Episode 13.1 - Downfall - Part 1

Summary

The Strata – Episode 13.1: Downfall – Part 1

Host/Creator: Mark R. Healy
Release Date: November 11, 2025

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Overview

This episode marks the launch of Season 13, "Downfall," venturing further into the grim, rain-soaked world of The Strata. The narrative focuses closely on the personal struggles and intersecting destinies of an ageing courier and a persistent detective, as well as the tense alliances required for survival in a city ruled by crime and desperation. Themes of isolation, trust, and the heavy cost of survival thread through tearful reunions, reluctant partnerships, and chance encounters, all set against the persistent downpour drenching this dystopian world.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Developments

1. A Soaked Reunion at Overton's Bar (02:43–13:18)

Characters: Detective Kavanaugh & Summers

• Atmosphere: The episode opens with heavy rain, emphasized by Summers arriving soaked—reflecting the city’s relentless mood.
• Significance of Rain: “Yeah, I got caught in a sudden downfall, and not for the first time this week. The rain has been crazy these last few days, or hadn’t you noticed?” – Summers (03:02)
• Theme of Isolation: Summers reveals advice from Rust (the “metalhead” courier) about nurturing relationships rather than staying isolated.
• Birthday Revelation: The meeting is partly to celebrate Kavanaugh’s birthday—something he tries to downplay, but Summers insists on observing.
• Memories of Annie: Focus shifts to Kavanaugh reminiscing about his daughter, Annie—moments of joy, loss, and unresolved grief.
  • “That night at Crosstown was the last time we ever...” – Detective Kavanaugh (10:12), alluding to Annie’s disappearance or death.
• Unfinished Business with Scarage: Kavanaugh confesses unresolved feelings even after avenging Annie, hinting the trauma lingers.
• Summers’ Data Mystery: She mentions a hard-to-crack data shard and her plan to consult a security-paranoid ‘Gridcrawler’—at the risk of going uncontactable for a while.

Notable Quotes

• "I'm here, aren't I?" – Summers (06:03), emphasizing small but fragile steps towards connection
• “Let’s drink to small steps. Maybe one day the two of us will manage to change our ways for the better.” – Summers (13:09)

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2. Securing Passage Through Alder’s Hollow (15:10–25:35)

Characters: Charlie, Darrow, Crichton

• The Problem: Charlie and Darrow need muscle for a dangerous journey north to the Strata; their regular enforcer is out of commission, and no one in the violent, twisty settlement of Alder’s Hollow will take the job for what they can offer.
  • “If we get a clear path to the north, we should reach it in a few days.” – Charlie (15:39)
• Desperation Breeds Risks: With no enforcer, and unable to wait, they consider a stranger—a battle-worn, metal-bodied man named Crichton, who just dispatched a couple of local thugs.
• Negotiation: Crichton is cautious, contemptuous even, but it becomes clear both parties have little choice. Darrow persuades him with the promise of contacts in the Strata who might help with his failing metallic body.
  • “I am many things, but I’m most certainly not a guard.” – Crichton (21:40)
  • “You’d be providing a valuable service for us.” – Darrow (24:28)
• Agreement: Crichton tentatively accepts, drawn by the prospect of both escape from Alder’s Hollow and crucial repairs/connections ahead.

Notable Quotes

• “Well, this wouldn’t be the first time I’ve worked with a guy who’s a little rough around the edges. Sometimes there’s just no other choice.” – Charlie (19:02)
• “Give me a few moments to get my things together. After that, I’ll be only too happy to say goodbye to this godforsaken place.” – Crichton (25:02)

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3. Danger in the Alley: A New Mystery Emerges (26:19–End)

Characters: Detective Kavanaugh, Jade

• An Encounter: After leaving the bar, Kavanaugh hears cries for help and finds a mysterious, disoriented young woman (eventually named Jade) behind a dumpster in a dark alley.
• Jade's Distress:
  • She’s confused, frightened, and adamant she cannot go to the hospital.
  • She insists someone is after her: “There are four men on their way here now in a black van. They have guns—and one of them has green eyes.” – Jade (28:49)
• Shocking Revelation: Jade utters “Annie”—Kavanaugh’s daughter’s name, followed by intimate knowledge of Annie’s paintings, spooking Kavanaugh and suggesting a deeper connection or psychic episode.
  • “Her paintings are so pretty.” – Jade (29:35)
• Danger Closes In: Sure enough, a black van with armed men arrives, and Jade’s premonition is proven true. Kavanaugh must choose: confront or escape.

