Episode 12.12 - Stronger Than Blood - Part 12 (Season Finale)

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Strata – Episode 12.12: "Stronger Than Blood - Part 12 (Season Finale)"

Release Date: July 1, 2025

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Introduction

In the gripping season finale of The Strata, titled "Stronger Than Blood - Part 12," listeners are thrust into the climax of an intense struggle within the dystopian confines of Corova Station. This episode masterfully intertwines themes of betrayal, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of freedom, delivering a satisfying conclusion to Season 12 while setting the stage for future developments.

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Approach to the Outer Doors

The episode opens with Jonas Hagmire and his team approaching the heavily guarded outer doors of Corova Station. Their mission is fraught with tension as they anticipate confrontation with the station's defenders.

• Jonas Hagmire [01:47]: "We are approaching the outer doors, Crichton. No doubt there'll be guards posted, but we have the element of surprise. Just leave this to me."

Jonas asserts leadership, signaling the beginning of a high-stakes infiltration attempt.

---

Confrontation with Dr. Becker

As Jonas and his team attempt to breach the outer doors, they encounter Dr. Becker, leading to a heated exchange that reveals deep-seated conflicts.

• Crichton [02:41]: "Where's the crank system you told me about?"

• Jonas Hagmire [02:43]: "There and there. One on either side. We're going to have to coordinate and work together, but hopefully it won't take longer than a couple of minutes."

The tension escalates when Jonas feels betrayed, leading to a personal vendetta against Dr. Becker.

• Jonas Hagmire [03:16]: "Put a bullet in your head, a long time ago, Gareth. Yes, you should have."

Jonas's anger culminates in a brutal confrontation, highlighting his transformation from ally to adversary.

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Firefly and Angelina's Escape

Parallel to the main conflict, Firefly and Angelina navigate their own perilous escape from Corova Station, offering a glimpse into their personal struggles and evolving relationship.

• Angelina [05:56]: "Look, I'm sorry if you think I was harsh on Tanix back there. You must think I'm a cold-hearted bitch right about now. But the simple fact is that Tanix, well, he's part of the system."

Their dialogue delves into themes of loyalty and the cost of fighting against a corrupt system, adding emotional depth to the narrative.

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Final Showdown and Escape

The climax of the episode sees the culmination of Jonas Hagmire's plans and the protagonists' desperate efforts to secure their escape.

• Jonas Hagmire [09:05]: "It's Rust. He's caught up to us."

A fierce battle ensues between Jonas and Rusty, leading to Jonas's demise at the hands of Crichton.

• Rusty [09:41]: "You're not leaving with that transmitter, Hagmeyer. Not a chance in hell."

Jonas's machinations are thwarted, but not without significant sacrifices from the team.

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Aftermath and Liberation

With Jonas eliminated, the team focuses on escaping the crumbling Corova Station. They work against time to secure essential items and ensure the safety of their comrades.

• Crichton [15:20]: "You won your freedom and punished those who sought to imprison you. This day, you have earned the right to hold your head high."

A poignant moment of closure is achieved as Crichton and Jonas share a final exchange, symbolizing the end of Jonas's oppressive rule.

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Planning for the Future

The episode concludes with the team reflecting on their harrowing experience and strategizing their next moves to combat the overarching threat of Millicon.

• Rusty [18:25]: "We're gonna have a whole convoy rolling out of here, aren't we? Nice of Strickland to lend us these vehicles, huh?"

• Mark R. Healey [22:15]: "I might what? Strap on an apron and sizzle up a wad of imitation beef while I gush about my favorite gridcast with a bunch of strangers? Come on, Rust. That's not me."

Amidst plans for evacuation, interpersonal dynamics are explored, hinting at future character development and alliances.

---

Conclusion

"Stronger Than Blood - Part 12" delivers a powerful conclusion to Season 12 of The Strata, balancing action-packed sequences with deep emotional and moral dilemmas. The episode effectively resolves major plotlines while leaving enough intrigue to keep listeners eagerly anticipating the next season.

