Episode 12.7 - Stronger Than Blood - Part 7

Summary

The Strata: Episode 12.7 - Stronger Than Blood - Part 7

Release Date: April 22, 2025
Host/Author: Mark R. Healy

---

Mission to Track the Transport

The episode opens with Sienna and Rust monitoring a transport vehicle through their scope. Their mission is clear: track the transport to uncover any connections to the notorious Strickland Corporation, a company implicated in illegal biotech operations and kidnappings.

[01:55] Sienna: "What do you see in the scope, Summers? Anything interesting yet?"

[02:03] Sienna: "Yeah, welcome to the Deadlands. Unfortunately, this is about as interesting as it gets."

Despite the barren Deadlands, Rust and Sienna remain focused on their objective, tracking the transport's southeastward journey.

Encounter with Strickland Enforcers

As they pursue the transport, Rust spots taillights indicating the vehicle's path, but their persistence leads them into a precarious situation.

[03:01] Rust: "I can see something else coming up not too far away. A structure of some kind, maybe buildings. No, it's. I think it's a fence line."

Approaching an old, dilapidated checkpoint, Rust and Sienna realize they've reached the perimeter of what's labeled Corova District—private property with no visible signs of active surveillance.

[03:12] Rust: "Yeah, could be. Slow down, Rust. Let's take it easy through here."

Their stealth is short-lived as the transport returns unexpectedly, leading to a tense confrontation with Strickland enforcers.

[04:32] Sienna: "Shit. What the hell is it?"

[05:00] Rust: "Here, take this gun."

A firefight ensues, showcasing Rust's strategic planning and Sienna's courage, albeit with her lack of marksmanship.

[05:12] Rust: "See you soon, Summers."

Discovery of Strickland's Involvement

After neutralizing the immediate threat, Rust and Sienna inspect the transport, finding no guards or cargo. Their investigation deepens their suspicions about Strickland's operations.

[06:05] Rust: "No. You weren't even close, big guy. That was me."

As they communicate with Rust's colleague, Sienna uncovers startling information linking the enforcers to Strickland Corporation.

[10:18] Rust: "You're not gonna like this, pal. These guys, they all worked for Strickland Corporation."

This revelation ties Strickland directly to previous incidents, including the illegal biotech lab on Ripshore Island and the kidnapping of Sienna's friend, Divina.

A Call for Assistance

Realizing the gravity of their findings, Sienna reaches out for additional support, involving Ximena to run ID checks on the enforcers. This collaboration uncovers that the transport crew were part of multiple shipments operated by Strickland, deepening the mystery and the threat posed by the corporation.

[08:03] Sienna: "Yeah, no probs. I'll run the whole lot together."

[10:07] Rust: "The Strickland are at the top of your shit list these days, aren't they?"

The Past Unveiled: Summers and Ximena's Reunion

Parallel to the main mission, a deeply personal subplot unfolds between Summers (Tanix) and Ximena. Their reunion is fraught with emotional tension, revealing a shared past filled with friendship, betrayal, and unspoken truths.

[17:13] Summers: "This is the one who brought me here."

[25:00] Summers: "What conversation?"

[28:44] Ximena: "That you have a daughter."

This interaction exposes their complicated relationship, including Ximena's daughter, Carlita, and the reasons behind their estrangement.

Emotional Confrontations and Revelations

The confrontation between Summers and Ximena escalates as they grapple with past grievances and current realities. Summers expresses regret and sorrow over lost connections and personal transformations influenced by substance abuse.

[25:00] Summers: "What conversation?"

[28:51] Ximena: "Her name is Carlita. I'm sorry that it's taken all this time."

[30:03] Summers: "You gave up."

Their dialogue reveals layers of emotional trauma and unresolved feelings, culminating in a poignant moment where Summers acknowledges the changes that have estranged them.

[28:41] Summers: "I'm leaving. That's it. And there's nothing you can say?"

