Episode 12.5 - Stronger Than Blood - Part 5

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Strata – Episode 12.5: "Stronger Than Blood - Part 5"

Release Date: March 25, 2025
Host: Mark R. Healy
Description: In a dystopian city, an ageing courier is forced to go into business with an underworld ganglord to pay for the treatment that keeps him alive.

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1. Introduction to Conflict: Greasy and Rust

The episode kicks off with a tense interaction between two long-time associates, Greasy and Rust, set in Rust's garage. Their conversation reveals a strained relationship rooted in past betrayals and unresolved tensions.

• Greasy confronts Rust:
  “You have no recollection of a certain armor plated combat rig that you drove out of this place a while back and which was never seen again.” ([02:58])

• Rust attempts to placate Greasy:
  “Okay. Come on through to the showroom. What is it you need?” ([04:30])

Key Points:

• Rust seeks to purchase a new vehicle to aid in his missions.
• Greasy is skeptical of Rust’s intentions, recalling past incidents where Rust mishandled equipment, leading to significant troubles.
• The tension underscores the distrust and high stakes within their underworld dealings.

2. Vehicle Selection and Rising Tensions

Rust insists on acquiring a dependable yet inconspicuous vehicle, leading Greasy to showcase various rigs. Their dialogue highlights Rust’s operational needs versus Greasy’s reservations based on past experiences.

• Rust explains his requirements:
  “Something rugged. Something that can take a little punishment... less conspicuous than last time.” ([04:38])

• Greasy suggests the Blink 0 Mach B, dubbing it the “Black Bomber”:
  “This badge right here is still an icon. From one end of the strata to the next.” ([07:33])

Notable Quote:

• Greasy humorously acknowledges the vehicle’s ominous name:
  “The Blink 0 mark B. You're trying to sell me a truck that literally has the initials B0MB bomb?” ([07:57])

Key Points:

• The "Black Bomber" is equipped with stealth technology, aligning with Rust's need for incognito operations.
• Rust remains doubtful about the vehicle’s efficacy but agrees to proceed based on price and performance assurances.

3. Crichton and Becker’s Struggle at Corova Station

Parallel to Rust and Greasy’s storyline, the episode delves into the plight of Crichton and Becker at Corova Station, revealing deeper layers of the dystopian environment.

• Crichton pressures Becker:
  “There are two options. One, breaker drags you down to the lower levels and puts you to work at the furnace… two, they execute you on the spot.” ([10:35])

• Becker resists:
  “I have no intention of becoming a slave ever again.” ([11:22])

Notable Quote:

• Crichton appeals for collaboration:
  “I'm going to put my plan into action. I'm leaving Corova station, Crichton. And you, my new friend, you're going to help me.” ([16:37])

Key Points:

• Crichton reveals his role in restoring the corrupted data grid, emphasizing the station’s deteriorated infrastructure.
• Becker uncovers Crichton’s backstory, including his capture by organized kidnappers and his forced labor obligations.
• The dynamic between Crichton and Becker underscores themes of coercion, survival, and reluctant alliances within the oppressive environment.

4. Rust and Jonas’s Mission Planning

Rust teams up with Jonas to undertake a critical mission involving the "Black Bomber." Their objective is to follow a transport moving through a construction zone, suspected of nefarious activities.

• Rust introduces the vehicle:
  “Allow me to introduce the bomber. Not a bad piece of hardware, as it turns out.” ([18:25])

• Jonas expresses concerns:
  “The bomber. That sounds kinda ominous.” ([18:27])

Notable Quotes:

• Rust reassures Jonas about the vehicle’s capabilities:
  “This rig will get us across that construction zone no matter what's in our way.” ([18:36])

• Jonas highlights the stakes:
  “If we go and warn everyone to stay away, Vogel will get wind of it and the game will be up.” ([20:35])

Key Points:

• The duo meticulously prepares their gear, balancing the necessity of weaponry against the need for stealth.
• They strategize to avoid detection by Vogel's operatives while tracking the transport’s movements.
• Their partnership reflects a blend of Rust’s experience and Jonas’s determination, essential for navigating the perilous mission.

5. Pursuit and Unexpected Developments

As Rust and Jonas engage in their pursuit, the transport unexpectedly disappears, leading to heightened tension and urgency.

