The Cost | 4.7

[00:00:00] Escaping Denver, Batch 4, Episode 7, The Cost

[00:00:28] I guess I've been so preoccupied with Noah and Sarah reuniting that I've neglected to address some pretty big developments in our story.

[00:00:36] Tunnel Tarzan? Dead. Harper? Dead. And I mean, I should be happy.

[00:00:41] That crazy clone was after me, and I've had to try to cover my tracks as best I could, and yes, I know I was on a train. Not the smartest.

[00:00:49] I mean, just think of the trains and all the cameras at every station, just littered with eyes.

[00:00:55] And while I'm not so deluded into thinking that the government, in all of its infinite resources, is hunting for me.

[00:01:00] I mean, I'm not even on their radar.

[00:01:03] What I am saying is that the collective, in all of its infinite resources, is hunting me, looking for me.

[00:01:08] And if I was looking for someone who's riding on trains, I'd start with the cameras at the stations.

[00:01:12] I'm not even that smart, and I'd start there.

[00:01:15] What was I thinking?

[00:01:18] Or, maybe this was all part of the plan.

[00:01:21] Ever think about that?

[00:01:22] Of course you didn't, because...

[00:01:26] Look, I'm tired.

[00:01:27] And I need to know I'm running for a good reason.

[00:01:31] Beyond for my life, which I acknowledge is already a pretty good reason.

[00:01:35] You know what I mean?

[00:01:37] Purpose. Answers.

[00:01:39] And we're about to get some.

[00:01:41] So sit down, brace yourself, or whatever, because things are gonna get weird.

[00:01:45] Sure.

[00:01:46] Can you... can you walk quieter?

[00:01:50] Honestly, no.

[00:01:51] Then stay put. I'll look for him.

[00:01:54] Don't just leave me here.

[00:01:56] Archivist!

[00:01:56] Shh!

[00:01:57] He let us in.

[00:01:59] Presumably he's home.

[00:02:00] You idiot.

[00:02:01] Archivist!

[00:02:02] Over here.

[00:02:05] You were saying?

[00:02:07] Idiot.

[00:02:07] I was calling you an idiot.

[00:02:09] But now?

[00:02:10] A lucky one.

[00:02:11] Let's move.

[00:02:13] Hey, slow down.

[00:02:14] Take in what we're seeing.

[00:02:15] Mm-hmm. I see a lot of wooden boxes.

[00:02:17] History.

[00:02:19] Myth.

[00:02:20] Legends.

[00:02:21] Look at the boat.

[00:02:22] It's a ship in a cave.

[00:02:24] You win.

[00:02:24] That's weird.

[00:02:25] It's a ghost ship.

[00:02:27] Or that.

[00:02:27] It's a coffin.

[00:02:29] Sarcophagus.

[00:02:30] So?

[00:02:31] So?

[00:02:31] There could be a mummy in there.

[00:02:33] And?

[00:02:34] And it could be cool.

[00:02:36] I don't know.

[00:02:38] This is the cool part, though.

[00:02:40] The part that doesn't suck, where nobody's hunting us.

[00:02:43] Well, they're still hunting us.

[00:02:45] Not in here.

[00:02:46] You think we're on a timeout?

[00:02:48] Yes.

[00:02:49] Even in here, we're being hunted.

[00:02:51] We need to get what we came for and get out.

[00:02:53] But we can get answers.

[00:02:54] And we will.

[00:02:55] But quickly and efficiently.

[00:02:57] No detours to open up a sarcophagus and unleashing a curse.

[00:03:00] So you do know the difference between a coffin and a sarcophagus?

[00:03:03] Of course I do.

[00:03:04] I've seen the mummy.

[00:03:05] But we're on a mission.

[00:03:07] To get my clothes back?

[00:03:08] To get your weapon back.

[00:03:09] And whatever else this archivist can help us with.

[00:03:13] Vague mission.

[00:03:14] Come on.

