Episode 13.14 - Downfall - Part 14 (Season Finale)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Strata – Episode 13.14: "Downfall – Part 14" (Season Finale)

Podcast: The Strata
Host: Mark R. Healy
Episode Title: Downfall – Part 14 (Season Finale)
Release Date: May 12, 2026

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Episode Overview

This season finale of The Strata brings major storylines to a tense and emotionally charged conclusion. The episode focuses on characters seeking escape, reconciliation, or retribution in the oppressive dystopian city. Crucial decisions are made, secrets are revealed, and relationships are tested as everyone reckons with the aftermath of violence, betrayal, and loss; all while trying to carve out hope or simply survive.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Jade, Solari, & Detective Kavanaugh: A Path to Freedom

• [03:07 – 07:29]
  • Detective Kavanaugh leads Jade and Solari to the docks, arranging their escape from Strata.
  • Jade's Operation:
    • Jade recovers from surgery that removed her neuroshard—essentially erasing a part of her criminal past and potential for dangerous visions.
    • Kavanaugh confirms: "That crow fella did a neat job on you. All that's left is a tiny little scar." ([06:04])
  • Jade expresses her desire to define herself, separate from her old identity:
    • “But I know one thing. I don’t want to be her. Not after all the terrible things she’s done.” ([07:09])

Emotional Resolutions & Letting Go

• [07:29 – 10:19]
  • Jade confronts Kavanaugh about his unresolved grief over his daughter Annie, believing his drive to save Jade was an attempt at redemption:
    • Jade: “You always saw yourself as her protector. And when she died, you felt that you’d failed her.” ([08:27])
  • Kavanaugh struggles to voice an answer but finally promises to try to move on.
    • Jade: “Just say you’ll try.”
    • Kavanaugh: “I will. I’ll try.” ([10:01])
  • Jade leaves, wishing him peace: “Maybe we’ll see each other again someday.” ([10:16])

Aftermath: Rust, Divina, and Final Loose Ends

• [10:36 – 12:50]
  • Rust reports that the violent conflict in Midtown has been resolved: “Our old friend Valdis is not going to be a problem anymore.” ([10:56])
  • Divina asks about Rust’s temptation with rejuvenation procedures; he declines:
    • Rust: “At the end of the day, I decided this is who I am. I have no intention of changing a single cargo rivet in this rig.” ([11:43])

Clash with Archer: The Threat Still Lurks

• [12:52 – 15:23]
  • Detective Kavanaugh confronts Archer, hinting at mutual suspicion and open threats.
  • Kavanaugh explains Jade’s neuroshard is removed—her threat to Industrial and Blaine is ended.
    • Kavanaugh: “She elected to have it surgically removed.” ([14:36])
  • Archer, unconvinced, vows persistence: “Sooner or later, those targets are going to show up again. And when they do, I’ll be ready.” ([14:15])

Argento & Summers: Fallout from the Data Leak

• [17:29 – 21:31]
  • Argento invites Summers for a bar-side confrontation, revealing she’s been fired after the leak about Corova Station.
  • Argento’s bitterness is tinged with dark admiration:
    • “Even though I despise everything you stand for, I can’t help but admire your tenacity. So here’s to you, Summers.” ([19:13])
  • She claims progress has been undone by Summers’ actions:
    • “You think you’ve won something… but you haven’t… You’ve struck a blow against the human race.” ([20:37])

Crichton’s Betrayal & Capture

• [21:31 – 28:42]
  • Crichton, Darrow, and Jade (Charlie) arrive with "infernal cargo" at Strata.
  • Darrow pulls a gun and reveals he’s turning Crichton in for a bounty, exposing Crichton as a wanted man in the Western Reaches:
    • Darrow: "Turns out that you, Crichton, are the most wanted man in the Western Reaches. Who would have thought?" ([25:16])
  • A brief struggle ends in Crichton's capture—he feels betrayed by Jade:
    • “In the end, it doesn’t really matter which side you were on, does it? Charlie, I put my trust in you. And you failed me.” ([28:06])

