37)

Their findings suggest a sophisticated level of threat, implying that their adversaries possess capabilities beyond conventional means.

---

5. Moving Forward

The episode concludes with Rust and his team regrouping after their confrontation, contemplating their next moves amidst the chaos. They recognize that while they've dealt with immediate threats, the overarching challenges within the dystopian city remain unresolved.

• Rust: “We’ve got a starting point now, at least.” (09:14)
• Rhys: “Which is?” (09:17)
• Rust: “Come on. Let’s get back to the van. Then we’ll talk.” (09:18)

This resolution sets the stage for future episodes, promising deeper explorations into the city's underbelly and the protagonists' ongoing struggles.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Rust: “These are drinks, right? Not fully equipped. Penthouse sweets. They’re selling. They’re so expensive.” (02:28)
• Hargraves: “I think you got the wrong guy.” (06:43)
• Rust: “You probably thought that was enough to take care of me, huh? Hate to tell you, asshole, but I don't go down that easily.” (06:56)
• Rhys: “It's a clean kill, brother.” (28:57)
• Crichton: “We should just focus on moving forward.” (29:06)
• Tessa: “This is a small blade we're talking about?” (19:59)
• Idana: “I found the same exact residue on the slash wounds that were inflicted on the dead guy, Rayan.” (20:37)

---

Conclusion

"Sanctuary - Part 6" deftly weaves multiple storylines, balancing intense confrontations with intricate explorations of betrayal and survival within a dystopian landscape. The episode not only advances the central plot of Rust and Rhys's quest but also enriches the broader narrative by introducing complex characters and unforeseen threats. As the protagonists navigate their perilous environment, the listeners are left eagerly anticipating the unfolding of this gripping saga.

Transcript

[Rhys]

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[Rust]

Listening to the Strata A Beyond the.

[Hargraves]

Dark Production Season 11 Sanctuary Part 6.

[Rust]

Here we are. See, this is the place. Welcome to Glitter.

[Rhys]

Glitter, huh? Well, the name suits I guess. I've seen some shiny clubs in my time, but this one takes the cake.

[Rust]

No, usually I prefer to wear sunglasses while I'm here. All of these strobe lights mess with my optics. But I'm trying to stay inconspicuous tonight.

[Rhys]

Oh yeah, real inconspicuous, Rust. Two of us rocking midtown streetwear and amongst all these rich people wearing diamond studded bikinis and gold plated top hats. Yeah, we blend right in.

[Rust]

Yeah, now that you mention it, we should probably find a booth in the corner so we don't attract too much attention. We don't want to tip Hargraves off that we're here.

[Rhys]

What about that one?

[Rust]

That should do the trick.

[Rhys]

So do you think he's still here?

[Rust]

Hargraves? Can't say for sure and I don't see him yet. But yeah, something tells me he's here. Call it a hunch.

[Rhys]

We should probably order a couple of drinks so we don't look like we're just sitting here running surveillance.

[Rust]

We're fine. Don't order anything. In fact, don't even look at the drink selections.

[Rhys]

Just one won't hurt. Jeez, Let me see here I. Shit. What the hell is this?

[Rust]

I tried to warn you.

[Rhys]

These are drinks, right? Not fully equipped. Penthouse sweets. They're selling. They're so expensive.

[Rust]

Don't worry. The drinks taste like shit anyway.

[Rhys]

How do you know so much about glitter Rust? You a regular here?

[Rust]

I wouldn't say that. I've had to meet up with business contacts here from time to time, that's all.

[Rhys]

Do you have any idea what Hargraves might be doing at Glitter? Business or pleasure?

[Rust]

Do you think I don't know enough about the guy to give you an answer?

[Rhys]

See, what's the usual clientele here?

[Rust]

Pampered airheads with cred balances that could fill up half the bay.

[Rhys]

Seems a bit incongruous, doesn't it? Why did Hargraves choose to come here? I mean, a guy who spends his time stalking people and taking potshots at Pedestrians on the streets of Midtown. This doesn't seem like his kind of place.