[00:03:15] Wait.

[00:03:17] You hear that?

[00:03:19] Sounds like an arcade.

[00:03:21] Sounds like fun.

[00:03:22] Damn it, Noah.

[00:03:24] I'm not running.

[00:03:26] Go ahead and get yourself lost, but I'm certainly not running for fun.

[00:03:30] Noah?

[00:03:31] I look down for one second and lose the idiot.

[00:03:34] Noah!

[00:03:36] It's just row after endless row.

[00:03:38] Noah!

[00:03:39] Over here.

[00:03:40] There you are.

[00:03:41] Noah.

[00:03:42] I've been here all along.

[00:03:43] I meant Noah.

[00:03:44] That's me?

[00:03:45] I deduced as much.

[00:03:48] I got next.

[00:03:49] You most certainly do not.

[00:03:52] Why are you both here?

[00:03:53] We need your help.

[00:03:54] You two have caused enough chaos in my life.

[00:03:57] And I respectfully decline.

[00:04:00] But you've already helped us.

[00:04:01] Why stop now?

[00:04:02] Because I didn't realize you were actually getting messages to the outside world.

[00:04:06] Nor that the stranger was throwing them online for everyone to see.

[00:04:10] Did he now?

[00:04:11] He did.

[00:04:13] Now the collective is well aware I've helped you.

[00:04:16] And I'm on the run.

[00:04:17] This is on the run?

[00:04:18] Hiding in plain sight.

[00:04:20] They'd never look for me here.

[00:04:21] We did.

[00:04:22] Fair point.

[00:04:26] Can I have next?

[00:04:27] Fine.

[00:04:29] You.

[00:04:29] What is it you need?

[00:04:31] I have a name.

[00:04:32] It's Sarah.

[00:04:33] Well, Sarah.

[00:04:35] What is it you need?

[00:04:37] Quarter?

[00:04:37] You need a quarter?

[00:04:39] No.

[00:04:40] We need help.

[00:04:41] I need the quarter.

[00:04:44] But I have next.

[00:04:46] What kind of help?

[00:04:47] You gave Noah weapons that have worked.

[00:04:49] So, maybe something like that?

[00:04:51] I was able to arm Noah with the right weapon.

[00:04:54] Because I knew what he was up against.

[00:04:56] Now that you've passed their famed puncher,

[00:04:58] you're going to have to up the ante.

[00:05:00] I have no idea what to give you for what you're up against next.

[00:05:03] Which is?

[00:05:05] The unknown.

[00:05:08] Whoa!

[00:05:09] How did you do that?

[00:05:10] I don't know.

[00:05:11] Intuition?

[00:05:12] Hang on.

[00:05:13] What do you mean the unknown?

[00:05:15] You know everything.

[00:05:16] Flattered, but no.

[00:05:18] I know plenty, but not everything.

[00:05:21] I didn't know there was a switch there.

[00:05:23] You have to jump for it.

[00:05:24] So you really can't tell us what we're up against?

[00:05:27] No.

[00:05:28] Let's go, Noah.

[00:05:30] But I can tell you about where you need to go.

[00:05:35] Does he always have to record?

[00:05:37] Have you learned nothing?

[00:05:39] He sort of does.

[00:05:41] And almost certainly not.

[00:05:43] At this point, it's almost about being a completionist.

[00:05:45] As a collector of sorts, I can appreciate that sentiment.

[00:05:50] Don't encourage him.

[00:05:52] He's the only reason you have my attention.

[00:05:55] You were serious about the game thing?

[00:05:56] I don't really joke.

[00:05:59] Seems like a serious guy.

[00:06:01] Exactly.

[00:06:02] Thank you, Noah.

[00:06:03] Okay, fine.

[00:06:03] So Noah teaches you how to play the game.

[00:06:06] How to beat the game.

[00:06:07] Same thing.

[00:06:09] Whoa, not the same thing.

