Episode 12.1 - Stronger Than Blood - Part 1

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Strata - Episode 12.1: "Stronger Than Blood - Part 1"

Introduction In Episode 12.1 of The Strata, titled "Stronger Than Blood - Part 1," host Mark R. Healy delves deeper into the intricate lives of residents in the dystopian city of Docherton. This episode weaves together multiple storylines, highlighting the struggles, alliances, and internal conflicts of its characters as they navigate a society teetering on the brink of chaos.

---

Distribution Center Dynamics: Rust and Jimena

Timestamp: 01:28 – 07:52

The episode opens with Rust assisting Jimena at the Docherton distribution center. Jimena, now overseeing the entire distribution operation, grapples with the immense responsibility of managing the influx of essential supplies amidst the city's turmoil.

• Jimena's Commitment: Jimena expresses both exhaustion and fulfillment in her role. At [04:40], she shares, “...this is the happiest I've been since. Well, ever.”

• Rust's Support: Rust acts as a pillar of support, encouraging Jimena to recognize her exceptional leadership. At [06:27], he advises, “...you're not just a stopgap here until something better comes along. You're exceptional at this job, Ximena.”

• Community Impact: Together, they discuss the logistics of distributing thousands of units daily, emphasizing the importance of maintaining fairness and combating theft. Jimena remarks at [05:24], “We have to scan and track everyone who comes through here...”

• Personal Connections: Their conversation reveals personal stakes, with Jimena mentioning her daughter Carlita and Rust expressing concern for family connections. This deepens their characters, showing their motivations beyond mere survival.

Encounter with the Past: Rust and Jimena’s Interaction with Dave

Timestamp: 09:16 – 16:57

Jimena and Rust's routine is interrupted when Dave, an old acquaintance, arrives visibly injured. His encounter introduces tension surrounding the ongoing conflict between Millicon and the Resistance.

• Dave's Injury: Dave reveals he was caught in crossfire between Millicon forces and the Resistance. At [10:08], he casually downplays his injuries, saying, “I'm sure I'll get it patched up at the nearest bio clinic the next time I'm having brunch in Highgate City.”

• Escalating Conflict: Their dialogue underscores the relentless nature of the Resistance's battles and the toll it takes on individuals. Dave laments at [12:04], “...the Resistance are suffering dozens of casualties every week.”

• Shared History: Flashbacks to their youth in Tinkford provide context to their present struggles. They reminisce about past adventures, highlighting how much has changed. For instance, at [14:05], Jimena recalls, “Remember when you, me and Tanix tried to hack that autocad with a data shard one of the technicians left behind?”

• Family Struggles: Dave divulges personal turmoil, particularly his strained relationship with his brother Tanik. At [15:00], he confesses, “He went down a dark path, Jimena. And in the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I had to cut ties.”

Survival Struggles: Grout and Angelina’s Desperation

Timestamp: 17:59 – 27:59

Parallel to Rust and Jimena's efforts, the episode shifts focus to Grout and Angelina, two individuals struggling to survive on the fringes of Docherton.

• Desperate Measures: Grout and Angelina discuss their dire situation, scavenging for resources to sustain themselves. Angelina muses at [21:19], “Who let us back in sooner or later, right? Once we gather enough food or valuables to pay off our debt and earn back our lodgings.”

• Encounter with Military Remnants: Their scavenging leads to the discovery of a deceased individual clad in military-grade armor. This find introduces potential new conflicts and alliances.

  • Decision Point: Angelina debates the risks of turning in the dead soldier, considering the dangers posed by Millicon. At [24:50], she rationalizes, “They'd probably assume we were the ones who jumped him and blame us for the state he's in.”

• Moral Dilemmas: The duo faces ethical decisions amidst survival instincts. Grout is initially skeptical about their ability to trade the soldier’s gear, but pressure mounts as their hunger intensifies.

Thematic Elements and Character Development

The episode masterfully intertwines personal and societal struggles, highlighting themes of loyalty, survival, and the moral complexities in a fractured society.

