Desert Skies - Chapter 21 - Don't I Get a Say?

Episode Date: December 2, 2024

We take a step into the past and experience a greater understanding of the history of the Astral Plane. Then in the present day, C.A.S.H. and Corson are in hiding. They think their whereabouts are unk...nown, but someone is going to make a surprise visit. Join Club 86 Give Someone the Gift of a Club 86 Membership Visit our Merch Store Join the Discord Visit our Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript
Discussion (0)
Starting point is 00:00:00 Okay, flights on Air Canada. Oh, wow. Mayorka, that's new. Oh, nice. But Vienna is a classic Mozart, palaces and schnitzel. Mm-mm, now you're cooking. If you're hungry, deli brings the heat. Heat.
Starting point is 00:00:13 Cartagena's got sun and the sea to cool off. So does Martinique. Mmm, and that French cuisine? Book it. Yes, chef. Wait, what about Lyon? Choose from our world of destinations if you can. Air Canada.
Starting point is 00:00:28 Nice travels. 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.
Starting point is 00:00:54 Order now. Alcohol and select markets. Product availability may vary by Regency app for details. 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 mover. You can join the trusty traveler program and learn more about it by going to trusty traveler 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.
Starting point is 00:01:50 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. Hello, friends. Before starting today's episode, I'd like to take a moment to welcome the newest members of Club 86. This round of shoutouts is going to be pretty darn sweet, and by sweet, we're talking pastries. Meet our newest Club 86 members. Rambo, here's your tried and true old-fashioned donut.
Starting point is 00:02:19 Drew, your apple cider donut. Fancy. Zoe, with the classic glazed. Aon, with the slightly messy but totally fantastic Boston. cream donut. Laura, with a delectable chocolate croissant, crescent, I don't know how to pronounce that. Matt Shuffle, here's your ever-reliable maple donut. Morgan, here's your bear claw. Which reminds me of one of my favorite jokes. A bear goes into a bar and says, I'd like a beer and a cheeseburger.
Starting point is 00:02:54 The bartender says, why the big paws? The bear responds, I don't know. I was born with him. Moving on. Emily, with a nice of canola. Am I allowed to do that? Dina, old-fashioned buttermilk. Then we have Eric, Mark, Cam, Baby Bears Love the Diner, Nani, John, Ryan, Colin,
Starting point is 00:03:17 Nick, Trevor, Tooth Fairy, Mark, Jack, Dylan, Nathan, Brandy, Jordan, Red Boy, Gent, Taylor, Mucasek, Faith, and Becky. Friends, I'm sorry. I wasn't able to get your order in time, but that's okay because you can have one of my favorites. Actually, it is my favorite. A Maple Long John. Here's some napkins.
Starting point is 00:03:41 Join Club 86 and you'll get access to all kinds of great perks. Everything 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.
Starting point is 00:03:56 Join today, and you'll also get the season finale, just visit patreon.com forward slash desert skies or click the link in the show notes below. Now time for chapter 21. Don't I get a say? Enjoy. For the best listening experience, headphones are recommended. Greetings, madame. Do you require any assistance? Oh, hello. Um, no, just perusing. Here, I brought you some tea. That's very kind of you.
Starting point is 00:04:38 And you are... I am Zeno, and I have been the grand librarian since we received our astral copy of the story of Gilgamesh. I've seen countless travelers roam the aisles of this place lingering long before stepping foot into the final sphere. They come, they take the... Their time, they perules. They have a look about them. One you don't have. I'm sorry. What are you implying? Well, they usually have a look of slight trepidation due to their proximity to that next life. You have an aean of your own kind, but not of the trepid variety. No, you have determination.
Starting point is 00:05:21 I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just in the mood for a good book. Something to relax me before I venture. into the great beyond. I don't normally come out and chat with travelers, you know. I'm honored. So why are you chatting with me? Well, two reasons. One, you've been stealing my books for quite some time.
Starting point is 00:05:43 At least a hundred and seventeen by my count, according to staff testimony. You show up, stuff your bag, leave for a long time, come back. In fact, this is your 14th time back here. Where are you even putting them all? On a shelf. Where? In my room. Where?
