
Deep in the Deadlands, the custodians welcome more refugees inside the safety of the Vault. However, not all of the newcomers have good intentions. After a shocking turn of events, Tessa is forced to embark on a mission that will not only endanger her own life, but the lives of everyone inside the Vault as well.
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Narrator
You're listening to the Strata a Beyond the Dark production season 11 Sanctuary part 9.
Russ
Come on, Russ, get that thing packed up. We don't have much time.
Edgar
I'm working as fast as I can.
Russ
We've got to be ready and in position in less than four hours. And we've got a lot to do between now and then.
Edgar
Yeah, so you keep telling me. Maybe we should slow down for a second here and think about this.
Russ
Slow down? What the hell for?
Edgar
Look, no offense, but you're slapping this all together pretty fast and loose. See, in my experience, that's not a smart way to operate.
Russ
I've just spent the last day and a half going over this operation from every angle. Russ, it's not like I've thrown it all together in 10 minutes.
Edgar
Yeah, but there are still some unknowns I'm concerned about.
Russ
Come on, pal. Don't tell me you haven't been forced to fly by the seat of your pants now and again over the years.
Edgar
Well, a couple of times here and there.
Russ
How many? A hundred? A thousand?
Edgar
No, nowhere near that many. And besides, those were desperate times.
Russ
And what's this? A holiday cruise through the outer colonies? Russ, there are a hundred families out there in the wasteland who are depending on us. Not to mention our custodian buddies.
Edgar
I know, but.
Russ
Okay, let's go over the plan one last time, step by step. Hopefully that will reassure you.
Edgar
Fine.
Russ
So let's see here. Let's start with the location of the power core. With the tracking data, I was able to pinpoint its exact position. It's right here in what looks like the corner of Valdis underground bunker.
Edgar
And we already knew that. The bunker is right next to the glide rail tunnel that runs through this part of town.
Russ
Exactly. There's only a small section of wall that separates the bunker and the tunnel. All we have to do is punch through some concrete and we're there.
Edgar
But we're not going to have enough time to carry out the operation in between routes. That glide rail is going to blast through and steamroll us.
Russ
I've been over the timetables a dozen times. The longest gap tonight will be seven minutes. That should give us all the time we need.
Edgar
Seven minutes? You're telling me we have to cut through that wall with these cutting drones in seven minutes?
Russ
Oh, I made some modifications to the cutters. Didn't I tell you that?
Edgar
What modifications?
Russ
I added some overdrive units. So now these cutters aren't exactly suited for precision slices anymore. They're more geared towards smashing down walls of concrete and dirt in the shortest time possible.
Edgar
They could do the job that fast, no problem.
Russ
I already tested one earlier this morning. Recorded the smashing rate down to the second. So I know exactly how long it'll take to reach the core.
Edgar
Wouldn't it be easier to use charges and just blast a hole through with.
Russ
A new created power core sitting right on the other side? That would be a very bad idea, Rust.
Edgar
So how long is it going to take?
Russ
Less than two minutes.
Edgar
And we still have to uncouple the core from its mounts, get it on the heavy duty conveyor, load it in the van, and then get the hell out of that tunnel before the clock runs out.
Russ
I've poured over the glider rail schedules, construction blueprints, and drill bit shanks until I'm blue in the face. It's all been accounted for. As long as that van of yours can get up to speed carrying the heavy load, everything will be fine.
Edgar
The van is the only thing I'm not worried about. It'll do the job fine.
Russ
So we're good.
Tessa
Hey.
Russ
Grab those last two cutting drones and load them up. That should do it.
Edgar
You do realize that we're not going to have room to fit these drones in the van after the power core goes in, right? From the dimensions you've given me, even the core by itself will be a tight squeeze once it's sitting on the conveyor.
Russ
After these drones have smashed their way through that wall, they're not going to be much good to us anyway. Operating the blades at that velocity will mangle them pretty bad. There won't be anything much left but scream scrap. We'll just leave them behind.
Edgar
But you need these drones for building your workshop.
Russ
Nah, it's fine. I'll pick up some new ones somewhere.
