Episode 13.4 - Downfall - Part 4

Summary

The Strata – Episode 13.4: Downfall – Part 4 (December 23, 2025)

Episode Overview

In this gripping installment of The Strata, the narrative unfolds across the gritty, rain-soaked backdrop of a dystopian city. The episode splits its focus between Jade—an amnesiac found in an alley and taken in by the hard-bitten Detective Kavanaugh—and a tense negotiation between ex-cop Georgia Summers and the enigmatic underworld figure Maddox. Secrets, shifting loyalties, and the ever-present threat of the city’s criminal elite frame an episode that explores memory, trust, and what it means to survive on the edge.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jade’s Amnesia & Detective Kavanaugh’s Dilemma

Setting: Kavanaugh’s sparse apartment, late morning.

• Jade Awakens ([02:02–02:38]):

  • Jade wakes, disoriented and with significant memory loss, unsure of her recent past or even her identity.
  • Kavanaugh gently quizzes her, confirming her name and his own:

    “I'm Jade. And you're Detective Kavanaugh.” — Jade ([02:38])

• Suspicion vs. Compassion ([04:08–05:03]):

  • Kavanaugh is cautious, torn between duty to protect and the fear Jade might be playing him:

    "I'm just trying to exercise some duty of care here, that's all." — Detective Kavanaugh ([04:14])

  • He worries about the consequences if Jade is genuinely in need and he lets her go.

• Glimpses of the Past ([08:26–09:24]):

  • Jade struggles to remember anything about her life, but visions begin to surface—fragmented and vivid, including a “man with green eyes” and a van.
  • She also inexplicably knows about Kavanaugh’s daughter, Annie:

    “How is it you know about someone like Annie who's been gone for 10 years now, but can't tell me a single thing about yourself?” — Detective Kavanaugh ([08:56])

• Art as Memory Trigger ([09:24–10:35]):

  • Driven by her visions, Jade requests to use Annie’s old painting supplies to depict a building she “sees” in her mind. Kavanaugh is surprised but obliges.

• Revelation of the Implant ([10:41–11:23]):

  • As Jade paints, Kavanaugh notices a metallic implant on her head:

    “To me, it looks like an implant there. Yeah, a metallic object of some kind. It's buried right in your damn skull.” — Detective Kavanaugh ([11:18–11:25])

  • The origin and purpose remain unknown—a major mystery intensifies.

---

2. Georgia Summers & Maddox – Data, Motives, and Power

Setting: A fortified “bunker”/sewer, communication via monitor.

• Negotiation Under Surveillance ([13:28–14:34]):

  • Georgia Summers, an ex-detective, reaches Maddox after passing through a gauntlet of security tests and elaborate clues:

    "Is this whole thing necessary? Forcing people to play your little games?" — Georgia Summers ([15:28])

  • Maddox defends the process as a way to "weed out anyone who isn't fully committed." ([15:38])

• Summers’ Reputation & Motivation ([15:56–16:38]):

  • Maddox quizzes Summers on her checkered police history, highlighting her past insubordination and crusade against corruption.
  • The encounter brims with mutual distrust, but also a wariness born of necessity.

• Maddox Rejects Monetary Motives ([18:02–18:52]):

  • Maddox makes it clear that “creds” (credits/money) are meaningless:

    “Creds are an illusion... I can snap my fingers and make them dance any way I want… They’re meaningless to me. No, I want to bring about change. Tear down the power structures.” — Maddox ([18:20–18:42])

• The Real Stakes: The Data Shard ([19:14–19:54]):

  • Summers hands over the enigmatic data shard, asking Maddox to "make it public" if its contents are what she suspects:

    "If this data shard contains what I think it does, well, it might just shake one of the biggest corporations in the Strata to its very core." — Georgia Summers ([19:54])

  • The episode leaves the shard’s secrets unrevealed, fueling suspense.

---

3. Dynamic Interlude: Summers and Rust

Setting: Rainy city streets, delivery van.

