Episode 13.3 - Downfall - Part 3

Summary

The Strata – Episode 13.3 “Downfall – Part 3”

Host: Mark R. Healy
Release Date: December 9, 2025

---

Overview

In this installment of The Strata, the tension thickens in the dystopian city as Rust, an aging courier with a synthetic body, grapples with both threats from the underworld and stirring connections with those around him. After a rough night that ends in violence, Rust returns to his workshop, where conversations with allies and heartfelt gestures from a friend offer rare warmth. Meanwhile, danger simmers on the city's outskirts as others head towards the metropolis—warily watching for trouble on the road. The episode deftly blends character-driven exchanges with the ever-present dangers of The Strata, exploring both vulnerability and resilience.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Rust’s Recent Trouble and Workshop Banter

• [02:11–04:49]
  • Rust recounts to Sienna how a seemingly social night with Davina was disrupted:
    “I ended up trying to mush a crash burger through my intake valve... and then I got jumped by a bunch of goons in the parking lot.” (E, 02:30–02:43)
  • Sienna cautions Rust about getting others caught in the crossfire and encourages him to take breaks:
    “You're allowed to take a night off now and again, you know. In fact, I insist on it.” (B, 03:21)
  • The threat feels different to Rust—his intuition tells him the attack was intentional. He seeks Sienna’s help identifying the attacker, learning the main assailant is named Dreyfus and looks “big, ugly... with a busted nose.” (E, 04:54–05:06)

2. Davina’s Thoughtful Visit and Rust’s Humanity

• [05:58–14:26]
  • Davina visits the workshop with an unexpected gift—a container of soup from a favorite local place ("Soup Station"):
    “It’s soup, Rust... I just realized on the way to work that this would be perfect for you and your... intake valve.” (A, 08:39–09:04)
  • The two share a meal and honest conversation on the balcony, delving into how Rust’s synthetic body perceives taste, hunger, temperature, and pain:
    • Understanding Sensation:
      "There are sensors down there that analyze the quality of the food I'm consuming... So it's kind of the equivalent of taste buds." (E, 10:06)
    • On Pain:
      "Pain has its purpose, even for me... If there's a crack in one of my components, for example, that gets relayed to my brain as pain, and it keeps hurting until I get it fixed up.” (E, 13:45)
    • Rust’s Reflections:
      "If you want to know the truth, I've been walking around in this rig for so long that it's hard to remember what my old body used to feel like.” (E, 14:30)
  • The segment highlights Rust’s deep-seated vulnerability and Davina’s empathy, with her offering more than just a meal—genuine human connection.
    • "Well, I don't remember the last time someone gave me a present." (E, 15:11)

3. Sienna’s Discovery: Who is Dreyfus?

• [16:10–17:36]
  • Sienna reports back with findings on Dreyfus’ criminal record:
    “The guy has one hell of a rap sheet. Assault, battery, theft... But he's also known to associate with some high rollers...He also has ties to some big corporations.” (B, 16:28–16:49)
  • The revelation raises the stakes, hinting that Dreyfus is a dangerous mercenary with influential connections—beyond a mere street thug.

4. A Parallel Journey: Tension on the Road to The Strata

• [19:25–25:17]
  • A different group—Charlayne ("Charlie"), Darrow, and Crichton—travel toward The Strata. Their exchange gives a glimpse into the perils outside city limits:
    • Crichton, physically impaired but fiercely self-assured, recalls dispatching two would-be thieves:
      “They went looking for trouble and they found it... I'm definitely not an easy target.” (D, 20:57–21:04)
    • The group debates trust and motivations, with Crichton remaining secretive and guarded.
    • Approaching a suspicious bridge, Charlie insists on rerouting:
      “I've made up my mind. We're heading for the coast. So buckle up, Darrow, and leave the driving to me.” (C, 25:17)
  • This sequence heightens the sense of looming threat, setting up possible future convergence with Rust’s storyline.