Edgar
You sure? It's going to delay construction.
Russ
So what?
Edgar
It's a crying shame. Things were just starting to come together for you, remember the balcony? The view of Crosstown Bridge? This is supposed to be your new home.
Russ
Priorities, Rust. The workshop can wait.
Edgar
I'm clearly not going to talk you out of this.
Russ
Not a chance. So I think we're done here. Let's finish up and get going. We've still got a lot more prep work to do.
Edgar
Whatever you say.
Tessa
Okay. What is it now?
Naughty
Oh.
Tessa
Guess I've been pushing you a bit too hard up the mountainside, huh, baby? Sorry about that. Let's give you a few minutes to cool off. I stand and look around for a moment at the top of the bluff with darkness closing in. The glow from the east is brighter now. The Strata. It's a place I've heard about many times over the years you never once ventured into. This is probably as close as the road has ever taken me. And now that I'm near, I wonder what might be in store for me. Will all the stories of strange and exotic people and places be true? There won't be time for sightseeing. T. Don't let your expectations run away with you. In the valley to the west, the path I've just traveled, everything is darker under the pall of ash. Quiet, empty. The silence is there again, pushing at the edges of my thoughts, gnawing at my resolution.
Morton
Hey, T. Good to hear from you.
Tessa
Hey, Naughty.
Morton
What's going on? Have you reached the Strata?
Tessa
Not quite. Everything's fine, but I just had to stop for a minute.
Morton
What's going on?
Tessa
I think I pushed the crawler a little too hard on my way up this mountainside. The cores are overheating. I'm just waiting a bit for them to cool down.
Edgar
Ah, damn.
Morton
I should have allowed for more ventilation when I boosted the unit.
Tessa
I'm sorry, T. It's fine, Naughty. Crawler's doing great for the most part. I've made good time so far.
Morton
Glad to hear it.
Tessa
What's been happening back there? Anything I should know about?
Morton
Actually, now that you mention it, there's probably something you should be aware of.
Tessa
What's that?
Morton
I've been able to coordinate a few Scouting missions over the last couple of days, and for the most part, everything's been quiet. Apart from some weird shit going on over at Morton's enclave.
Tessa
Morton? What's that bastard up to now?
Morton
Surprisingly, I think you'll find this is good news. The first thing my scouts noticed was smoke coming from the enclave. A lot of it from afar. They couldn't tell exactly what was going on, so I told them to widen the perimeter a little, just in case it was something we needed to know about.
Tessa
Did you find anything?
Morton
Yeah.
Edgar
Get this.
Morton
Morton's enclave has been torched. It's a smoking ruin.
Edgar
Tea?
Tessa
What? How is that possible?
Morton
Seems crazy, doesn't it?
Tessa
Are you sure this isn't some kind of trick? Morton might be up to something.
Morton
That's what I thought too. But then my scout found one of Morton's lieutenants crawling in the dirt, half dead. She'd been sliced up pretty bad. Lost a lot of blood. She was talking strange. Raving about how a sudden darkness came over the place, and how there were demons stalking the enclave, killing everyone in their path. She said people were screaming, running blind, and then suddenly the whole place was on fire.
Tessa
She must have been hallucinating.
Morton
I guess.
Tessa
Did the scout bring her back to the vault?
Morton
No point. She died right there, just a few minutes later. Couldn't save her.
Tessa
So what do you think really happened?
Morton
It's hard to say, but I don't think this is a trick. T. I think something really happened at that enclave.
Tessa
You're not suggesting Morton is dead, are you?
Morton
We don't have any proof of that.
Tessa
Morton suffered losses during his attack on the vault, but his clan was still one of the largest in the Deadlands, and his fortifications were strong. There's no way he would have just rolled over to an invading force that easily.
Morton
Do you think one of the other clans might have found a way to bust through his fortifications?
Tessa
If there is a clan roaming the plains with that kind of strength, that's a major concern for us.
Morton
Yeah, I. I suppose so.
Tessa
What is it? There's something you're not telling me.
Morton
I don't know if this is even worth mentioning. I. I mean, it's just speculation at this point.