Conclusion and Moving Forward

As the episode progresses, Rust and Sienna prioritize their mission against Strickland, understanding the necessity to eliminate evidence to delay Strickland's pursuit. Their determination underscores the ongoing battle against the corporation's oppressive activities.

[09:49] Rust: "We have to clear away the evidence to make sure we keep them in the dark for as long as possible."

Simultaneously, the emotional fallout from Summers and Ximena's interaction highlights the personal costs of their larger fight, weaving a narrative that balances intense action with profound character development.

[30:45] Summers: "I have to go. Ximena. Don't come looking for me again, okay?"

Ultimately, The Strata Episode 12.7 intricately blends the protagonists' external battles against a formidable enemy with their internal struggles, providing a rich and engaging narrative that propels the story forward.

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Notable Quotes:

• Sienna (01:55): "What do you see in the scope, Summers? Anything interesting yet?"
• Rust (05:12): "See you soon, Summers."
• Rust (10:18): "The Strickland are at the top of your shit list these days, aren't they?"
• Ximena (28:44): "Her name is Carlita. I'm sorry that it's taken all this time."
• Summers (30:45): "I have to go. Ximena. Don't come looking for me again, okay?"

---

This episode masterfully intertwines high-stakes missions with deep interpersonal dynamics, setting the stage for future confrontations and character arcs within the dystopian landscape of The Strata.

Transcript

[Rust]

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[Summers]

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[Rust]

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[Sienna]

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[Rust]

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[Summers]

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[Rust]

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[Sienna]

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[Rust]

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[Sienna]

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[Summers]

A Beyond the dark production season 12 stronger than blood part 7.

[Sienna]

What do you see in the scope, Summers? Anything interesting yet?

[Rust]

Not a whole lot to be honest. Just more of the way. Wasteland as far as the eye can see.

[Sienna]

Yeah, welcome to the Deadlands. Unfortunately this is about as interesting as it gets.

[Rust]

Well, we're not here for sightseeing. We've got a job to do.

[Sienna]

You still got eyes on the transport?

[Rust]

Yeah, the tail lights are out there. Pretty much the only pinpricks of light in any direction.

[Sienna]

Still heading southeast.

[Rust]

You got it. Apart from a few deviations here and there to avoid obstacles, they haven't really changed course since we left the Strata.

[Sienna]

Lets just hope these bastards aren't intending to drive all the way to the southern outposts.

[Rust]

Would this rig even get us that far?

[Sienna]

Right now the bomber's still got plenty of charge left in its course, so distance isn't something we need to be concerned about yet.

[Rust]

We've been following them for hours now. They have to stop sometime.

[Sienna]

Let's hope so. I wasn't really anticipating having to follow them quite this far.

[Rust]

It was only meant to be a short trip across Dockerton, but damn. The taillights disappeared from view again.

[Sienna]

Don't worry. I'll pick up the pace and we'll catch up in no time.

[Rust]

I can see something else coming up not too far away. A structure of some kind, maybe buildings. No, it's. I think it's a fence line.

[Sienna]

A perimeter, then.

[Rust]

Yeah, could be. Slow down, Rust. Let's take it easy through here.

[Sienna]

Well, you were right. It's a fence line, all right. And there's a little hut here, too. Might have served as a checkpoint station.

[Rust]

A long time ago maybe. But now it's practically falling apart. I'd say no one has set foot in there in years.

[Sienna]

Yeah, this whole setup is ancient. See the fence line down there? There are gaps all over the place. Marauders must have busted through and knocked it down at some point.

[Rust]

I guess when the fence became compromised, there wasn't much point manning the checkpoint Anym. This must be the old perimeter. But that leaves the question. The perimeter of what?

[Sienna]

There's a sign on the fence here. All covered in dust. Let me just. And there. That's better.

[Rust]

Corova District. Private property. No trespassing. What's Corova?

[Sienna]

Never heard of it.

[Rust]

Is there any way to look it up?