---

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Rust on friendship and resilience:
  “Trust me, you and this workshop of yours are my number one priority. Always have been and always will be.” (E, 03:12)
• Sienna’s warmth:
  “You've been working your ass off without a break for... well, forever. You need to take a step back now and again.” (B, 03:21)
• Davina’s caring gesture:
  “I thought I'd leave a package with Sienna. A little delivery of my own, I guess you could say, for... for you, Rust.” (A, 07:15)
• Rust on being more than a machine:
  “I've been walking around in this rig for so long that it's hard to remember what my old body used to feel like.” (E, 14:30)
• Crichton’s menace and pragmatism:
  “I've got the two of you alone here in the middle of nowhere. I could slit your throats right now if I wanted to make my own way to the Strata.” (D, 21:55)

---

Important Timestamps

• [02:11] – Rust arrives and discusses the previous night's trouble with Sienna
• [05:58] – Davina arrives at the workshop, bringing soup for Rust
• [08:51] – The meaningful exchange between Rust and Davina, including Rust’s feelings on taste and sensation
• [14:26] – Davina departs, leaving Rust contemplative and touched
• [16:28] – Sienna shares discoveries about Dreyfus' dangerous ties
• [19:25] – Scene shifts to Charlie, Darrow, and Crichton on the road toward The Strata
• [25:17] – The group makes a tense decision to avoid a possibly dangerous bridge

---

Episode Tone & Language

• The tone is a balanced blend of gritty noir, dark humor, and moments of empathetic warmth. Rust’s banter with Sienna is sardonic but affectionate, while his vulnerability around Davina is raw and genuine.
• The dialogue is natural, often laced with irony:
  • “She's not my girlfriend.” (E, 16:08)
  • “Well, maybe to earn a little trust for a start.” (C, 21:51)
• The road journey offers suspense, with a cautious, uneasily friendly vibe among the travelers.

---

Summary

Episode 13.3 masterfully weaves together personal struggles and broader threats in The Strata. Rust’s brush with violence reveals new enemies, even as Sienna and Davina provide rare pockets of safety and kindness. Discussions about his synthetic body add philosophical weight, blurring lines between man and machine. Away from the city, a dangerous journey unfolds, promising intersection with the city’s looming conflicts. The episode’s blend of danger, heart, and existential musings continues The Strata’s compelling dystopian storytelling.

Transcript

[A]

Meet the computer you can talk to with Copilot on Windows. Working, creating and collaborating is as easy as talking. Got writer's block? Share your screen with Copilot Vision to help spark inspiration and use Copilot voice to have a conversation and brainstorm ideas. Or maybe you need some tech help with Copilot Vision. Copilot sees what you see. Let Copilot talk you through step by step guidance so you can master new apps, games and skills faster. Try [e-mail] Copilot.

Wayfair's big sale is returning.

[B]

Get ready for way day. For four days only, score up to.

[C]

80% off all things home with free.

[B]

Shipping on everything from October 26th through 29th, score Wayfair's best deals like up.

[C]

To 80% off area rugs, up to.

[B]

60% off mattresses, up to 60% off.

[C]

Bedroom furniture, and more exclusive doorbuster deals.

[B]

So mark your calendar and shop Wayday.

[C]

Starting October 26th at Wayfair.com Wayfair Every.

[B]

Style, every home.

[A]

Experience A membership that backs your business journey with American Express Business Platinum. When you pay with membership rewards points for all or part of an eligible flight booked with a qualifying airline through Amex Travel, you can get 35% of those points back up to 1 million points back per calendar year. American Express Business Platinum. There's nothing like it. Terms apply. Learn [e-mail] Business Platinum.

[D]

You're listening to the A Beyond the dark production season 13 downfall part 3.

[E]

Rust.

[B]

There you are. I was beginning to wonder what happened to you, pal. You sleep in this morning or something?

[E]

Sorry, C. Had a late night out doing some deliveries. Believe it or not, it was a social thing.

[B]

Oh, sounds juicy.

[E]

Well, if you want to know the truth, the whole thing turned into a bit of a mess. I ended up trying to mush a crash burger through my intake valve.

[B]

And what?

[E]

And then I got jumped by a bunch of goons in the parking lot of the burger joint. Hell of a night.

