Desert Skies - Chapter 17 - The Accident

Episode Date: August 27, 2024

Is this just a dream or is someone at the station actually getting a glimpse into events previously unknown? And a new traveler crashes in and brings with her a glimpse into the burden undergirding every one of Tendy's interactions with visitors to the station. At least that's what Nonny thinks. Join Club 86 Visit our Merch Store Join the Discord Visit our Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer's here, and you can now get almost anything you need for your sunny days delivered with Uber Eats. What do we mean by almost? Well, you can't get a well-groom lawn delivered, but you can get a chicken parmesan delivered. A cabana? That's a no, but a banana, that's a yes. A nice tan, sorry, nope. But a box fan, happily yes. A day of sunshine? No. A box of fine wines? Yes. Uber Eats can definitely get you that.

Get almost, almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. Alcohol and select markets. Product availability may vary by Regency app for details. This episode is brought to you by MewMew, introducing Mutein, the new feminine fragrance by the iconic fashion house. Mutein captures the youthful, unconventional essence of the Mewew-Mew girl, brought to life by a gourmand, intimate and enveloping scent of wild strawberry and brown sugar accords. Mutein is not a statement, but a knowing glance, a sweet rebellion, lighthearted and laced with wit, a gesture made for oneself.

Discover the new fragrance, Mutein, now available in Canada. Hi, this is Jared. Before the episode begins, I wanted to invite you to join the pilot launch of our trusty traveler referral program. The way the program works is that by sharing the podcast with new listeners, you'll help us grow desert skies and receive rewards along the way, including a special short-form series of happenings around the station, audio tours through different celestial spheres, and even a private invitation to the meeting of the sphere movie. You can join the trusty traveler program and learn more about it by going to trustytraveler program.com slash join. Again, that's trusty traveler program.com forward slash join. We're limited to the number of sign-ups for the trusty traveler pilot program as we work to perfect it.

So if you're interested in joining, head over now. Thanks for listening and thank you for sharing desert skies with others. It means the world to me. Now, enjoy the episode. Greetings, Travelers, this is Jared. Before we begin today's episode, I want to take a quick moment to thank everyone who joined Club 86 since the last episode. I'd like to welcome the following new members to the station and give them a completely pretend version of their favorite candy bar. Maria.

Maria, have a Milky Way on the house. Nightshade. For you, the kinder Bueno. Or the kinder Bueno or the kinder Bueno. There's some debate. Damien the polar bear

we held on to the last almond joy just for you. Which is great because mounds are garbage. Yuna, please take this supremely healthy 80% cocoa dark chocolate bar. Jay, here's that classic candy you're a fan of the Zero Bar.

Twilio, with another classic Have a Zach nut. Then a couple folks who never got back to me about their favorite candy bar, that's okay. To Alan and Affie and Brian and Becky, I give you my favorite candy bar, the caramel. And I'm going to keep one for myself. Join Club 86, and you'll get access to all kinds of great perks, from exclusive episodes, including the Game Night miniseries, to special Discord privileges, exclusive merch, early episodes as they're available, and so much more. It's also a great way to support the show.

To join, visit patreon.com forward slash desert skies or click the link in the show notes below. Thank you to all who have joined. And now, Chapter 17, The Accident. For the best listening experience, headphones are recommended. Hey, you're back. Cash, what are you talking about? I didn't leave. You left.

You've been gone way longer than I expected. Do you want to see what I'm working on? It's a painting. They said it would help. A painting? Yeah. I hope it's not upsetting. Why would it be upsetting?

Because it'll remind you of her. Of who, Cash? Can I see it? Sure. Here it is. I don't get it. What's there to get? You don't like it.

I shouldn't have shown you. No, I mean I don't see it. It's just a blank canvas. Wow. I know you don't. I don't like to think about it, but... I didn't think it was that bad. Think about what?

Are you gonna leave again? Yeah. I think so. When are you coming home? In the winter. For at least a couple weeks. Wait, home? You're so sad.

Why wouldn't I be? And angry. Because she's gone. And because you don't trust him. You think it's his fault. You think it's his fault? What? No, Cash, I'm sad because you're gone.