Tessa
Go ahead. I want to hear it.
Morton
Okay. So do you remember that strange looking gear we confiscated from Crichton and Edama? The goggles and the headsets and the rest of that stuff?
Tessa
Uh, vaguely.
Morton
When those two broke out of their cells, they managed to raid our storage area on their way back out of the vaults. Seemed like they were awful keen to get their stuff back.
Tessa
Wait a second, Noddy. What do Crichton and Idana have to do with this?
Morton
Bear with me for a second, Tessa. See, I was talking to some folk around the fire at the evening meal last night. There was one guy in particular called Thomas. Said he was from Salt Ridge. He had an interesting story to tell.
Tessa
Okay, I'm listening.
Morton
This guy grew up in the Western reaches. Lived there until he was old enough to run away. Anyway, I was describing the goggles. Just as a matter of conversation. After, someone asked about what happened with Crichton and Edana, and Thomas told me they sounded familiar. He said they might be like the ones used by miners in the slave trade over there.
Tessa
Miners?
Morton
Yeah. Apparently there's some kind of special rock buried deep in the earth in that part of the world. It's valuable as hell. Used by the rich to power their homes and vehicles or something. I didn't get the whole picture, but anyway. He said the miners are forced to excavate in total darkness. No lights, no flame, nothing.
Tessa
Why would they do that?
Morton
Something to do with tiny critters that live in the darkness. Thomas said they lie dormant for the most part, as long as there's no light to stir them up. But when they're agitated, well, apparently they chew through flesh like bullets. The pain is meant to be excruciating. Most of the slaves who are sent down there to work in the mines don't last long.
Tessa
Do you think that's true?
Morton
He told me it was common knowledge in the West.
Tessa
Okay, it sure sounds horrific, but why is this relevant?
Morton
It's just that after what Morton's lieutenant said about the darkness and demons.
Tessa
Wait, you. You think Crichton had something to do with the mess at Morton's enclave?
Morton
I don't know. Maybe I'm just clutching at Strauss. The truth is, I have a bad feeling about those two.
Tessa
Why's that?
Morton
I did some analysis on the wounds of that victim we found down in Maintenance, just like you asked. Then I cross referenced my findings with the weapon that Crichton used to break out of his cell. They're a match. It's proof that Crichton is the killer.
Tessa
He was hiding a blade from us. How?
Morton
I have no idea. We searched him multiple times. Maybe a sheath of some kind.
Tessa
Now that that is a concern.
Morton
There's more to Crichton and Edana than meets the eye. That's why I'm worried. And right now, I don't have a clue where either of them might be.
Tessa
Do you think they'll return to the vault?
Morton
Maybe. Who knows?
Tessa
None of your scouts have seen them in their travels?
Morton
No. It's like they just disappeared. They could be anywhere.
Tessa
Hang on a second. Naughty.
Morton
What are you doing?
Tessa
Just grabbing my scope.
Morton
To do what?
Tessa
I'm looking back into the valley. The place I just came through. It's getting awfully dark down there.
Morton
But what are you looking for?
Tessa
I think I just found it.
Morton
Found what?
Tessa
When I was about to leave Plainview, Olga came and told me that her lookout had spotted an ash plume coming in from the north. A crawler. A few minutes later, it changed course and started heading more to the east. She was worried that I might cross paths with it.
Morton
And did you?
Tessa
No. I guess I was too fast for them. But looking behind me now, I see another ash plume. It's coming this way.
Morton
You think it's the same one?
Tessa
There's no way to tell. But if it is, it sure as hell isn't a scout. There's no way they'd have come this far.
Morton
Could they be following you?
Tessa
I doubt it. Most likely they're going to the strata and using the same path as me. Hell, they could even turn down the coast and head south, for all I know. Maybe they're headed to Flat Rock or one of the other outposts. Don't take this lightly, T. I'm fine, Nadi. No need to worry. There. My core cells have cooled. I'm good to go.
Morton
Just don't overload that ventilation system again, huh? You don't want to be stuck out there without a crawler.
Tessa
I've got it under control. Naughty. Relax. Let these bastards follow if they want. There's no way they're going to catch me.
