Beyond the Dark Productions - ‘The Strata’ - Chapter 11 | Original audio drama
Schmanda for Olga
Word Count: 2800
Role: Supporting
Payment: $100 flat rate
Olga is a long-time inhabitant of the Deadlands, a bleak and unforgiving wasteland outside The Strata. She is a resident of Plainview, a small underground enclave. She is tough, loyal, caring, and a good leader. She is fiercely protective of her community, and works tirelessly to provide for those under her care.
Olga and the others at Plainview enjoy a great sense of comradery, and after a hard day’s work they can usually be found sharing stories each night around the central campfire. However, as the one in charge of resources, Olga knows something the others don’t - the outlook for Plainview is dim. Food and water supplies are running low. Hence, she is very protective of what little resources they have, and she is wary of strangers. She knows that even a single lapse in protocol could be disastrous for her people.
- female adult
(Speaking in confidence to a friend from another outpost; concerned about the future of Plainview) “I know that during our conversation on comms I painted a rosy picture of life here at Plainview, but that was because I had people listening over my shoulder. I didn’t want to alarm them. But the truth is... I don’t know how long we can hold on here. Every season our crops struggle. The yield gets lower year on year. Basic supplies are dwindling and there are fewer traders passing through nowadays.”
(An intruder has been found hiding in a ventilation shaft. They are armed and dangerous. Olga gives a steely ultimatum, voice raised) “Unless you wanna eat a frag grenade, I’d step out of there with your hands up! Go on, be quick about it!”
(Handing a weapon back to an intruder and she prepares to send them out into the wasteland. Voice is hard-edged, but with a strong sense of underlying compassion. She feels sorry for this traveller) “If I send you out there onto the plains with no weapon, I might as well just slit your throat right here and be done with it. Save us all some time. You won’t survive without it. There. Keep it close, friend. And stop wasting bullets. You’re going to need every last round if you ever intend to see the whitecaps crashing against the shore down there in Blackwater.”