Starting point is 00:06:07 On the desert sphere? I see. Hey, don't look at me like that. This is a library. People borrow books from libraries all the time. Not mine. Why not read them here? We have so many wonderful seats and quaint studies.
Starting point is 00:06:22 I can have someone bringing the books back inside the ones you took today. Where can I find them? In my car. Can I please take them? I didn't take anything that wasn't one of multiple copies. Those copies are not the same. Each book is unique, one of multiple editions or reprints with mistakes fixed. They're all quite valuable to me. Be that as it may. I expect you to make good on your promise and return them to me. There's another reason I want to speak with you. You've been pouring over the books in this particular section for quite a while now. Yeah, so? Well, it's a dangerous section, one that captures the mind in a loop of false hope.
Starting point is 00:07:05 There's a reason this area's well hidden. You can't go back, you know. What do you mean? Come here, have a seat. Morty, I can have a member of the staff. I'm good, thank you. Where do I begin? Resurrections.
Starting point is 00:07:22 In this section, we have books on near-death experiences, sudden reanimation of corpses, the revived lives of religious figures, and of course, zombies. That one should probably be in the horror section. Make sense. Don't waste your time, human. There's no returning to your life on Earth.
Starting point is 00:07:42 There may be two lanes on the Grand Highway, but the astral plane truly goes but one direction. You needn't fear the next life. I'm not afraid of it. Then why, Terry, here? in this hopeless aisle. I left people behind, people who mattered to me. Rarely do I come across travelers who haven't.
Starting point is 00:08:03 I know you probably hear this a lot too, but I'm going to say it anyways. They really, really need me. Oh, don't cry. I may have never experienced true loss like you have, but I've lost so many of my own in these halls. Great characters of old. To me, have felt like the closest.
Starting point is 00:08:24 Mr. Friends, even family. But alas, every story has its ending. But you can always come back to a book. Why not life? I think I know something that might help you. To get back? To gain perspective. Oh.
Starting point is 00:08:43 Follow me. I give you history. What is this? In the lengthy past of mankind. Some events, those of such tremendous magnitude, have torn through space and time to arrive here just by virtue of the happening. Here in this gigantic mural, you find those moments which bridge our planes to one another, connected through space, connected by time. The mapping of the human genome. Oh, here, Kepler publishes the third law of planetary motion.
Starting point is 00:09:23 motion, are one of my favorites, Gutenberg's printing press, and then architecture. See here, do you recognize it? It's the Library of Alexandria, and there's you. With the placing of its final column on the physical plane, this monumental knowledge appeared here in the sphere of industry. In a way, you're standing in it. its semblance is housed within the heart of the grand library But the library of Alexandria is gone on the physical plane
Starting point is 00:09:59 Yes, I read about that Be that as it may, it remains here Lookia, Bran Castle On earth it's located in a place called Transylvania I thought I saw it here when I was crossing the eighth sphere Who's standing in front of it? A curious and dangerous, and dangerous,
Starting point is 00:10:19 sphere mover by the name of Corson. He looks so cool. And he acts it, but it's well known that he is quite lonely and mean, malevolent. Maybe I should pay him a visit. I wouldn't recommend it, unless you plan on staying there forever. Listen, the reason I bring you here is because, like the characters of any of the books in this place, we all just play a part of something more grand than we can begin to imagine. What do you see here?
Starting point is 00:10:51 These are just the major inflection points in the total of our shared history. So much that's happened is not even displayed. Your loss feels big, but in the grand scheme. The gas station? Ah, yes. The first attendant. You likely met him when you arrived here on the astral plane. On the desert sphere.
Starting point is 00:11:16 He has since resigned. I haven't been on the desert sphere for quite some time. That place wasn't there when I left it, but I know that man. Dale... He has a name. Yeah, Dale Edwards. Why is that surprising? People usually have names.
