Episode 11.8 - Sanctuary - Part 8

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Strata
Episode: 11.8 - Sanctuary - Part 8
Release Date: October 22, 2024
Host: Mark R. Healy

---

Introduction

The Strata continues its gripping narrative in the dystopian expanse of Highgate City. In this eighth installment of the Sanctuary arc, the story delves deeper into the intricate web of alliances, betrayals, and the relentless pursuit of survival. The episode primarily focuses on Sienna and Rust's quest to secure a critical power core, vital for Tessa's life-sustaining treatment, while parallel subplots explore the struggles faced by other key characters within the vault.

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Sienna and Rust: Unraveling the Mystery

Discovery of the PRISM Connection

The episode kicks off with Sienna sharing her breakthrough with Rust, unveiling a connection between recent police raids and the elusive drug known as PRISM.

• Sienna [02:20]: "After more research on the grid, I came across something that made things a whole lot clearer."
• Rust [05:55]: "Fluctuations in power usage. What's that all about?"

Through meticulous analysis of a Highgate City PD report, Sienna deduces that the seizure of an illegal drug lab is intrinsically linked to PRISM, despite the lack of direct mentions in the official statements.

• Sienna [04:10]: "This is a recipe someone uploaded for prism. They were trying to sell it on the black market... plasma generation and the heat that's needed to cause the chemical reaction."

Linking Valdez to the Power Core

Their investigation leads them to Valdez, an art mogul suspected of financing his lifestyle through the clandestine production of PRISM. The duo theorizes that Valdez's possession of a Faber Surge Model XX1 power core is crucial for sustaining the high-energy demands of PRISM manufacturing.

• Sienna [06:48]: "It's all PR bullshit. Russ, come on. Read between the lines."
• Rust [06:07]: "Unless those labs found a way to generate the power they needed on site without having to drop from the main grid."

Devising the Heist Plan

Confronted with the improbability of convincing Valdez to part with the core, Sienna proposes a daring plan to infiltrate his heavily guarded mansion and seize the power core themselves.

• Sienna [12:34]: "Well, screw that. Time for a change of plan."
• Rust [13:06]: "Hey, if there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that you can't stop Sienna when she gets on a roll like this. You get on board or you get run over."

---

Tessa at Plainview: A Glimmer of Hope

Struggles and Setbacks

Tessa communicates her struggles from the Outpost Plainview, detailing failed attempts to secure a replacement power core and the deteriorating conditions within the dome.

• Tessa [15:40]: "Wish I had something good to tell you, Coltrane, but unfortunately, I'm not making much headway out here."
• Coltrane [16:07]: "I'm following up on another lead. Sienna and Rust think they can get their hands on a replacement core."

Raising the Stakes

Her conversation highlights the urgency of their mission, underscoring the limited time they have before the situation becomes untenable.

• Tessa [17:17]: "If it's one of Morton's, they should be reaching the edge of their perimeter soon. My guess is they'll head home before long."
• Olga [17:23]: "They've spotted an ash plume north of Plainview."

---

Vault Operations: Nadi and Coltrane's Challenges

Technical Difficulties and Emotional Strain

Within the vault, Nadi and Coltrane grapple with technical malfunctions and the psychological toll of their responsibilities.

• Coltrane [21:06]: "I couldn't figure out how to release the brackets... I thought I was just gonna break something, so I stopped."
• Nadi [22:25]: "It's weird. I always assumed you could do most of this stuff. You never complained about it before."

Strengthening Bonds and Building Resilience

Their interactions reveal the deep bonds formed under pressure and the mutual support necessary to overcome their respective challenges.

• Nadi [24:00]: "How about a deal? I won't call you stupid if you don't call me lazy."
• Coltrane [24:21]: "Sounds like a plan. Nutty. Lead on."

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Preparing for the Heist: Coordination and Anticipation

Finalizing the Plan

Sienna, Rust, and Tessa coordinate their efforts to execute the heist, setting timelines and preparing for potential obstacles.

• Sienna [13:36]: "Straight, so let's see if we can sort out a schedule."
• Tessa [14:20]: "We'll still need the best part of the day to sort things out. Working round the clock."

Addressing Potential Threats

The team remains vigilant against external threats, including Morton's scouts, ensuring they're prepared for any confrontations during their mission.

• Tessa [17:32]: "Crawlers coming our way."
• Nadi [19:32]: "We'll find a way."