Notable Quotes:

• Jonas Hagmire [03:17]: "Long time ago, Gareth. Yes, you should have."
• Firefly [07:13]: "This goes beyond a few kids playing in the streets and hanging out together for a laugh. It's about changing the system."
• Crichton [15:02]: "You made it, Jonas. Your home."
• Mark R. Healey [22:15]: "I might what? Strap on an apron and sizzle up a wad of imitation beef while I gush about my favorite gridcast with a bunch of strangers?"

---

Themes and Insights

• Betrayal and Trust: The episode explores the fragility of alliances and the impact of betrayal on personal relationships.

• Sacrifice for Freedom: Characters make significant sacrifices, emphasizing the cost of resisting oppressive systems.

• Hope and Rebuilding: Despite the chaos, there is a strong undercurrent of hope as characters look towards rebuilding and continuing their fight.

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Final Thoughts

The Season 12 finale of The Strata successfully weaves multiple narrative threads into a cohesive and compelling story. Mark R. Healey's adept storytelling and the voice actors' compelling performances ensure that listeners are thoroughly engaged from start to finish. As the team escapes Corova Station, the promise of future battles and character arcs leaves the audience eagerly awaiting what lies ahead in the dystopian world of The Strata.

Transcript

[Mark R. Healey]

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[Rusty]

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[Narrator]

You're listening to the Strata. A Beyond the dark production season 12 stronger than blood part 12.

[Jonas Hagmire]

We are approaching the outer doors, Crichton. No doubt there'll be guards posted, but we have the element of surprise. Just leave this to me.

[Crichton]

I can help. Jonas.

[Jonas Hagmire]

No. I have the gun. I'll take care of it. Wait here, behind cover. Hey, you three, step over here. Dr. Becker sent me up to give you a briefing. We have a large attacking force on its way and we need to be ready.

[Rusty]

Come on.

[Jonas Hagmire]

I said step out. Idiots.

[Crichton]

Well done, Jonas.

[Jonas Hagmire]

We're almost there now. The outer doors are dead ahead. Help me gather up these weapons. They might come in handy. Then follow me.

[Crichton]

Where's the crank system you told me about?

[Jonas Hagmire]

There and there. One on either side. We're going to have to coordinate and work together, but hopefully it won't take longer than a couple of minutes. By that time.

[Crichton]

Jonas, get down.

[Jonas Hagmire]

Jonas, you slimy little snake. You ruined my whole operation. I'm gonna make you pay for this. Dr. Becker and some of his guards. Quick, Crichton, head around to the left. See if you can flank him. I'll cover you. Take cover. He's armed. That's right, Dr. Becker. You stick your head out and I'll blow it clean off your shoulders. That's a promise. I should have listened to stones and.

[Mark R. Healey]

Put a bullet in your head a.

[Jonas Hagmire]

Long time ago, Gareth. Yes, you should have. But now he's dead. And Your entire operation is on its knees. How does it feel to be on the receiving end, Doctor? I tried to offer you leniency, you ungrateful piece of shit. No, you turned me into a slave because I'm useful. But I'm smarter than you, Becker. And that's why I'm going to win. That's why I always win. You haven't won a goddamn thing. I'm going to come over there.

[Crichton]

See?

[Jonas Hagmire]

I told you I'd blow your head off. Crichton, report.

[Crichton]

The gods have tasted my blade, Jonas. Every last one of them. They're dead.

[Jonas Hagmire]

Dr. Becker too. He got what he deserved.

[Crichton]

Death to the oppressors.

[Jonas Hagmire]

Yes, my friend. Now there's only one thing left to do. Man that crank, will you? Let's say goodbye to Corova Station once and for all.

[Firefly]

This way. Angelina. Come on. The tunnels aren't too far away.

[Angelina]

Yeah, I'm with you.

[Rusty]

Here.

[Firefly]

You go down there, quick.

[Angelina]

I don't think they saw us.

[Firefly]

Looks that way. But we can't stop here. We need to get out of this area as fast as we can.

[Angelina]

No argument for me.

[Firefly]

If my bearings are right, we should be able to surface again somewhere east of Tinkford. From there.

[Angelina]

Well, what are you going to do then?

[Firefly]

I don't know exactly. Stay out of Millicon's Way, that's for sure. And you?