[Sienna]

Well, there's no grid connection out here, but I do have the long range comms on me. I could always call through to Sienna and see if she could.

[Rust]

Something's coming that way, ahead of us.

[Sienna]

Shit. What the hell is it?

[Rust]

God damn it. It's the transport coming back.

[Sienna]

Get in. The bomber, quick.

[Rust]

It's too late. They've already seen us. Open up the storage bay. Quick.

[Sienna]

You're gonna fight?

[Rust]

We need to arm ourselves in case they decide to try anything. If we just stand. Here they go.

[Crichton]

Come on. This way.

[Sienna]

Take cover behind the bomber.

[Rust]

Get this thing open. Russ, we need weapons.

[Sienna]

The bastards are closing in on us.

[Rust]

Here, take this gun.

[Sienna]

Are you shitting me?

[Rust]

I don't need you to hit anything. Just pull the trigger a few times and keep them distracted. I'll head around the back of the old checkpoint and flank them.

[Sienna]

That sounds awfully dangerous.

[Rust]

Summers, watch where you're pointing that thing. There are innocent people in the back of that transport, remember? See you soon, Summers.

[Sienna]

How do I. Okay, then. I guess we'll do it your way. Let's see if I can get a few shots out here. That's it, assholes. Keep coming. Greasy's gonna kill me for these goddamn bullet holes. Damn, we're cutting this awful close. Shit, they're almost on me.

[Crichton]

You two go out there. I'll get this side.

[Sienna]

All right, I'll do this my goddamn self. Shit. Did I. Did I really just do that?

[Rust]

No. You weren't even close, big guy. That was me. You were right. You're really not good with guns, are you?

[Sienna]

Hey, I tried to tell you.

[Rust]

Come on, let's check the transport. There might still be some of those enforcers inside.

[Sienna]

No one left in the driver's compartment.

[Rust]

Hit the door release on the back. I'll cover you. No guards and no people. What the hell, Rust?

[Sienna]

They must have reached the destination and unloaded the cargo already.

[Rust]

Wait a second. Come over here. This way. I need to take a closer look at these dead guys again.

[Sienna]

What are you looking for?

[Rust]

Just a quick examination.

[Sienna]

I'm pretty sure they're dead. That repeater of yours shorted some damage.

[Rust]

No, it's not that. It's their faces. I don't recognize these guys.

[Sienna]

Should you?

[Rust]

Yeah, I should. Because I just spent half an hour watching them through the scope back at the Tinkford construction zone. There's no doubt about it. These aren't the same enforcers.

[Sienna]

It's a different transport, right?

[Rust]

It's an empty one heading north. Our transport, it must still be on the road heading south.

[Sienna]

These guys are wearing the same uniforms though, right? It says right there Vogel Construction.

[Rust]

Yeah, the uniforms are the same, but these ones must have been headed somewhere to pick up more people. The strata again, maybe. Or out in the deadlands.

[Sienna]

How many shipments are these bastards running?

[Rust]

I don't know, but I wish there was a way we could run a scan on these guys, find out who they really are.

[Sienna]

Maybe it's time I make that call to Sienna.

[Rust]

Will that work?

[Sienna]

Yeah, no problem. Just give me one second here.

[Rust]

I'm gonna give the transport a once over just to see if there's anything we've missed. Be back in a second.

[Sienna]

Sure, go for it.

[Rust]

Hey, Rust, what's happening?

[Sienna]

Hey, C. I need your help, if you've got a minute.

[Ximena]

Why are you calling me on the.

[Rust]

Long range unit, pal? You pick up the wrong phone by mistake. A lot of granddads have that problem. I hear it's an old person thing.

[Sienna]

Oh, hard, hard. Hilarious.

[Rust]

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[Sienna]

It's the right phone. See, I'm calling long range because I'm in the Deadlands again.

[Rust]

You're what?

[Sienna]

You heard me.