[00:06:10] I haven't even beat it.

[00:06:12] You made it further than me on a single quarter.

[00:06:14] That's because you didn't make it very far, dude.

[00:06:17] Sorry.

[00:06:19] Too honest?

[00:06:20] What Noah meant...

[00:06:21] Is what he said.

[00:06:22] Which is fine.

[00:06:24] And accurate.

[00:06:26] And a little hurtful.

[00:06:27] I've been trying for a couple days now.

[00:06:29] Don't take it personally.

[00:06:30] I'm sure Noah got his skills through a misspent youth.

[00:06:33] Would you call summers at the arcade misspent?

[00:06:36] Yes.

[00:06:37] Well, then...

[00:06:38] Yeah.

[00:06:39] Misspent youth.

[00:06:41] It's not the game mechanics.

[00:06:42] I have the coordination of a fighter jet pilot.

[00:06:45] It's the logic.

[00:06:46] I don't know if I can teach logic.

[00:06:48] But you'll somehow persevere.

[00:06:50] Agreed.

[00:06:51] Shake on it?

[00:06:52] How primitive and binding.

[00:06:53] Ah.

[00:06:54] Now I have to.

[00:06:56] You always had to.

[00:06:57] It's our only bartering chip.

[00:06:58] I don't think I can teach what I do.

[00:07:00] It's instinct.

[00:07:02] Come on.

[00:07:03] I don't know what to call it.

[00:07:04] But it eludes me.

[00:07:05] And I would like to know how to beat it.

[00:07:07] So much so that you're willing to help us?

[00:07:09] If that's the cost.

[00:07:11] Yes.

[00:07:11] Perfect.

[00:07:12] First off, do you have any more magnet than...

[00:07:14] How did you know what to do?

[00:07:16] I asked you a question.

[00:07:17] And I bypassed you to get my answer first.

[00:07:21] How?

[00:07:22] You've never played this game.

[00:07:23] It hasn't been used since the 80s where it proved a failure.

[00:07:27] Lost money?

[00:07:28] No.

[00:07:29] Just didn't get the desired recruitment results.

[00:07:32] So how did you know?

[00:07:33] Recruitment results?

[00:07:34] I guess I just knew it was a test.

[00:07:36] And when you know it's a test, you know there's a right answer.

[00:07:39] How did you know it was a test?

[00:07:41] Just felt like a puzzle.

[00:07:43] Didn't it?

[00:07:44] Like, you start in the hole and immediately have to build the ladder.

[00:07:47] Or swing from that box.

[00:07:49] Which you can't do while holding a bag.

[00:07:51] So you have to decide between the patience of building a ladder to ensure you have the

[00:07:54] bag later on, or quickly swing out, foregoing its future necessity.

[00:07:58] Are we still talking about an arcade game?

[00:08:01] But you have a timer.

[00:08:02] The ladder takes too long.

[00:08:04] The dogs come if you...

[00:08:04] Yes, the dogs come if you take too long.

[00:08:06] But that's how you know it's a test.

[00:08:08] They wouldn't give you a timer unless it was possible within that time.

[00:08:11] Notice how I finished before the dogs?

[00:08:14] Only just.

[00:08:15] Only just is all I need.

[00:08:17] A win is a win, no matter how narrow the margin.

[00:08:20] So you know it's a test.

[00:08:22] What's that affording you?

[00:08:24] Hope, I guess.

[00:08:27] The possibility of success based on probability.

[00:08:29] If one choice can be the right one, then maybe I'm making that exact choice.

[00:08:33] You know?

[00:08:34] So I need to hope more?

[00:08:36] And live, laugh, love more.

[00:08:38] Are we serious right now?

[00:08:39] It's a video game.

[00:08:40] It's all a game.

[00:08:41] All a test.

[00:08:42] This whole fucking nightmare has all been part and parcel of the same experiment.

[00:08:47] The whole thing.