• Loyalty vs. Survival: Characters like Jimena and Rust balance their commitment to the community with personal relationships, while Grout and Angelina prioritize immediate survival, sometimes at ethical costs.

• Impact of Conflict: The ongoing skirmishes between Millicon and the Resistance serve as a backdrop, illustrating the pervasive fear and instability in Docherton. Dave's experiences epitomize the personal toll of these larger conflicts.

• Hope and Despair: Amidst despair, moments of hope emerge, such as Rust's encouragement to Jimena and Angelina’s persistent efforts to find a way back home, reflecting the resilient human spirit.

Notable Quotes

• Rust to Jimena [06:27]: “You're not just a stopgap here until something better comes along. You're exceptional at this job, Ximena.”

• Jimena on Community Impact [05:24]: “We have to scan and track everyone who comes through here...”

• Dave on Escalating Conflict [12:04]: “...the Resistance are suffering dozens of casualties every week.”

• Angelina on Ethical Dilemmas [24:50]: “They'd probably assume we were the ones who jumped him and blame us for the state he's in.”

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Conclusion

Episode 12.1 of The Strata intricately portrays the multifaceted lives of Docherton's inhabitants, each grappling with personal demons and external threats. Through Rust and Jimena's leadership at the distribution center, Dave's torn loyalties, and Grout and Angelina's desperate survival tactics, the narrative underscores the fragile balance between hope and despair in a dystopian landscape. As relationships are tested and new challenges arise, listeners are left anticipating the unfolding of alliances and the next steps in Docherton's struggle for stability.

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Final Notes

The Strata continues to build a compelling world where every character's decision echoes the broader themes of survival, community, and the human condition in the face of adversity. Episode 12.1 serves as a pivotal point, setting the stage for deeper explorations in Part 2 and beyond.

Transcript

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[Dave]

Oh, such a clutch off season pickup, Dave.

[Ximena]

I was worried we'd bring back the same team.

[Rust]

I meant those blackout motorized shades.

[Ximena]

Lines.com made it crazy affordable to replace our old blinds.

[Rust]

Hard to install.

[Ximena]

No, it's easy. I installed these and then got some from my mom. She talked to a design consultant for free and scheduled a professional measure and.

[Rust]

Install hall of Fame sun.

[Ximena]

They're the number one online retailer of custom window coverings in the world.

[Rust]

Blinds.com is the goat shop.

[Angelina]

Blinds.com right now. And get up to 40% off select.

[Jimena]

Styles plus a free professional measure. Rules and restrictions may apply.

[Narrator]

You're listening to the Strata a Beyond The Dark Production Season 12 Stronger Than Blood Part 1.

[Rust]

Look out. People coming through. Moving. Hey, you can't park that thing on the sidewalk. Asshole. Get that piece of shit out of here. Yeah, whatever. Guess I'll go around, huh? Hey, can you hold that door a second? Thanks. Appreciate it. Okay, so where the hell is she?

[Jimena]

Rust. Oh, there you are. I was beginning to wonder if you might have gotten lost.

[Rust]

Jimena, come on. Me, lost? Yeah. When pigs fly.

[Jimena]

When pigs what?

[Rust]

Sorry. Old saying. See, back before Insta Bacon was invented, there were these animals called pigs. They're extinct now, but the point is, they didn't have any wings.

[Jimena]

Yeah, okay. I think I get it. And while the whole backstory sounds fascinating, Rest, it's gonna have to wait. I'm absolutely flat out here.

[Rust]

Yeah, yeah, sure. No props. Another time. Where do you want me to put this thing?

[Jimena]

We need it right over here. Just put it down on this bench.

[Rust]

There we go. Hope I'm not too late.

[Jimena]

No, everything's fine. We wait. Are you sure this is the right model?

[Rust]

First you say I'm lost. Next you think I've got the wrong part. It's me you're talking to here, Humana. Not some amateur fumbling through his first delivery.

[Jimena]

Yeah, of course. Sorry, I'm just stressed with all of this.