[Rust]

Please don't tell me you're shacking up out there, Ross. I'd like to have at least one friend who still lives in the strata.

[Sienna]

I'm on a mission with Summers. I can't tell you a whole lot about it right now, but I was wondering if you could run an ID check for me. We have a goon here we'd like to learn a bit more about.

[Rust]

Okay, this all sounds kind of weird, but I guess I can do that. Just send through the image and I'll see what I can pull up.

[Sienna]

There we go. Sending it through now. Have you got it?

[Rust]

Let's see here. It's coming up, I think. Yeah. Here we are. Oh, this guy looks as dead as a doornail.

[Sienna]

Thanks for the diagnosis, Doc. Can you just run the ID check, please?

[Rust]

Sure thing, pal. Hang tight for a second.

[Sienna]

I'm sending through a couple more, too, just in case that one comes up with nothing.

[Rust]

Yeah, no probs. I'll run the whole lot together. You found anything yet, Rust?

[Sienna]

Sienna's running the check now. How'd you go over at the transport?

[Rust]

Nothing useful over there. These guys were traveling light.

[Sienna]

Not surprising. The way they operate, I wouldn't expect them to be carrying anything incriminating.

[Rust]

We're going to have to do some cleanup here. If this is Vogel's main route, it's only a matter of time before they stumble across what happened here. We have to clear away the evidence to make sure we keep them in the dark for as long as possible.

[Sienna]

But sooner or later, they're going to discover that they transport and a bunch of their goons are missing.

[Rust]

True, but at least this way, we'll be buying ourselves some time.

[Sienna]

We could dump their bodies inside the storage compartment and then drive it away from the checkpoint. If there's any luck, we might even be able to stash it in a ravine, make it even harder to find.

[Rust]

Guys, I think I've got something here.

[Sienna]

What is it, C?

[Rust]

Well, nothing came up on my first search, so I dug a little deeper. Found some records in an old database and names. And even more importantly, their employment history.

[Sienna]

What about it?

[Rust]

You're not gonna like this, pal. These guys, they all worked for Strickland Corporation.

[Sienna]

Strickland?

[Rust]

Yeah, everybody's favorite freight and shipping company.

[Sienna]

The same pieces of who were behind that illegal biotech lab on Ripshore Island.

[Rust]

Right. The ones who kidnapped your friend Divina.

[Sienna]

Yeah. Thanks, C. This whole situation just started to make a whole lot more sense.

[Rust]

Is there anything else you need for me, pal?

[Sienna]

Not right now. But don't wander too far from that comms unit. We might need to hit you up for something else before this is done.

[Rust]

Ready and waiting, Russ. Stay safe out there, huh?

[Sienna]

Yeah. Later. You knew about this, didn't You. You knew it was Strickland.

[Rust]

I didn't know. I strongly suspect it, but I didn't have proof.

[Sienna]

That's why you've been so invested in this thing from the start. Strickland are at the top of your shit list these days, aren't they?

[Rust]

Pretty much my number one target, yeah. And this is by far the biggest lead I've had since this whole thing started at Ripshore Island.

[Sienna]

What's waiting for us at the end of this road, Summers?

[Rust]

I don't know for sure, Rust, but if you feel like you're in over your head on this one, I understand. Just leave me with the weapons crate and I'll take it from here.

[Sienna]

The job is only half done. I didn't come all the way out here just to go home empty handed.

[Rust]

Then we'll do it together, just like always. Right? But first we need to clean up this place, just like we talked about.

[Sienna]

There is an alternative, you know. Why don't we hop in the transport and drive it south again to the end of this road? I assume there's a base or a compound or something like that out here. If we disguise ourselves inside the transport, it could give us the element of surprise.

[Rust]

Hmm, I don't know about that. If Stricklands see one of their transports heading the wrong way and on the wrong schedule, that's going to set off alarm bells right away. Judging by the attitude of those goons in the encounter we just had, my guess is they'll shoot first and ask questions later.