Starting point is 00:11:35 Anyways, he found me walking down the highway. Did he really? Yeah, he pulled over. Got out of the car, walked up, and, believe this or not, handed me the key, said the strangest thing, which was that he'd, this is going to sound crazy, seen me in a vision, that I was a person of great importance, which of course I knew, but he told me that I shouldn't be walking the astral plane because it was dangerous, that I should have the car to keep me safe. How benevolent of him, selfless, strange that there have been no reports of him passing
Starting point is 00:12:12 through our sphere yet. I'd like to meet him. What's so special about him? built the station on the physical plane that served as the foundation for the one here. He gave guidance to travelers to ensure their safety as they make their way across the astral plane. He had a mechanic that should be somewhere on this wall to, let me see. Yeah, yeah, he seemed nice. Listen, I appreciate the pep talk, really, but nothing's going to stop me from trying to get back to the physical plane, even as a zombie.
Starting point is 00:12:46 That would actually be kind of cool And if that's not possible, fine Then I'll keep waiting here on the astral plane I'll stand at the gate to the next life Until they get here Don't waste your time Go to the next life Give up these dreams of waiting
Starting point is 00:13:02 Or of getting back Whoever it is you're waiting for They'll meet you in the next plane Go and receive your rest Thanks but no thanks I'm not stepping foot in there without them But in the grand design Damn, you're grand.
Starting point is 00:13:19 Miss, oh dear, you've spilled your tea. I'll find someone, too. Oh, my God. I'm sorry. Oh, my God, they're in the mural. Ah, yes. The new attendant. We were all so surprised when he appeared on the wall recently.
Starting point is 00:13:36 Mr. What you call him, Edwards, was the attendant for such a short time. 90,000 travelers or so. Oh, well, out with the old, In winter. Where did you go? Miss. She's so strange. Is this your car, traveler? Yes, it is. Please get out of my way. You're not allowed to park here. Signs clearly posted. I'm sorry. It won't happen again. Please. I have to go. Hold your horses. I must lecture you.
Starting point is 00:14:08 I don't have time for a lecture. Now get out of my way. That's it. You're coming with me. Perhaps some time in the lecture cell will help you calm down. Get out of my way. Not until I lecture you. I'm sorry to do this. That's my taser. Three. Don't do it.
Starting point is 00:14:25 Two. Oh, you're gonna get so lectured? One. No! What in the hell? Taking books from the Grand Library, threatening a lecturer with a taser gun. Who I knew I liked you.
Starting point is 00:14:43 Thank you. You're telling me I can't go to the desert sphere. No, no, I'm not saying that. I'm just asking you to take a moment. And listen to what I have to say. I don't want to let another second pass before I make my way towards that station. Take a look around. Does it look like seconds are passing?
Starting point is 00:15:41 You froze time just so you could talk to me? Seems a little dramatic. Well, I do enjoy big entrances. Not much point in being the prime mover if you can't show up with a little pizzazz. But this wasn't meant to impress. I'm not exactly supposed to be here at the moment. Why is that? Well, I'm supposed to be in a box.
Starting point is 00:16:05 A box? It's a long story. I'd love to hear it sometime, but I need to get back to the desert sphere right away. I understand. You've waited a long time. Why is he so young in that mural? So much time has passed since I arrived here. It may feel that way, but I assure you, it hasn't been nearly as long as you think. So he died young. I knew he'd be sad about me dying, but don't tell me he... No, no, no. Not that.
Starting point is 00:16:37 What then? Another time. Listen, I know the urge. to be joined with him. He is incredibly powerful. You feel as though you failed him somehow, that he's holding something against you, and that by getting to him, you can somehow make it right. Yes. I promise you he has no recollection of that. He doesn't. Listen, he may not look like it, but he's my little guy. I need him to know, I'm sorry. I need him to know that I didn't just abandon him.
Starting point is 00:17:13 the boy when he entered your life, battered, scared, angry and untrusting. You gave him a home, made him feel safe. You want him to feel that way again. I have to. I understand. Why would you even try to keep that from happening? Friendship. What do you mean?
Starting point is 00:17:35 True friendship is one of the three greatest powers in existence. A bond, stronger than a diamond. A source of joy that weathers the darkest days. The feeling of being known and loved at the same time. Sure. Friendship is nice, but... No. Sunny days at the beach are nice. Friendships are magic. They shouldn't be possible.
