Episode 12.8 - Stronger Than Blood - Part 8

Summary

The Strata – Episode 12.8: "Stronger Than Blood - Part 8"

Host: Mark R. Healy
Release Date: May 6, 2025

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Overview

In "Stronger Than Blood - Part 8," the dystopian world of The Strata delves deeper into the complexities of Corova Station, the strained relationships between key characters, and the escalating tensions within the underworld. This episode intertwines high-stakes negotiations, covert operations, and personal confrontations, painting a vivid picture of survival and power dynamics in a crumbling society.

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1. Unannounced Inspection at Corova Station

[01:30] The episode opens with Dr. Becker being unexpectedly confronted by Overseer Argento at Corova Station. Argento's unannounced visit sets the stage for a tense dialogue about the station's performance and the pressures from corporate hierarchies.

• Overseer Argento: “I like to see what's happening at my facilities through an unfiltered lens, if you know what I mean.” ([02:58])

• Dr. Becker: “Don't worry, Overseer Argento. Dr. Becker runs a tight ship. You won't find any problems here.” ([03:29])

The conversation quickly deteriorates as Argento criticizes the disarray and lack of progress at Corova Station, highlighting the aftermath of the Ripshaw Island incident and the failure of Becker's programs.

• Overseer Argento: “It sounds more like gross negligence, incompetence.” ([06:53])

Under immense pressure, Dr. Becker is forced to promise results within two weeks to salvage his reputation and secure continued support.

• Dr. Becker: “I won't let you down, Overseer Argento.” ([09:31])

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2. Covert Operations: Rust and Summers Investigate

Simultaneously, Rust and Summers embark on a covert mission to uncover the secrets of a mysterious concrete bunker located by the ocean in the Corova District. Their investigation reveals potential connections to the sinister operations previously seen at Ripshore Island.

• Summer: “With Strickland involved, it can't be anything good.” ([13:19])

As they strategize on infiltrating the bunker, their dialogue underscores the high stakes and the dangers inherent in challenging Strickland's influence.

• Rust: “The problem is, we don't have a clue what [security measures] might be.” ([13:46])

Their camaraderie is tested as personal motivations surface, highlighting the emotional burdens each character carries.

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3. Tanix's Mysterious Return and Millicon’s Influence

Ximena contacts Summers and Rust with alarming news about Tanix’s unexpected appearance in Dockerton, now working for Millicon—a rival faction. This revelation suggests deeper layers of betrayal and shifting alliances within the Strata.

• Ximena: “Tanix is working for Millicon.” ([17:12])

• Rust: “There's no way they'd accept a new recruit with a history of drug abuse.” ([18:00])

The trio grapples with the implications of Tanix’s defection, hinting at larger conspiracies that may threaten their missions and the stability of Corova Station.

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4. Escape Plans and Internal Conflicts

Meanwhile, Mr. Graves and Jonas discuss an urgent escape plan as Dr. Becker's erratic behavior threatens to disrupt their carefully laid strategies. The looming deadline forces them to accelerate their plans, increasing the tension and urgency of their situation.

• Mr. Graves: “We're going to have to go in there blind. And I don't think either of us want that.” ([19:24])

• Jonas: “Your plan will no longer work.” ([20:53])

Their conversation reveals fractures within their ranks and the high cost of failure, both personally and for their overarching goals.

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5. Emotional Confrontations and Bonds

The episode culminates with a heartfelt exchange between Jonas and Mr. Graves, where Jonas affirms the deep bond they share, transcending mere professional ties. This emotional moment humanizes the characters, showcasing their vulnerabilities and the personal sacrifices they endure.

• Jonas: “We share a bond stronger than blood.” ([23:32])

• Mr. Graves: “I'm afraid that won't be possible. My time there is over.” ([24:19])

This interaction not only strengthens their resolve but also hints at future alliances and potential turning points in their struggles against oppressive forces.

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6. Climactic Moments and Cliffhanger

As the episode draws to a close, tensions peak with Argento’s stern warnings and the imminent execution of escape plans. The characters are left at critical junctures, setting the stage for the ensuing conflicts and revelations in subsequent episodes.