[Sienna]

Okay, probably not my best idea.

[Rust]

Let's keep going in the bomber for now. There's no need to get cute. Just stick with the original plan. Once we know what's waiting for us out there, we'll have a chance to reassess. But right now, grab this guy's legs, will you? Let's load up and get the hell out of here. Eczema isn't always obvious, but it's real. And so is the relief from Ebglis. After an initial dosing phase of 16 weeks, about 4 in 10 people taking EBGLIS achieved itch relief and clear, or almost clear skin. And most of those people maintain skin that's still more clear. At one year, with monthly dosing, Kizumab.

[Summers]

A.250 mg per 2 ML injection, is a prescription medicine used to treat adults.

[Rust]

And children 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 88 pounds or 40 kilograms with moderate to severe.

[Ximena]

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis.

[Rust]

That is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin or topicals, or who cannot use topical therapies. EBGLIS can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. Don't use if you're allergic to ebglis. Allergic reactions can occur that can be severe. Eye problems can occur.

[Summers]

Tell your doctor if you have new.

[Rust]

Or worsening eye problems. You should not receive a live vaccine when treated with ebglis. Before starting ebglis, tell your doctor if you have a parasitic infection searching for real relief? Ask your doctor about epgliss and visit epgliss.lily.com or call 1-800-lilyrx or 1-800-545-5979.

[Summers]

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[Crichton]

You're moving around a little better today, Crichton. Barely limping at all now I see.

[Summers]

Yes, my strength is returning slowly but.

[Crichton]

Surely that's a good thing. We've been assigned to repair one of the older labs this morning, so we're going to have to walk significantly further.

[Summers]

I'll make it. You can count on that.

[Crichton]

I should warn you that we're going to be passing a number of chambers on our way, ones that may contain test subjects. By the time we reach the end of this corridor, you'll no doubt hear all sorts of things moaning, cries of anguish, and some won't beg you to help them. My advice is to simply put your head down and keep walking. There's nothing we can do for them.

[Summers]

Becker and his people. What do they hope to achieve here? Why inflict such suffering on These unfortunate souls.

[Crichton]

That's not for me to question. Or you either. It's not our concern. The two of us. Well, we still have our own problems to sort out.

[Summers]

Such as?

[Crichton]

Your strength and mobility, for a start. You're going to need both when we put our plan into action.

[Summers]

Like I said, I'm feeling stronger every day.

[Crichton]

And that's the good news. My repairs have clearly given you some benefit. They've brought you back from the brink. However, the bad news is that I'm not sure how much more I can do for you.

[Summers]

Why is that?

[Crichton]

So far, I've concentrated on creating replacement parts for the most simple components. The ones that are some somewhat basic in function. Now we've reached the point where the only ones left are more complex components, and I simply don't have the expertise or the materials on hand to replace them.

[Summers]

So there's nothing more you can do for me?

[Crichton]

No. It seems not.

[Summers]

Where do we go from here?

[Crichton]

I'm not sure you're strong enough yet to carry out the task I have in mind for you. That means I may have to modify my strategy, but that's going to take more time. I think I can safely say that neither of us wants to remain here at Corova Station any longer than necessary.

[Summers]

Agreed.

[Crichton]

I'll consider the options and see what I can come up with. In the meantime, you.

[Summers]

Hey.

[Rust]

Hey.

[Summers]

I see you.

[Rust]

Walking past. I see you.

[Crichton]

Here we go. I told you they'd call out. Keep walking. Right.

[Rust]

I saved you. Don't you remember? It's me, Firefly, from the Way Skimmer.

[Crichton]

Crichton. I told you to keep walking.

[Summers]

This is the one who brought me here.

[Rust]

Yes, it's me. That's right. I'm your savior, I guess you could say. Let me out of here. Huh? You owe me.

[Sienna]

You should have left me where you.

[Summers]

Found me instead of dragging me into this infernal place.

[Rust]

You would have died if I hadn't helped.

