Episode 12.11 - Stronger Than Blood - Part 11

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Strata – Episode 12.11: "Stronger Than Blood - Part 11"

Overview

In Episode 12.11 of The Strata, titled "Stronger Than Blood - Part 11," host Mark R. Healy continues the gripping narrative set in a dystopian city. This installment delves deeper into the protagonist Crichton's perilous alliance with the underworld ganglord, Jonas, as they execute a high-stakes plan to secure Crichton's life-sustaining treatment. The episode masterfully blends intense action sequences with emotional character developments, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that challenges the very essence of familial bonds and loyalty.

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Plot Progression

Planning the Heist

The episode opens with Crichton and Jonas meticulously outlining their plan to infiltrate a heavily guarded facility. Jonas explains the critical steps:

Jonas (02:08): "I'm going to cut the power to the upper levels first. That's the most crucial aspect of the plan. Making sure the electromagnetic seal on the exit comes down."

Crichton seeks clarification on the specifics:

Crichton (02:22): "So you'll detonate charges here, here and here?"

Jonas confirms their strategy to neutralize the facility’s personnel and secure their escape route:

Jonas (02:43): "They deserve to die for what they've done to you."

Their plan involves not only disabling the facility's defenses but also ensuring their own safety post-operation. However, Crichton's hesitation surfaces:

Crichton (03:54): "It's late. Time for lights out. Jonas?"

This moment introduces an unexpected twist when Mr. Stearns, a figure from Crichton’s past, confronts them, leading to a sudden and violent encounter.

Unexpected Confrontation

Mr. Stearns reveals his betrayal, attacking Jonas and forcing Jonas to take up arms. Amidst the chaos, Crichton’s true capabilities emerge:

Crichton (06:22): "It's a little secret of mine that comes in handy now and again."

Jonas adapts their plan on the fly, deciding to go on the offensive instead of following the initial heist timeline:

Jonas (07:13): "Let's activate the detonators."

This shift intensifies the episode’s tension as the characters navigate unforeseen complications, setting the stage for further conflict.

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Character Development

Crichton’s Inner Struggle

Crichton’s internal conflict becomes evident during his confrontation with Mr. Stearns. His emotional turmoil surfaces when he hesitates to follow through with the impersonal remote detonation, expressing a desire for vengeance:

Crichton (03:54): "A remote detonation seems so impersonal. I'd rather slice them all into ribbons, one by one with my own hands. Watch them suffer."

This sentiment unveils the depth of his anguish and the lengths he’s willing to go to secure his survival.

Jonas’s Loyalty Tested

Jonas showcases his adaptability and unwavering commitment to their mission, even as unforeseen betrayals occur. His strategic mindset is highlighted when he reassesses their situation post-Stearns’ attack:

Jonas (07:06): "I don't want to sit around and wait for Becker to make the next move. It's time to go on the offensive."

This decision underscores his proactive nature and dedication to their cause, reinforcing his role as Crichton’s steadfast ally.

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Climactic Confrontation

Revelations and Betrayals

The episode reaches its peak with a deeply personal confrontation between Crichton and Ximena, who reveals herself as Angelina, Crichton's estranged sister. Their interaction uncovers buried emotions and past grievances:

Angelina (16:37): "When I look at you, I still see the friend who used to come climbing to the top of East View Tower with me at night so we could watch the lights of Highgate City shimmer through the haze."

This heartfelt moment contrasts sharply with the surrounding violence, adding emotional weight to the narrative.

Crichton’s True Purpose

In a shocking twist, Crichton discloses his true mission to Ximena, revealing that his involvement was part of a larger test:

Crichton (21:05): "This whole exercise was just a trial. A test to see if I could perform under combat conditions. And I guess I passed the test. Tomorrow I'll be shipping off to my real assignment."

This revelation reframes the entire episode, highlighting themes of identity, purpose, and the sacrifices made in the name of survival.

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Key Quotes

• Jonas (02:08): "I'm going to cut the power to the upper levels first. That's the most crucial aspect of the plan."

• Crichton (03:54): "A remote detonation seems so impersonal. I'd rather slice them all into ribbons, one by one with my own hands."

