Episode 13.12 - Downfall - Part 12

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Strata – Season 13, Episode 12: “Downfall – Part 12”

Date: April 14, 2026
Host/Creator: Mark R. Healy
Setting: A dystopian city where an aging courier, Kavanaugh, works with underworld figures to survive and pay for lifesaving treatment.

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Episode Overview

This episode continues the tense, high-stakes story of Kavanaugh and his associates as they juggle the perilous fallout from corporate sabotage, neurotech intrigue, and personal betrayal. [Downfall – Part 12] explores ethical boundaries, sibling loyalty, the consequences of violence, and the complicated choices faced by those struggling to survive in the Strata’s underworld.

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Key Discussion Points & Segment Breakdown

1. Tension in the Safehouse (00:36–10:18)

• Summers, Kavanaugh, Jade, and Solari debate their next move with their fugitives, Jade and Solari, hiding out due to a bounty on Jade’s head.

• Summers expresses frustration over their inaction:

  “Keeping Jade and Solari here in the apartment is no longer a safe option. Sooner or later, someone is going to show up on your doorstep looking to collect that bounty.” (00:52)

• Kavanaugh reveals his emotional stake in Jade’s plight, despite learning the truth.

• Rust arrives, bringing further urgency to the planning.

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2. Jade and Solari’s Background and Moral Dispute (03:54–10:03)

• Solari and Jade have a history of hacking attacks against Blaine Industrial, which they blame for their parents’ deaths. Jade’s neuroshard was the weapon, but she wiped her own memory to escape Blaine’s security after a disaster.

• Summers and Kavanaugh debate the morality of harboring criminals:

  “Solari is... he’s let his hatred of Blaine Industrial cloud his judgment, twist his perspective of right and wrong.” – Kavanaugh (02:39)

• The group debates whether Jade should restore her wiped memories.

• Jade voices newfound uncertainty:

  “I honestly don’t think that’s something I could go through with anymore.” (06:44)
  She questions the wisdom of regaining memories filled with pain and violence:
  “Why would I want to remember that?” (07:09)

• Rust proposes enlisting his contact, Crow, for the risky neuroshard memory restoration:

  “That kind of memory restoration has always been a risky proposition… people who messed with that shit, well, it usually wasn’t a good outcome.” – Rust (05:24)

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3. Side Plot: Darrow, Crichton, and Mud Pit Deals (11:36–15:46)

• Darrow hustles for trade deals in the mud pit, while Crichton pulls him out, highlighting the dangers of dealing with criminals.

  “They were criminals. Can you see that? They were sizing you up.” – Crichton (12:34)

• Crichton's motivations for travelling to Highgate City are revealed: his failing health and the hope for expensive medical treatment.

• Crichton reflects on the need for cooperation and dependency in the unstable world:

  “We need others to help us along the way… that seems to be the inevitable truth about this life.” (14:23)

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4. Rust Confronts Crow – Betrayal Revealed (17:09–28:44)

• Rust and Sienna overhear Crow’s call with Valdis, a vengeful ex-crime lord. Valdis wants Rust captured alive, specifically for his steel body.

  • Valdis (on the phone):

    “I had friends, the admiration of my peers, and a thriving business. And Rust took that from me in one fell swoop… He stole my life.” (18:53)

• Crow admits he was tempted by Valdis’s large bribe, justified by his own failing clinic and debts.

  “Valdis contacted me, he made me an offer that was too good to ignore. It was a lot of creds. Enough for me to fit out the place with a bunch of new gear… But by the same token, I couldn’t just kill you in cold blood, Rust.” (25:14)

• Crow’s supposed solution: convince Rust to undergo rejuvenation (organic body regeneration) so Crow could hand over Rust’s steel body to Valdis, making everyone “win.”

  “Rust gets a new body, I get some creds to pay off my debts, and Valdis gets the steel.” – Crow (26:06)

• Rust, feeling betrayed, nonetheless demands Crow’s help for Jade’s memory restoration.

• Crow finally agrees to help—if Jade herself consents.

