Desert Skies - Chapter 12 - The Astral Plane

Episode Date: August 21, 2023

In this season finale, the staff and their friends will come face to face with Xochitlicue and her cohort. Mac is confident his approach is just what's needed to fix the Astral Plane, but the others have their doubts. Listen to this exciting conclusion to the first season. Join Club 86 Visit our Merch Store Join the Discord Visit our Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Conditions apply, visit your local Volvo retailer or go to explorevolvo.com. For the best listening experience, headphones are recommended. Hi friends, before you listen to the season finale of Desert Skies, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, what am I going to do when this episode ends? Well, after the episode, I'm going to play the first six minutes of a brand new miniseries called Game Night. It's a Club 86 member exclusive, and one of the absolute best ways that you can support the show is by subscribing. Some real things people have said about the miniseries.

I am both mesmerized and in suspense. Another listener said, the whole series is beautiful and sweet, but the way it resolved here highlighted that as much as the main story. Another said, great mini-story. Hope there's more things like this to expand the great world you've built.

So, stick around after the episode, and if you like what you hear, you can get all six episodes of Game Night by clicking Join Club 86 in the show notes or by visiting patreon.com forward slash Desert Skies. That said, enjoy the season one finale of Desert Skies.

Jerry, now, before I show you my hand, I need you to tell me that no matter what I show you, no matter what the outcome is, you're going to be cool about it, okay? I don't want you taking that big old bear claw of yours and wiping my face with it. Yeah, you're right. I don't know what cards you have. Maybe you do got the upper paw.

Why don't you go ahead then? Show them, big boy. Well, look it there. Four nines makes it four of a kind. Good job, Jerry. Tell you what, friend. I'm just gonna call you the winner. Jesus, Jerry, this is why I don't like playing with you,

you big old bear baby. We're just playing for pine cones. It don't mean nothing. nothing. Fine. You want to see my cards? Here you go. Royal flow. Now, let's just all... Come on. Let me use my winnings to buy you a drink. I know you're pining for one after that. Of course you get to pour it. Do I look like a bartender to you? Oh yeah? Well, let me tell you what you look like, you fat sack of fur. Yeah, buddy, you lead, I'll follow.

Destroy the gas station. And then we shall trust the very manned to the world. Show no fear. Show no mercy. Together we overcome humans and spearmovers. Destroy the gas station. Well, why? I can't imagine that skinny kid in short stack ever did nothing to nobody.

And what the hell is a spear mover? What do you mean you're a severe mover? Well, like a fear mover, maybe. Damn it? You got to do something, Jerry. You still got that car key I asked you to hold on to? All right, amigo. I don't know what in the hell you and I can do about it.

But I like those boys. They were real nice to me. Can't let him face whatever's headed their way alone. You ready? Well, all right then, big guy. Let's roll. Oh, let me grab a few things from the stage first. I'll meet you out back.

I get this itchy feeling I'm going to need my guitar. You know, So, Um, hi there. Greetings. Look, I'd normally take more time to walk you through this, but simply put, you're dead. Here's a pamphlet we printed out that can provide a few more details. For now, I'm going to need you to pull your car around to the back of the station.

Someone can show you where to park. Hey, Sandy. How's it going up here? About as good as to be expected. I find that if I don't give them a whole lot of information, it keeps them moving. How many batteries do we still need? Not sure. Is cash down the mountain yet?

I haven't seen her. Listen, Mack, I know you think your plan is going to work, but I just feel like maybe the approach is a little... I don't know. Soft? We could have an entire robot army at our disposal. That could be all we need to stop Zochilla Q and the others. Don't forget, they have laser arms. I thought you liked the laser arms. Oh, you know I love them laser arms, but Cash don't love those laser arms.

Plus, Tandy, remember what Masonia said. We're supposed to follow the path of the tokens. So far, we got four tokens. The first one we already used on the arcade. game to get the key. And the key, we used to get the guitar. Now we got the guitar and cash left. Together, they're the key to facing Zochilicue. I know it. And so far, this is the only way I can think of to make it happen. Whenever it's time to make a decision, you always tell me you're the attendant, and then I follow your lead. Well, Tendi, I'm telling you, I'm the mechanic,

and it's my job to fix this. But if what I want to do doesn't work, We can always go laser arms on them, but I don't think we'll have to. You're the mechanic. I trust you, if you're sure. I'm not, but I think it's our best shot. Okay. Yo, Soldier Frame Cash. You can just call me cash, mechanic.

Is the transmitter ready? Just about. I think Betty wants us to get just a few more car batteries before we switch it on. Does she really think the batteries are going to be enough to reach the other cash units? because if not, we can always ask Korsen to... It's too dangerous, Tendi. A lightning strike could completely fry the transmitter, not to mention, fry cash here. He's going to be hooked up to this thing, remember?