[Rust]

Maybe Kavanaugh's intel wasn't as rock solid as we hoped.

[Rhys]

Yeah, if. Wait a minute. Over there, coming out of the bathroom. Is that.

[Rust]

Bingo. That's him. Got himself all dressed up in a fancy suit.

[Rhys]

Blending right in. Hey. Sit down.

[Rust]

Why?

[Rhys]

He's going to see you.

[Rust]

So what?

[Rhys]

Okay, so what's your plan here, Rust? Are you gonna just walk up and ask him nicely why he's trying to kill us?

[Rust]

No, I'm gonna grab him or wring his goddamn neck until he talks.

[Rhys]

Just wait a second, will you? Let's observe for a minute.

[Rust]

Observe?

[Rhys]

Yeah. See what he's up to before we stop over there and create a scene.

[Rust]

Yeah. All right.

[Rhys]

Hunch down.

[Rust]

I am hunching down.

[Rhys]

See that? He stopped to look around.

[Rust]

He's scanning the room for us. Doubt it. He probably thinks we're still lying on the sidewalk in Midtown gathering flies.

[Rhys]

Okay, he's on the move. Must have found out what he's looking for. I guess.

[Rust]

Check it out. This shithead thinks he's a ladies man.

[Rhys]

There sure are a lot of pretty young girls at that table.

[Rust]

Wait a second. I don't think he's hitting on them.

[Rhys]

Like you're an expert in that kind of thing.

[Rust]

It's the body language. Something about the way he's standing.

[Rhys]

Well, whatever the case, it looks like he's struck out there. He's moving on to the next table.

[Rust]

Two couples at this one, and they look like they know him.

[Rhys]

Yeah, fist bumps and handshakes all round. Maybe he works for the club, like a manager or event coordinator or something.

[Rust]

This guy? I don't know about that.

[Rhys]

Maybe he's security.

[Rust]

That sounds more plausible. But if he's working security for Glitter, why the hell is he trying to kill us?

[Rhys]

Did you forget to pay your bar tab last time you were here?

[Rust]

Very funny. Maybe it's you he's after.

[Rhys]

Can't rule it out.

[Rust]

Hey, did you see that? He just handed something to the girl in the red vest.

[Rhys]

What was it?

[Rust]

I don't know. It was too small to see.

[Rhys]

And now the girl is getting up and heading to the bathroom.

[Rust]

That looked like a transaction to me.

[Rhys]

You think Hargraves is selling something?

[Rust]

Seems that way. I wonder if.

[Rhys]

Hey, get down. He's looking around again.

[Rust]

Shit. I think he saw us.

[Rhys]

You sure?

[Rust]

Yeah. He looked right at me, and now he's. God damn it. He's heading straight for the exit.

[Rhys]

Rust, where are you going?

[Rust]

I'm not letting this bastard get away again.

[Rhys]

Just a second, pal.

[Rust]

I'll meet you outside.

[Tessa]

Excuse me.

[Rust]

Coming through. Hey. Get out of the way. Shit. He's gone down the stairs. Looks like he's heading for the street, but he's taken a long way. See? God damn it. Where the hell are you? All right. I'll do this on my own. Gotcha, shithead.

[Hargraves]

What the hell?

[Rust]

Stand up. Come on. Against the wall.

[Hargraves]

Let go of me.

[Rust]

Not before I get some answers.

[Morton]

What answers?

[Rust]

You can start by telling me why you tried to kill me a couple of hours ago back in Midtown.

[Hargraves]

I think you got the wrong guy.

[Rust]

No, it was you. And by the look in your eyes, I can see you're a little confused. You're probably wondering how I'm still walking around after you put that bullet in my back, Aren't you?

[Hargraves]

What?

[Rust]

You probably thought that was enough to take care of me, huh? Hate to tell you, asshole, but I don't go down that easily.

