Episode 13.10 - Downfall - Part 10

Summary

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The Strata – Episode 13.10 "Downfall Part 10"

Host: Mark R. Healy
Date: March 17, 2026
Theme:
In the oppressive depths of the Strata, ageing courier Rust juggles personal crossroads and underworld dangers as he navigates uneasy alliances, considers life-altering upgrades, and confronts impending threats—both technological and human.

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Episode Overview

This episode follows the interwoven fates of Rust and his circle as they deal with past regrets, future possibilities, and the very real menace closing in on them. Conversations drift between the criminal underbelly, musings on rejuvenation and bodily autonomy, a mysterious biotech figure's disappearance, and mounting tensions in the city’s shadowy outskirts. The episode is rich in world-building, character history, and existential reflection.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dockside Reunion and Reflections

[00:37–07:10]

• Characters: Rust (C), Devina (B)
• Setting: Docks during Devina's break.

Key Moments:

• Devina playfully accuses Rust of looking tired, suggesting he needs rest. Rust admits it's been a tough few days.
• Chatter about Rust’s encounter with Dreyfus, hinting past tensions are now resolved.
• A humorous exchange about Rust’s supposed double life (rich vs. street), with references to “secret mansions” and “rubbing shoulders with the rich” – setting a light, banter-driven tone.
  • Quote (Devina/B, 01:47): "You're not playing me for a fool here and living some kind of double life, are ya? One minute rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous and the next slumming it with Deveanor at the docks."
• Rust reveals he once made a mysterious delivery to a famous actor from “CyberLove 3000” in Highgate City, an anecdote layered with dark humor and unease—especially as the “package” was warm, making noise, and releasing smoke.
  • Quote (Rust/C, 03:00): "All I can tell you is that it was warm to the touch. ... I could hear something scratching inside. ... There was smoke coming out of it too. No, didn't smell great either."
• Rust notes that wealthy clients are often “stingy,” despite expectations.
  • Quote (Rust/C, 03:46): "She was kind of stingy actually. You'd be surprised how often that's the case with rich people."
• Discussion turns to rejuvenation procedures, spurred by Rust’s recent encounter with an old friend who replaced his steel prosthetics with organic limbs—something Rust finds both tempting and daunting.
  • Quote (Rust/C, 04:36): "He used to have a bunch of steel augments like me, but ended up getting them removed and growing back as organic limbs."
• Devina proposes her own approach to rejuvenation: escapism by piloting out to the real (possibly mythic) “Pearl Archipelago,” describing it as a slice of paradise in a polluted world.

Notable Exchange:

• Devina/B [05:17]: “If you know how to navigate those waters like I do, you can find something special. The Pearl Archipelago.”
• Rust/C [06:24]: "Well, it does sound nice, but I don't have a lot of skin left for soaking up a suntan, you know? And these steel feet of mine don't fare so well in salt water."

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2. On the Hunt: Shadows and Surveillance

[07:10–10:50]

• Characters: Kavanaugh (F), Jade (D), Summers (G)

Key Moments:

• Kavanaugh updates Jade on Rust's activities—Rust has been busy in Highgate City, visiting clinics, and searching for a Dr. Stiller, a specialist connected to Jade’s “neuro shard”.
  • Quote (Kavanaugh/F, 07:51): "Rust managed to uncover details of this biotech guy who has a history of installing neuro shards just like yours."
• The clinic, where Dr. Stiller worked, is mysteriously deserted—suggesting possible foul play.
  • Quote (Kavanaugh/F, 08:35): "Now Stiller is missing, possibly due to foul play."
• Jade speculates whether this disappearance is connected to herself and possible threats from their enemy Archer.
• Summers executes Kavanaugh's plan: tracking a watcher outside an apartment, they apprehend a suspicious figure.
  • Quote (Summers/G, 10:29): “I've got him. Right here under my thumb. Hey, quit struggling, asshole. You're not going anywhere.”