That's right. Sorry, Cash. I don't know what I was thinking. I'm just getting a little nervous. No need to apologize, attendant. I'm getting a little nervous, too. Have been for a while. Mechanic, I saw all the Skylarks parked behind the station.

Yeah, Dale's back there with Shirley. He's pulling out all the Buick batteries and a... attaching them to the transmitter. What about Corson and all of the travelers? I noticed the storm had become far less violent and had begun to wonder if he'd left. Ever since he found out he can control lightning, he's been working on controlling his other powers.

He's got the storm down to a trickle. He's inside the station. Last time I saw him, he was drawing letters and numbers on a bunch of cards. For what? Does anyone have B7? B7. Bingo! Well done, bitch. Come, blame your prize.

No clue. Tandy, I'm going to take Cash around to the back of the station to get her plugged into the transmitter. You okay up here? Actually, Mac, there's something I need to talk to you about. Sure, bud. Cash, you go on ahead. I'll meet you over there. What is it, Tandy?

When you were down in the basement with... Betty. Right, Betty. When you were down in the basement with Betty, Dale told us about visions he used to have back when he was the attendant. The vision was about you and I, Mac. And? Well, I can't remember the whole thing, but it's said that for one of us, the job continues. For the other, the job will end.

Mack. What if when all of this is over? But? What if when all this is over, one of us has to leave? Have to leave? Nah, maybe that's not what it meant. You and I, we're like cookies and cream, bud. Like mayonnaise, pickle pig spleen.

That doesn't sound... What I'm trying to say is, we've worked together so long. You're not just my co-worker. You're my best friend. I don't know when I'm heading down that road, but I'm not doing it without you. Even if it meant you'd know who you are, who you were on the physical plane, know your name. My name.

I didn't even think about that. But But still, Tendi You got nothing to worry about Mac, if you did decide to leave I wouldn't hold it against you Look, for now Let's just focus on saving the station

I'll be back, bud You good? Yeah Yeah, I'm good Yeah, I'm good You sure that's going to be enough batteries? If that ain't enough batteries, we're not going to get enough batteries. Miss Robot lady? Gosh.

Are you ready for this? I am. Okay then. Miss Shirley is ready to flip the converter. switch. When she does that, the signal will be yours. And then it's go time. Okay, flip the switch. Commencing switch flip. Emitting control signal. You feel anything yet, cash? No mechanic. I'm not receiving anything back. Maybe we can't reach them from this disk. Cash? feel them, mechanic. I can feel all of them. I have control. Yes. Hey guys, we heard the sound of the

signal. You can turn it off now, Shirley. All of the other cash units have received the directive. They know to travel to the station as quickly as possible. Some will be faster than others. But at any rate, they should begin arriving soon. Most excellent news, cash. We may have a chance at beating this thing after all. That is, if we do what I'm suggesting, instead of following, you know whose plan. I know who you're talking about. How are the travelers in the station doing? Oh, fine.

We were playing Korsen says. I told them Korsen says to keep their mouth shut and stay inside the station. So far, they seem to be playing along. Well, everyone, we've done what we can do. I don't know how this is going to turn out, but, well, I choose to trust the mechanic. If anyone can fix what's broken on the astral plane, it's Mac. Thanks, bud. An entire army of slightly flawed, remarkably dangerous robots headed our way,

and we're seriously going to waste them on. Mersonia, it's been ages. Hello, Corson. You're a sight for soul rise. I felt your storm passed through my sphere recently, and I hope I might find you here. I came as fast as I could. So Chilicue, the other sphere movers, and their armies are making their way here. Soon they will arrive. I'm glad you're here, my lady. Maybe you can try talking some sense into everyone. The mechanic, you see. He intends. to use the... Don't care what he intends to do, Corson. He is the mechanic. And the time of the mechanic has come. And what if we fail?

Then we fell together. Hand and hand. Arm and laser arm. Laser arm in coyote paw. And coyote paw on a bear claw. You all ready to die? Again? Driston, you're here.

Figured you gave me that key for a reason. Might as well stop by. I wasn't sure if we'd be able to get ahead of them, but I'd know some back, Roads. How are you, my friend? I know. I'm a little scared, too. But it's all so exciting, isn't it? I'm sorry, but who are all these people and animals? We'll have to save introductions for later. They're almost here.

Does everyone know what they're doing? Is everyone ready? Ready as I'll ever be. Ready for all that comes our way. Fine. Yes. I'm ready. I know what I'm doing.

Nothing. I'm doing nothing. Good enough. Let's do this. Okay, okay. I'm ready for this. I'm ready for this. I'm not ready for this.

Mechanic, it's just. Just a guitar. You've been practicing, and you're doing wonderfully. When I get even a tiny bit nervous, I mess up the chords. What was I thinking? This is a stupid idea. Now hold on there, Bucco. This was partly my idea, too.