• Jonas (07:13): "Let's activate the detonators."

• Angelina (16:37): "When I look at you, I still see the friend who used to come climbing to the top of East View Tower with me at night."

• Crichton (21:05): "This whole exercise was just a trial. A test to see if I could perform under combat conditions."

---

Themes and Insights

Conflict Between Duty and Emotion

Crichton’s journey in this episode epitomizes the struggle between duty and personal emotion. His initial reluctance to employ impersonal methods of violence contrasts with his later acceptance of ruthless measures, illustrating the transformative impact of his circumstances.

Trust and Betrayal

The episode intricately weaves themes of trust and betrayal, especially evident in the interactions between Crichton, Jonas, and Mr. Stearns. Crichton’s ultimate betrayal of the resistance underscores the complexities of alliances in a dystopian setting.

Identity and Purpose

Crichton’s revelation about his true mission challenges his sense of identity and purpose. This pivotal moment invites listeners to ponder the lengths one might go to fulfill a destiny imposed by external forces.

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Conclusion

Episode 12.11 of The Strata masterfully balances high-octane action with profound emotional depth. As Crichton navigates alliances fraught with betrayal and confronts haunting personal revelations, listeners are left eagerly anticipating the fallout of his true mission. Mark R. Healy continues to build a richly layered dystopian world where every character's choice has profound implications, keeping the audience engaged and invested in the unfolding saga.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Crichton]

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[Crichton]

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[Crichton]

Oh, thanks.

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[Crichton]

And more memories, babe.

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[Crichton]

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[Crichton]

You're listening to the Strata A Beyond the Dark production season 12 Stronger Than Blood Part.

[Jonas]

Come over here to the terminal, Crichton. Let's go over the plan one more time.

[Crichton]

Is everything ready, Jonas?

[Jonas]

For the most part, yes. I think everything is lining up well. In a short while, the volume of personnel moving about the facility will be at its lowest. They have fewer shifts scheduled for early hours of the morning. As I've told you before, that will be the perfect time to put our plan into action.

[Crichton]

What's the first target?

[Jonas]

I'm going to cut the power to the upper levels first. That's the most crucial aspect of the plan. Making sure the electromagnetic seal on the exit comes down.

[Crichton]

So you'll detonate charges here, here and here?

[Jonas]

Exactly. Once that is done, we'll need to act quickly. The personnel will hear the initial explosion and no doubt come to investigate. So right after our first strike will follow up directly with the charges around their quarters, trapping them inside. With our enemies confined, we'll have a much better chance of reaching the exit unimpeded.

[Crichton]

Will the personnel be killed by these explosions?

[Jonas]

Some of them, perhaps. Others will be entombed with no hope of escape. But either way, they'll be neutralized.

[Crichton]

They deserve to die for what they've done to you.

[Jonas]

Yes, I know they do. And if the last part of the plan comes together, that's exactly what will happen to them.

[Crichton]

How are we gonna do it?

[Jonas]

Well, as it turns out, cutting the power to the upper levels. And entombing the guards is just phase one of my plan for phase two, I've planted more explosives. They're located in structural nodes like the support columns that are distributed throughout the facility. When detonated, I calculate phase two will cause enough damage to instigate a massive, massive implosion. The entire facility will come down like a pancake, killing everyone who is still inside.

[Crichton]

That'll make it impossible for anyone to come after us.

[Jonas]

Correct. We just have to make sure that the two of us are clear of the exit before using the transmitter.

[Crichton]

Yes, I suppose that will work.

[Jonas]

What's the matter, Crichton? You seem disappointed.

[Crichton]

A remote detonation seems so impersonal. I'd rather slice them all into ribbons, one by one with my own hands. Watch them suffer.

[Jonas]

That's not really practical though, is it? And besides.

[Crichton]

It'S late. Time for lights out. Jonas?

[Jonas]

Oh, Mr. Stearns. What are you doing here? I thought you'd be asleep in your quarters by now.

[Crichton]

Dr. Becker has me working a double shift tonight. A few of the others too. Believe me, I'm not happy about it. But the fact that. What's that, Jonas?

[Jonas]

Hmm? I'm not sure what you mean.

[Crichton]

The terminal. What is it that you're looking at?