[Rust]

Trust me, the party's good.

[Jimena]

Thanks, Rest. I really appreciate this. I'll have someone unpack it and get it set up asap.

[Rust]

No problem, Ximena. Anytime. If that's all you need, I'll get out of your way.

[Jimena]

Oh, are you headed up to Midtown Anytime soon. I have something that needs to be dropped off at the hospital.

[Rust]

Midtown General? Yeah, I'll be heading that way this afternoon.

[Jimena]

Great. Okay. I just need to put the package together first. Sorry, this might take a minute.

[Rust]

It's okay. I can wait.

[Jimena]

Actually, can you walk with me? It shouldn't take too long. I promise.

[Rust]

Lead the way. Damn. I thought it was busy out on the street, but in here. You guys look like you've been run off your feet.

[Jimena]

It's a mad house. Rest. It just never ends.

[Rust]

I suppose right about now, you're wishing you'd kept your job down in the underground. Right?

[Jimena]

The Underground. No, thanks. I'll take this any day.

[Rust]

How are you handling the pressure?

[Jimena]

What pressure?

[Rust]

Come on, Ximena. The administrators put you in charge of the entire distribution center. That's a big deal.

[Jimena]

Not really. Yeah, okay. It's a big deal.

[Rust]

Are you all right?

[Jimena]

I'm coping. But between you and me, sometimes I feel like I'm in over my head.

[Rust]

That's understandable. This is a big responsibility.

[Jimena]

It is. But you know what else? Right now, this is the happiest I've been since. Well, ever.

[Rust]

Really?

[Jimena]

Yeah. I mean, this is what I always wanted. To really make a difference in the community and help people. And with Dockerton hurting like it is right now, they're. Couldn't be a better time to do it.

[Rust]

How many units are you shipping out?

[Jimena]

Thousands per day now. Food, water, stim packs, you name it. But handing over the packages is the easy part. The real challenge is keeping track of inventory, restocking supplies, you know, that kind of thing.

[Rust]

There's still a lot of hungry and sick people out on those streets. How do you make sure they all get their fair share?

[Jimena]

We have to scan and track everyone who comes through here. And that's another headache. We've had no shortage of scumbags trying to game the system and steal extra supplies. That's why I asked you to get hold of another scanning unit for us. But once it goes operational, we should be able to process more people.

[Rust]

Hate to tell you, but there's a pretty long lineup out there. Enough people to clog up the whole damn street.

[Jimena]

I know. That's just how it is day in and day out.

[Rust]

Are the administrators keeping up with the demands for rations?

[Jimena]

For the time being, yeah. We get a shipment at the loading dock every morning, and it's enough to keep us ahead of things for now.

[Rust]

Who would have thought that little operation of yours, handing out Halliwell's medical supplies would have turned into this?

[Jimena]

Well, that's not exactly how it happened, Rust. The administrators needed a coordinator here at the center, and someone must have noticed what I was up to. And let's be honest, there's not a lot of personnel to choose from here in Docherton since the uprising. I just happened to be the best it could get.

[Rust]

Don't do that.

[Jimena]

Do what?

[Rust]

Run yourself down like that. You're not just a stopgap here until something better comes along. You're exceptional at this job, Ximena. You're the perfect candidate to run this place better than all those goddamn administrators put together.

[Jimena]

Thank you, Rust.

[Rust]

Just promise me one thing. Don't forget to take some time out now and again. I'm worried you're gonna give yourself a heart attack running around like this.

[Jimena]

You don't have to worry about that. If the underground couldn't kill me, this place sure as hell won't.

[Rust]

How are things back home? As my little girl, Carlita.

[Jimena]

She's fine. There's a good network at the commune. Plenty of kids for her to play with, and she helps out with the chores.

[Rust]

So she's happy?

[Jimena]

Yeah, she is.

[Rust]

I really need to drop in more. It's been weeks since I've seen her.

[Jimena]

We have another fireside gathering planned for this weekend.