You're the one who left. No, I'm not. You are, Cash. I think I want to be alone now. Cash, no, you don't have to be alone. It's not his fault. I didn't think you were going to be here. Again, Cash, I didn't go anywhere.

I've always been... What is this? What are we doing here? Don't start that again. Just because she's not here physically. doesn't mean we shouldn't say goodbye. She's gone. You don't know that.

You're the one who doesn't know. It's been months. You're the one avoiding the truth. What truth? Why would you let me be there for you? You said you needed me. You do need me. I'm not the one who let...

You do need me. Remember what you said that day after school? Don't remind me. We were just kids. I was worried about you. You said my purpose was to join you on your mission, to assist you. And bringing peace wherever there is war, joy where there is sadness. Comfort where there is pain. You said that.

It was just a line from a book I read. Not to me, it wasn't. What's he doing here? Who do you think paid for this? You should talk to him. After what he did to us? He didn't do anything. It was her decision. I shouldn't have come here. I should go. Wait, I have a question for you.

What's the question? Are you really here? Or is this just a dream? Of course I'm here. Why of everything you could dream? Would you dream of me being here? I never said I was the one dreaming. You think you can just make it okay?

You think you can just... Who do you think you are? What makes you think we would want this? What makes you think I would want this. Do you have any idea? We were happy. We didn't need you.

I don't care what you say. You are who you are. You're never going to change. We were better off without you. And I don't care what she said. You want to know what our answer is? No. Hell no.

Stop fighting. Please. Get back in the car. Cash, where are we? Get back in the... Holy hell. Was that a car crash? Attendee.

Kendi, where are you? I'm right here. Matt, what was that? Was that a car? It sounds like it was out back. Like, it ran into something. I don't know. I'm gonna go outside and see.

Oh my God. Oh, my God. New cash. Can you end the broadcast for me? Just say all that stuff I told you to you and then go back to the radio music. Come on, bud. You don't look so good. Why, you've been sleeping anyways.

You never sleep. I don't know, Matt. But I'm all right. I just had a weird dream. Come on, let's see what happened. Oh, no, my shack. I had so many memories there. Matt, grab the hose and put these flames out.

Nani, are they okay? She's fine. She's just mean. Ma'am, what happened? What do you mean what happened? We had two eyes, don't you? Look at the car. It's on fire, genius.

I can see that, but what happened? Some idiot put a shack where there should be a road. Was that you? No, it wasn't. And no, they didn't. The road's on the other side of the station. Wrong. Why is everything always my fault?

Why does everyone always blame little old Mavis for everything? Mavis, nobody is blaming you for anything. We're just glad you're all right. Well, that makes one of us. Ma'am, all due respect. What crawled up your butt? Look, you destroyed my shack. That's where I spent half of what I think.

was eternity, reading and curating, embarrassing childhood memories while drinking more than the recommended daily dose of shack juice, a juice that I invented in that shack. Thank you so much for telling me your life story, little man. It makes me wish I'd crashed a little harder and died. Well, you're in luck. Mac, knock it off. Ma'am, come inside, and we'll explain everything. Let me use your phone.

phone. You owe me that much. I want to call my daughter so she can get her ass out here and pick me up. Maybe she'll answer if it's not my number. I'm sorry, ma'am. We don't... You don't want. Let old ladies use your phone. Figures. I'm so polite to everybody. Nobody's nice back to me. What did I do to deserve this kind of treatment? Oh my God. What a pity party? He said get inside. So get inside. What are you going to do? if I don't. I'm gonna water you, like a plant with that hose. Mack hand it to me. Hmm, okay. Whatever. I'll go inside so much disrespect. Mack, show her into the store, please. I need to talk to Nani. All right, follow me.

Hey, Nani, listen, um, I appreciate your help, but... What is it? Well, the way you were talking to that woman, she's a traveler, and And, well, we should not be threatening them. And I know that can be hard when they're not being amicable, but we have to give the benefit of a doubt. Okay. Look, it's not just you. In the past, Mac has tried taping travelers' hands to the steering wheel

when they didn't want to make the trip to the next life. He once knocked a guy out and then drew a mustache on him. Mac has a surprisingly strong left hook. And he actually draws a pretty great mustache. But he's learned that it's not okay to do things like that. Travelers deserve our respect. Oh, I see. So travelers get to treat you like crap because...

