Episode 14.3 - The Outer Rim - Part 3

0:00This has never happened before. Five players, 26 cases each, one million dollars on the line for every player. On September 25th, Yamavarizort and Casino at Sandman Well makes history with Deal or No Deal Live hosted by me, Howie Mandel. Plain September for your chance to take the stage at Yamavar Theatre and answer the ultimate question. Deal or No Deal? Details at Yamavar.com must be 21. Please gamble responsibly. I've been having a hard time trying to explain what Midnight Burger is. How about I let them give it a shot? Your podcast is amazing. Such an amazing show altogether. There is a fact of Lee Ruin, all other audio dramas for me. You can't get people to understand the human being that happens in the stand show. Keep doing what you're doing because it's awesome. You might not think it, but you are far more important than you realize. Thank you. At the nexus of all things, there is a diner. Look for Midnight Burger on your favorite podcasting app. Or just go to weopenet6.com.

1:02I'm Alan, and I'm Sean, and together we host the Prancing Pony podcast. Every week I explore Middle-Earth with Sean or with other co-hosts lately, with in-depth analysis and plenty of nerd humor. From the Hobbit to The Lord of the Rings and more, it's a great way for first-timers to experience JRR Tolkien's captivating world. And for long time fans, it's a deep dive into their favorite stories. So if you're ready to take the next step into the most beloved world in fantasy literature and become a part of a vibrant active community of listeners, then look for the Prancing Pony podcast wherever you listen. You're listening to The Strata, a Beyond the Dark production. Season 14, The Atta Rim. So who is she, Tannik?

2:15This Maria Argento. Where'd you know her from? That's a long story. Maybe don't have time for it right now. Hey, it looks like those men just noticed us, so I guess we should go inside. What do you say? Is everything all right? You look a little troubled. I'm fine. It's nothing I can't handle. Come on, let's go. Oi, here they are. I told you they wouldn't be far away. Oh, yes. Here they are indeed. Hello again, Tannik. Good to see you. And you must be Renecia. I don't think I've had the pleasure. Maria Argento. I've been sent here to help facilitate the success of your mission. So you work for Millicon, I take it. No, she doesn't. She works for the shipping company, Strickland Corporation. Actually, that's not the case anymore, Tannik.

3:16I've heard somewhat of a, well, a career change as it turns out. I guess you haven't been keeping up with current events. Actually, I did hear something before they put me in cryo. There was some kind of scandal, wasn't there? Scandal is a strong word. I'd call it more of a misunderstanding. In any case, Strickland decided to shut down my operation and send me packing. They cut me loose, if you can believe that. After all that I've done for them. Not to worry, there are always new opportunities for someone with my skillset. So who are you working for then? Your friend, Renecia, was right. I've agreed to work as a contractor for Millicon, helping with the colonistic expansion. To be fair, this is a much better fit for me anyway. Out here on the bleeding edge. This is where I'm meant to be. Not stuck back there in that swamp they call the strata. I'm sorry, I'm not quite up to speed here. What is your role in this mission, Maria?

4:17Are you tactical support? Intel? I think asset management would be a better description, actually. I'm here to help Tannix with his bio-mod situation. Wait, is that why you came to give me more of the serum? That's good news, actually, because I'm kind of running low. Yeah, we only have a couple of days to apply left. That's a relief. Hang on, people. Slow down. Don't get hitty-as-else. I'm sorry to say, but there's no more serum coming your way, Tannix. Not in the foreseeable future. What? Why not? Is this some kind of punishment or an incentive? What kind of horrible person do you take me for? As if I would do that just for the sake of being cruel. So why won't you give me more? You're the one who created it in the first place, so you must have some, and you know that without it, I'm as good as dead. You listening. Strickland shut down my labs. Remember? Destroyed all my work. How am I supposed to hand over more serum without access to my facilities?

5:20So you can't make more? Is that what you came here to tell me? Heh. It catches on quick this one. We noticed that about him from the start. Bo's come on. This isn't the time to joke around. The success of the mission is at stake. Yeah, the mission. We wouldn't want to jeopardize that, would we? Meanwhile, I'm totally screwed. If I don't get that serum... Calm down. You're fine now that I'm here. With the two of us reunited, we can start all over again, generate a new batch of serum from scratch. Oh, being well, it'll be ready for production in a few short months. Months? What could it be that can do me? My body is going to tear itself apart long before then. No, it won't. Because once you've completed your mission here on New Mercury, I'm going to put you back into deep cryo-sleep. That'll be enough to stop the degradation of your cells in its tracks. Is that why you had in frozen solid like a popsicle for the ride out here? To stop its cells from degrading or whatever it is?

