
Rust and Somers investigate a series of mysterious disappearances in Dockerton. Ximena encounters an old friend while starting a new job at a distribution centre. In the Deadlands, a pair of traders seek to change their fortunes as they attempt to return home.
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Firefly
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Dr. Becker
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Stearns
So do like I did and have.
Dr. Becker
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Firefly
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Dr. Becker
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Grou
You're listening to the Strata a Beyond the dark production season 12 stronger than blood part 2.
Firefly
Tie that off, Grou. Come on. Move it.
Grout
Are you sure about this, Firefly? I don't like this place. Not one bit.
Firefly
And you think I do? Come on, quit Stalin.
Grout
Last time they pulled guns on us.
Firefly
Well, that. That was a misunderstanding. I. I wouldn't worry about it if I were you.
Grout
I don't trust these people.
Firefly
So what do you suggest, Grouch? That we just what? Turn around and head back the way we came? Because you know what? I didn't see any food that way. Did you?
Grout
No.
Firefly
That's what we need. Food or we're going to starve. Do you get that?
Grout
I guess so.
Firefly
As far as I can tell, the only thing that we have worth trading right now is this guy lying on the deck of our wave skimmer. Let's hand him over to these people. And then maybe, just maybe, they'll give us some rations in return like last time. After we make the exchange, we'll get the hell out of here as fast as we can.
Grout
All right, if you say so, Firefly. But I can't help but feel there's something ominous about that concrete bunker up there in the cliff. Don't you think?
Firefly
We don't have to go up there. All we have to do is unload the cargo here on the dock and.
Stearns
Shh.
Summers
Hang On a second.
Firefly
Keep down. Someone's coming.
Stearns
Hey, you can't dock here. This area is restricted.
Firefly
Hello there. Hi. We're traders and we've come to offer you this.
Stearns
Not interested. Come on, pack it up, let's go.
Firefly
But we have something here you need to take a look at.
Stearns
You've got exactly two seconds to put that floating turd of yours in reverse and get the hell off my dock before I flush you out and it straight to the bottom of the ocean.
Firefly
Look, just get Dr. Becker. He knows us.
Stearns
How do you know that name?
Firefly
We've been here before. One other time we talked to Dr. Becker and he.
Stearns
Shut up. Becker, this is Stearns. I need you at the dock, please. We have visitors. I know sir, but they asked for you by name. I don't know exactly. Do you want me. Just go ahead and take care of it.
Firefly
Is. Is everything all right?
Stearns
Wait right there. Don't move.
Grout
Maybe. Maybe we should just push off and said don't move.
Stearns
Becca's on his way.
Firefly
He is? Oh, that's great. I'm sure he'll remember us.
Stearns
I just hope for your sake you've got something worth looking at.
Dr. Becker
All right, Stearns, what's going on? What's this about?
Stearns
These two showed up here just a minute ago, Dr. Becker. Traders apparently said they know you.
Dr. Becker
What? These two? I doubt it.
Stearns
What do you want me to do? Dr. Becker.
Firefly
Dr. Becker. It's good to see you again, sir. I'm Firefly and this is my partner, Grout.
Dr. Becker
Take care of them, Stearns. And next time you'd better.
Firefly
We brought you another man, Dr. Becker. Just like last time.
Dr. Becker
What did you say?
Firefly
We were here a few months back, remember? With a guy who'd fallen off his trawler and hit his head. We fished him out of the ocean not far from here, barely alive, and figured that maybe this was its home port. When we got here you said he wasn't one of yours, but that you'd take him anyway. Make sure he was returned to full health.
Dr. Becker
Yes, I remember now. So what the hell are you doing back again?
Firefly
Well, we found another guy and thought that maybe you.
Dr. Becker
So you figure that anytime you find some half dead imbecile bobbing out there in the waves, you can just bring him here to Corova Station.
Firefly
Well, last time you gave us some rations for our trouble, so we thought.
Dr. Becker
Ah, that was a mistake, wasn't it? See this, Sterns? This is why you should never offer kindness to flea bitten strays. No matter how much you give. The next day they'll show up at your door again asking for more. This isn't worth my time. Why don't you?
Firefly
This guy's special, Dr. Becker. Aren't you even gonna take a look at him?
Dr. Becker
What do you mean, mean special?
Grout
He's wearing some kind of armor.
Stearns
Look.
Grout
Right here. See for yourself.
Dr. Becker
Armor? Stearns, get a scanlight over here.
Stearns
What's this? Doesn't look like any kind of armor I've ever seen.
