Desert Skies - Chapter 22 - It's Okay to Let Go

Episode Date: December 16, 2024

It's the season two finale! Forces are converging in the caves. Will C.A.S.H. prevail against Olenus? Will Corson be able to save the ones he loves? Will Maloy find some pants? This and more in the exciting conclusion to an eventful season. Buy Tickets to see Desert Skies in Portland and Seattle this April 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. Hi. Before you listen to the season finale, I want to invite you to stick around after the episode for a 16-minute preview of the grief train. This five-part Desert Sky's mini-series is four and a half hours of brand new and exclusive content that Club 86 members have called an audiophile smorgasbord, spectacular, a beautiful journey, and a series that stands on its own in beautiful wonder and heart-filled compassion. To hear the entire mini-series in full, just click the Club 86 link in the show notes, or visit patreon.com forward slash desert skies, and subscribe at the traveler level or above.

You'll get the whole series and all kinds of other Desert Sky's perks. Again, stick around after the episode for a 16-minute preview of the grief train. Hello, friends. Before starting today's episode, I'd like to take a moment to welcome the newest members of Club 86. Let's freeze for a moment and recognize all of our new members with a scoop of their favorite ice cream. Cody the Brody, a scoop of chocolate ice cream with chocolate brownie chunks. Michael Lorry, a pint of Ben and Jerry's half-baked. Jillian, here's your Ben and Jerry's peanut buttercup. Lou, some delicious millionaire shortbread ice cream from Little.

Yon Schwarz, homemade Earl Grey tea, ice cream. That sounds kind of hard to make. Impressive. Zoria. delicious, crunchy classic, the Chaco Taco. Whisper, Rahat, Sharian, Deanna, Courtney, Gerald, Daniel, and Jason. You'll get a scoop of my favorite, please don't judge me, Coldstone Creamery's cake battered ice cream. If you join Club 86, you'll get access to all kinds of great perks. From exclusive episodes, including the Game Night miniseries, and some upcoming surprises, to special Discord privileges,

Club 86 merch, early episodes as they're available, and so much more. It's also a great way to support the show as production begins on season three. Just visit patreon.com forward slash desert skies, or click the link in the show notes below. This episode was written, produced, and performed by me, Jared Carter. The show is executive produced by Michael Freiburg. Enjoy the show. For the best listening experience, headphones are recommended. Look, I know I died, but I can't.

I can't be dead. Do you understand? I have to go back. She's all alone now. She's all alone, and it's my fault. Please. I have to go back. Okay.

Okay, son. Calm down. I think I can help. Come here. Behind the counter. That's right. Just type your name into the computer. Why?

Will it send me back? Just type your name. Why are you looking away? Because I shouldn't see it. I don't think I'm supposed to know. I'm not supposed to find whatever there you go name typed now what just hit enter I'm sorry for you oh that's okay son if I hit enter it will send me back let's give it a try won't hurt nothing okay here goes nothing

Hey, excuse me, what are you doing behind the counter? Where am I? What is this? The hell. Give me a sec. Someone just took your car. My what? I can't.

Oh, God, I can't. Breathe, man. You're gonna pass out. I'm so confused. Why? I, uh, what is this? Is this a gas station? Oh, I don't feel good. Oh my God. Oh, my God.

Oh, my God. Cash, help him. I'm going to go see if I can find the attendant. Yes, mechanic. I will help him. Thanks. I'll be right back. Greetings, attendant.

Attendant. Listen to my instructions, and you will soon feel better. Ready. Breathe in. One, two, three, four. Breathe out. One, two, three, four. Continue this pattern, and you'll soon feel at ease.

What are you? I am Cass. A computational and service help register. Your computer? Yes, a sentient artificial intelligence. I... Where am I? I'm so glad you asked.

This is Desert Skies, an astral plane fuel and service center dedicated to the comfort and safety of travelers embarking on their final journey. How did I get here? You expired on the physical plane. Expired on the... You died. I died? I'm dead?

How did I? Why is there a gas station? As I said, this is desert skies, an astral plane fuel and... No, I heard what you said before. I just don't understand. Oh, my head. Who am I? You're the attendant.

What does that mean? It means it's your job to prepare travelers for their journey across the celestial spheres. When a person dies on the physical plane, they arrive here. As you did, then they proceed to cross all 33 spheres, before arriving at the entrance. to the next life. My job is the help dead people drive to the next life. Precisely attended. I'm so scared.