Closing: Quiet Rebuilding, New Beginnings

• [29:19 – 33:24]
  • The core group gathers in Kavanaugh’s apartment, decompressing after recent trauma.
  • Kavanaugh is taking voluntary downtime, surrounded by his daughter Annie’s and Jade's artwork—a sign of healing.
    • Summers is surprised: “Damn, Cal, these are amazing. This one is Jade, right?” ([30:40])
  • Summers reports Argento and Strickland are in trouble after the data leak.
    • Summers: “Argento and her biomod program are finished. We finally nailed him.” ([32:03])
  • The episode ends on a note of domestic hope, as they look through paintings together to redecorate:
    • Kavanaugh: “Then the four of us. How about we do a little decorating?” ([32:53])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On self-identity:

  • Jade: “Right now, I’m still trying to figure out who I’m supposed to be. Who Jade really is. But I know one thing. I don’t want to be her. Not after all the terrible things she’s done.” ([07:09])

• On redemption and grief:

  • Jade, to Kavanaugh: “You thought that maybe if you saved me, it would somehow make up for losing her.” ([09:20])
  • Kavanaugh: “I will. I’ll try.” ([10:01])

• On acceptance and moving forward:

  • Rust: “At the end of the day, I decided this is who I am. I have no intention of changing a single cargo rivet in this rig.” ([11:43])

• Betrayal and consequences:

  • Darrow: “Turns out that you, Crichton, are the most wanted man in the Western Reaches.” ([25:16])
  • Crichton: “In the end, it doesn’t really matter which side you were on, does it? Charlie, I put my trust in you. And you failed me.” ([28:06])

• On the cost of victory:

  • Argento: “You think you’ve won something here, Summers, but you haven’t. Quite the opposite… You’ve struck a blow against the human race. The work I’m doing is designed to make us stronger, make us better. And now all that has been lost.” ([20:37])

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:07] Escape at the docks: Jade, Solari, Kavanaugh, and Divina meet
• [06:14] Jade learns neuroshard is gone
• [07:30] Conversation about Jade’s choices and identity
• [08:27] Jade confronts Kavanaugh about his grief
• [10:01] Kavanaugh promises to try and let go
• [10:36] Rust updates the group
• [14:36] Kavanaugh tells Archer about the neuroshard removal
• [17:29] Argento and Summers’s bar confrontation
• [21:31] Crichton’s capture and betrayal revealed
• [30:45] Kavanaugh discusses artwork and healing
• [32:03] Summers shares news of Argento’s downfall
• [32:53] Episode closes with the group redecorating and coming together

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Tone and Atmosphere

The finale maintains The Strata’s gritty, noir-laden tone, threading bleakness with moments of hope, reconciliation, and humor. The cast wrestles with pain, regret, and longing for redemption, but glimmers of optimism emerge as characters commit to new beginnings and healing—both individually and as a makeshift family.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Summers]

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[Russ Moore]

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[Narrator]

You're listening to the Strata a Beyond the dark production season 13 downfall part 14.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Okay, we're here. Are you two all right? Solari is is Jade conscious? She woke up a few minutes ago. She's a little groggy Jade, can you hear me?

[Jade]

Where are we?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

We're at the docks.

[Jade]

The docks? Why are we here?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Well, this is what you wanted, remember? You wanted the way out. This is it. Now, come on. It's all been arranged. We have to find our contact and get things moving. Let's.

[Divina]

Detective Kavanaugh, you made it.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Ah, Divina. It's good to see your face. Russ told you about what we needed, right? Is. Is everything ready?

[Divina]

Yeah, it was short notice, but I managed to find a crew who is willing to help out. They're good people, Detective. You can count on them.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Are you sure about that? I don't want to leave anything to chance.

[Divina]

I trust this crew with my life. I know they don't look like much, and their boat is a little tattered, but they'll make it to the destination, guaranteed.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

And they're going all the way? Right to the southern outposts?