• Care Amid Hardship ([20:26–22:30]):
  • A conversation between Summers and Rust, her android companion, offers a more human (and humorous) slice of life, focusing on physical vulnerability and self-image.
  • Rust voices insecurity about his partially repaired, synthetic body:

    “It seems that lately not a day goes by that this rig of mine doesn't cause some kind of embarrassment.” — Rust ([22:14])

  • Summers responds with empathy, grounding the show’s hardboiled tone in moments of real friendship.

---

4. Detective Kavanaugh’s Call for Help

Setting: Various locations, comms call.

• Kavanaugh Reaches Out to Rust ([22:59–24:51]):
  • Kavanaugh, facing a crisis, calls Rust for help—even as he fights his own pride and combative history with the android:

    “Even though it pains me to scrape the bottom of the barrel like this, unfortunately, you're the best option I have right now.” — Detective Kavanaugh ([23:22])

  • Their banter is prickly and sarcastic, reinforcing the noir-dystopian tone while shaping a reluctant alliance for whatever lies ahead.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Compassion vs. Suspicion:
  • “Call me a cynic if you want, but I think there’s a good chance you're screwing with me here... The 1% chance you really are being truthful—if that's the case... well, I don't want that on my conscience.” — Detective Kavanaugh ([04:26])
• Fragments of the Past:
  • "I just started getting visions in my head. Like last night when I first saw your face... The man with green eyes. I saw him loading a rifle..." — Jade ([08:28])
• Jade’s Frustration:
  • “I have no idea.” — Jade, on whether she’s an artist by trade ([10:17])
• Power and Motive:
  • "Creds are an illusion... I want to bring about change. Tear down the power structures." — Maddox ([18:20–18:42])
• Potential for Upheaval:
  • "If this data shard contains what I think it does, well, it might just shake one of the biggest corporations in the Strata to its very core." — Georgia Summers ([19:54])

---

Important Segment Timestamps

• [02:02] Jade awakens, Kavanaugh questions her
• [04:08] Kavanaugh debates whether to trust Jade
• [08:28] Jade describes mysterious visions
• [10:41] Kavanaugh discovers Jade's cranial implant
• [13:28] Georgia Summers meets Maddox via monitor, bunker setting
• [15:38] Maddox explains security and trust
• [18:20] Maddox’s monologue on power vs. money
• [19:54] Summers proposes public exposure of corporate corruption
• [20:26] Summers and Rust’s conversation in the van
• [22:59] Kavanaugh reaches out to Rust for urgent help

---

Summary & Takeaway

Episode 13.4 brings together memory, trauma, and mistrust in classic Strata fashion. Jade’s amnesia and sudden psychic flashes set up a core mystery that deepens with the discovery of her cranial implant. Detective Kavanaugh remains the gruff but unexpectedly compassionate anchor, even as he’s forced to reach out to unlikely allies.

Meanwhile, Georgia Summers’ battle against the city’s criminal overlords takes a pivotal turn as she negotiates a data exchange with Maddox, a figure whose motives extend far beyond money, and toward reshaping the very fabric of the Strata.

The episode closes on a note of unresolved tension—both personal and societal. Trust remains a precious commodity in a world rife with secrets, and the promise of exposing powerful corruption hints at seismic changes to come.

---

Tone

Moody, hardboiled, and full of noir-inspired banter. The dialogue balances suspicion, vulnerability, and moments of dry wit—a signature of The Strata’s dystopian atmosphere.

---

For listeners, this episode digs deeper into the city’s shadows. Amnesia, secret agendas, and the lure of revolution promise that “Downfall – Part 4” is only the beginning of much larger upheavals yet to come.

Transcript

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[Jade]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Jade]

What can I help you with today?

[Georgia Summers]

Hi, I need a last minute gift for a secret Santa. Something thoughtful, impressive. Not a fruitcake.

[Narrator/Announcer]

We've got Ferrero chocolates, artisan coffees, even a spa kit. Any vibe you're going for?

[Georgia Summers]

Whatever says, wow, this guy's great at giving gifts.

[Jade]

How about this premium skincare gift set? Just needs a bow.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Will look like you planned it weeks ago.

[Georgia Summers]

Well, happy holidays.