---

Conclusion: A Tense Cliffhanger

As the episode draws to a close, the stage is set for the impending heist. Sienna and Rust's determination contrasts with the vault's internal struggles, encapsulating the high stakes and emotional depth that The Strata consistently delivers.

• Sienna [14:55]: "Come on, Rust. We got work to do."
• Tessa [18:10]: "No one's going to catch me out there in the plains. That much I'll guarantee."

The intertwining narratives leave listeners eagerly anticipating the next episode, where alliances will be tested, and the true cost of survival in Highgate City will be unveiled.

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Notable Quotes

• Sienna [04:10]: "During the manufacturing process, there are some huge power requirements. Something to do with plasma generation and the heat that's needed to cause the chemical reaction."
• Rust [06:32]: "In short, they'd need a Faber Surge Model XX1. God damn it, you're right. It does fit."
• Sienna [12:34]: "Well, screw that. Time for a change of plan."
• Nadi [22:25]: "It's weird. I always assumed you could do most of this stuff. You never complained about it before."
• Coltrane [24:21]: "Sounds like a plan. Nutty. Lead on."

---

The Strata continues to masterfully blend suspense, character development, and intricate plotting, keeping its audience on the edge of their seats with each episode.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

You'Re listening to the Strata A Beyond the Dark Production Season 11 Sanctuary Part 8.

[Rust]

AC what's happening? Any updates?

[Sienna]

Updates? Oh yeah, I've definitely got a few of those.

[Rust]

You sound pleased with yourself.

[Sienna]

What can I say? It's been a productive day. Take a seat. I'll fill you in.

[Rust]

Okay, let's hear it.

[Sienna]

So last time we spoke, we had all of these strands that seemed to be pointing in different directions. Valdis, the core, Hargraves Prism. I couldn't see the link, but after more research on the grid, I came across something that made things a whole lot clearer.

[Rust]

What is it?

[Sienna]

This article right here. It's an old one from over a decade ago and I was kind of lucky to stumble across it because it's lacking space, specific details, but I think you'll find everything lines up.

[Rust]

The Highgate City PD scored a major win today in the fight against illegal drugs. A spokesperson from the department, Mr. James Thomas, told us that a production facility in the suburb of Hamilton was uncovered. After an extensive investigation by police, all assets from the facility were seized. The perpetrators, as yet Unnamed have been arrested and are awaiting trial.

[Sienna]

Keep reading.

[Rust]

Hang on. See, I don't see any mention of PRISM in this whole article, if that's where you're going with this.

[Sienna]

They never mention it by name, but I think it's pretty clear what they're talking about. Check out this next bit.

[Rust]

Although none of the illegal substances from the facility are believed to have been destined for the streets of Highgate City, this is still considered to be a major blow to the drug trade in both Midtown and Dockerton, where the narcotics problem has become rampant in recent years. Hang on a second. Midtown in Dockerton? This kind of suggests the drug isn't PRISM if it's heading out of Highgate City.

[Sienna]

It's all PR bullshit. Russ, come on. Read between the lines. The cops don't want anyone to think there's a drug problem in Highgate City, so they just dump it all on Midtown, in Dockerton.

[Rust]

So what makes you think this drug lab is turning out prism? Couldn't it have been some other junk?

[Sienna]

I wondered about that myself for a while, but it's the bit down the end that tipped me off. Listen. The raid came after an extensive investigation by police. Mr. Thomas praised the diligence of the specialists involved, who have worked tirelessly on the case for weeks. This is a warning to other criminals. We're watching you, and nothing escapes our notice, Mr. Thomas said. He went on to explain that fluctuations in power usage at the facility first drew the interest of police almost a month ago. It was a detail so small that I'm sure a team of lesser skill would never have even noticed, he said. But not our team. We see everything.

[Rust]

Fluctuations in power usage. What's that all about?

[Sienna]

Sounds weird, doesn't it? That's what made me keep searching for more information on prism. Specifically, anything I could find out about the manufacturing process. Here, check it out.

[Rust]

What am I looking at?

[Sienna]

This is a recipe someone uploaded for prism. They were trying to sell it on the black market. Now, unfortunately, a few of the ingredients in the drug have been redacted, as well as a couple of steps. But take a look at this procedure. During the manufacturing process, there are some huge power requirements. Something to do with plasma generation and the heat that's needed to cause the chemical reaction. It's this step that gives us the smoking gun, as far as I'm concerned.

[Rust]

Yeah, I get it. So you think the raid in Highgate City was a PRISM lab? Because of the power usage, the lab kept causing spikes in their power feed whenever they cooked a new batch. And that's what set the cops up that something was going on there.