[Jonas]

Oh, that. It's just a floor plan with some upcoming installations marked out. I was working late tidying a few things up. With Crichton's help, of course. I'll just go ahead and shut the terminal down. I'm sure it can wait until morning.

[Crichton]

Touch that and you die.

[Jonas]

Mr. Stearns, calm down. There's no need to get worked up about this.

[Crichton]

You've been up to something, haven't you? You little shit. I knew you couldn't be trusted. But Becker, ah, he kept saying he needed you.

[Jonas]

I told him weeks ago that we should have marched you out to the.

[Crichton]

Top of the cliff and put a.

[Jonas]

Bullet in the back of your head. You've got it all wrong, Mr. Stearns.

[Crichton]

I'm gonna get him over here right now.

[Jonas]

What the. Crichton. Where did that blade come from?

[Crichton]

Pick up the gun, Jonas. Hurry up.

[Jonas]

Yes, I. I have it.

[Crichton]

No. Use it. Please. Wait. Jonas. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. If you just listen. Listen to me for a second. Show no mercy, Jonas. Strike down your oppressor. I can help you. I'll do whatever you want. Jonas. Jonas, come on.

[Jonas]

Look on the bright side, Stearns. This is going to be quick. Much quicker than the fate you had in store for me.

[Crichton]

A Clean co. You've done well, my friend.

[Jonas]

Yes, I. I know how to handle a gun. And you, how did you do that with your arm, Crichton?

[Crichton]

It's a little secret of mine that comes in handy now and again.

[Jonas]

I'll bet it does.

[Crichton]

Now back to the matter at hand. Does this change our plan?

[Jonas]

In several ways, yes. We have this now, which is a nice bonus. Possessing a gun is definitely going to make our objective of reaching the exit a little easier to attain. And now that Stearns is dead, there's one less bag of meat between us and freedom.

[Crichton]

Do you think his loss will be noticed?

[Jonas]

Most definitely. He's a high ranking member of Becker's team. When he fails to show up at his post, that's going to cause an investigation. Perhaps an elevated security status as well. We have to change the timing of our plan.

[Crichton]

What do you have in mind?

[Jonas]

I don't want to sit around and wait for Becker to make the next move. It's time to go on the offensive. Let's activate the detonators.

[Crichton]

We're ready for phase one.

[Jonas]

Yes. Let's see what they think of this.

[Narrator]

Where's the mainframe? Firefly? Is it much further? I'm pretty sure it's just up ahead.

[Firefly]

You okay, Summers? You seem on edge.

[Narrator]

I just want to get this over and done with. I don't like the thought of those prisoners down there waiting all alone in the ventilation shafts. Grouch and the others are gonna be alright, aren't they? They'll be fine, as long as we get this done fast. Okay. Okay, here it is. The room with all the computers. Seat there, through the glass door. Do you think this is what you're looking for? Yeah, I think this is it. Good job, Firefly.

[Firefly]

There sure are a lot of systems here. Which is the one we need?

[Narrator]

It should be this one here behind the security mesh. There should be an access key around here somewhere.

[Firefly]

I've got a faster way.

[Narrator]

Yeah, that'll do it.

[Firefly]

Chalk up another one for the crowbar.

[Narrator]

That thing sure comes in handy there.

[Firefly]

Thank you. A little recognition for once.

[Narrator]

Can that fabulous crowbar access a data store and extract a bunch of encrypted files by any chance?

[Firefly]

Probably, but then there'd be nothing left for you to do, Summers. How about me and the crowbar just go watch the door instead?

[Narrator]

Sounds like a plan. Just let me insert this data shard and. Yeah, here we go. What are you two looking for here? Well, as you've probably figured out by now, Firefly, the people who run this facility are up to some really nasty shit. Most likely. The research they're doing here is illegal, unethical, not to mention cruel and inhumane. We intend to stop them and bring them to justice. How are you gonna stop them? The data they've collected here can be used as evidence against them. More than that, it could also provide us with more information about what they do and how they do it. This is not the only facility they're running. And I'm hoping we can find out more about those other places where they are and the names of the people running them. So you two are cops or something?

[Firefly]

Cops. That's a good one.