[B]

You were out with your friend Davina, I take it? Did she get caught up in the skirmish?

[E]

Yeah, kinda. It's a good thing she knows how to take care of herself.

[B]

She seems nice to me, pal. Be careful she doesn't get caught in the crossfire during one of these altercations of yours.

[E]

This wasn't even my fault. These guys came out of nowhere.

[B]

Well, you do have a way of attracting trouble.

[E]

Tell me something I don't know. But anyway, I don't want you to think I'm gonna get distracted and start flaking out on you just because I'm spending some time with Davina? Trust me, you and this workshop of yours are my number one priority. Always have been and always will be.

[B]

Rust, it's all right. You're allowed to take a night off now and again, you know. In fact, I insist on it. You've been working your ass off without a break for. Well, forever. You need to take a step back now and again.

[E]

Okay. As long as we're clear.

[B]

Don't worry. I have tons of work lined up for you this week. You have plenty of chances to prove your loyalty. So who are these goons who jumped you last night? Anyone I know?

[E]

Actually, that's something I wanted to talk to you about. I've never seen these guys before, but it's pretty clear they knew me. They addressed me by name.

[B]

Maybe they overheard you and Davina talking inside the burger joint and picked your name up that way.

[E]

That doesn't explain why they had a beef with me.

[B]

Are you sure you didn't cut them off in traffic earlier in the night or something trivial like that?

[E]

Nah, I don't think that's it. They said someone wanted to talk to me. Told me they had a car waiting. It definitely didn't seem like a heat of the moment thing. They'd been following me.

[B]

Well, let's face it, pal. It's not exactly unusual for you to make enemies. In fact, this is kind of a weekly thing for you. Getting shot at, clubbed over the head, stabbed. Having someone try to run over you out of pure spite.

[E]

Yeah, yeah, I get it. But this feels different. Call it a gut instinct. That's why I wanted to talk to you about it. I was thinking maybe you could help me find out some details about these guys. You're always better at this stuff than me.

[B]

No probs. I'm willing to give it a shot. So what are we looking for?

[E]

The guy said his name was Dreyfus. Big, ugly piece of work.

[B]

Big, ugly piece of work, huh?

[A]

Hmm.

[B]

Yeah, that definitely fits the usual description of the guys who come after you. Rust, what else have you got?

[E]

He's walking around with a busted nose and a big bruise right here. That was before I got my hands on him. Afterwards, well, let's just say he was sporting a few extra bruises.

[B]

Oh, man. Sounds like you had fun. Wish I was there to see it. Anyway, I'm not sure if that's gonna be helpful, but we'll see what we can find.

[E]

Someone's at the door. You expecting company?

[B]

Let me take a look on the video Feed.

Oh, look who it is.

[E]

Davina. What's she doing here?

[B]

You tell me. She's your girlfriend.

[E]

She's not my girlfriend.

[B]

Well, either way, don't just stand there. Go and see what she wants, you big dummy.

[E]

Uh, right. I'll see what she wants.

Davina, what are you doing here?

[A]

Oh, Rust, I. I didn't realize you'd be here.

[E]

So you didn't come to see me? You came to see Sienna?

[A]

Yeah, see, I was on my way to work and I. I.

[B]

Invite her in, you dimwit.

[E]

Would you like to come in, Divina?

[A]

Yeah, sure. Thanks, but I won't stay long. This was just meant to be a quick visit, you know?

[B]

Hey, Davina. Nice to see you again.

[A]

Hi, Sienna. Sorry to bother you. I know you must be really busy.

[B]

It's no problem. Always happy to have visitors. So what's going on, Davina? Did you need something?

[A]

No, nothing like that. It's just that after what happened last night, I wanted to make it up to Rust and Sew.

[E]

Last night? You mean the fight with those goons?

[A]

No, not that. Actually, the thing with the crash burger. See, I have to drive right by the workshop on my way to the docks, and I knew that you're always dropping in here for deliveries, so I thought I'd leave a package with Sienna. A little delivery of my own, I guess you could say, for.

[D]

For.

[A]

For you, Rust.