• Rust expresses frustration:
  “These bastards are zigzagging all over the place.” ([24:15])

• Jonas identifies a critical opportunity:
  “It's an opening, some kind of entrance.” ([25:04])

Notable Quote:

• Jonas urges action:
  “If we ever want to get to the bottom of this with Bogle, this is a chance we're going to have to take.” ([25:21])

Key Points:

• The transport’s sudden disappearance suggests the use of advanced stealth technology, complicating the mission.
• The discovery of an entrance in a ditch presents a pivotal moment, forcing Rust and Jonas to make a split-second decision.
• Their willingness to risk the unknown exemplifies their commitment to uncovering the truth behind Vogel’s operations.

6. Convergence of Storylines and Cliffhanger

The episode weaves together the struggles of Crichton and Becker with Rust and Jonas’s intense pursuit, building towards a climactic convergence.

• Crichton shares his motivation:
  “I'm going to put my plan into action. I'm leaving Corova station… you're going to help me.” ([16:37])

• Jonas and Rust face a critical juncture:
  “This podcast is made possible by my supporters on Patreon...” ([25:27]) (Note: This marks a brief promotional segment before the narrative resumes.)

Key Points:

• The parallel narratives set the stage for potential alliances and conflicts as the characters’ paths are likely to intersect.
• The unresolved tension and emerging threats leave listeners eagerly anticipating the next installment.
• The episode concludes on a high-stakes note, with Rust and Jonas venturing into unknown territories, symbolizing the perilous journey ahead.

7. Conclusion and Teasers

As the episode wraps up, listeners are left with unanswered questions and the anticipation of future developments.

• Crichton’s declaration:
  “I'm going to put my plan into action. I'm leaving Corova station… you're going to help me.” ([16:37])

• Rust and Jonas prepare to enter the unknown:
  “Hang on to something, Summers. This is going to be...” ([25:16])

Final Thoughts: "Stronger Than Blood - Part 5" masterfully intertwines personal vendettas, survival struggles, and high-stakes missions within a dystopian framework. The episode deepens character backstories, heightens existing tensions, and propels the overarching narrative towards a compelling climax. Listeners are left eagerly awaiting the next episode to see how Rust's alliance with Greasy, Crichton’s rebellion, and Rust and Jonas’s mission will unfold amidst the oppressive backdrop of Corova Station and Vogel's shadowy operations.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Greasy: “You have no recollection of a certain armor plated combat rig that you drove out of this place a while back and which was never seen again.” ([02:58])

• Rust: “Something rugged. Something that can take a little punishment... less conspicuous than last time.” ([04:38])

• Greasy: “The Blink 0 mark B. You're trying to sell me a truck that literally has the initials B0MB bomb?” ([07:57])

• Crichton: “I'm going to put my plan into action. I'm leaving Corova station… And you, my new friend, you're going to help me.” ([16:37])

• Jonas: “If we go and warn everyone to stay away, Vogel will get wind of it and the game will be up.” ([20:35])

• Jonas: “If we ever want to get to the bottom of this with Bogle, this is a chance we're going to have to take.” ([25:21])

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Characters Featured:

• Rust: An ageing courier navigating the perilous underworld to secure his survival.
• Greasy: A seasoned dealer wary of Rust’s intentions and past actions.
• Jonas Summers: Rust’s ally, assisting in high-stakes missions against oppressive forces.
• Crichton: A prisoner at Corova Station with a hidden agenda to sabotage the oppressive regime.
• Becker: Another prisoner coerced into assisting with the restoration of the data grid.

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Production Credits:

Starring Jason Chirai, Rhiannon Mauschul, Awasamateja 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 as a Beyond the Dark production.

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Join the Community:

Support "The Strata" on Patreon to enjoy ad-free episodes, early releases, and exclusive series content like "The Strata Luna." Visit patreon.com/BeyondTheDark to contribute and gain access to exclusive content.

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This episode effectively blends intense character interactions with a gripping plot, enhancing the overarching narrative of survival and resistance within a dystopian society. Listeners are sure to be captivated by the intricate dynamics and the high-stakes missions that propel the story forward.

Transcript

[Greasy]

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[Jonas]

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[Rust]

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[Jonas]

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[Rust]

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[Rust]

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[Greasy]

Hey, you can't park that here. Get that thing out of my garage.