[Angelina]

Me? Well, I'm a registered target now, it seems. So I won't be showing my face again anytime soon. Hopefully I can keep out of sight and link up with another resistance cell before I'm caught.

[Firefly]

Sounds like hard times ahead. Angelina, I'm sorry.

[Angelina]

Hey, I'm the one who signed up for this. I always knew it could happen sooner or later. Guess I'll just have to cope.

[Firefly]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Angelina]

Look, I'm sorry if you think I was harsh on Tanix back there. You must think I'm a cold hearted bitch right about now. But simple fact is that Tanix, well, he's part of the system. He's the enemy. And all those years we spent together don't add up to shit now that he's wearing that uniform.

[Firefly]

From what he said, I don't think he had much choice about it. You saw it yourself. They did something to him out there. And now he's been forced to join their ranks.

[Angelina]

Is that really what happened? Or was he just trying to gain our sympathy?

[Firefly]

Well, in the end, he could have shot both of us dead where we stood, Angelina. And he chose to let us go. I think you could draw your own conclusions. From that.

[Angelina]

Either way, it's ancient history now. He said it himself. He's heading off world to fight in the outer reaches. That's so messed up. Tanix out there doesn't seem real.

[Firefly]

I wish I had more of a chance to talk to him about what happened, but if he's about to step on a starliner, I guess I won't ever have that opportunity.

[Angelina]

Guess not.

[Firefly]

How did this happen, Angelina? How did we all grow so far apart?

[Angelina]

I. I know it doesn't seem like it, but I wish things had played out differently between us. Between all of us. This whole ordeal has cost me your friendship and your respect. How could it not? I lied to you and put you in harm's way. And for that I'm sorry, Ximena. I truly am. But the truth is, I'm fighting for something greater. This goes beyond a few kids playing in the streets and hanging out together for a laugh. It's about changing the system. I hope you understand that.

[Firefly]

If you say this fight against Milicon is more important than the bond between friends. Love, respect. Friendship. Well, that's where we differ, Angelina. In this world, I don't think there is anything greater than that. Come on. This way. It won't be long now. We should have you out of here soon. And then. Then I guess we'll both just have to take our chances out there on the streets.

[Jonas Hagmire]

That's it, Crichton. Keep turning the crank.

[Crichton]

Are we making any progress? Nothing seems to be happening.

[Jonas Hagmire]

There's some slack in the system, that's all. The doors are starting to move now. See? They're slowly edging upward.

[Crichton]

Yes, I see.

[Jonas Hagmire]

Freedom is that close. I can almost taste it.

[Mark R. Healey]

There they are. Over there.

[Rusty]

Shit. They're at the doors already.

[Jonas Hagmire]

It's Rust. He's caught up to us.

[Crichton]

Forget about the clanks and engage the enemy.

[Jonas Hagmire]

No, do not stop, Crichton, no matter what you do. We'd have to go right back to the start of this whole process, and we don't have time for that.

[Crichton]

What do you suggest?

[Jonas Hagmire]

See if you can keep going. I'll keep Rust at bay.

[Mark R. Healey]

Take cover. Rust. He's got a gun.

[Rusty]

Shit.

[Jonas Hagmire]

Go on, Rust. Step out again. See what happens.

[Rusty]

You're not leaving with that transmitter, Hagmeyer. Not a chance in hell. Drop it right now.

[Jonas Hagmire]

Oh, you mean this? The gadget I'm going to use to blow this place sky high? No, I think I'll be keeping this handy, Rust. In fact, I wouldn't give this up even if you.

[Rusty]

Did. You get him?

[Mark R. Healey]

No, he's behind cover.

[Rusty]

What about the big guy? Quite. He felt the crank opening the doors.

[Mark R. Healey]

I can't get an angle on him from here.

[Rusty]

Shit.

[Jonas Hagmire]

That's right, Summers. You better stay right there or I'll put a few holes through you, too. See all those dead guards around you? See, Dr. Becker? That was my handiwork.

[Mark R. Healey]

Rust, you have a better angle than me from that side. Can we do anything?

[Rusty]

How? I don't have a goddamn gun.

[Crichton]

Jonas, it's almost there.