[Hargraves]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Rust]

Really? Maybe I should refresh your memory. Maybe if I squeeze a little.

[Hargraves]

Take your hands off me, your goddamn lowlife.

[Rust]

Or what?

[Hargraves]

Or I'll make you regret it.

[Rust]

Don't make me laugh.

[Hargraves]

I'm warning you. Step back.

[Rust]

Who are you working for? I want names.

[Hargraves]

I got nothing to tell you.

[Rust]

Is it Strickland Corporation? Those bastards have always had it in for me.

[Hargraves]

You have no idea, do ya?

[Rust]

Listen, you tell me what I want to know, Hargraves, or I'm gonna drag you to the top of Pinnacle Towers and give you a little hang time. If you take a dive from a hundred stories up, there's not gonna be much left but a crater on this shiny sidewalk here. Is that what you want?

[Rhys]

Rhys. There you are.

[Rust]

Me and my new friend here, we're just having a little chat.

[Morton]

This guy's crazy.

[Rhys]

You don't know the half of it, mister. I hope you told him what he needs to know.

[Rust]

No such luck. Not yet, anyway.

[Rhys]

Maybe this will help. I found this thing in the bathroom. I think the girl in the red vest left it behind.

[Rust]

Wait. Hold that up for a second.

[Rhys]

Can't say I've ever seen anything quite like it.

[Rust]

Ah, shit. Is that what this is all about?

[Rhys]

You know it.

[Rust]

Here, let me take a closer look.

[Rhys]

Look out, Russ.

[Rust]

God damn it. Slippery little bastard.

[Hargraves]

He's getting away.

[Rust]

Yeah, I'm on it.

[Hargraves]

Hurry.

[Rhys]

He's almost at the street.

[Rust]

I'm going as fast as I can. Oh, God damn it.

[Rhys]

Oh, damn. Did that just actually happen?

[Rust]

Yeah, the ugly bastard got cleaned up by a robo courier. What a mess.

[Rhys]

Do you think there's any chance he.

[Rust]

No, he went right under.

[Rhys]

Poor guy.

[Rust]

Don't feel sorry for him. The bastard tried to kill us. He got what he deserved.

[Rhys]

Well, there goes our chances of finding any answers, I guess. What a big waste of time this turned out to be.

[Rust]

Not at all. We've got a starting point now, at least.

[Rhys]

Which is?

[Rust]

Come on. Let's get back to the van. Then we'll talk.

[Shepherd]

So, here it is, Tessa. The dome in all its glory.

[Olga]

You were right about the entrance, Olga. Someone really made a mess of it.

[Shepherd]

Yeah, I figured there must have been one hell of a battle took place here. But that was before my time.

[Olga]

I wonder how many people lived here back in its heyday.

[Shepherd]

I'm more concerned with how many are living here now.

[Olga]

Expecting trouble, then?

[Shepherd]

Not necessarily. But keep that rifle at the ready, just in case.

[Olga]

Should we equip the breathing tanks now?

[Shepherd]

Not yet. If we wait until we're closer to the lower bulkhead, that will help maximize our time down below. No point wasting the tanks up here, where the air is perfectly breathable.

[Olga]

Sounds good.

[Shepherd]

Follow me. Easy path to the entrances. Just over here to the right.

[Olga]

There'S the ramp. It's a mess, just like you said.

[Shepherd]

Yeah, we'll have to watch our step, that's for sure. But before we do that, there's something else I want to do first.

[Olga]

What's that?

[Shepherd]

See these maintenance hatches along the walls? You have to be careful of these. There are cavities, voids behind them that.

[Olga]

Make perfect hiding places for those bandits you mentioned.

[Shepherd]

Or anyone else who decides to take up temporary residence. I don't know about you, but I sure as hell don't want someone coming in behind us once we descend this ramp.

[Olga]

No, I definitely don't want that.