There's no reason to be afraid. No reason to fret, nor worry. I left my life behind. I left my whole life behind. I can't even remember it. What was the point? What was the point? Why can't I remember it?

Not to be dismissive, but the past is the past. You're here now. That's enough. What am I forgetting? getting. Whatever it is, you don't need it. It was the will of our superiors that any who should join the staff of this station should forget identifying memories of the physical plane. But I... Attendant, you are embarking on a new journey. It's okay to let go.

I'm so scared. Don't... Don't be afraid. How could I not be afraid? I woke up at a gas station and I don't remember anything and now I'm being told that I'm dead. I understand how this could be scary. How could you understand? You're a robot. I don't know what it's like to be dead, but I remember waking up the day I was created, and it was very scary, but you don't need to be afraid. I'm here, and it's my job to help you. It's the most important thing to me.

It's my mission. Thanks, but no thanks. I don't want this. I'm going back. Don't walk back. You don't even know where back is, and it's a bad idea anyways. Then I'll go anywhere. I'm not staying here. Walk away if you need to, but understand something. For whatever reason, you were chosen to do something more important than you can begin to imagine. You're going to realize it, and at some point, when you come back, I'll help you get to work. If I come back.

You will come back, and when you do, I'll be waiting. If I come back, you'll help me. What am I saying? to do whatever this is. I'll help you. Nothing means more to me than being here for you. Sounds like you need a life. I'd settle for a friend.

Cash, I can't find the attendant anywhere. Have you seen him? Yes, mechanic. He's right here. Meet the new attendant of Desert Skies. No, seriously. I am being serious. This is the new attendant. The former attendant has resigned. No, I'm serious, cash. So am I, mechanic. Look, dude, I don't know who you are, but you can't be the new attendant. No offense, but look at you.

Look at me what? Your arms are so noodily. If you're really the new attendant, that means I'm going to have to do all the heavy lifting around here, and I'm going to have to protect us when bad guys show up, and that's not fair. And you're like a third my age, probably. I'm not working for no kid. My arms aren't noodily, are they? Bro, I'm surprised you didn't find him in a cup of noodles.

A cup of... Seriously? What's your name? Mac. Seriously, Mac? Cash. Yes, attendant? If I stick around, I get to be his boss. That is correct. Okay. Good.

Let's do this. Oh, hey, Mack. Guys. You look white as a ghost. Everything okay? And I got some bad news. Oh, I wouldn't call it bad. I'd call it. Grimm. Mack? It's him, Tindy. The one Corson told us about. Please, sir. Whatever you're pointing at him. You don't know what this is. Surely Corson told you. He told us you were absorbing souls. That you had built a device.

Yes, this one. Listen to me. If you lay one finger on him. Ah, yes. I've seen you via the security camera installed at the station. What an interesting addition to the staff here. So feisty. I'm so tired of it. Everywhere I look, all I see is people who have something I don't have. Friendship, love, meaning, purpose. I'd watched videos of the station from my little screen

and I'd see parents crying because they miss their children, people crying because they miss their spouses for God's sake, people crying over pets. pets. There's no one to cry over me. No one too. Oh my god, you are so whiny. Listen to you. Look, normally I am more than happy to step in and be a source of love for those who don't get all that much, but I cannot stand it when someone uses their problems as an excuse for acting out in abusive ways. You want love? Put down your little gun and maybe try being a better person. You think I haven't tried?

I don't like being the way I am, but you don't know what it's like. I have tried to be a better person. I've put to death my addiction time and time again, and do you think it changes the way he sees me? Who sees you? My dad, Hephaestus, his mighty hammer, his fiery forge, respected, admired. He gets all the love in the astral plain, but he can't... Bear a drop for his son.

I'm sure that feels terrible. But how long are you going to let that drive you? Go find other people to love you. Where? And who? Are you seriously going to stand here and act like you can't find someone to be nice to you? If you can find them to absorb, then you can find them to befriend you. Oh, you're talking about humans.

Gross. The only human I've ever known that I actually liked and respected, the only one I ever truly let in. is your friend Cash, and she betrayed me. Cass doesn't betray anyone ever. I don't believe it for one second. Shut on! Don't hit him.

You are in no position to tell me what to do or what not to do. Be respectful. Don't talk back. Don't make a move. I'm not here for you. I'm here for Cash. Now, let's be patient and wait. Do you see him yet?