Edgar
Edgar said to the interviewer he was.
Morton
Convinced that the thing out there wasn't a vault.
Russ
Yeah, I know what he thought.
Morton
Dr. Edgars didn't think it was designed to keep things out.
Russ
I know what he thought.
Morton
It was designed to keep something in.
Edgar
Do you even understand the difficulty trying.
Morton
To keep a base like Fathom at.
Russ
The bottom of the ocean from killing.
Edgar
Everyone in it on a daily basis?
Russ
Oh, my God.
Edgar
Everyone, hold on to something. I think whatever is on the other.
Morton
Side of that door out there, it's not friendly.
Edgar
I think it's trying to get out.
Morton
That, my friend, is a dire combination. That's a bad sign.
Edgar
Get out of the door.
Russ
It's spreading. Like some kind of technological contagion. We can either stop it here or watch the world burn.
Edgar
Fathom the first SEASON of Derelict Listen, wherever you get your podcasts or learn.
Narrator
More@Derelictpodcast.Com.
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Edgar
How much longer?
Russ
It should be coming any minute.
Edgar
Is it running late?
Russ
No, everything's on schedule.
Tessa
Russ.
Russ
Take it easy. Did you clean up in here recently? The van hasn't smelled this brush in ages.
Edgar
I might have given things a bit of a scrub.
Russ
About time.
Edgar
Glad you noticed.
Russ
I've got to say, I'm surprised. I mean, I've been asking you to sort that out for years. What made you suddenly. Oh, wait a second. Are you cleaning up because of that new friend of yours?
Edgar
I have no idea what you're talking about.
Russ
Oh, my God, it is. You're trying to impress Davina.
Edgar
Can we keep our mind on the job here, please? If we screw around, we might end up like that Hargraves asshole. Plastered all over the asphalt by a large, heavy, fast moving object.
Russ
Just keep watching the tracks, Rust. As soon as that glider rail goes past, floor it. The faster we can get to the destination, the more time we'll have to carry out the work.
Edgar
Don't worry about me. I've got the driving part covered, both the approach and the escape. It's all the shit in between that I'm not sure about.
Russ
We're ready for this, pal. We've ticked all the boxes. Now all that's left is.
Edgar
Damn. That thing appeared out of nowhere.
Russ
I had no idea those glider rails were that damn fast.
Edgar
Yeah, they're like a bad out of hell. And they don't stop for anything.
Russ
Okay, we're clear. Rust, hit it.
Edgar
All right, let's do this. Hang on. See?
Russ
All right, this is it. Grab a cutting drone, pal.
Edgar
Right. Got it.
Russ
Let him rip.
Edgar
They're really going at him.
Russ
Keep going. Get the rest fired up, Rust.
Edgar
Okay, that's the last one. How we doing for time?
Russ
Still a few minutes left.
Edgar
We don't want to be in this tunnel when the next glide rail comes through.
Russ
Look, we already had one of the cutters punched through. That should be the drug lab on the other Side. See there?
Edgar
What the hell was that?
Russ
Uh, looks like one of the cutters got cooked. Those overdrive units can cause a bit of instability sometimes. Not to worry. We still have.
Edgar
We still have what, five cutters left? Or maybe not.
Russ
Look. We're almost through.
Edgar
So that's it. No more cutters. Where'd you buy those overdrive units? A goddamn fireworks factory?
Russ
They did the job. We have a hole.
Edgar
It's not big enough to get the power cord out though, is it?
Russ
Well, it's close.
Edgar
Don't worry. I've got it covered.
Russ
What have you got there?
Edgar
A good old fashioned sledgehammer. I keep it in the back of the van. Tends to come in handy from time to time. Here. Climb on through and start uncoupling the core. I'll widen the edges of this hole.
Russ
Yeah. Thanks. I found it. Ross. It's here. Just like I figured.
Edgar
Don't celebrate yet. Get the damn thing disconnected first.
Russ
I'm working on it.
Edgar
I think I've got this space cleared out now. I'm going to get the conveyor.
Naughty
Right.