[Shepherd]

I'm gonna check every hatch here one by one. Don't worry. Won't take too long. But if you can cover me while I do that, I'd appreciate it.

[Olga]

Sure. Consider it done.

[Shepherd]

Ready? Go. Clear. Next one.

[Olga]

Anything?

[Shepherd]

Some scraps and a blanket. Recently occupied, I'd say. But it's empty now. Okay, I'm gonna try this next one. Just move over here in case.

[Tessa]

I will.

[Olga]

Get down.

[Morton]

Shit.

[Olga]

Whoever's in there, stop firing now or I'll blow your head off.

[Shepherd]

Yeah, and unless you want to eat frag grenade, I'd step out of there with your hands up. Go on. Be quick about it.

[Train]

I'm sorry. I thought you were bandits.

[Shepherd]

If we Were you'd be dead already.

[Hargraves]

Don't shoot.

[Shepherd]

Drop the gun. Do it.

[Train]

What do you want with me? I ain't got no valuables.

[Shepherd]

We don't want your valuables, fella. We just want you out of our way.

[Train]

You're gonna kill me?

[Shepherd]

Not unless you do something stupid. What's in the bag?

[Train]

Just some rations and water. This is everything I've got.

[Shepherd]

What are you doing in this place? It's dangerous. You shouldn't be here.

[Train]

I was just passing through on my way to Blackwater.

[Shepherd]

Blackwater?

[Olga]

That's a long, long way south of here. Most people I know wouldn't even attempt that journey. Not on foot.

[Shepherd]

Are you lying to us?

[Train]

But, no, it's the truth. To be honest with you, I never really wanted to make the trip. But I have to.

[Shepherd]

Why?

[Train]

My sister's there. I got word she's ill. And. Well, they say she's gonna die soon. We've had our differences over the years, but I sure would like to see her one last time before the end.

[Shepherd]

Where are you from?

[Train]

The north. In the mountains.

[Olga]

What's your name? Traveler.

[Train]

They call me Shepherd.

[Shepherd]

Well, shepherd, how was it you came to end up here in the dome?

[Hargraves]

Uh.

[Train]

Someone at the last camp told me there might be a storm coming through. A fearful thing that turns the sky to night, and wind so vicious it can rip a man's skin right off his bones.

[Olga]

A maelstrom.

[Train]

I believe that's what he called it. We don't have anything like that back home. Anyhow, I figured I'd stay here for a bit and wait it out, make sure the coast is clear before I set out again.

[Shepherd]

A maelstrom is the least of your problems, friend. The bandits and ripper buzzards will pick you off long before that.

[Train]

Most likely, they won't get me. Not Shepard.

[Hargraves]

No.

[Train]

I can hide with the best of them. Just pull my cloak over like this.

[Rust]

See?

[Hargraves]

Yeah. They'll never find me.

[Shepherd]

You need to clear out. Understand? This place is dangerous.

[Train]

It is.

[Shepherd]

You're just lucky the two of us found you and not one of the clans who roam this territory.

[Olga]

Is there anyone else living here inside the dome with you?

[Train]

Haven't seen a soul for days.

[Shepherd]

They stop here often, the clans. And they're not gentle with strangers. You need to leave.

[Train]

But I have a nice cozy spot here. And rations.

[Shepherd]

Pick up your gun and go now.

[Train]

You. You're gonna let me take it?

[Shepherd]

If I send you out there onto the plains with no weapon, I might as well slit your throat right here and be done with it save us all some time. You won't survive long without it.

[Train]

Well, I. Alright.

[Shepherd]

Keep it close, friend. And stop wasting bullets. You're gonna need every last round if you ever intend to see the whitecaps crashing against the shore down there in Blackwater.

[Train]

Yes, I. I will. Blessings to you. Blessings to you both.

[Olga]

Ashen steel. Shepherd.

[Shepherd]

Don't worry about him. He won't be back. He's no threat to us anyway. No threat to anyone, I would think.

