Episode 13.6 - Downfall - Part 6

Summary

The Strata – Season 13: Downfall, Part 6 (Episode 13.6)

Release Date: January 20, 2026
Podcast by: Mark R. Healy

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Main Theme

In this episode of The Strata, the characters continue their tense journey through a dystopian cityscape. Loyalties are tested as an aging courier, his associates, and a hardened underworld ganglord navigate dangerous terrain—literally and figuratively—all in a desperate attempt to secure the courier’s life-sustaining treatments. Meanwhile, other threads involving memory loss, mysterious paintings, and forbidden biotech deepen the mystery and hint at connections to a larger conspiracy.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Cargo Crew: Tensions on the Road

• Participants: Charlie (the courier), Darrow, and Creighton
• Situation: The makeshift team is driving north, headed for the Strata, with nervous discussion about unreliable vehicle gauges and worsening skies ([01:47]-[02:40]).
• Plot Turn: Creighton insists on diverting their route to Amity, an abandoned port, despite Charlie’s protests ([03:06]-[03:32]).
  • Notable Quote:
    • Charlie: “Amity is the final stop on a dead end road. There’s only one way in or out... It’s a waste of time.” ([03:32])
• Ambush: The crew encounters what appears to be a marauder roadblock ([04:04]-[05:16]). After a tense standoff, Creighton proves himself by flanking and neutralizing the threat ([06:04]).
  • Memorable Moment:
    • Darrow: “Damn. We thought you’d made a run for it.”
    • Creighton: “Nope. I was merely flanking our adversaries rather than tackling them head on. A far better strategy, wouldn’t you agree?” ([06:13])
• Aftermath: They deal with a wheel clamp device, inspect their damaged vehicle, and acknowledge that Creighton’s presence was crucial for their survival ([06:50]-[07:17]).

Timestamps:

• Bickering and navigation debate: [02:49]-[03:32]
• Marauder ambush: [04:04]-[05:16]
• Creighton resolves the attack: [06:01]-[07:17]

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2. Jade & The Detective: Unraveling Lost Memories

• Participants: Detective, Jade
• Situation: The detective is helping Jade explore areas in the city depicted in her enigmatic paintings, hoping to prompt her forgotten memories ([08:22]-[09:01]).
  • Notable Quote:
    • Detective: “Don’t get your hopes up about this, all right? This whole thing is a long shot… We probably won’t find ourselves any closer to getting the bottom of this thing.” ([08:41])
• Memory Block: Jade recognizes none of the surroundings and is frustrated, while the detective is protective and wary of surveillance ([09:11]-[11:03]).
• Discussion on Amnesia: The detective theorizes about Jade’s potential dissociative amnesia, reflecting on how trauma can erase memories ([12:21]-[13:16]).
  • Memorable Dialogue:
    • Jade: “What happens if my memory never comes back?”
    • Detective: “We have other angles we can pursue… we’ll find some records on the grid pointing to your identity. They have to be out there somewhere.” ([11:54]-[12:18])
• Breakthrough: Jade spots a building that matches one of her paintings—a chemical factory that suffered a deadly explosion recently ([13:23]-[14:42]).
  • Revelation:
    • Detective: “Blaine Industrial… The place is a chemical factory. Or at least it was until a few weeks ago when it was shut down after an explosion ripped through the main hall… Five people lost their lives.” ([14:26]-[14:57])
• Cliffhanger: Jade’s recognition brings physical discomfort, hinting at deeper trauma, and the detective commits to investigating "Blaine Industrial" further ([15:27]-[16:12]).