[B]

Hey, guys, why don't you both head out onto the balcony for a minute so you can talk? I've got some work to take care of here, so you'll have to excuse me.

[A]

Sorry. I really don't want to get in the way of anything. I just meant to drop the package and go.

[B]

Go on, get out of here, you two. I'll catch up with you soon.

[A]

Wow, you really get a great view of the bay from up here.

[E]

Damn straight. It's even better on a clear day. Although I've got to admit, the way the mist is rolling in off the bay today, it's kind of nice.

[A]

You mentioned that Sienna only recently bought this place.

[E]

Yeah, it's still a work in progress, but it's getting there. Another couple of months and I bet everything will be humming on all cylinders.

So are you going to tell me about this package or just leave me hanging?

[A]

Oh, right. Sorry. Of course.

Here it is. Go on, take it.

[E]

No props. Happy to take it off your hands. So where do you want it delivered? I don't see a scan code anywhere.

[A]

What? Oh, no, this isn't for a job. It's a Package for you, Rust.

[E]

Go on, open it up for me. What is this? Wait a second. Just let me open this up. And H. It's some kind of green liquid.

[A]

It's soup, Rust. See, there's this amazing kitchen called the soup station around the corner from my place. And I just realized on the way to work that this would be perfect for you and your. I.

Intake valve.

[E]

Oh, right. I. I get it. That's right. That's really thoughtful of you. Thank you. Divina.

[C]

Yeah?

[A]

I'm. I'm so sorry about the misunderstanding last night with the crash burger. It was just so stupid of me.

[E]

Stop beating yourself up about that, huh? I told you, it's fine.

[A]

You keep saying that, but I still feel so bad.

[E]

Well, you can make it up to me by sharing a little of this soup with me. How about that? Do you have a few minutes?

[A]

Oh, of course. Yeah, I'd be delighted.

[E]

Okay, hold on to this container. One for you and one for me.

Damn, you weren't kidding. This shit is great.

[A]

Told you.

[E]

You're gonna have to give me the address of this place.

[A]

I'm sure I could do that. Well, for a price.

Although I am curious. How can you tell if that soup is good or not? It doesn't go anywhere near your taste buds, does it?

[E]

Nah, it sent straight down my intake valve into my stomach, which isn't really a stomach, but more like a synthetic processing unit, I guess you could say. But there are sensors down there that analyze the quality of the food I'm consuming. Chemical makeup, nutritional value, that sort of thing. It sends instantaneous feedback through my nervous system, straight to my brain. So it's kind of the equivalent of taste buds.

[A]

That's amazing. So you can enjoy a meal after all.

[E]

It's possible, yeah. But most of the time, I don't really get any fun out of it whatsoever. I tend to just stuff my intake with whatever's convenient. Normally, that's the cheapest, most tasteless shit available. And if I eat something that's bad, trust me, my senses really let me know about it.

[A]

Okay. So what's the worst thing you've ever eaten? Or is that terrible task?

[E]

Oh, that's easy. There was one time I tried to suck down a tube of imitation beef from a robo canteen in Jacktown. Little did I know that the whole batch was contaminated with sludge oil. Some kind of screw up at the factory where it was packaged. That didn't end well.

[A]

What happened?

[E]

Well, luckily, those sensors in my gut are designed to protect me from anything nasty like that. They picked up the toxin in a heartbeat and took the appropriate action.

[A]

Which is what, exactly?

[E]

The contents of my stomach were jettisoned back up my intake valve with explosive force.

[A]

Oh, that sounds not good.

[E]

Not good is a pretty apt description. If I had to describe it, I'd say it was kind of like a fire hose blasting out chunks of. Well, maybe I shouldn't go into details while we're eating, but put it this way, you definitely don't want to be in the same room as me if something like that ever happens again.

[A]

Yeah, I'll make sure I'm somewhere else. Far away.

[E]

Hey, you don't have anything to worry about. As long as you keep this soup coming, no chance of this coming back up.

[A]

Do those sensors also tell you when you're hungry and stuff like that?