[00:08:48] I know we escaped their test.

[00:08:50] No, we escaped their maze.

[00:08:52] We've never left the test.

[00:08:54] Couldn't.

[00:08:55] Can't.

[00:08:56] We can't leave the experiment because we're the product of the experiment.

[00:09:00] Everything we do is just testing their hypothesis.

[00:09:03] Field testing their war toys.

[00:09:05] Ask him.

[00:09:06] He'll tell you.

[00:09:07] He'll tell me what?

[00:09:10] I'd really rather stay out of this.

[00:09:12] That they've been keeping tabs on us this whole time.

[00:09:14] Tracking our carnage.

[00:09:16] Tallying up our body counts on spreadsheets and graphing the whole fucking thing.

[00:09:20] I don't know about the graphing, but yes.

[00:09:23] They've kept track.

[00:09:24] We're still in the test.

[00:09:26] I hate that.

[00:09:27] It's freeing.

[00:09:28] It's hopeless.

[00:09:29] You're wrong.

[00:09:29] It's the only reason to have hope.

[00:09:32] I don't know what they did to you, but...

[00:09:34] They didn't brainwash me.

[00:09:35] They tortured me.

[00:09:37] Cut me to bits and let me grow back only to repeat the process.

[00:09:40] They literally tore me apart and when that didn't work, they went for my brain.

[00:09:45] Floyed with me.

[00:09:46] But that didn't work either.

[00:09:48] They couldn't break me.

[00:09:51] Why?

[00:09:52] Because we have one common interest.

[00:09:55] One common goal.

[00:09:56] They want me to be a success.

[00:09:58] For us to succeed.

[00:09:59] They want us to pass the tests and because we all want the same thing, there will always be a way to win.

[00:10:05] You have this epiphany while being tortured?

[00:10:07] Oh god, no.

[00:10:08] No.

[00:10:09] I screamed for death to take me.

[00:10:12] No epiphanies to be had.

[00:10:14] It's a...

[00:10:15] Mostly now epiphany.

[00:10:17] A current epiphany.

[00:10:20] Oh, that's dangerously hopeful, Noah.

[00:10:23] I live dangerously.

[00:10:24] You live recklessly.

[00:10:25] Same, same.

[00:10:26] Not really.

[00:10:27] Fine.

[00:10:28] I'm sold on this hope thing.

[00:10:30] Sold?

[00:10:31] I think it'll help me beat the game.

[00:10:34] Let's head somewhere a little more secure and I'll give you the answers and help I can.

[00:10:38] Some days raising kids feels like no matter what you do, it's the wrong thing.

[00:10:43] So, we created a place for parents to share their terrible and hilarious mistakes with other sleep-deprived parents just like us.

[00:10:51] I'm Ryan.

[00:10:52] I'm Johnny.

[00:10:52] And I'm Shauna.

[00:10:53] And between us, we have seven kids ages 4 to 17.

[00:10:56] Join us for a brand new season of our podcast, Bad Parents.

[00:11:00] This season, you can watch the video version of the podcast as well on YouTube.

[00:11:04] Search for and follow the Bad Parents podcast wherever you find your podcast.

[00:11:09] New episodes every Wednesday.

[00:11:12] I don't even know how water gets down here.

[00:11:15] It doesn't make any sense.

[00:11:16] It's not like it rains.

[00:11:18] Hi.

[00:11:18] Yes, it's me.

[00:11:19] And yes, I've immediately fallen into the trap of talking to you while doing something scary so I don't have to do it alone.

[00:11:25] Right.

[00:11:26] Four times charm.

[00:11:29] Finally.

[00:11:30] An unlocked door.

[00:11:32] Thank you to the Karma Gods because things are finally on the upturn.

[00:11:35] A ladder.

[00:11:36] I'm not going to lie.

[00:11:37] I got more than a little lost down here.

[00:11:39] No maps or lights for that matter, but a ladder is all I ever really needed.