[Divina]

Yeah, about as far away from the Strata as you can get.

[Jade]

We're leaving? Why?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

This is what you asked for. A ticket out of the Strata to put as much distance between you and. And your old life is possible to start a new one somewhere safe. I sure as hell didn't ask for that. You're free to do as you want, Solari. Either get on the boat or turn around and head back to Midtown. You know what's waiting for you if you go that way. It's not really a choice, is it? Someone has to look after Jade. Something tells me she'd do just fine without you. Yeah, sure, whatever. I'm gonna go wait on the boat.

[Divina]

Is everything okay, Detective?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Ah, just fine. Divina, Solari and me, we don't see eye to eye, that's all.

[Divina]

Okay, well, I'm gonna go talk to the crew one more time. It's just a couple of minutes before cast off.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Jade will be right behind you.

[Jade]

Starting to come back to me now? Detective, our conversation earlier today.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

You remember how you planned to leave the Strata?

[Jade]

Yeah, to get away from Archer.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Do you remember anything about the operation?

[Jade]

My head. Something feels different.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Let me take a look at you for a second. Bend down so I can see the. The top of your head. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. That crow fella did a neat job on you. All that's left is a tiny little scar.

[Jade]

So the neuroshard, it's gone?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

That's what you decided, Remember? You said you wanted that thing out of your body entirely.

[Jade]

Solari wasn't too happy about that, was he?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Solari wanted you to embrace your old self. When you told him you weren't Going to get your memories restored. And worse, have the neuroshard surgically removed. So there was no chance you could go back to being the old you. He. Well, he wasn't too happy.

[Jade]

I hope he understands. The neuroshard was intrusive. I didn't want the visions anymore. And I sure as hell didn't want any part of the life. He described this sister he talks about so fondly. Right now, I'm still trying to figure out who I'm supposed to be. Who Jade really is. But I know one thing. I don't want to be her. Not after all the terrible things she's done.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

I think you made the right choice, kid. And if Solari truly does care for you, I think he'll eventually see reason. Just give it time.

[Jade]

Yeah, Well, I. I guess they're waiting for me.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Right? You. You should get going.

[Jade]

Thank you for everything, Detective Kavanagh. Without you, I'd have been lost.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

I hope you find peace, Jade. Wherever your travels take you.

[Jade]

I hope you find peace, too, Detective. Maybe this whole thing will help you finally let go.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Let go? What are you talking about?

[Jade]

I know why you sit in your apartment at night, staring out the window. Why you can't ever seem to find peace of mind, no matter how hard you try. It's because you still blame yourself for what happened to Annie.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Annie? No. No, that. That whole thing got put to bed. I hunted down a killer, put him in the ground. It settled.

[Jade]

You got your vengeance. Yeah, but you've never forgiven yourself for losing her in the first place. You always saw yourself as her protector. And when she died, you felt that you'd failed her.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Jade. Web, where is this coming from?

[Jade]

I've seen so much of your life in the past few days. Cav phone conversations, home videos of you and Annie. Messages and wire snaps. I didn't mean to intrude. Honestly, it all came in waves, and I couldn't stop it.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

What did you see?

[Jade]

I saw a man who gave his daughter a love that was pure and unconditional. He nurtured her and gave her every opportunity to thrive. And when she was lost, he was, through no fault of his own.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

You. You saw all that?

[Jade]

That and so much more. And I think the reason why you wanted so badly to help me was because you saw a little of her in me. Didn't you? And you thought that maybe if you saved me, it would somehow make up for losing her.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Maybe. I. I don't know.

[Jade]

It's done now. I'm free. So I want you to promise Me. Promise me you'll finally let go.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Jade, I. I don't know what to say.

[Jade]

Just say you'll try.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

I will. I'll try.

[Jade]

Good. It's time for me to go. Goodbye, Cath.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Goodbye, Jade.