[Jonas Hagmire]

Good. Now, as soon as you let go, those doors are going to move downward again. You'll only have a few seconds to slip underneath. Are you ready?

[Crichton]

Another few moments, that's all I need.

[Mark R. Healey]

Rust, we're going to have to rush them.

[Rusty]

Magma is going to have us dead to rights.

[Mark R. Healey]

What's the alternative? Wait here while the building falls out from under us?

[Rusty]

Wait, I think I can. Yeah. Yeah. I think I have an idea.

[Jonas Hagmire]

Show us.

[Crichton]

That's time.

[Jonas Hagmire]

All right, I'm coming.

[Mark R. Healey]

He's moving. Come on, Rust.

[Jonas Hagmire]

That's right, Rust.

[Rusty]

You lose.

[Jonas Hagmire]

I'm walking out of here and there's nothing you can do about it.

[Rusty]

Hey, hag. Meyer. Eat this, asshole.

[Crichton]

Jonas. I'm here. I've got you.

[Rusty]

Come on.

[Crichton]

We're leaving this place.

[Jonas Hagmire]

It hurts.

[Crichton]

You've been impaled with a steel rod. Don't struggle, my friend. We're almost there.

[Mark R. Healey]

They're almost at the doors. Quick, get after them.

[Jonas Hagmire]

Dear me.

[Rusty]

We're not gonna make it.

[Mark R. Healey]

Shit. They got out.

[Rusty]

Which means they're about to use that transmitter to blow this whole damn place into a million pieces.

[Mark R. Healey]

The cranks. If we get one of us on either side, we can get it up again.

[Rusty]

How long is that gonna take?

[Mark R. Healey]

Well, if you have a better idea, I'm all ears.

[Summers]

How did you do that, Rust?

[Rusty]

Do what? Firefly?

[Summers]

Hit him with that crowbar.

[Mark R. Healey]

You.

[Summers]

You got him right in the chest.

[Rusty]

Not now, Firefly. We have bigger problems on our hands.

[Mark R. Healey]

Yeah. This place is about to fall down around us. Firefly, do you know of any faster way to reach the outside? Anything? If we don't catch Hagmire and get that transmitter, we're toast.

[Summers]

We don't have to go after them at all.

[Rusty]

Why not?

[Summers]

Here. I found this on the floor. That man, Jonas. He dropped this when you speared him in the chest.

[Rusty]

What is that?

[Mark R. Healey]

Holy shit. Rust. I don't believe it. It's the transmitter.

[Rusty]

This episode is brought to you by Polestar. There's only one true way to experience the all electric luxury SUV Polestar 3. And that's to take a test drive.

[Jonas Hagmire]

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[Rusty]

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[Jonas Hagmire]

The dynamic handling of a sports car.

[Rusty]

But to truly understand how it commands the road, you need to be behind.

[Mark R. Healey]

The wheel up to 350 miles of range.

[Jonas Hagmire]

The 3D surround sound system by Bowers and Wilkins.

[Rusty]

It's all something you have to experience to believe. So book your Test drive for Polestar 3 [e-mail].

[Crichton]

If you went on a road trip and you didn't stop for a Big Mac or drop a crispy fry between the car seats, or use your McDonald's bag as a placemat, then that wasn't a road trip. It was just a really long drive.

[Rusty]

Ba da ba ba ba at participating McDonald's. Close your eyes.

[Mark R. Healey]

Exhale.

[Jonas Hagmire]

Feel your body relax.

[Rusty]

And let go of whatever you're carrying today.

[Mark R. Healey]

Well, I'm letting go of the worry that I wouldn't get my new contacts in time for this class. I got them delivered free from 1-800-contacts. Oh, my gosh. They're so fast.

[Rusty]

And breathe.

[Mark R. Healey]

Oh, sorry. I almost couldn't breathe when I saw the discount they gave me on my first order. Oh, sorry. Namaste. Visit 1-800-contacts.com today to save on your first order. 1-800-contacts.

[Crichton]

It's all right, Jonas. I've got you clear of the facility.

[Jonas Hagmire]

We have to stop.

[Rusty]

We have to stop.

[Crichton]

Not just yet. Not until I can find the transport.

[Jonas Hagmire]

Please, just. Just put me down for a minute. It hurts so much.