[Narrator]

Definitely not cops. Just a couple of people who are trying to make a difference.

[Firefly]

How much longer? Summers, I think.

[Narrator]

I found something. Rust. A minute or two for the extraction, tops.

[Firefly]

Where are all the guards and personnel? I haven't seen a single person come through this corridor yet.

[Narrator]

This time of night, there's not usually anyone wandering around. At least that's what I noticed from my cell during the daytime. There's more of them.

[Firefly]

Seems like we picked a good time then. This operation is running as smooth as a.

[Narrator]

What the hell was that?

[Firefly]

I have no idea.

[Narrator]

Firefly, is this.

[Crichton]

Shit.

[Firefly]

That sounded like a goddamn airstrike. Is this place under attack?

[Narrator]

Dammit. I just lost the terminal.

[Firefly]

The whole room's gone dark. Look. Every single system just shut down.

[Narrator]

Perfect timing.

[Firefly]

Did you get what you needed?

[Narrator]

I have no idea. Most of it, I think. But maybe not everything. Shit.

[Firefly]

Well, in any case, something tells me we might have bigger problems on our hands right now than data extraction.

[Narrator]

Yeah. Any ideas? Firefly, has this happened before?

[Crichton]

No. No, this is new.

[Narrator]

I've never heard anything like it.

[Firefly]

Do you think they're onto us? Some sort of countermeasure?

[Narrator]

Why would they bomb their own building? It doesn't make sense.

[Firefly]

Well, either way, we have to get on the move.

[Narrator]

Yeah, there's not much point staying here. Not when all the systems are down, anyway. Where to now? First we have to figure out how we're going to get out of this place. Then once we do, we'll head back for the people down below and lead them out to safety. Do you think they're going to be okay down there? We'll do everything we can to get them out, Firefly. I promise.

[Firefly]

Come on, guys. Whatever we're going to do, we better do it quick. Because if I didn't know any better, I'd say this whole damn place is about to fall down around our ears.

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[Crichton]

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[Jonas]

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[Crichton]

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[Crichton]

Hi. Welcome to ikea.

[Advertiser]

This is my college campus.

[Narrator]

Correct. But I see you're on ikea.com ordering some college items.

[Firefly]

My daughter's room is pretty bare.

[Jonas]

We need a lamp, some comfy pillows, her favorite stuffy dad with pickup options.

[Crichton]

We've got what you need to conveniently order Ikea literally anywhere. Sweet.

[Jonas]

More time for gaming and studying.

[Crichton]

Wait, where are you going now? Got to show the ultimate Frisbee team.

[Narrator]

How easy it is to order from Ikea.

[Crichton]

Get Ikea whenever, wherever, however you want.

[Narrator]

Choose from thousands of pickup locations, affordable delivery options, and more. All right, people, hold steady. Stay in your positions. Millicong could be at our door any second.

[Advertiser]

Angelina. What do you think you're doing? You and your friends are going to get slaughtered. You can't stand against a whole army.

[Narrator]

We'll see about that.

[Crichton]

I need another clip over here.

[Narrator]

Take this one.

[Advertiser]

Hey. You need to stop and think about where this is going.

[Narrator]

I know exactly where it's going.

[Advertiser]

Oh, really? So what's your plan?

[Narrator]

The plan is to see off the first wave and by ourselves sometime. Then we make a run for the tunnels. Can't guarantee all of us will make it, but as I see it, it's our best chance of survival. From there, we'll travel underground until we can reach a new safe house where it can regroup and figure out our next move.

[Advertiser]

The tunnels? That's what, almost a block from here? You think you're gonna cover that with those airships flying around Ximena?

[Narrator]

I don't have time for this. I'm sorry you got caught up in this whole mess, but right now there's nothing I can do for you. I suggest you find somewhere to shelter, stay low.

[Crichton]

And they just raid a building a few doors down.

[Narrator]

Okay, this is it. I know we have a couple of rookies here today, so listen up. You need to load up on acid frags. It's the only thing that eats through their damn armor. Without it, our bullets just bounce right off. As soon as they breach, hit them with as many as you can.

[Crichton]

They're coming closer.