[Jade]

Maybe we'll see each other again someday.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Yeah, kid. Maybe we will.

[Jade]

Rust.

[Divina]

There you are.

[Rust]

Hey, you two. Sorry I'm late. I got here as fast as I could.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

What happened? You get caught up in traffic or something?

[Rust]

There were a few complications with the situation back at the workshop in midtown. We had some cleanup to do. We took care of it, although it didn't exactly play out like we expected, but either way, our old friend Valdis is not going to be a problem anymore.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

I don't know what you're insinuating there about not being a problem, but it doesn't sound good.

[Rust]

It's probably better if you don't know, Kevin. All I can say is the bastard got what he deserved.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

So you're not going to need my help with the arrest or any of that other shit we discussed?

[Rust]

No, you're off the hook. But thanks for the offer.

[Divina]

And your friend, the guy who owns the workshop? What's going on with him?

[Rust]

Crow has made amends. I wouldn't say all is forgiven exactly, but he's made up for most of his wrongdoings at least.

[Divina]

What happened with the rejuvenation thing you were talking about? You're not still thinking of going ahead with that, are you?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Rejuvenation for Rust?

[Rust]

Don't worry. It's not happening. I never really bought into the idea in the first place. I guess it's something I was just tossing around, but at the end of the day, I decided this is who I am. I have no intention of changing a single cargo rivet in this rig.

[Divina]

Well, that's a relief. I like you just the way you are.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Okay, you two, cut that mushy shit out before I throw myself off the damn pier.

[Rust]

Hey, what happened with Jade and her brother? Did they make it to the boat on time?

[Divina]

It all went smoothly. Yeah. They cast off a while ago. Detective Kavanagh and I stood here and watched them disappear over the horizon. They're safe.

[Rust]

Are they gonna make it out there, Kavanaugh? A couple of city kids headed out into the southern deadlands.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Yeah, they're resourceful. I'm sure they'll find their feet. And in any case, it's. It's a damn sight better than staying here.

[Rust]

Are you worried? You look like you've got a lot on your mind.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Let's Just say this whole damn experience has left me plenty to think about.

[Rust]

Looks like we've got visitors.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

It's no problem. I've been expecting this. You two go take a walk. I'll handle it.

[Rust]

You sure?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Yeah. You take care. I'll see you around. Ah, look who it is. Archer. Nice to finally meet you in the flesh. Did your friend in the department point you in my direction?

[Archer]

Detective Kavanaugh, I don't know what you're trying to imply, but I was supplied with intel from an anonymous source. That's why I'm here.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Anonymous, my ass. But whatever. Play your little game if you want to. In the end, the only thing that matters is you lost.

[Archer]

How do you figure?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Well, the people you were looking for are long gone, aren't you? They're well out of your reach, so you might as well pack it up and go home.

[Archer]

You think I just take your word for that?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Well, by all means, waste as much time as you want tearing this entire dock apart trying to find them. Even better, you can start knocking on every door from here to Jack town and back again.

[Archer]

Maybe I'll do just that, Detective.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Fine with me. You won't find a thing, because they're not here.

[Archer]

You clearly have no idea how persistent I can be. Sooner or later, those targets are going to show up again. And when they do, I'll be ready.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

The girl is no threat to you anymore. You or Blaine. Industrial. The cranial insertion device was removed earlier today.

[Archer]

It was what?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

The neuroshard. She elected to have it surgically removed.

[Archer]

And why would she do that?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Because it was nothing but trouble, and she's better off without it.

[Archer]

I don't believe you.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Believe what you want, asshole. I'm telling you, she doesn't have the ability to hack Blaine's systems anymore, even if she wanted to.

[Archer]

Fine. In that case, I suppose there's no reason why you and I should ever cross paths again, is there?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Something tells me I'm not gonna be that lucky.

[Archer]

Have a nice night, Detective. I'll see you around.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Yeah. See you around, Archer. Better luck next time.