Firefly
Well, we tried to get it off him, but it's locked on there pretty tight.
Dr. Becker
Where did you find this man?
Firefly
An hour or two north of here, on the beach.
Dr. Becker
You've come a long way.
Firefly
We didn't know anyone else who could help.
Dr. Becker
Anyone else who'd pay. You more like it.
Stearns
Is this guy even alive?
Firefly
He was talking when we first picked him up. Mumbling something incoherent. We couldn't make it out.
Grout
Yeah, he was pretty out of it.
Dr. Becker
What do you think, Stans? Could he be a concern?
Stearns
You think he's an operative?
Dr. Becker
If he is, what's he doing in the middle of nowhere?
Stearns
Maybe we should dust him just to be sure.
Dr. Becker
Or maybe we can squeeze him for information, find out what he's really up to.
Stearns
It's your call, boss.
Dr. Becker
Search him for weapons.
Stearns
He's clean.
Dr. Becker
All right, you two, grab him. One on either side. Let's go.
Firefly
You want us to lay him out here on the dock?
Dr. Becker
No, I want you to carry him. Follow us.
Firefly
Follow you where?
Dr. Becker
Inside the bunker, of course.
Firefly
Listen, Dr. Beckert, we didn't come here to, you know.
Dr. Becker
Do you want your payment or not?
Firefly
Yeah.
Dr. Becker
Then grab him and bring him inside. Now. Before I change my mind.
Ximena
Okay. Which one is it? 1617. Okay. Yeah, this is it. Hello? Is anyone home? It's. It's Ximena. Tanix, Are you in here? I just thought I'd come to check on you, to see if you. What the hell am I doing doing here? This was a bad idea.
Rufus
There's no one in here. Oh, in case you hadn't figured that out already.
Ximena
Where did you come from?
Rufus
I live three doors down the hall. Heard someone messing around in here. Figured I'd come check it out.
Ximena
Sorry. The door was a jar, and I thought I'd just check to see if. Well.
Rufus
You looking for Tanic?
Ximena
Yeah, I am. Do you know where I can find him?
Rufus
That worthless piece of trash? He disappeared months ago. Haven't seen him in ages.
Ximena
Oh, was this around the time of the ghost uprising? Do you think maybe he.
Rufus
Nah, it was way before that. Closer to a year ago. I'D say. Although it's not as if I'm marking this in my calendar or anything, right?
Ximena
Did anything happen around that time? Was he in some kind of trouble?
Rufus
Tanix, that loser was always in trouble in one way or another. But the little scuzzri had a knack of wriggling his way out of things. No matter how deep the hole, the bastard always managed to claw his way out. But this time, I guess he finally bit off more than he could chew.
Ximena
Well, thanks for your time. I guess I'll.
Jonas
Hey, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Rufus
Where are you going, my friend?
Ximena
Can you step out of my way, please?
Rufus
Our business here isn't done yet.
Ximena
Business? What the hell are you talking about?
Rufus
You're a friend of Tanix's, right?
Ximena
Well, a long time ago, sure. But I don't see how that's relevant.
Rufus
That makes you accountable. See, that puts you in my debt.
Ximena
Who are you exactly?
Rufus
The name's Rufus, and I happen to run this little slice of Tinkford. People who live here know all about me. Go on, ask around.
Ximena
Okay, fine. Whatever. I don't live here, so I don't owe you shit. Now, if you wouldn't mind stepping out of the doorway.
Rufus
Maybe you don't owe me personally, but Tanix? Now, that piece of shit is a long way behind on his payments. He was behind even before he disappeared. And since you're friends with him, that makes you accountable.
Ximena
What this is. Move aside or I'll make you move.
Rufus
What was that? I couldn't hear you over the sound of this blade of mine coming out of its sheath.
Ximena
You think that worries me? I grew up in Tinkford, and I've lived my whole life in Dockerton. I see thugs like you come and go every goddamn week.
Rufus
Thugs like me? Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no. You haven't met anyone like me. Maybe you haven't heard about my reputation since you don't come around these parts too often. So let me fill you in. Anyone in this neighborhood will tell you straight up, don't mess with Big Roofy. Not him. He'll slice you up good and proper. And that's just the start.
Summers
Hey, Big Roofie.
Firefly
What the hell?
Summers
Can we wrap this up? I'm getting bored out of my mind over here.
Rufus
Where did you come from?
Summers
I've been standing out here in the corridor this whole time waiting for you to get to the point. But I guess I lost my patience.