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3. Rust Considers Rejuvenation

[12:43–18:30]

• Characters: Rust (C), Crow (E)

Key Moments:

• Rust visits Crow’s workshop, a site laden with nostalgia. Crow offers Rust old gear and discusses the rejuvenation process (replacing steel with new organic tissue).
• Crow admits he no longer needs the former, having moved on to “organic biomods.”
  • Quote (Crow/E, 13:46): "Not since I shifted careers and moved into organic biomods. It's all useless now."
• Crow outlines the realities—weeks in a regen tank, extensive rehab, but great long-term benefits.
  • Quote (Crow/E, 14:52): "It wasn't easy. You have to spend weeks in the regen tank. And the tissue rebuilding protocols, they can be rough."
• Rust is torn; his need to keep working as a courier makes this level of downtime unfeasible.
  • Quote (Rust/C, 15:47): "See, that just doesn't work for me. I have bills to pay, Crow. I need to be out there on the road delivering packages."
• Crow gives a gentle sales pitch, showing off the old regen equipment with pride, but doesn’t push for a decision.
  • Quote (Crow/E, 16:02): "You're worried about my facility here, aren't you? I get it. This workshop is old, but it's still perfectly functional."
• The scene ends with a toast to “new beginnings”—a symbolic moment of leaving the past behind.
  • Quote (Crow/E, 17:52): "Let's say goodbye to the past. To the things that have served us well over the years, but which have now outlived their usefulness. And let's welcome all the promise and opportunity that's out there in front of us with open arms."

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4. Outskirts of the Strata – The Mud Pit

[18:30–21:58]

• Characters: Jade (D), Darrow (C), Crichton (I)

Key Moments:

• As their rig approaches the Strata, the crew passes through Southern Camp 3—aka “the Mud Pit,” a new shantytown built from the scraps by refugees from Dockerton.
• Crichton expresses disdain for the settlement’s poverty and the “greedy” traders.
  • Quote (Crichton/I, 20:08): "These vendors and merchants are a greedy lot, aren't they? I see it in their faces."
• Jade explains the context: Dockerton has become a war zone, prompting a migration.
  • Quote (Jade/D, 19:47): "All kinds of bad shit going down in Dockerton lately. Riots and stuff like that. The place has turned into a war zone. And I guess a lot of people got fed up and decided to leave."
• Darrow sees opportunity among the chaos, while Jade warns Crichton to keep him in check as they prepare to recharge their vehicle.
• Undercurrents: The growing instability and displacement serves as a backdrop to the main plot, highlighting the state of desperation in the world of the Strata.

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Memorable Quotes

• Devina (B) [01:47]: "You're not playing me for a fool here and living some kind of double life, are ya? ... One minute rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous and the next slumming it with Deveanor at the docks."
• Rust (C) [03:00]: "All I can tell you is that it was warm to the touch. ... When I first picked it up, I could hear something scratching inside. ... There was smoke coming out of it too. No, didn't smell great either."
• Crow (E) [14:52]: "It wasn't easy. You have to spend weeks in the regen tank. And the tissue rebuilding protocols, they can be rough. ... As far as endurance goes, I doubt there'd be a problem. ... But for me personally, it took maybe a couple of months before I felt I was back in good shape."
• Crow (E) [17:52]: "Let's say goodbye to the past. To the things that have served us well over the years, but which have now outlived their usefulness. And let's welcome all the promise and opportunity that's out there in front of us with open arms."
• Summers (G) [10:29]: "I've got him. Right here under my thumb. Hey, quit struggling, asshole. You're not going anywhere."

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Important Timestamps

• 00:37–07:10: Dockside conversation, Rust’s mysterious elite delivery, musings on rejuvenation and “the Pearl Archipelago”
• 07:10–10:50: Update on Dr. Stiller, growing threat, Summers captures a watcher
• 12:43–18:30: Rust and Crow in the workshop—debate over rejuvenation, old tech, letting go of the past
• 18:30–21:58: Approaching the Strata; ‘the Mud Pit’ and its meaning, migration from Dockerton

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Tone and Style Notes

• The dialogue is grounded in banter, nostalgia, and world-weary humor, overlaying the deep weariness and resourcefulness of the lead characters.
• Subtext of longing, regret, and survival pervades even lighter moments—especially in Rust's ambivalence about his “steel” and what he might gain or lose by seeking rejuvenation.
• World-building is rich, revealing a city in decline and characters forced to adapt or perish.