6:22That's right. The unique combination of biomods we've installed in Tanix's body can cause a certain amount of instability, I suppose is the word. The serum is designed to restore stability. But without that, deep cryo is the only option. It stops all activity at cellular level in its tracks. And your plan is to put him under again. For months? Are you sure you want to do that? He almost died last time. Yeah, it took us hours to bring him out of cryo. For a while there, it looked like he might not come out at all. I'm not setting foot inside of one of those freezers from hell ever again. What do you mean freezer from hell? Cryotank technology is tried and tested is perfectly safe. No, that's not true. I had nightmares while I was under. The whole time. I couldn't escape them. It was like being in some kind of, well like I said, a living hell.

7:25That's not possible. Deep cryo shuts down almost all brain activity. No one has dreams or nightmares down their Tanix. But I'm not like other people. Am I Argento? Not after what you did to me. Look, you don't need to worry. I'm here now and I can look after you. I'll be only too happy to monitor your condition and make sure things run smoothly. Like I said, once the mission is over, we'll sort everything out. I only have enough serum for two days, remember? What happens if I don't complete the mission by then? You're complete the mission, Tanix. You're a rock star. My pride and joy. I believe in you. A rock star? This guy? Are we talking about the same person? He's already demonstrated he's stronger and more resilient than the average Millican grant. His ability to absorb and adjust to even the strongest of biomotters. Quite incredible, actually. He can take punishment that would kill most other candidates.

8:26What's the reason for that? It's not totally clear, but I believe it has something to do with the, uh, the lifestyle he enjoyed previously. Because he was an addict, you mean? Are you saying that all that constant abuse built up some kind of tolerance? Wait, wait, wait. This guy's an addict. How the hell did a piece of crap like this get clearance for a class one prior a mission? I'm standing right here. You realize that, right? I can hear everything you're saying. He's the best man for the job. That's how. Better than your average Millican grant. That's for sure. Oh, I'll hardly doubt that. This guy couldn't order candidates even the most average soldier that I've stood alongside. Oh. You'd be surprised. Just last week I had yet another one of those soldiers sent to me for treatment. It didn't go well, I'm sorry to say. Couldn't handle the news batch of biomods, so... Wait, last week. You're not talking about... Oh, my mistake.

9:29I should have realized you'd figure out who I was talking about. Wait a second. You are talking about Harry, aren't you? You're the technician there, so... No offense, of course, Renisha. What happened, your partner was unfortunate and unavoidable as it turned out. There was nothing anyone could do. No one's told me anything about what happened. Can you explain? It's best if we don't go into that. All I'll say is that it was a regrettable situation for everyone. Regrettable? Is that how you've described it? Because I have a few other words I'd like to use. Hey, well, well, hey, hey, hey. Calm down, Renisha. Just step back, okay? You don't want to do anything, you'll regret. You're sure about that? Maybe I do, Bose. I don't clench your fist if I were you. Strike me and you'll regret it.

10:37Don't worry, you're not the first person who's ever wanted to punch our gentle on the face. She has this effect on people. Go on, step outside. Take five. Just cool off. I'll call you back if we need you. Sure. You're all step outside. But she better be gone when I get back. Not my biggest fan, it seems. I can't really blame her. I'm not exactly following what happened. What were you two talking about? Don't worry about it, Tannix. It's not important. What is important, though, is getting to work on this new batch of serum. If you'd like to follow me this way, we can get started. Mr. Bose, if you wouldn't mind waiting here, this won't take long. Go for it. I'll be here if you need me. Where are we going? My call vet is Doc's just behind those doors. It's a custom built vessel I was given along with my new row. Come on, you'll like it.

11:49So, Millicon pulled out all the stops for you, huh? Give your own ship and everything. Millicon understands my potential. Just like I understand yours. This call vet has been fitted out with everything I need to continue my biomoder research. DNA samples, cell reconstruction units, even a regen tank. See, just over there. This place is now my own mobile laboratory. Is that why you brought me in here? For a gated tour to show off your new toys? No. I brought you here because I need some of your blood. You and everyone else it seems. Popular, aren't you? See? I always told you you're special. Here, take a seat in this chair. I'll get things started. So, why do you need my blood? What are you going to do with it? Like I said, all my resources were either destroyed or confiscated by Strickland when I parted ways with them. They left me with nothing, which is why I'm starting from scratch.