I know, I know. But your part is smart. My part is not smart. What if I get everyone hurt? Maybe Tandy's right. Maybe we should be fighting fire with fire. You know what happens when you fight fire with fire? I don't know.

Something can kick ass. No. You just get more fire. Mechanic, look. If there's a reason you and I have been brought together, it's this. Trust your instinct. Now, you want to go through it one more time? Yeah, okay.

Are you sure it's okay for us to be up here? I'm a little heavy in this soldier frame. This station's exactly as I built it on the physical plane, and that means it was built tough. You make it sound like you're the only one who built it, young man. I swing a mean hammer, if you remember. I told you stopped calling me young man, Cheryl. It's not funny. It is a little funny.

See? Cash thinks it's funny. How's the sound system coming along? I pulled every speaker from the store and the basement. I made a makeshift microphone from this intercom. I wish it was louder, but it should do the turn. trick. Can you see anything yet, Cash? I can. They haven't reached the mountain yet, but almost. How many? Um, I can't tell from this distance. Yes, you can. How many? There's a lot,

surely. Like, a lot, a lot. The prime mover. In here. I don't know how she did it. It's a lot. It's a lot. I don't know how she did it. If it's even true, we've tried opening it, but to no avail. The power to entrap a spirit like this, not to mention that of the prime mover. I have no idea where Zocilicu could even learn of such an enchantment. I think I know where she may have learned it. Oh? Does the name Siwa Kotor ring a bell?

Sochilicu's sister. Yes, but it's been many ages since she's been seen. You don't remember. She and Zocilicu are sisters, but could not be more different from one another. Where Zocilicu planted the seeds of life, Siwa Koltul was obsessed with the taking of souls, abducting travelers, making their way across the plains,

stowing their spirits away, never to be seen again. In time, Zocilu became every good, is devious. You're going to have to forgive me for eavesdropping. But what happened to her? Siwa. Siwa Koto. She was banished from this plane and sent to the physical, which is why I must ask. Why mention her cursing? What does she have to do with this? Because when I spoke with Zocilicu, I swear I could hear her sister's voice. But that is impossible. No one on the physical plane can commune with the astral plane. Have you spoken with the blue lady yet?

No, but who is she? Some sort of spirit. A projection of one. A projection, but from where? The physical plane. A human. One that's bound to Earth is here. On the astral plane.

Indeed. But that means... That's so Chilicu is quite possibly being possessed by her sister, even from the physical plane. That explains why she was able to trap the spirit of the prime mover in this box. Perhaps. Perhaps it does. But even one with the knowledge needed to capture a spirit like that, they would not be able to capture the prime mover.

Unless he wanted to be captured. Why would he want to be captured? I don't know. At one point I myself wandered into a box, a big one, called the long pause, and I didn't leave until I thought it was the right time. Curious, if such were the case, I hope the time for the Prime Mover to leave his box come soon, before it's too late. They're here. The other cash units aren't here yet. We need more time.

What do you mean you have an idea? Are you insane? I don't even know if I could do it again. The blue floating lady. Yes, I can find her. Your trust means the sphere to me, Wei Wei Kortel. Really it does. But what if it doesn't work?

Wait. Where are you going, Coyote? Oh, God. Congratulations. You've reached the immediate. Amelia Project, and your life awaits. If you're not serious about this, hang up. If you continue, there's no way back.

Leave your message after the beep. Enter the offices of the Amelia Project and be ready for surprises, twists and turns. Follow the Amelia team as they help clients fake their day. and come back with new identities. Each episode is different. Each client coming to the death-faking agency has a unique story to tell. In our fifth season, we are going back in time

and telling stories of historical figures who sought out the agency's help. If you want to learn the real fates of Elvis, Alfred Hitchcock, Marie Antoinette, Moliere, Shakespeare, Mary Queen of Scots, and more, if death and disappearances, comedy and crime, mystery and magic, sound like your cup of cocoa, then The Amelia Project is the podcast for you.

Season 5, Part 3 is coming very soon and features new clients, new cases, and guest writers such as Gabriel Urbina of Wolf 359, David K. Barnes of wooden overcoats, and Jen and Chris Sugden of Victoriosity. Search for the Amelia Project wherever you get your podcasts. Edgar said to the interviewer, he was convinced that the thing out there wasn't a vault at all. Yeah, I know what he thought. Dr. Eggers didn't think it was designed to keep things out. I know what he thought. He thought it was designed to keep something in.

Do you even understand the difficulty trying to keep a base like Fathom at the bottom of the ocean from killing everyone in it on a daily basis? Oh my God. Everyone hold on to something. I think whatever is on the other side of that door out there, it's not friendly. I think it's trying to get out. That, my friend, is a dire combination. That's a bad sign. Get out of the door!