• Overseer Argento: “There can't be any more mistakes.” ([09:05])

• Mr. Graves: “Regardless of what happens, Corova Station will be nothing but a distant, painful memory.” ([26:08])

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Key Themes and Insights

• Power and Corruption: Argento's strict oversight and the failure of Corova Station illustrate the pervasive corruption and the high stakes of maintaining power within the dystopian society.

• Survival and Loyalty: Characters like Rust, Summers, Jonas, and Mr. Graves navigate complex loyalties and moral dilemmas, emphasizing the thin line between trust and betrayal.

• Personal Sacrifice: The emotional depth of the characters, particularly in their interactions and personal burdens, highlights the human cost of survival in a fractured world.

• Mystery and Conspiracy: The return of Tanix and the involvement of Millicon hint at deeper conspiracies that drive the overarching narrative, promising more intrigue in future episodes.

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Notable Quotes

• Overseer Argento to Dr. Becker: “I want to see every facet of this operation, warts and all.” ([02:58])

• Dr. Becker Defending His Team: “At Corova Station, you stuck me and my team inside a derelict bunker that had been sitting out here in the middle of nowhere.” ([06:02])

• Ximena on Tanix’s Return: “Tanix is working for Millicon.” ([17:12])

• Jonas to Mr. Graves: “We share a bond stronger than blood.” ([23:32])

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Conclusion

Episode 12.8 of The Strata intensifies the narrative with high-stakes confrontations, emerging alliances, and deep emotional currents among characters. As Dr. Becker battles external pressures and internal failures, Rust and Summers uncover potential threats, while Jonas and Mr. Graves navigate escape amid growing chaos. The episode masterfully balances action, dialogue, and character development, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the unfolding saga.

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Credits:
The Strata is a production by Beyond the Dark, created by Mark R. Healy. Featuring voices by Jason Chiroy, Rhiannon Marshall, Elisa Marteja, Michelle Mosley, and others. Supporters can access exclusive content at patreon.com/BeyondTheDark.

Transcript

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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 8.

[Dr. Becker]

Dr. Becker, we have a situation. What's got you all worked up, Stearns? Did you ever sleep and miss breakfast again? No, no sir, it's not there. We've just had a report from down at the dock. I'm busy, Stearns. Can't you handle this yourself? It's Ms. Argento, sir. She's here. What? Maria Argento from Strickland HQ. Her submersible came into the dock just a few minutes ago. What are you talking about, Sterns? We're not due for another inspection here for weeks. And besides, they never send the big guns. It's always some brain dead lackey who shows up. There's no way Argento herself would.

[Overseer Argento]

Dr. Becker, good to see you hard at work as always.

[Dr. Becker]

Overseer Argento. It's an honor to have you here at Corova Station. It's. It's good to see you.

[Overseer Argento]

Is everything all right? You look slightly ill. Didn't stab yourself with one of your own needles again, did you?

[Dr. Becker]

Haha, no, no, nothing like that. It's just. Well, if I'd known you were coming, I would have prepared a proper welcome.

[Overseer Argento]

I didn't want you to know I was coming. That was the whole point of this inspection.

[Dr. Becker]

It was?

[Overseer Argento]

Of course, I find that unannounced spot checks like these really do come in handy from time to time. I like to see what's happening at my facilities through an unfiltered lens, if you know what I mean. And if I tell you ahead of time that I'm going to turn up on your doorstep that will give you a chance to sweep any blemishes and imperfections under the rug, wouldn't it? And I don't want that. I want to see every facet of this operation, warts and all.

[Dr. Becker]

Don't worry, Overseer Argento. Dr. Becker runs a tight ship. You won't find any problems here.

[Overseer Argento]

Who are you?

[Dr. Becker]

My name is Stearns. And I.

[Overseer Argento]

You can go.

[Dr. Becker]

Yes, of course. So, Overseer, if you'd like me to arrange a tour of the facility, I'd be only too happy to.

