
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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Dr. Becker
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Narrator
You're listening to the Strata a Beyond the dark production. Season 12 stronger than blood part six.
Jonas
That's good, Craig.
Dr. Becker
Hold it right there.
Jonas
Have you got it?
Crichton
Yes, I have it.
Jonas
All right, just one more connector and. There, it's done.
Crichton
Good.
Jonas
Are you all right?
Crichton
Fine.
Jonas
I know you might not feel it, but you're looking better today. I think your condition is improving.
Crichton
Yes. The repairs you've made, while rudimentary, seem effective enough.
Jonas
Well, look at that. This is as close as you've come to showing some gratitude since you got here.
Crichton
You must admit that my arrival here wasn't in the most favorable of circumstances. I had every right to be defensive.
Jonas
Yes, I suppose I can't blame you for distrusting me.
Crichton
But I am grateful, Jonas. You understand that, don't you?
Jonas
You're welcome. Crichton. Give me a hand with these. We're making good progress here.
Crichton
How much longer do you think until.
Jonas
We finish this lab? Another hour or two, maybe.
Crichton
No, not that. I'm talking about the other matter. Getting out of this place.
Jonas
Keep your voice down.
Crichton
Why? Can they hear us?
Jonas
Not in here. But you never know who might be walking past. Come here and hold this for me, will you?
Crichton
Can you at least tell me more about this plan of yours? How do you intend to leave?
Jonas
I'm not ready to share that information yet.
Crichton
You don't Trust me.
Jonas
It's not that I just haven't figured everything out yet. There's not much point in talking about it until the plan is solid.
Crichton
But you believe it's possible?
Jonas
Yes, I believe it is.
Crichton
And what happens when you get out of here? Where will you go?
Jonas
Like I told you before, I was on my way to the southern outposts when the caravan was attacked. I intend to continue that journey, hopefully without further incident.
Crichton
Why? What's down there? Is that your home?
Jonas
No, absolutely not. My home is in Highgate City, but I'm certainly not going back there.
Crichton
A Highgate City?
Jonas
You've never heard of it?
Crichton
No. Where is it?
Jonas
Lestrada.
Crichton
Now that is a place I've heard about.
Jonas
Where are you from, Crichton? Somewhere out across the ocean?
Crichton
No, I come from the Western Reaches.
Jonas
You are a long way from home.
Crichton
Yes, and I'm trying to get back there, but there is much to do before that will be possible.
Jonas
What's it like out there? I've never met someone from that far west.
Crichton
It was a beautiful land that has been ravaged in recent times, but there are still good people to be found there, amongst the jackals and the vultures who have tried their best to spoil it.
Jonas
Jackals and vultures?
Crichton
Slavers. The ones who take from the land and never give anything in return.
Jonas
If these slavers are so prominent, why would you want to go back for blood? Ah, revenge. I've traveled down that path once or twice myself in days gone by, and it never ended well.
Crichton
Even so, this is the path I must take.
Jonas
Then I hope it works out for you.
Crichton
So what is it that compels you to reach the southern outposts?
Jonas
I've heard of a ship that leaves port there twice a year, heading south. I intend to be on it when it makes its next journey south.
Crichton
But there's nothing out there but more ocean.
Jonas
There are rumors of an outpost far to the south. The rocky island, whose existence is known only by a slight few. That's my destination.
Crichton
What's on the island?
Jonas
A spaceport. A gateway to the stars.
Crichton
You intend to venture off world?
Jonas
Yes, I intend to leave and travel as far away as possible and never come back.
Crichton
Are you certain it's there? I've never heard of this island, and the very idea seems a little far.
Jonas
Fetched if the alternative is staying here or wandering the Deadlands for the rest of my days as a fugitive. Well, I'll take my chances on that boat. Jonas.
Dr. Becker
There you are. Where have you been?
Jonas
I've been right here, Dr. Becker, making good Progress. As it turns out, your work schedule.
Dr. Becker
Has you listed working on Lab 17 today. Why aren't you there?