It's spreading like some kind of technological contagion. We can either stop it here or watch the world burn. Fathom, the first season of derelict. Listen wherever you get your podcast. or learn more at derelictpodcast.com. Stewards of the Deserts Fear, the time for your destruction is at hand. If you surrender willingly,

I promise to make your annihilation only half as painful as it would be otherwise. Oh, who do we have here? Why? It's a great Weiwei Koyote. You devious little mangy, sneaky. The last time we met, you and the prime mover had the upper hand. But now, I have one with the advantage.

And the prime mover is no more. You may remember some of my friends. Mifrin, captain of the... Swampy seventh sphere. Long time, no seed of the... You see on Q-10. Master of the 27th sphere. The oceans are filled with monsters.

I am leucic and I oversee the 13th sphere, the one that is haunted. I am Doug from the sphere of Doug. Speer 18, the sweetest of all the sphere. You say you've seen enough? I've shown you some of my friends, coyote. Now show me yours. I see a carriage, and it's raining. Where are they, Wei?

Where's the princess and the game slinger? Trade me. You have nothing I want. I'm here to destroy what remains of your highway. Burn your station to the ground. Remove your friends from existence. And then I shall rule the spheres. the astral plane will be mine.

What does Ocelicue mean, purse? What about Doug? Doug, please shut up. Join me, the great Wayway Coelto, serving my purposes. In exchange for what? Destroy the station but free the staff? It's an interesting idea,

but I would always be at risk of you stabbing me in the back. No, no deal. Now, step aside, Coyote, or face my wrath. I have a job to do. Really? You would be willing to give up your existence for them. Now, that is admirable and intriguing. an astral plane where I wouldn't have to worry about Weiwei Koyal.

Wait, what's going on out here? Who are you? I am the attendant. So, it wasn't the old man after all. Nope, I'm the new guy. Oh, attendant, how I long to snap you in two. But our mutual friend here has made me an offer. and I'm finding it difficult to not take it.

He's willing to give up his existence in exchange for yours. Let her remove you from existence? You can't do that way, way? Do you really think she's going to keep her promise? The second you're gone, she'll make sure we're gone too. She's a liar! He's a big coyote attendant. Let him make his own decisions.

Wait, wait, I accept your offer. You have my word as a spear mover that I will spare your friends. Ah yes. Come here, Docy. Wait, wait, what are you doing? Don't go to her. So Chilicue, put him down, please. Once you're gone, there will be nothing left to stand in my way.

What? Who are you? What magic is this? I am the primer mover. The primer mover. Corson, where are you? Is this one of your tricks? Show yourself. Oh, it is no trick. I assure you. I am the greatest of all the movers in all the spheres. Behold! More lightning, seen it. Archer's, destroy her! Oh geez, that doesn't even tickle. There it goes right through her. Now, put down that coyote before I strike you down with the... with a, geez, with a fireball?

I doubt it. Okay. then. You'll leave me no choice. Uh, prepare to face my wrath. Well, where is it? Your wrath. What does that sound? Oh, that? That's probably the guy who's here to look at my refrigerator. Oh, I guess I got a go, guys. Real sorry about that. I'll come back as soon as I can. Seriously, God, I hate humans. Bye. Corson! I knew it.

Doug wants to know what the hell that was. Well, Doug, that was a distraction of some kind. I knew I couldn't trust you, Wei, Way, Coyote. Go of my hand! You'll pay for that fur ball. Enough with these games and this nonsense. The time for your destruction is at hand attendant. Soldiers, seize them.

Seize all of them. Don't even think about it, Zochialikyu. I'm so tired of being. interrupted. Oh, it's you. This is where you've been hiding. This is where I belong. Oh, General Cash, of all the things I hate in all of the spheres, do you know, I hate you the most? Why? Because I wouldn't fight the prime mover? It was wrong, Zochilicue. You know it. You're a sphere mover. You are benevolent. isn't why you exist.

You abandoned me. You. Nothing but bolts and circuitry. You abandoned me and nearly cost me the battle against the prime mover. You. Perhaps the most insignificant thing in all the astral plane. I will enjoy crushing you more than I enjoy anything else I crushed today. You'll enjoy no such things, O'Chilicue.

Your armies are surrounded, thousands of cash units, all under my control. A proper battle, then. You and your band of defunct robots are still no match against the combined forces of my armies. I don't want to fight you, Ochilichu, and I don't want your armies to get hurt. They're just innocent travelers. Look, as long as you don't make a move, I'll keep the other cash units from attacking. Please, I just need you to listen. Listen to what? Oh, listen to me.

Oh, cool, a concert. Doug. And who exactly are you? Me? I'm the mechanic. I work here. It's an infestation. So Chilicu, please. Just listen to him. Or you'll do what? I'll use the thousands of lasers.