[Rust]

That's where you all bring some food along and roast it over the pit, right? Like a good old fashioned cookout?

[Jimena]

Yeah, something like that. The whole commune has really taken to it. There's always a good turnout.

[Rust]

Sounds great. I'll make sure I'm there.

[Jimena]

That's what you said last time.

[Rust]

No, I mean it. I'll make it a priority.

[Jimena]

Carlita will be glad to hear that. Okay, I think we're done here. This one's ready to go. Are you sure you've got time to take it?

[Rust]

No problem. Next step, Midtown General.

[Jimena]

Thanks. Rest. You're the best.

[Rust]

So people keep telling me.

[Jimena]

Okay, go on, get out of here.

[Rust]

Hey, I was thinking you and Carlita should really come up and visit Sienna's new workshop sometime. The place is humming. She's really got the place looking great.

[Jimena]

Oh, well, yeah, maybe.

[Rust]

It's got a deck with the view of the bay and everything.

[Jimena]

Sounds nice. It's just.

[Rust]

I know, I know. Everyone's busy.

[Jimena]

Yeah, that's it.

[Rust]

Hey, maybe they'll give you a day off sometime soon.

[Jimena]

Yeah. Rest, maybe. When pigs fly.

[Rust]

Ah, there, See? Now you're getting it.

[Jimena]

Okay, the scan is done. Everything checks out. See you next week. Okay. Take care out there. Next, please. Come on, step right up here. That's it. This won't take a second. Okay. Angelina is. It looks like your last pickup was almost two weeks ago. You know that you don't have to wait that long if you just. Oh, my God. Angelina, Is that really you?

[Dave]

Ximena. Hey. I was wondering if you'd recognize me.

[Jimena]

I haven't seen you in forever. How long has it been? Four, five years?

[Dave]

I actually see you here all the time. It's just that you. Well, you look really busy, so I didn't want to bother you.

[Jimena]

Oh, God, I'm so sorry. I didn't notice you. Normally I'm out the back coordinating things. You know, being out here on the front line is today. I had to set up this new scanner, and one thing led to another, and. Anyway, forget about that. How have you been?

[Dave]

We're managing, I guess.

[Jimena]

Are you. Are you okay? You look like you.

[Dave]

Oh, you mean my face? Quite the look, isn't it?

[Jimena]

What happened?

[Dave]

I got scorched a little, caught in the crossfire and? Well, it was one of those wrong time, wrong place deals.

[Jimena]

Was it during the Ghost Uprising?

[Dave]

No, believe it or not, I got through that whole thing unscathed. This happened after I was minding my own business, and then somehow ended up in the middle of an incident between Millicon and the Resistance.

[Jimena]

You're kidding me. How did that happen?

[Dave]

Like I said, wrong time, wrong place.

[Jimena]

If Millicon attacked you, we should report that.

[Dave]

No, it was accidental. There was a wayward strike, and one of the resistance acid frags went off right near my head, burn my face and neck and part of my back.

[Jimena]

If you need treatment, I could see if I can.

[Dave]

It's okay, Ximena. It's superficial. Just a little scar tissue here and there. I'm sure I'll get it patched up at the nearest bio clinic the next time I'm having brunch in Highgate City.

[Jimena]

Are you sure there's nothing I can do?

[Dave]

I'm fine.

[Jimena]

What's with those idiots and the resistance? What do they think they're doing?

[Dave]

Well, they're trying to get Millicon out of Dockerton, I guess.

[Jimena]

Yeah, I know that, but their methods seem totally over the top. I mean, look at your situation. They used chemical weapons while there were civilians standing around. For God's sake, that's reckless.

[Dave]

Well, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried about the way things are escalating. The streets of Docherton are more dangerous than ever now, and every week, the Resistance is gaining more and more support.

[Jimena]

Really? I don't know. When I first heard about people trying to take on Melicon, I figured it would blow over in a week or two, max.

[Dave]

So did I. So did everyone. But the resistance have dug in now. They're here to stay.