[E]

I've got sensors all over this rig. I feel pretty much everything you or any other normal person does from head to toe. I'm serious.

[A]

Everything. So, what about hot and cold or wet versus dry? If you stick your hand out in the rain right now, would you feel the wetness of it?

[E]

Yeah, I feel it A good thing, too. Moisture is something that I have to be careful about. Can't have too much of it getting inside my chassis.

[A]

But how does that work? Your hand is completely metal. So how can you sense whether something is cold or wet?

[E]

Well, that's the thing about genuine steel. It's not like bolting on any old piece of tin. There's real craftsmanship in these components. The way the sensors are built into the metal and the way it all interfaces with my core. This rig is like a living, breathing organism. It was designed that way to mimic a real human body.

[A]

So if I were to put my hand right here on your chest, can you feel the pressure, the warmth of my fingertips?

[E]

Yeah, I feel it.

[A]

Wow. That's really neat.

[E]

Pain. Of course, the flip side is that I also feel pain. Every angry fist, every knife, and every bullet I've ever taken, those all hurt like hell.

[A]

What's the point of enduring pain like that? Couldn't you remove those senses by, I don't know, programming or something?

[E]

Like it or not, pain has its purpose, even for me. If there's a crack in one of my components, for example, that gets relayed to my brain as pain, and it keeps hurting until I get it fixed up.

[A]

You can't ignore it.

[E]

It's not the kind of thing you want to ignore. If that crack gets bigger and spreads, it could eventually take down a component that's a part of critical Life function. Think of it as like a normal person having chest pains. If they keep ignoring the pain and it turns out to be some life threatening condition, that's not going to end well.

[A]

Yeah, that makes sense.

[E]

Trust me, there have been plenty of times when I wished I could flick a switch and turn off the pain. But it's no more possible for me than anyone else.

[A]

So your metal body feels just like your old one then?

[E]

Not exactly the same, no. Sensations are a little different. But if you want to know the truth, I've been walking around in this rig for so long that it's hard to remember what my old body used to feel like.

[A]

See, this is what I like about you, Rust. Every day there's something new to learn.

[E]

Right. Today you learned that I'm not just a cold, unfeeling machine.

[A]

I never once thought that.

Damn. I really have to run. I'm gonna be late for work.

[E]

Yeah, sure, no problem. Thanks for stopping by. It was nice to see you. Oh, and Davina, thanks for the soup.

[A]

Oh, it's nothing, honestly.

[E]

No, really, it was. Well, I don't remember the last time someone gave me a present.

[A]

Well, if you liked it that much, why don't we do it again sometime? Come through, Rust. Let's get you out of this wet weather.

[B]

You two finished out there?

[A]

Yep, all done. I'll let myself out, Rust. See you both later. Okay.

[E]

Bye, Divina. Thanks again.

[B]

Is everything okay, pal? What was that all about?

[E]

No big deal. Davina just wanted to bring me some soup from some place called the soup station.

[B]

Oh, my God. She brought you soup station? Oh, I love that place. Did you save some for me?

[E]

Sorry, all gone.

[B]

Oh, right. I guess I need to find my own girlfriend to bring me delicious soup on a cold and rainy day, huh?

[E]

She's not my girlfriend.

[B]

Whatever, pal. Anyway, let's get down to business here. While you were out on the balcony chugging delicious broth, I've been working hard looking into your new friend Dreyfus. I think I've got something.

[E]

Oh, yeah? What's the deal?

[B]

Take a look here.

[C]

See this?

[B]

The guy has one hell of a rap sheet. Assault, battery, theft, you name it. Did a couple of stints in Black Hall a while back, but he's also known to associate with some high rollers. The ganglord Brennan back in the day and a couple of others. He also has ties to some big corporations. Diamond, Global, Region Corp, just to name two.

[E]

So what the hell is this guy? A suit, a low life thug, or something in between?

[B]

I don't know the answer to that yet, but I think it's a pretty safe bet that he's a mercenary. A gun for hire.

[E]

But we have no idea who he's working for.

[B]

Not yet, but I'll keep looking into it. I've set up some probes to alert us if he pops up on surveillance somewhere. Probably a long shot, but who knows?