[Overseer Argento]

I've already seen quite a lot, actually. Enough to have a pretty good idea of what's going on here, Doctor.

[Dr. Becker]

What do you mean?

[Overseer Argento]

I passed by a dozen or more labs making my way up here and honestly, I didn't like what I saw. Disarray, clutter. And not single specimen that looked worthy of making the cut.

[Dr. Becker]

That was probably just some of our weaker specimens. If you had given me a little time, I'm sure I could have offered you a demonstration that would provide a more reasonable standard. Something more indicative of where we're truly at.

[Overseer Argento]

So you can take me to a specimen right now that you'd vouch for, that you think would be ready to move into the deployment phase? No, I didn't think so.

[Dr. Becker]

This isn't fair, Overseer Argento. You can't just come in here and write off our entire program based on cherry picking. A few bad cases.

[Overseer Argento]

A few bad cases. Do you understand the perilous situation we're in right now, Becca? Not just you, but me as well. My whole God damn division corpora is demanding results, and at this point, we have practically nothing to show them.

[Dr. Becker]

We've been on the back foot ever since the incident at Ripshaw Island. Surely they can't expect miracles from us.

[Overseer Argento]

The closure of Ripshaw island was a setback, yes. That was our flagship installation. But that's where you were supposed to take up the slack, Becker. Corova, Icarus and the other places. I was depending on you all to step up. I gave you people, equipment, valuable resources. But after all this time, what do you have to show for it?

[Dr. Becker]

Oh, valuable resources? Come on, Argento. We both know that's an exaggeration.

[Overseer Argento]

How so?

[Dr. Becker]

I have practically nothing to work with. At Corova Station, you stuck me and my team inside a derelict bunker that had been sitting out here in the middle of nowhere, exposed to the elements for a hundred years. And might I add, it was never even suitable in the first place.

[Overseer Argento]

Stop making excuses. You have everything you need here.

[Dr. Becker]

I have nothing not even a functioning data grid. I've had to employ one of the tests subjects to help restore it for me, if you can believe that. And the personnel are as green as sewer weed. Half of them can't even work the instruments.

[Overseer Argento]

It was their fault that you lost the cohort last month.

[Dr. Becker]

Was it that? Well, that was an unfortunate accident.

[Overseer Argento]

An accident that took the lives of over 30 subjects and set your program back months, all because you administered a flawed batch of accelerator implants. It resulted in a mortality rate of 100%, if I read the data correctly. How exactly does that happen, Dr. Becker?

[Dr. Becker]

Like I said, it was an accident.

[Overseer Argento]

Sounds more like gross negligence, incompetence.

[Dr. Becker]

I've already taken steps to replenish our numbers. There are transports running day and night, scouring the deadlands and the slum areas of the strata for new subjects.

[Overseer Argento]

It doesn't matter how many people you drag up here to fill your quota again. The point is, your program is all the way back to square one, isn't it?

[Dr. Becker]

That's an exaggeration. We're making good progress, actually.

[Overseer Argento]

Listen, Doctor, I have a lot invested in this installation. More than anyone, as it turns out. See, it's my name that. Corporate associates with Corova Station. It's my reputation that rises or falls based on what is achieved here. So you and all these other clowns you have working for you, you're not just doing this to save your own necks? It's my neck, too. And after that shit show at Ripshaw Island, I really need something to go my way. Now, let's hear it straight. No bullshit. What have you got for me?

[Dr. Becker]

Two weeks. That's all I need.

[Overseer Argento]

Two weeks, huh?

[Dr. Becker]

Yes.

[Overseer Argento]

You'll be able to give me an asset I can present to corporate. Something that can be deployed into active service.

[Dr. Becker]

What? Active service? No, that's not possible.

[Overseer Argento]

It didn't seem to be a problem for Icarus Station. They've already provided me with assets that are showing great promise.

[Dr. Becker]

Icarus? Their program only just started a couple of months ago.