Notable Quotes

• “Now you can either flash your badge and hope these guys don’t blow your freaking head off. Or you can… No, I think it’s time to go. Come on, Jade.” – Detective Kavanaugh (30:41)
• “Green eyes. Okay, I heard about enough.” – Detective Kavanaugh (28:58)

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Timestamps & Structure

• [02:43–13:18] – Summers and Detective Kavanaugh at Overton's Bar: Reflections on the past, struggles with moving on, and attempts at connection.
• [15:10–25:35] – Charlie and Darrow Negotiate with Crichton: Desperate deals, reluctant alliances, and setting out north.
• [26:19–31:41] – Detective Kavanaugh Encounters Jade: Rescue in the alley, shocking secrets, imminent danger.

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Memorable Moments

• The heartfelt exchange about Annie’s birthday tradition with her father, Detective Kavanaugh, layers the episode with emotion and a sense of inescapable loss.
• Crichton's introduction, strongly individual, with “I did what needed to be done. That’s all.” (20:09), quickly establishes him as both an asset and liability.
• Jade’s confusion and sudden invocation of Annie’s name while in distress jolts both Kavanaugh and the listener, hinting at sublime or supernatural undercurrents.

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Tone and Language

The dialogue is character-driven, a seamless blend of weary sarcasm (“Maybe you heard about it. It’s called an umbrella.” – Detective Kavanaugh, 03:12), vulnerability, and hard-edged negotiation typical of dystopian noir. The tone remains gritty and intimate, with moments of dark humor amidst desperation.

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Conclusion: Setting the Stage

“Downfall – Part 1” intricately weaves together the fates of the aging courier, the battle-burnt detective, and newcomers forced into uneasy partnerships. The episode closes in the thick of suspense, with alliances forged under duress, old wounds reopened, and new mysteries unfolding in the darkness of The Strata. All threads point to an unpredictable, perilous journey ahead.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

Today's episode is supported by the Folium Diary, an intriguing new audio drama set in the Pacific Northwest. The show follows the host, Sherry, as she gives her impressions of a new program called the Folium. And what is the Folium? In short, it's a collective of people from many different disciplines that is planned to, quote, synthesize planetary biometry, creating an experience beyond artificial intelligence and bring the benefits of the earth's collective wisdom to everyone, everywhere, all the time. There's a little bit of everything in this show. Mystery, humor, drama, and a touch of romance as well. I listened to the Folium Diary and found it to be an intriguing show with a great setup. There's a really interesting format being used here. The show releases a new episode every single day, and each release is short and to the point, just a few minutes each. It's a fun and interesting spin on audio fiction, and I'm looking forward to checking in every day to hear the latest page in the Folium Diary. The. The Folium Diary is available anywhere you listen to podcasts [e-mail] Our thanks to the Folium Diary for their support.

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[Charlie]

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[Detective Kavanaugh]

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That could have a connection.

[Darrow]

You don't understand.

[Charlie]

It was just the five of us. So this was all planned?

[Jade]

What are you gonna do?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

I will do whatever it takes to.

[Charlie]

Get my son back.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

I honestly didn.

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[Detective Kavanaugh]

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[Narrator]

You'Re. Listen. The Strata A Beyond the Dark Production Season 13 Downfall Part 1.

[Summers]

Detective Kavanaugh. Fancy seeing you here, Summers.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

What the hell happened to you? You look like a drowned sewer rat.

[Summers]

Gee, thanks. You always say the nicest things.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

No, no. I mean. I mean, look at you. You're soaked from head to toe.

[Summers]

Yeah, I got caught in a sudden downfall, and not for the first time this week. The rain has been crazy these last few days, or hadn't you noticed?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

There's this. This new invention. It keeps the rain off. Maybe you heard about it. It's what's called an umbrella.

[Summers]

You don't say. Guess I'll have to look into that.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Yeah. Yeah. Might come in handy.