Timestamps:

• Scouting for painting locations: [08:22]-[11:03]
• Amnesia discussion: [12:21]-[13:16]
• Factory discovery: [13:23]-[15:27]

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3. Rust & Sienna: Old Friends and New Tech Clues

• Participants: Rust, Sienna, Crow
• Situation: Rust and Sienna deliver a mysterious package to a plush Highgate City clinic, unexpectedly discovering it belongs to their old acquaintance, Crow ([18:45]-[19:58]).
• Reunion: The reunion is lighthearted but tinged with nostalgia as Crow explains his transition from mechanical to biological augmentation, fitting into Highgate City’s elite society ([20:16]-[24:39]).
  • Memorable Lines:
    • Crow: “This whole biological augmentation thing, well, these rich bastards can’t get enough of it. And they’re willing to pay for it big time.” ([22:03])
    • Crow: “I did the replacement therapy myself and got rid of all the steel. … It’s given me a new lease on life, Rusty.” ([23:41])
• Critical Inquiry: Rust shows Crow an image of a cranial insertion device (neuroshard) found on a recent acquaintance ([24:45]-[25:43]).
• Clue: Crow notes the device is a “recent job,” likely 6-9 months old, and mentions that illegal installations are extremely rare. He offers to keep quiet and hints at one possible suspect: a surgeon called “Stiller” who boasted of doing outlaw procedures ([27:21]-[28:42]).
  • Notable Exchange:
    • Crow: “He tapped the crown of his head… the place where a shard is inserted… Said he was the only one keeping the tradition alive.” ([28:29])

Timestamps:

• Arriving at Crotech Care: [18:45]-[20:16]
• Discussion about augmentation: [22:33]-[24:39]
• Neuroshard details from Crow: [25:47]-[27:21]
• Stiller lead: [28:42]

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4. A New Threat Emerges

• Situation: As Rust and Sienna leave the clinic, they receive an alert: a person involved in a previous attack is now just a block away, suggesting that surveillance and danger are drawing close ([29:11]-[29:57]).
  • Memorable Moment:
    • Sienna: “Remember those probes I set up looking for any surveillance hits on the guy who came after you and Davina Dreyfus? … I just got a hit. Right now. The guy is less than a block from where we’re standing.” ([29:19]-[29:35])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Creighton on Strategy: “I was merely flanking our adversaries rather than tackling them head on. A far better strategy, wouldn’t you agree?” ([06:13])
• Detective’s Wisdom on Trauma: “Over the years, I’ve worked on cases where victims have been subjected to all kinds of mental trauma… We just have to keep working through it, do our best to peel back the layers, give it time. And things will turn around. You’ll see.” ([11:34])
• Crow on Reinvention: “I did the replacement therapy myself and got rid of all the steel. And to be honest, it was the best thing I ever did. It’s given me a new lease on life, Rusty.” ([23:41])
• On the Darkside of Augmentation: “The CIDs have been outlawed for years. To think that someone out there might still be using them. Shit. ... I don’t know anyone else who has either. Not in these parts.” ([26:13])

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Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------------|------------| | Bickering over vehicle and route | 01:47–03:32| | Marauder roadblock/ambush | 04:04–07:17| | Jade & Detective – Search for memory clues | 08:22–15:27| | Rust & Sienna reconnect with Crow | 18:45–24:39| | Neuroshard investigation and new lead: Stiller | 25:43–28:42| | Proximity alert – emerging threat | 29:11–29:57|

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Conclusion

This episode skillfully intertwines multiple story threads—melding action, noir investigation, and the personal cost of survival in the Strata’s bleak urban sprawl. The characters confront immediate threats, personal weaknesses, and emergent mysteries that promise further complications. As old friends are unearthed and dark secrets about forbidden technology surface, the road ahead only gets more dangerous.

Listeners are left with tantalizing leads to follow—Amity’s significance, the deadly explosion at Blaine Industrial, and the hunt for the renegade surgeon Stiller—all while enemies draw ever closer.

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Note: Ads, introductions, and credits were omitted for clarity and focus on narrative content.

Transcript

[A]

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[A]

Hey, Darrow, can you tap that gauge for me? The one just above your head?

[B]

Tap the gauge. What the hell for?

[A]

Ah, sometimes that one goes on the blank. It's not a big deal or anything. Just give it a thump.

[B]

Okay, here goes.

[A]

That's it. You got it?

[B]

Yeah. Hooray. Sometimes I wonder if this rig of yours is even gonna make it over the next hill, let alone all the way to the Strata.