[Rust]

That's no way to talk to an esteemed customer.

[Greasy]

An esteemed customer? As if you'd qualify as that. Rust.

[Rust]

Come on, greasy, we go way back.

[Greasy]

Oh, you know what else goes way back? Huh? This pain in my optic socket. It stabs all the way across one side of my head and then down to the tip of my spine and somehow it always seems to flare up whenever you show your face in my garage. Why is that, do you think?

[Rust]

Beats me. But maybe you should get that checked out. Doesn't sound healthy.

[Greasy]

Oh, so you're just gonna play dumb on this one?

[Rust]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Greasy]

You have no recollection of a certain armor plated combat rig that you drove out of this place a while back and which was never seen again.

[Rust]

Oh, that. You still pissed I never brought back the wreck in there?

[Greasy]

No, I'm pissed that you borrowed a vehicle that had my fingerprints all over it and then proceeded to use it in some half baked prison breakout before turning it into a fireball that was visible from outer space.

[Rust]

Okay, so things didn't turn out exactly as I planned on that one. But I still don't see the problem. I paid you back for the Reckoner. Every cred that was Owing. And a little more for your trouble, if memory serves.

[Crichton]

Trouble?

[Greasy]

Oh. Oh, you don't know the meaning of the word. Do you know how much heat that little escapade brought down on me?

[Rust]

You scrubbed the cereals yourself before you gave it to me. That rig was untraceable.

[Greasy]

Oh, it didn't stop the cops from connecting the dots. They showed up here a few days after the whole disaster with their probes and their scanners and questions.

[Rust]

But they had nothing on you, right? They went away empty handed.

[Greasy]

Yeah.

[Rust]

So am I forgiven? Can we make another deal or not?

[Greasy]

I don't know about that.

[Rust]

I can take my creds somewhere else if you like.

[Greasy]

You think I'm just gonna roll over the second you mention the word creds?

[Rust]

All right. Sorry I bothered you.

[Greasy]

Okay. Okay. All right. Well, Deal. What is it you need?

[Rust]

Great. I'm looking for something rugged. Something that can take a little punishment.

[Greasy]

Oh, if you're lining up another goddamn prison breakout, you can forget it.

[Rust]

It's not for that. I just need to cross some rough terrain. Steep inclines, bumps, uneven ground, lots of debris, that kind of thing. And it needs to be less conspicuous than last time. Something a bit more incognito.

[Greasy]

And you're sure you can pay for it?

[Rust]

Sure thing. And on top of that, I'll give you my word that I'll do everything in my power to bring it back here to the garage and in one piece.

[Greasy]

Yeah, I'll believe that when I see it. All right. Come on through to the showroom.

[Rust]

So, what do you have in mind for me?

[Greasy]

Well, all right. Let's see here. For you, Rust, I'm gonna suggest something safe and reliable this time. Take a look here. Yeah, this beauty is rugged as they come, with loads of power. And as a bonus, it's fully loaded with reconditioned cars.

[Rust]

So, what's going on with that cockpit? Looks awfully small.

[Greasy]

Well, that's the downside. This unit was custom built for a Highgate City executive who wanted a vehicle with real presence out there on the roads. That would allow him to lock down all the autocabs and transports as he cruised by.

[Rust]

So it was a short guy who had a complex about his height and was overcompensated, right? Yeah.

[Greasy]

He was small in stature, yes, but that cockpit is outfitted with the finest imitation leather. The side of Nexus Station and all the mod cons you could ever need.

[Rust]

What could is leather upholstery if I can't even fit through the damn hatch. Besides, this is a two Person operation. And my partner needs her own seat.

[Greasy]

Uh oh, a lady friend, is it?

[Rust]

Hmm. Hmm.

[Greasy]

I'm very happy for you, Rust. And in that case, I think I have just what you need. If you'd like to cast your eyes over here, you'll find this next rig is perfectly suited to your needs. With its own fold out bed behind the cockpit. Great for those intimate moments late, late at night where you and your friend can.

[Rust]

It's not that kind of lady friend.

[Greasy]

Eh, what a shame.

[Rust]

Besides, this one's not going to cut the mustard. The wheels are too small. What about this one?