[Jimena]

I heard about an attack a few days ago where a few Millicon troops got killed in an ambush.

[Dave]

Well, that's nothing in comparison. The resistance are suffering dozens of casualties every week.

[Jimena]

I just don't understand it.

[Dave]

You don't understand that everyone hates Millicon?

[Jimena]

Well, that part I understand.

[Dave]

You've heard the stories, right? The ones about Millicon arresting innocent people and dragging them away. Locking them up for no good reason. Or worse, gunning them down in the street without any kind of due process. Me, I'm not surprised by the way things are going. Not one bit.

[Jimena]

Yeah, but to take up arms and start attacking a faction like Melikon. It just seems pointless.

[Dave]

If you ask people in the resistance about it, well, they think they can win. That they will win.

[Jimena]

You know somebody in the Resistance?

[Dave]

Everyone knows somebody in the Resistance. Ximena. They're everywhere.

[Jimena]

It's so frustrating to think we survived the Ghost Uprising only to start hurting and killing each other again like this.

[Dave]

That's the way it's always been in Doko to Namina. You know that as well as I do. And nothing's ever going to change.

[Jimena]

I don't remember it being this bad. Not back when we were kids.

[Dave]

It was bad then, too. It's just that. Well, we were kids. We didn't understand enough about the world to know any better.

[Jimena]

I still think about those days back in Tinkford. I know we didn't have a lot going for us, but we had fun, didn't we?

[Dave]

We got into a bunch of trouble. I remember that much.

[Jimena]

Hey, remember when you, me and Tanix tried to hack that autocad with a data shard one of the technicians left behind?

[Dave]

Remember it? How could I forget? It was the worst three hours of my life.

[Jimena]

It was a total adventure. We had that plan to make it over crosstown and all the way into Highgate City as long as we could change some of the autocab's navigation code.

[Dave]

But instead, we just ended up circling the same block over and over and over again.

[Jimena]

And we somehow managed to bypass the safety controls. Yeah.

[Dave]

The doors wouldn't open. We were trapped. God, I thought I was going to die of starvation in that goddamn thing.

[Jimena]

And no one on the outside was paying attention to us yelling or banging on the windows.

[Dave]

We only got out of there when the Core cells went flat. Lucky they did, too. We might still be in there right now if they hadn't.

[Jimena]

Yeah. I'm glad that was the last time we ever tried something like that.

[Dave]

Didn't stop us trying other stupid shit, though, did it?

[Jimena]

Not at all. Um, how. How is Tanix? I haven't seen him in forever.

[Dave]

Ugh. Next question.

[Jimena]

What do you mean?

[Dave]

That's a subject not worth talking about, Ximena. Trust me.

[Jimena]

Come on, you can't say that.

[Dave]

Why not?

[Jimena]

He's your brother, Angelina.

[Dave]

Maybe he was, but not anymore. Not really.

[Jimena]

It's that bad?

[Dave]

I take it you haven't seen him lately. If you had, you'd know where I'm coming from.

[Jimena]

I mean, I know he had some troubles, but.

[Dave]

Troubles? No, that doesn't even begin to cover it. He went down a dark path, Jimena. And at first I tried to help him. Honestly, I did. And when he screwed me over, I gave him another chance. And then he screwed me over again. And in the end, I couldn't take it anymore. I had to cut ties. It was the only way.

[Jimena]

That's such a shame. We were inseparable as kids.

[Dave]

As kids, sure. But these days you've drifted apart. Even you and me.

[Jimena]

But that doesn't mean.

[Dave]

When did you last see Taniks Ximena?

[Jimena]

A while, maybe five years.

[Dave]

And what happened?

[Jimena]

It. It didn't end well.

[Dave]

Exactly. So you understand what I'm saying?

[Jimena]

So you haven't seen him since the Ghost Uprising?

[Dave]

No.

[Jimena]

Do you think he survived 10x?

[Dave]

That bastard was probably so zoned out on tranq he just slept through the whole thing.

[Jimena]

But you haven't checked in on him?