[A]

And why wouldn't it?

[B]

Well, let me just say I'm not exactly confident about this old clunket, Charlie. All these systems glitching out and the bumps and rattles.

[A]

Sure, the rig's a bit rough around the edges, I'll be the first to admit that. But she's never let me down. Not once. She'll get us there. Don't worry.

[B]

If you say so. How are things looking up ahead? Do you think those skies will clear up?

[A]

Maybe. If the spirits of fortune are with us, Usually things do improve a little further to the north. Once we pass the road to Amity, we should be a lot better off.

[B]

Wait. What did you say? Oh, look. Our friend is still alive back there. You've been as quiet as a qu. Answer the question, Charlie.

[A]

Uh, I said the weather is likely to clear up.

[B]

No, not that.

[A]

You mentioned a place.

[B]

Amity.

[A]

Oh, that. It's just an old abandoned port on the coast. It's been empty for years.

[B]

I Knew it. I've visited there.

[A]

You visited Amity? Why in the hell would you do that?

[B]

When will we reach it?

[A]

Well, I don't know. The turn off is still a few hours away.

[B]

All right, you should update your route accordingly to Amity.

[A]

We're not going there, Creighton, it's hours out of the way.

[B]

I don't care, we're going.

[A]

Listen, Creighton, Amity is the final stop on a dead end road. There's only one way in or out, and once we arrive, there's nothing to see or do. It's a waste of time.

[B]

I have my reasons for stopping there. Sorry to rain on your parade here, Crichton, but you're not the one paying for this trip. My cargo, that's what's important here. And every hour that passes jeopardizes the trade I set up. So I say no. Oh. Do you know, in that case, maybe I'll just have to. Charlie. What the hell?

[A]

Shit. Heads up. It looks like we've got company.

[B]

What is it?

[A]

Just ahead. See a vehicle parked in our way? Could be an ambush. Marauders maybe. Or might even just be our friends from back of the bridge. With a fast crawler they could have gone cross country and gotten ahead of us.

[B]

How do we know they're hostile? Maybe they just stopped for a rest.

[A]

Or maybe they're hostile. Frighten you're up. It looks like there's some cover just ahead on the side of the road. If you make a run for it.

[B]

No, I don't think so. That would be a very bad idea. Wait. Where the hell is he going? The bad guys are that way.

[A]

Damn it. I think he's making a run for it.

[B]

You're shitting me. Well, that's just perfect. What are we gonna do now? Can we smash through him?

[A]

I don't like our chances. Besides, there might not be much of your cargo left intact if we try that. Maybe I can back up. Hang on, I. Damn it. I think they've clamped us.

[B]

They did what?

[A]

I thought I heard something when we stopped. They must have planted a wheel clamp in the road. When we rolled over it, the clamp activated and.

[B]

And that means. We're not going anywhere. We're sitting ducks. And those arseholes are getting closer. Charlie, we have to do something.

[A]

Make a run for it.

[B]

I'm not leaving the cargo if I lose that.

[A]

What good is the cargo if you're dead? Darrow.

[B]

There has to be some other way. There just has to be. Hey. What the hell happened? You can Come out now.

[A]

Look, it's Crichton. I think. Yeah, I think he got him.

[B]

Yeah, Those assholes are down. Every last one. Oh, it's a miracle. Come on, let's go take a look.

[A]

Creighton. Are they dead?

[B]

Certainly seems that way, doesn't it? Help me search them for valuables. Damn. We thought you'd made a run for it. Nope. I was merely flanking our adversaries rather than tackling them head on. A far better strategy, wouldn't you agree?

[A]

Yeah, for sure. You know, for a minute there, Darrow and I thought we might be on our own.

[B]

On your own? No. We made a deal, didn't we? I will honor that deal until the end. Just make sure you do the same. Now, give me a moment to check that crawler of theirs, will you? Hey, Charlie, take a look at this. You were right about this clamp thing. It stuck fast.