[Greasy]

Good choice. Yes, this one ticks all the boxes. Tough, rugged, and enough space for both you and your friend. Back in the day, this model was the pride and joy of Blink Industries. The epitome of power and raw strength.

[Rust]

Blink has been out of business for a while now. Right? But they had a good name while they were around all those decades ago.

[Greasy]

Oh, you better believe it. The quality, construction and timeless style of Blink has really stood the test of time like few others. This badge right here is still an icon. From one end of the strata to the next. Highly valued, my friend.

[Rust]

Does it come with a fancy name like the Reckoner?

[Greasy]

Honest beauty doesn't need those kind of gimmicky labels, Rust. The quality of the build is a selling point in itself.

[Rust]

What's the motto?

[Greasy]

This is The Blink 0 Mach B. One of the most highly regarded units to ever roll out the Blink assembly lines. In its heyday, it was sought after by tech giants and Gridcast starlets alike.

[Rust]

Wait a second. Blink 0 mark B. You're trying to sell me a truck that literally has the initials B0MB bomb?

[Greasy]

Well, what do you know? I never even thought of that. But it's kinda catchy. Now that you mention it.

[Rust]

Sounds like a bad omen to me.

[Greasy]

No, no, this. This is. This is great. I just thought of a name. The Black Bomber. Huh?

[Rust]

I thought you said this thing didn't need a gimmicky name.

[Greasy]

Incorporating state of the art stealth tech for those incognito missions. Just like you wanted. Huh?

[Rust]

Stealth tech?

[Greasy]

Well, sure. It's painted black. See? Yes siree. As soon as you turn those lights off at night, you'll be practically invisible.

[Rust]

This is scraping the bottom of the barrel. Greasy even for you. But I'll tell you what. If the price is right and this thing survives a quick test drive, I'll take it. I mean, there's not much else to choose from here, is there?

[Greasy]

Honestly, I think that the Bomber is perfect. For you, Rust. Sit yourself behind the wheel and you will fall in love in no time.

[Rust]

Yeah, whatever. Let's just do this greasy.

[Jonas]

Wait, wait.

[Greasy]

Wait here one second while I get her prepped. You won't regret this, Rust. Trust me. You and the bomber are a match made in heaven.

[Crichton]

Come on, Crichton. You have to keep up.

[Becker]

Easy for you to say, Jonas. You weren't blasted in the chest and then knocked off a cliff, only to end up half drowned in the depths of that fetid ocean out there.

[Crichton]

Be that as it may, you don't have the option of stopping to rest every few steps. If Dr. Becker comes along and sees you slouching against the wall like that, he'll walk. He won't tolerate it. People who fail to gain his approval don't live long around here. I've been able to buy you some time up until now, but Becker's patience is quickly running out.

[Becker]

Why'd you do it? Why did you even bother to save me?

[Crichton]

Because I need you.

[Becker]

For what?

[Crichton]

Right now, to help with the reinstallation of the data grid in this lab. Stand up and pass me that tool over there.

[Becker]

Get it yourself.

[Crichton]

Do you know where this is going to end up if you keep resisting me?

[Becker]

No, and I don't care.

[Crichton]

There are two options. One, breaker drags you down to the lower levels and puts you to work at the furnace. If that happens, it's not going to end well. You're not strong enough for that kind of labor yet.

[Becker]

And what's the next option?

[Crichton]

Two? Would they execute you on the spot and melt your body down for slag? So which of those would you prefer?

[Becker]

I thought you told Becker I was well suited to that kind of work. And the furnace?

[Crichton]

Maybe when you're at full strength, yes. But it was never my intention to have you work down there at all. I was simply buying us some time. What I really want is to keep you here with me, working on the data grid. That's option three. And it's by far the best outcome. In fact, it's the only option that gives you a chance of staying alive.

[Becker]

I told you before, I have no intention of becoming a slave ever again.

[Crichton]

Don't think of it as slavery. Think of it as a temporary arrangement until I can put my plan into action.

[Rust]

Plan?

[Becker]

What plan?

[Crichton]

Stand up, pass me that tool, and I'll tell you. There. Was that so hard?

[Rust]

Yes, it was.

[Becker]

The pain is excruciating.