Jonas
17 was completed yesterday, sir. I'm ahead of schedule. I apologize. I should have updated the log.
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Finished already?
Jonas
Yes, and it won't take long to complete this one either. Crichton and I. Crichton? Why is he here?
Dr. Becker
I thought you said we could put him to work at the furnace.
Jonas
I did, but that was before he discovered his true calling. As it turns out, his knowledge of tech makes him the perfect assistant. I'd like to keep him here working with me on the data grid.
Crichton
Would you?
Dr. Becker
Well, I don't really give a shit what you want, Jonas. His job is down at the furnace.
Jonas
If he stays here with me, I can deliver a fully functioning data grid two weeks out of schedule. Maybe even three. You can? Isn't that more valuable than an extra set of hands at the furnace? I mean, any old crook can do that.
Summers
Three weeks early. That's our target.
Jonas
Yes, I think that's perfectly reasonable, sir.
Dr. Becker
Good. Then I'll leave you to it.
Jonas
That was a close call. I thought I was going to lose you for a second there, Crichton.
Crichton
A clever one, aren't you? I'll bet that's not the first time you've talked your way out of such a scenario.
Jonas
Not at all. I've come across plenty like Becker in my time. One of my old managers was just like him.
Crichton
In what way?
Jonas
I was employed at a tech company in Highgate City for years. I was one of the most loyal and dedicated workers on the payroll. Always the first to arrive and the last to leave, if you know what I mean. My output was phenomenal. Many of the advances I discovered were pivotal to the company's success. And yet I never got the recognition. I remained at the bottom of the roster wall. Other, less deserving colleagues were promoted ahead of me. All because that one manager had it in for. For me. One man blocking my pathway to success.
Crichton
Why would he do that?
Jonas
Because I dared to disagree with him. In one of our first meetings. I made him look bad because I was right and he was wrong. And from that day, he could never let it go. He was always putting me down in front of everyone. Making fun of the way I looked and the way I walked, the way I talked. And he actively encouraged others to do the same. Turned the whole office against me. He was handsome and charismatic and. Well, I was neither of those things. So I never stood a chance.
Crichton
Is that why you left?
Jonas
No. I was fired from the company because I I stole some classified data. I wanted to make that data public because I knew it would hurt my manager. It was his pet project. And I knew that once it leaked, it would hurt him. Hurt him badly. I couldn't wait to see the look on his face when the whole thing came crumbling down around him. But it didn't work out the way I wanted. The whole plan backfired and my life just seemed to unravel after that.
Crichton
You've suffered much persecution, my friend. I feel for you.
Jonas
Believe me. I've been pushed around and belittled many times over the years. This life at Corova Station is nothing new to me. But no matter what they do to me, I always find a way out. Because I'm a survivor.
Crichton
An admirable trait.
Jonas
And you too. You're one like me, aren't you?
Crichton
Yes, I suppose I am.
Jonas
Then let's make it together. You and I, Crichton. We'll live to see beyond these walls. I promise you that.
Dr. Becker
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Jonas
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Jonas
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Dr. Becker
Selection varies by location while supplies last.
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Summers
Game in this economy?
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Crichton
Ish.
Summers
Ugh, I should bury it.
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Summers
But what if I'm not being wild though?
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Summers
Damn. These tunnels go on forever, don't they?
Narrator
You better believe it, Summers. These old sewers are, well, extensive to say the least.
Summers
Can you still see the transport? I lost sight of it for a minute.
Narrator
The tunnel branches off left just up ahead. I think it went that way.
Summers
Are you sure? If we lose this thing down here, there's no way we're going to pick it up again.
Narrator
Don't worry. We're not going to lose it. The transport is sticking to the main arterial routes for a good reason. They have to. The side tunnels are too small to accommodate vehicles this size, so even if we lose sight of them for a minute, it shouldn't be too hard to catch up. It's just a matter of following the main route until.
Summers
Until what?