[A]

Yeah, I thought so. Nasty piece of work. No permanent damage, though. I don't think. Maybe a few scratches, but the old girl's got plenty of those. I think we'll be fine, but it might take a few minutes to get it off, that's all. And apart from that, she gained a few extra bullet holes, but nothing too serious.

[B]

So we're gonna get through the whole incident unscathed.

[A]

Lucky for us. Yeah, and I guess we know one thing for certain now. We made the right decision in bringing Creighton along for the ride.

[B]

Yeah, I guess we owe him for that one. We'd probably be dead if it weren't for him. No doubt about that. I've inspected the Marauder's Crawler. These cretins had little of value. And the crawler itself is worthless. They've depleted the cores to almost nothing.

[A]

So it probably was the crew from the bridge. Man, they must have really pushed that crawler to the limit to make it here ahead of us. Probably counted on stealing the rig once they killed us.

[B]

Well, I suppose that didn't exactly go to plan for them, did it? No. I suggest we clean up this mess and depart as soon as possible. We have no time to lose if we're going to take the detour to Amity.

[A]

Wouldn't you agree? Amity. Right. Sounds good to me. Daryl, help me with this thing, will you? With any luck, we'll be back on the road in no time. Are we getting close, Detective? How much further?

[B]

Just take it easy there, Jade. Stay low and out of sight like I told you. It's not too far now.

[A]

What part of town is this?

[B]

Yeah, we're not Far from Crosstown Bridge. In a couple of minutes, we'll be inside of the bay.

[A]

And that's where you think you've seen those buildings before? The ones in my paintings?

[B]

Well, something like it. But, Jade, don't get your hopes up about this, all right? This whole thing is a long shot. By the end of our little excursion here, we probably won't find ourselves any closer to getting the bottom of this thing. I just. I just want you to keep that in mind, okay?

[A]

Yeah, of course.

[B]

Is. Is any of this jogging your memory yet? Have you seen anything familiar?

[A]

No, I don't think so. Maybe if we got out and had a look around.

[B]

Oh, that's not going to happen. If you show your face on the street, you could trigger surveillance somewhere, and the next thing we know, our friend with the little green eyes will be all over us. I'm not letting you set foot outside this car. Is that clear?

[A]

Sure. I understand.

[B]

All right, now, you just relax and hang on. Let me just pull over here so I can take another look at these paintings of yours. Jog my memory for a second. All right, Hand them over, will you?

[A]

Here you go. Do you see something?

[B]

Where's the gray one? Yeah, here it is. See that place across the street? I thought maybe there were some similarities here, but the facade is. Is all wrong. The more you look at it, the more I doubt it's a match.

[A]

You're right. They're similar, but not exactly the same.

[B]

Let me go through some of these others to make sure. Meanwhile, you keep your head down.

[A]

But then I can't see anything.

[B]

Well, that's too bad. It's better than sticking your neck out.

[A]

Is something the matter?

[B]

Who's this guy? The one you painted here.

[A]

The guy in the hoodie. I don't know. He just popped into my head like all the other visions. So I decided to paint him.

[B]

Is he important? There's nothing under the hoodie. No facial features. It's all just black.

[A]

I don't know if he's important, and I have no idea what his face is like. That's all the detail I could see.

[B]

An associate of the man with green eyes. Another bad guy. Well, another mystery for now, I guess, huh? All right, come on. Let's see what else we can find further along on the street.

[A]

I'm sorry about being so vague all the time. I know this must be frustrating for you.

[B]

Ah, it's. It's fine, Jade. Don't worry about it. Over the years, I've worked on cases where victims have been subjected to all kinds of mental trauma. We just have to keep working through it, do our best to peel back the layers, give it time. And things will turn around. You'll see.

[A]

What happens if my memory never comes back?

[B]

We have other angles we can pursue. Don't forget Rust and Sienna looking into that implant of yours. Once we find out where it came from, that should fill in a few pieces of the puzzle. And sooner or later, we'll find some records on the grid pointing to your identity. They have to be out there somewhere.