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5. Trap for Valdis (28:15–29:09)

• Rust proposes luring Valdis into a trap:

  “Tell Valdis you can close the deal. Tell him to meet you at that workshop in Midtown. If it’s steel he wants. Well, why don’t we go ahead and give it to him?” (28:45)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the morality of violence:

  “To him, this whole thing is war. And the innocent workers who were killed… were just inevitable casualties.” – Kavanaugh (02:08)

• On memory and identity:

  “Maybe the best thing for me is just to forget.” – Jade (08:24)

• On betrayal:

  “You lied to me, manipulated me, and in the end, we only got the truth out of you because we overheard that phone call. I’m not just gonna let this blow over.” – Rust to Crow (26:38)

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Key Timestamps

• 00:36–03:13: Safehouse tension builds; discussions on danger and what to do next.
• 03:54–07:53: Solari and Jade’s backstory; debate over memory restoration.
• 10:27–11:36: (Ads skipped)
• 11:36–15:46: Darrow and Crichton’s subplot in the mud pit.
• 17:09–18:44: Rust and Sienna eavesdrop on Crow’s call with Valdis.
• 20:13–27:57: Rust confronts Crow; Crow’s confession and bargain.
• 28:07–29:09: Laying the trap for Valdis.

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Tone

The dialogue is tense, hard-edged, and emotionally raw—characters are exhausted, distrustful, but driven by survival and occasional flickers of loyalty. Ethical ambiguity permeates every decision, and the looming threat of violence remains constant.

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Episode Impact

This episode pushes several plot threads toward an explosive collision:

• Jade must choose between recovery and escape (or both at perilous cost).
• Rust and Crow’s relationship teeters on the brink of destruction.
• The threat from Valdis becomes immediate, as the protagonists prepare to confront him head-on.

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For New Listeners

This episode is rich in character dilemmas, interwoven loyalties, and stark moral choices central to “The Strata.” Even without prior context, the discussion on memory, violence, and betrayal lays out the core tensions of the series and offers a gripping standalone experience.

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Transcript

[A]

You're listening to the strata a beyond the dark production season 13 downfall part 12.

[B]

Cav, what's going on? Why are we waiting?

[C]

Just cool it, Summers. We're still trying to get things straight before we consider our next move. I called Rust and he said he's on his way. Should only be a few minutes.

[B]

Okay, but we really can't afford to sit on this much longer. Keeping Jade and Solari here in the apartment is no longer a safe option. Sooner or later, someone is going to show up on your doorstep looking to collect that bounty.

[C]

I'm aware of that. But on the same token, we can't just go running blindly out there on the streets.

[B]

Is there something I'm missing? Cav, now that you know the truth, why don't you cut loose of this girl?

[C]

I wish I could, Summers, but I just can't. For whatever reason, I just have to see it through to the end.

[B]

Right. Well, I guess we'll just wait then.

[D]

Detective Kavanagh. Is everything okay?

[C]

Fine, Jade. Fine. So what about you, Summers? What do you make of these two?

[B]

Jade and Solari? Well, they've been talking over there for a while now. From the body language, it seems to me that Jade is still conflicted by this whole situation.

[C]

Ah, it can't be easy for her, finding out about all the horrible shit those two have done.

[B]

Solari, for his part, he seems proud of that horrible shit.

[C]

To him, this. This whole thing is war. And the innocent workers who were killed in those factories were just inevitable casualties.

[B]

That kind of mindset doesn't sit well with me. Don't get me wrong, I've seen plenty of bloodshed, and I waged my own personal war with the Fortunado. So the whole concept is something I can rel. But through it all, I never put the lives of innocent people in jeopardy. Quite the opposite. I went out of my way to make sure they were spared.

[C]

Yeah, I'm with you there. Solari is. He's let his hatred of Blaine industrial cloud his judgment, twist his perspective of right and wrong.

[B]

So that means we're harboring criminals here?

[C]

That's not that black and white. Not to me.

[B]

Well, this is your show. I'm not gonna tell you how to run it, but I sure hope you know what you're doing, Cav. In the meantime, I have a few calls to make. My grid crawler just released a whole load of dirt on Strickland, and I have to take care of some things. Just excuse me for a second.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, no problem. Do whatever you need to Do. Oh, that should be Rust. Everyone stay back till I've made sure it's him. Yeah, we're good. Come on in. Rust. Good to see you again, big guy.

[E]

Kavanaugh. Ah, I see Summers got roped into this, too, huh? And who's this?

[C]

That's Jade. You've met before. And this is a brother, Solari.

[E]

Okay, great. One big happy family. So, what's going on?