[00:11:43] Right.

[00:11:44] No one's in sight.

[00:11:46] It's inspiring a bit, right?

[00:11:48] The possibility is what drives the hope and Noah is full of possibility.

[00:11:53] I'm going to make my way up this suspicious ladder and in the meantime, I ask you to keep an open mind.

[00:11:58] But really, I'd settle for open ears.

[00:12:00] Good luck.

[00:12:03] The fuck aliens?

[00:12:05] A little bit of a pejorative labeling.

[00:12:07] And what would you prefer they be called?

[00:12:09] Travelers.

[00:12:10] From outer space.

[00:12:11] We're all in outer space, technically.

[00:12:13] Okay, we're arguing semantics when you just dropped a bomb on us.

[00:12:17] You better have been recording.

[00:12:18] I was from the aliens part, so I think I got it covered.

[00:12:21] Are you going to have an open mind?

[00:12:23] Yes.

[00:12:24] Not you.

[00:12:25] Her.

[00:12:26] Are you?

[00:12:27] Yes.

[00:12:29] Good.

[00:12:29] Then think.

[00:12:31] Is it really that much of a bomb?

[00:12:33] You said yourself that the cult called them teachers.

[00:12:36] Called them fear beans?

[00:12:37] But that's not the same as aliens.

[00:12:39] Did they now?

[00:12:41] Not quite as in touch as I would have thought.

[00:12:43] Explain.

[00:12:44] For a cult that worships the travelers, they've misnamed them.

[00:12:48] Not to split hairs, but fear beans is just a nonsense word.

[00:12:52] You know, like jabberwocky or oompa loompa.

[00:12:56] You're right by a half measure.

[00:12:58] Jabberwocky is indeed a nun's word.

[00:13:00] And oompa loompas were almost called the equally nonsensical whipple scrumpets.

[00:13:04] But fear bean isn't nonsense.

[00:13:07] It's Danish.

[00:13:09] Same thing if you don't speak Danish.

[00:13:11] True enough.

[00:13:12] This one means lizard.

[00:13:13] So the cult worships lizard people from space?

[00:13:17] It feels all too on the nose.

[00:13:20] Lizard people, secret cabals.

[00:13:22] I mean, this feels almost staged.

[00:13:23] It makes sense it would all be familiar to you.

[00:13:26] It's impossible to keep a secret.

[00:13:28] Especially when it's occurring on a global scale.

[00:13:31] Whispers would eventually make it out.

[00:13:33] This is more than whispers, mate.

[00:13:35] Like, even I know about lizard people.

[00:13:36] Then even you are wrong.

[00:13:38] Like your little cult friends.

[00:13:40] They're not our friends.

[00:13:41] They tried to kill us.

[00:13:42] Did they not offer Sarah a job?

[00:13:44] They didn't?

[00:13:46] Did they?

[00:13:47] How could you know that?

[00:13:49] You came to me for answers.

[00:13:51] There's very little I don't know.

[00:13:53] Especially when it pertains to me.

[00:13:54] How could my conversation, which has nothing to do with you, have anything to do with you?

[00:13:59] It didn't.

[00:14:00] But the first batch of soldiers they threw at me all knew a few tidbits.

[00:14:04] I was able to piece together all sorts of information.

[00:14:07] In this case, it gained relevance when I was able to use it to prove

[00:14:11] there was mistrust between you.

[00:14:13] There's no mistrust.

[00:14:17] I mean,

[00:14:18] you didn't tell me you made a deal with the cult.

[00:14:21] I didn't make a deal.

[00:14:23] He's twisting it.

[00:14:24] And you haven't told me about what happened to you.

[00:14:26] Well, I think my not wanting to relive trauma

[00:14:28] might be a smidge different than secret alliances.

[00:14:32] You're right.

[00:14:33] I'm sorry.

[00:14:35] I was-

[00:14:35] Trying to protect me.