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Summary

This episode is a tapestry of small, human moments against the churn of political and technological intrigue. Rust faces existential choices—the lure of “becoming flesh and blood” again, the risks that entails, and the pressing realities of life in the margins. Tense developments hint at deeper underworld plots and personal peril, while scenes at the Mud Pit reflect the city’s fractured present and uncertain future.

A narrative as much about the subtle choices of identity and allegiance as the survivalist plotlines, "Downfall Part 10" is a compelling, character-driven chapter in the Strata saga, laced with homespun philosophy and hard-earned resilience.

Transcript

[A]

You're listening to the Strata A Beyond the dark production. Season 13 Downfall Part 10.

[B]

Well, look who it is. Fancy seeing you here at the docks, Rust.

[C]

Well, I had to make a delivery, so I figured I'd hang around for a bit.

[B]

And it just so happened to coincide with my break time.

[C]

You're on a break? I had no idea.

[B]

Come on, take a walk with me. So how have you been doing, Rust? Don't take this the wrong way, but you look like you could use a good nap.

[C]

It's that obvious, huh? Yeah, I guess it's been a busy last couple of days.

[B]

Oh, lots of work coming your way? Or are you just trying to stay ahead of that Dreyfus?

[C]

No, he's pretty much out of the picture now. I ran into him at a restaurant in Highgate City and, Well, I guess you could say we sorted things out.

[B]

You didn't beat him up again, did you?

[C]

It was settled with nothing more than a polite conversation. I promise.

[B]

If you say so. Although I am curious about why you'd be hanging out at a restaurant in Highgate City. That doesn't seem like your kind of vibe.

[C]

It's not. This was a once off.

[B]

You're not playing me for a fool here and living some kind of double life, are ya? One minute rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous and the next slumming it with Deveanor at the docks.

[C]

Oh, yeah, that's totally it. You got me. One day I'll surprise you by taking you to my secret mansion up there in the hills.

[B]

Well, in your line of work, you must have come across some of those fancy types now and again though, right? Who's the most famous person you've ever delivered a package to?

[C]

The most famous. That's a tough one. I guess that would be. Well, let's just say she's an actor on a show called CyberLove 3000. No.

[B]

CyberLove. That's one of the biggest grid casts ever.

[C]

I know this person. She's pretty much a household name.

[B]

How on earth did you get roped into making a delivery for someone like that?

[C]

Same way it always happens. Someone needs an item that's delicate, I guess is the word. Black market. And those kind of items, well, none of the big name courier services will go near them. So my name came up.

[B]

Okay, now I'm intrigued. What the hell was it?

[C]

I don't even know what was inside. That's not my business. All I can tell you is that it was warm to the touch.

[B]

So it was food or something?

[C]

I don't know about that. When I first picked it up, I could hear something scratching inside. But by the time I made it to the mansion in Highgate City, the scratching had stopped.

[B]

No, something was alive in there.

[C]

Oh, and one other thing. There was smoke coming out of it too.

[B]

There was?

[D]

What?

[C]

No, didn't smell great either. But being the professional I am, I didn't ask any questions. I just handed it over and took my payment. And then I walked away.

[B]

Okay, you've got me really intrigued now.

[C]

Yeah, too bad we'll never know what it was.

[B]

Did she pay well, this actor?

[C]

She was kind of stingy actually. You'd be surprised how often that's the case with rich people.

[B]

Did this become like, I don't know, a regular thing? Did you ever see her again?

[C]

Never in the flesh. That delivery was a one time only deal. But I still see her face all the time. She's on half the damn billboards in the strata.