[A]

I just wish I could be more help.

[B]

Well, like I said earlier, it's odd that you know so much about Annie and Captain Graham and stuff like that. But you. You can't tell me anything about yourself other than a name. I have a hunch that it could be a case of dissociative amnesia or something like that.

[A]

Disassociative amnesia?

[B]

Yeah. Yeah, I'm no expert on this stuff, but in my line of work, you do come across it now and again. Like I said, with people who've been subjected to violent or traumatic events, sometimes a victim will lose memories about specific events or moments in their life.

[A]

And you think that might be the case with me?

[B]

Maybe. It doesn't exactly fit with everything that's happening to you, though, does it? But either way, you don't need to worry too much about it now. There'll be time for us to explore that later.

[A]

Pull over here, quick.

[B]

What is it? What's wrong?

[A]

There. See it? The building. That's the first one I painted.

[B]

Shit, you're right. I'll be damned. That's the one we're looking for. Although something's not right, I see a few minor differences. There's hoarding out the front. Looks like the roof has been damaged at some point.

[A]

What does that mean?

[B]

Looks to me like the place has been boarded up. But I didn't see any of that in your paintings.

[A]

No, those were never part of what I saw in my visions.

[B]

Well, now that we're here, you getting any inspiration? Is it helping you remember?

[A]

Not yet.

[B]

Yeah, well, keep trying while you think about it. I'll take a second to check this address on the grid.

[A]

I feel like it's on the tip of my tongue, but it. It just won't come to me.

[B]

Have you been here in person? Did you live close by? Maybe.

[A]

It's possible, I guess.

[B]

Ah, wait a second. Here we go. I've got a hit. The place is a chemical factory. Or at least it was until a few weeks ago when it was shut down. After an explosion ripped through the main hall.

[A]

An explosion?

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. It says here is a pretty major situation. Doors and windows blown out, extensive damage to the internal facilities. Ah, five people lost their lives, too.

[A]

That's awful. Does it say what caused it?

[B]

No, apparently the company is still trying to figure it out. In the meantime, the whole operation has been shut down. Repairs are expected to take months, along with a review of safety procedures.

[A]

What's the name of the company?

[B]

Let's see, Blaine. Industrial. Does that ring a bell?

[A]

Plane. I think I've heard of them, yeah.

[B]

Did you work for these guys or know someone who did? Yeah.

[A]

My head is starting to hurt again.

[B]

Do you want to take a moment to gather yourself?

[A]

Yeah, that might be for the best.

[B]

Oh, settle back. That's it. Let me keep searching here. I'll see what else I can find. Sure.

[A]

I'm sorry about this.

[B]

Ah, don't apologize, Jade. You did good. Now we finally have something to go on. This company, Blaine and Industrial, I think it might be a good idea to look a little deeper into their whole situation, don't you?

[A]

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[B]

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[A]

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[B]

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[A]

Are you sure, Rust? Maybe you should check that scan code again. I mean, a fancy looking clinic like this, it's not where I'd be expecting our old friend Crow to hang out.

[B]

Well, either way, this is the one. I'm guessing there's a screw up with the name on this package. The intended recipient is probably someone else, but now that we're here, we might as well follow through. Come on, let's go check it out.

[A]

Well, would you look at that. See there? The name of this place is CCS Crotech Care Services. Maybe this place does have something to do with Crow after all.

[B]

I guess we're about to find out.

[A]

The front desk is empty. Is the receptionist on a lunch break or something?

[B]

Hello?

[A]

Anyone there? Ah, there we go. Someone's coming from the back.

[B]

Sorry about that. The damn entry chime is on the blink again. Good afternoon and welcome to Crotech Care Services. My name is. Holy crap. Are you shitting me? Crow? It is you. Rust. Sienna. Where the hell did you two come from?

[A]

Oh, we got sick of sipping Proto juice in our penthouse over in Pinnacle Towers and figured we'd take a walk around the neighborhood, drop in on a few of our neighbors, shoot the breeze.