Well, because we're supposed to help them. And that's our job. Some people are a little more bristly than others, but being kind to them, even when they're being... Abusive? What? No. Come on.

Abusive? That's a little nice. much. When they're being difficult. That woman was talking to you like you're a child. She was calling you names. Well, compared to her, I kind of am a child. Yeah. Well, a rude sphere mover brought it to my attention that I'm likely in my mid-40s, despite my youthful appearance and sense of fashion. So you should listen to me when I say, as you're elder, don't let people treat you like you're less than human. You can still be kind without letting them walk all over you. Well, first, elder, I may be physically younger than you, but I'm like really, really old in astral years, I think.

So... Exactly. So listen up. Oh, great ancient one. That woman's a child compared to you. So stop taking her crap. Get her what she needs and send her on her way. She can take the car I left here. Nani, we can help her. She's obviously hurting. Nobody's mean just because. Well, I disagree. Maybe it's true for some, maybe even for most, but some people are just mean, and I don't like seeing you being treated like that.

I appreciate your concern, but we have to help her. She's all alone. It's what we do. Says who? Says me, Nani. Says me. Oh, right. Great ancient one.

Please, let us attend to the fair helpless maiden known as Mavis. You don't have to be sarcastic. Oh, I don't have to be sarcastic? Yeah, that's what I said. Seriously? I love when you say seriously to me. It's like I'm part of the team. Yeah, like you're a part of the team.

Ooh, nice burn. Really? Yeah. Now take that sassy ass inside and banish that wench from this sacred place. Seriously? Huh? I made you say it. Oh, my God.

What? How did I not notice? Not notice what? You're Mac. You are another Mac. Wah ha! I'm Mega Mac. Bud.

Get me some shack juice. Bud? I got chili in my beard. Never do that again. Fair enough. Look, I'm sorry we don't carry your brand, and I don't have a manager you can talk to, and I don't care if you tell everyone not to come here. amazing because that would mean they don't die. Now, do you want a pack of larks or no? I seriously don't care. That much is obvious. Ma'am, what's the problem? You don't carry my brand.

I'm sorry, we don't have any say over what products are available at the station. Figues. Nobody trusts a little boy to make the grown-up decisions. What the hell did you just say? Honey. If you don't have my brand, I don't need you. You worthless pieces of crap are wasting my time. I'd wish you a good day, but I'm I honestly don't give a shit. Now, how long will it take for you to fix my car? Fix your cock! What is it with you guys? Get some control over your people, why don't you?

We're not his people. We're just people. Listen, Mavis, I'm more than happy to kick you to the curb and bid a fondless farewell. But this little boy, as you so rudely called him, has decided that you are to be treated kindly, despite your offensive. You should be grateful. Whatever. That's it.

Oh, give me the strength. Mavis, may I give you a hug? I think it could help. Threaten to touch me again, and I'll... Oh, you did not just hit me. Nani, calm down. Mavis, you are dead. You are so dead.

Like, in real life. But also to me. So get out. Start walking down that road Work out your shit on the astral plane I'm dead Mavis, this is not how we normally tell people Yes, you've arrived on the astral plane

Which means your time on the physical plane Has ended But we're going to help you too Nani, I told you that Are you crying? Yeah, Tendi, I'm crying She hit me Maybe you didn't notice. You didn't even say anything.

I didn't think you would want me to stand up for you, or I would have... I don't need you to stand up for me, but you're my friend, you know? Maybe don't stand up for the person who just assaulted me? I'm sorry, Nani. She's probably just confused, and... You know what? Why don't you just go? Okay. I'm sorry, Nani. Truly. I accept your apology. Tendi, listen. In this short time I've been around, I find that I'm pretty good at knowing a person after just a few seconds.

How could you possibly? And I know an abuser when I see one. And she is one. And I know when someone's carrying a savior complex and you are. You can't save everyone, contendee. And you don't have to try. Yes, I do. Mack, get Nani some ice. I'm going to fix this. With Amex Platinum, $400 in annual credits for travel and dining means you not only satisfy your travel bug, but your taste buds too. That's the powerful backing of Amex. Conditions apply.