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[Georgia Summers]

We're with you all the way, Walgreens.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

You're listening to the Strata a Beyond the dark production. Season 13 Downfall Part 4.

[Jade]

Ah. What happened? Where am I?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Ah, there we go. She's finally awake. Just in time for a little breakfast. If you're so inclined. You remember me from last night?

[Jade]

Oh, yeah, it's. It's coming back to me now. The alley and then the. The walk back here.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Yeah, that's right. I brought you back to my apartment. Once we made it back here, we had a little chat. Do you remember my name? Or yours for that matter?

[Jade]

I'm Jade. And you're Detective Kavanaugh.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

All right, two for two. Now the next question. Where did you come from, Jade? How did you end up in that alley? Okay, so we're not quite that far along yet, huh?

[Jade]

Sorry, everything's still a bit of a blank.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Yeah, I haven't figured out the deal with you yet. But one thing's for certain, kid. Your head is even more scrambled than these proto eggs. Why don't you try some? Little breakfast might help clear your head.

[Jade]

Okay, I'm not too hungry, but maybe I'LL try a little. Thanks.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Go ahead. Dig in. Plenty more where that came from.

[Jade]

What happened last night? I remember us talking, but I don't remember lying down on the sofa.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Yeah, you pretty much passed out. I was in the process of shooting a few questions at you, trying to see what else we could pull out of your memory. All of my grid searches came up empty when I tried to run your id So I was hoping you could fill in the blanks. But we didn't get very far before you crashed. You've been on like a light for hours.

[Jade]

What time is it?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Oh, it's mid morning.

[Jade]

Are you. Are you gonna turn me in?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

I don't know. Maybe. I'm just trying to exercise some duty of care here, that's all.

[Jade]

Duty of care?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Yeah. Yeah, I'm a little skeptical about your situation. Call me a cynic if you want, but I think there's a good chance you're screwing with me here. The only problem is the alternative. The 1% chance you really are being truthful. If that's the case, and I let you go and then you do end up getting hurt because I didn't believe you, well, I don't want that on my conscience. So for now, until I know for certain, you'll stay here with me.

[Jade]

How long before you make a decision?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

I'm not exactly sure yet. I guess we'll see. But don't worry about that now. I've called in sick for the day, Told them I was a bit worse for wear after my birthday celebrations, and we've got the whole day to try to figure this mess out.

[Jade]

Thank you. I appreciate you letting me stay, as I know it's.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

It's not the fanciest place in town, but it's safe. That's the most important thing.

[Jade]

It's fine.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Really.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Is there a problem? You were looking at the wall with a strange expression on your face just now. Is there something wrong?

[Jade]

Oh, I just noticed that the place is pretty sparse. No wall hangings or ornaments anywhere.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

And it's not really my scene. Do I look like I'm into that artsy bullshit?

[Jade]

Not particularly, but I. I just wondered about the contradiction.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

What contradiction?

[Jade]

You have an easel over there in the corner. That would suggest you paint, wouldn't it?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Oh, that. No. No, that's. That's not mine. It all belonged to my daughter, Annie. She used to do watercolors in her spare time and. Well, I guess I just never bothered to pack the gear away.

[Jade]

The watercolors. Right. I think I saw a vision in Sorry. Did I hit on a touchy subject?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

How about we go back to those questions from last night? You feel well enough to try again?

[Jade]

My head still hurts, but I think I'll be okay.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

All right, let's take it from the top. So can you tell me what happened right before I found you in the alley last night? Is the fog clearing up yet?

[Jade]

No, not at all. I have no memory of before. I just woke up behind the dumpster and my legs were all numb.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Are you still feeling any of that numbness in your arms or legs?

[Jade]

No, I think it's cleared up.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Well, that's good at least. I checked your vitals again, and you seem fine physically. What about yesterday morning? You remember how your day started or what you did in the afternoon?

[Jade]

Not a clue.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Okay. What about last week or last month? Are there any people or places you remember?

[Jade]

I really couldn't tell you.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Okay, let's try something else. Who's your mother? Your father? What are their names? What about friends, acquaintances?