Edgar
Got the conveyor. How's it going there?
Russ
I'm on the last one.
Edgar
We're cutting this fine. See? We still need to load up and get behind me. See here. Behind cover.
Russ
Who the hell is that?
Edgar
I think I can make a pretty good guess. Go on. Get the core on the conveyor and move it out of here. I'll stay up front behind this cover and make sure our friend doesn't get passed.
Russ
I'm not leaving without.
Edgar
I'm right behind you. Just go.
Tessa
I'm clear.
Russ
See you outside, pal.
Edgar
That's it, asshole. Keep coming. Valdis. I wondered if you'd show up. Not so tough without your gun, huh? My hands. Sorry. It's hard to be gentle with the sledgehammer. You. I know you wet it. Where did you come from? Me? I just stopped by to check out a souvenir from your collection. Hope you don't mind. My security team are on their way here right now. Well, they're five minutes too late. Stay back. Don't come any closer. You know who else is on the way? In about three minutes, someone on the next glide rail is going to notice that hole we made. And I'm pretty sure the Highgate City PD will come looking. Good luck explaining this mess when they crawl through and discover the little setup of yours. You disgusting low life. I should. What? Send some way to kill me? Nah, you already tried that. So is that it? You're going to butcher me in my own home? If I was a heartless psychopath like you. Maybe I'd do just that. But instead. You know what? I'm going to let you go. I want you to stand here and look at this empty space where your precious power core used to be. That blank space means it's over for you. No more pumping that Prism filth out onto the streets. No more exploiting innocent victims so you can add a few zeros to your cred balance. Think about that as you enjoy your last few moments of freedom. Because the moment has come, Feldus. It's time to settle up.
Russ
Where have you been, pal? I was starting to worry.
Edgar
Sorry. Just had to make sure the coast was clear. Are we good?
Russ
Locked and loaded.
Edgar
Then let's hit it.
Russ
Look at that. Woo. Operation done with just a minute to spare.
Edgar
We're a crack team.
Russ
Told you I had everything covered.
Edgar
You run a slick operation. See? No two ways about it. Now we just have one last problem.
Russ
What's that?
Edgar
We have to somehow get this big ass power core all the way through Highgate City, Midtown and then Dockerton without anyone asking questions, through all the checkpoints and traffic cops in the Strata. And something tells me that's going to be even harder than it sounds.
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 Sherzako, Jason Churai, Michelle Moseley, Brian Jeffords, Peter Wicks, Paul Warren, Chloe Elmore, Corey Kohler, Rebecca Tamwin, Jimi Yamaguchi, Max Hertzfeld, Eric Wilmot and Philip Greyenhoff. Created by Mark R. Healey A Beyond the Dark production.
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Naughty
Greetings, fans of the esoteric. And welcome to the trailer for Madame Magenta Sonus Mystica. Hang on. Why am I doing my own trailer?
I
Where will the people want to see their star, my dear?
Naughty
No one can see me, Bernard. This is a podcast. Oh, you know what? I should have that deep voice chap doing this. You know the one. What's his name? Oh, strange name.
I
Yes, like a fruit.
Naughty
Red pepper.
I
Yes, yes. In a world where something, something, something.
Naughty
That's the one. Oh, it's quite sexy, Bernard. Save that for later.
I
No, I'm not sure I can keep it up.
Naughty
You've never had a problem before.
I
Oh, that was a very clever joke. Yes, I am a very turgid man you are.
Naughty
I'm going to make a cup of tea. You do the trailer.
I
Oh, right you are. Inner world Earl Grey or normal Earl Grey, Please. In a world where ghosts and angels walk amongst us, Flute, they float. Float. Amongst us stands one woman. Magenta.
Naughty
Oh, God. My bloody spirit guides. Frozen the milk again. It's gonna have to be iced tea, I'm afraid.
I
Oh, all right, fair enough. Psychic medium. My throat. Oh, Magenta. I can't do this anymore.
Naughty
Bernard, you won't get nodules. You're not Adele.
I
Well, actually, interestingly enough, that wasn't nodules. That was an exploding polyp.