[E]

Well, let's forget about it for now. We've got work piling up, and the traffic out there is going to be horrendous with all this rain.

[B]

Yeah. Okay. I'll bring out the cargo.

[E]

Right. I'll go check for road closures and see if I need any ultimate routes.

[B]

Hey, Rust, just watch yourself out there. This guy Dreyfus has seen some action, and something tells me he's not done with you yet.

[E]

That's okay with me. See, I'm not done with him yet either.

[D]

Close your eyes.

[C]

Exhale.

[E]

Feel your body relax.

[A]

And let go of whatever you're carrying today. Well, I'm letting go of the worry.

[C]

That I wouldn't get my new contacts.

[A]

In time for this class.

[C]

I got them delivered free from 1-800-contacts. Oh, my gosh, they're so fast.

[E]

And breathe.

[C]

Oh, sorry.

[A]

I almost couldn't breathe when I saw the discount they gave me on my first order.

[C]

Oh, sorry. Namaste.

[A]

Visit 1-800-contacts.com today to save on your first order.

[E]

1-800-Contacts.

[C]

This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Listening to this podcast Smart move being financially savvy. Smart move.

[A]

Another smart move.

[C]

Having State Farm help you create a competitive price when you choose to bundle home and auto bundling.

[A]

Just another way to save with a personal price plan.

[C]

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state.

[A]

Coverage options are selected by the customer.

[C]

Availability, amount of discounts, and savings and eligibility vary by state.

[E]

Limu Emu. And Doug, here we have the Limu.

[D]

Emu in its natural habitat, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug. Limu.

[A]

Is that guy with the binoculars watching us?

[D]

Cut the camera.

[E]

They see us.

[F]

Only pay for what you need@liberty mutual.com Liberty Liberty, Liberty. Liberty Savings Fairy underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company affiliates.

[E]

Excludes Massachusetts.

[C]

Well, Darrow, what do you say? Feels good to finally be back on the road, doesn't it?

[F]

Sure beats sitting around in Aldous Hollow, I'll tell you that. How much further to the strata, do you think?

[C]

Still a ways to go, I'm afraid.

[F]

Last time I could see the lights from a hundred clicks away, if not more, across the gloom of the Deadlands.

[C]

Sure, if the weather's good. That's true. I've seen it myself plenty of times on other cargo runs.

[F]

I don't see anything out there, just darkness.

[C]

You'll see it in time. Just be patient. You know, most people out here aren't in a hurry to get to the Strata. In fact, most prefer to stay as far away as they can.

[F]

Well, those people don't have a transport full of cargo to sell.

[C]

Good point. And what about you back there? Crichton, wasn't it? Are you in a hurry to get to the Strata?

[D]

I have nothing to say in that regard.

[C]

Oh, come on, this is a long trip, you might as well talk to us. I always find it helps to pass the time.

[D]

I don't recall any mention of this requirement when we agreed to terms back in Alder's Hollow.

[C]

Requirement?

[D]

You're telling me I must engage in idle chatter?

[C]

Well, no, talking to us is not officially part of the agreement, but I'd.

[D]

Rather refrain from it, if it's all the same to you. Personally, I prefer to avoid pointless conversations.

[C]

Alright. Well, at least tell us about that thing at the fire pit. You know, the incident with those two guys that you beat up.

[D]

There's not much to tell. They went looking for trouble and they found it.

[F]

Pickpockets, were they? They had that look about them.

[D]

Yes, they tried to rob me, but they made two mistakes. First, by thinking I had anything worth taking. And second, I'm guessing they marked me as an easy target. And I'm definitely not an easy target.

[C]

What, they thought you were an easy mark because of that limp of yours or something?

[D]

I suppose so. It's a good thing for them that I'm not as fast as I used to be. If I'd been able to chase them down, have given them a few extra lashings for good measure.

[C]

I wouldn't worry about that. They're going to be nursing those bruises for weeks as it is.

[F]

What business do you have in the Strata, Crichton?

[D]

That's none of your concern.

[C]

You don't have anything you can tell us? Anything at all?