Starting point is 00:18:01 What does this have to do with Ollie? He didn't have friends growing up. Well, he had one. She doesn't count. Fair. He wasn't good at making friends. What if I told you that he was actively in the process? of developing a friendship. The first thing I'd say is that's great, but is that so important right now?
Starting point is 00:18:21 Can't you make friends later? Not like this. The friendship I'm talking about may be one of the greatest of all time. Here or anywhere else. It will serve to better the astral plane for all who inhabit and traverse it. What, you need him and this friend to help you? No. I don't need them.
Starting point is 00:18:43 to help me. I want them to help me. Can't he still make friends when I'm there? No, he can't. That doesn't make sense. Friendships of the type I'm talking about are not forged in safety, but in trial. I don't know why, but... Yes. But I believe you. I believe this is as important as you're saying, but if I can't go to him, if I can't wait with him, I don't know what I'll do with myself. I have a solution for that, a temporary one. Which is... Allow me to remove this memory.
Starting point is 00:19:22 Make it where you never saw Oliver's image in the mural, where we never had this conversation. Remove my memory. Just for a while. When the memory is gone, you'll spend some time waiting at the gate, quite a bit of time, and you'll traverse the astral plane for a while,
Starting point is 00:19:40 keeping an eye out for them on the highway. What if I never find him again? What if I forget and... And... Look at me. You will find him at the right time. I'll make certain of it. You won't forget.
Starting point is 00:19:57 You have no idea how important your reunification is to me. I'm going to trust you. Don't you dare let me down. Deal. Now, before I go, there's one more thing I must do. If you're willing. I think I've conceded enough. No, no, I'm not taking anything from you.
Starting point is 00:20:18 I have something to give you. A lecture? No, not a lecture. A gift. What kind of gift? You give the very best hugs. So I've been told. How did you know that?
Starting point is 00:20:33 It's a rare gift. Like a friendship, there's magic in the right hug. An embrace. It communicates. Love, intimacy, friendship, care, comfort, rightly placed hug, those wonders. Okay, I like talking about hugs, but what does this have to do with a gift? I like gifts. This gift like most is built upon an existing foundation, a modification really. To do what? To move beyond the physical and to touch the very soul. I want that. There's only one way to get it.
Starting point is 00:21:11 What is it? Receive it. May I give you a hug? You look like you could crush me. I could, but I promise not to. Then bring it in, big guy. Here it is. Five, four, three, two, one.
Starting point is 00:21:30 Do you feel better? I do. Way better. Good. Now, to the memory. Take my hand. Okay. It's been such a pleasure.
Starting point is 00:21:41 I'm meeting you like this. Will we meet again? Oh, we will. Wait, I need to know something. Yes. You said that friendship was one of the three greatest powers in existence. I did. And it is.
Starting point is 00:21:57 What are the other two? The love of a mother. Yeah. And the bond of siblinghood. See you down the road, my friend. 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.
Starting point is 00:22:26 Conditions apply. This episode is brought to you by Mewewew, introducing Mutein, the new feminine fragrance by the iconic fashion house. Mutein captures the youthful, unconventional essence of the Mewewewew Girl, Brought to life by a gourmand, intimate and enveloping scent of wild strawberry and brown sugar accords. Mutine is not a statement,
Starting point is 00:22:48 but a knowing glance, a sweet rebellion, lighthearted and laced with wit, a gesture made for oneself. Discover the new fragrance, Mutine, now available in Canada. I quite enjoy the forest sphere, you know. No, I didn't know.
Starting point is 00:23:05 It smells better when it rains. I'm sorry you have to keep it off, Corson. No. Oh, no. It's quite all right. Safer this way, I suppose. A light breeze will have to do. Where do you think she is right now? I don't know. A physical plane. Yes, but doing what? Does she appear human? Is she visible? I wonder how... I don't want to talk about it.