[C]

All right, we're on the clock here, so I don't want to draw this out. I'll give you a brief rundown of what's going on. First, the situation with Jade. It turns out Solari had quite the tale to tell. He's filled in some backstory about how Jade got into this predicament. To make a long story short, these two had been conducting a series of attacks against a company called Blaine Industrial, using Jade's neuro Shard as a kind of advanced hacking tool. Its payback for Blaine caused the death of their parents, among other things. As the attacks escalated, Blaine began to use countermeasures. They employed some heavies to track down Jade and neutralize her. She evaded him for a while, but eventually her luck ran out. They cornered her, and she only managed to escape by performing a wipe on the neuroshard. That's why she lost so much of a memory.

[E]

Hang on. How does a memory wipe take out a crew of heavies?

[C]

We believe a pulse from the Shard sent some armed security systems that were nearby in the meltdown. They started attacking indiscriminately, and Jade escaped in the confusion. That's when I came across her outside Overton's bar.

[E]

Okay, so now the family's back together, and we know who she is. What's the problem?

[F]

We need to get her memories back. Restore them from the latest backup we downloaded a few weeks ago.

[E]

Wait a second. You've been screwing around with neuroshard memory dumps? That kind of memory restoration has always been a risky proposition. At least that's what I observed back when these shards were in wider circulation. People who messed with that shit, well, it usually wasn't a good outcome. Maybe you should reconsider going through with it.

[F]

Thanks for the advice, but that's not your decision to make.

[C]

And it's not yours either. Solari.

[F]

Jade wants this. We sat down together and planned this exact scenario months ago.

[C]

I'd like to hear from Jade herself. Jade, you have anything to say right now?

[D]

I don't know exactly what to think. I mean, I understand Solari's Perspective. We've been talking and he's told me a little about what it was like before the wipe. Some of the things we did together. And if. Well, if the old me wanted this, that's one thing.

[F]

But she did want it with all her heart, so what else is there to discuss?

[D]

The thing is, I don't know if I want it, Solari.

[F]

What are you talking about? Jade, you're still the same person you were three days ago.

[D]

No, I'm not. Those things we talked about, attacking Blaine Industrial and destroying their shit, killing those workers. I honestly don't think that's something I could go through with anymore.

[F]

That's because you're confused. Your brain is scrambled. But guess what? I have the key to putting everything back to normal. Once you have your memories again, you'll be fine.

[D]

What memories are those, Solari? Seeing my parents get sick and wasting away before my eyes. Living on the streets for years, cold and starving and doing all kinds of horrible things just to stay alive. Why would I want to remember that?

[F]

Because those memories made you who you are. Yes, all of that shit was terrible, but it's what shaped your entire life.

[D]

And what would I gain from going back to the way I was? If I get my memories back and we continue with this project downfall of yours, does that mean we're just going to be on the run from Archer for the rest of our lives?

[F]

Yes. Cause that's what we signed up for when we started this whole thing.

[D]

Jade, how long before he catches up with us again? Days? Weeks? And then what? Archer is going to be prepared this time. I won't escape. And then what do I have to look forward to? Living out my final days in some concrete basement while they torture me to death and experiment on me?

[F]

Why are we even discussing this? You're not yourself right now, Jade. I'm arguing with a shadow, a ghost of who my sister really was.

[D]

Maybe I. Maybe the best thing for me is just to forget.

[F]

Please don't stand there and tell me you're prepared to throw away everything we worked for. Everything we are. We gave up so much to get here. Believe me, once you get your memories back, you'll understand.

[C]

Sorry to step in here, but isn't all this a moot point? Stiller is missing, probably dead. He's out of the picture. So how would we even restore Jade's memories? We need someone who can perform the operation.

[E]

I might be able to provide an option here. My old friend Crow used to work with this kind of tech. It's possible he could Help out.

[F]

You have access to another clinic?

[E]

Possibly. I'd have to talk to him first, but I think it could be done.

[F]

Then what are we waiting for?

[C]

Slow down, Solari. Jade hasn't even made a decision about whether she wants to do this or not.

[F]

She's not capable of making this decision because she's not herself.

[C]

That's not for you to say, Jade. It's up to you. Do you want to go back to the way things were?

[D]

What's the alternative?

[C]

You can't stay in the strata. It's not safe. We'd have to get you out of the city somehow.

[D]

Leave everything behind.

[C]

I don't see any other way.

[D]

I. I need some time to think.

[C]

Sure. Take a while. We can't wait forever, though.