12:50Once I have your blood, I'll begin the process of isolating and profiling the foreign tissue in your body. By foreign tissue, you mean the illegal mods you pumped into my system, right? You keep glaring at me like I'm your worst enemy, Tannix. But you've got it all wrong. In reality, I'm your best friend. Once I've got things up and running in this lab, I'll be able to map out the DNA structures in your body and begin the process of compiling new batches of serum. You know, the stuff that keeps you alive. What do you want from your tento? Gratitude, is that it? Look around you, Tannix. Look at this place. You're in the outer rim on the adventure of a lifetime. If it weren't for me, do you know where you'd be? Dead, most likely. In a gutter somewhere in Dockerton. Right at this moment, that doesn't seem like such a bad alternative. I know you don't mean that.

13:50You can pretend to hate me all you want, but the truth is, I made you into something special. Without me, you'd have suffered a meaningless death due to your addiction. Just another pathetic junkie you've fell by the wayside as statistic. Out here, you have a chance to really make something of yourself. I never asked for this. I never wanted it. The only thing you wanted when I met you was another hit of trink, my friend. And now look at me. Guess I just swapped one form of poison for another, didn't I? Give it time. You'll come round. You'll understand. Eh, we're done. I'll get to work on this right away. Now, I imagine the Terrans would be getting back to you sometime tomorrow. If I were you, I'd spend the night getting some rest. Make sure you're fresh and ready to go when the action starts.

14:54Good luck, Tannics. I know you won't let me down. Yamabah Resort and Casino at San Manuel is bringing the biggest laughs to the stage. Break Taboos with Ali Wong on August 28th and 29th. Enjoy Ralph Barbosa's Dry Humor on September 18th and 19th. And don't miss Nikki Glacier's unapologetic comedy November 19th. Tickets on sale now at Yamabah Theatre dot com. Only at Yamabah Resort and Casino celebrating its 40th anniversary. You in must be 21 to enter. Ranisha, you're awake. I wasn't sure if you might still be sleeping. Of course I'm awake. You, on the other hand, all you seem to do is sleep. Believe it or not, that's the first decent rest I've had in a long time.

15:58Glad to hear it. We've got a big day ahead of us. No doubt, so you're going to need your strength. What are you doing over here? What are you looking at? I got up early so I could watch the sunrise over Prime Blue. The observation window in these quarters is in the perfect position to catch it. See? Yeah, looks nice, I guess. Really? It's all you can say. Looks nice. Think about it. There's an entire world down there that's practically untouched. What is that got to do with us? Our mission's here on New Merck, not down there. You're missing the bigger picture. Use your imagination for a second and tell me what you see. It looks beautiful, sure, but I don't exactly know what you're asking me.

17:00Imagine the possibilities, Tannix. In 20 or 30 years, the air down there is going to be breathable. That's going to open up an entire new world to explore. The people who one day call Prime Blue Home, they're going to find wonders that are beyond belief. What kind of wonders are you talking about? I heard there are cave systems that stretch for hundreds of clicks in the southern hemisphere. And in one of the oceans, there's a string of islands that have huge crystal structures growing out of them. Once the atmosphere clears up, the sun sets there will be mind-blowing. Unless the terraforming process destroys the crystals in the meantime. Why would it? You said yourself that the planet is undergoing all sorts of changes. The air, the soil, the water, maybe some of those things that are unique to this planet are being destroyed at the same time. You're starting to sound like a Terran. Are you on their side now?