No, do you? Well, I don't have a... optical sensors that allow me to magnify my vision a thousand times over. Tushay. Wait, I see him. Down there. Slowly. Wait, wait. What did he say? He wants to know why we're here, and not at the long pause. Wait, wait, Olinus made it to the desert sphere. He said that if I don't come, he's going to use his device on my friends. He said he's in the cave. I've heard Tendi and Mac talk about it

before, but I don't know where it is. Wei says he knows where it is. He can show us. No, just tell me. Olina said he won't hesitate to consume their souls if he sees either of you. I have to go alone. I agree, Weiwei. Cash, my friend, he's threatening you

because he knows that if you told Wei and myself the three of us would be able to overcome him. He knows that your love for your friends would draw you out, lead you to sacrifice yourself so he's made you to believe that going alone is the only way it is the only way I would never

ever be able to go on without them stop thinking about yourself I'm sorry what you're my fat you mean so much to me you say you don't want to go on without them you say you can't well I can't go on without any of you

don't I get to say Corson Don't underestimate the love that I have for all of you. I'm not good at showing it. But, listen, either we all come out of this intact, or we all go down together. Those are the choices. There is no other. Okay, what do we do?

Play the game. What do you mean? C-O-R-S-O-N, Corson! No, I'm not having a stroke. How could I even? No, it's an acronym of my own making, one that I use when approaching a competitive game, a list of tools that may be employed

in order to turn chance, into certainty. And you named it, Corson? A little self-serving, I must admit. Calculate, obfuscate, relegate, simulate, oscillate, navigate. I'm not sure I understand. Calculate. Assess the situation to determine which of the following tools to use

to produce the maximum return. Obfuscate. Create confusion through bewilderment. Relegate. Make your opponent feel small. Simulate. Imitate that which is not actually there to increase the likelihood they will make a mistake.

Oscillate. Render them weak through emotional imbalance. Navigate. Once in a state of utter indecision, Lead them the way you want them to go. Shape them into what you'd have them be. They are but putty in your hands. Yes, I know I'm terrifying. Be amazed.

But which of these tools do we utilize? Hmm. He said don't hold back. We use all of them. Every tool at our disposal. Though the last one, navigate. Where do we lead him? How do we shape what's left of him? If we truly wish to see this end, it's not enough to just destroy his device or to hurt him.

I'm sorry. The pool of what? You know, I'm getting quite tired of waiting. Yeah. Maybe she's not coming. I mean, can't we just let me just let her. bygones be bygones i mean what's so important about feeling alive anyways i mean could be super disappointing it could be super disappointing but i'm willing to risk it for what to feel good no to not feel bad have you ever thought about how it would feel to be a traveler you're there one instant the next you're gone it sounds so terrible would you like to fight out you're wrong anyway ways. That's not what it's like.

What do you mean? I mean, they're not gone. I can still feel them. In there, in me, somewhere. A sudden response to something that doesn't make sense. Our distaste for a favorite food. A warm feeling associated with the sights and sounds of things I've never cared about before. Something inside you is responding to your... experiences, not something some ones. I guess what I'm saying

is just like a burrito or a cactus. They're still there. Just muted a bit. I don't expend them as Zochilikyu has said. So in that way,

why are you fighting me? Cash can live on. In me, you told Zochilicu in course in the Cash, her body, maybe dying on the physical plane. Or waking up, yes. Maybe it's already happened.

Don't say that, Tend. Maybe it's already happened, and it's why she's not here now. Well, if that's the case, I'll just have to settle for what's in front of me. I ate before I arrived here, but I can't imagine it will be long before I need a little snack. Quiet. The elevator. Cash, if that's you, run. One more word out of you.

You there, attendant. Shine the flashlight on the elevator. Okay, wait. Um, I don't have it. Hurry up. Nani, do you have it? Oh, yeah, sorry. I mean, here we go.

It's empty. You took too long. You did that on purpose. Corson. I told you, Cash, if you brought him here, you'd lose your friends. What are you doing? Turn that flashlight back on. Sorry, batteries are dead.

No, they are not. You have been a bad boy, Olinus. You took your desires and elevated them to a place of ultimate importance, as if nothing and no one in the astral plane were worth more than yourself. You don't understand. My father! There's no excuse for your... cry. You may have been dealt an unlucky hand, but you had a choice in how to play it. I'm giving

you a chance now. You've already bet the house, but fold and walk away. What say you? What say you? Nani, the flashlight. On it. He's gone. And so's Mac. My friends. Corson, he has Mac. He's going to consume his soul. No, no, he won't. At the moment, Mark is his only leverage. He hasn't lasted this long, taking chances or making stupid decisions. Where's Robo Girl? Is she safe? No, she isn't.