[B]

You two rocking the glitter strip in those outfits? Like hell. What's wrong with these outfits? Oh, nothing in particular. They're just very midtown, if you know what I mean.

[A]

Okay, you got us. We're just visiting Highgate City. Came to deliver a package, in fact. Rust, would you like to do the honors?

[B]

What have you got there?

[A]

Oh.

[B]

Oh. What the hell? Did you fish this thing out of the sewer or something? We found it outside your old workshop in Midtown. Looked like it had been there a while. Oh, that old place? I haven't been down there in forever. We had a peek in the window. Seemed like all your old gear was still inside. Yeah, I tried to sell the place years ago, but couldn't get any buyers. So it's kind of just sitting the way I left it. Frozen in time, I guess you'd say. Anyway, come in, come in. Take a seat over there. Make yourselves comfortable. What have you guys been up to? I haven't seen either of you in go. Must be like 10 years. At least. Nothing much has changed in our part of the world, Crow. Same old, same old, right? C?

[A]

Oh, we haven't done anything except Rust got locked up in Black Hole. We saved the entire strata from a horde of techno zombies, and Rust got blown up in the process. And I drove him halfway across the Deadlands to get a new body.

[B]

You did what? Like I said, same old, same old. What about you, Crow? It's a nice place you landed in here. What's the story? Are you a techie or something? Oh, this place, I own it. I run the operation here all by myself. You run a bio clinic? Oh, I told you all those years ago I was moving away from Legacy tech. Right. That's why you stopped coming around. No more steel, no shitty mechanical mods breaking down all the time. Yeah, but I never figured you'd go and set up shop in Highgate City. This is where the customers are, Rust. It's where the creds are, too. This whole biological augmentation thing, well, these rich bastards can't get enough of it. And they're willing to pay for it big time.

[A]

How come we can't find you listed under your ID records? When I searched the grid, it looked like you just disappeared after you left Midtown.

[B]

Oh, yeah, that. I had to do some fancy footwork when I started doing business here. These Highgate City folk, they only deal with technicians who have impeccable records. The mere fact that I even lived in Midtown was basically a black mark against my name, so I had to cover my tracks. These days, they all think I was born and raised here. They think I'm one of them. What do they think about all that steel you're packing into your shirt? What steel? Come on, don't play dumb. By the end, you had almost as much steel in your body as I did. All those upgrades you made, right? Both arms, both legs. And a bunch of other places too. Oh, that. Yeah, that's gone long ago. You. You got rid of your steel. Yeah. Look here. See? Not a speck of steel anywhere.

[A]

Yep, those arms and legs look like flesh and blood to me.

[B]

Don't look surprised, Rust. This Highgate City crowd, they don't really go for the whole steel vibe, you know? I mean, they kind of look at you like you're a second class citizen if you even dare to flash even a hint of metal in these parts. Really? I never noticed. Anyway, once I got my head around the whole biological augmentation thing, it wasn't too hard to apply the knowledge to my own situation. I did the replacement therapy myself and got rid of all the steel. And to be honest, it was the best thing I ever did. It's given me a new lease on life, Rusty. I started working out again, eating right. Wasn't long before I met a beautiful girl here in Highgate City. We have two kids now. Can you believe that? You don't say? Yeah. Crazy, isn't it? Hey, if you ever are in the market for that kind of thing, just let me know. I could give you some really decent rates on a full overhaul. 100% biological replacement therapy. For old times sake. Of course.

[A]

Rust, with a body that's completely flesh and blood, that whole concept just sounds weird.

[B]

Yeah, we're. We're getting a little sidetracked here, Crow. There was a reason we came to see you, and it's got nothing to do with that package we dropped off. Oh, really? What's going on? We need some information. Now, for various reasons, we have to be discreet about this, so we can't give you much detail, but here, take a look at this. Tell me what you think. Top of some girl's head, huh? Well, the skull looks a little narrow. I guess as far as fashion goes here in Highgate City, I have a great skull stretching procedure that could do wonders here. And it's almost pain free. Get this head looking primo in no time. There's a special I'm running. No, Crow, she doesn't need a skull stretch. Look closer. What do you. Oh, wait, I see it. A good old fashioned cranial insertion device. But what about it?