I have waiting at my disposal to give you one hell of a fight. But please, don't make me do that. So Chilacute, other sphere movers, my name is Matt. And as I said before, I am the mechanic. It's my job to fix it. Fix what? You, uh, I think. That's what a mechanic does, at least.

That's what I think a mechanic is. meant to do on the astral plane. I've been thinking about it a lot. And a friend of mine helped me realize something. So Chilicue, I think maybe you forgot. And the only way to fix it is for you to remember. I don't know what you think you've realized, mechanic. But if there's one thing I do not do, it's forget. Well, just as saying, I'd like to play you a song. My fingers are a little wet, mix of sweat and rain. And the paper's a little soap. and hard to read and I'm a little scared but don't know okay here it goes I'm sorry give me a moment oh where's Betty I can't do this yeah you can Mac you got this

not Tandy course it was right this was a stupid idea you stop that son you're the Mechanic. I believe in you. And so do I, young man. You have our trust, mechanic. Mechanic, you can do it. Mechanic. I am wrong all the time. Haven't you realize that? Now, please.

Play. I can't do this by myself. No, you cannot. This isn't supposed to be a solo gig. I made sure to bring my guitar here. I thought it might come in handy. And Jerry's hooking up his base to the end. Hopefully the roof can hold him.

I'm not calling you fat, man. You're literally a bear. Use the core tier. I'm sorry. They're all wet. I've read plenty of these through tears. Now, you lead. Jerry and I'll follow.

Mechanic, whatever ridiculous thing you're going to do, finish it quickly so we can move on to the main event. Does Jerry need the court chart? He would if you knew how to read. Damn it, Jerry, you're a bear, man. Nobody expects a bear to know how to read. Go ahead, mechanic. Okay.

Here goes. Here we are. It's plain to see that I've heard someone close to me. I never meant for things to get so bad. When I do the things I do, these words I say as if they're true, and all the things I do to make you sad. Did I forget who I am? Did I forget who you are? Did I forget we have each other, and that when I've gone too far, you're still my friend.

Still, my friend, you'll always be, then you look down and say to me, little sister, just remember who you are. Encore! Well done, mechanic. That was gorgeous mechanic. Sorry I missed the first half. All right, I'm coming down. That's it.

Some stupid little song. You really have no idea. who I am. You play songs for me when you should be quivering and on your knees. You are in the presence of terrible greatness. I've conquered worlds. I lead the leaders of worlds. What? You don't lead nothing. You think these guys follow you because they like you? They're terrified of you. They only do what you say because they think it'll get them what they want or what they think they want. That's not true. They are my friends.

That's not what they are. And this isn't what you are. You're Zo Chilicue, mover of the 23rd sphere. Cash told me about the beautiful flowers you grew. Gorgeous fields that stretched as far as the eye can see. My flowers. A traveler driving through the 23rd sphere would have rolled down their window. And the smell would have been amazing.

It was the most wonderful fragrance in the astral plane. Well, you've never microwaved a clan linguine and white wine butter sauce burrito, so I'm going to give you a pass, but... What's happening? What am I doing? I didn't... No, she's mine. Do you understand?

I won't let you take her from me. What are you talking about? Take who from you? Sphere movers. Lead your armies. Wage war against these fools. Destroy the highway, then lay waste to this station. Crush the robot army. Reclaim the spheres.

What do I do, attendant? I really don't want to hurt her human army. Surprise, surprise. Who would have known that when faced with the opportunity to fight, the robot would cower and leave you in danger? I know the feeling, attended. Now, step aside and let us finish what we start. The one will break the broken

I'm sorry What was that? Cash Destroy the highway But attendant You too Corson Attendant I'm sorry but why would we

Please Destroy the rest of the highway Tandy seriously You're helping her What's gotten into you Attendant The one will break the broken the other one will mend.

Uh, come again? I'm gonna break it. Okay. And you're gonna make it. Okay. Destroy it. Now. I was wrong about you, attendant.

You're not as stupid as you look. And you're not as smart as you pretend to be. How dare you speak to me so rudely? Where do you get off, you ridiculous twig of a man? You're a sphere mover, O'Chilicue. You all are. You were given the greatest job in all the astral plane. The guiding of souls through the spheres.

Every new traveler gave you the opportunity to live out your identity, to love and to lead and protect. You and your spheres gave birth to wonders that ignited human souls, prepared them for the next life. Yours, the noblest of professions. Is it noble to stoop so low as to serve that which is beneath you? It's noble to know that no one is beneath you. That every spirit has value, has worth.

Whether a sphere mover or a human or a tarantula king. But now, the highway is no more. And never again will a traveler make their way to the next life. You all had a job to do. And you'll never get to do it. The temperature works out to me. It's happening to me as well. I am.