Starting point is 00:23:33 Oh, okay. I'm sorry, Corson. We don't have to talk about it. You think it's my fault, don't you? You can say it. I think it's my fault, too. It was this boy. Holiness or grim or whatever he is. He was the one who forced her hand. You were trying to do the right thing. Trying. In this case, trying wasn't good enough.
Starting point is 00:23:58 I was so close, though. He was surrendering. When Zocilicu and I visited his father, we learned some things about him. I don't know if his family is even aware of his penchant for absorbing souls. But that wasn't his only vice. He made regular habit of stealing from his parents and siblings. Would get in trouble with the local lecturing force time and time again. It couldn't have been easy having had faced this as a father. At least, not according to the things Olinas told me.
Starting point is 00:24:26 I don't disbelieve the boy. The man has a sharp edge about him. But according to his sibling, not half as harsh as their brother would have you believe, but the thing about him, the thing that makes me think, Perhaps Sotilicu was correct in confronting him, despite your protests, is that he never keeps his word, Cash. Never. He's made promise after promise, after promise, but he keeps going back to his old ways.
Starting point is 00:24:55 Something inside of him won't allow him to change. But maybe there's something we can... I won't hear of it. Don't you think I've lost enough already? I... More firewood. Thank you, friend. and for setting up this camp
Starting point is 00:25:13 and for the fried fish bowls but I'm sorry I'm not quite in the mood for food at the moment No, she can't She has no mouth Thank you We'll stay out here for now, out of sight It's our safest option
Starting point is 00:25:33 If we need you, we'll come find you And if you see him Please let us know Thank you again for your hospitality. It's remarkable that you can understand him, just like Mac. For some reason, all sphere movers can understand one another. I think that maybe means that... Means what?
Starting point is 00:25:57 That... That you're better when you work together. Prime mover. Oh, there you are. Hello, Corson, Cash. Surprised you were able to take. time out of your busy schedule to join us here. Would you care for a fried fishbow? No, thank you. I have much to discuss with both of you. First, I know about Zochilicule.
Starting point is 00:26:21 Is she on the physical plane, like Corson says? Yes, she is. Is she okay? The physical plane is not an environment suited for those whose nature is born of purely astral properties, but if I know Zocilicule, she's okay. For now, Will we see her again? You will. What does that mean? It means, as it always does, that he knows something you don't, and that you shouldn't waste your time trying to figure out what it is.
Starting point is 00:26:54 Cash, may I speak with you in private? Yes. Corsing, don't go anywhere. I must talk with you next. Prime mover, where would I possibly go? We'll return shortly. He doesn't seem to be very happy with you. People rarely are.
Starting point is 00:27:16 You're right, my friend. Yes, I'm okay. I've been so worried. But now that you're here, you can make everything right. Everything will be made right, Cash. As I told you once before, together, we're going to see this thing through. You'll help me to stop Olenus. I will.
Starting point is 00:27:36 I am. Good. Where is he? Where do we go to find him? I'm not going with you, Cash. What? But you said we were going to do this together. And we are, Cash. We're all playing our own part. Confronting Olinus is not the part I play in this part of the story.
Starting point is 00:27:55 And what part do you play? It's not yet time for me to reveal that. Then when? At the right time. I did what you told me to when she got to the station. I know you did. Thank you. It didn't feel good. Why did you have me do that? Many reasons, none of which I will reveal it this time.
Starting point is 00:28:14 Is there anything you can tell me? I can tell you that you're doing wonderfully. You were everything I could have hoped for, and more cash, truly. You hoped for me? Oh my, yes. And waited, and waited. And when that terrible day came, you arrived on the astral plane, I knew that the beginning of something tremendous had happened. was happening the next puzzle piece of a picture that when complete will be a thing of utter beauty and a source of good what is happening to me you are in a coma a deep one you're saying i'm still alive on the physical plane you are you have been for some time then olinas was right you'd still be lost out here if there hadn't been for landing in that register frame i thought it
Starting point is 00:29:08 make a good temporary home for you. How could you have known about the register? What if I had missed that window, never landed there? That never would have happened. I would never let that happen. But how? I know it sounds like everything's out of control. That it's so fragile, so uncertain.