[00:14:36] I know.

[00:14:38] Figured.

[00:14:39] But I'm a big boy.

[00:14:40] I can take the hard talks.

[00:14:42] Just been on the run since and-

[00:14:44] Is that really it?

[00:14:45] Well, yeah.

[00:14:46] She said sorry and

[00:14:48] because I trust her, we can move on.

[00:14:50] You're different, Noah.

[00:14:52] Yeah, he is.

[00:14:55] Anyway, I feel like we got way off track.

[00:14:57] You said they were misnamed.

[00:14:59] What?

[00:14:59] You said fear beans was wrong.

[00:15:01] If not lizards, then what?

[00:15:03] I guess amphibian?

[00:15:04] But even that doesn't quite cover it.

[00:15:07] So,

[00:15:08] frog people?

[00:15:10] Not a huge pivot.

[00:15:12] Axolotl.

[00:15:13] Uh,

[00:15:14] more Danish?

[00:15:15] Technically,

[00:15:16] narwhal.

[00:15:17] It's an animal.

[00:15:18] Never heard of it.

[00:15:19] Wait,

[00:15:20] is that that cute salamander thing?

[00:15:22] You know,

[00:15:23] looks like it's smiling

[00:15:24] and has fuzzy looking gills.

[00:15:25] I really don't.

[00:15:27] People keep them as pets.

[00:15:28] Well,

[00:15:28] they are said to more closely resemble the axolotl,

[00:15:31] which are almost extinct

[00:15:32] because of the pet trade.

[00:15:33] People suck.

[00:15:35] So,

[00:15:35] these adorable amphibian aliens

[00:15:37] fly to Earth and enslave people?

[00:15:39] Enslaving is more of a human thing.

[00:15:41] The travelers were said to be lonely.

[00:15:43] The only advanced species

[00:15:45] in their known travels.

[00:15:46] So,

[00:15:46] they came to Earth for friends?

[00:15:48] Equals.

[00:15:49] When one of you zips across the universe

[00:15:51] to get to a bunch of apes

[00:15:53] just discovering fire,

[00:15:55] you're not equals.

[00:15:56] Certainly not at the point of contact.

[00:15:58] Humans were early in their evolution,

[00:16:00] but had potential.

[00:16:02] They just needed guidance.

[00:16:04] To help them ask the right questions,

[00:16:06] do the right things,

[00:16:07] they sought to fast-track humanity's growth.

[00:16:09] Did it work?

[00:16:11] Rotating crops,

[00:16:12] aqueducts,

[00:16:13] mapping of the stars,

[00:16:15] feats in engineering,

[00:16:16] arts,

[00:16:17] sciences.

[00:16:17] I could go on.

[00:16:19] I bet.

[00:16:20] They meddled in humans' evolution.

[00:16:23] In Earth's fate.

[00:16:25] Sped it up.

[00:16:26] Yeah,

[00:16:26] but at what cost?

[00:16:29] And that's where the collective comes in.

[00:16:31] The cost.

[00:16:32] After a few thousand years of influence,

[00:16:35] some humans started figuring out

[00:16:36] who was pulling the strings.

[00:16:38] Finally addressing the power imbalance.

[00:16:41] Groups popped up all over the world

[00:16:43] to fight back against their perceived overlords.

[00:16:45] At least until the collective.

[00:16:48] In the late 19th century,

[00:16:49] in the heart of a free America...

[00:16:51] Seriously?

[00:16:52] It's new Coke.

[00:16:54] I didn't think they made these after the 80s.

[00:16:56] They didn't.

[00:16:59] Oh, God.

[00:17:00] That was awful.

[00:17:01] I think it went bad.

[00:17:03] It started bad.

[00:17:05] Where was I?

[00:17:06] The collective being hatched

[00:17:08] in the nest of a new America.

[00:17:10] Poetic.

[00:17:11] A group of humans,

[00:17:12] independent thinkers,

[00:17:14] came across a series of tunnels.