[Crichton]

I'm working on that. Tonight, if I have time, I'll try to replace another of those Damaged valves in your chest. Tomorrow the pain will be less. At least that's what I hope.

[Becker]

What is it you're doing here? What's the nature of your employment?

[Crichton]

I'm in charge of restoring the data grid here at Corova Station. This place is ancient, and it was abandoned for decades. Over the years, the salt air, wind, and rain caused havoc to the infrastructure, corroding wiring and much of the core systems. My job is to replace those systems so that more labs can be brought back online.

[Becker]

And what is it you and your team do in this facility? What's the purpose of this Corova Station?

[Crichton]

My team. No, this definitely is not my team.

[Becker]

What are you talking about? You wear the uniform. You're one of them.

[Crichton]

I wear the uniform, yes, but in reality, I'm more like you than them. Haven't you heard the way they talk to me?

[Becker]

Vaguely.

[Crichton]

Believe me, if I had a choice, I'd be anywhere but here.

[Becker]

You can leave.

[Crichton]

No. I'm a prisoner here, like you.

[Becker]

How'd you end up in this place?

[Crichton]

That's a long story, and I don't really want to get into it.

[Becker]

If you want me to trust you, maybe you should start by telling the truth about yourself.

[Crichton]

Fine. I'll tell you. Well, as it turns out, I was minding my own business when they caught me. I was making my way south across the Deadlands, heading toward the southern outposts. The caravan I'd attached myself to was flanked one morning by transports and ordered to steal. Stop.

[Becker]

Marauders of the Wasteland?

[Crichton]

Not exactly. No, these weren't your typical ragtag hoodlums out trying to grab some supplies. They were organized, well equipped, wearing modern armor, too. And they were after something very specific. People.

[Becker]

Kidnappers.

[Crichton]

Call them whatever you want, but whatever the case, they bundled most of the cohort into transports while leaving the supplies behind. I was one of those who was taken. And after a short journey, I found myself here at Corova Station.

[Becker]

If you were brought here as a prisoner, how'd you become one of their workers?

[Crichton]

I didn't know exactly what they had in store for the people they brought here, but I knew it couldn't be good. So I had to use my wits in order to get out of my predicament.

[Becker]

Go on. Tell me how you did it.

[Crichton]

They dragged me into one of the labs down on the lower levels, strapped me into a table, and behind, began prepping me for some kind of medical procedure. And that was when I had a moment of good fortune. One of the scanning units wouldn't Link up to the core processing system. And the technicians began to argue amongst themselves. That's when I spoke up and told them I knew what the problem was and how to fix it.

[Becker]

How did you know that?

[Crichton]

I have a background in tech, but that's not important. What matters is Dr. Becker gave me an hour to prove I could do what I claimed. As luck would have it, I was able to fix the connection in 58 minutes and 13 seconds. Just enough time to save my own neck. Becca was pleased and told me as long as I could make myself useful, he would offer me protection here at Corova.

[Becker]

If there was a problem with this data grid, why didn't they fix it themselves?

[Crichton]

They're woefully understaffed here at Corova Station. Becker is running what amounts to little more than a skeleton crew, and his personnel are lacking expertise and in some key areas, especially around some of the technical systems. That's why I was able to step in and fill that void.

[Becker]

Well, that's all well and good, but you didn't answer my initial question. What is it that Becker and his team do here?

[Crichton]

I can't tell you the exact nature of the work, but I know that they take people into those labs down below. And there's a lot of screaming. And I've seen dead bodies, lots of those.

[Becker]

Torture. Interrogation. Is there information they seek?

[Crichton]

No. I believe experimentation of some kind. Illegal biotech would be my guess.

[Becker]

A grisly fate for most, yes. And what happens when you finish repairing the data grid, Jonas? What becomes of you then?

[Crichton]

After the grid is repaired? Then I will no longer serve any useful purpose.

[Becker]

They'll take you back down below and turn you into yet another test subject, as was originally intended.

[Crichton]

No, that's not going to happen.

[Becker]

Why are you so confident of that?

[Crichton]

Because I don't ever intend to finish repairing this data grid long before that happens. I'm going to put my plan into action. I'm leaving Corova station, Crichton. And you, my new friend, you're going to help me.

[Rust]

You don't wake up dreaming of McDonald's fries.

[Crichton]

You wake up dreaming of McDonald's hash browns.