[Summers]

Where's Edana? What did you do with her?

[Rust]

Edanna? Sorry, I don't know who that is.

[Summers]

She's my companion.

[Rust]

I'm sorry, but we found you alone.

[Summers]

So there was no one else?

[Rust]

No. Just you.

[Summers]

The Natana is lost. There's no way she would have left me like that.

[Rust]

Maybe this companion of yours is still out there somewhere along the coastline. I know that country like the back of my hand. If you get me out of here, I'll help you find her. I promise.

[Summers]

There's no point. She's gone. I feel it in my heart.

[Crichton]

I'm sorry. About your commanding, Crichton, but we still have a job to do. Come on.

[Rust]

Listen to me, both of you. The man you're working for, this filthy wormsucker, Dr. Becker, he's bad news. He's captured dozens of people and locked them away down here so he can torture and kill them. Look, I. I've heard them screaming.

[Crichton]

We already know what he is. Only too well.

[Rust]

Then why are you helping him?

[Crichton]

We're just trying to stay alive.

[Rust]

But we have to stop him. I've seen people being dragged past my cell. Ones from back home at Drayton Swamp. They went on scouting missions months ago and never came back. We all assumed they'd been picked off by marauders, but they're here. Kidnapped by Becker and these monsters who are working for him.

[Crichton]

That doesn't change anything. The simple fact is there's nothing we can do.

[Rust]

Let me out. Let all of us out and we'll.

[Crichton]

That won't do any good. The guards are armed with guns and what do we have? Nothing. There's no point in. I'm sorry, but you're on your own. The only advice I have for you is to find your own way out any way you can. Don't ask me how.

[Rust]

And. And that's it.

[Crichton]

Come on, Crichton, we're running late.

[Rust]

Hey, I think Grout is in one of these cells down here. If you see him, tell him everything's going to be alright. Tell him Firefly has a plan.

[Summers]

This place is not unlike the mine back home. Where the slavers force their unwitting captives deep below the earth. And there they inflict nothing but pain and misfortune. Endless waves of it. Someone needs to make these tyrants suffer.

[Crichton]

Stay focused, Crichton. Put those distractions aside. Thirsting for revenge will only get us both killed.

[Summers]

If you say so.

[Crichton]

Follow me. The lab is just ahead. And we've got work to do.

[Rust]

Hey, this is Angelina.

[Ximena]

Angelina, it's Amina again. Sorry if I called you in the middle of something, but this is urgent.

[Rust]

Ximena, what's going on?

[Ximena]

I mentioned last time we spoke that I was going to look further into this whole thing with Tanix showing up in a Millicon uniform. And I decided.

[Rust]

Look, Ximena, I told you that I didn't want any part of this. Whoever you saw at those barracks, it wasn't him.

[Ximena]

It was him.

[Rust]

How do you know it's not someone who just has a passing resemblance?

[Ximena]

Because I decided to follow him.

[Summers]

You what?

[Ximena]

Yeah, I decided to hang around the barracks.

[Rust]

Why would you do that?

[Ximena]

Because I want to get to the bottom of this. Don't you? No, I don't. Listen, about half an hour ago, a couple of squads came out of the barracks and they all split up, went in different directions. I don't know if it's some kind of operation or an exercise. Anyway, I followed Tanix, and guess where we ended up? Right back at his old apartment building, standing outside it now. This is ridiculous. There's still time for you to get here. If you hurry, I'm thinking the two of us could confront him together. Find out what's going on.

[Rust]

I told you, Ximena, I'm not interested.

[Ximena]

This is your brother we're talking about, Angelina.

[Rust]

No, it's not. Tanik stopped being my brother a long time ago. So even if that somehow is him.

[Ximena]

You'Re following, I still don't care.

[Rust]

Do you understand that?

[Ximena]

Come on, you can't mean that.

[Rust]

Don't call me about this again, Ximena. I mean it. I don't want any part of it.