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[Divina]

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[Divina]

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[Darrow]

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[Argento]

That's it, Summers. Pull out a stool. Make yourself comfortable.

[Summers]

I've got to say, this is the last place I expected to find myself this evening. Argento Sitting down with you for a drink at a bar. I must be out of my mind.

[Argento]

I wasn't sure you'd accept the offer, but I'm glad you did. We got some things to talk about.

[Summers]

Are you trying to set up some kind of deal, Argento? Is that what this is about? Because if it is, I'm not interested.

[Argento]

Well, it's not about that at all. And it's too late for any of that stuff anyway. The damage has already been done.

[Summers]

What damage would that be?

[Argento]

The leaked information about Corova Station. It's given you the result you wanted. Strickland are shutting me down. Me and my whole damn operation. What do you think about that?

[Summers]

Is that for real?

[Argento]

Absolutely. Of course, there's not enough specific information in the data leak to lead to any legal ramifications for Strickland. Not yet, anyway. But the whole incident has spooked the power brokers. Nonetheless, that's why they've decided to. How did they put it? Consolidate their portfolio. They're done with Biomods. And that means I'm out of a job.

[Summers]

They fired you? I thought you were some kind of hotshot over there. That's one hell of a fall from grace.

[Argento]

Me?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Nah.

[Argento]

I was just a low level overseer in an insignificant warehouse, remember? Anyway, I thought I'd invite you here to congratulate you. Even though I despise everything you stand for, I can't help but admire your tenacity. So, here's to you, Summers.

[Summers]

I've gotta say, you're taking this awfully well. In fact, you don't seem upset at all.

[Argento]

I must admit, I had a few brief moments of despair. But then I came to the realization that Strickland and I were never a good fit at all. Honestly, I think they've been holding me back all this time. I'm better off without them.

[Summers]

Something tells me they're going to be happy to see the back of you too. Considering what happened this past week, it's

[Argento]

been a PR disaster. No doubt. But Stricklands will survive it. They'll release some bullshit statement discrediting the rumors. And if more information gets released that provides an indisputable link to Corova, they'll disemvowel their involvement. Claim they were misled by a loose cannon working in their research and development program.

[Summers]

That's about what I'd expect from them. So, where to now? For Maria Argento?

[Argento]

Me. Strickland have blacklisted me. I'll never work in the strata again. Most likely. But don't worry, Summers. I'll bounce back. I always do. Thanks for the chat. We should do it again sometime.

[Summers]

Yeah, to be brutally honest, I'd rather feast on fresh scuzz rat intestines. I'm gonna have to decline.

[Argento]

What a shame. And we're just starting to get to know one another. Still, there's always hope that you might change your mind. You think you've won something here, Summers, but you haven't. Quite the opposite, in fact. You've struck a blow against the human race. The work I'm doing is designed to make us stronger, make us better. And now all that has been lost. Think about that as you pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Think about it long and hard, and maybe one day you'll wake up and realize the truth.

[Darrow]

Crichton, will you get back in the damn rig? What are you looking for?

[Crichton]

I told you, Daro, I'm not going near that Transport again. Not while it holds that infernal cargo. I'll walk through the checkpoint myself.

[Darrow]

Infernal cargo? You do realize that cargo is the thing that's paying for this whole trip, right? It's the only reason we're here.

[Crichton]

Be that as it may, I'd rather keep my distance from it, if it's all the same to you. I can watch it well enough.

[Darrow]

Well, I guess your job is done anyway, right? We made it. As soon as we drive under that archway, we're inside the Strata.

[Crichton]

Yes. My business will be concluded. And for what it's worth, I'll be glad to be rid of you.

[Darrow]

It hurts my feelings, Crichton. Really? Such an asshole.

[Crichton]

Don't waste your breath. I have no intention of trading insults with the likes of you.

[Darrow]

The likes of me, huh? Is that it? Do you think you're better than me or something?