[Dave]

Nope. And I don't intend to.

[Jimena]

Oh, shit. They need me out the back. Let me just finish up your supplies here so I can get you on your way.

[Dave]

Thanks, Amina. Appreciate it.

[Jimena]

You know, we should keep in touch. I'd love to catch up and find out what you've been up to all these years.

[Dave]

Yeah, sure. I'd like that.

[Jimena]

Great. Are these details here on the scanner still accurate?

[Dave]

Yep, that all looks correct.

[Jimena]

Okay, I'll make a note of it and get in touch with you soon. How does that sound?

[Dave]

Look forward to it.

[Jimena]

And there, you're all set to go. Take care, Angelina.

[Dave]

You too, Mayna. Hope to see you again soon.

[Jimena]

Foreign.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hey there. Ryan Reynolds here. It's a new year, and you know what that means. No, not the diet resolutions. A way for us all to try and do a little bit better than we did last year. And my resolution, unlike Big wireless is to not be a raging and raise the price of wireless on you every chance I get. Give it a [e-mail] switch.

[Angelina]

$45 upfront payment required. Equivalent to $15 per month. New customers on first three month plan only. Taxes and fees. Extra Speed slower above 40gb on unlimited. See mintmobile.com for details. Yeah, that's right. Bring her in. Right here. You got it.

[Grout]

Secure that line for me, will ya?

[Angelina]

Yeah. Oh, good.

[Grout]

Damn, it's rough out here today.

[Angelina]

Hook up the net. Let's bring it in and take a look.

[Grout]

There you go. That's everything?

[Angelina]

What do you mean, that's everything? Where's the rest?

[Grout]

The rest of what?

[Angelina]

The catch, grout. Where is it?

[Grout]

It's right there staring you in the face, that stuff.

[Angelina]

This ain't no catch, partner. This is. Well, I don't know what this is.

[Grout]

I know it's not much to look.

[Angelina]

At, but as far as I can tell, there's not a thing worth salvaging in this entire hall. And where's the goddamn fish?

[Grout]

Listen, Firefly, I've been out there on the water all day casting that net far and wide. This is the best I could do.

[Angelina]

Well, your best just isn't. Okay, Grout, I. I know you're trying, but you're not giving us much to work with.

[Grout]

Well, this thing here, I thought maybe we could.

[Angelina]

You know, someone with a. Yeah, we could. What? Out with it.

[Grout]

It looks like it could be useful for something.

[Angelina]

You think someone's gonna trade us for that piece of garbage?

[Grout]

Maybe.

[Angelina]

I bet you don't even know what that is, do you?

[Grout]

Uh, well, it's.

[Angelina]

It's a dead core cell.

[Grout]

A what?

[Angelina]

Yeah, I used to see these all the time back when I lived in the Strata. They used them in auto cabs and transports to power the drive engines. After 10, maybe 15 years, they burn out, just like this one. And you know what happens then?

[Grout]

No.

[Angelina]

They become useless. So the corporations just put them out and dump them in the ocean. And that's where they stay forever. Unless someone comes along, snags it in his net and puts it in his pocket, thinking it's some kind of goddamn treasure, just like you did.

[Grout]

Well, what about this other stuff? That one over there?

[Angelina]

It's the same kind of shit. A broken pump, hammer mechanism, a rusted sludge bracket. It's worthless.

[Grout]

Maybe we should take it with us, just in case.

[Angelina]

Trust me, no one in the entire Deadlands is gonna trade for this grout. Not unless they're even stupider than the two of us.

[Grout]

Well, how about you? What have you been up to all day?

[Angelina]

Me? I've been up to all sorts of things, I'll have you know. Running around like a thirsty pithog, actually.

[Grout]

Doing what?

[Angelina]

I figured I'd check out the newest dumping grounds a little way north of here. Remember we saw those transports from the Strata come through last week.

[Grout]

Did they leave anything useful behind?

[Angelina]

Maybe a couple of things, but it's slim pickings, to be honest. Nowhere near enough to get us what we need.