[Jade]

No, that's all a blank.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Do you remember anything about your job? Where do you work?

[Jade]

I'm not even sure I have a job.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

What about the place where you live? Is it an apartment like this one here? A house somewhere? A refuge or a shelter?

[Jade]

I. I don't think so. I.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

What is it?

[Jade]

I just started getting visions in my head. Like last night when I first saw your face. There were pictures in my head of the man with green eyes. I saw him loading a rifle and getting into a van with a few others.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

It just popped into your head out of nowhere?

[Jade]

Kinda.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

And what about the name Annie? You mentioned her, too.

[Jade]

Your daughter? Yeah, I saw her as well. And I heard her name.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

How is it you know about someone like Annie who's been gone for 10 years now, but can't tell me a single thing about yourself?

[Jade]

Wait, there's. There's another vision coming.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

What is it this time? The fellow with the green eyes or someone else?

[Jade]

I. I don't think it's a person. It's. It's a street, maybe? No, it's. It's a building.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

What building? Is it your home?

[Jade]

I don't. I can't explain it in words. I. Do you still have paint to go with that easel?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Paint? There should be some over there somewhere.

[Jade]

I need a brush. I need a brush and some water.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Hey, easy there, Jade. You're not so steady on your feet.

[Jade]

Quick, before I lose it.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Okay, just. Just sit right there on the stool. I'll get some water. The paint set should be in the drawer on your left.

[Jade]

Got it.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Here's the why.

[Jade]

All right, let's see here. I think we should start with gray.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Are you a painter? Is that what you do for work? Like a artist? Maybe.

[Jade]

I. I have no idea.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Can you visualize it? A street name? A number on the building?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Shh.

[Jade]

You're distracting me.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Okay, I'll just step back and watch. Then you. You sit there and take your time.

[Jade]

Yeah, I see it as clear as day now. It must be important somehow.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Oh, shit. Wait a second. Jade.

[Jade]

What is it? Do you recognize the place? I've barely started on the painting.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

No, no, it's. It's not the painting. It.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

It's you.

[Jade]

What do you mean, it's me?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

I can see something. Right there, along the crown of your head, near the part in your hair.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

What?

[Jade]

I. I don't feel anything.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

No, don't touch it. Keep your hands down.

[Jade]

What's going on?

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

What?

[Jade]

What is it?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Damn if I know.

[Jade]

Well, what do you see?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

To me, it looks like an implant there.

[Jade]

An implant?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Yeah, a metallic object of some kind. It's buried right in your damn skull.

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[Detective Kavanaugh]

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[Jade]

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[Jade]

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[Jade]

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[Georgia Summers]

Look up over here. The monitor.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Okay. Yeah, I see you. Are you Maddox?

[Georgia Summers]

Hold still for a moment.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What is this? A body scan? I ditched my phone before I came. Just like you Asked.

[Georgia Summers]

Just hold still. Alright. All done. That wasn't so hard, was it?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Fine. Now open the door. Huh? I've got a lot to do and you're wasting time.

[Georgia Summers]

Whoa, whoa, hold up there, lady. There's a process here. One that's designed to ensure the safety and security of all parties involved in this transaction. We wouldn't want to mess with that, would we?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sure. Okay, let's follow the process.

[Georgia Summers]

I'm going to need a few moments to review some footage here, make sure everything checks out.

[Narrator/Announcer]

If you're worried about a tale, you can relax. I wasn't followed.

[Georgia Summers]

I'll be the judge of that.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This better be worth it. What is this place anyway? Why do you live in a sewer?

[Georgia Summers]

This isn't a sewer. It's a carefully designed, state of the art bunker that allows me to stay out of reach of my enemies.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sure looks like a sewer anyway. What enemies are you referring to?

[Georgia Summers]

The list is long and distinguished. I won't bore you with the finer details.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, this setup of yours sure as hell doesn't make things easy for people who are trying to do business with you.

[Georgia Summers]

Why do you say that?