[Olga]

He won't last the crossing, will he?

[Shepherd]

Maybe. Maybe not. That's up to him now. Him and the spirits of fortune, both good and bad, who watch over the plains.

[Olga]

Do you think he was telling the truth? About being the only one here?

[Shepherd]

Probably. But I'm not prepared to leave that to chance. Come on. We've got a few more hatches to check. Then as soon as we're done, we can make the descent.

[Tessa]

Nadi, what's going on? You said you needed to show me something.

[Idana]

Hey, Train. Thanks for coming so fast. You. Are you okay?

[Tessa]

Yeah, it's. It's all good.

[Idana]

Now, come on. What is it?

[Tessa]

Yeah, it's those goddamn regulators again. I can't seem to get the hang of that whole setup, no matter what I do.

[Idana]

Is it the programming that's giving you problems?

[Tessa]

No, it's. It's everything.

[Idana]

I. I just took you through the procedure last week.

[Tessa]

I know that, but unt. You make it look easy. For a grunt like me, this kind of shit doesn't come easy.

[Idana]

Well, you need to get your head around it, Train. I can't do everything myself.

[Tessa]

I'm on it, all right? I just.

[Hargraves]

I.

[Tessa]

I'm sorry, brother. Look, I'll figure it out one way or another. Even if it kills me.

[Idana]

Let's hope it doesn't come to that.

[Tessa]

Anyway, let's get on with it. What are you bashing away at here?

[Idana]

I'm trying to get this cell door back in shape. It got buckled during the breakout and. Well, forget about that for now. There's something else I wanted to show you. Here. Check out this holding cell.

[Tessa]

This is where Crichton and Idana busted out.

[Hargraves]

Yeah.

[Idana]

Tessa wanted us to conduct an investigation into how it all happened so that we can patch up the flaws in our design.

[Tessa]

So what do you found?

[Idana]

Take a look at this. See these gouges in the door frame here and here?

[Tessa]

Looks like a tool of some kind.

[Idana]

I checked the markings with a scope down to the microscopic level. I can say with almost 100% certainty that the doors were levered open with a Blade?

[Tessa]

What kind of blade?

[Idana]

I don't know for sure, but one thing I can tell you was it was incredibly sharp. And there's something weird about it too. I found some kind of residue in the door frame. Resulting from the impact. Strikes, I think.

[Tessa]

Residue?

[Idana]

Yeah, I'm still running analysis, but it looks like the blade has been treated with something.

[Tessa]

Something like.

[Idana]

It's exotic. That's about all I can tell you at this point.

[Tessa]

Well, let's not lose too much sleep over that. We have a bigger problem. Obviously, if someone used a blade to open up the cells, that means Crichton and Adonna must have had an accomplice here inside the vault. A traitor in our midst.

[Idana]

No, I don't think there's a traitor here at all.

[Tessa]

Hey. Someone help these bastards escape. Naughty. Plain and simple.

[Idana]

Hang on, Train. Look at this. Here, in Idana's cell. The strikes came from the outside, just like we'd expect, but. Crichton. Cell.

[Hargraves]

Check it out.

[Tessa]

What am I looking at?

[Idana]

These strikes came from inside the cell. See here? The markings on the interior of the door?

[Tessa]

That doesn't make sense. If what you're saying is true, then.

[Idana]

Then Crichton had a blade with him and he used it to escape.

[Tessa]

We searched him. He was clean.

[Idana]

I know.

[Tessa]

Well, then I hate to tell you, but your forensics are screwed.

[Idana]

He had a blade. We must have missed it.

[Tessa]

This a small blade we're talking about?

[Idana]

No, quite the opposite. Large and thick, robust. That's how he was able to get the leverage on the door.

[Tessa]

Now. Naughty. Would you care to explain how in the hell Crichton managed to make this big ass blade of his appear out of thin air? Did he just will it into existence?