[Narrator]

And watch your background. We don't want any casualties from friendly fire like last time.

[Crichton]

Shit. There are more coming into the street.

[Narrator]

Everyone get in position.

[Crichton]

Roger.

[Narrator]

Hey, cover that window over there.

[Crichton]

Come on.

[Narrator]

This is no time to get sloppy.

[Crichton]

Oh, great. We've got an airship leveling out overhead. It's right on top of us.

[Narrator]

Surveillance? Or a drop ship.

[Crichton]

I can't get a good angle on it.

[Narrator]

I think Kimena, get down.

[Crichton]

As it frogs out.

[Narrator]

Two at the windows, one at the front door. Take him out.

[Crichton]

Take cover.

[Narrator]

That's it. The armor is dissolving. We got one man down.

[Crichton]

Shit.

[Advertiser]

Angelina, we need to get out of here.

[Narrator]

Another one down. I need a reload. Anybody got a clip? There's only one left. His armor's melting off. Can anyone take the shot?

[Crichton]

God damn it.

[Narrator]

Anyone?

[Advertiser]

Your friends are dead, Angelina. There's no one left but you and me.

[Narrator]

Two of us and one of him. We can do this.

[Crichton]

Don't you dare move. Not a God damn muscle.

[Advertiser]

Oh my God. It's Taniks.

[Crichton]

Get away from her. Ximena, Stand aside. You don't have to die here today.

[Advertiser]

Wait, Tanix. Put the gun down.

[Crichton]

I said move aside.

[Advertiser]

Move aside. What are you. What are you talking about? Do you even know who this is?

[Crichton]

I know exactly who that is. This is Target 297. A criminal and a raking officer with the Resistance. And she's been marked for death. Kill on sight.

[Advertiser]

Wait, Tanix, please.

[Crichton]

This isn't a negotiation. I have a job to do and I intend to do it.

[Narrator]

Go on, get out of the way. Ximena. I'm not afraid of him.

[Advertiser]

He has a loaded gun and you don't.

[Narrator]

So what? I'm not afraid.

[Crichton]

You heard her, Ximena. Move out the way.

[Advertiser]

Just stop for a second, all right? Stop and look. It's your sister, Angelina.

[Crichton]

My sister, huh? Is that what you think?

[Advertiser]

Maybe you don't remember. After what happened to you. Maybe Millie Khan altered your memory or something.

[Crichton]

I remember just fine. And this coward who's hiding behind you? She's not my sister. Not anymore. She stopped being that a long time Ago.

[Advertiser]

That's not true, is it?

[Crichton]

Would a real sister just dump her brother like that? Leave him to rot like a piece of garbage?

[Advertiser]

I know that the two of you grew apart, but you still share the same blood.

[Narrator]

The same blood? I'm not sure about that, Ximena. Look at him.

[Advertiser]

Holy shit. That armor was scorched so bad that it fell to pieces. But underneath, Tanix, your skin is. It looks fine. Not a single burn mark.

[Narrator]

I'm not talking about that, Ximena. Look near his ribs. See? That looks like scales to me. And weird bumps and ridges.

[Advertiser]

What is that?

[Narrator]

I don't know. But I can tell you one thing. What he said was right. The two of us are not brother and sister anymore. In fact, I'm not even sure he's still human.

[Crichton]

Screw you, Angelina. You have no idea what I went through.

[Advertiser]

Wait, Tanix. How is your skin not burnt? I don't understand.

[Crichton]

I'm impervious to the acid.

[Advertiser]

How is that possible?

[Narrator]

They did something to him. They changed him. Isn't that right, Tanix?

[Crichton]

Get out of the way, Taniks.

[Advertiser]

If Milicon hurt you, they need to be held accountable.

[Crichton]

Squad, status report. Have all targets been eliminated? Over. Held accountable, Millicon? Who's gonna do that, Ximena? You?

[Advertiser]

I don't know. Exactly.

[Crichton]

They own me, get it? If I don't inject that serum every day, I die.

[Advertiser]

What serum?

[Crichton]

Forget it. Just get out of the way. Don't make me go through you to get to her. Don't test me. Cause I'll do it.

[Advertiser]

You can't kill Angelina, Tanix. She's family.