[B]

Wow. With friends like that, you're practically part of the elite, Rust. Next thing I know, you'll be sporting a gold plated top hat and bragging about your latest rejuvenation treatment.

[A]

Oh.

[B]

What was the matter? Did I say something wrong?

[E]

Hmm?

[C]

Oh, no, not at all. It's just when you mentioned rejuvenation. Well, I saw an old friend in High Gate City earlier. He used to have a bunch of steel augments like me, but ended up getting them removed and growing back as organic limbs.

[B]

Really? I didn't even know that was possible.

[C]

It's expensive, but it can be done anyway. I don't know, it just got me wondering about what it would be like, rejuvenation.

[B]

Floating in some weird looking tank while your body soaks up all those chemicals and shit. Nah, who needs that? You know what? I've got my own version of rejuvenation. All natural. Wanna hear about it?

[C]

Uh, sure.

[B]

Okay, here's what I do. I load up my wave skimmer with a couple of extra power cells and pack some supplies. And then I head that way, due

[C]

east, out into the middle of the ocean. There's nothing out there.

[B]

See, that's where you're wrong, Rust. If you know how to navigate those waters like I do, you can find something special. The Pearl Archipelago.

[C]

I thought those islands were a myth.

[B]

No, no, no, no. They're very much real hard to find, I'll give you that. And not easy to navigate once you're there with all the wrecks cluttering up the shallows. But for an experienced mariner like me, it's no Trouble. I've been there plenty of times.

[C]

So what do you do there?

[B]

Whatever you want. Me, I spend my time walking along the beaches. And even though the pollution has taken away a lot from the natural beauty, they're still way better than anything you'll find around here. And if you happen to strike it lucky and get a clear day, it's like being in another world. The way the sun feels on your skin and the coolness of the water as you stroll through the shallows, it's. It's incredible. Now, that Rust. That is what I call rejuvenation.

[C]

Well, it does sound nice, but I don't have a lot of skin left for soaking up a suntan, you know? And these steel feet of mine don't fare so well in salt water. Not to mention, if I get sand stuck in my chassis, it. It takes forever to.

[B]

Is. Is that your way of saying you don't want to come?

[C]

No, I didn't mean it that way at all. I mean, it sounds amazing. Divina, I just. Damn. I have to take this. Do you mind if.

[B]

Yeah, go ahead. I probably should be getting back to work now anyway.

[C]

Okay. I'll drop in and see you again soon.

[D]

Sure.

[B]

Sounds great. See you around.

[C]

Kavanaugh. You finally got my message, huh? About damn time.

[F]

Okay. Yeah. Thanks. I'll see you around. Jade, you got a second? I just got off the phone with Rust. There have been some developments.

[D]

What's going on?

[F]

I got some clarification about those messages Russ sent through earlier. Seems he's been busy up there in Highgate City visiting a bunch of clinics. Let me ask you something. Does the name Dr. Stiller mean anything to you?

[D]

Dr. Stiller? No, I don't think so.

[F]

Here's a picture I found on the grid. Do you recognize him? Have you seen him in your. In your visions?

[D]

I can't say I have. Why? Who is he?

[F]

Ah, damn. He's just someone that I thought you might have been connected with. See, Rust managed to uncover details of this biotech guy who has a history of installing neuro shards just like yours. This Dr. Stiller guy ran. Rust was hoping to talk to him and find out if he knew anything about your situation, but the clinic was deserted.

[D]

Deserted?

[F]

Yeah, it sounds like something went down there. Now Stiller is missing, possibly due to foul play, but we don't know anything for sure. The guy could be sipping dregs at a cafe right now without a care in the world. Or maybe not.

[D]

Do you think this has anything to do with me? If Dr. Stiller really? Was the one who installed the shard. Archer could be trying to get to me through him.

[F]

Well, that's exactly what I'm worried about. Although, if still it has your home address or anything like that, it's. It's not gonna make much of a difference.

[D]

You're not at home, I guess so.

[F]

Either way, I think this is bad news. These bastards just won't give up. They're gonna keep at it until they find you.