[Idana]

As soon as I come up with an answer, I'll let you know. But there's something else too. That residue I found on the gouges. I found the same exact residue on the slash wounds that were inflicted on the dead guy, Rayan.

[Tessa]

The one we found stuffed behind the panel down in maintenance. Are you suggesting he was killed by the same blade?

[Idana]

If not the same, it's practically identical in every way.

[Tessa]

So these blades, they're just popping up all over the place and then disappearing again, never to be found, is that it?

[Idana]

Hey, I'm just following the evidence.

[Tessa]

Well, until we get to the bottom of it, keep your eye out. It's still possible we have a traitor down here somewhere.

[Idana]

Don't worry, I can take care of myself.

[Hargraves]

I.

[Tessa]

Hey, look at that.

[Idana]

It's T. Well, go on, answer it.

[Tessa]

T. It's good to hear from you. So, what's up in your part of the world?

[Morton]

Crichton? Idana. What are you doing back here? I thought I told you I wanted you out of my enclave.

[Rhys]

You didn't give us a chance to finish talking last time. We thought we'd give you one last chance to see reason.

[Morton]

The entrance guard should have told you I didn't want to be disturbed at this time.

[Crichton]

Well, we have a way of being persuasive when we want to be. And do you really need to hear what we have to say?

[Morton]

Is that so? Why are you wearing those odd headsets?

[Rhys]

We were just preparing to leave. And we always wear this equipment on long journeys.

[Morton]

All right, I'll allow this, but make it quick.

[Rhys]

Good, Crichton. You have the hardware?

[Crichton]

Right here.

[Morton]

Oh, nice and easy there, Crichton. Slow. My guards have itchy trigger fingers. And we wouldn't want there to be any misunderstandings between us, would we?

[Hargraves]

Relax.

[Crichton]

I don't have a gun. Nor does Idana.

[Morton]

Even so, these men and women are trained killers. So watch your step.

[Crichton]

We tried to tell you this during our last meeting, right before you dismissed us. We picked up a little bonus in the vault during our escape.

[Morton]

What is it?

[Rhys]

It's a radio. It was locked away in storage with our belongings. We thought it might make a nice souvenir.

[Morton]

A radio? That's the earth shattering development you brought before me today with such urgency? Yes, well, seems I underestimated you. This is simply incredible. Maybe back in the western reaches, this kind of gadget is nothing short of a technological miracle. But here. I'm afraid you'll have to do better if you want to impress me.

[Rhys]

This is no ordinary radio. Listen.

[Olga]

Well, it sounds like you got everything under control. Look, guys, I can't talk long. We're just doing one final check over these air tanks before we head down into the belly of the dome. Olga tells me that more than likely we'll be at a radio contact down there. So don't worry if you don't get an answer from me right away.

[Rust]

No problem.

[Tessa]

T. Be careful down there, huh?

[Morton]

What's this?

[Crichton]

Didn't you hear? It's the custodians talking to each other.

[Rhys]

They've developed some kind of encrypted long range comm system. And now we have one of their units. We're privy to their conversations.

[Crichton]

Seems like they haven't realized they're missing one of their units yet.

[Morton]

And this is important because.

[Rhys]

Don't you understand, Morton? We can anticipate their moves Stay one step ahead.

[Crichton]

Tessa is at the dome right now. Alone.

[Morton]

Your point being?

[Crichton]

We should go after her. This is the perfect time.

[Hargraves]

To do what?

[Morton]

Embark on another pointless pursuit?

[Crichton]

Tessa is the one that I want. She's the strongest of Custodians. Not only that, but she's also the one who has the most compatible hardware. That's why we left the vault to Pursuer, after all. It has to be Tessa.

[Morton]

Go after Tessa. Why in the name of the Ashen God himself would I do that?

[Rhys]

Because that is our mission.