[D]

I understand.

[E]

In the meantime, I should go and talk to Crow in person. This isn't the kind of thing I'd want to discuss over the phone. I'll pick Sienna up on the way. Her expertise will come in handy.

[C]

I'd appreciate that. Rust. It'd be safe out there.

[E]

Okay. Always. I'll be in touch as soon as I figured something.

[G]

K Pop Demon Hunters Haja Boy's Breakfast Meal and Hunt Trick's Meal have just dropped at McDonald's. They're calling this a battle for the fans. What do you say to that, Rumi?

[D]

It's not a battle. So glad the Saja boys could take breakfast and give our meal the rest of the day.

[E]

It is an honor to share.

[H]

No, it's our honor.

[E]

It is our larger honor.

[D]

No, really, stop.

[G]

You can really feel the respect in this battle. Pick a meal to pick a side

[E]

and participate in McDonald's while supplies last.

[I]

If you've got spring fever, Lowe's has the cure. During Springfest, make your landscape stand out with three free bags of Miracle Gro. 3/4 cubic foot garden soil. When you buy three, plus get up to 40% off. Select major appliances to keep clothes, food and dishes fresh all season long. Our best lineup is here at Lowe's, valid through 422, while supplies last. Selection varies by location. See.com for details. Soil offer excludes Alaska and Hawaii.

[J]

Gentlemen, let's be reasonable here. I can bring you the goods you need at a better price than any trader in Southern camps. One or two, let alone here in the mud pit. All I ask is that you sign a contract granting me exclusive rights to your business.

[K]

Daro, what's going on here?

[J]

Ah, Crichton. I was just brokering a deal with my new friends here. Gentlemen, this is my associate, Crichton.

[K]

There's no deal here. Not today. You need to come with me, Darrow.

[J]

Crichton. Maybe he should leave the business side

[E]

of things to me.

[J]

Don't worry. I won't be much longer.

[K]

I said there's no deal. You lot, clear out. And you, come with me.

[L]

Hey, watch it.

[J]

You're hurting me.

[K]

So, Less than you deserve, putting yourself at risk like that.

[E]

At risk?

[J]

What are you talking about? I practically had those chumps eating out of my hand.

[K]

They were criminals. Can you see that? They were sizing you up.

[J]

Do you think this is my. My first gig, Crichton? I've spent years working over gullible idiots just like that in the southern outposts.

[K]

You already have a deal set up with your associates in the Strata. Why bother with these petty trades in the mud pit?

[J]

See, that's the difference between you and me, Crichton. I never let an opportunity pass me by. I'm on the prowl every second of the damn day, hunting for the next deal. That's the only way to get ahead in life. Trust me.

[K]

Be that as it may, we still have a job to do here. We have a transport full of cargo that needs protecting. Remember your cargo.

[J]

That's your job. You're the security around here.

[M]

Ah, there they are. Back again. Just in time, guys. I'm almost done here. Uh, what's the matter? You two get into trouble out there?

[J]

No trouble. Crichton just decided he wanted to ruin my fun, that's all. I'm gonna go wait in the rig, if that's okay with you, boss.

[K]

I'll go right ahead.

[M]

Ugh. Don't worry about him, Creighton. I think he's just nervous about finishing this deal. We're close now, and there's a lot on the line for him.

[K]

He should appreciate the fact that someone is looking out for him. That is a luxury most never get to enjoy.

[N]

Hmm.

[M]

You don't take this job lightly, do you? Protecting Darrow and me?

[K]

I swore that I would keep you safe until we reached the Strata. And I intend to follow through on that oath.

[M]

What happened to your friend back in Amity, Creighton? Were you her protector as well?

[K]

I was her protector. And she was mine. Just like I needed your help to travel north. You need mine to stay alive. That seems to be the inevitable truth about this life. We need others to help us along the way. If it weren't for Edanna and Jonas

[M]

H. Did you come to the Strata to find someone?

[K]

No. My companions are all gone now. I'm on My own again.

[M]

So if you're not looking for anyone in the strata, why are you going there?

[K]

I came to heal this failing body of mine. If I don't take action soon, it'll be too late. I was told that I might find physicians in Highgate City who could help me.

[M]

Highgate City. You've really got your sights set high, huh? You're gonna need a lot of creds if you want to walk those streets.

