Close Your Eyes

Limbo | S3E7

26 min
Feb 5, 20263 months ago
Listen to Episode
Summary

Close Your Eyes S3E7 'Limbo' is a fictional audio drama following interconnected mysteries involving missing persons, a secretive organization called Ignota, and characters trapped in altered states of consciousness. The episode weaves together detective investigation, interrogation scenes, and surreal sequences exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and psychological manipulation.

Insights
  • Narrative complexity in audio drama can sustain engagement through multiple parallel storylines and unreliable narrator techniques
  • Character development through moral compromise—protagonists making ethically questionable decisions under pressure
  • Psychological thriller storytelling relies on ambiguity between reality and altered mental states to create tension
  • Serialized fiction builds investment through cliffhangers and revelation of character motivations across episodes
Trends
Growth of independent audio drama production outside traditional podcast networksAudience demand for serialized narrative fiction with complex mythology and world-buildingUse of sound design and vocal performance as primary storytelling tools in audio-first contentCommunity-driven support models (Patreon) enabling sustainable independent creative productionCrossover appeal of audio drama to audiences seeking cinematic narrative experiences in audio format
Topics
Psychological manipulation and coercionMissing persons investigationCult-like organization dynamicsAltered consciousness and coma statesMoral compromise under duressUnreliable narration in fictionLoyalty and betrayal themesInterrogation and confessionSubconscious memory explorationSacrifice as initiation ritual
People
John Rolfe
Writer and producer of Close Your Eyes and Cryptic Radio productions
Quotes
"You said you were loyal. You said you would follow the origin no matter what he asked. I want you to prove it."
Mrs. MidnightMid-episode
"You're in limbo. It's kind of a coma. I don't know how long. Possibly days."
OliviaLate episode
"I'm not coming out, Olivia. Not without Caleb. If you care about me, really care, then please, help me do this."
DylanFinal act
"This is an ascertaining ward. They're all in limbo."
LilyMid-episode
Full Transcript
This show features original and real vocal performances. No synthetic or AI technology was used in this production. Wake up. Oh, don't struggle. I used a lot of duct tape. Oh, I don't know what you're saying. I can't hear you. I can't hear you, Callie. But you can hear me. So, listen up. I didn't want this. Believe me, this isn't how I pictured my afternoon. But I couldn't exactly let you walk out the door, could I? So, here we are. I've got questions, Callie. A lot of them. And you? You've got answers. You owe me that much. And you know it. So, I am going to take the tape off your mouth, but if you dare try to scream, or if you spit, or curse me out, or do anything that makes me upset, You'll get the juice again. Do you understand? Just nod yes. All right. So, start talking. Cryptic Radio presents Close Your Eyes. Written and produced by John Rolfe So if we count Straub, we have 21. That's just in this area. And all of them have disappeared? Yeah, that's right. Vanished. Where the hell are they going? Alex is still here, so we can assume no one's spoken to her yet. Maybe. She's not exactly a reliable source. So what now? Lunch? Yeah? Tonra, you got someone online too. They say they have a hot tip about Eli Porter. This is what happens when this stuff gets on the news. A million people are calling in about this guy. Everyone's seeing him in their cornflakes. This one sounded different. Different how? I don't know. Creepy. Creepy? That's all you got? I'll take it from here, Agent. I'm gonna grab copies of these. Sure. When we're done here, let's get tacos or sushi or I don't know. Something. Anything. Special Agent Conroy. Good afternoon, Detective. Adler. It's good to speak with you again. I've... This starry old chat. Can't say I feel the same. Is your dark hidey hole getting lonely? No need for insults. Calling as a friend. Not my friend. No, no, no. You and I have a mutual interest, at least. We both want to see this ignored nonsense brought to a close. Yeah, and I think you and I disagree on the way to go about that. I simply prefer a direct approach. I saw Alex Romero yesterday. I've seen the effects of your approach. Ms. Romero's condition has nothing to do with me. Her behavior is exactly the thing I'm trying to avoid. She is completely taken by shadows. Uh-huh. Which is why I still monitor her facility quite closely. Oh, do you? Oh, yes. Which leads me to the purpose of my call. You might be interested to know you're not the only one who visited Ms. Romero recently. No? No. She had another visitor the day prior. A man named Avi Bernthal. Have you heard of him? Can't say I have. He's a producer in Los Angeles, or he was. He produced many of Ms. Romero's films. He's also the one who introduced our little starlet to Ignota, oh so long ago. Okay, do you know where I can find this Bernthal guy? Well, yes I do, but that's not why I'm calling. Oh my goodness, why are you calling? Detective, I'm