[00:17:16] A network that featured runic carvings,

[00:17:19] wild, untamed beasts,

[00:17:21] and impossible landscapes.

[00:17:24] Noah, stop drinking it.

[00:17:27] So, they found these tunnels.

[00:17:29] A portion of them, yes.

[00:17:30] But the travelers hadn't abandoned them.

[00:17:32] They were still present.

[00:17:34] Still working.

[00:17:35] You said the carvings were like a thousand years old.

[00:17:37] What were the travelers still doing here in the 1800s?

[00:17:39] That's what these humans questioned too.

[00:17:41] What work could still be happening

[00:17:43] after all these years?

[00:17:45] And when they confronted them?

[00:17:46] Oh, they didn't confront them.

[00:17:48] They tucked tail and ran.

[00:17:50] Escaped with their lives.

[00:17:52] And more importantly,

[00:17:53] what they'd seen.

[00:17:54] They then continued their search.

[00:17:57] Found other caves.

[00:17:58] Other stations.

[00:18:00] Realized just how truly global this situation is.

[00:18:03] That the travelers were running the show.

[00:18:06] All governments.

[00:18:07] All sides of every dispute.

[00:18:09] Got to know who the enemy is.

[00:18:11] Exactly.

[00:18:13] This all makes the collective sound like the good guys.

[00:18:16] Freeing humanity from the slimy clutches of the alien overlords.

[00:18:19] Some of humanity's worst atrocities

[00:18:21] came from the assumption that they were doing what was right for the greater good.

[00:18:26] Wait, you're on their side?

[00:18:27] I pity them.

[00:18:29] Lifespans we can't fathom.

[00:18:31] A depth of loneliness so profound that they traveled the vast expanse of space to find others.

[00:18:36] And even after they find a planet with a candidate species.

[00:18:40] Nurturing them.

[00:18:41] Guiding them.

[00:18:42] They still don't end up with an equal.

[00:18:44] Just a bitter enemy.

[00:18:45] I'd say it's more like fuck around and find out.

[00:18:48] Same, Sam.

[00:18:49] So when did the collective take this facility?

[00:18:51] This one?

[00:18:52] The 1940s.

[00:18:54] When the world was preoccupied with the Second Great War.

[00:18:57] The collective used that to ferret out a number of stations globally.

[00:19:01] And the travelers?

[00:19:02] They, what?

[00:19:03] Sat there and let the collective waltz in?

[00:19:05] Weren't they in control for like, ever?

[00:19:08] They weren't in control.

[00:19:10] Were they strategically placed in positions of power and influence?

[00:19:14] Yes.

[00:19:15] Of course.

[00:19:16] But merely to facilitate their modus operandi.

[00:19:19] Of guiding and teaching.

[00:19:20] Well, if they stuck to guiding and teaching,

[00:19:22] humans would never have been angry enough to form a resistance.

[00:19:25] You're preaching fantasy.

[00:19:27] It was what they set out to do.

[00:19:30] But is that what they did?

[00:19:33] No.

[00:19:34] Power.

[00:19:35] It was and is a vice like no other.

[00:19:38] The travelers weren't prideful, egotists or vengeful.

[00:19:41] They were above all else, curious.

[00:19:43] But didn't have the same hang-ups as humanity.

[00:19:46] But for all their strengths,

[00:19:47] they simply weren't equipped to handle the power and responsibility of gods.

[00:19:52] I imagine few are.

[00:19:55] Corruption was inevitable.

[00:19:56] Look, they had to know what they were doing, though.

[00:19:59] You don't show up with fancy technology and assume

[00:20:02] they'll greet you as equals.

[00:20:04] Plus, they look like giant bipedal salamanders.

[00:20:07] Axolotl.

[00:20:07] Same thing.

[00:20:08] If it was the same thing,

[00:20:10] I wouldn't have used a different word.