Maybe it's Mabelene is such an iconic piece of music. Hit the track. Everyone in the studio that I worked on this jingle with all had, like, like childhood stories or memories. Yeah, we're around either watching these commercials on TV or sitting with our moms while they were doing their makeup, and it became really personal for us. Maybe it's Maple Lane.

Maybe it's Maple Lane. Mavis, listen, I'm sorry that you found out the way you did, but you can't just go around slapping people. She tried to assault me. She did no such thing. She asked if she could hug you. You could have just said no. Everyone is always so mean to me.

All I do is love and love and pour myself out, and people still treat me like garbage. And then, when I try to defend myself, I'm the bad guy. Nobody is saying you're the bad guy. No, I'm not the bad guy. You're the bad guy. Tell me I'm dead so rudely. This is really the afterlife, this crap hole.

Well, first, it's not a crap hole. And second, yes, technically, it's the afterlife, as in it's after life. But this is an in-between place. It's a wonderfully, weird, immensely beautiful and challenging dead place. But traveling this road, Mavis, you'll change. You'll be refined. You'll be unburdened of the weight you carry from past mistakes. Things you've done, things done against you.

And then you'll enter the next life. Unburdened by past mistakes. That's right. Doesn't that sound nice? I don't need to be unburdened of my past mistakes. I don't have any. Everybody makes mistakes. I don't make mistakes.

I never make mistakes. Why is everybody always accusing me? I'm a good person. I'm not saying you're a bad person. My daughter was always accusing me. She stopped talking to me. Did you know that? Stop talking to her own mother.

Won't take my calls. Did you know that? You do know that. You probably know everything about me. I didn't know that. Really? Wow, some angel you are. I'm not an angel.

Big stinking surprise, and it wasn't just her. Everyone always abandoned me. I'm sorry that happened, Mavis. Genuinely. Nobody deserves to be abandoned like that. But listen, I can help you. Huh. What makes you think you're different than anyone else?

I'm a good person, but everyone treats me like I'm some kind of villain. I bet my daughter is dancing on my grave. I bet she's eating at Chili's right now, drinking a Presidente Margarita and high-fiving the waiters. Ungrateful little shit. Why didn't she die? Can you tell me that? Why me? and not somewhere mean like her. Why do bad things always happen to good people?

I don't know what a Chili's is, but that's really kind of harsh, Mavis. I don't think you mean that. What kind of parent would want their child dead? Oh, I'm a bad parent now. No, no, that's not what I'm saying. Look, come with me. I got something I think you're going to like.

Oh, please, I'm sure it'll be delightful. Okay, what? Rocks? Not just rocks. This Mavis is a rock labyrinth. Okay. Um, Max, usually the one to take people through the labyrinth. But he's not here right now, but that's not a problem because I think I remember what to do. So? Um, we start here and we take the path and we follow it to the center of the labyrinth, and then we look up.

Now, there's no talking aloud. This is a time of reflection and quiet. So you want me to shut up, typical. It's not about shutting up. It's about thinking and centering yourself, I think. Okay, let's start. I'll follow you. Take your time.

Take deep breaths. Okay, let's do the rock labyrinth. We'll walk into the center. That's right. Let's begin. Done. Probably the fastest anyone's ever done it. Am I right? Mavis, that's not how it works. You're not supposed to just walk a straight line to the center. You're just mad because I figured out your stupid rock maze.

It's not a puzzle to be figured out. Fine, whatever. Mayvis, look up. Look up? Yeah. Yeah, gaze at the stars. And be in awe. Like I'm taking my eyes off of you? Tendi, are you seriously trying to rock? Trying to rock labyrinth that woman? Does she strike you as a rock labyrinth her? Tendi, really?

Come inside, Nani wants to talk with you. Mavis, I'm so sorry. I have to go inside. I'll be right back. Of course, abandon me. I'm not aband. I'll be back. Try the labyrinth again.

Screw you, I'm not trying nothing. Fine. Rock, Labyrinthir? What does that even mean? Look at this. Look at her bio. What is it? Look, if what's on this page is just something you can use to get me to give up, you can stop wasting your time. Read it. No, I'm going back outside.