[Crichton]

She gave up on me. You both gave up on me.

[Advertiser]

We tried to reach you, but you pushed us away. It was your addiction. It turned you into.

[Crichton]

Come on, say it.

[Advertiser]

I don't know what, someone who wasn't, you worthless junkie. No, I never thought that.

[Crichton]

And what about now? Amen. Tell me what you see. A freak. Or maybe just a uniform. Another goddamn cog in the machine of oppression. Go on, give it to me straight.

[Advertiser]

I don't see any of those things, Tanix. When I look at you, I still see the friend who used to come climbing to the top of East View Tower with me at night so we could watch the lights of Highgate City shimmer through the haze. Remember that? Or the friend who carried me home that night. I fell down and I twisted my ankle when we were running from the cops. That friend, he was one of the only things that made my life worth living in this shithole all those years. That's why I came looking for you. Because I wanted to have him back again. Carlita's father.

[Crichton]

Stop. Ximena.

[Advertiser]

I know that I should have tried harder to reach out to you over the years. And I'm sorry if I let you down. But I have to at least try to make things right.

[Crichton]

I said stop. Squad, I need a report. Have you completed your mission? Over.

[Advertiser]

Tanix, I think you showed up at your apartment the other day because you wanted to reconnect with your old life again somehow, just like I did. Isn't that the explanation?

[Crichton]

Maybe you're right. Amen. But it's too late for that. I've seen how people look at me. I know what they think.

[Advertiser]

Wow. We all see different things in each other. And I know what I see.

[Crichton]

This is Squad seven. Sector is clear. I repeat, sector is clear. All targets neutralized. Over. That's good work, squad. Move on to the next sector. Over. Squad out.

[Advertiser]

You're going to let us live?

[Crichton]

You two are gonna have to lay low for a few minutes. Once the first wave clears out, there will be time before the cleanup crew comes through. I can't guarantee you'll be safe, but.

[Narrator]

Tanix, I hope you don't think this changes anything. I'm not turning my back on the Resistance. Tomorrow, when you put that Millicon uniform on again, I'm still going to be out here working to bring down this system.

[Crichton]

Save it, Angelina. We don't need to go there. The truth is, this isn't even my fight. It never was.

[Narrator]

What?

[Crichton]

This whole exercise was just a trial. A test to see if I could perform under combat conditions. And I guess I passed the test. Tomorrow I'll be shipping off to my real assignment.

[Narrator]

Where's that?

[Crichton]

Somewhere off world. The outer reaches, I think.

[Advertiser]

To do what?

[Crichton]

To face whatever's out there.

[Narrator]

What, so this whole operation of yours here in Dockerton.

[Crichton]

You think they went to all the trouble of ripping my body apart and splicing it with the DNA of God knows what just so they could send me rat hunting in downtown Tinkford? No. They have bigger plans for me. So as far as your ideals and your petty squabbles with Millicon go. I don't really give a shit if you two want to fight for the Resistance and tear down the system. I don't care. I won't be around to see it. Just do me one favor, Ximena.

[Advertiser]

What is it?

[Crichton]

You haven't told the kid much about her father, right? Just that he went a long way away from here.

[Advertiser]

Yeah, that's all I've told her.

[Crichton]

That's good. It fits. I just ask that please don't tell her what I was or what I am. Even if she's the only person in this world who doesn't think of me that way, then. Well, that's something.

[Advertiser]

Taniks, I. Are you sure there isn't any way we can.

[Crichton]

No, there's not. Although maybe one day when she's old enough to understand, tell her that even though her father went away, for her sake, he wishes he could. Of State.

[Narrator]

Which way? Firefly, any ideas? Sorry, I've never been up this high before. I have no clue.

[Firefly]

We're only a couple of floors from the top level, Summers. That loading dock we saw from the outside can't be too far away.

[Narrator]

Yeah. Okay, let's try this way. Through here.

[Firefly]

What's this place?

[Narrator]

Some sort of observation room. This looks like hardened plexiglass. Thick too. They obviously didn't want anything getting through.

[Firefly]

Hey, wait a second. Is someone coming the other way? On the other side of the plexiglass.