[Ximena]

Okay, fine. I'll handle this myself. Let's see what's going on in that apartment. Tanix, Are you in here? I saw you on the street and.

[Rust]

Hello?

[Ximena]

Shit.

[Summers]

Put your hands up right now.

[Ximena]

Okay, don't shoot.

[Summers]

What are you doing here? State your business.

[Ximena]

Danx.

[Rust]

Oh, my God.

[Ximena]

It is you. It's Meina. Don't you remember me?

[Summers]

Hey, Mana.

[Ximena]

Yeah, it's me.

[Summers]

I. I didn't recognize you. Please put your hands down.

[Ximena]

You had me worried there for a second.

[Summers]

Sorry. It's hard to know who to trust in this part of town.

[Ximena]

Tanix. Where. Where the hell have you been? We all thought you were dead.

[Summers]

Me? I've been away for a while.

[Ximena]

Where?

[Summers]

Here and there. All over the place? I guess so.

[Ximena]

Why are you wearing Milicon armor? Did you sign up? Is that why you disappeared?

[Summers]

Yeah, training. That's right.

[Ximena]

But how? Millicon always takes the recruits from. Well, not downtown Tinkford, that's for sure. How did he get selected?

[Summers]

That's a long story.

[Ximena]

Well, I'd love to know, because.

[Summers]

What are you doing here, Ximena?

[Ximena]

Like I said, I was in the neighborhood and thought I recognized you. I came to see if it really was you.

[Summers]

Well, now you know. And. Well, I suggest you keep moving. I shouldn't even be talking to you.

[Ximena]

Wait a second. You can't just brush me off like that. What about you? Why are you here? Don't tell me you still live here.

[Summers]

No, I haven't lived here in a while. I had a lot of memories. Here over the years, though. I just wanted to take one last look around the place while I had the chance. One last look to help me stay grounded while I think about where I'm going.

[Ximena]

And where's that?

[Summers]

Somewhere.

[Ximena]

Can you be more specific?

[Summers]

It's classified. What is it that you want, Ximena?

[Ximena]

I just wanted to see you. To talk to you. When Angelina told me you'd gone missing, I thought I'd lost my chance to ever have this conversation with you.

[Summers]

What conversation?

[Ximena]

Okay, look, Tan. There are things I've wanted to tell you for a long time, but.

[Crichton]

This.

[Ximena]

Isn'T easy to talk about.

[Summers]

Well, I have to get back to the barracks, so. I'm sorry, but.

[Rust]

No.

[Ximena]

Please, just give me a minute.

[Summers]

Why are you suddenly going to pretend like you care about me?

[Ximena]

I. I do care, Tanix. You and me, we're always tight as kids. Team X, remember? We both had X's in our names and.

[Summers]

Don't give me that bullshit. Why don't you just admit the truth?

[Ximena]

What truth?

[Summers]

That you thought I was worthless all those years, just like Angelina and everyone else.

[Ximena]

I wouldn't have come here if I didn't care.

[Summers]

You care, huh? Is that it? Or did you just suddenly see this shiny Millicon uniform and think you could gain something out of it? Is it Crates you're after?

[Ximena]

No, nothing like that. Just listen for a second.

[Summers]

Well, well, well. Look who it is. The little scuzz rat himself finally came back to face the music.

[Ximena]

Not now, Rufus. Get the hell out of here.

[Summers]

Oh, big roof. He's been waiting for this day a long time, let me tell you.

[Rust]

But look at you.

[Summers]

What's with the dress ups, Tanix? You pretending to play soldier boy now? Get away from me, you piece of shit. Seems like you've forgotten your manners since you went away, shitbag. Maybe I need to refresh your memory. I'm warning you, Rufus. Step back. Oh, thank you for the warning. But how about I slice you open and spill your guts on the floor, huh? See if that teaches you. Turns out I'm not the pushover I once was. Please. No, no. You're hurting me.