[Crichton]

If that's what you want. Here. This isn't exactly a comfortable spot, but it's the best I can do. We'll rest for a while, until. And then we have to keep moving.

[Jonas Hagmire]

Come on. Without me.

[Crichton]

I can't do that.

[Jonas Hagmire]

Yes, you can. We both know I. I won't make it.

[Crichton]

If I can find someone to help, there's a chance you'll survive.

[Jonas Hagmire]

Out here, there's no one. No one but us.

[Crichton]

Jonas. Stay with me.

[Jonas Hagmire]

Everything is hazy. Where are we?

[Crichton]

We're free. We left that accursed place behind us.

[Jonas Hagmire]

I see lights all around.

[Crichton]

Light? You mean the stars.

[Jonas Hagmire]

Pinnacle Towers. It's just like the view from Upon.

[Crichton]

Yes, you're. You're right. I see it too. You made it, Jonas. Your home.

[Jonas Hagmire]

I never thought I'd see them again.

[Crichton]

You won your freedom and punished those who sought to imprison you. This day, you have earned the right to hold your head high.

[Jonas Hagmire]

She's the transmitter. I must have dropped it back there.

[Crichton]

You've done enough. You cast off your shackles. Becker and the others, they felt your wrath. Rest now. You deserve it.

[Jonas Hagmire]

Don't leave me here alone, Craig.

[Crichton]

Of course I'll stay as long as it takes. To the end. Just as you would have done for me, brother.

[Rusty]

Yes.

[Jonas Hagmire]

To the end.

[Crichton]

Rest now, brother. Let the darkness take you. I'll carry your name forward with Adanna and all the others who have come before. We shall yet live to see the light. All of us. You believe that, don't you, Jonas? Yes. The dawn will break one fateful day. And when it does, we will find ourselves standing over the vanquished, our enemies scattered like dust in the wind. And in that moment, finally, we will be free.

[Mark R. Healey]

That's it. Keep the line moving, people. Right this way, through the outer doors. We have transports waiting to take you home. Just give your details to Firefly and she'll take it from there.

[Rusty]

Hey, Summers. I finally got those cranks secured. They're holding firm.

[Mark R. Healey]

That's great, Rust. We're almost done here anyway.

[Rusty]

A few of these people are in pretty bad shape, aren't they? I hope they pull through.

[Mark R. Healey]

Did you manage to find any more medical supplies down below?

[Rusty]

Some, but not nearly enough, maybe. There are more in other parts of the facility, but with all the cave ins, most of the supply rooms are out of reach.

[Mark R. Healey]

The best thing right now is getting these people home. Hopefully, once that's done, they can get the attention they need.

[Rusty]

Do you think we'll have enough transports to get everyone home?

[Mark R. Healey]

It might be a squeeze for some. We'll have to pack them in pretty tight, but. Yeah, I think so.

[Rusty]

We'll need to swing by and pick up the bomber, too. Don't want to leave that behind. It served us well.

[Mark R. Healey]

I'm sure we can manage that. We have one transport heading south and another west. I figure we can take one north to the Strata, too. I'll drop you off at the bomber on the way.

[Rusty]

Damn. We're gonna have a whole convoy rolling out of here, aren't we? Nice of Strickland to lend us these vehicles, huh?

[Mark R. Healey]

Well, I don't think they'll be needing them again anytime soon. From what I can tell, all of their people here at Corova Station are dead.

[Rusty]

This is gonna piss those off big time.

[Mark R. Healey]

Oh, you bet. Strickland must have sunk a considerable amount of time and resources into this place, and now it's all come to nothing.

[Rusty]

Have you had a chance to look at that data shard?

[Mark R. Healey]

Not yet. I'll need to get back to the Strata before I can do that. But I'm hoping I got something before the power went down.

[Rusty]

How long before Strickland come to investigate what happened here, do you think?

[Mark R. Healey]

No idea. But when they get here, there might not be much to find. This structure doesn't look safe to me at all.

[Rusty]

Yeah, I noticed cracks in the walls all over the place. More than the first time we came through here chasing Hagmeyer.