[Rust]

McDonald's breakfast comes first. Ba da ba ba ba.

[Jonas]

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[Greasy]

Will that be cash or credit? Credit. 4 Galaxy S25 Ultra.

[Rust]

The AI companion that does the heavy lifting. So you can do.

[Greasy]

You get [e-mail] compatible with select apps. Requires Google Gemini account. Results may vary based on input.

[Rust]

Check responses for accuracy. Hey, Summers. Get in. We're good to go.

[Jonas]

Rust, what the hell is this thing?

[Rust]

Allow me to introduce the bomber. Not a bad piece of hardware, as it turns out.

[Jonas]

The bomber. That sounds kinda ominous.

[Rust]

Don't worry, it's not that bad. The bottom line is this rig will get us across that construction zone no matter what's in our way. It's built to handle any kind of terrain you can throw at it. I already gave it a test run earlier and it passed with flying colors.

[Jonas]

Well, you're the vehicle expert. I'm gonna have to trust you on this one.

[Rust]

No sweat. It'll do just fine.

[Jonas]

We better get a move on. That transport is due at the construction zone any minute. We need to be there when it arrives. Can you help me load up this gear?

[Rust]

Gear? What gear?

[Jonas]

Just a few essentials we might need for the trip.

[Rust]

A few essentials, huh? Looks like a whole crate to me.

[Jonas]

Do we have room?

[Rust]

Sure. There's a storage compartment in the back.

[Jonas]

Here, Take this and this one.

[Rust]

Guns? What else is in that crate of yours?

[Jonas]

A few frags, blinders, and more guns. You know, the usual. All the stuff we might need on the mission.

[Rust]

I told you before, I'm not big on guns.

[Jonas]

Actually, this is all for me.

[Rust]

You're serious? Got enough weaponry here to supply a whole goddamn battalion.

[Jonas]

I like to be prepared. Here, this is the last one.

[Rust]

Yeah, got it. Hop in.

[Jonas]

All set.

[Rust]

Okay, sit back and relax. I'll have us there in no time. Okay, here we are. Ahead of schedule by the looks of it.

[Jonas]

Yeah, no sign of the transport yet. Let me take a look through the scope.

[Rust]

Anything?

[Jonas]

I could see some stragglers wandering around, but that's about all.

[Rust]

Scouts were Vogu, you think?

[Jonas]

No, I'd say they're some of the locals who are showing up looking for.

[Rust]

Work, arriving early to make a good impression?

[Jonas]

Something like that.

[Rust]

Should we be warning these guys? About the danger they're in. I mean, if they end up being loaded onto that transport, there's every chance they'll end up disappearing like the last ones.

[Jonas]

I know. The idea of it doesn't sit well with me either, but I don't think we can intervene here, Rust. If we go and warn everyone to stay away, Vogel will get wind of it and the game will be up. They'll know we're onto them.

[Rust]

So all we can do is let things play out and follow along behind, I guess.

[Jonas]

Right. If we can keep up with that transport and follow it all the way to its final destination, we can hopefully blow the lid off this thing and rescue anyone who's been taken.

[Rust]

Do you think we're parked close enough? I can move us further along the street if you think that'll help.

[Jonas]

I can see fine through the scope from here. We're good. Besides, we don't want to get too close and draw attention to ourselves. The last thing we need is those Vogel bastards realizing they're being warned. Watched.

[Rust]

Hey, heads up. Looks like we've got company.

[Jonas]

Yeah, I see it. That's the transport pulling in. Right on schedule.

[Rust]

It's heading into the construction zone.

[Jonas]

Same spot as last time. Those applicants are already starting to form a line, ready for processing. Looks like things are playing out just like we hoped.

[Rust]

And now we play the waiting game. Let them go through all the applicants and then make our move.

[Jonas]

Yeah. Hold tight. I'll keep an eye on the transport. As soon as they start to close it up, I'll let you know.

[Rust]

How are things looking over there, Summers? Do you think they're close to wrapping things up yet?

[Jonas]

The line of applicants is dwindling. We can't be too far away now.

[Rust]

What are the guys in Vogel Shirts up to?

[Jonas]

Same as before. Some are patrolling, watching the perimeter. Others are talking to the applicants. There are also a couple standing next to the transport.