about to make your day. You see, I know where Eli Porter is. And how do you know that? My man has been following Mr. Bernthal ever since he spoke with Mr. Romero. Two days ago, I invited him to have a brief chat with me. A chat? During the course of our discussion, he was so kind as to reveal where Eli and several other vast souls are hiding. Where's that? You see, our methods have their value. Where, Adler? Not so fast. I'll gladly give you the location, but I want something in return. What do you want? My, uh, conversation with Mr. Burns, though, was, shall we say, vigorous. He did not survive A weak heart I afraid You welcome to the body if it be of any use But I want assurances there will be no formal charges I like to be certain you see things from my point of view So you pushed this guy over the edge, and you want me to cover up murder? Murder? It was cardiac arrest. So why are you calling me? Because I don't want the authorities distracted by technicalities. Focus, detective. You should consider yourself fortunate you have an ally, so willing to play in the shade. Lucky me. Do you want to know where Eli is? Fine, okay. We never had this conversation. There it is. What's the address? It's a high-rise in Soma, on the corner of Zoe and Tal Zan. You're telling me he's in the city? Yes. Happy hunting, Detective. I told you it's a long ways up. You were right about that. How much further? We're almost there. Splendid. How did you find this anyways? Plane. No one ever comes this way. Only the elevators. Okay, okay. This is it! We're here. Is it unlocked? Uh-huh. It's always open. It's dark. It's always dark here. Come on. Is this 73? Not this one, but you'll see. You play here? Sometimes. Here! Where? That hole? Lily, what is this? It's a secret passage. Come on! There you go. Oops! That one is going to be trouble. As soon as she can crawl, anyway. Until then, she has this terrific rolling technique. Oh, yes, you do. Yes, you do. Oh, Mrs. M. Is it in the shift already? Not quite. It's time for another ascension. Marsha, would you please bring Eleanor? Um, okay. Oh, but wait. Yes? Does it have to be now? She hasn't fed yet. No, why not? It's almost 7.30. Babies aren't machines, Mrs. Midnight. Maybe I should feed her tonight and put her down. She could go tomorrow. No, now is the time. But she should eat something. Otherwise this crying will only get worse. We must not delay. Shh. There. There, there now. Maybe I could carry her then. It might calm her down a bit. This is irregular. Sedona can do it, Mrs. M. Very well. Bring the child and come with me. All right, so talk. Can I have some water at least first? No, just talk. Morgan, I'm really, really sorry about this. I am. I... No, stop. Callie, just stop. I know I lied, but it wasn't like I didn't enjoy being with you. Shut up. All I want to hear about is what you told them. about me, and especially about Dylan. Morgan, I... Do you know where he is? No. I have no idea. Maybe you're lying again. Look, I know you're upset. You should be. But you need to understand, I'm a nobody to them. Really, I was doing sessions at the resort when Alex had her breakdown. They just needed someone to keep an eye on her. like from a distance so they had me do it. They gave me a cell number to their security, told me to check in with any news. After the feds raided the resort, I didn't have any other contacts except for the security guy. Who is that? His name is Ricky. I know that name. He's the one on the recordings Oh, that piece of shit Yeah, that guy Like I said, he was my only contact And after the raid, even he went silent So I kept following Alex, but I started to wonder if that was it I wouldn't be able to get back to Gnota Then you showed up outside her house You must have been ecstatic. I didn't know what to think. I honestly didn't even think I'd hear from them again, but I figured I should stay close, learn what I could. But honestly, Morgan, my time with you wasn't an act. I like you. I still do. I don't want to hear this. You're not getting any sympathy from me. Tell me the rest. You and I had gone out a few times by the time I heard from Ricky again He was back in San Francisco, wanted to meet He'd seen the news about Alex He said he wanted updates So I sorry I told him about you about your podcast He said to stay close to you to find out everything you knew I was all too happy to do it. And that's when you told me about Dylan. When we went to see Leslie. Damn it. I called Ricky and told him there was a spy. Did you give them his name? Callie, did you give them his name? Yes. Oh my god. Oh my god, so they know. Hey. Dylan? Are you still with me? What? What was that? You went somewhere else for a moment. I did? I... wait. How did I get back here? I heard the phone and went to find you. I don't think so. No? No. You blacked out. You've been here the whole time. With me. No. No, that's not right. I'm afraid so. You were telling me about your brother. Was I? You said you knew where things went wrong. I did? What did I say? Where did it go wrong? It was before the party. When? It's when you chose selfishness. What does that mean? I know I've been selfish, but I'm trying to change that. Don't you understand? That's why