Ximena
Summers, what are you doing here?
Summers
It's okay, Ximena. I've got this.
Rufus
What's going on here? You another one of Tanix's friends?
Summers
I'm just a concerned citizen who happened to be walking past. Thought I might stick my nose in and see what's going on.
Rufus
Well, you can kindly put your goddamn nose out of it.
Summers
I don't think you're in any position to start giving orders, Roofie. Not unless you've got something more dangerous than that pocket knife up your sleeve.
Rufus
She's on my turf. She has to pay the toll.
Summers
She doesn't have to pay you shit, and you know it. Now get the hell out of my sight before I start getting angry. Go find someone else to shake down. Go on.
Rufus
Yeah, you. Oh, you better not come back here again, either of you. Or you'll agree you'll regret it. No one screws with the Rufus.
Summers
Charming piece of work, that one, huh?
Ximena
I had that covered, Summers. I didn't need your help.
Summers
I know you didn't. That was more for his protection than yours, I guess.
Ximena
You've been following me, haven't you?
Summers
No.
Ximena
If Russ put you up to this.
Summers
I haven't been following you, Ximena. At least not until just a few minutes ago.
Ximena
What? I don't get it.
Summers
Okay, here's the story. I've been in Tinkford a few days now, conducting investigations. There are some recent events that have come to my attention. And I'm trying to piece everything together.
Ximena
What events?
Summers
It's complicated. And at the moment, I'm still trying to figure out exactly what's going on. Anyway, I saw you walking along the street and thought I'd come and say hi. But our friend down the hall got in the way.
Ximena
So this is all a coincidence, then?
Summers
For the most part, yeah. Although I did hear you talking about the guy who used to live here. What was his name?
Ximena
Tanix. We were friends when we were kids. And yesterday I saw a sister at the distribution center where I work. And what are you looking at on your phone?
Summers
Tanix? Yeah, here he is. I thought so. He's on my list, too.
Ximena
On your list? What list?
Summers
I can tell you about it, but not here. Do you mind if we go someplace else? Maybe we can bring Rust in on this, too. I'm sure he'd be interested as well.
Ximena
Sure, I can give him a call.
Summers
Great. Come on, let's go before Rufy comes back and teaches us a lesson we'll never forget.
Dr. Becker
Come on. Through this way. Get him on the table. Move it.
Firefly
Damn, this guy's heavy.
Dr. Becker
Hit the surgical light. Sterns, let's take a look at Him.
Stearns
Got it.
Dr. Becker
Jonas, clear out, we need the room.
Jonas
Yes, Dr. Beggar.
Dr. Becker
That's right, bring it in. Right over here.
Stearns
Check him out. This boss has been through the wars.
Dr. Becker
There's some heavy scarring on this armor and his arms. Are these metal prosthetics?
Stearns
Could be. He's had something done to his legs too. See here.
Dr. Becker
Let's start with the armor around his chest. Is there a catch or release mechanism somewhere? If we can get it off, we'll have a better chance of assessing his condition.
Stearns
Don't see any release mechanism, but check this out. See these gouges? Right in the breastplate.
Dr. Becker
Let me pull the light over here. Yes, it looks like bullet wounds. High caliber rounds too. Someone delivered a hammer blow on this guy.
Stearns
It's a miracle he's still alive.
Dr. Becker
He won't be for much longer if he doesn't get treatment. So if we want to get information out of him, we need to get this armor off first.
Jonas
Sir, that is a darmer.
Dr. Becker
Jonas, what the hell are you still doing here? I thought I told you to get out.
Jonas
I know, but I couldn't help notice this man you've brought.
Stearns
You heard him, Jonas. Move your ass.
Jonas
He's a steel body, Dr. Becker. Don't you see?
Dr. Becker
He's what?
Jonas
A steel body. His entire body is comprised of mechanical components.
Dr. Becker
And you can tell that just by looking at him?
Jonas
I've seen his kind before. I'd know that configuration anywhere.
Dr. Becker
Hit the scanner, let's find out for sure. Okay, powering up now.
Jonas
You see, I told you.
Stearns
Yeah, look at that. You were right for once. Jonas.
Dr. Becker
What's going on here? Mechanical Augments. This tech has been outdated for decades.
Jonas
There's still a small subculture who are into this kind of thing, Dr. Becker. It's rare, but not unheard of.
Stearns
Now this must feel pretty ironic for you, Jonas. This guy's got a metal body and a human head, and you've got the exact opposite.