[Overseer Argento]

Yes, and in that time, they've already overtaken you, Becca. Seems you and your underlings here at Corova are really dragging your heels, aren't you?

[Dr. Becker]

What kind of assets have they produced?

[Overseer Argento]

We've started a trial with Millicon. Our agents are in the field right now as we speak, and performing well.

[Dr. Becker]

Are you serious?

[Overseer Argento]

This stands to be the biggest contract we've ever had. If our assets continue to prove reliable, this alliance of Millicon is pivotal. But we need to keep up the supply. Icarus is doing their part. Are you?

[Dr. Becker]

I can deliver, yes.

[Overseer Argento]

Will the specimens be deployment ready?

[Dr. Becker]

Yes, deployment ready in two weeks.

[Overseer Argento]

I don't need to tell you how important it is that we get things right, do I, Dr. Becker? There can't be any more mistakes. You have two weeks to get your act together. If you fail to give me what I need, well, the next time I come here, it won't be to offer you a warning.

[Dr. Becker]

I won't let you down, Overseer Argento.

[Overseer Argento]

Good. I hope for your sake that's true.

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[Dr. Becker]

They say all good things come in threes. All bad things, too. Mr. Graves is back and presenting you with an all new season of Terrifying Tales. And it's bigger and better than ever. What? I scare you boys? Featuring original stories and adaptations of some of the greatest horror masters, including HP Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe.

[Mr. Graves]

The fall is just the beginning, sweetheart. And what fun would it be if we play the game?

[Dr. Becker]

Your Horror Show, Season 3, premiering April 22 on all podcast platforms.

[Mr. Graves]

I'm just dying to hear you again.

[Rust]

Pull over here, Rust. Over behind those rocks where we've got some cover. This looks like the place.

[Summers]

Damn. Looks like we've reached the ocean. I had no idea we'd travel that far east.

[Rust]

Here, take the scope. Check it out.

[Summers]

I see a concrete bunker down there. Looks like it's embedded into the cliff wall. Beyond that, there's nothing but ocean.

[Rust]

Yeah, that's the end of the road. The place we've been looking for all this time.

[Summers]

So what exactly is it?

[Rust]

There's no way to tell from here. We'll have to get closer to find out more.

[Summers]

One thing we know for sure, with Strickland involved, it can't be anything good.

[Rust]

A remote location like this, far away from prying eyes. There's nothing suspicious about that, is there?

[Summers]

Not half. This place gives off a real Rip Shore island vibe, as far as I'm concerned.

[Rust]

You're right about that. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if we cracked this place open and found exactly the same kind of operation underneath.

[Summers]

So how do we do that? What's your plan?

[Rust]

I don't know. We can't just walk up and knock on the front door, that's for sure. We have to figure out how to get around their security measures. The problem is, we don't have a clue what those might be.

[Summers]

We took down Ripshaw together. There's no reason we can't do it again.

[Rust]

At Ripshore, we had an ace up our sleeve. The secret entrance beneath the complex that allowed us to infiltrate deep inside their fortifications without them even realizing it. Here. Well, we're not going to have that luxury.

[Summers]

Getting past security is something both of us can do pretty well. We're good improvisers.

[Rust]

Yeah, I don't know, Rust. Don't know what this is about to get dangerous. You're risking a lot by even being here.

[Summers]

So are you.

[Rust]

Not as much as you.

[Summers]

How do you figure?

[Rust]

You have a family. Ximena, Carlita and Sienna. They need you. You can't just throw your life away over this thing with Strickland.

[Summers]

The same goes for You, Me.

[Rust]

My situation isn't even remotely similar.

[Summers]

Why, Matt?

[Rust]

I don't have family, Rust. I don't have people who miss me when I'm gone.

[Summers]

That's bullshit. There are plenty of people who care for you.

[Rust]

Like who?

[Summers]

Me, for a start.

[Rust]

I appreciate the sentiment, big guy, but it's not the same.

[Summers]

It's exactly the same. And I can't say I like this attitude of yours, Summers. You're not expendable.