She was an abuser, Tendi. She was an emotional abuser. She was a physical abuser. She neglected her kid. Look at what she did to her daughter. No. Everyone makes mistakes. Look, these aren't just mistakes, Tendi. These are the actions of a callous, hateful individual. So you're saying she's not redeemable? I'm not saying that.

Then what are you saying? I'm saying you need to let her go. Say goodbye. Stop taking the abuse. I'm going outside. Don't interrupt me again. I'm trying to help a traveler. There's something seriously wrong with your friend.

Yeah, he gets like that sometimes. The way he's acting right now, that's not Tindy. No, not sometimes, Mac. You're telling me you can't see it? See what? If a person could die here, he would have already done it. He is out there letting this woman call him names, making him feel small, and when she leaves here, he's going to be left feeling like a failure, and he's not.

Huh. You think it's that bad, huh? I think it's that bad. I've seen the way he interacts with travelers. There's something under the surface, something really. really, really painful, and he's out there with her, and she's making it worse. Well, okay, but what are we supposed to do about it? I've told him he needs to loosen up.

Wayway used a psychedelic flower to perform intensive psychotherapy on him one time, and it helped a little, but... Psychedelic flower? I want to come back to that. And he's pretty much a grown man, except for his arms. He's going to make his own decisions. That's all there is to it. Mack, are there any deep holes on the desert sphere? There's a couple abandoned wells, yeah, I don't know why. You ever fall down one? No.

Thankfully, my girth has prevented that from happening. You're looking at a bona fide cork. Okay. Well, what if I told you that I was going to go outside and jump down one of those wells? Because I think it's the right thing to do. I'd say you're nuts. Yeah, well, what if I did it anyway? Wait, are you seriously going to do that?

Are you about to do that? Don't do that. I'm not going to do it, but what if I did it? Seriously, what if I walked outside, found the well, and jumped inside? I'd get a rope, and I'd pull you out. But I'm a grown-up, Mac. If I want to sit at the bottom of a well, that's my decision. Like hell, we'd get you out of there.

How? Against my will? If that's what it takes, yeah. Yeah, well, your friend is in a hole. Our friend is in a hole, and he thinks it's the right thing to do. So what should we do? Just leave him there? No.

But what can we do? We can intervene. Come on. Okay. Mavis, I wasn't trying to hurt your feelings. I'm just saying it might be helpful if we went inside and went over your bio. I don't want you in my business. You just want to make me feel bad.

You sick, sadistic little asshole. You like getting into other people's businesses, don't you, sicko? Sticking your big nose where it doesn't belong. Shut the hell up. I was going to try to reason with you. one last time out of respect for my dear friend here, but I think we're going straight to Plan B. Mac. Narni, I don't know what you're about to do, but don't.

Quiet, Tendi. Mavis, you are a terrible, terrible person. I read your bio, front to back, riveting. You're not the victim of a difficult childhood or life. You encountered challenges, sure. But you had people who loved you. People who tried so hard to love you. And because you're an entitled poophead, you felt like that love was somehow over. to you. Say one more word, bitch. You know how I know you're a bad person. One more word. You don't

have any embarrassing childhood memories. You don't have any embarrassing memories, not a single one. But Mavis, you had so much you should have regretted doing and saying. Real humans get embarrassed by the things they do wrong. Well, I'm about to embarrass you. Let's see how nice those teeth are after this. I figured you'd do as much. I'm entitled to defend myself, Mac. Here you're Bad, bad woman! No snatch for you! You don't like that, huh? Tell him you're sorry.

For what? For being mean. Why are people always accusing me of... Say you're sorry, or you're gonna get the hose? Fine. I'm sorry. Nani, I don't. Tendi, please. Mack?

Yeah. Please get the car left here ready for Mavis. And you? What? You can wait out here. Do not say another word to anyone. When that car rolls around to the front of the station and you hear that driveway bell ring, get in the car, and drive away. Tendi walk with me.

Okay. Listen, I told you when I met you, that I loved you, and I meant it. I told you that being friends with me was going to cost you something, and the first bills come due. As long as I'm here, I'm never going to watch you be subjected to hateful words. I'm never going to sit idly by when someone tries to hurt you. I'm not going to watch you die inside, Tendi. I'm just not. What's wrong with me?