[Summers]

To be honest, I've always held the opinion that a little rain never hurt anyone. But if this weather keeps up, well, I might just change my mind.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

I never seen anything like it in all my years. And they say it ain't stopping anytime soon. Yeah, the weather people, they think it could last for weeks, maybe even longer.

[Summers]

Great news. Just what I needed to hear.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

What brings you over here to Overton's bar, anyway? Summers. You meeting someone?

[Summers]

Yeah, I came to hang out with an old friend. As long as he's willing to offer me a seat at the table. Of course.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

You. You came to see me, you got it.

[Summers]

As long as that's okay.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Sure. Sure. Here, sit down. Take a load off. So, what's the deal, Summers? Is there something you need me to look into?

[Summers]

This isn't a business call, Kev. It's. I'm here to. Well, hang out.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Right. Of course you are. Just kicking back, enjoying a drink, huh? You're actually serious?

[Charlie]

Yeah.

[Summers]

I know this isn't my usual MO but here I am, all the same.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

What's wrong? You. You hit your head or something?

[Summers]

Come on, Cav. Don't make this any harder than it already is.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

No, I'm. I'm serious. Is. Is there something the matter?

[Summers]

Well, I was talking to Rust recently, and.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Metalhead. What's he got to do with this?

[Summers]

He was telling me that maybe I should take some time to work on my relationships a little instead of just being solely focused on all of my projects.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Well, he clearly doesn't know you too well, does he? That's not you.

[Summers]

I guess that's his point. He thinks it would do me some good to reach out to people, communicate a little more. Stop being so isolated.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Was this guy a shrink now? Thought he was just a plain old courier.

[Summers]

He's speaking from experience. Went through years of isolation himself. And even though I dismissed his advice at first, the more I thought about it, the more I realized he might be onto something.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Really? You're gonna take advice about communication from Rust? A guy whose main qualification is spending all day yelling at people in traffic?

[Summers]

I'm here, aren't I?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

So you're actually serious about this, and the first person you decided to reach out to was me? Most would consider me a hard nut to crack, Summers.

[Summers]

Sure. Why not you? I mean, it is your birthday, Cav. I can't have you sitting here drinking alone on a night like this.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

How'd you know? Today is my Birthday?

[Summers]

You know me. I have ways of digging this stuff up. And you mentioned a few weeks back that it was coming up, so I thought I'd look into it.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

I talked about my birthday. I don't remember that.

[Summers]

Yeah, you were bitching about your captain, remember? Oh.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

That'S right. Captain Graham. She's been a real pain in my ass lately. Always nagging me about retirement.

[Summers]

She wants you gone, huh?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Yeah, you better believe it. Thinks I'm well and truly over the hill. And with another birthday rolling by now, it's a perfect opportunity to bring up the subject again.

[Summers]

Somehow I can't picture you leaving the force.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Nah, not a chance. There are still way too many loose ends I need to clean up around here. I'm afraid Captain Graham is gonna have to put up with me for a while yet.

[Summers]

This town still needs you, Kev. And as far as I'm concerned, you still have a lot to give. Anyway, let's not talk about your captain tonight. Let's put all of that shit aside. What are you drinking?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Me? Stone Island.

[Summers]

Ah. Fan of the classics, I see. Mind if I buy you another round?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Ah, no need for that, Summers. Really?

[Summers]

I insist. Consider it a birthday gift.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Well, only if you'll join me.

[Summers]

I'm sure I could handle one or two. So, what's that you were looking at on your phone? Seemed like you were deep in thought when I arrived.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

This? Oh, it's. It's an old picture. Another birthday from a long time ago.

[Summers]

That's your little girl? Annie?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Yeah. Yeah, that's her. She used to take me on little trips. That's a surprise destination every year. Each birthday somewhere different than the last. Oh, man. And it was always somewhere. Inventive, offbeat. Try as I might, I could never guess it until we got there.

[Summers]

Where is this? Somewhere over by the bay.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Yeah. Yeah, it's a crosstown bridge. You know, Annie had the bright idea of bypassing the security fence and then climbing all the way to the top. I gotta tell you, at first I wasn't too damn happy about it. That's a lot of steps for old legs like mine. But when we reached the upper platform, she had this little picnic spread ready to go. She laid the whole thing out while I got my breath back. We ended up sitting there for. God, I don't know, hours, I guess, just talking and watching the world go by far down below. Oh, it was perfect.