[Rust]

Rust, it's fine. I've come to terms with it, okay? My life is about serving the greater good. Now, if I fall in that pursuit, then so be it.

[Summers]

There has to be more to life than that.

[Rust]

I don't think there is. Not for me, at least, anyway. I just want you to know that it's okay if you decide to end things here. Take the bomber and head back to the strata and.

[Summers]

We've already been over this. No deal. I'm staying.

[Rust]

Okay. Have it your way.

[Summers]

It's the long range comms. Looks like Ximena is calling in. Hang on a second. Ximena, is that you?

[Rust]

Rust?

[Ximena]

Hey, are you okay? You weren't answering your phone, so I figured I'd try the long range comms.

[Summers]

Yeah, yeah, we're fine. Sorry about not keeping you updated. We've had a lot going on.

[Ximena]

Where are you?

[Summers]

The Southern Deadlands. A place called the Corova District.

[Ximena]

Where the hell is that? And how did you end up there?

[Summers]

We were following the Vogel transport. It's a long story. I'll fill you in sometime, but maybe not just now.

[Ximena]

Yeah, okay, listen, I have something to tell you and you're not going to believe this.

[Summers]

Hey, what's gotten into you? You signed all worked up.

[Ximena]

Worked up? Yeah, that sounds about right.

[Summers]

Just slow down. Tell me what's going on.

[Ximena]

Okay. Something just happened here in Tinkford and I. Hang on. I need to go back to the start. My old friend Tanix, he just showed up in Dockerton.

[Summers]

Tanix? I might have my wires crossed here, but I thought he was the guy who disappeared months ago.

[Ximena]

That's him. The one we suspected might have been mixed up in the situation with Vogel.

[Summers]

People who sign up with Vogel don't come back Ximena. Ever.

[Ximena]

Well, I guess this is an exception. He's back. I just saw him here in Tinkford.

[Rust]

Ximena. Are you sure about this?

[Ximena]

Absolutely. I spoke to him myself.

[Summers]

Did he say where he's been?

[Ximena]

No, he didn't have anything to say about that. But listen, it gets weirder. Tanix is working for Milicon.

[Summers]

Now Millicon. Didn't you say this guy was a washed up junkie who had nothing going for him?

[Ximena]

Pretty much. At least that's how it was the last time I saw him. But now, all of a sudden, he's wearing the uniform and carrying a gun. And he's changed a lot, no doubt about it. But underneath, it's still him.

[Summers]

So, did we have this wrong from the start? We assume the guy disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Some kind of foul play with Vogel. But maybe he just signed up with Milicon instead. And I. I don't know, he's been a goddamn training camp this whole time or something.

[Ximena]

I don't think that's it.

[Rust]

What else did he tell you, Ximena?

[Ximena]

Not a lot. Unfortunately, he wasn't exactly in the mood to sit down and have a chat.

[Summers]

What do you think, Summers? This all seems more than a little out of whack.

[Rust]

I know what Millican's screening processes are like. And there's no way they'd accept a new recruit with a history of drug abuse. It's just not possible.

[Summers]

So something else is going on.

[Rust]

No doubt about it. Ximena, would it be possible for you to get Tanix on the line? I'd love to talk to him and see what else he can tell us.

[Ximena]

That's not going to be possible, Summers. He's out of reach. Back inside the Millicon barracks. And even if I could get to him, he wouldn't talk. He made it clear that he's not interested in discussing what happened.

[Rust]

Damn. That might have been useful. Right now we're totally in the dark about this installation.

[Ximena]

What installation?

[Summers]

We've reached some sort of bunker out by the ocean. We think the Vogel transport we followed from Tinkford ended up here. The problem is, now we have to figure out a way to get inside.

[Ximena]

I wish I could help, but I don't know anything about that.

[Summers]

It's all right, Ximena. Maybe Sienna can figure something out. She's pretty good at digging through old good archives. We should probably get going, if that's okay. We still got a lot to take care of out here.

[Ximena]

Sure. I'll keep trying to figure out what I can, but I may not be much help.