[Grout]

We're gonna be stuck out here forever, aren't we?

[Angelina]

No, not forever, partner. Sooner or later, we'll just starve to death, I guess.

[Grout]

I keep thinking about what they're up to back home right now. Probably gathering around the pit for an evening meal, snug and warm. Mr. Billy getting settled? Ready to tell another one of his stories? I like the ones about the Old World the best. Remember the funny one about those little men who live in the forest, and they.

[Angelina]

You've got to stop thinking about Drayton's swamp, Grout. Chances are we'll never see inside that place again.

[Grout]

Never. But they've got to let us back in sooner or later, right? Once we gather enough food or valuables to pay off our debt and earn back our lodgings.

[Angelina]

That's the problem, Grout. We don't have any food and nothing to trade. So why would they ever let us back in, huh?

[Grout]

Mr. Billy told me they kicked us.

[Angelina]

Out, and that's the that. Forget about it for now. We just need to concentrate on our most immediate concern, staying alive. And to do that, we need food. We haven't eaten in days.

[Grout]

Don't talk about food. I'm starving.

[Angelina]

Look, we'll find something, all right? If not here, then somewhere further up the coast, a new place that's going.

[Grout]

To take us even further from Drayton Swamp, isn't it? Further from home?

[Angelina]

Yeah, it is.

[Grout]

Well, our luck has just got to turn around soon, doesn't it, Firefly?

[Angelina]

To be honest, I think the spirits of fortune turned their backs on us a long time ago. Grant. I just don't.

[Grout]

What is it?

[Dave]

Do you see that?

[Grout]

What? Where?

[Angelina]

Over there. See it? Something washed up on shore.

[Grout]

Looks like a sack or a tangled up net, maybe.

[Angelina]

Well, maybe it's something. Good. Quick, let's grab it before it disappears again. Turn it over. Crouch. Come on, let's see it.

[Grout]

Okay. Let me just.

[Jimena]

Yeah.

[Angelina]

Oh, great. It's a dead guy. Just what we needed.

[Grout]

Where'd he come from?

[Angelina]

Don't know, don't care. You know why? Because we can't trade dead guys for anything, Grout. It's another worthless find. Come on.

[Grout]

Shouldn't we search him first? He might be carrying something worth trading.

[Angelina]

Sure, if you want, but don't get your hopes up.

[Grout]

Looks like his pockets are empty.

[Angelina]

Told you.

[Grout]

Yeah, but he's wearing some, well, strange gear. See here? Feels like armor or something.

[Angelina]

Armor?

[Grout]

Yeah, some kind of metal plating. Hey, do you think this guy could be one of those military creeps you're always talking about?

[Angelina]

Millicon? How the hell would a soldier end up on a beach here in the middle of nowhere?

[Grout]

Well, maybe he fell out of one of those flying transports.

[Angelina]

What? Come on. Ah. Although, if he is Millican, he could be packing a gun or. Or a comms unit or some other piece of tech. Now, those we could definitely trade for.

[Grout]

Something nice enough to get us back to Drayton.

[Angelina]

I don't know about that, but go ahead. See if you can find anything.

[Grout]

Nah, there's. There's nothing like that here.

[Angelina]

Damn. What about the armor? Could we lift that?

[Grout]

It's really tight.

[Angelina]

Come on, Grouch. Put some muscle into it.

[Jimena]

Shit.

[Grout]

This bastard's alive.

[Angelina]

Step back from him, Grouse. Stay out of his reach. Hey, mister, are you okay? Can you hear me? Are. Are you with Millican?

[Grout]

I think he passed out. Again.

[Angelina]

Yeah, this guy's barely hanging on.

[Grout]

He said something sounded like Dana, maybe. Is that a place code word.

[Angelina]

Beats me. Never heard of it.

[Grout]

So what should we do? See if we can take him back to.

[Angelina]

To Milicon. Are you out of your mind?

[Grout]

Well, there might be a reward.