[Crichton]

You're hurting me.

[Ximena]

Taniks, put that gun away. This guy's not worth it.

[Summers]

I should execute you right here. Tell everyone you were part of the resistance. I have a kill order with them. Shoot on sight. Is that it, Rufus? Are you working for those slimy bastards? There, you've had it come in a long time for all the shit you did to me.

[Ximena]

He's a nobody, Tanix. Just let Him. Go.

[Summers]

Stay out of it, Ximena. No. Listen to her, man. Listen to her.

[Sienna]

She's right. She's right.

[Ximena]

I hate shit.

[Summers]

I hate shit.

[Ximena]

Please, Tanix.

[Summers]

Get up, shithead. On your feet. Okay, but just don't hurt me. Go on. Get out of here. And if I ever see you again. You mean it? You're gonna let me go? Hurry up before I change my mind.

[Sienna]

Thank you.

[Crichton]

Thank you. Oh, no.

[Summers]

I'm so sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I should have taught him a lesson. It's what he deserved.

[Ximena]

What's going on with you, Tanix? You flipped that guy like it was nothing. How did you do that?

[Summers]

I'm not the person you knew before, Ximena.

[Ximena]

Why? What happened to you?

[Summers]

I can't say too much. I. You shouldn't have come here.

[Ximena]

If you want to talk about it, I'm ready to listen.

[Summers]

I don't need to talk, Ximena. I just want to be left alone. You and me and Angelina. We were tight once. But things were different back then. Now we're. We're nothing.

[Ximena]

Don't go, Please. I still need to tell you about some things.

[Summers]

I'm leaving. That's it. And there's nothing you can say?

[Ximena]

That you have a daughter.

[Summers]

What?

[Ximena]

Her name is Carlita. I'm sorry that it's taken all this time.

[Summers]

What are you talking about? Ximena, that's not possible.

[Ximena]

It is. It's true.

[Summers]

But you and me, that night was a mistake. We were both drunk and shit. It was just one night.

[Ximena]

Well, that's all it took.

[Summers]

No, this is. Why didn't you tell me sooner?

[Ximena]

I tried. Twice, actually. Once when I found out I was pregnant. And then again after Carlita was born. When she was little, I came here. Right where we're standing. But you weren't yourself. You just yelled and screamed at me and wouldn't listen to a word I had to say.

[Summers]

I was into some nasty shit, Ximena. The powder, the capsules, they. They do things to your head.

[Ximena]

I know. You were a mess. I didn't want Carlita to meet her father that way. I kept hoping that you'd strain out and become part of her life in some way. Believe me, I wanted that more than anything. But eventually I just.

[Summers]

You gave up.

[Ximena]

Maybe I should have tried harder over the years, but I had my own shit to deal with. Tanix, you're not the only one who's been struggling to cope.

[Summers]

Have you told her about me? The kid?

[Ximena]

She doesn't know your name or anything like that. But I've told her that her father left. Went a long way from here.

[Summers]

Went a long way.

[Ximena]

I always liked you, Tanix. You were a good friend over the years. You just lost your way. And I still want you to be part of her life. Maybe it's not too late.

[Summers]

Don't say that. Just don't.

[Ximena]

Please. Can't we at least talk?

[Summers]

I have to go. Ximena. Don't come looking for me again, okay? Whatever was between us. Well, it's gone now. And it's never coming back. 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.

[Sienna]

Season 12 Stronger Than Blood Starring Jason Chiroi Rhiannon Mashallah Elisa Marteja Michelle Mosley.

[Summers]

Wyatt Henry Paul Warren, Chloe Elmore, Rebecca Tanron, Troy Allen, Leonie Schlesing, Elaine Arman.

[Sienna]

Toby J. Smith, Joseph Tweedale, Zachary Scott.

[Summers]

Garrett Nile Adam McLachlan, Gavarock and Armin Cabral. Credited by Mark R. Healy I'll be on the Dark production.

[Rust]

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