[Summers]

Sounds wonderful, Kev.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

And then at. At the end of it, I told her it was going to take a week for my legs to recover. And she. She said this is nothing. Next year your legs are going to hurt even more. And you better wear something waterproof. Just wait and see what I've got planned.

[Summers]

Waterproof? What the hell?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

I know it sounded pretty crazy.

[Summers]

So, where did she take you?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

I. I don't know. That night at Crosstown was the last time we ever.

[Charlie]

Sorry.

[Summers]

I didn't mean to open up old wounds.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Oh, no, no, no. Not at all, Summers. This. This is one of the good memories. The kind that's worth reliving on a day like today. And it's just that. I don't know, something's been nagging at me lately. I put that bastard Scarage in the ground months ago. I paid him back for what he did to Annie and then some. But I still feel an itch whenever I think about it. Like the job's not done.

[Summers]

From what I heard, you drilled Scarriage good and proper. There's no way he's coming back from that.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

No, no, not a chance. But that's not what's bugging me. I just. Shit, I don't know.

[Summers]

This whole thing with Scarriage was a big deal for you, CAV. It consumed 10 years of your life. You put an end to it, sure, but you can't just flick a switch and be done with it. It's going to take time to work its way out of your system.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Yeah, I guess that's it. I need to give it more time anyway. What's happening with you, Summers? Been keeping busy, I hope.

[Summers]

I thought we weren't going to talk about work.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Ah, there must be something you do for fun.

[Summers]

Actually, in all seriousness, there is something I'm working on. I think I told you about a data shard I retrieved from that Strickland facility out in the Deadlands, Right? I've been trying to recover the data on that thing for weeks, but I haven't been making much progress. There's some high level encryption I can't.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Get through, so that means it's pretty much worthless.

[Summers]

I haven't given up on it yet. There's a Gridcrawler who's willing to help me, but the guy is totally paranoid. He's got all kinds of security systems protecting him, some crazy shit I've never seen before.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Do you think he's dangerous?

[Summers]

No, just eccentric, from what I can tell. Anyway, the point is, I may be without my phone for a little while. This Grid crawler doesn't allow outside devices into his compound. Yet another security measure. So if he can't reach me, that's the reason.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

I thought you said you were turning over a new leaf or some shit. Communicating and reaching out to people. And now you're telling me you're gonna disappear again?

[Summers]

This whole communication thing is still a work in progress.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Hey, who am I to criticize? I have to admit, I'm kind of set in my ways myself.

[Summers]

How about we drink to small steps? Maybe one day the two of us will manage to change our ways for the better.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Yeah. Yeah, you got it, Summers. I'll drink to that.

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[Jade]

Hey, Daro.

[Charlie]

Over here. This way.

[Darrow]

Charlie. I was starting to wonder what the hell happened to you.

[Charlie]

What do you mean? I've been standing right here at the fire pit for ages.

[Darrow]

Sorry. I went looking around the camp and must have gotten lost.

[Charlie]

Yeah, well, that can happen in a place like Alder's Hollow. Lots of twists and turns around here.

[Darrow]

I can't wait to get to the strata. How much longer until we're there, do you think?

[Charlie]

Well, we've made some pretty good progress up until now. If we get a clear path to the north, we should reach it in a few days.

[Darrow]

A clear path? You mean as long as we avoid the Marauders?

[Charlie]

Yeah, them and whoever else might get in our way. And that brings us back to our little problem now, doesn't it? The security situation. I take it since you came back to the fire pit alone that you didn't find anyone?

[Darrow]

No. What about you?

[Charlie]

Not a soul. I think I must have talked to just about every single person in Aldous Hollow by now, but no one wants the job.

[Darrow]

I found one guy who was interested, but his asking price was way too high. Can't afford him. No way.

[Charlie]

Yeah, I thought that might happen. Let's face it, we don't have a lot of creds to offer.

[Darrow]

So what do we do? Get back in the rig and head off alone, just the two of us.