[Narrator/Announcer]

You had me running around on a wild goose chase, that's why. Leaving a string of clues all over the place. First the warehouse and then the abandoned transport. Punching codes on a robo canteen so it would dump out a can of sludge. A cola with directions on the label.

[Georgia Summers]

Oh, that was pretty clever, wasn't it?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Is this whole thing necessary? Forcing people to play your little games? Or do you do it just because you get some perverse satisfaction out of watching people jump through hoops?

[Georgia Summers]

Maybe a little bit of both. But seriously, like I keep telling you, it's a process. That journey you undertook, it's designed to weed out anyone who isn't fully. Fully committed.

[Narrator/Announcer]

So because I'm standing here outside your door, does that mean I passed your test?

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Hmm.

[Georgia Summers]

Let's see here. Georgia Summers, a former detective in the Midtown pd. You had a checker career there, didn't you? Frequently reprimanded for insubordination, once demoted for striking. Your captain.

[Narrator/Announcer]

He had it coming.

[Georgia Summers]

And historically, the closure rate on your cases was, well, I have to say, not great.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's hard to make charges stick in the department. Always has been. Too much corruption and ineptitude from the higher ups.

[Georgia Summers]

Hmm, interesting. And then you quit the force to embark on a new career of sorts, squaring off against the Fortunado organization.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Look, Maddox, can we skip the history lesson? I already know this shit. I lived it and you already know it, too, obviously. Isn't that right?

[Georgia Summers]

Do I?

[Narrator/Announcer]

There's no way you would have let me get this close to you without checking through every little detail in my past. Not when you're this thorough with everything else.

[Georgia Summers]

Fair point.

[Narrator/Announcer]

So how about we cut the shit and get down to business? Open the door and let's see if you can live up to that reputation of yours.

[Georgia Summers]

Open the door. No, that's not going to happen.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Come on, Maddox. I want to see you face to face.

[Georgia Summers]

Well, that's too bad. Summers, the monitor you're looking at right now, that's as close as you're ever gonna get to seeing my real face.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's not how I like to do business.

[Georgia Summers]

Then take your business somewhere else. Oh, that's right, you can't, can you?

[Narrator/Announcer]

There are others out there who could help me. Plenty of gridcrawlers for hire in the strata.

[Georgia Summers]

Which others were you talking about exactly? You've already taken your little problem to Romeo, haven't you? And the cipher twins and Kalista, were they able to give you what you wanted?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No. None of them could crack the encryption on the shard.

[Georgia Summers]

And now you're here on my doorstep. A last resort, I suppose you could say. I suppose there's only one decision left for me to make. Should I help you or not? Go on, convince me. Why should I help you, Summers? And don't say creds, because that's not what this is about.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's usually what it's about.

[Georgia Summers]

Listen to me, Summers. Creds are an illusion. They're nothing more than numbers on a terminal screen, pixels floating across the grid. I can snap my fingers and make them dance any way I want, any time I want, in anywhere I want. They're meaningless to me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's fine for a recluse who spends all his time locked away in a concrete bunker at the bottom of the sewer. But for the rest of us, creds are pretty damn important.

[Georgia Summers]

Not to me. No, I want to bring about change. Tear down the power structures. Knock those High Gate City fakers off their perches. Show them what it's like to wallow in poverty and filth.

[Narrator/Announcer]

In that case, I think you'll be interested in what I've got to show you.

[Georgia Summers]

Oh, really? Why don't you go ahead and put the data shard on this tray for me?

[Narrator/Announcer]

There it is. It's all yours.

[Georgia Summers]

So, are you gonna give me a hint? What am I looking at?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I think you'll figure it out soon enough. Just promise me this. As soon as you start pulling data off this thing, I want it made public. Get it out on the grid however you can. I want to expose these bastards as quickly as possible.