Jonas
I keep telling you, Mr. Stearns, this apparatus is just a mask. I sustained a serious injury during my accident and I need the appliance to help me breathe.
Dr. Becker
He's pulling your chain, Jonas.
Stearns
No, no, really, Go on and explain to me again. Jonas, I'm all ears.
Dr. Becker
Knock it off, Stearns, we don't have time for this.
Jonas
Sure.
Stearns
Whatever you say, boss.
Dr. Becker
So this guy is not an operative at all, he's just a goddamn relic. Most likely some worthless old sea dog who fell off his boat and washed up on shore.
Jonas
That would be my guess.
Dr. Becker
So we're wasting our time. Just what I needed another pointless distraction. Stearns, get this body out of here.
Stearns
What do you want me to do with it, Dr. Becker?
Dr. Becker
Incinerator? Or just dump it back out at sea? I really don't care, as long as it doesn't end up back here at Corova Station.
Jonas
If I'm the Dr. Becker, I believe that would be a mistake.
Stearns
Who cares what you think? Dr. Becker's made his decision.
Jonas
And I humbly suggest that.
Stearns
Do you want another beating, Jonas? Is that it?
Jonas
No, no, please, I'm just trying to help.
Dr. Becker
Step back, Stearns. Explain yourself. Jonas.
Jonas
I. I've. I've seen these brutes on operations in the past, Dr. Becker. These steel bodies. And I can vouch for their value as workers. As blunt instruments, of course.
Dr. Becker
Blunt instruments.
Jonas
They're not useful with anything too cerebral, I found. They're generally not too bright. But these metal bodies can withstand certain extremes that more conventional workers would be unable to tolerate. That is where their true value lies.
Dr. Becker
What do you have in mind?
Jonas
I was thinking of the furnace, sir. With the way it's been flaring up and scorching some of the maintenance personnel of late, this steel body could be a useful alternative. His mechanical limbs would be far less susceptible to heat and flame.
Stearns
Operating the furnace. You out of your mind? This guy can barely breathe. He's gonna be dead by nightfall.
Jonas
According to the scanner, his vinyls are low. Yes, but he's still hanging in there with some basic medical attention.
Dr. Becker
Sterns is right. I'm not wasting resources on this. Jonas, it's not worth it.
Jonas
Leave everything to me. Dr. Becker. I can take care of it.
Dr. Becker
You have your own work to do.
Jonas
The work will be done, sir. I promise I'll take care of this still body on my own time. Ah.
Dr. Becker
Alright, Jonas. You can keep your pet if it means that much to you. But if this gets in the way of your work.
Jonas
It won't, sir. You can count on that.
Dr. Becker
And thank you, Sterns. We need to make up for lost time. Get someone to bring those crates to lab two, will you?
Firefly
And excuse me, Dr. Becker, should we go now?
Dr. Becker
Ah, Firefly and Grout. I almost forgot you were there.
Firefly
Yep. Well, still here.
Dr. Becker
Stearns, find a couple of rooms downstairs for our friends, will you? Let's show them the hospitality they deserve.
Stearns
You want them added to the program, sir?
Dr. Becker
Yes, we're short on numbers and. Well, at this point, I'll take whatever I can get.
Stearns
Okay, you heard the man.
Dr. Becker
Firefly.
Stearns
Grout, let's take a walk.
Grout
Wait a second. What's going on?
Firefly
Well, if you'd like to take us back to the dock, then I guess we won't say no to that.
Dr. Becker
You're not going back to the dock, Firefly. You're staying here at Corova.
Firefly
What? Why?
Dr. Becker
Well, see, I can overlook you showing up on my doorstep once by accident. That's just a simple mistake. But to have you dropping in here on the regular, like we're some kind of goddamn robo canteen you can hit whenever you need a bite to eat. No, that won't do. Sooner or later, you'll tell someone and they'll tell someone else. And in no time at all, this facility will be the talk of the Deadlands.
Ximena
No.
Firefly
No, sir. We wouldn't think of doing that. We're not blabbermouths.
Grout
We'll leave right away and never come back. You have our word.
Dr. Becker
Take them, Sterns. Show them to their new quarters. And make sure you give them something to eat just like they want it. They're going to need their strength in the days ahead. Wouldn't you agree.
Stearns
Foreign.
Grou
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 Tanwin Troy Allen Leonie Schlesing Elaine Arman Toby J. Smith Joseph Tweedale Zachary Scott garrett Nile Adam McLachlan Gavrock and Armin Cabrol Created by Mark R. Healy A Beyond the Dark production.