Narrator
Until we eventually come out somewhere.
Summers
Any idea where that might be?
Narrator
It's impossible to tell right now.
Summers
Do you have a gut feeling? I lost my bearings way back. I'm not even sure which direction we're heading in now, so I'm not going to be much help.
Narrator
I do have a vague idea of the direction, but maybe we. Okay, let's just take it back to the start and work our way forward.
Summers
Back to the construction zone at Tinkford.
Narrator
Yeah. That was a little over half an hour ago, Right?
Summers
Right.
Narrator
The tunnel that was directly underneath the construction zone led to the north, but.
Summers
It didn't go very far. We were only on it for about 30 seconds before we hit the sewer system.
Narrator
Yeah, if my guess is correct, Vogel must have bored out that tunnel at some point to serve as an escape route. I guess you could say something that can get their transports from street level down to the sewer without anyone noticing.
Summers
We made a left into the sewers. I remember that much.
Narrator
That took us west for a bit, but then the tunnel curved to the south, and since then, it zigzags south and then east on a regular basis. With that in mind, we must be getting pretty close to the southern end of Dockerton by now.
Summers
So what's the most likely point of exit in that area?
Narrator
Your guess is as good as mine, Summers. A warehouse, a compound? Another construction zone? Who knows?
Summers
I guess the other question is, what's their purpose in taking the sewers like this? If they're heading to another location in Docherten, why not take the streets avoiding surveillance? I guess the surveillance in Docherton is terrible at the best of times. I'm sure if they wanted to, they could find a route that avoids any functioning units. And it would sure be a hell of a lot easier than trying to slog through all the shit and filth down here.
Narrator
Yeah, I can't say this is the most enjoyable ride I've had lately. It's a good thing we brought the bomber. The all terrain mode on this rig is actually pretty decent.
Summers
You came well prepared as always, big guy. I knew you'd. Hey. What happened? I just saw the taillights of the transport flicker.
Narrator
They just changed their trajectory again.
Summers
Left or right?
Narrator
Neither. I'm pretty sure they're going up. They must have hit an incline.
Summers
Shit. They're heading back to street level.
Narrator
That'd be my guess.
Summers
Okay, we have to get closer, Rust. They could lose us in the streets at this distance.
Narrator
Yeah, I'm on it.
Summers
I see the ramp.
Narrator
Me too. I. God damn it.
Summers
What is it?
Narrator
See that at the top of the ramp? Another sliding barrier. Just like the one back at the construction zone. It's almost closed.
Summers
We're not gonna make it.
Narrator
We'll see about that. Hang on.
Summers
Rust.
Jonas
Here we go. Yeah. Big Red.
Summers
We made it. Damn, this rig is solid.
Narrator
Yeah, I guess Vogler's gonna have to shell out for a replacement barrier. That one is barely still on its. Shit. Look at this, Summers.
Summers
We're. We're in the Deadlands. How did that happen?
Narrator
Vogel must have excavated their own tunnel system out here. That last section wasn't the sewer at all.
Summers
Maybe we passed through more of those sliding barriers and didn't even realize it. They probably closed behind us.
Narrator
Yeah, you were right. Whoever is behind this thing has some major resources at their disposal.
Summers
It all makes sense now. That explains why the transport went through the sewers. They're circumventing the Dockerton checkpoints. The people in the back of that transport never got scanned as they left the strata. And that makes it easier for Vogel to cover their tracks.
Narrator
The only question now is where the hell Are they headed? What's out here?
Summers
I don't know, but I can still see their tail lights ahead. Do you think you'll be able to follow them across the wasteland?
Narrator
Tracking a vehicle across the deadlands? Yeah, I'm practically an expert at this point. But you might want to fasten your seat belt. This could get bumpy.
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Hey, excuse me. I was told I needed to come here to meet with someone. I'm not even sure what it's about, but I don't suppose you can help me. My name is Amina, and I got a call from an operator at Mellicon about an hour ago. Lieutenant Bulger.