[Mark R. Healey]

He sure did a number on this facility with those explosives. I'm no engineer, but from what I've seen, I wouldn't be surprised if this place crumbles into the ocean sooner rather than later.

[Rusty]

It's a good thing we got these people out in time.

[Mark R. Healey]

Yeah, I was worried about that for a while, but now it looks like we'll make it. Which is more than I can say for our old friend Hagmire. I mean, damn, you got him good with that crowbar rust. Right in the gut.

[Rusty]

Skewered the bastard good.

[Mark R. Healey]

Is that something you do often?

[Rusty]

No way. I've never tasked a crowbar like that in my life. They just didn't seem to be any other option.

[Mark R. Healey]

Well, it was a hell of a throw. I don't see any way he could survive that. Not on the run out there in the Deadlands.

[Rusty]

I don't think we have to worry about Hagmire anymore. Crichton, on the other hand.

[Mark R. Healey]

Yeah, what's the deal with him? He's another steel body like you, right?

[Rusty]

He's a piece of work, Somers. I can't see him all that happy. He got away.

[Mark R. Healey]

It looked like he was limping in bad shape, from what I could tell.

[Rusty]

Yeah. Maybe we'll get lucky and never see him again.

[Mark R. Healey]

You don't sound confident about that.

[Rusty]

No, I'm not. Not at all.

[Summers]

Hey, I think we're almost ready over here. Is there anything else we need to do?

[Mark R. Healey]

We just need to get these last few stragglers on board Firefly. That should be about it. Are you still okay to pilot one of these transports?

[Summers]

Yeah, no problem. It's been a long time since I've handled a rig like that, but I think I can manage.

[Rusty]

Are you and Grout heading back to. What was the name of that place you're from?

[Summers]

Drayton Swamp. Yeah, that's the plan. At the very least, we can drop off the injured on our way through.

[Rusty]

You're not staying there?

[Summers]

Well, you see, Grout and me got exiled from home a while back. They kicked us out of Drayton swamp, and we've been trying to earn our way back ever since.

[Mark R. Healey]

Firefly, There are A whole bunch of prisoners on that transport who will vouch for your courage and quick thinking here at Corova Station. Hell, this whole escape plan would have gone sideways without your help. So I have a feeling they'll welcome you back with open arms.

[Summers]

Well, I don't know. I sure hope so. Anyway, I'm gonna help these last few load up. I'll see you over the transports. Okay.

[Mark R. Healey]

See you soon, Firefly.

[Rusty]

Sure hope they let her back in. Her and grass seem like good people.

[Mark R. Healey]

Yeah. It must have been tough for them, being exiled out here in the Deadlands all this time.

[Rusty]

Summers. Do you think maybe it's time you reconnected, too?

[Mark R. Healey]

Me? Reconnect How?

[Rusty]

Well, I was just thinking about that conversation we had a while back on the way to Corova Station. You were saying that you were expendable because you don't have family who will miss you when you're gone.

[Mark R. Healey]

We're not going over this again, are we?

[Rusty]

I was just going to suggest that you socialize a little, get to know some people. Let them get to know you?

[Mark R. Healey]

Are you serious?

[Rusty]

Look, Jimenez been asking me to hang out with them at the commune for ages now. They held these fireside gatherings, cookouts, and I figured you might.

[Mark R. Healey]

I might what? Strap on an apron and sizzle up a wad of imitation beef while I gush about my favorite gridcast with a bunch of strangers? Come on, Rust. That's not me.

[Rusty]

They're not strangers. I'll be there. And Ximena. Carlita, too. She thinks you're awesome.

[Mark R. Healey]

Well, I. I appreciate the sentiment, big guy, and I won't say never, but it might take a while for me to work my way up to it. Okay.

[Rusty]

Sure. No problem. Just think about it. That's all I ask.

[Mark R. Healey]

I'll think about it. But right now, we've got a few. Few other things to take care of first. Let's load up and get ready for a drive.

[Firefly]

Over here. Rust.

[Rusty]

There you are. I was wondering where you got to. How come you're not down at the cookout?

[Firefly]

Just taking a moment to myself.

[Rusty]

What are you doing up here on the roof of the commune? Are you stargazing or something?