I am. We call it subbing. It means you have significant unfinished business. In this case, you didn't do your damn job. And now, you'll never be able to. Attendant. What is this sorcery? If you don't figure out how you're going to deal with your unfinished business,

you're going to sub out completely. Mack thinks you become a ghost on the physical plane. But I think you sub your way out of existence. This can't be happening. I can't have been beaten by a... Not to mention one with noodley arms. Mack, I did my part. Now it's time for you to do yours.

But I don't know what to do. The song was my only idea. Attendant, mechanic. My apologies for interrupting. But you should draw your attention to the direction of the physical plane. The sky. What is it? It's so beautiful.

A magnificent bird of many colors. It's so large. I don't think that's a bird. That is definitely not a bird. That's a Ford Tri-Motor. Whatever it is. It's headed straight for us. Is everyone okay there?

It was kind of dark and I didn't expect there to be so many people. If I ran you over, I'm sorry about that. Oh, Greg, here's sight for sore eyes, you big dummy. Why'd you have to go and get yourself dead? Wait, what are you holding? Who's this? Well, she was buckled into the co-pilot seat. She's so tiny.

Wow. You must have been someone really special on the physical plane. This isn't on a reserve. served for only the kindest of travelers, to accompany a child through the astral plane. What's her name? Check the tag on her shirt, they always put it there. It says Cory Kindle, age five months. Tandy.

She's token five? Greg, may I? Of course. Here you go. Careful there. Well, look at you. Oh, got my beard. Who's gonna help me save the astral plane, huh?

Who's gonna help me save the astral plane? You, you're gonna help me save the astral plane. Come on. I want you to meet somebody. So Chilikyu. Back, what are you doing? So Chiluku here. Hold this.

Don't you dare put that disgusting creature in my... ...hands. She has a flower in her. She has a flower in her hair. An Easter lily. The little ones. They always loved my flowers. They had no fear of my ghouls and goblins.

They laughed at them. So delightful that sound. And how they adored my horses. A slightly older ones would splash in my puddles. Did I... Did I forget who I am? Did I forget who you are? Did I forget we have each other?

And that plan I've gone too far. You're still my friend. You'll always be. Then you look down and say to me. So chillic you. Pride mover. Little sister, just remember who you are. What have I done?

I'm... I'm so... So loved, my friend. So loved. It is good to see the light in your eyes again. All of you, Jerry, Wei, Missonia and Corson, how I've missed you. I'm sorry that I trapped you.

No such thing. I'm the prime mover. You can't keep me. in a box, but I can keep myself in one. It was very peaceful, actually. But why? Why would you let me do that? Why would you let me destroy the highway? Mechanic? Uh, me? Me? You are the mechanic, aren't you? I am. I thought so. Why would you let our friends here destroy the highway? Um, so they can fix it. See? That's why I hired you.

You have a knack for these things. The Grand Highway. It was necessary for a time, but it was never that grand. The highway was designed to protect travelers from danger. And it did for a while. But the astroplane was never meant to be passed through. It was meant to be experienced. You're the sphere movers.

Do you know what that means? what that means? It means we move the spheres? The spheres move just fine on their own. You move the travelers through your spheres. Each of you were created unique, given a sphere and a purpose. And that purpose is? Refinement.

Cherry here, for instance, travelers stand under the massive pines in his forest sphere, sphere and they realize how insignificant their worries really are. Korsen, travelers crossing the rocky wet terrain of your sphere, it shows them how strong they can be. Missonia, as they sit in your carriage or your palace, protected from the harsh elements of the red territory, they know that they're loved and cared for, even in the afterlife. And after 32 spheres, they arrive at my game. my game. Souls refined and ready to be moved on to the next life. So why keep the station? Why rebuild the highway?

Why not let the travelers go by foot? Because, since we built this station, I found that there's something about the purr of an engine on a lonely highway and just does something to their souls. What's it, do you? I don't know, but I know that it's good. So, so Chilicue, let's rebuild the highway together and we'll add twists and turns

and lead them to many good stops along the way. What do you say? I would like that, Prime Mover. I would like that very much. I was hoping you'd say that, my friend. Now, Mechanic. And attendant, stewards of the desert sphere, ferrymen of the astral plain, you have done so well, and I knew that you would. You work together, and with strength and cunning and bravery,

you've restored the astral plane to its rightful state. Attendant, I know you feel the need to know who you were, and you will someday, I promise. But for now, I would like you to remain and continue to prepare travelers for their journey across the spheres. I would like to know who I was, who I am. But I can wait, and I would be honored to stay on as the attendant for as long as needed. Good, good. Thank you, my friend. mechanic you also have done an amazing job but now the age of the mechanic has come to an end you've done it it's time to resign my friend and to make your way to the next life

mac resign i'd get my memories back i'd know who i am you would indeed i shouldn't I should stay here with you guys. Tendi, I promise. Mack, you're my best friend. But you can't stay here forever. As much as I want you to. I can't ask you to do that. The attendant is right, mechanic.