Dr. Becker
I'll take it from here. Corporal Jimena. This way, please.
Sponsor Announcer
What's this all about?
Dr. Becker
Come through here. Let's talk in private. Take a seat. Can I get you a drink?
Sponsor Announcer
No, I'm fine.
Dr. Becker
How have you been?
Sponsor Announcer
Okay. And you? You seem to be in slightly better shape than the last time I saw you.
Dr. Becker
You mean when I was drenched in toxic chemicals out on the street? Yeah, I'm doing better now. The medics tell me I'll likely make a full recovery. I'm scheduled to stop by a bio clinic next week to tidy up these scars. But it's not like that's a big deal.
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No. Guess for someone like you, it wouldn't.
Dr. Becker
Be someone like me.
Sponsor Announcer
Dropping into a bio clinic for a few cosmetic touch ups isn't really a luxury people like me get to enjoy. Must be nice to have that kind of treatment at your fingertips.
Dr. Becker
Oh, yeah, I suppose that's true. Anyway, things could have been a lot worse. I have you to thank for my speedy recovery, Ximena. Your quick thinking saved me from what could have been a far worse injury. If those chemicals hadn't been neutralized right away, they could have eaten through skin and muscle, maybe vital organs too.
Sponsor Announcer
That's still not a big deal though, right? Just a couple of extra days putting your feet up at that cozy bio clinic while they patch you up. I'm sure you'd walk out of there good as new.
Dr. Becker
It's not quite that simple. You saved me from a lot of pain and suffering.
Sponsor Announcer
But your troops carry stims with them too, don't they? Could have handled the situation yourself, I'm sure.
Dr. Becker
As it turns out, we'd already used most of our stims after a prior skirmish earlier in the morning, so the intervention of you and your people was crucial in this case.
Sponsor Announcer
It's really nothing, Lieutenant.
Dr. Becker
Why are you trying to downplay your role in this, Ximena? Why are you so defensive?
Sponsor Announcer
I'm not being defensive.
Dr. Becker
Come on, it's just the two of us talking here. You can be honest with me.
Sponsor Announcer
I was just acting on instinct out there, Lieutenant. People were hurting, and I wanted to help. But now you. You've summoned me here for a drink and a chat, like we're buddies or something.
Dr. Becker
Is there a problem with that?
Sponsor Announcer
No offense, but I have zero interest in being friends with Milicon. You seem like a nice enough guy, but the minute you put on that uniform. Yeah, come on, you don't need me to spell it out for you, do you? You know exactly what people think of Milicon in these parts.
Dr. Becker
Yeah, I do know. But I thought you might be different.
Sponsor Announcer
Why? Because I stuck a stim in your chest and helped wipe a little blood away?
Dr. Becker
That's a hell of a lot more than most people in Dockerton would be prepared to offer.
Sponsor Announcer
I've got to say, that's a pretty low bar.
Dr. Becker
Yeah, but that's what I'm working with, unfortunately.
Sponsor Announcer
Can we just get to the point, please? Hanging out here at the Mellicon Barracks isn't exactly my idea of fun.
Dr. Becker
I've got to say, I'm disappointed by your attitude. I was hoping you might be someone who was sympathetic to our cause.
Sponsor Announcer
Why would I be? For months, Millicon did nothing but sit around and watch while people suffered and died. And now that you've finally gotten off your asses, you've only managed to stir up a hornet's nest. Punishing innocent people for minor bullshit while the real criminals get away with murder.
Dr. Becker
If you can give me some of your time, I'll gladly explain our position to you.
Sponsor Announcer
Not interested, Lieutenant.
Dr. Becker
Okay, how about this? Let's work together to improve things, you and me. Let's start by building a bridge, an example that others can follow.
Sponsor Announcer
What exactly do you have in mind?
Dr. Becker
You see, a lot of people come through that distribution center of yours, don't you? They all look to you for help and guidance. They trust you. That's exactly the kind of thing we here at Millicon need.