[Summers]

It's fine. We'll take it from here. Stay safe.

[Ximena]

You too. Bye.

[Rust]

So you're going to put in a call to Sienna?

[Summers]

Yeah, I'll give it a try. I just want to get together a few details first. Coordinates, that kind of thing. Give her something to work with.

[Rust]

Do you really think she's going to uncover anything. This place is a long way off the beaten track.

[Summers]

She better. Because if she doesn't, the two of us are going to have to go in there blind. And I don't think either of us want that.

[Mr. Graves]

Crichton, get your things together. We have work to do.

[Jonas]

Jonas, what's the matter? You seem on edge.

[Mr. Graves]

Box plane on the way. Come on. Listen, get your things together and walk with me.

[Jonas]

Where are we going?

[Mr. Graves]

The mid levels. There are some more rooms we need to finish up. Today, if possible.

[Jonas]

Is Dr. Becker changed the schedule again?

[Mr. Graves]

Not officially. But I overheard some workers talking. There have been developments here at Corova Station.

[Jonas]

What developments?

[Mr. Graves]

Someone visited here earlier today. Someone important. One of Becker's superiors, I think. In any case, after she left, Becker went into a rage. Started yelling and cursing from one end of the station to the other. He's panicking over something.

[Jonas]

And why is that a concern for us?

[Mr. Graves]

The escape plan that I've been developing is heavily dependent upon the routines and schedules of the people who operate within this station. With Becker being so upset, I think it's safe to assume that he's going to implement changes, whether it's longer shifts or moving personnel around. Whatever the case, it's bad news for us.

[Jonas]

If he changes the routines, your plan will no longer work.

[Mr. Graves]

At the very least, it will have far greater chances of failure. So the longer we wait, the worse it will be.

[Jonas]

You're gonna put your plan into action sooner than anticipated?

[Mr. Graves]

Yes. Instead of weeks, we now just have a day to prepar. Maybe two. After that, whatever chance we might have had will surely slip through our fingers.

[Jonas]

Are we ready?

[Mr. Graves]

We have to be. There's no other choice.

[Summers]

Here.

[Mr. Graves]

This way. Down the stairs. We have to move quickly. There. That's good. We're almost done with this one. We're making good time.

[Jonas]

I suppose there is an upside to this new altered schedule. You'll be free of this place sooner than you expected.

[Mr. Graves]

If all goes well. That's true.

[Jonas]

You told me I needed my strength back in order to assist you with your plan. Do you think that's going to be a problem?

[Mr. Graves]

Preferably. I'd like you in slightly better condition than you are. But it seems that considering the shortage of parts around here, this is as strong as you're going to get. So there's no point waiting on that account.

[Jonas]

And your plan is still to head south once you're free?

[Mr. Graves]

Where else would I go?

[Jonas]

I wondered if you'd considered going back.

[Mr. Graves]

To your home Hygiene City. No chance. There are People looking for me on the Strata. Powerful people. If I showed my face there, I'd be as good as dead.

[Jonas]

There's not much chance of them seeing your face with that grisly mechanism clamped to your head.

[Mr. Graves]

My breathing unit. I'd be forced to take this off if I went back there. They have ID scanners everywhere.

[Dr. Becker]

And.

[Mr. Graves]

Anyway, it's not going to happen. I have a good thing going in Highgate City. For a while. It was a nice life there. And then somehow I ruined everything, just like I always do.

[Jonas]

Why do you do that?

[Mr. Graves]

Do what?

[Jonas]

Denigrate yourself.

[Mr. Graves]

Because I deserve it. I've screwed up time and again.

[Jonas]

You shouldn't be so hard on yourself.

[Mr. Graves]

I've been conditioned to think that way over the years. I suppose I was pushed around and persecuted in my job for years. And since I was fired, things got even worse.

[Jonas]

You are worthy of respect. I wish you would realize that.

[Mr. Graves]

Respect? There's not a single person between here and Strata who has ever shown me even a glimpse of that. Not once.

[Jonas]

I respect you, Jonas.