[Sienna]

Right? And following on from that, I'll bet that most of the PRISM labs in Highgate City would have been forced to shut down because they knew the cops would find them if they kept operating.

[Rust]

Unless those labs found a way to generate the power they needed on site without having to drop from the main grid.

[Sienna]

Mm. But we're not talking about some run of the mill backyard power setup that you can buy at your local hardware store. Anyone who wanted to keep manufacturing PRISM would need a serious generator system. Something capable of handling incredibly high power yields that were both fast and clean.

[Rust]

In short, they'd need a Faber Surge Model XX1. God damn it, you're right. It does fit.

[Sienna]

So that's it. Now we know why Valdes has a power core buried deep below his mansion. It's an underground drug lab hidden away.

[Rust]

From prying eyes, undetectable by the cops.

[Sienna]

Yeah, I'm thinking Valdez probably bought the power core after he found out about this other lab takedown in Hamilton all those years ago.

[Rust]

But what's a guy like Valdis doing in the drug trade? I thought he made his credits from art.

[Sienna]

Maybe that whole art scene isn't quite as lucrative as Valdez would like everyone to believe. Or who knows? It could be that selling PRISM on the side helps him to buy more expensive pieces. Anyway, that doesn't really matter. The main thing is he has the power core.

[Rust]

Yeah, well, okay, there's some great detective work there, C, but this is kind of the end of the road for us, isn't it?

[Sienna]

What do you mean?

[Rust]

There's no way in hell Valdis is going to sell us that power core if it's bringing in all those credits through prism. The guy must be making a shit ton off that business. To him, the core is probably worth its weight in diamonds.

[Sienna]

Well, there has to be some other way to get it.

[Rust]

Like what?

[Sienna]

What if we tipped off the cops about the drug lab? They could move in and arrest Valdis. And then?

[Rust]

And then they'd confiscate all his equipment. Every last test tube, vial and power core in the whole damn lab. What then?

[Tessa]

Shit.

[Sienna]

Okay, so we don't go with that plan. Instead, we. We break in there and take it.

[Rust]

Are you shitting me? You saw the security system at Valda's place. We won't make it through the front door, let alone all the way down to a goddamn underground bunker.

[Sienna]

Come on, there has to be a way. Tessa is depending on us.

[Rust]

See, I know how much this Means to the custodians. But we have to face the facts here. It's not possible. And that's coming from a guy who specializes in getting in and out of high security facilities for a living. Yeah, we tried. In fact, we busted our asses on this one. We've been shot at, threatened, and done enough laps through Highgate City to last a lifetime. But this. This is the end of the line.

[Sienna]

Well, we have to call Tessa and let her know. I've been dreading it, but like you say, there's nothing else to be done.

[Rust]

Yeah, and look, maybe it's not as bad as you think. Maybe she's come up with some other solution by now.

[Sienna]

Sure hope so. Hey, grab that comms unit for me, will you? Let's get this over and done with.

[Olga]

How's it going, T? Have you had enough to eat?

[Tessa]

Yeah, I'm good. Thanks.

[Olga]

You didn't try any of the soup.

[Tessa]

It sure smells great. But it's okay. I brought my own supplies.

[Olga]

We have enough to spare. Really, it's no problem.

[Tessa]

You've already done more than enough for me, Olga. I'm sorry for taking up so much of your time on this thing, especially when it turned out to be a total waste.

[Olga]

Stop apologizing, Tessa. I already told you. It's no problem.

[Tessa]

Thanks. Appreciate it.

[Olga]

So, where to now?

[Tessa]

I wish I knew. Maybe there are other vaults out there in the wasteland. But after what we just saw inside the dome, I think the chances of finding one with working hardware are slim. And I hate the thought of wasting more time going down that road.

[Olga]

Who's that?

[Tessa]

Sorry, Olga, I. I have to take this.

[Olga]

Sure.

[Tessa]

No problem. Sienna, what's news?

[Sienna]

Hey, Tessa. Just checking in on you. We were wondering how things were going in that search for a replacement core.

[Tessa]

Still looking for a solution, unfortunately.

[Sienna]

You haven't turned anything up yet?

[Tessa]

Not yet.

[Sienna]

Damn. Well, Rust and I have been working hard over here, leaving no stone unturned in the strata.

[Tessa]

Oh, to be honest, I hadn't even had a chance to think about that. Sorry. I just thought the chances of you finding something were so remote that nothing would come of it.