[Crichton]

Oh, I know I am. You are a weak man, Daro. A slave to greed and avarice. But the good news is, I think you'll fit in perfectly inside the Strata. I can practically smell the filth of it already. The one to decadence. I detest it, even though I've only just arrived.

[Darrow]

If you hate it so much, maybe you should have just stayed away. But it's too late for that now, isn't it? We're through. About damn time, Charlie. Rendezvous point is just over there. Pull the rig over in that alley. It's time to conclude our business,

[Jade]

Creighton.

[Summers]

We're finally inside the Strata.

[Crichton]

So, how does it feel to be inside this place? Well, as I told Darrow, I don't think much of it so far. If I get what I need, perhaps the journey here will have been worth the effort.

[Darrow]

Trust me. Traveling with us is the best decision you ever made. I have some good news for you. My associates here in the Strata can help you. They can give you what you've been looking for.

[Crichton]

And that is? Can you be more specific?

[Darrow]

Well, the way you complain so much about the Strata, I was thinking you must be more than a little homesick by now. That's where that glowing rock is from, isn't it? The amber. Back home in the Western Reaches.

[Crichton]

That's a curious thing for you to say, Darrow. To talk about my home. Particularly when I never told you where home was. Uh.

[Darrow]

Hold it right there, asshole. You take one more step and I'll put a bullet right through that thick skull of yours.

[Divina]

Darrow.

[Jade]

What the hell are you doing?

[Darrow]

Stay out of this, Charlie. This is between. Between him and me.

[Crichton]

Where did you get the gun?

[Darrow]

Oh, this? I traded for it just a little while ago. Remember all of those thugs and criminals in the mud pit? You told me to stay away from the ones you were so worried about. Turns out they were more than happy to do business with me. Wasn't that nice of them?

[Crichton]

You're making a mistake, Daro.

[Darrow]

Nope. There's no mistake, friend. I know exactly what I'm doing. I'm gonna cash in big time. And it's all thanks to you. Me?

[Crichton]

What have I got to do with anything?

[Darrow]

I can see you're confused. And honestly, I was too, when I got that message at the mud pit. There I was, calling in for a routine checkup with my associates. With? They told me about what they found. When they looked into your situation. Guess what happened when they ran your name through the database. It turns out that you, Crichton, are the most wanted man in the Western Reaches. Who would have thought?

[Jade]

What are you talking about? Darrow? Why would anyone want Crichton?

[Darrow]

Like I keep saying, my associates have contacts everywhere, including the West. They confirmed it. Crichton's ugly head is worth more than all of the cargo and that transport put together.

[Crichton]

That's preposterous.

[Darrow]

No, really. The story is that you killed a lot of important people right before you left the Western Reaches. I'm talking a lot. And the authorities there were very upset. Upset about it. And they still are, apparently. They put out one hell of a bounty on your head, Crichton.

[Crichton]

And you intend to take it. Do you? If you want it, you'll have to fight me for it.

[Darrow]

You might want to stop there, Crichton. Look behind you. See that? My associates are well armed and, well, the bottom line is that you'll want to date her alive. The bounty is higher for the latter, of course. But if we have to put you down, it's not gonna matter much. We're still gonna be rich either way.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Charlie.

[Crichton]

Were you involved in this as well? Were you part of this betrayal?

[Summers]

What?

[Jade]

No. I promise, I had no idea.

[Darrow]

Forget about Charlie. It's me you have to thank for this whole situation.

[Crichton]

Thank you? Why in the world would I thank you?

[Darrow]

Well, look at it this way. This whole visit to the strata you were dreading so much. It's gonna be brief. I'm saving you the indignity of staying too long in a place you clearly hate.

[Argento]

Shit.

[Darrow]

Look out. He's got a blade.

[Crichton]

You do?

[Darrow]

Use the zap sticks. Come on, quick.

[Jade]

Creighton. Look out.

[Darrow]

That's it. You got him now. Tie his hands before he can get back up.