[Georgia Summers]

I can do that, but this better be worth my time.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Worth your time? Well, put it this way. If this data shard contains what I think it does, well, it might just shake one of the biggest corporations in the strata to its very core. You know what? I've had just about enough of this rain.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Really? Things are pretty cozy here inside the van.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, I'll bet. Next time, you can go out and make the delivery.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Hey, I offered to go.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, I can't have you doing all of the legwork, especially not in conditions like these. You of all people need to be careful in this kind of weather, especially now you've got so little plasti skin left, your internal components are exposed to the elements.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Wait a second. Are you telling me you came out today because you were worried about me walking around in the rain?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Not exactly.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

What am I, two years old? Are you gonna wipe my nose for me when I get a chill, too?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Look, Russ, you just got all those shiny replacement parts fitted not so long ago, and I thought it would be a shame if you got everything clogged up with water again.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

I have a trench coat. See? It keeps the rain out just fine. A lot better than that outfit you're wearing. That's for sure.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I saw you shaking water out from your elbow when you arrived at the workshop this morning, pal. Don't try to deny it.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

My elbow? Well, so what?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Look, all I'm saying is you need to take care of that body of yours now more than ever.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

All right. I'll make sure I shake my damn elbow outside the workshop next time. Okay. I bet that looked pretty funny, though, didn't it?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, it was freaking hilarious at first. I thought you were trying to do the chicken dance or something.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Okay, enough. It's embarrassing.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, come on. It's just me. Do you really think I care about that?

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Yeah, it's fine if it's just you, but, I mean, if Davina saw that.

[Narrator/Announcer]

She wouldn't care either. Why would she?

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

I'm not so sure. It seems that lately not a day goes by that this rig of mine doesn't cause some kind of embarrassment.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Embarrassment? Come on, Rust. You know that's not the case. And besides, why would you care? This stuff never bothered you in the past.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Well, times are changing. The whole situation with Divina is. You're right. I'm probably making a big deal out of nothing. We should probably get moving.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You sure? If you want to talk about this, I'm more than happy to listen.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Nah, it's fine. Let's just get this last delivery taken care of, and then we can. Hang on a second. I better take this. Kavanaugh. What do you want, Rust?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Sorry to bother you. Something's come up. I have a situation here.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

A situation? What do you mean by that? And why would I care?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

I need you to come to my place as soon as you can. We need to talk.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Come to your place? Are you kidding me?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

No, I'm not kidding you.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Did you dial the wrong number or something? Kavanaugh, why in hell would I want to come to your place?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Like I said, there's a situation here. Here. All right? I need help. And even though it pains me to scrape the bottom of the barrel like this, unfortunately, you're the best option I have right now.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Thanks, but no thanks, Kavanagh. I've got better things to do. Much better things to do. Like watching paint dry.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Hey, don't make me put out a bunch of blockers on you again, metalhead. I'll do it. Wait and see.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

You do that, and I'll personally come over there and kick your ass.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

If that's what it takes to get you over here, then fine. Come on over and give it your best shot.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Can't you get Summers to help you with whatever it is you want? Why me?

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Summers is off the grid. Can't reach her by phone. Something to do with this latest investigation of hers.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Just her luck. I bet she's ignoring you like I should have done.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

Look, I don't like this any more than you do. If I had a better choice, I'd take it, but I don't.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Well, damn it. Why don't you come to me instead? I'll be back at Sienna's workshop in an hour. Or we could meet at the pump house.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

No can do. Can't leave this apartment. I'm stuck here.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

You're really gonna make me do this, huh? Well, all I can say is you better not be pulling my chain here, Kavanaugh. If you're just doing this to make me jump through hoops, I'm not gonna be happy.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

It's serious. You have my word on that. I'm sending through the address now. Oh, and don't mention this to anyone. Not a soul. Get here as soon as you can, Rust.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Foreign.

[Detective Kavanaugh]

This podcast is made possible by my supporters on Patreon. If you'd like to hear ad free early release episodes as well as my exclusive series the Strata Luna. Head over to patreon.com BeyondTheDark your support means I can keep bringing you more seasons of the strata. Season 13 Downfall starring Jason Chiroy, 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 Hui, Liz Mori, Kyle Kacmazik, Nicholas Yuen, Brad Gilliam and Alexander Hakim Stravinsky. Created by Mark R. Healy A Beyond the Dark production.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The Fable and Folly network where fiction producers flourish.

[Georgia Summers]

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