[Firefly]

It's a clear night, which is pretty rare in Dockerton, so I thought up here would be as good a place as any to grab some alone time while I had the chance.

[Rusty]

It seemed like you were looking for something up there. Watching for starliners?

[Firefly]

No, not really. Just wondering about what might have been.

[Rusty]

Are you okay? You seem like you've got a lot on your mind?

[Firefly]

I'm fine. Really.

[Rusty]

So are you going to come back down?

[Firefly]

In a minute. So what happened with Summers? You said you invited her. Does she show up?

[Rusty]

Nah, no sign of her yet. I wouldn't hold my breath on that one.

[Firefly]

You don't think she's going to come?

[Rusty]

Not tonight. Maybe another time. The fact is, I haven't heard a word from her since we got back from the Deadlands a week ago. I guess she's got other things on her mind right now.

[Firefly]

Okay, well, the door is always open here at the commune if she wants to stop by.

[Rusty]

What about you, Ximena? Is everything alright? After that whole thing with Milicon and the of the rest Resistance. That sounded like some real scary.

[Firefly]

Yeah, it was a close call, but everything's fine now.

[Rusty]

At least you didn't end up on any Milicon target list, right? Hey, Mana.

[Firefly]

I'm not one of their targets. No, but seems like I've managed to get myself on another kind of list.

[Rusty]

What do you mean?

[Firefly]

I haven't told you this yet, but I got fired from the distribution center yesterday. I'm out.

[Rusty]

You're me? Why the hell would they do that? You're the most valuable asset they've got.

[Firefly]

Well, they obviously didn't see it that way.

[Rusty]

Did they give you a reason, officially?

[Firefly]

The administrators told me that there have been a number of complaints leveled against me over the past few weeks.

[Rusty]

By who?

[Firefly]

They won't say. It's all super vague.

[Rusty]

Sounds like horseshit to me.

[Firefly]

It is. I figure it's Millie Khan who wants me out, and they've pulled some strings to make it happen. The whole thing about complaints is just a smoke screen.

[Rusty]

What's the real reason, do you think? Do they suspect you with the Resistance?

[Firefly]

I'm not so sure about that. I told you about that Millicon lieutenant, right? Bulger.

[Rusty]

Yeah. He said he called you in and asked you to start spying on people at the distribution center.

[Firefly]

Yeah, well, I think that's the reason they want me out. So they can replace me with one of their stooges. Someone who'll play along and give them everything they want.

[Rusty]

Sounds about right. Damn it. Have you considered putting in a complaint?

[Firefly]

No, not even for a second. The truth is, I'm glad to be out of there.

[Rusty]

The distribution center? Why? I thought you loved helping people.

[Firefly]

Well, that part I do love. But the problem is that job is more about politics than anything else. I'm so sick of that shit. When they gave me my marching orders, I was actually kind of happy about it.

[Rusty]

So what are you gonna do now? Back to the underground?

[Firefly]

No, I'm doing something much closer to home. Working right here at the commune. There's a ton of jobs to be done around here, and I figured this will give me a chance to be closer to Carlita. I might actually get some spare time to spend with her during the day.

[Rusty]

Sounds like a win to me.

[Firefly]

Yeah, I'm really looking forward to it. And I have some great ideas about how we can streamline things around here.

[Rusty]

Okay, slow down. How about you leave the work stuff for tomorrow? Tonight is supposed to be about fun.

[Firefly]

Fun, huh? You got something in mind?

[Rusty]

Yeah, I was just about to show Carlita a magic trick down at the gathering.

[Firefly]

Magic? You don't know magic, Rust?

[Rusty]

Oh, the hell I don't. Watch this. Keep your eye on my left hand. Ooh, yeah. Ooo. There. See that?

[Firefly]

That's the worst trick I've ever seen.

[Rusty]

Maybe. But I did just make a smile appear on your face out of thin air, didn't I? As far as I'm concerned, that makes me part magician, part miracle worker.

[Firefly]

Okay, okay, knock it off. You win. Let's go back downstairs.

[Rusty]

You sure? I've got plenty more tricks to show off if you want to hang around.

[Firefly]

No, I'm good. Really.