Sponsor Announcer
You think you can earn people's trust through me?
Dr. Becker
Not exactly. As you undoubtedly know by now, the resistance is gaining in strength. Their guerrilla tactics have been difficult for us to counter, largely because it's so difficult for us to gain intel.
Sponsor Announcer
Ah, I get it. Why didn't you just come right out and say you wanted me to spy on my own people, Lieutenant?
Dr. Becker
That's not really a fair characterization. Ximena, we're trying to protect the people of Doherton.
Sponsor Announcer
I Don't believe that for a second. And I have no intention of taking sides here. Personally, I think Milicon and the resistance are both wrong. Violence isn't the answer.
Dr. Becker
So you won't help?
Sponsor Announcer
If you want to improve your situation here in Don, you're going about the wrong way. Instead of asking me to spy for you, why don't you actually try reaching out to the community with some honesty and transparency? Talk to people and find out what they really need so you can come up with an approach that helps rather than one that causes even more unrest.
Dr. Becker
Millicon has been around for a long time, Ximena, and our methods are tried and tested. The kind of dialogue you're talking about never helps. It just draws out negotiations and makes things even more convoluted.
Sponsor Announcer
Well, it seems clear that we're not on the same page, are we?
Dr. Becker
That's it? You won't even consider my proposal?
Sponsor Announcer
I'm needed back at work, Lieutenant.
Dr. Becker
Let me show you out. Ximena, I want you to know that I'm not closing the door on this. If you decide to reconsider, I'm happy to talk anytime you want. And who knows? If you help us, maybe the idea of accessing one of those shiny bio clinics might become a reality for you and your family.
Sponsor Announcer
You think you can buy me? Screw you, vulture.
Dr. Becker
I'm just saying that Millicom would be only too happy to pick up the bill for any treatment you need.
Sponsor Announcer
What the hell? Oh, my God.
Dr. Becker
What is it? Is there a problem?
Sponsor Announcer
That man over there on the other side of the fence, the one in the helmet. Who is that?
Dr. Becker
He's just one of our operatives. He and the rest of his unit are taking part in a drill this morning.
Sponsor Announcer
What's his name?
Dr. Becker
Excuse me?
Sponsor Announcer
I need to know his name.
Dr. Becker
That's classified, and it's none of your business.
Sponsor Announcer
How do I get back there? I need to talk to him.
Dr. Becker
That area is restricted. I can't let you back there.
Sponsor Announcer
Lieutenant, I just need a couple of minutes. No more than that.
Dr. Becker
This is a restricted Milicon facility, and as you already made clear, our military meeting is concluded. That means you have to leave. Right this way, please.
Sponsor Announcer
But.
Dr. Becker
Now.
Sponsor Announcer
Hello? Angelina, it's me, Ximena. I need to talk with you. It's urgent. Ximena, I took down your number when you visited the distribution center a few days ago, remember? Right. Right. I remember. Is everything okay? You sound a little flustered. I have to tell you something. And you might not believe it, but it's true. I just saw him. Angelina Tanix. He's alive. Tanix, wait.
Summers
What are you talking about?
Sponsor Announcer
Ximena. Your brother. He's here. Angelina in Dockerton. I just saw him with my own two eyes. But you are not gonna believe where.
Jonas
This podcast is made possible by my supporters on Patreon. If you'd like to hear ad free.
Narrator
Early release episodes as well as my exclusive series the Strata Luna, head over to patreon.com BeyondTheDark your support means I can keep bringing you more seasons of the strata. Season 12 Stronger Than Blood Starring Jason Turai, Rhiannon Mauschall, Elisa Mateja, Michelle Mosley, Wyatt, Henry Paul Warren, Chloe Elmore, Rebecca Tanwin, Troy Allen, Leonie Schlesing, Elaine Amin, Toby J. Smith, Joseph Tweedale, Zachary Scott.
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Garrett Nile, Adam McLachlan, Gavarock and Armin.