Even with as much joy as you've brought me, You made a robot laugh You deserve this Mechanic Your shift is over Go and learn who you are I'll see you on the other side Come with me into the station mechanic

And we will make it official Cash, you as well please Oh my God This is really happening. Okay. Okay, I'm coming. Indy, I'll come see you before I go. I don't know if I'm ready for this.

I'm sorry, attending. I know how much the mechanic means to you. But you're right to let him go. I know. But it doesn't feel right for some reason. I just don't feel like it's time yet. Alash, I feel our time here has come to an end as well. What do you say, Daddy?

Are you ready for what waits on the other side? No, I don't think I am. But I'll follow wherever you lead, baby girl. Thank you so much. Both of you. For everything. Thank you, attendant. I've so enjoyed our time.

time together. You're the right person for this job, you know. You have it. Heart. The kind of heart it takes the guide, a weary soul, down a long and lonely highway. The quality of every good attendant. I wish you well. Now, are you ready, young man? We should go in the station and say goodbye. Ready as I'll ever be. long son and and well done so long well attendant I just wanted to come by and say by you're finally gonna hit the road huh well kind of that guy and his sister said I could join them on their flight they're gonna be doing a little exploring and said they could drop me off at

the gates to the next life here take this the key to your car Nah, key to your car. Maybe you'll get more use out of it than I did. Thanks, Tristan. The next life is going to be better with you in it. I know it. Yeah, maybe. Maybe you're right.

Adios, amigo. Oh, and if you get the chance, give Jerry a hug. He didn't take the news so well. I'm going to miss that sack of fur. I'll think about it. Appreciate it. Until we meet again. Until we meet again

Mac How'd it go It went pretty damn good And you know who you are now Yeah Indy I do That's That's great

Who are you Oh there comes the prime mover Well Well well This has been someday It has so what happens next well next we build

cash has generously offered to assist with construction along with her robot companions it shouldn't take long before the highway is open again the humans that sochilic you had taken will be assisted across the astroplane by foot the old-fashioned way the travelers in the station will make the trip via skylock though the road would be quite bumpy By the way, you may need to order more snacks.

That bad, huh? Completely empty. You know, you've been sending travelers on a journey that you yourselves have never made. You should take some time, maybe visit a few spheres every now and then. You have a plane now, and a pilot, and a floating blue co-pilot. Leave the station unattended? Well, yes, but take this, a token of my appreciation. An open-close sign.

Hang it on the door. Change it to close as needed. Travelers will stop arriving until you flip it back over. So, people stop dying? No, no. They keep dying. But time doesn't really exist here, you know? I know.

And it is really confusing. Well, time to get to work. Thank you again. Farewell, attendants. Attendance? Don't you mean attendant? No. Mack?

But you said you know who you are. I do, attendee. I'm your friend. That's all I want to be right now. You're not leaving? I don't start crying. I'll start crying. When I went into the state,

I asked the prime mover if, instead of resigning, if there were any other positions open. And he said, I don't know. Maybe there are. And I said, well, because I was kind of thinking, you know, maybe we could use another attendant around here. And then, Tendi, you know that face I make when I've already had like four burritos and you say, hey Mac, you want another burrito and I I look at you and my eyes get all wild and I smile all big and then I just start nodding my head all slow. The one that I always say is a little disconcerting. Exactly. That's the face the prime mover was making. And then he said the age of the attendance has begun. You really said that? Yeah, look. He even gave me a button that said it. Whoa. Look at that, Tendi.

looks like they're on their way that really is beautiful what's so funny it's the astral plane get it yeah I get it yeah I know you do you know it's really funny though

what's that I'm an attendant now yeah wow that's really cool yeah but Tendi is short for attendant Mac is short for a mechanic yeah but it doesn't matter

so my name is Tendi now too. Ha, ha. Very funny. But seriously, your, your name is still Mac. Tendi the attendant. Okay, Mac. Jokes over.

Mack. Who is Mac? Never heard of him. My name's Tandy. Seriously, Mac. So what happens next? I don't know, bud. But whatever it is.

I'm glad we're doing it together. You know, it's like they say, till death do us part. You know what? And I'm just going to let you have. that one. Greetings, Travelers. This is Jared Carter.

performed all the characters in this episode. The music for the song, Did I Forget Who I Amador Carter? I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who made Desert Sky's season one happen. Every follow, every kind review, everyone who joined the Discord or made fan art, my family and my audio drama creator family, Cola Forever. Love you guys. I want to give you a special shout out to those who are supporting members of the show.

especially those who joined that list since the last episode dropped. Leanne L. Grace, Randy, Stephen, Savag, Arizona, which is the coolest damn name. Robert, Rachel, Anna, Tabitha, Gray, Abby, Tristan, which is one step away from Driston, which is also a pretty cool name. Robert. Dakota, Octavio, Christian, Haley, Tatiana, Linda. Katie, John, Donnie, Stephanie, Alexandra, Sean, Christina, and Rain. Appreciate y'all. Thank you for listening to Season 1 of Desert Skies.