[K]

Yes, I suppose I will. Or maybe Darrow's associates will come through as he promised. As annoying as he is, maybe this is one thing he can do for me.

[M]

Don't worry, Creighton. I'm sure we'll sort something out. Before you know it, the two of us will be sharing a drink at the pump house and planning the next step in our journeys. I guarantee it.

[N]

Are you sure you want to get Crow involved? Rust, this whole thing sounds like a bit of a mess.

[E]

It's a mess, all right. But I figure it can't hurt to ask if Crow is up for it. That's his decision. Either way, I've done my part. After this, I'm gonna wash my hands of the whole thing.

[H]

Honestly, I was surprised he stayed involved this long.

[E]

Well, Kavanaugh seems really invested in this one. It means a lot to him.

[B]

Why is that?

[E]

Beats me. Maybe there's something he's not telling us. Anyway, I know one thing. It's good to have someone inside the department who owes me a favor. It's not a luxury I get to enjoy very often.

[N]

You open old Kavanaugh is going to wipe a few parking tickets from the

[G]

system for you or something.

[E]

I was thinking it might give me some leverage in case I ever get to thrown into black hole again or something like that.

[N]

Oh, man. Don't even talk about that place.

[H]

My skin crawls every time I think about it.

[N]

All right, this is it. Let's get up there and get this over with.

[E]

It's quiet again. Doesn't Crow ever get any customers here? Either business is slow or.

[N]

You don't think they got to Crow, too, do you?

[E]

Only one way to find out. Keep your voice down. Let's keep it quiet.

[L]

As I told you on one occasion, I'm not prepared to wait much longer. This operation is time sensitive. And so far you've done nothing but stall and make excuses. Hello? Mr. Crow, are you still there?

[O]

I. Yeah, I'm here.

[E]

I'm just.

[O]

I'm thinking.

[L]

Oh, you're thinking. Please do excuse the interruption. I'm sure whatever has captured Your attention is of the utmost importance. Importance? But you don't seem to understand the gravity of this situation.

[H]

Why does that voice on the phone sound familiar?

[E]

Keep it down. See? Stay out of sight. I want to hear this.

[O]

I understand the situation, Mr. Valdes. Really I do. But you have to know that I can't.

[H]

I was talking to Valdis. Isn't that guy supposed to be in the lockup?

[L]

Well, I'm not prepared to wait that long. I told you what this man Rust did to me, didn't I?

[O]

Yes, you told me.

[L]

Let me reiterate so that there's no chance of misinterpretation. Until recently, I enjoyed a prosperous and luxurious life here in Highgate City. I had friends, the admiration of my peers, and a thriving business. And Rust took that from me in one fell swoop. In fact, I'm lucky not to be in the lock up right now. Can you imagine that? If I hadn't been able to organize a few gifts for the officials, I'd be rotting away in some dank cell at this very moment.

[O]

Now, when you say gifts, you mean you paid them off, right?

[L]

It's little consolation, I'm afraid. Remaining a free man, even though I avoided imprisonment, the scandal spread across Highgate City like wildfire. My friends and companions turned their backs on me, Every single one of them. With my social network destroyed, I'm now forced to sit here at home by myself, wallowing in hatred and futility. And all I can think about is that moment in my basement when that simpleton Rust stood there lecturing me about morality and how I deserved my punishment. All the while, it was he who was stealing from me.

[O]

He stole a power core or something. You said.

[L]

Oh, he didn't just steal a power core.

[E]

No.

[L]

He stole my life.

[O]

I get it, Mr. Valdes. I know you want him bad. But I'm telling you, I have to do this my way. It won't work if we try to rush it.

[L]

I'm relying on you, Mr. Crow. I can't find anyone else to do this job, not with my reputation in tatters. Keep in mind the incentive I offered. If Rust is delivered in the given time frame, there will be a significant bonus for you.

[O]

Yeah, I'll give it my best shot. Good.

[L]

I'll be waiting for your next call. And I hope, for your sake, it will happen soon.

[E]

Asshole.

[O]

Why did I ever agree to this?

[E]

Come on.

[C]

Circumstances.

[E]

I think it's time we had a talk with Mr. Crow. How you doing, Crow? Working late?

[O]

Oh, shit. Rust. Sienna. Oh, God. What are you Doing here?

[N]

Oh, you're in for a world of hurt, Crow.

[E]

I told you to look into your security setup, old buddy. Someone could just walk right in here and eavesdrop on an entire conversation.