[Sienna]

That's okay. I'm sure you've got plenty of other things to deal with. And let me just say up front that we don't have any good news for you. We just thought we should give you an update. Okay, so here's what happened. We had to search high and low to track down any trace of the power core. You needed the Faber Surge Model XX1. In the end, we Found one located in Highgate City, but it doesn't look like we're going to be able to get our hands on it.

[Tessa]

The owner doesn't want to sell?

[Rust]

No, the owner is a shitbag drug dealer who's got the core locked away in an underground bunker.

[Sienna]

A.

[Tessa]

A drug dealer?

[Sienna]

He's using the power core as part of his operation. It's a long story, T. The bottom.

[Rust]

Line is the core's out of reach. Sorry to disappoint you.

[Tessa]

I understand. Thank you for looking into it, guys. I hope the whole thing didn't cause you too much trouble.

[Rust]

We managed to stir up a few scuzz rats here and there, but nothing we couldn't handle.

[Sienna]

What's next, T? Do you have a fallback plan or something?

[Tessa]

Well, not really.

[Sienna]

So where does that leave you and Coltrane and Nadi and everyone else in the vault?

[Tessa]

On shaky ground, I guess.

[Sienna]

You're not going to have to leave the vault, are you?

[Tessa]

That remains to be seen.

[Sienna]

Come on. After everything you fought for all these years, you can't walk away now.

[Tessa]

We're going to exhaust every option, believe me. But I have to admit, it's not looking good at this point.

[Sienna]

Well, screw that. Time for a change of plan.

[Tessa]

What plan? What are you talking about?

[Sienna]

Sienna, we're going to get that power core for you. Consider it done.

[Rust]

Hang on a second, C. We need to talk about this.

[Sienna]

We can do it, Rust. I've had a plan bubbling away in the back of my mind ever since we located that core. Now, there's going to be some risk, but considering what's at stake, I think it's worth it.

[Tessa]

I'm not sure I like the sound of this. Sienna. If one of you gets hurt or lands in trouble, I could never forgive myself.

[Sienna]

Don't sweat it. T will be fine.

[Tessa]

Russ, talk some sense into her.

[Rust]

Hey, if there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that you can't stop Sienna when she gets on a roll like this. You get on board or you get run over. Besides, if she says it can be done, that's good enough for me. I trust her with my life.

[Sienna]

Thanks, pal. And you know what else? I think I'm actually gonna enjoy snatching that hardware right out from under Valdis's nose. That bastard is never gonna know what hit him.

[Tessa]

Well, I can see I'm not going to talk you out of this dance.

[Sienna]

Straight, so let's see if we can sort out a schedule. Where are you now, T?

[Tessa]

I'm at a small Outpost called Plainview. I'm setting the coordinates now.

[Sienna]

Okay, let's see here. Yeah, got him. Just let me overlay this on a map and. Yeah, all good. This is good. You're practically halfway to the Strata already. Just keep heading east and you'll be here in no time.

[Tessa]

How long is it going to take for you to put this operation of yours together?

[Sienna]

We'll still need the best part of the day to sort things out. Working round the clock. The heist itself will only take a few minutes. Assuming we have everything lined up the way it's supposed to. Judging by the distance you still have to travel, that should allow us to rendezvous sometime tomorrow night. How does that sound?

[Tessa]

That should work for me.

[Sienna]

Okay, great. We'll keep you posted.

[Tessa]

Okay. Thank you for this. Really. I don't know what to say.

[Sienna]

No biggie, T. We'll talk to you again soon. Come on, Rust. We got work to do.

[Olga]

Well, I guess this is it, Tessa. Time we parted ways again.

[Tessa]

Looks like it.

[Olga]

So you're heading east? Are you sure you want to go that way?

[Tessa]

My friends think they can come through for me, so I figure it's worth a shot.

[Olga]

Be careful around the city, Tea? That's a different world for people like us.

[Tessa]

Don't I know it. Thanks again, old friend. I hope to see you again soon.

[Olga]

Safe travels. Tessa.

[Coltrane]

Tessa. What's news?

[Tessa]

Wish I had something good to tell you, Coltrane, but unfortunately, I'm not making making much headway out here.

[Coltrane]

What happened at the dome? Did you get in?

[Tessa]

Yeah. Made it all the way down to the core assembly, but it's a wreck. The whole unit has been corroded. It's a washout.

[Coltrane]

Ah, damn it. I wondered if something like that might have happened.

[Tessa]

It's a shame, but at least we tried.

[Coltrane]

So what now? You coming home?