[00:20:12] Hey, let's all just take a mo.

[00:20:15] Take a breath.

[00:20:16] I get it.

[00:20:17] You're the archivist of all archivists,

[00:20:20] so wording matters.

[00:20:22] Axolotl.

[00:20:23] Thank you.

[00:20:24] And Sarah brings up a solid point.

[00:20:27] You're making it sound like the travelers,

[00:20:29] through no fault of their own,

[00:20:30] stumbled into controlling the human race.

[00:20:32] Which I think we can all agree sounds crazy pants.

[00:20:36] It's not a whoopsie like making a baby.

[00:20:39] This would be like slipping and accidentally making a fiat.

[00:20:42] What do they think would happen when they landed in their ship?

[00:20:45] They didn't land.

[00:20:47] At least not initially.

[00:20:48] Okay.

[00:20:49] Hovered.

[00:20:49] Whatever.

[00:20:50] There wasn't a ship.

[00:20:52] They teleported?

[00:20:54] No.

[00:20:55] Then I...

[00:20:57] I don't...

[00:20:58] This isn't a Stargate thing, is it?

[00:20:59] Not quite.

[00:21:01] There's nothing that describes it in the runes.

[00:21:03] Nothing in the writings.

[00:21:06] More whispers, rumors, and inference.

[00:21:08] They all point to an axis deep underground.

[00:21:11] So at the heart of all of this, is a door?

[00:21:14] Basically.

[00:21:15] Yes.

[00:21:16] And then what?

[00:21:16] The Collective tested on us to make a new army?

[00:21:20] No.

[00:21:21] They tested on you.

[00:21:23] To make a key.

[00:21:26] I knew it!

[00:21:27] I...

[00:21:28] I knew it!

[00:21:29] The door.

[00:21:30] It must be the door that Tunnel Tarzan was afraid they'd open.

[00:21:34] Unless there are multiple doors, which I wouldn't be surprised about.

[00:21:37] But for now, let's focus on what the Archivist said.

[00:21:39] That the Collective was trying to make a key.

[00:21:42] How can a person be a key, right?

[00:21:44] Well, fingerprints can be, but I have a feeling there are easier ways to engine...

[00:21:48] Wow.

[00:21:49] There was that spaceship thing, too, that Noah was able to dip his fingers into.

[00:21:52] You know, in Batch 2, Episode 7 or 8, The Craft.

[00:21:56] So maybe not.

[00:21:57] It's not that.

[00:21:58] But it could be something like that.

[00:22:00] Something that makes Noah, or Sarah for that matter, differ from others.

[00:22:03] Why the scientists couldn't dip their fingers in the ship goo, but Noah could.

[00:22:08] And if this is your first episode, Why Are You Starting Here?

[00:22:10] Please go back, listen to the past batches, and words like ship goo will make sense.

[00:22:15] I can't keep talking here.

[00:22:16] It's not safe.

[00:22:18] Too out in the open.

[00:22:19] But how do you think Noah and Sarah are the key?

[00:22:22] Shoot me an email at escapingdenverpod at gmail.com, or better yet, join the conversation

[00:22:26] on Reddit at r-escapingdenver.

[00:22:28] I'll be back next week for another episode of...

[00:22:32] Couldn't be.

[00:22:34] ...like it.

[00:22:48] Merry Christmas, man!

[00:22:50] The Countdown to Christmas celebration continues on W Network.

[00:22:54] That is where I thrive.

[00:22:55] It's the time to shine.

[00:22:57] New movies every Thursday to Sunday.

[00:23:01] We deployed Christmas joy.

[00:23:03] With three brand new holiday series.

[00:23:06] Thanks so much.

[00:23:07] Have a great holiday.

[00:23:08] Back-to-back movies every day will have you jumping for joy.

[00:23:12] Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas, all season long, only on W.

[00:23:16] Stream on Stack TV.

[00:23:17] Stream on Stack TV.