[O]

Okay, look, this is not what you think.

[E]

Isn't it? I don't know. Seems pretty clear to me. You double crossing piece of trash.

[O]

Rust, come on.

[E]

I Just give me one good reason why I shouldn't rip your head off right now.

[H]

Uh, pal, I think he's trying to say something.

[E]

Go on, Crow. You've got about 10 seconds to explain yourself. And you better make it good.

[O]

I was. I was trying to help you, Rust. And help myself, too, at the same time.

[E]

Help me, huh? By handing me over to that psychopath Valdis? Do you have any idea about this guy's history? He.

[O]

He told me a little.

[H]

Valdis is the guy who was responsible for manufacturing that nightmare drug, Prism.

[N]

You know, the stuff that was scrambling the brains of all those rich people in Highgate City.

[E]

Until we ruined the party by uncovering the drug lab in his basement. We busted a hole in the wall so we could take the power core he was using to manufacture the drug.

[N]

Yeah, we figured the cops would find

[H]

the lab and take it from there, but apparently, even though we gift wrapped it for him, they still couldn't put him behind bars.

[E]

Amazing what a few bribes will do. Anyway, back to the question at hand. How did you get involved with Valdis crowd?

[O]

He contacted me not long after you came to visit me here.

[E]

The bastard must have been tracking our movements.

[O]

I guess. I mean, at first he tried messaging me through a scrambled link to protect his identity, but that's not how I like to do things. So he ended up revealing himself. Didn't seem too happy about it, but I think by that stage, he was out of options.

[N]

This all sounds very familiar.

[H]

The scramble link. It's just like the situation with Dreyfus.

[E]

Yeah, I guess Dreyfus was Valda's first option for taking me down. And when that fizzled out, he turned to Crow. I should have known it was Valdis all along. This is his MO Sending hired goons to do his dirty work.

[N]

What was the plan, Crow? You told Valdis on the phone you had to do it your way.

[H]

What does that mean?

[O]

Okay, so Valdis wanted me to get Rust into the clinic and sedate him. Somehow come up with an excuse to get him in the chair and incapacitate him.

[E]

He wanted me alive?

[O]

Well, he said he wanted your body preserved. Specifically that steel rig of yours.

[E]

He wanted my steel? Why?

[O]

I don't know. He just said he wanted it taken quietly without a fight.

[E]

That's the same thing Dreyfus wanted. He said something about taking me without a scratch.

[H]

Oh, is this some weird fetish thing

[N]

Valdis has with steel or something?

[E]

I don't even want to think about that. But I guess this clears up a lot, doesn't it, Crow? All this bullshit about you wanting me to get inside a regen tank so I could undergo rejuvenation. That was a lie.

[O]

No, that was all true, I swear. I figured out a way we could all benefit from this.

[E]

Oh, this is going to be good. All right, let's hear it.

[O]

All right, first, I have to come clean about a few things. Yes, I did lie about some stuff. Just maybe not what you suspected. The first day you dropped by, I gave the impression that I was doing great here in Highgate City. Business was on the up and up, right? But unfortunately, that's not how it is anymore. I mean, in the early days, sure, I had plenty of customers and the clinic was thriving. But as time went on, newer techniques started to emerge from my competitors. They were faster, more reliable, but they also used equipment that was cutting edge, expensive. It became harder and harder for me to keep up with the big players, the corporations with endless cred reserves and vast resources at their disposal. I tried to stay in the game, but over time, my customer base started to dwindle. I got into debt. And then my wife, she left me. And she took the kids with her. I haven't even seen them in months. And my finances are at rock bottom. I can't even afford to employ a receptionist anymore. And stuff is wearing out and malfunctioning left, right and center.

[E]

That's a sad story, Crow. But I don't see how it relates to you screwing me over.

[O]

When Valdes contacted me, he made me an offer that was too good to ignore. It was a lot of creds. Enough for me to fit out the place with a bunch of new gear. With that, I could get back in the game. Put my whole damn life back on track. But by the same token, I couldn't just kill you in cold blood. Rustic. Whatever you think of me right at this moment, I can assure you I am not a murderer.

[E]

So why did you agree to Valdis terms?

[O]

At first, I just dismissed the whole idea entirely. But then when I thought about it, I realized there was a solution where everyone benefited. Valdis, me, and even you, Rust. It all came down to the fact that Valdis only wanted to steal. And there Was a way we could give him that without hurting anyone.