[Morton]

No, you see, that's where you're wrong, Idana. Clearly, for you, the whole of creation revolves around this ill fated crusade of yours against the Custodians. But my mandate has always been to ensure the welfare of the clan. To strengthen the clan, consolidate and expand our territory. But instead, ever since I've agreed to tangle horns with these accursed Custodians, there has been nothing but failure. The clan has suffered and been weakened immeasurably. To the point where, after this latest debacle, we've now been forced to crawl back inside our enclave like cowering shell rats. We've been humiliated.

[Rhys]

That's why we've brought you this gift. We're offering you a chance to strike back. Tessa is isolated and that makes her weak. If we strike now and take her down, the Vault will have lost its leader and our.

[Morton]

I said no. And I will hear no more of your counsel. You need to leave.

[Crichton]

And that's your final word, is it?

[Morton]

Yes, it is.

[Crichton]

Coward.

[Morton]

What did you say?

[Crichton]

You heard me.

[Rhys]

It's no wonder this clan is unraveling with you as its leader. I'm sure that as you lie awake at night pondering your folly, you console yourself with the thought that there is still time to right the ship. You tell yourself that while the Ripper buzzards may be circling, there is still time to regain what you've lost. But the truth is, Morton, you're already dead.

[Morton]

You arrogant worms. Do you really think you can come before me, here, in my own chambers, dressed up in those ridiculous, ridiculous goggles and intimidate me with this little pantomime of yours?

[Crichton]

Hey, Morton. I never did show you what I can do with this arm of mine, did I?

[Hargraves]

What?

[Crichton]

Idana, will you do the honors?

[Rhys]

My pleasure, brother.

[Morton]

It's a pulse charge. Someone, quickly get the lights back on.

[Rhys]

No.

[Morton]

I will not die like this. Not this.

[Crichton]

Going somewhere, Morten?

[Morton]

No. Stay away from me.

[Rhys]

Look at him. Groveling in the dirt. How appropriate.

[Morton]

Please, I beg of you. I'll do anything you want.

[Hargraves]

You heard your chance, coward.

[Rhys]

A clean kill, brother.

[Crichton]

More than he deserves.

[Rhys]

They were weak, all of them. We should never have come to them.

[Crichton]

No point dwelling on it now. Let's just focus on moving forward.

[Rhys]

So what's next?

[Crichton]

We move through the rest of the enclave and continue our work. Make sure there's no one left to follow us. After that, we gather all the weapons and equipment we can carry and go load up a crawler. We have a journey ahead of us, sister, and we should get started. There's no time to waste.

[Hargraves]

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 Luna, head over to patreon.com BeyondTheDark your support means I can keep bringing you more Seasons of The.

[Rust]

Strata Season 11 Sanctuary starring Emma Shurzhako.

[Hargraves]

Jason Juroi, Michelle Mosley, Brian Jeffords, Peter.

[Rust]

Wicks, Paul Warren, Chloe Elmore, Corey Kohler.

[Hargraves]

Rebecca Tamwin, Jimmy Yamaguchi, Max Hertzfeld, Eric Wilmot and Philip Krienhoff. Created by Mark R. Healy A Beyond the Dark production.

[Rhys]

The Fable and Folly Network where fiction producers flourish.

[Hargraves]

Now playing from Voyage Media. A naked woman picked up the recently decapitated head of a goat that had.

[Morton]

Been sitting in a large silver colored bowl. She held the goat's head high above hers, its dull black eyes staring emptily.

[Hargraves]

As she threw her her black hair and allowed the blood to trickle down the front of her body. When the lights go down, what stories really stick with you. Presenting Fever Dreams, an anthology of dark genre stories. Horror, crime, sci fi. My eyes settled on a crystal piece, the only thing hanging on any of the walls. A man's face set inside a raging sun. The eyes started to glow. Now playing from Voyage Media in association with Seven Lamb Productions, creators of the hit audio drama Tower 4. A new descent into darkness in every episode.

[Idana]

Season one of Fever Dreams, a pulp.

[Hargraves]

Collection available anywhere you listen to podcasts.