[D]

So what do we do?

[F]

We have to come up with something fast. We're running out of options, but there's no need to panic yet. Let's make that clear. I've been in tighter scrapes than this before. Plenty of times. But we have to make some moves. Hang on for a sec. Jade Summers. Talk to me.

[G]

Well, you're a crafty old bastard, Cav. I'll give you that.

[F]

I am.

[G]

Yeah, your plan worked perfectly. I just stood where you told me and waited a while, and sure enough, he showed up.

[F]

The guy in the hoodie. You saw him?

[G]

He was watching the apartment building like you thought he might hanging back out of sight.

[F]

Okay, so did you follow him?

[G]

No, I didn't bother with that.

[C]

You.

[F]

You let him go?

[G]

Not a chance. I grabbed him and dragged him back into the alley.

[F]

You.

[C]

You.

[F]

You've got him? Yep.

[G]

I've got him. Right here under my thumb. Hey, quit struggling, asshole. You're not going anywhere.

[F]

Summers, it. Are you all right?

[G]

It's all under control, Cav. I just have one question for you. Now that I've got him, what do you want me to do with him?

[H]

Martha listens to her favorite band all the time. In the car, gym, even sleeping. So when they finally went on tour, Martha bundled her flight and hotel on Expedia to see them live. She saved so much, she got her seat close enough to actually see and hear them. Saw it off. You were made to scream from the front row. We were made to quietly save you More Expedia made to travel savings vary and subject to availability. Flight inclusive packages are atoll protected.

[E]

Okay, caller one wins courtside seats to tonight's game. What? I won floor seats. You did? I've been calling for 13 months.

[B]

Wait.

[D]

Chris.

[F]

Yes.

[E]

I finally did it. What are you gonna wear? Men's Wearhouse. They've got today's look occasion. And I need to look like a celebrity. Don't want to stick out. Exactly. They've got Chill Flex by Kenneth Cole, Joseph Abboud, and a tailor at every store for the perfect fit.

[C]

Congrats. You can stop calling Now.

[E]

Not a chance. Hit any look for every occasion at Men's Wearhouse. Love the way you look. An all new season of the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is now streaming

[C]

on Hulu and Hulu on Disney.

[B]

Mom talk has just been blowing up.

[D]

Whitney and Jen are on Dancing with the Stars.

[B]

Taylor is a bachelorette.

[E]

Saying that out loud is crazy. Like that is huge.

[B]

But all the cool opportunities could pull us apart.

[D]

It's causing issues in everyone's marriage. My whole world is falling apart right now. It's chaos.

[E]

Watch the Hulu original series, the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney plus for bundle subscribers terms apply. Hey, there he is. Come on in out of the rain, Rust. Keep the water off that steel of yours.

[C]

Damn, Crow. Being inside this old workshop of yours, it brings back some memories, doesn't it?

[E]

I haven't been inside this place for years myself, and the minute I walked in, it all just hit me.

[C]

So you never thought to repurpose it or sell it?

[E]

I put it on the market for a while, but in this part of midtown, there's not a lot of interest in commercial spaces. At one point, I decided I'd convert it to storage or do something else with it, but I never got around to it.

[C]

Seems like a waste.

[E]

Well, maybe the fact that you turned up on my doorstep will be the impetus I need to get off my ass and finally do something. Grab that box for me, will you? Put it over here. And sorry in advance about the dust.

[C]

So, Crow, you said you had some gear you wanted to offload. What's the deal?

[E]

Yeah, well, since I decided to clean out the workshop and get rid of this old equipment, I figured you might find something here you can use. Assuming you're still into this stuff, that is.

[C]

You're just gonna give it to me?

[E]

Well, that's the thing. I don't need it. Not since I shifted careers and moved into organic biomods. It's all useless now. But who knows? To the right buyer, you might be able to score a few creds. Or maybe Sienna could use some of it back at her workshop. She still dabbles in steel, right?