Firefly
The Fable and Folly Network where fiction producers flourish.
Stearns
I got this really strange email last night.
Ximena
I need to see what's going on.
Firefly
With this mystery file.
Stearns
Hey.
Grout
It's a map of a town called Ocean Bay.
Stearns
Someone sent these images to you for a reason. I'm so lost right now.
Ximena
When was the last time you chose a direction and followed it?
Grout
I'm going to Ocean Bay.
Summers
We don't get many tourists this time of year.
Dr. Becker
Ocean Bay is a friendly town, but.
Firefly
We'Re not that friendly.
Ximena
I never sent you an email.
Summers
I don't even know you.
Stearns
And why exactly are you here?
Dr. Becker
The map is the reason we're here.
Ximena
Maps help when you're lost.
Grout
Do you know what a trap street is?
Ximena
Trap streets aren't real. They don't exist.
Stearns
Don't trust anyone unless they give you a reason to trust them.
Ximena
I think he's dead.
Stearns
How could so much damage happen to a human body in such a short period of time?
Grout
What the hell is going on here?
Firefly
From the creators of Strange Air. This is Trap Street.
Grout
So maps can have secrets.
Ximena
Yes, maps can have secrets.
The Strata - Episode 12.2: "Stronger Than Blood - Part 2"
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Host/Author: Mark R. Healy
In the dystopian confines of Corova Station, Episode 12.2 of The Strata delves deeper into the precarious lives of couriers and underworld figures striving for survival. This installment intertwines the desperate efforts of Firefly and Grout to secure essential rations with Dr. Becker’s morally ambiguous dealings. Simultaneously, Ximena's quest to locate her missing friend Tanix introduces new tensions, culminating in a confrontation that hints at larger secrets within the city.
Firefly and his partner Grout find themselves in dire need of food to sustain themselves. Navigating the restricted docks of Corova Station, they contemplate trading a captured individual to secure much-needed rations.
The tension is palpable as Firefly insists that without securing food, they face starvation. Grout remains skeptical of the outside parties, reflecting the constant distrust among inhabitants of the dystopian city.
Determined to barter for rations, Firefly and Grout summon the courage to approach Dr. Becker, a key figure who controls the distribution of resources within Corova Station. Their past interaction with Dr. Becker involved rescuing a man from the ocean, which Dr. Becker reluctantly accepted.
Despite Dr. Becker’s initial reluctance, the duo highlights the uniqueness of their latest captives, prompting a begrudging reconsideration of their offer.
Upon delivering the new individual, Firefly and Grout discover that the man possesses outdated mechanical augmentations, challenging Dr. Becker's expectations.
Jonas, Dr. Becker’s associate, advocates for repurposing the mechanical body to handle hazardous tasks, specifically the furnace plagued by recent flares.
However, Stearns opposes the idea, prioritizing immediate survival over speculative utility, leading to friction within Dr. Becker’s team.
Ultimately, Dr. Becker leverages the situation to bind Firefly and Grout more tightly to Corova Station, compelling them to stay and contribute to the facility’s needs.
Parallel to Firefly and Grout’s struggles, Ximena embarks on a mission to locate her friend Tanix. Her investigation leads her to Rufus, a notorious figure associated with the troubled past of Tanix.
Rufus reveals his disdain for Tanix, complicating Ximena's quest and introducing a potential antagonist who holds critical information about Tanix’s disappearance.
As Ximena delves deeper, she confronts Rufus, who demands loyalty due to Tanix’s unresolved obligations.
The escalation leads to Summers, another key player, intervening to support Ximena against Rufus's threats, showcasing alliances formed in the shadows of Corova Station.
Their united front underscores the complexities of trust and survival in a city teetering on chaos.
An enigmatic map labeled "Ocean Bay" surfaces, hinting at hidden secrets and possible escape routes from the oppressive environment of Corova Station.
The concept of "Trap Street" emerges, suggesting layers of deception embedded within the city's infrastructure.
This revelation sets the stage for future explorations, potentially unlocking new avenues for the protagonists.
Episode 12.2 of The Strata masterfully intertwines survival struggles with deeper conspiracies. Firefly and Grout's entanglement with Dr. Becker underscores the moral gray areas residents navigate, while Ximena's pursuit of Tanix unveils the fragile web of alliances and enmities within Corova Station. The introduction of Ocean Bay's map and the concept of Trap Street hints at broader narratives yet to unfold, promising further intrigue in subsequent episodes.
Created by Mark R. Healy | A Beyond the Dark Production
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