18:01No, I'm not. It's just the first thing that occurred to me. That's all. Right. Of course. The first thing that occurs to you always seems to be a negative. Why do you have to be like that all the time? I'm sorry, I don't mean to be. It's just... Well, I guess that's the difference between you and me, Nisha. You look out at the stars and see adventure, opportunity, but me, I only see coldness. A universe that's bleak and indifferent to the plight of the creatures who inhabited. Maybe you just see what you want to see, Tannics. I'm sure that if I'd been given the same opportunities as you, I'd see things differently. I'm not going to start this shit again. I'm done. I'm going to my room so that I can review the mission parameters again. But before I do, you should know that we've got a message from Declan over comms during the night. The Terran guy? What did he have to say? Well, it seems that whatever the Terran's were looking for in your blood, they found

19:04it. They want to meet again. Okay, so that's good news, right? That's what we want it. Yes. It seems likely that Declan is going to take us to his base. So, it's really happening. We're taking the mission to the next level. Get ahead of yourself. There's still a thousand ways you could screw this up before we reach the objective. A thousand ways I could screw this up? What's that supposed to mean? You know exactly what I mean. Command should never have given you this assignment to begin with. I don't even disagree with that, but we both know I had no choice. So why are you taking it out on me? Because you... Because you survived. And he didn't. It isn't fair. He was so much more than... Who are you talking about? Who didn't survive? You mean this hairy guy you mentioned to our gentle?

20:06Who was he? Just forget about it, Tanex. You wouldn't understand. You clearly never cared about anyone or anything in your entire life. I do care about someone. They're just a long, long way from here. Hey, bartender! Can I get another one, please? Thanks, appreciate it.

21:10Well hey, Verrstranger. It's a nice guy like you doing a place like this. Ehmena! Hey, where'd you come from? Do you know? I'm a regular here at the pump house. You can catch me here almost every night, getting drunk with the rest of these loud obnoxious bowzos. Like hell, I don't believe that for a second. You always hated this place. Okay, you got me there. I don't usually stop by, but tonight... Ugh... well, I just felt like doing something different. What about you? I don't come here much either, to be honest. In fact, I was starting to regret the decision until you came along. Here, take a seat. What do you have in it? Thanks. I'll have one of the same. So... what have you been up to, Panex? It seems like age has since I've last seen you. I've just worked in for the most part. Nothing too exciting. What about you?

22:10Same. Just trying my best to make ends meet. Um... how's Angelina? Fine, I guess. She's hanging out with a different crowd these days, and they... well, I guess they don't like me much. Oh? They don't like you? Wow. How is that even possible? Thanks. I know. Impossible as it seems, they just don't. Who would have thought? So what's their problem? Don't know, don't care. If you ask me, they'll take themselves too seriously anyway. Suit only to Lexules who think they know everything. But just snobs. You know the kind, right? Ugh, I hate people like that. Sounds like you're better off without them. That's what I figured. That's weird, though. Doesn't sound much like Angelina, I know. Though I can't say I've caught up with her lately. I don't know. Maybe it's just a phase. Either way, there's not much I can do about it, so why worry? Well, she is family, after all.

23:15I hope you two can work something out. We will. Don't worry. It'll all be fine. But enough about me. What about you? Our James and Zoe. They doing okay? They're okay. James is, uh, exploring some new opportunities he seems excited about. He won't tell me what it is, exactly, but... Oh, I just hope he doesn't go off and do something stupid. Your brother is a knack of getting into mischief, Emina. You know that as well as I do. But he always seems to come out unscathed. He's lucky like that. What about Zoe? She's working on a repair shop over near Jacktown. They do maintenance on those automated cargo rigs. You know, the ones that are all over the road see-throughs. Oh, I hate those things. Tell me about it. I almost got run over by one last week on Flagstreet. I don't stop for anyone or anything. The whole damn city's becoming automated. It sucks. Whatever happened to the human element? That is long gone. I doubt there's a single human career left these days.

24:16I sure haven't seen any. Let's face it, you'd have to be a bit of a nut job to try taking on those big corporations and their robofleets. There's no way for the little guys to compete anymore. But without big corporations like that, Zoe wouldn't have a job repairing the rigs. So... You climb on board the freight train or get left behind. That's what it comes down to. Yep, that seems to be how it is, unfortunately. I don't suppose Zoe needs any help over there, does she? At this repair shop? Why do you ask? Aren't you happy with Mr. Adamson anymore? Well, I was happy with him, but he had to shut his operation down a few weeks ago. The whole company's gone. It's over. Oh no, that's awful. Are you serious? I thought Mr. Adamson would be around forever. Honestly, it was only a matter of time. Just like the cargo rigs, automation has taken over everything. It was good while it lasted, but... So... What are you doing for work now?