[Rusty]

See, that's the problem. No one ever appreciates my talents.

[Firefly]

Are you coming or not?

[Rusty]

Of course I'm coming. After all, I can't leave my audience hanging, can I? Right behind you, Ximena. Lead on.

[Narrator]

You've been listening to the Strata and this marks the end of season 12, stronger than blood. Hope you enjoyed the twists and turns in this one. For me personally, this was a really fun and rewarding time both writing and producing this story. And of course, thanks to my fantastic cast who brought so much to this production. I've been working with the main cast for close to four years now, and whenever I start a new season, it's almost like getting the family back together. And we also have some newcomers this season who have really kept up the high standard that has been set in the past. From the top, we have Jason Churroi as Rusty Brandon Marshall as Summers Elisa Martella as Ximena Michelle Mosley as Sienna Wyatt Henry as Jonas Hagmire Paul Warren as Crichton Chloe Elmore as Firefly Rebecca Tanman as Argento Troy Allen as Greasy Leonie Schlesing as Angelina Alain Armien as Tanix Toby J. Smith as Becca Joseph Tweedale as Sterns Gavarok as Grout Zachary Scott as Banton Garrett Nile as Bolger, Adam McLachlan as Ralph, and Armin Cabral as Rufus. I'm currently working on more seasons of both my shows, the Strata and the Road of Shadows, and both of those will have new episodes coming in the near future. As these stories grow longer and more complex, it adds to the challenge of both writing and producing. But personally, I love that challenge and I wouldn't have it any other way in the past. I've always thought that my best art has come out of adversity and pushing against the boundaries, so I'm enjoying this phase of production. And while the artistic and creative side of these projects is one aspect of what I do, the other is the business side. Let's be honest here, I don't love that part of producing audio dramas, the spreadsheets and finances and revenue streams and all that stuff. But it is absolutely necessary for the continuation of these projects. If I can't fund the Strada and the Raider Shadows, then those future seasons happen. That's the bottom line. Unfortunately, this aspect of the business is not getting any easier in the current climate, and I found a fairly substantial decrease in advertisers over the last 12 months or so, which really affects that particular revenue stream. That's why my other source of revenue has become more important than ever, and that's my subscribers through patreon.com BeyondTheDark and on Apple Podcasts. For a few bucks a month you can get all my shows ad free. And as an added bonus, you also help to keep me doing what I do best, making audio dramas. I have a lot of ideas in the pipeline and I hope I'll have the opportunity to bring them to you over the coming months and years. That's it for now. See you for season 13 sometime in the near future. Until then, this is Mark R. Healey signing off for beyond the Dark Productions.

[Mark R. Healey]

The fable and folly network where fiction producers flourish.

[Annabel H. Godfrey]

Hello and welcome to the Annabel H. Godfrey Historic Estate and Museum. Thank you for joining us on the Godfrey's World Famous Audio Guide. I'll be your host for the duration of your time here at the estate and look forward to enlightening you as to the history and unique beauty of Annabelle's eclectic collection of art, antiquities and curiosities. But before we begin, I must go over a few notices and estate rules. Firstly, on the chance that you failed to read the fine print when checking out this audio guide and are currently standing in the middle of our atrium waiting for a staff member to come and collect you, this is a self guided tour. Each audio guide is equipped with a GPS tracking device, which triggers the commentary for the nearest collection item. This provides the dual benefit of a custom experience for you and helping the Godfrey staff locate unreturned audio guides. Many audio guides are discovered abandoned in dark and seldom traversed corners of the estate, their patrons nowhere to be found. Which leads me to my second point of Stay out of the shadows. Thirdly, breaks in commentary as you move between collection items may be filled with historical tidbits about the estate, details about current or upcoming exhibits and offerings, general announcements or words from our sponsor. Do not be alarmed when these start playing. And no, you cannot mute or skip them. Fourthly, and this should go without saying, do not touch any collection items. This is for your own safety. That's all for now. Shall we begin? The Godfrey Audio Guide is a fiction podcast that blends horror, sci fi and art history, both real and imagined, and which guides the listener through the mysterious Godfrey Estate and Museum. Interested in taking the tour? Find the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you like to listen. And make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. See you at the museum.