[Charlie]

I don't like the idea of that. Daro, the road north of Alder's Hollow is really dangerous. I should know, I've driven it plenty of times. That's why I always have muscle along for the crossing. That's a good thing, too. I've needed it more than once.

[Darrow]

But that's the whole problem, isn't it? We don't have any muscle. After your regular guy, Pete, got banged up in that skin skirmish yesterday. How long did you say he's going to be out of action?

[Charlie]

The medic here in the Hollow said he should be back on his feet in a couple of weeks. Maybe a little less.

[Darrow]

It's too long. Way too long.

[Charlie]

Well, if we can't find anyone to take his place, we may have no choice but to wait for Pete to get better.

[Darrow]

I told you, Charlie, I can't do that. There are people waiting for the shipment in the Strata, important business associates. If I don't reach them in time, all that cargo in the back of your transport is going to be practically worthless.

[Charlie]

We're just going in circles here, Daro. We need an enforcer along for the ride, remember?

[Darrow]

Do we? Like I said, maybe we should just forget the muscle.

[Charlie]

Do you really want to roll the dice on that? Those marauders out there aren't gonna go easy on us if they catch us.

[Darrow]

You told me you're the best driver around, Charlie. The best in the Deadlands.

[Charlie]

That's because I am the best.

[Darrow]

Well, prove it. Get me to the Strata.

[Charlie]

Look, if you think you can find someone better here in Alder's Hollow, be my guest.

[Darrow]

What if we tagged along with one of those caravans we saw further south?

[Charlie]

Caravans are slow. And you need to wait for the next one to show up anyway. That could take days. Plus, you'd need to pay the extra fee. And that won't be cheap.

[Darrow]

So that's it? There's no other way?

[Charlie]

Well, there is one other option. I was considering the guy we saw earlier. You know, the one over on the other side of the fire pit. But I'm not sure if that's a good idea.

[Darrow]

The big guy, he looked like trouble.

[Charlie]

I know, but trouble or not, he looked like he could handle himself. And that's exactly what we need.

[Darrow]

Do you know him?

[Charlie]

Never seen him before in my life. But apparently he was asking around, looking for a ride north. That might give us some leverage.

[Darrow]

You'd put your trust in a complete stranger?

[Summers]

I.

[Charlie]

Well, this wouldn't be the first time I've worked with a guy who's a little rough around the edges. Sometimes. There's just no other choice. And if we want to get out of Alder's Hollow, he's probably our best bet.

[Darrow]

I guess you're right.

[Charlie]

All right, then. Let's go and see what the guy has to say. Come on. Hey, stranger. How's it going? I hope the spirits are treating you kindly.

[Crichton]

What do you want?

[Charlie]

My name is Charlie, and this is my associate, Darrow. If it's all right, we were hoping to take a few. Few minutes of your time.

[Crichton]

If you're here to waste it, then, no, that's not all right.

[Charlie]

Well, we saw that little show you put on earlier over by the pit. That was pretty impressive.

[Crichton]

What show?

[Charlie]

Come on. The way you handled those two thugs who tried to jump you. You really taught him a lesson.

[Darrow]

I'll say. The first one looked like he was nursing a broken arm, and the second is missing most of his teeth.

[Charlie]

Like I said, it was quite a show you gave us.

[Crichton]

That was no show. I'm not here for your entertainment. I did what needed to be done. That's all.

[Charlie]

No, no, of course not. That's not what I meant.

[Crichton]

Listen, whatever it is you're selling, I'm not interested. Is that clear?

[Narrator]

Good.

[Crichton]

So why don't you and your friend move along?

[Darrow]

We're not trying to sell you anything. We have an offer for you, actually.

[Crichton]

Oh, I can tell this is gonna be good.

[Charlie]

All right, all right, listen. Hear us out. I think you'll like what we have to say. Well, we. We heard you've been asking around, looking to catch a ride north. Is that right?

[Crichton]

You heard correctly.

[Charlie]

So, have you had any luck?

[Crichton]

Not really. The fares being charged are ludicrously high in most cases, and as it turns out, I don't have a lot to trade.

[Darrow]

Looks like this Is your lucky day, then. See, me and my associate here are planning to head north as soon as possible. And we have room for one more passenger.

[Crichton]

Are you suggesting that I could be that passenger?