[Rust]

Do you think we could get any hits on facial recognition? Maybe if we knew the identity of these guys, we'd be able to trace their employment history and find out some more about the company.

[Jonas]

I wish that were an option, but I doubt I could get enough resolution on this scope to allow a proper scan. We're too far away.

[Rust]

I'm pretty sure if I wandered over there and squeezed those guys hard enough.

[Jonas]

Believe me, I'm itching to teach these guys a lesson, too. Everything about this operation stinks, but we can't risk causing a scene. Besides, if the transport suddenly decides to leave, I need you here inside the rig.

[Rust]

There's always one other option. What if the two of us went over there and joined the line of applicants? If we got accepted and climbed on board the transport, that would be one sure way of finding out where it's going.

[Jonas]

I don't like the sound of that. For one, there's no way we'd be able to smuggle guns on board. And considering what these guys are packing, that would leave us at a serious disadvantage. Second, they'd never accept our applications to begin with. Can you imagine what sort of red flags would come up when they ran your id, Rust? Or mine? Hell, they'd probably load up those repeaters and shoot us on site. Here we go. I think they're about to pull out.

[Rust]

All right, I'm on it.

[Jonas]

Easy now. Make sure you keep some distance between us. We don't want to get made.

[Rust]

It's all good, Summers. This ain't my first gig, you know. I've had to tail people before plenty of times. I know how it works.

[Jonas]

Sorry, I don't. I don't want to miss this chance. We might not get another one.

[Rust]

Okay, turning into the construction zone now. Which way did they go?

[Jonas]

Right over there. See that plume of dust?

[Rust]

Yeah. Got it. I just saw the tail lights appear. Hang on. This is going to get bumpy.

[Jonas]

Are you sure this thing is going to hold together?

[Rust]

Sure as hell hope so.

[Jonas]

Turn left at this structure. They went around this way.

[Rust]

Yeah, I see them. Then it's a right turn just up ahead. These bastards are zigzagging all over the place.

[Jonas]

Do you think they're on to us?

[Rust]

No, this is just the easiest path through the debris, as far as I can tell.

[Jonas]

Okay, once we get around this corner, we should.

[Rust]

Shit.

[Jonas]

Where the hell did they go?

[Rust]

I don't know. They just disappeared.

[Jonas]

Did we take a wrong turn?

[Rust]

No, we were right on their ass.

[Jonas]

Some kind of stealth tech.

[Rust]

On a vehicle that big? No way.

[Jonas]

Well, how else would you. Wait. Something's moving.

[Rust]

Where?

[Jonas]

Down in that ditch. See?

[Rust]

That's just an excavation pit, isn't it? There's no way they. Actually, you could be right.

[Jonas]

Hurry up, Rust. Let's see what's down there.

[Rust]

There's nothing down here but dirt and piles of junk.

[Jonas]

No, see that? It's an opening, some kind of entrance.

[Rust]

Yeah, I see it now, but the damn thing's already closing.

[Jonas]

So hit it. We have to get through there.

[Rust]

Summers, we have no goddamn idea where that thing leads. For all we know, Rust, we're going.

[Jonas]

To lose them if we don't get through that portal. We have to go now.

[Rust]

Are you sure about this?

[Jonas]

If we ever want to get to the bottom of this with Bogle, this is a chance we're going to have to take. That's all there is to it.

[Rust]

Okay, if you say so. Hang on to something, Summers. This is going to be t this podcast is made possible by my supporters on Patreon. If you'd like to hear ad free early release episodes as well as my exclusive series the Strata Luna, head over to patreon.com BeyondTheDark your support means I can keep bringing you more seasons of the strata. Season 12 Stronger Than Blood Starring Jason Chirai, Rhiannon Mauschul Awasamateja 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 A Beyond the Dark production.

[Jonas]

The Fable and Folly network where fiction producers flourish for the ones who get it done, the most.

[Rust]

Important part is the one you need now. And the best partner is the one who can deliver.

[Jonas]

That's why millions of maintenance and repair.

[Rust]

Pros trust Grainger because we have professional.

[Jonas]

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[Rust]

And we have same day pickup and next day delivery on most orders. But most importantly, we have an unwavering commitment to help keep you up and running. Call clickgrainger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.