[A]

Do you know anyone who might still be installing these neuroshards?

[B]

Not these days. No way. We need to know who did this. Do you recognize the handiwork? Can't say I do. What's this all about, anyway? These things are ancient history. Not this one. It's fresh. This snap was taken just a few hours ago. Are you serious? The CIDs have been outlawed for years. To think that someone out there might still be using them. Shit. And as for who did it, well, it's not me, if that's what you came here to ask. I haven't touched these things in 20 years. And I don't know anyone else who has either. Not in these parts.

[A]

Is there anything you can tell us about the make and model? Any clues as to where it might have come from?

[B]

I'll tell you this. You see here, judging by the way the scar tissue has healed around the extremities, I'd say this is a relatively recent job. Six to nine months, maybe. Are you sure this image hasn't been doctored or something? We took it ourselves. Saw the gizmo with our own eyes. It's real. If you want, I could ask around about it. No. We need complete discretion on this, Crow. You hear me? Don't mention it to anyone. You two got yourselves in some trouble here. Not us. It's for someone we know. They've asked that we keep it on the down low. You know me, Rust. I can keep my mouth shut when I need to.

[A]

We'd appreciate that, Rust. We might want to get moving soon.

[B]

What's up? You get a message from someone?

[A]

No, no, nothing major. It looks like we're not going to get any further here. That's all right.

[B]

Well, thanks for having us, crowd. It's nice to see you've done so well for yourself. Hey, one more thing before you go. It's probably nothing, but I just remembered a conversation from a few years back at a meet and greet here in Highgate City. It was all kind of boring, if I'm being honest. Just a bunch of biotech snobs who were there to network. Bragging about their cred balances, you know? Anyway, on the last night, these stiffs were getting smashed on free cocktails, which I found pretty damn amusing, by the way. Where's this going? Crow? Right. Sorry. Well, there was this one guy from across town who started boasting about some unconventional surgeries he'd been performing of late. Said he'd fleeced a few people from Dockerton out of their life savings by overcharging for the procedure. He thought the whole situation was hilarious. Did he mention neuroshards? Well, not specifically, but when I asked him for details, he tapped the crown of his head. You know, the place where a shard is inserted. He seemed proud of what he'd done. Started romanticizing about the old way of doing things or some shit. Said he was the only one keeping the tradition alive. I figured he was drunk or trying to pull my chain, but maybe he wasn't. What was the guy's name?

[A]

Uh.

[B]

Ch. Ch. Ch. It was Stiller. I've got his details around here somewhere. Give me your number and I'll send you everything I've got. Thanks. We'll look into it. Appreciate it. Crow. Later. All right, take care, guys. Feel free to drop in anytime. What do you think? Is it worth chasing up on this stealer guy, or is this just becoming a big waste of time?

[A]

It might be worth it. Sure, sure. But we've got something else to worry about now.

[B]

What is it? Does this have something to do with that alert on your phone?

[A]

You got it. Remember those probes I set up looking for any surveillance hits on the guy who came after you and Davina Dreyfus?

[B]

What about him?

[A]

Well, guess what? I just got a hit. Right now. The guy is less than a block from where we're standing, right here in Highgate City.

[B]

Do you think he's looking for me?

[A]

I was wondering the same thing. If you're up for a slight detour, why don't we go and find out?

[B]

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.

[A]

Marshall, Trent Trachtenberg, Michelle Mosley, Paul Warren.

[B]

Jenna Sharp, Chloe Elmore, Rebecca Tamman, Marta Da Silva, Sarah Safarian, Larry o', Blander, Thomas Barker, Marlon Dance, Huey Liz Mori, Kyle Kaczmarczyk, Nicholas Ewan, Brad Gilliam and Alexander Hakim Stravinsky. Created by Mark R. Healy A Beyond the Dark production.

[A]

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