Narrator
Cabral Created by Mark R. Healy A Beyond the Dark production.
Summers
The Fable and.
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Podcast Summary: The Strata - Episode 12.6 - Stronger Than Blood - Part 6
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Host/Author: Mark R. Healy
In Episode 12.6 of The Strata, titled "Stronger Than Blood - Part 6," listeners delve deeper into the treacherous dynamics of Highgate City’s underbelly. This installment masterfully intertwines the tense negotiations between key characters and the relentless pursuit through the city's labyrinthine sewer system, all while unveiling critical backstories and motivations that drive the narrative forward.
The episode opens in a secluded laboratory where Jonas and Crichton collaborate on vital repairs. Their interaction is marked by cautious trust, hinting at a deeper alliance against the oppressive forces of Highgate City.
Jonas: "I know you might not feel it, but you're looking better today. I think your condition is improving." [02:16]
Jonas's remark underscores his understanding of Crichton's fragility and the importance of their collaboration.
As they work, the conversation shifts to the topic of escape. Crichton expresses urgency about leaving, while Jonas remains reserved, revealing his strategic mindset.
This exchange highlights the delicate balance Jonas maintains between transparency and secrecy, crucial for their survival.
A significant portion of the episode delves into Jonas's backstory, offering listeners a glimpse into his previous life and the events that forged his relentless determination to escape.
Jonas recounts his tenure at a tech company in Highgate City, where he was undervalued despite his contributions. A toxic manager's relentless sabotage pushed Jonas to his breaking point, leading to his eventual downfall.
These revelations not only humanize Jonas but also establish his deep-seated motivations for seeking a new life beyond the confines of Highgate City.
Jonas's ingenuity shines as he navigates the rigid hierarchy enforced by Dr. Becker. When confronted by Dr. Becker about his absence, Jonas leverages his progress and promises to deliver results ahead of schedule to secure Crichton’s continued assistance.
Despite initial resistance, Jonas persuades Dr. Becker by emphasizing the added value Crichton brings to their project, showcasing his ability to manipulate situations to his advantage.
Parallel to Jonas and Crichton's storyline, the episode follows Summers and the Narrator as they navigate the perilous sewer systems of Dockerton in pursuit of a transport vehicle. Their journey through the Deadlands is fraught with challenges, from navigating endless tunnels to deciphering the transport's evasive maneuvers.
Their determination and teamwork are tested as they push through obstacles, revealing the relentless nature of their mission and the unforgiving environment of the Deadlands.
A pivotal moment arises when Dr. Becker engages in a tense dialogue with Ximena, a representative of the resistance. This confrontation exposes the strained relationships and conflicting ideologies within the dystopian society.
Ximena's disdain for Millicon and her skepticism towards Dr. Becker's intentions illuminate the underlying tensions and set the stage for potential alliances or further conflicts.
As the episode progresses, unexpected developments heighten the stakes:
Ximena's Revelation: In a frantic call to Angelina, Ximena reveals that her brother, Tanix, is alive and seemingly has arrived in Dockerton's Mellicon facility. This revelation hints at upcoming confrontations and the possibility of key character integrations.
Transport Pursuit Intensifies: Summers and the Narrator's chase reaches a critical juncture as they confront advanced security measures and the true scale of Vogler's resources. Their ability to adapt and overcome these obstacles leaves listeners eager for the resolution in subsequent episodes.
Episode 12.6 of The Strata masterfully balances character development with high-stakes action, weaving together personal vendettas, strategic maneuvering, and relentless pursuits. By providing deeper insights into Jonas's motivations and introducing critical confrontations, the episode sets the stage for intensified conflicts and alliances in the unfolding saga of Highgate City.
Notable quotes with timestamps offer listeners a nuanced understanding of character dynamics and plot progression, ensuring that even those who haven't listened to previous episodes can fully grasp the intricate storyline.
For fans eager to continue the journey, stay tuned for upcoming episodes as the characters navigate their complex alliances and the oppressive forces that seek to control their destinies.