[Narrator]

Guards.

[Firefly]

Hang on. They're coming closer.

[Narrator]

It's not like they can hurt us anyway. On the other side of.

[Firefly]

Holy shit.

[Narrator]

What's the matter, Rust? Do we have a problem?

[Firefly]

Look, it's. It's Hagmeyer.

[Narrator]

It's what?

[Firefly]

He's right there, staring at us.

[Narrator]

Holy shit, you're right. Carver's right hand man. In the flesh. He went missing after the Ghost uprising. No one could find him.

[Firefly]

Yeah, I guess we finally figured out where he went.

[Narrator]

Wait a second. It looks like he's moving to the intercom.

[Jonas]

Rust, Is that really you?

[Firefly]

Yeah, it's me. You piece of. I should have known I'd find you in a place like this. You're working for these, aren't you?

[Jonas]

Me? No. I'm a prisoner here, actually. Well, I was, but that's not going to be the case for much longer.

[Firefly]

A prisoner? What the hell is going on?

[Jonas]

Hagmeyer, as much as I'd love to stay and chit chat, I really don't have the time, Rust. Although if I'd known you were coming, I would have planted an explosive especially for you. After all, I owe you that much. And a whole lot more.

[Firefly]

It was you who set off those explosives. Why?

[Jonas]

So I can get out of here. I've been plotting my escape for months. But tell me, how did you track me down here?

[Firefly]

You? I had no idea you were here until this moment. We came looking for the assholes who run this place.

[Jonas]

Intriguing. So it seems our paths have crossed. Just by chance.

[Crichton]

You know this man? Jonas?

[Firefly]

What the hell, Crichton.

[Crichton]

Ah, so you do remember me.

[Firefly]

Unfortunately, yeah.

[Crichton]

Adana. What happened to her?

[Firefly]

Well, it wasn't pretty, I can tell you that much.

[Crichton]

She fell in battle, didn't she?

[Firefly]

She's finished. Just like I thought you were until a few seconds ago.

[Narrator]

What's going on here, Rust?

[Firefly]

I went toe to toe with this guy Creighton a little while back, further up the coast. He was hunting. Our friends from the vault tracked him halfway across the Deadlands, but we turned the tables on him. He ended up being blasted off a goddamn cliff. I thought that would be the end of him, but apparently not.

[Narrator]

How did he wind up here? Oh, I can answer that. Me and Grout, we found this guy washed up on a beach. We brought him here because, well, we.

[Firefly]

You saved him. Why in hell would you do that? The guy's a monster.

[Narrator]

We didn't know that at the time. He was lying there half dead, so how are we supposed to know?

[Jonas]

Sorry to interrupt, Russ, but we have a schedule to keep. We'll be going now.

[Firefly]

Is that so? Well, don't get too comfy, Hagmeyer. I just added kicking your ass to my to do list.

[Jonas]

Somehow I doubt you'll catch up. The pathway to the other side of this plexiglass is long and convoluted, and you'll no doubt have the guards to deal with.

[Firefly]

You think guards are going to stop us?

[Jonas]

Probably not, but at least they'll slow you down. And that will give me time to activate this.

[Firefly]

What's that? Another one of your shitty gizmos?

[Jonas]

This is a transmitter, Rust. A remote detonation device, to be exact. As soon as I'm free of this place, I intend to use it. And when that happens, you and everyone else who's still inside Corova Station, well, you're going to have a very bad day.

[Crichton]

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 Turai, Rhiannon Mauschul Oisa Mateja Michelle Mosley Wyatt Henry Paul Warren Chloe Elmore Rebecca Tanwin Troy Allen Leonie Schlesing Elaine Amin Toby J. Smith Joseph Tweedale Zachary Scott garrett Nile Adam McLachlan Gavarock and Armin Cabral Created by Mark R. Healy I'LL be on the dark production.

[Narrator]

The fable and folly network, where fiction producers flourish.

[Jonas]

Hi, Zoe Saldana. Welcome to T Mobile.

[Crichton]

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[Crichton]

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You don't need a trade in.

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Not right now.

[Crichton]

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That's okay.

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I'm good. Seriously.

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Really, I'm fine.

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[Jonas]

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