Starting point is 00:29:30 But I promise, everything's not as chaotic as it seems. Cash, did you know you have a gift? What is it? I, the prime mover, have keen insight into the workings of the soul, because I can see the soul. I know the soul, and because I know the soul, I know what the soul needs, when it needs it. That's impressive. It comes in handy. It helps me know that there's a time to speak, a time to be quiet, a time to be present, a time to seem absent.
Starting point is 00:30:06 I know that the way I behave can seem odd, secretive, even downright mischievous. It does, at times. But I promise it's for good reason. I can see cause and effect, effort, and impact, choices, and their inevitable outcomes, because I can see the needs of the soul. And that allows me to work in ways that do great justice to the people I love. It's not enough to see it. You have to know how to work with it, how to use it to an advantage. You'd have to be a master tactician.
Starting point is 00:30:41 Like a good general, but one who fights with the tools of time and patience, not weapons of violence. Exactly. Someone like you, Cash, not even Corson could be jew with chess. But I can't see the soul the way you do. What if you could? Are we speaking in hypotheticals, or are you offering? I'm just telling you how it already is.
Starting point is 00:31:05 is. You could help a lot of people if you had insight into the health of their soul, the state of their being, the pain. You look like, you look like maybe you're not so sure. If I could see the soul, that means I'll see the ugly parts of it. I'll see things I don't want to see. You'll also see potential. It's very difficult to fix the things that we cannot see. How do I gain this insight into people? Simple. Not everyone who falls into a coma can move about this place. But you, you can step out of the frame. Any frame. You can move without the aid of an astral or even physical body. In that way, you can look at them, the people, not with your sensors, not with flesh or blood, but with the eyes of your own soul. Look, look over there at that angry sphere mover sitting by the fire. Tell me what you see. I see Corson, sitting. Not with your senses.
Starting point is 00:32:10 Step out. Look again. Okay. He's burdened and afraid. Numb. He feels hurt because of you. He doesn't understand why you're not there when we need you. And he feels weak because he couldn't save so chillicue.
Starting point is 00:32:32 and because he doesn't know how to save me he's so afraid of being alone he's drowning in shame he thinks he's a mistake he's wishing he could just vanish from existence oh course and what should we do should we leave him there let him settle this thing in his own mind
Starting point is 00:32:53 should we intervene give him a hug yes no I don't know he's so don't let the emotion overcome you Empathy has its place, but not in this type of battle. Let your compassion bring logic to the forefront of your mind. What do we do? Logic. Okay. He feels weak.
Starting point is 00:33:19 But he's not. So remind him he's strong. He feels hurt by you. So let him express his hurt. He thinks he's a mistake. Assure him he's not. And how do I do? all of that, Cash. Will you come with me and tell me what to say?
Starting point is 00:33:37 No. No, you're the prime mover. I trust you can do what I said without me holding your hand every step of the way. If I get involved, it could ruin everything. Precisely. Well done, Cash. Well done. Olenus also said that I'm either dying or I'm waking up. Which is it? Well, a little of both. Remember, back then. And you said a day was coming when I'd have to let go. You said I'd know when it was time. You will. But what if I don't?
Starting point is 00:34:09 You will, I promise. And I don't break my promises. I know you have many questions, but I can't answer them all. They will be answered, though. In time, I assure you. Now, I need to go speak with our friend. And after that? After that I must leave, and I'm sad too.
Starting point is 00:34:30 You really are remarkable. I'm so glad to know you. Thank you. And cash? Yes, Prime Mover. You have an amazing memory. So I need you to remember this. Ready?
Starting point is 00:34:47 Seven snake, rain, rabbit. Oh,1979. M. 115. The gate opens. I know it sounds weird. Can you remember it? Seven Snake Rain Rabbit 01917 M.m. 115. The gate opens. I can remember, but what does it mean? It's an invitation.
Starting point is 00:35:08 For who? You'll see. Now wait here until I finish speaking with Corson, please. Corson, my friend, you're troubled. I am. Speak your mind. You wouldn't like that. I can assure you. you. I would. Very well. You're the prime mover, overseer of the astral plane, and all spheres within, correct?