[Charlie]

Well, I know this might seem a bit odd, but we're in a desperate situation here. We really need to get going in a hurry.

[Crichton]

Are you in the habit of handing out charity like this?

[Darrow]

This isn't charity. It's an arrangement. See, we were hoping that in exchange for the ride, you'd be willing to handle security for us on the road.

[Charlie]

Security?

[Crichton]

I am many things, but I'm most certainly not a guard.

[Charlie]

Well, we're not asking for anything fancy here. We just need someone to help protect our cargo if things happen to go sideways. And in exchange for that, you get a free ride north.

[Crichton]

I'm not your man. Find someone else.

[Darrow]

Well, that's the problem. There is no one else here. Not in Aldous Hollow. You're our last option.

[Charlie]

And it seems we're your last option, too. Unless you're prepared to wait for a free ride to come along. Yeah, like that's ever gonna happen. Or maybe you wanna walk all the way to wherever it is you're going.

[Crichton]

How far are you traveling?

[Charlie]

All the way to the Strata. Is that where you're from?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Me?

[Crichton]

No. I'm not from there. But that's where I need to go. So, if I were to agree to this, what would be your expectations?

[Darrow]

Just that you protect the cargo.

[Crichton]

Are you sure you've thought this through? How do you know I won't just walk away at the first sign of trouble?

[Charlie]

Abandoning the transport in the middle of the Deadlands and setting out on flying foot? Yeah, that's usually not a good idea. Once we hit the road, it'll be in your own best interests to keep that rig rolling. All the way to the Strata.

[Crichton]

Oh, seems you've thought of everything.

[Darrow]

Look, we're not exactly thrilled about this arrangement either, but it looks like it's the best we're gonna get. So what do you say?

[Crichton]

Maybe I'll just sit here and wait to see if something better comes along.

[Darrow]

Well, you could do that. But I noticed under your cloak there, that's steel, isn't it? You're one of those old timers with the metal body.

[Crichton]

So what if.

[Darrow]

Well, I saw you limping before, and to be honest, you look like you could use patching up. As it happens, I know people who can probably help you.

[Crichton]

Help me?

[Narrator]

Ho?

[Darrow]

I have contacts in the Strata. Business partners. They have lots of connections all over the place. All I need to do is put in a good word and they'll look into it, no problem.

[Crichton]

What sort of connections are you talking about?

[Darrow]

Trading partners, manufacturers, distributors, that kind of thing. They know people right across the strata. And I'll bet there's someone in their network who can help you. As it turns out, I just met a guy on the other side of Alder's Hollow who has a fancy long range comms system. Said he could send a message to the strata for a small fee, of course. I could shoot something through right now and get the ball rolling, so to speak.

[Crichton]

Why would these friends of yours bother to help me?

[Darrow]

Because they want that cargo delivered safely to the the strata. And we need you to get it there. You'd be providing a valuable service for us.

[Charlie]

Come on, this is a good deal. Don't you think making some friends in the strata would be a nice little bonus? Especially since you're not too familiar with that part of the world. You'll need someone to help point you in the right direction once you get there. It's a big place. Easy to get lost.

[Crichton]

Well, if nothing else, it would get me out of Alder's Hollow. I can't say I've enjoyed my time here.

[Charlie]

So you'll do it?

[Crichton]

Give me a few moments to get my things together. After that, I'll be only too happy to say goodbye to this godforsaken place.

[Darrow]

Alright. Sounds like we have a deal. Charlie, why don't you go prep the transport? I'll get a message to my associates while I'm at it. See if they can make arrangements to help our new friend.

[Charlie]

Mhm.

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Charlie]

Oh, by the way, what's your name, stranger?

[Crichton]

My name's Crichton.

[Charlie]

All right, Crichton. Good to have you aboard.

[Crichton]

Thank you. I look forward to working with you.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Hey, have a good night, fellas. I'll see you next week. More rain. Typical. There's never an auto cab around when you need one. Guess your walking cab.

[Charlie]

Help.

[Jade]

Somebody.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

What the hell?

[Jade]

Is someone there?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Hey, where are you? Can't see a damn thing in this alley.

[Jade]

Over here. Behind the dumpster.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Okay, I've got you.