What? What's wrong with me? Oh, there's nothing wrong with you, Tendi? I mean, yeah, but... The moment I hear that driveway bell ring, I feel like my heart's going to beat out of my chest. Sometimes it's so bad I have to grab the counter To keep from falling down

Because I get dizzy Because I can't breathe Is it always like that? I've gone through periods of time Where it was better than others But better, not gone What are you so afraid is going to happen? But I'm going to fail them

But they're going to leave here And they're going to feel bad And it'll be my fault They'll never make it to the next life Or they'll turn around And they'll try going back or their shame is going to make them sub out. Tendi, you can't save everybody.

Stop saying that. You make it sound so easy, but it's not easy. It's never been easy. From the day I woke up behind that counter, and I saw that Buick pull up. Sit down, Tendi. Come on, sit, sit down. It's okay.

You're going to be okay. Come here. I miss her so bad, Nani. I know, I know. I don't get rid of this feeling. I don't know the answer to that. I don't know if you can. But look at me.

I'm never gonna let you feel alone. We're gonna find a way to... Hey, what are you doing here? What did he say? I don't understand him. You'd have to ask Mac. Oh, I forgot. Why can he talk to animals and you can't again?

That's a great question. And there doesn't seem to be an answer to it. Hmm. Nani, I'm so sorry I didn't say anything when Mabas slapped you. Hey, I said apology accepted. And when I say apology accepted, you better believe it. Okay. Come on.

Let's go eat some chocolate and talk about our feelings. Do I have a choice? No, you have no choice in the matter. I'm checking out this car for a person who's so mean. Then I'll pull it around the station and I'll give it gasoline. Because even though she isn't nice, it still seems clear to me that other people being mean, don't mean I have to be. Oh, hey, bud, yeah, I wrote that song.

Like, right here, right now. On the spot. Impressed. What? Why? What do you mean, it's time? Yeah, yeah, the wash. I can bring them there. I'll do it right after I get this car ready. Did you know sometimes people leave wrappers under the seat and stuff? When the car makes a round trip and arrives back at the station, the trash stays in the car.

Sounds like a bug to me. One time, I found a whole uneaten donut in the glove compartment, and it was so stale. But I still ate it, though. And Tendi said, wait, what's this? Oh, yeah, it's just a... Look at this. It's a map, an old one. Call me crazy, Wei, but I think that handwriting is the old attendants.

I'd know it anywhere. He used to mark up the bios quite a bit. Was this his car? I don't know who's handwriting this is, though. Who puts hearts instead of dots above the eyes? That's wild. I'm going to start doing that. I know, but you know the old attendant took Tandy's car when he got here.

I always wondered what happened to it. I guess someone must have taken it all the way to the next life. Why else would not have ever? arrived here with it. I'm not nosy. Why would you even say that? I should talk to Tindy about this. Yeah, you're right.

He's not in a good place. I can wait to bring this up another time. Yep, I'll bring him over there as soon as Miss Mavis has hit the road. We'll see how far as you can make it this time. This episode was written, produced, and performed by me, Jared Carter. The show is executive produced by the marvelous Michael Freiberg. Thank you for listening. Until next time, safe travels.

The Fable and Fawley Network, where fiction producers flourish. You know, I've been having a hard time trying to explain what Midnight Burger is. So how about I let them give it a shot? I just wanted to let you all know that I really, really appreciate Midnight Burger. I just wanted to let you know that you definitely have a huge fan here in the Middle East, in the GCC. Just wanted to give you guys a shout out, tell you how much I love you guys. All of the weirdness is really my jam, really right up my alley. First, I love your podcast. It's been pure joy to listen to.

Just here to say, keep up the great work. That season was amazing. I wanted to thank both of you for everything you've done. We really love the show. Your podcast is amazing. It's such an amazing show altogether. It's really nice knowing that there's another dimension that I can travel to and kind of escape. You guys have actively ruined all other audio dramas for me. You can't get people to understand the humaning that happens in this damn show. Keep doing what you're doing because it's awesome.

I love you guys. Can't wait for more. Thank you so much for everything you do. You are hope. You bring hope with you and you might not think it, but you are far more important than you realize. Thank you Take care, love you We open at 6

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