[C]

Probably. But you didn't just bring me in here to try to sell me on that whole rejuvenation thing again, did you?

[E]

Rust, I told you I wouldn't even be making any creds from that deal. I offered it to you as a favor.

[C]

A favor? Right.

[E]

You act like you're offended at the mere suggestion of giving up your steel, but I'LL bet you can't stand there and tell me you haven't thought about what it might be like to finally be flesh and blood again. Go ahead. I'm waiting.

[C]

Of course I've thought about it. Who wouldn't? But I've been walking around in this rig for a hundred years, Crow. To change all that. Well, it's not a decision I could make lightly.

[E]

It's a big commitment, no doubt, but the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.

[C]

How do you find the process yourself? When you did it, I mean.

[E]

I'll be upfront with you. It wasn't easy. You have to spend weeks in the regen tank. And the tissue rebuilding protocols, they can be rough. But the pain management solutions come as part of the package, so that helps. For a tough guy like you, I doubt there'd be a problem. As far as endurance goes.

[C]

Sure, I can endure a lot, but floating around in a tank for that long sounds awful boring. I'd lose my mind.

[E]

Well, that's not a big deal. You'd be in and out of consciousness most of the time anyway. It's all a bit of a blur.

[C]

What about the rehab?

[E]

It's extensive. Once you come out of the tank, you're gonna have some atrophy. Even though the restored tissue is brand spanking new, it's never been worked apart from the artificial stimulation protocols during regen. So it takes some time to build up strength again. For me personally, it took maybe a couple of months before I felt I was back in good shape.

[C]

See, that just doesn't work for me. I have bills to pay, Crow. I need to be out there on the road delivering packages. Otherwise I can't eat. So there's no way I can afford to spend months or even weeks sitting around doing nothing like a giant water cookie.

[E]

Though I don't think you see the big picture yet, Rust.

[C]

I do. I just. I don't think this is right for me.

[E]

You're worried about my facility here, aren't you? I get it. This workshop is old, but it's still perfectly functional. Come on, take a look.

[C]

So this is the regen tank?

[E]

Sure is. I know it doesn't look like much, but these early regen core systems were some of the most reliable ever produced. The seals have a lifetime guarantee and the regulation system is absolutely first class.

[C]

And what are these big metal cylinders here next to it? They look like old fashioned water tanks.

[E]

Oh, careful. They arrest. Those vessels are filled with compressed liquid cryogas. They're in decent condition, but it's Best to be careful around those things. We wouldn't want a rupture now, would we?

[C]

Oh, sorry.

[E]

But to your point, yeah, they're holding up just fine. It's all within safe operating parameters. But anyway, I'm not gonna twist your arm and I don't want to keep you longer than I have to. I know you're busy.

[C]

Yeah, I don't want to sound ungrateful or anything. I just. Well, I'll think about it for now. That's all I can promise you.

[E]

Well, good enough for me. How about we go ahead and get back to work here, huh? Start going through those boxes over there and see if you can find anything. Everything useful. You're welcome to take whatever you want.

[C]

Yeah, thanks. Sure thing, Grow.

[E]

Maybe once I clean the place up, I'll put it on the market again. It would be an end of an era if I sold it. But I guess all good things must come to an end, right? Oh, look. A bottle of Stone island whiskey.

[F]

Oh, yeah.

[E]

Must have been buried under this stack of papers all this time. How about it, Rust? Will you toast with me?

[C]

Toast?

[E]

Yeah. Let's say goodbye to the past. To the things that have served us well over the years, but which have now outlived their usefulness. And let's welcome all the promise and opportunity that's out there in front of us with open arms.

[C]

Well, I guess so. Maybe just one.

[E]

That's the spirit. Here's to new beginnings. Rust. From where I'm standing, the future's looking bright. Bright for both of us.

[D]

Okay. Darrow, Crichton, heads up. The Strata is in sight.

[I]

The Strata? Surely this cluster of ramshackle dwellings can't be the place we've waited so long to see. This looks more like Alder's Hollow than a city.