[Crichton]

Relax.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

I'm Detective Kavanaugh, Midtown pd. I'm here to help.

[Jade]

Please, I need to. I need to get up.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Hey, just take it easy there, kid. You don't look so good.

[Jade]

If you can just give me a hand.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Are you hurt? What happened to you?

[Jade]

I don't know. I can't remember.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Let me guess, you had a little too much tranq this evening. Maybe a Little powder? Is that it?

[Charlie]

No.

[Jade]

Nothing like that.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Did someone jump you? Were you robbed?

[Jade]

I'm not sure. I. I don't think so.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Now what are you doing down here behind this dumpster?

[Summers]

I.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

You know, it's a miracle I found you. You're practically invisible from the start. You could have been lying here for hours and no one would have seen you.

[Jade]

Please, I need to go. I need to keep moving. But my legs, they're all numb.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Just. Just relax, kid. You're in need of medical attention. Let me get my phone out and I'll call in a med truck.

[Jade]

No, you can't. Put the phone away. If I end up in hospital, they'll find me.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Hey, hey, take it easy. What's gotten into you?

[Jade]

Listen to me. I'm in danger.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Look, whatever it is you've snorted, it's made you paranoid, kid. That shit has got your head spinning like a top.

[Jade]

I told you, I haven't taken anything.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Could have fooled me. Just sit back there and.

[Jade]

They're coming and they're going to kill us both. We have to go.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

What's your name, kid?

[Jade]

I don't know.

[Charlie]

I. Wait.

[Jade]

One of them called me Jade. I think that must be it.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

One of who?

[Jade]

There were people chasing me.

[Charlie]

And.

[Jade]

And.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Have you gotten yourself into some kind of trouble, Jade? You've been mixing up with the wrong kind of people.

[Jade]

There are four men on their way here now in a black van. They have guns.

[Charlie]

And.

[Jade]

And one of them has green eyes.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Green eyes. Okay, I. I heard about enough.

[Jade]

Oh, my head. It hurts.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Just lie back while I make a call, Jay. I'll get someone here to help right away.

[Charlie]

Annie.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Wait. What did you say? Did you just say Annie? How do you know my little girl's name? Jade.

[Charlie]

Who?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Will you listen to me? In the bar. Is this some kind of trick, a setup or something?

[Jade]

Her paintings are so pretty.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

How do you know she likes to paint? What's going on? Jade? Answer me. Well, there's your van, Jade. Four guys got out, just like you said they would.

[Jade]

Why is it so dark? Where am I?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Shit. Those guys are packing serious heat. Are those Q5 repeaters?

[Advertiser]

And.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

And one of them's got some kind of. Some kind of optical augments.

[Jade]

Green eyes?

[Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

I'll be damned. Green eyes. Jade. What the hell is going on? Who are these guys?

[Jade]

What guys?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

They're moving in attack formation, coming this way. This is not good. Okay, Cam, you gotta make a decision. They haven't seen you yet. Now you can either flash your badge and hope these guys don't blow your freaking head off. Or you can. No, I think it's time to go. Come on, Jade.

[Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Let me help you out. That's okay. I've got you. Let's just stay low here, out of sight. That's it.

[Charlie]

Good.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

You're doing good, kid. We're gonna find somewhere to lay low for a minute, and then I can get a few seconds to clear my head. Maybe I can straighten out this whole damn mess.

[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 13 Downfall starring Jason Turoi, Brianna Marshall, Trent Trachtenberg, Michelle Mosley, Paul Warren, Jenna Sharp, Chloe Elmore, Rebecca Tamman, Marta da Silva, Sarah Safarian, Larry o', Blander, Thomas Barker, Marlon Dance, Huey Liz Morey, Carl Kacmazek, Nicholas Yuen, Brad Gilliam and Alexander Hakim Stravinsky. Created by Mark R. Healy. A Beyond the Dark production.

[Summers]

The Fable and Folly Network where fiction.

[Advertiser]

Producers flourish.

As a raider scavenging a derelict world. You settle into an underground settlement. But now you must return to the surface where arc machines roam. If you're brave enough, who knows what you might find. Arc Raiders, a multiplayer extraction adventure video game. Buy now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S and PC. Rated T for teen.