If you never took the time to leave a rating or review, just know that's going to show up in your traveler bio, and Mack's going to give you a hard time. So Desert Skies will return with its second season. Until then, safe travels. The Fable and Falling Network, where fiction predicts, Sucers Flourish 32, 32, 33, 34.

Hey guys. Ah, dang it, Tendi. I was so close this time. All I did was open the door from like 10 feet away. Why in the heck are you so jumpy, Mac? He's been that way since the last traveler left and won't tell me what happened. If I tell you,

you guys laugh at me. Why would we do that? Because it's irrational. I can see why you wouldn't want to tell us about it. After all, you've never said anything irrational before. We might go into shock. Right, Cash? Ha, ha, very funny.

Anyways, it really freaked me out. And now I'm trying to make a house of burritos using all 35 varieties to keep my mind occupied. I was almost there when you came barging in. Barging? Seriously? Tendi. Ha, God, it sounds so weird when you call him that.

Weirder than when I call you, Mac. Tusha. Tendi, my senses are picking up a change in barometric pressure, indicative of a small storm approaching. Does that mean? Sounds like it, Mac. Corson's almost here. Well, thank the prime mover.

Because Mr. Mack is in mucho need of a significant distraction. And I can't think of anything more distracting than a game night. You sure you don't want to talk about it before he gets here, Mac? I promise I'm not going to think it's irrational. And if I do, I'm not going to say anything. Maybe later, bud. For now, we got work to do. Why don't you start microwaving some burritos?

Cash, let's get some game night music going on in here. What would be considered game night music? I don't know. Surprise me. Okay. Let's see here. Oh, I know. You know what? Just play something chill. Now I'm gonna make some appetizers.

Got a few ideas that should be pretty appetizing. Oh yeah, game night. It's out of sight. Today I had a fright. But it'll be all right. We can keep things like... Like a flying... All right, Chips here, get there, this chair here, this chair here.

Andy, you did flip the sign, right? Yep, I can't believe this is our first time using it. You sure it works? The prime mover said it would, and I think we can trust him. Yeah, I think so too. But it's just so weird. Desert skies is closed. I don't really like the sound of that.

Closed. We're just on break. A brief hiatus. A small interruption in services. Ah, Tandy, don't stress it. We've been working for, well, forever. Forever to us anyways. Let's try to enjoy the freedom this sign has afforded us.

After Corson leaves, we can flip it right back over and get back to doing what we do best. Yeah. Yeah, you're right. Hey, we got a little time before Coursing gets here. Do you want to tell me what had you so spooked earlier? It might help you feel better. Yeah, you sure you won't laugh. I promised I wouldn't.

Now, what is it? You know how the freshly baked donuts here just kind of show up? Of course I know. It's one of my favorite weird things about this place. Yeah, yeah, for sure. Me too. Usually we're both outside when they get here. almost always but not this time okay what happened Mac well I just grabbed the last donut you grabbed the last one I told you you always got to leave the last one in

case a traveler wants it I know Tandy you say lots of stuff I don't take into consideration okay it was a maple long John Tandy my favorite I'd have been leaving it because I wanted it when Corson got here but I was worried because it'd been so long since we'd send him that invite. And maybe he wasn't coming. I didn't want the donut to get stale, so I ate it. And? This is the freaky part, Tendi.

As soon as I turned around, I smelled them. Freshly baked donuts. Well, I turned around as fast as I could because I'd never seen them show up before. They were just there in the case. That's what freaked you out? Was something off with the donuts? No, Tendi, not that. It wasn't anything in the case that scared me.

It was the real thing. reflection on the glass when I looked at the donuts. Someone was standing right behind me. Was that when you made that little yelping sound I heard? Uh, what? No, there was no yelping sound. Probably my shoe squeaking. Oh, right.

What did you do? I couldn't do nothing, Tandy, so I just froze. My heart was beating so hard. My hair was standing on end. I watched in the reflection as the person behind me, lean next to my ear. And then, Tindy, they whispered, What is up, bitches? So glad that we can finally make this happen.

Cash, good to see you back in the box. Where's the soldier frame? It's good to see you, Carson. My soldier frame is out there on the astral plane, far from the desert sphere, doing its job. Then how are you? I can explain later. Very well. Until then, I'm glad to see you where you belong. How was your trip?

It was grand. You'll have to forgive me. I took my time. It's funny, see. Game night, a six-part miniseries exclusive to Club 86 members. Visit patreon.com forward slash desert skies or click the link in the show notes below to learn more.