[E]

Rejuvenation. If you could grow an organic body for me in that regen tank, I wouldn't need the steel anymore.

[C]

Exactly.

[O]

And the thing is, Valdis offer was substantial. I'm talking a lot of creds. Enough to cover the cost of the rejuvenation treatment and still leave plenty for me to pocket afterwards. In the end, Rust gets a new body, I get some creds to pay off my debts, and Valdis gets the steal.

[E]

That's why you've been pushing so hard for me to choose rejuvenation. I knew something was off, but I wasn't sure the reason. Until now.

[O]

Yeah. I mean, I hope you understand now, Rust. I would never intentionally hurt an old friend like you.

[E]

Don't think for a second that I was forgiving here, Crow. You lied to me, manipulated me, and in the end, we only got the truth out of you because we overheard that phone call. I'm not just gonna let this blow over. What?

[O]

What are you gonna do to me?

[E]

Well, as it turns out, we might need you. So we're gonna have to put all that other shit aside for a second.

[O]

Need me for what?

[E]

Remember the girl we told you about? The one with the neuro shard? It turns out she might be in need of a memory restoration procedure. And with still his disappearance, he seemed like the next best option.

[O]

A mind restore. In my experience, that's usually a bad idea.

[E]

Tell me about it. I tried to talk him out of it, but it sounds like they might still go ahead anyway.

[O]

There's all sorts of complications that can arise from that kind of operation.

[E]

Rust, can you do it or not?

[O]

Well, not here. All of this modern gear is useless for that. It won't interface with the neuroshard back at the old workshop in Midtown with all my old equipment. That would be our best bet.

[E]

So you'll do it?

[O]

What am I stepping into here, Rust? The whole thing with Stiller. It's seems like a bad situation.

[E]

I think you can handle the risk, Crow, to help get yourself back in my good books. What do you say?

[O]

I guess that's fair.

[E]

We still have to confirm the girl wants to go ahead with the procedure, then organize a time. I think it would be best if you ride with us, Crow. Wouldn't want you getting picked off by the bad guys.

[O]

What about this girl? Does she have protection?

[E]

Yeah, she's under the care of her Midtown car. Poo.

[N]

What's the matter, pal? You okay?

[E]

Actually, before we go anywhere, I'D like you to make a call. Crow to Valdis.

[N]

Valdis.

[H]

If you're thinking of venting your frustrations or something, Rust, you might want to reconsider that.

[E]

No, nothing like that. I have something else in mind.

[O]

Do you want to be included in the call?

[E]

Hell, no. Don't let him know we were even here. I want you to pretend like he just thought of something after your last conversation.

[O]

And what's that?

[E]

Tell Valdis you can close the deal. Tell him to meet you at that workshop in Midtown. If it's Steel he wants. Well, why don't we go ahead and give it to him?

[A]

This broadcast 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 of 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 Hui Liz Mori Kyle Kaczmarczyk Nicholas Ewan Brad Gilliam and Alexander Hakim Stravinsky Created by Mark R. Healy I'll be on the dock.

[K]

Production.

[B]

The Fable and Folly Network where fiction producers flourish.

[P]

Mount Absalom. A community, a heritage, a home. The green jewel in the majestic crown of Ohio. For 200 years, Mount Absalom has been a place to play N32 Bingo. A place to learn.

[H]

For in thy green and growing arms we have everything we need.

[F]

All right, now let's get out our math homework.

[P]

A place to work.

[D]

Here at the Celera Bottling Works, we produce over 2,000 bottles of celery.

[P]

So every day, a place to raise a family.

[D]

It's a girl.

[P]

It's a place of history.

[H]

And here we have the barrel of whiskey that Confederate soldiers stole from Mount Absalom. Patriot Amelia Pleasance during Morgan's raid.

[P]

And of course, a place of celery.

[F]

201st Celery Festival I dub the open

[P]

Mount Absalom is the perfect place for making memories.

[Q]

We're making memories. We're making memories. We're making memories. Make your memories with us. Make your memories here in Absalom.

[P]

Paid for by the Delphi order of Nabsam. It's a Larab bottling works. Refreshing to Larixon and diet to Larix Soda.

[E]

Unwell a Midwestern Gothic mystery.

[O]

Learn more at unwellpodcast.

[C]

Com.