[Mr. Graves]

You don't even know me.

[Jonas]

I know that you saved my life. And where I come from, that is worthy of the highest respect. More than that. We share a bond stronger than blood.

[Mr. Graves]

You can't be serious.

[Jonas]

I am.

[Mr. Graves]

Well, for what it's worth, thank you. I appreciate the sentiment. There.

[Jonas]

That's better.

[Mr. Graves]

What's better?

[Jonas]

I saw it in the way you stood straighter just now. The way you lifted your head. Pride. Maybe it's not so inconceivable that you would return to Highgate City after all and show the ones who have persecuted you that you won't be pushed around so easily.

[Mr. Graves]

A part of me wants to take the elevator to the top of Pinnacle Towers one last time. See the lights of the city and all their splendor. It really is magnificent. But I'm afraid that won't be possible. My time there is over.

[Jonas]

A shame.

[Mr. Graves]

But you. I think Highgate City would be perfect for you. Creighton. Me?

[Jonas]

Why?

[Mr. Graves]

There are technicians, specialists in mechanical augments. Someone could definitely help you with those repairs you need.

[Jonas]

There are physicians who could heal my body.

[Mr. Graves]

Not exactly physicians, but something like that. The only problem is the cost, of course. It would take a lot of creds to get the job done.

[Jonas]

Cred?

[Mr. Graves]

You really aren't from around here, are you? It's how you pay for things in the Strata. Unfortunately, they're not easy to come by.

[Jonas]

What is it?

[Mr. Graves]

I just thought of something, actually. I have a storage cache that contains some of my Old belongings in a secret location in Highgate City. They could be quite valuable to the right buyer. Since I'm never going back there, there's no reason why you couldn't take them and exchange them Them for the creds you need.

[Jonas]

What if we went there together? You could help me regain my health. And you could reclaim the status you once enjoyed. Take back your life.

[Mr. Graves]

I told you, I'm not going back.

[Jonas]

I wouldn't navigate that place without you. I would be lost.

[Mr. Graves]

Perhaps I can help you. Give you some waypoints to follow landmarks. But we're getting ahead of ourselves here. For now, we're stuck in the depths of Corova Station. We can't do anything until we earn our freedom here.

[Jonas]

Yes, that's true.

[Mr. Graves]

Hand me that tool again. Let's finish up. After that, we can look at finalizing our plan. With any luck, and no time at all, Corova Station will be nothing but a distant, painful memory.

[Ximena]

Foreign.

[Narrator]

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 Chiroy Rhiannon Marshall Elisa Marteja Michelle Mosley Wyatt Henry Paul Warren Chloe Elmore Rebecca Tanwin Troy Allen Leonie Schlesing Elaine Arman Toby J. Smith Joseph Tweedale Zachary Scott, Garret Nile, Adam McLachlan, Gavrock and Armin Cabral Created by Mark R. Healy A Beyond the Dark production.

[Advertiser]

The Fable and Folly Network where fiction producers flourish.

[Summers]

Good evening and welcome to Strange Air. I am your host, Malcolm Smith, and I'll be here for the next four hours taking your calls as we explore the outer regions of reality.

[Ximena]

Ten years ago, Malcolm Smith vanished from the face of the earth. One moment he was on the air in the middle of a sentence, and the next moment he was gone.

[Mr. Graves]

People will believe anything.

[Ximena]

So what do you think happened? I believe your father staged the whole thing.

[Mr. Graves]

I believe your daddy was taken.

[Ximena]

Do you believe in miracles?

[Dr. Becker]

I guess people believe what they want to believe.

[Summers]

I believe.

[Ximena]

I'll have a little more wine.

[Mr. Graves]

It's time you heard the truth about your father.

[Overseer Argento]

You're completely insane.

[Dr. Becker]

Did someone hit you?

[Mr. Graves]

Leave me alone.

[Ximena]

What's going on? I'm going to find my father.

[Medical Announcer]

Strange Air Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

[Rust]

Visit strangeairpodcast.com for more information.