[Angelina]

They'd probably assume we were the ones who jumped him and blame us for the state he's in. But if we trust me, the only reward those bastards will give us is a bullet to the back of our heads. And besides, how are the two of us to get inside the Strata without credentials? Anyway, it's not gonna happen.

[Grout]

So we just leave him here?

[Angelina]

Unless we take him back to, you know, the place.

[Grout]

I thought we agreed we were never going back there again, Firefly.

[Angelina]

Yeah, that was before we found ourselves starving to death. Now I figure it might be worth a shot.

[Grout]

Are you sure about this?

[Angelina]

No. But what other option do we have?

[Grout]

Do you think they'll take him?

[Angelina]

Hmm? This guy, he. I know he looks different. There's something about him. So, yeah, I think maybe they will.

[Grout]

Well, if we're gonna do this, we shouldn't wait. I'm no medic, but something tells me this guy isn't gonna hang on for much longer.

[Angelina]

You're right about that. Let's clear off some space on the wave skimmer and get him on board.

[Grout]

Yeah, I'm on it.

[Angelina]

I'll give you a hand.

[Grout]

Hey, Firefly. Is there something you're not telling me?

[Angelina]

No. Why?

[Grout]

I don't know. It just looked like you were smiling just now.

[Angelina]

Well, partner, I just got to thinking. Maybe the spirits of fortune are still watching over us after all.

[Grout]

Foreign.

[Narrator]

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 Luna, head over to patreon.com BeyondTheDark. Your support means I can keep bringing you more seasons of the strata. Season 12 Stronger Than Blood starring Jason Chirai Rhiannon Marshall Elisa Marteja Michelle Mosley Wyatt Henry Paul Warren Chloe Elmore Rebecca Tanron Troy Allen Leonie Schlesing Elaine Ameen Toby J. Smith Joseph Tweedale Zachary Scott Garret Nile Adam McLachlan Gavrock and Armin Cabral Created by Mark R. Healy A Beyond the Dark production.

[Progressive Insurance]

The Fable and Folly Network where fiction producers flourish.

[Rust]

Once upon a time, a few weeks ago, Joe said to Finley, hey, isn't it crazy about this crowdstrike business? The whole nation is kind of paralyzed and no one can get on a plane. To which Finley replied, I don't know what you're talking about. And thus, a show was born. A show wherein Joe updates his workaholic girlfriend on all the cool stuff that she missed last week. Welcome to what Weekly? Welcome to what Weekly? Where an I jo wait for Finley to emerge from her workhole so that I may update her on the things that that happened this past week. Hello, honey.

Hi.

How are you? What's up?

[Jimena]

Hi, honey.

[Rust]

There's a new bacteria out there and I want to tell you all about this new bacteria, okay?

[Jimena]

Okay. Is it gonna kill me?

[Rust]

There's a celebrity. There's a new hot celebrity out there setting the world on fire.

[Jimena]

Okay, wow. All right.

[Rust]

She's from Thailand. Okay? Her name is Mu Dang. Mu Dang is a hippopotamus. They discovered something actually really interesting about earthquakes. And that is, honey, they make gold. Animals in Australia fall into two particular categories. Okay? Category one, Incredibly dangerous animals that will kill you instantly.

[Jimena]

Terrifying. Yes, absolutely terrifying.

[Rust]

Dangerous animals. Category two, Something that looks so ridiculous you can't believe that exists on the planet Earth. Honey birds. So Switzerland. So phonemes. We're going to the Netherlands. I want to take you to the Netherlands right now.

[Jimena]

I would love to go to the Netherlands.

[Rust]

I mean, I'm not literally taking you to the Netherlands. I'm saying the net news is taking us to the Netherlands one day.

[Jimena]

Netherlands. So that led me, of course, down the rabbit hole of 17th century Icelandic sorcery.

[Rust]

Nice. Scientists make living mice's skin transparent with simple food dye. Honey. No new research. What weekly? A weekly show for the Way too busy. Just look for what weekly? That's hwat weekly in your favorite podcasting app.