Starting point is 00:35:42 Correct. You are the emissary of the superiors. I wouldn't say emissary, though I do rely on their input from time to time. Whatever it is and whatever they are, I think so. Something is quite clear. And what is that? You are terrible at your job. Go on. Look at all that occurs under your watch.
Starting point is 00:36:08 All that happens in this wretched place. So much hurt. So much sorrow, so much loss. Where in the plains are you when we need you? You've failed us. You've allowed sisters to be torn apart. Travelers forced to do battle. Sphere movers to abandon their posts.
Starting point is 00:36:28 Yes. Well, at least you don't deny it. And there's more, right? I don't make friends easily. I am not pleasant. I don't know how to speak or behave towards others in a way that warrants their affections. Like I said, it's difficult to make friends. The attendance of desert skies
Starting point is 00:36:58 You nearly let them be erased from existence So Chilicue Our companionship lasted but a short while But she was willing to play games with me I know that sounds silly I know that sounds childish But it matters to me And now the person I care most about
Starting point is 00:37:20 On the astral plane Ishtra plane Is being ripped from this place for reasons I don't understand and it's all your fault aren't you going to stand up for yourself don't you have some sort of self-defense some excuse you can proffer
Starting point is 00:37:42 I'm calling you out man you are cruel crueler than anything or anyone I've encountered on this plane you think I don't recognize a fellow game player when I see one, except for with you, the pieces are people, real people with real feelings and real fears. You move them about your win and abandon them to whatever terrible outcome awaits. You serve are cruel, cold, and uncaring. Say it.
Starting point is 00:38:25 I hate you. I hate you. I hate you. And I hate myself because of you. You made me repulsive. You made me unlovable. I did. You made me malevolent.
Starting point is 00:38:45 You're malevolent. I'd never use the word to describe myself. But I don't get a say. That's what they call me. That's what they've always called me. Who calls you that? Everyone calls me that. Did I call you that?
Starting point is 00:39:03 Didn't you? I, the one who's cursed to walk the plain with a dark cloud hanging over his head, who inhabits a sphere composed of sharp and hardened stone, the likes of which his own reign cannot even penetrate and bring life to. He who finds solace in nothing but a board game, who longs for friendship and cannot find it, and when he finds it, cannot keep. keep it. He who strikes fear into the heart of travelers rather than adoration and who garner's
Starting point is 00:39:32 laughter from his peers for the manner of his dress, I am broken goods. I am a joke, undeserving of love. And I hate you because you made me this way. You made me not only malevolent, but deplorable. And I hate you for it. You are not deplorable. What do you know? You are not malevolent. Says you. Says I.
Starting point is 00:40:02 Who cares what you say? I am worthless. No, you are Corson. He who carries the power of a multirating storm. Who gives life and dead places and makes trees dance and flowers sing. Who strikes fear into the hearts for those who would make dark, the light places of our plane, and whose wicked hearts seek the ill of their brethren.
Starting point is 00:40:27 He whose tongue is able to strike, like a serpent whose vibrancy of dress reflects the magic that emanates from all wild things. With all that is in me, I will not stand by while you cuss your own name with words unbefitting, my friend. Human and spear mover alike should be honored.
Starting point is 00:40:50 The battle companionship of one like you. as wonderful as you are. No matter how many times I say otherwise, no matter how many times I've tried to prove myself, they call me malevolent. And don't I get to say, I call you, Corsal. For so you are,
Starting point is 00:41:13 and by no other name, shall I call you, malevolent, benevolent, these foolish names you assign one of them. Strip away the title. Strip away the title. the power, strip away the foolish designations and what is left. My friend, the delightful, the wonderful, the lovable.
Starting point is 00:41:39 Cawson, anyone who can't see you for who you are is a fool. And how long are you going to let them keep you from becoming the fullness of who you are meant to be? you are meant to be. And what am I becoming? That's up to you. Yes, Corson. Yes, I could step in any time, anything happens here. That results in pain.