[D]

Why would I want to reveal my business to you?

[C]

Well, maybe to earn a little trust for a start.

[D]

Trust? It's a little late for the that, isn't it? I've got the two of you alone here in the middle of nowhere. I could slit your throats right now if I wanted to make my own way of the Strata.

[C]

Yeah, see, well, that's the thing. Making your way to the Strata might not be as easy as you think.

[D]

And why is that?

[C]

Because these roads can be tricky, especially for the uninitiated.

[D]

Tricky in what way?

[C]

Oh, come on. For all satisfaction sorts of reasons. Bandits, marauders. They're always about. Plus there's the blockade in River Town. The clan that operates there will impound your rig the first chance they get. And believe me, that can get messy fast.

[D]

Do you have an agreement with this clan?

[C]

No, I just avoid River Town altogether. Along with all the other obstacles and pitfalls along the way. That's why experience is so valuable out here. It helps you avoid all that stuff. Stupid.

[F]

I have to admit, she's right about that. I've seen it firsthand during our journey from the southern outposts. Charlie's gotten us out of more than one predicament along the way.

[D]

And yet you still decided it was necessary to employ me for protection. That doesn't speak highly of your confidence.

[C]

Excuse me? You're here for anything that slips through the cracks. Even with my experience, it's hard to predict what's coming over the next hill. Sooner or later, trouble is sure to find us, even if we are going out of our way to avoid it.

[D]

Fair enough. So you two are business partners, then?

[F]

I guess you could say that. I own the cargo that's sitting in the back of this transport. I'm meeting with my business partners in the Strata. These guys are major players in the exotic goods trade. That's why I don't want to screw anything up. If I can keep them happy, well, it's going to set me up for life.

[D]

These are the ones you think can help with repairs or replacements for my steel?

[F]

That's them. I already sent through the details before we left Alders Hollow. They said they'd look into it, so relax. They'll take care of everything. All we need to do is sit tight and.

Hang on a sec.

[C]

Daryl.

[A]

Quiet.

[C]

I need to listen.

[D]

Do we have a problem? Charlie.

[C]

That bridge up ahead. See it? Something's not right.

[F]

What do you mean, something's not right?

[C]

Hmm. There. There on the far side. The pile of rocks looks different than the last time I was here.

[F]

What pile of rocks? I can barely see anything out there through the gloom.

[D]

Another one of those obstacles you mentioned?

[C]

Could be. I don't know. Maybe I'm overreacting.

[F]

So what should we do?

[C]

As I see it, we have two choices. We keep going across the bridge and take our chances, or we branch off to the Right. And find a road that leads along the coast.

[F]

Is there any downside to taking the coast road?

[C]

Yeah, it's longer that way. Significantly longer.

[F]

Another delay. Come on, Charlie. We're already behind schedule as it is.

[C]

I know that. It's. It's just that.

[D]

Charlayne, if your instincts are as well honed as you say, then maybe you would be best to act on them.

[F]

You're here as the muscle, Crichton, not to decide which route we take.

[C]

He's right. Okay? I don't like it. I think we should go the long way.

[F]

Because of a pile of rocks? Come on.

[C]

I've made up my mind. We're heading for the coast. So buckle up, Darrow, and leave the driving to me.

[D]

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 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, Huey Liz Morey, Kyle Kaczmarczyk, Nicholas Yuen, Brad Gilliam and Alexander Hakim Stravinsky. Created by Mark R. Healy A Beyond the Dark production.

[C]

The fable and folly network where fiction producers flourish.

[E]

Hey, Ryan Reynolds here wishing you a very happy half off holiday. Because right now Mint Mobile is offering.

[B]

You the gift of 50% off unlimited.

[F]

To be clear, that's half the price.

[E]

Not half the service.

[A]

Mint is still premium unlimited wireless for a great price.

[B]

So that means a half day.

[C]

Yeah.

[F]

Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment.

[C]

Of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month required new customer offer for first 3 months only. Speed Slow Hacker 35 gigabytes of networks busy. Taxes and fees extra. See mint mobile.com.