[Jade]

Darrow, you can't do this. We had a deal and Crichton held up his end. He's not fair.

[Darrow]

He lied to us, Charlie. He's a wanted fugitive. As far as I'm concerned, that makes the deal null and void.

[Jade]

It's bullshit and you know it. Creighton, I am so sorry. I had no idea he was planning this.

[Crichton]

In the end, it doesn't really matter which side you were on, does it? Charlie, I put my trust in you. And you failed me. Just like Edana failed me. And Jonas too. I finally understand now. I see what's ahead of me. I meant to walk this path alone. There's no one I can trust but myself.

[Darrow]

Hey, cheer up, Crichton. You should be happy. Don't you see? I'm giving you exactly what you wanted. You're going back to the Western Reaches, my friend. You're going home.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Summers. Come on in. It's good to see you. Oh, and who's this? Rust and Sienna. Looks like the whole gang is here, huh?

[Summers]

We figured we'd drop by to see how you're doing. Kev.

[Rust]

Summers is starting to make a habit of these little social occasions. I mean, I was the one who suggested she start reaching out to people a little more in the first place, but I didn't think I'd end up being dragged along for the ride.

[Summers]

Stop complaining, Rust. We can spare a few minutes. Sure we can. So how have you been these last few days, Kev?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Um, actually, I decided to take a little more time off work. Decided I needed a few days to decompress after the whole thing with Jade and Solari.

[Summers]

You're taking a holiday? What is the world coming to?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Nah, it's not a holiday. It's a few days of voluntary downtime.

[Rust]

Sounds like a holiday to me.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Ah, don't worry. I'll be back on the job before you know it.

[Summers]

Hey, what's all this? You've got some strange rectangles on your walls here.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

That's called art, Summers. I figured the place could use a little color here and there.

[Summers]

So you finally took my advice.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Go ahead. Take credit for it if you want.

[Summers]

Damn, Cal, these are amazing. This one is jade, right?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Yeah, that's a self portrait. And this one here of me and Annie in the park. And that's one of hers, too.

[Summers]

And what about these other ones here? A bit of a different style by the looks of it.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Yeah, those are some of Annie's watercolors. I had them stored away for ages and Decided now would be a good time to put him back on the wall again.

[Summers]

I think that's a good decision, Cav.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Yeah. Anyway, now I just have to decide what goes where. I've been swapping things around all over the place and can't quite figure out the proper arrangement.

[Summers]

It looks like you're doing just fine to me.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

I think you're just taking it easy on me, Summers. So anyway, what's news with you guys? How are things going with your. Your grid crawler friend?

[Summers]

Actually, that's a done deal. The data extraction has been finished. Didn't you hear on the grid about all that shit with Strickland? They're in full damage control after news about their illegal biomod facility got out. Couldn't have happened to a nicer bunch of scumbags.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Really? I've been unplugged over the last few days, so I missed it.

[Summers]

To cut to the chase, Argento and her biomod program are finished. We finally nailed him.

[Rust]

So I guess that means you can finally take a little R and R, right, Summers?

[Summers]

You know what, Rust? For once, I might just do that.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Oh, boy. Someone get a wire snap. At this moment, we're witnessing history here, people. Summer's taking time off.

[Summers]

Well, if you can take a holiday, Cav, anyone can.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

I'm not on holiday. I'm on voluntary downtime.

[Summers]

So any suggestions about what I'm supposed to do with myself? I'm gonna go crazy if I have to sit around doing nothing.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Oh, don't worry. I have just the thing.

[Summers]

Oh yeah? What's that?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Why don't you all take a look through that stack of paintings over there and choose your favorite ones. Then the four of us. How about we do a little decorating?

[Narrator]

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 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 Churoi, Brianna Marshall Trent Trachtenberg Michelle Mosley Paul Warren Jenna Sharp Chloe Elmore Rebecca Tamlin 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 I'll be on the Doc Production.

[Summers]

The Fable and Folly Network where fiction producers flourish.

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