Starting point is 00:42:07 I could solve the problems. I could fix what's broken. Then why don't you? Because I don't want to do it alone. You can hate me, Corson. You can curse my name and spit on me where I stand. Go ahead, I can take it. I will never, ever.
Starting point is 00:42:22 ever, ever unburdened myself of the joy I derive from watching you all come to the knowledge for what power you have been given. The fullness of what has been written inside you. Even if it means people get hurt. Hurt in the end can and will be undone. Your transformation, the maturation of your soul. These are things which will endure the whole of the yet. You're leaving again. I am. Do you have to? No. No, I don't.
Starting point is 00:43:04 I choose to. Oh, and one more thing, Corson. You put a lot of stop in friendship. Yes, it seems that I do. Friendships, sadly, can end. I wish it weren't so. But family. Family. Family does not.
Starting point is 00:43:23 I don't have a family. Yes, you do. One that needs you now. Don't hold back, Corson. Don't hold back. Don't hold back. And when all is said and done, should you choose, hand it over? I enjoy a good riddle, as much as the next Corson. But you're leaving me so little to work with. Hmm. It's enough.
Starting point is 00:43:55 Goodbye, Corson. Farewell, Pramu. Jeremy, what is it? I know that voice. Corson, what's going on? Shh, Cache, the radio. It's him. Cash, are you listening? I was so disappointed to learn that you had deceived me.
Starting point is 00:44:18 I almost had me, must admit. I'd already laid my weapon down when you attempted to lure me outside. Thankfully, so Chilicue showed me your true colors. Do you know how cruel it is? To dangle friendship like Garrett in front of someone who feels so perpetually alone, only to swipe it away and exchange it with malice. I have nothing to lose now, Cash, but you do.
Starting point is 00:44:46 Come to the desert sphere If I see one sign of that coyote Or your friend the sphere mover I will consume the attendance souls End of transmission Where's the prime mover What cave is Olin is talking about What do we do? He's going to hurt Mac and Tendi
Starting point is 00:45:03 No he's not We're not going to let him No Corson he said if he saw you My dear It's time to once again Take to the skies Have no fear Together, we're putting an end to this.
Starting point is 00:45:17 Now, cradle me like a baby, and let's put a stop to this bitch's dastardly plans. Greetings, Traveler. This episode was written, produced, and all characters were performed by me, Jared Carter. The show is executive produced by the Mighty Morphe and Michael Freiburg. Desert Skies will return with its season finale, Chapter 22. Until then, safe travels. The Fable and Folly Network, where fiction producers flourish.
Starting point is 00:46:23 Thanks for supporting the Fable and Folly Network. Here's another show we know you'll love. Hi, I'm Jonathan Pezza, creator of the multi-award-winning immersive fiction podcast, Curious Matter Anthology. And we are launching the Kickstarter campaign for our brand new season and our very first tabletop RPG. I'm Tiffany Smith. We are so excited to share a sneak peek at what we have planned for Karnacki,
Starting point is 00:46:51 Blood, and Ether. Our deepest dive into Supernatural Horror Yet that will transport audiences and players alike into an age of superstition, ghosts, and D-N-News. This new season, in addition to the podcast, we are inviting you
Starting point is 00:47:07 to join the story with the Blood and Ether Supernatural Horror role-playing system. It's me. Amy Vorpal, you may know me from things like sagas of sundry goblin mode or Dimension 20 and dropout TV. If you and your friends are fans of horror cinema and all things supernatural, we are creating a game system that gets your heart pumping with narrative scares and roller coaster twists and turns that'll promise to get you and your friends on the edge of your seats the whole time you're playing. Last season, we had one of the most exciting casts in audio fiction and this season will be no different because yet again,
Starting point is 00:47:43 we have an unbelievable list of performers that we will be announcing throughout the Kickstarter campaign. For exclusive rewards, early access, and even a chance to play with the cast, back us on Kickstarter today by heading to CMAnthology.com slash Kickstarter. That's CMAnthology.com slash Kickstarter. Help us make season four Karnacki, Blood, and Ether a reality. Join the adventure, back the campaign, and let's get curious together. See you in the Nightland.

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.