[Tessa]

I'm following up on another lead. Sienna and Rust think they can get their hands on a replacement core.

[Coltrane]

For real? Where'd they find that?

[Tessa]

I don't know all the details. In fact, I'm putting a whole lot of trust in them right now. Still not convinced it's the right thing to do.

[Coltrane]

Well, if they say they can do it, they'll do it. We both seen what those two are capable of firsthand.

[Tessa]

Yeah. So, anyway, there's been a bit of a change of plans. I'm heading east now, hoping to make a rendezvous closer to the Strata.

[Coltrane]

We'll keep holding the fort.

[Tessa]

How are things going back there?

[Coltrane]

Well, we're managing.

[Tessa]

Are you sure? You don't sound convincing.

[Coltrane]

We have Some problems to sort out, but we'll come through. Don't worry about us, T. Just go and do what you need to do. We'll hold things together till you get back.

[Tessa]

Yeah, okay. Look, I better keep moving. I've got a lot of ground to cover in the next few hours.

[Coltrane]

Safe travels. Keep in touch, all right?

[Tessa]

Will do.

[Olga]

T, hold up a minute.

[Tessa]

Olga. What is it?

[Olga]

I wanted to let you know this might be nothing, but I just got a report from the Watchtower. They've spotted an ash plume north of Plainview.

[Tessa]

Crawlers coming our way.

[Olga]

Just one? As far as we can tell.

[Tessa]

One of Morton's scouts.

[Olga]

Too far away to tell, anyway. The thing is, it was heading right for us until just a minute ago. Then it changed course. Looks like it's moving on a southeast heading now.

[Tessa]

Huh? Southeast?

[Olga]

Yeah. And that means there's a chance you might cross paths on your way to the Strata. It's probably not a big deal, but I thought you should know.

[Tessa]

If it's one of Morton's, they should be reaching the edge of their perimeter soon. My guess is they'll head home before long.

[Olga]

Most likely. But better to be prepared, I guess.

[Tessa]

Don't worry, Olga. Nadi made a few modifications to this crawler before I left, so I could compensate for the weight of the power core. No one's going to catch me out there in the plains. That much I'll guarantee.

[Coltrane]

Hey, naughty. There you are. Been looking for you.

[Nadi]

Same. There's something we need to talk about.

[Coltrane]

Yeah, what's up?

[Nadi]

You first. What's going on?

[Coltrane]

Okay. I just got off comms with Tessa. She's finished at the Dome.

[Nadi]

What happened? Did she find the core?

[Coltrane]

Half founded, but it's no good. Seems unusable by all accounts.

[Nadi]

Shit.

[Coltrane]

She's back at Plainview now, gearing up to head east.

[Nadi]

East? What for?

[Coltrane]

Heading to the Strata, believe it or not. Looks like Sienna might be able to come through with a replacement after all.

[Nadi]

Really? Sure hope so. We're gonna be screwed if she doesn't.

[Coltrane]

Well, keep your fingers crossed. If luck is on our side, we may just get out of this.

[Nadi]

Is there anything we can do to help?

[Coltrane]

Just keep things humming back here as best we can.

[Nadi]

Right.

[Coltrane]

So. Your turn. What is it you wanted to talk about?

[Nadi]

Remember I told you I was going to organize a few scouting runs to help re establish a defensive perimeter? Well, the first crawler just got back and something weird's going on. Train. The scout said she saw smoke on the horizon. A lot of it. When we sat down and reviewed the coordinates. I'm pretty sure I can pinpoint the location. It's Morton's enclave.

[Coltrane]

Morton? The hell is he up to?

[Nadi]

No idea. But it's unusual. I've got a bad feeling about it.

[Coltrane]

Well, what kind of smoke was it?

[Nadi]

Can't say at this point.

[Coltrane]

Maybe old Morton is just sparking up a bonfire out there for the hell of it.

[Nadi]

Yeah, maybe.

[Coltrane]

Well, until we know more, there's not much point worrying about it, I guess.

[Nadi]

I suppose.

[Coltrane]

So you're getting scouts up and running again, huh?

[Nadi]

Yeah. I figure we're going to need to train the new arrivals to help out with some of the basic tasks around here. And the ones I chose had some prior experience with scouting back at their old outpost, so that helped.

[Coltrane]

Nice work. Naughty.

[Nadi]

Speaking of basic tasks, how did you go with swapping out those air filters in the eastern wing of the living quarters? I went past there just before, and the place still reeks like a pithog den.