[D]

Oh, this isn't the Strata, Crichton. I mentioned this a little while back. It's called Southern Camp 3, but most people just refer to it as the Mud Pit. We have to pass through here first before we get to the checkpoint on the edge of the Strata.

[I]

Ah, yes. There on the horizon. I see the lights of the Strata. But what is this Mud Pit? Who are the people who live here? Are they citizens of the Strata?

[D]

Some of them, probably, yeah. Others have come from the surrounding areas of the Deadlands to trade goods and services.

[C]

I hate this place. All of these buildings look like they've

[E]

been thrown together with scrap metal.

[D]

They look that way because that's exactly what they are, Daro. This settlement didn't exist a year ago. It kind of grew out of nothing. After all, these people started packing up and leaving Docker Tank.

[I]

These people left the Strata? Why?

[D]

Nah. There's all kinds of bad shit going down in Dockerton lately. Riots and stuff like that. The place has turned into a war zone. And I guess a lot of people got fed up and decided to leave.

[I]

They've come here to the Wasteland of their own volition. Those seem like drastic measures.

[D]

I don't know. I guess so. Anyway, the Mud Pit has become like a stopover town. A place where travelers gather provisions before making the trek further into the Deadlands. That's why all these traders come from far and wide to sell their wares.

[I]

These vendors and merchants are a greedy lot, aren't they? I see it in their faces.

[D]

Greedy. I don't know about that. They're all trying to make a few creds, sure, but I don't know if I go that far.

[I]

I would. I've seen their kind before. Is the Strata itself like this place?

[D]

I guess in some ways most of these people are from there after all.

[I]

Yes, that makes sense. This Mud pit is just an extension of the city. I gather my skin crawls at the thought of walking amongst these vultures. But if it is my destiny to enter the Strata, then I suppose I must.

[D]

Well, you're not going anywhere yet, Creighton. First things first. I need to find somewhere to charge up the cores on this rig. I'm not sure we'll make it on what we have left.

[C]

Another delay. Do we have to?

[D]

Hmm, yeah, we do. Unless you want to try dragging your cargo all the rest of the way on foot. All right. Well, this looks like a good spot. Everybody out.

[C]

How long is this going to take, Charlie?

[D]

I don't know. A couple of hours, maybe. Shouldn't be too long.

[C]

Well, looks like I've got some time on my hands. Maybe I should go and introduce myself to some of the locals in the Mud Pit. Something tells me there might be opportunities here for a businessman like me.

[D]

Don't get into any trouble, Darrow. We've come all this way and.

[C]

Don't worry.

[E]

I'll be fine.

[C]

I won't go far, I promise.

[D]

Keep an eye on him, Crichton. I know it's not fair that you have to play babysitter, but I still need him if I want to get paid.

[I]

He's a repulsive individual, that one. But I will keep him out of trouble. You can count on that. Just make sure you get this rig charged and ready to go. The sooner we leave this place, the better better.

[A]

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, Kyle Kacmazic, Nicholas Ewan, Brad Gilliam and Alexander Hakim Stravinsky. Created by Mark R. Healy A Beyond the Dark production.

[D]

The fable and folly network where fiction producers flourish.

[J]

You wake up startled in the middle of the night, convinced that there's something out there in the darkness. Your brain tells you that there's nothing to be afraid of, that the inhuman shape in the corner of your room is just your laundry piled on a chair. But as you hear the ghostly, ragged breathing that doesn't belong to you, you realize your brain is dead wrong. If you love the mix of horror, mystery and comedy in shows like Buffy, Ash versus The Evil Dead or Supernatural, you'll feel right at home on the Crit Show, a Monster of the Week actual play podcast where the players, playing as themselves, are tasked with being the last line of defense from the forces of evil that go bump in the night. Join us every Wednesday and learn the games we play while the gang tries their best to solve the mysteries, hunt the monsters and protect the innocent. Their intentions are good. Their dice rolls? Not so much. You can find the crit [e-mail] or wherever you listen to podcasts.