I'm here. That's why. Something's not right. Dylan, I have good news. The testing is almost over. Yeah? Yes. Good. Get me out of here. Soon. There is just one last thing. What is it? Here. What is that? What does it look like? Pruning shears? Want me to trim a rosebush? Not exactly. You said you were loyal. You said you would follow the origin no matter what he asked. I want you to prove it. I want you to sacrifice something. Sacrifice what? A piece of yourself. What will they do to him? I don't know. What did Ricky say when you told him? He said to stay close and to try and get the recordings. He wanted to make sure you didn't publish anything. So you broke into my apartment. I tried other ways, but you were so protective of them. When I found out you were going to be gone, I went to your place and took your computer and the notebook. But I'm sorry, Morgan. I am. I'll pay for everything. You think that's what I care about? I didn't want you to get hurt. I thought if I smashed up your place, maybe it'd scare you off, keep you away. You put my friend in danger. I know, I know, I know. But there's still time. You said you didn't keep the files on your laptop, but that's all Ricky has. So he... When was he here? This morning. I gave him the laptop, and he left. But it's only a matter of time before he checks it and finds out. So when he does, I'll be back. That's what I've been trying to tell you. That's why I didn't want you here. Why do you care? What do you mean? What does it matter to you? Don't you know why? Callie? Oh, shit. It's me, Callie. Let me in. It's Ricky. Lily, are you sure this is the way? I'm sure. You'll see. Here it is. Careful. It's tight. It's... it's fine. There. You see? I see. Where is this? I told you. It's a secret passage. Uh-huh. Come on, I'll show you. It's a different elevator. See? See? That's the service elevator. Does it work? Come on! Good girl. Which floor? 73. Did I do good? So good. Thank you, Lily. Do you know what's on floor 73? It's scary. Why? Because they're all dead. See? They're not dead, Lily. They're all asleep. This is an ascertaining ward. They're all in limbo. Oh. Is your friend here? If he is we need to hurry What Any finger will do. Or a toe. You can't be serious. You want me to cut off a finger? Or your nose. An ear. It's an act of fealty. Fealty? To the origin. To Ignota. To your belief. You said you were committed. I am, but... If you're going down this road, Dylan, you will lose pieces of yourself. This is only the beginning. I want to talk to someone else. There is no one. I want to talk to Olivia, or the Envoy. That's not possible. You can't go anywhere until you make the choice. You're bleeding again. Prove you're willing. What the hell? Who are you? Prove you're willing, Dylan. Willing to sacrifice. Get away from me. Prove it. Get away! No! Stop! Come here! Dylan! Dylan! Come back here! Come! I gotta get out of here. There's gotta be stairs or something. Where is it? Where? Here! Hello? Who is this? Hello? Hello? Is anyone there? Hello? Dylan? Dylan, can you hear me? Olivia? Olivia, what's going on? Where are you? I'm here. What? Where? Olivia, I'm on another floor of the tower. There's someone here. A woman. She's... I don't know. She's sick and gone crazy. I need to get out of here. Off this floor. Where are you? Can you hear me, Dylan? Yes, I'm here. What's going on? Listen to me. You're still asleep. What? You're in limbo. Limbo? It's kind of a coma. I don't know how long. Possibly days. Then where am I? Gone deep. Deep into your own subconscious. This is my own mind? Yes. Then I can access other memories through here. It's possible. Listen, I'm going to give you another drug. A stimulant which will help counteract the formula. It will make it easier to reestablish the hypnotic connection and count you out. Wait. Don't. What? What is it? I don't want to go. Not yet. Olivia, listen. I had the wrong memory before. The party wasn't my provenance, but I know what is now. What are you saying? We need to go back further. Dylan, you have no idea what I'm risking right now. You were right before, okay? I was worried about you, and I was holding you back. But only because I don't want to see you hurt. I'm not coming out, Olivia. Not without Caleb. If you care about me, really care, then please, help me do this. Help me save him. Hello, Olivia? Are you sure? I'm sure. All right. What do you need? Some facilitation. Close Your Eyes is a cryptic radio production, written and produced by John Rolfe. Dylan is voiced by Elliot Brotherhood. Morgan by Samantha Cooper. Olivia by Devin Chandler. Callie by Chloe Maylee Bunt. Agent Conway by Baron B. Bass. Agent Ash by Molly Rock Dr. Adler by Kristen Holland Lily by Sam Filia Sedona by Chelsea Krause Marsha by Ashanti Robinson Mrs. Midnight by Maeve DeBruyne Adeline by Chloe Elmore Ricky by Alex Eller Sound Design and Engineering by Katherine Stanley The theme music is Sacrifice the Pawn by Emmett Cook. Shows like this aren't possible without the support from fans. If you've enjoyed listening, please take a moment to rate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser, Good Pods, or whichever pod platform you prefer. 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