25:17Nothing. I can't find anyone who will give me a shot. That's why I was asking about Zoe. Damn. I'm really sorry to hear that, Tannix. I'll ask her. Okay? Maybe something will come up. Yeah. Tell her I'm handy with a plaz cutter. No one better in the whole of Dockerton. Oh really? You're the best in the whole damn town, huh? Can you prove that? Just give me a cutter and watch me go to work. You'll see. Just leave it to me. I'll put in a good word for you. Is that why you're here tonight? To let off a little steam? You could always see right through me, him and I, even when we were kids. I bet this all seems pretty pathetic, huh? Me here drowning my sorrows like some washed up loser. No. Actually, believe it or not, we're both here to drown our sorrows tonight. You too. Why? What's going on?

26:17Gosh, I shouldn't be drowning my sorrows. In fact, I should be thankful because, well, I finally managed to get a new job. I'm working in the underground of all places. The underground? Wow. That's a tough gig. Yeah. That's a problem. I think I'm in over my head. It's not working out at all. So far, it's been nightmare. I'm not coping at all. A buddy of mine worked there for a while. Said he couldn't wait to get out. What's it really like? Well, put it this way. It's noisy, it stinks, and I spend the whole day waiting knee-deep in filth. After the equipment doesn't work, and the stuff that does work is old, and no one knows how to operate it. And today I was trying to lock one of the pipes into place, and I dropped it. I felt flat on my ass. Everybody was laughing at me.

27:19Nah, don't sweat it. It's a new job. There's always an adjustment period. I don't know about that. The underground is just a really bad fit for me. The only reason I give it a shot is because I'm out of options. For the past two years, I've gone from one job to the next and haven't been able to stick to anything. You'll make it work, Emena. I'm how you'll find a way. I wish I could believe that. Those guys down there in the underground. I think they might be right about me. I'm not strong enough to handle it. I'm just gonna fail again. Are you kidding? You're the strongest person I know. How many times do we get ourselves in a trouble as kids? And every time you were the one who kept a level head, Me and Angelina would have been screwed without you. I think you're exaggerating a little, there are tenix. Who wasn't like that? Well, that's how I remember it. I'd say your memory is a little fuzzy there, mister.

28:20How many drinks have you had exactly? Me? I'm just getting started here. Hey, another round, please. We've got two very thirsty people here. Oh, great. You're gonna drag me down with you, huh? It's more fun than drinking alone. It's weird, isn't it? Please never turn out the way you expect. I remember thinking by this age, you'd be settled down with a couple of kids, a house somewhere. Me? With a family? That's the last thing on my mind right now. How could I possibly manage a kid with my life in such a mess? And now with this whole thing in the underground? Mm-mm. There's no way I can make that work. So what do you want to do with your life? If you're not about to settle down. Travel. No way, it's the one with the restless spirit. She talks about traveling all the time. But me? I don't know. Can't say for sure.

29:20There must be something you've dreamed of doing. Right now, I'm not sure I have the luxury of dreams. I'm just trying to get by day to day. Tomorrow is... Well, tomorrow scares me. Everything's gonna work out. Just wait and see. I believe in you. Yeah, well, I knew there had to be one person out there who did. No, I mean it. You're gonna be fine, Emina. Thank you, Tannix. I appreciate that. And I'm sure you'll be fine too. You always land on your feet. Land on my feet? A couple more of these dreams, and I won't even be able to stand up straight. Here, bottoms up. Bottoms up. Hey, Tannix. What's changed the topic? Who cares what tomorrow's gonna bring? Let's just enjoy the moment.

30:21Now you're talking. My thoughts exactly. Here's to you and me, Emina. Tonight, we don't have to worry about a thing. 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 Strater Luna, head over to patreon.com slash beyond the dark. Your support means I can keep bringing you more seasons of The Strater. Season 14, The Outer Rim.

31:24Starring Alaina Man, Sally Walker Taylor, Lario Blender, Karin Krumpfli, Rebecca Tamman, Alissa Matea, Brian Jeffords, and Arona Campbell. Special thanks to my production assistant, Nick Healey. Created by Mark Ahielly, I'll be on the dark production. Yamabah Resort and Casino, it's San Manuel is bringing the biggest laughs to the stage.

32:29Break Taboos with Ali Wong on August 28th and 29th. Enjoy Ralph Barbosa's Dry Humor on September 18th and 19th. And don't miss Nicky Glazers on Apologetic Comedy November 19th. Tickets on sale now at Yamabah Theatre dot com. Only at Yamabah Resort and Casino, celebrating its 40th anniversary. You in must be 21 to enter.