[Coltrane]

Yeah, I. I looked at it and I. I don't know. It. It wasn't working properly.

[Nadi]

What do you mean it wasn't working properly?

[Coltrane]

I. I couldn't figure it out. Okay?

[Nadi]

Hey, calm down, Train. What's gotten into you?

[Coltrane]

Look, I'm trying, all right? I can't help being the stupid one.

[Nadi]

Hey, no one thinks you're stupid. Just chill out. Go back to the start and tell me what happened.

[Coltrane]

Look, I. I went and got the replacement filters, just like you told me. And I climbed up so I could make the swap. But when I got up there, I. I couldn't figure out how to release the brackets. I tried every which way, but nothing worked. And in the end, I thought I was just gonna break something, so. So I stopped.

[Nadi]

You've never changed an air filter before?

[Coltrane]

Look, this technical stuff has never been my thing, Nadi. I mean, sure, I can do some basics here and there, and Sienna showed me how to put the radios together. That wasn't, you know, too bad, but for the most part, I've always been the custodian who carried a gun and brought the muscle in a fight. All of these gauges and filters and regulators, I mean, that was for Amy and Rogers to look after.

[Nadi]

Amy and Rogers have been gone for a decade, Train. We put them in the dirt during the long winter, remember? Out in the resting fields.

[Coltrane]

I know that. Naughty.

[Nadi]

So we can't rely on them anymore. We have to take up the slack.

[Coltrane]

Yeah, yeah, I hear you.

[Nadi]

It's weird. I always assumed you could do most of this stuff. You never complained about it before.

[Coltrane]

I managed to get by in the old days, but now that we're bringing all of this other equipment online to handle the newcomers, I'm feeling out of my depth.

[Nadi]

I haven't worked on these systems in a while either. I'm rusty, that's for sure.

[Coltrane]

You know, back when there were more of us custodians here, everyone had a role, I had mine. And I was good at it. Now there's so much more to do, and most times I don't know where to even start.

[Nadi]

You think you're the only one doing it Tough.

[Coltrane]

You and Tessa always understood this stuff better than me.

[Nadi]

Coltrane. I'm so weak. I can barely get up off my bunk most mornings. I'm tired. I napped like three times a day. I'm barely holding on here.

[Coltrane]

That makes me feel even worse. I should be the one who's taking charge around here, but instead, I'm fumbling my way through this whole damn thing like an idiot.

[Nadi]

No one thinks you're an idiot.

[Coltrane]

I do.

[Nadi]

Hey, at least you can lift stuff and go for more than three hours without sleep.

[Coltrane]

We are quite the pair, aren't we? Oh, how in the hell are we going to get this place up and running again? Naughty.

[Nadi]

We'll find a way.

[Coltrane]

Hey, I'm sorry about all the stupid little things I've said about you napping and stuff. I didn't mean to offend you, brother.

[Nadi]

How about a deal? I won't call you stupid if you don't call me lazy.

[Coltrane]

God damn, you drive a hard bargain. Always.

[Nadi]

Hey, why don't you come with me?

[Coltrane]

Where are we going?

[Nadi]

I figured we might go and change those air filters together. You can do the heavy lifting and I'll teach you how it's done.

[Coltrane]

Sounds like a plan. Nutty. Lead on.

[Narrator]

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

[Tessa]

The.

[Advertiser]

Fable and Folly Network where fiction producers flourish.

[Kate]

Friends half orcs, countrymen, lend me your pointy ears of mice and men and monsters is a podcast which combines the art and beauty of classic literature with the fun of Dungeons and Dragons roleplay. These episodes episodes are led by me, Kate, your master teacher, which is dungeon Master meets high school English teacher. We take on quests in these fascinating worlds, meeting and adventuring with the greatest literary characters of all time, solving puzzles set up by the dubious Dr. Frankenstein.

[Sienna]

One eye is over there and the.

[Coltrane]

Other eye is rolled over there. Exactly right.

[Kate]

Hunting Moby Dick alongside Captain Ahab.

[Sienna]

I've rolled a one. Oh, you rolled a one.

[Kate]

Of Mice and Men and Monsters is a faithful yet irreverent way to interact with the stories which have influenced us for centuries. Plus, it's a much more exciting way to experience literature than writing an essay. Essays don't have swords which burst into flame or poop monsters hiding in toilets.

[Nadi]

Anybody got some poop for me?

[Kate]

A new episode of Of Mice and Men and Monsters is released every other Wednesday. Wherever you listen to podcasts.