Naughty
Oh, God, imagine that.
I
Exploding polyp. Anyway, that's not why I can't do the trailer anymore.
Naughty
Oh, do you mean.
Morton
Yes.
I
The angelic manifestation by the dog bed?
Edgar
Yes.
Naughty
Here we go again. What do you want?
I
From the makers of Mockery Manor comes Madame Magenta. Sonos Mystica for all fans of the esoteric. Available now wherever you get podcasts.
Podcast Summary: The Strata – Episode 11.9 "Sanctuary - Part 9"
Introduction
In Episode 11.9 of The Strata, titled "Sanctuary - Part 9," host Mark R. Healy delves deeper into the harrowing dystopian world where an aging courier, Russ, is coerced into collaborating with the nefarious underworld ganglord, Edgar, to secure a life-sustaining treatment. This episode intensifies the tension as Russ and Edgar execute a high-stakes operation to retrieve a crucial power core, while parallel narratives unfold involving Tessa and Morton, hinting at looming threats and deep-seated conspiracies within the Strata.
Planning the Operation
The episode opens with Russ and Edgar in the midst of preparing for their daring mission. Russ is determined to proceed despite Edgar’s reservations.
Edgar expresses concern over the hastily assembled plan, advocating for a more cautious approach.
Russ counters, asserting the meticulous planning he has invested in the operation.
The dialogue underscores the high-pressure environment and the conflicting perspectives between the two characters.
Executing the Mission
Russ outlines the critical details of their plan, emphasizing the precision required to breach the Valdis underground bunker adjacent to the glide rail tunnel.
Edgar remains skeptical about the feasibility within the narrow seven-minute window between glide rail passages.
Russ reveals modifications to their cutting drones, enhancing their capability to breach the concrete swiftly.
Despite ongoing tensions, the duo progresses with their plan, successfully infiltrating the bunker and initiating the extraction process.
Tessa’s Journey and Morton’s Alerts
Parallel to Russ and Edgar’s mission, Tessa navigates the perilous path toward the Strata, encountering unexpected challenges. Her communication with Morton reveals alarming developments:
Tessa reflects on the possible involvement of Crichton and Edana in the destruction, uncovering deeper layers of deceit and danger.
As Tessa approaches the Strata, she detects ominous ash plumes signaling potential threats heading their way.
Her observations heighten the sense of impending danger, linking back to the overarching conflict within the city.
Confrontation with Valdis
Back with Russ and Edgar, the mission reaches its climax as they breach the bunker and face unexpected resistance. Valdis, a formidable antagonist, confronts them amidst the chaos.
A tense standoff ensues, culminating in Russ and Edgar overcoming Valdis, retrieving the power core, and ensuring the disruption of his illicit operations.
Their victory is bittersweet, highlighting the moral complexities and personal stakes involved in their actions.
Aftermath and Further Challenges
With the power core secured, Russ and Edgar face the daunting task of transporting it through Highgate City, Midtown, and Dockerton without drawing attention. The logistical challenges are significant, considering the stringent checkpoints and vigilant authorities within the Strata.
The episode closes on a note of uncertainty, setting the stage for future conflicts and the characters’ struggles to navigate the treacherous landscape of their dystopian reality.
Notable Quotes
Russ on Mission Preparedness: "As long as that van of yours can get up to speed carrying the heavy load, everything will be fine." [04:46]
Edgar on the Glider Rails: "Yeah, they're like a bad out of hell. And they don't stop for anything." [19:45]
Russ’s Assurance: "We've still got a lot more prep work to do." [06:11]
Tessa's Determination: "There's no way they're going to catch me." [16:27]
Conclusion
Episode 11.9 "Sanctuary - Part 9" of The Strata masterfully intertwines multiple narrative threads, escalating the tension and deepening the intrigue within its dystopian setting. Through meticulous planning, high-stakes missions, and emerging threats, the characters navigate a world fraught with danger and moral dilemmas. The episode leaves listeners eagerly anticipating the unfolding of events as Russ, Edgar, and Tessa confront their respective challenges in the unforgiving landscape of the Strata.