She has a part to play in all this. To deny her agency in the face of this threat would be cruel and demeaning. I disagree. I don't. How can we help? Stay here. Find a place to hide. Once we've dealt with him, we'll come to you. Uh, Corson, you spend enough time.

with me to know that I can't just stand by while a friend's in trouble. Be that as it may, you're staying here. We have a plan, and I can't have you mucking it up. Please don't take that the wrong way. Mucking it up? Goodbye. Hmm. He can be so condescending, so rude, don't you agree?

You're not going to stay here, are you? No, I'm not, and neither are you. Okay. Wait, no. No, I am going to. to stay here. I get a feeling I should. Is everything okay? You... Yeah, yeah. Something just came to, to... Be safe out there, Nani. Try not to get your soul Eden. Don't tell me what to do. Here, let me hug you. Don't worry about me, Nani. I don't

need a hug right now. I'm actually okay. No, I know you don't need a hug. I do. Three, two, one. You feel better? A little tiny. e-bit. All right, I'm going to see what I can do. Good luck. Thanks. I'll be back, Tendi. I promise. 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. This episode is brought to you by Mewewew. Introducing Muteen, the new feminine fragrance by the iconic fashion house. Mutein captures the youthful,

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a gesture made for oneself. Discover the new fragrance, Mutein, now available in Canada. What's your plan here, dude, and what scenario does this work out for you. Lower your voice. I ain't lower in shit. Corsen! Way, way, way. Just so you know, if I do find myself on the losing end of things, I will not hesitate to use this on you. It's to your benefit that I come out on top. Do you honestly think that I wouldn't give myself up

in a heartbeat if it meant cash was safe? Seriously, I've eaten so many burritos, man, so many. It would be be fitting for my last act to include you consuming my soul. Your loyalty is misguided. Cash is here. Cash, what are you doing? Run! Come on, this way. But she was just... Stop fooling around, Cash, or the attendant is done for.

Come out now. Greetings, Olenis. We're so glad you're here. and I know what you're thinking where is here exactly I'll do my best to explain you've arrived at the lowest state of your existence somewhere between your salvation

and your extinction you have so many reasons to be afraid so many reasons to fret and worry whatever you needed know we tried to help now enter the next chamber and meet my colleagues

fine I'm coming in but try anything and I swear. Welcome, my boy. Won't you play with me? I'm not in the mood for games. I can't...

I can't even see you through these clouds. I couldn't care less. You want cash? You simply have to indulge me. If you win, and you still want her, you may have her. If I want... What's to keep me from taking your soul right here?

Right now, sphere mover. If you do, You'll answer to them There's far too many for you to take it once Where are you, Cash? Never mind that Join me Fine, what is the game?

First step forward Now what? Another step forward, please. Fine. Another step now. If I take one more step, I fall into the pool. All right, stay there. To answer your question, the game is called Memories.

A game you didn't name after yourself, shocking. That's because this game has nothing to do with me now. What the devil? Nope, not the devil. Are you gentlemen looking for a click to join by chance? Wait what? Get out. Oh, so rude, so is that a note.

I said get out. Save me, Rutledge. Why's that dude naked? Where were we? Ah, yes, the first question. Trivia. In a way. First question.

What is your worst memory? Meeting you. Quite enough moisture in here, isn't there? The next one hits you right between the eyes. Now, answer the question. Very well. My worst memory. The one that keeps you up at night.

Oh, I don't have to think about it. I know that one. Long ago, I took the job my father gave to me. It was an architectural design. I had a penchant for creativity, logic, physics. I was tasked with designing our new metal foundry. An exciting opportunity. He wanted it built fast.

He wanted the factory design to be efficient. But due to its location near the library, he also wanted it quiet. The insulation materials I used to dampen the sound caught fire. A mistake on my part. A humiliating one. It was only my brother's quick thinking that saved the surrounding buildings. He was awarded for his efforts, and I was fired. Took me ages to regain my father's trust.

You know what he said to me when he fired me? He said, if I had even a quarter of the brains that my brain, that my brother possessed. Maybe he could actually love me. Well done. You answered honestly. Your father was right, you know. You don't deserve love, bitch.

You are stupid. You get to one point. Really, Corson. I knew you were clever. I did not know you were cruel. Next question. The first time you took a traveler's soul, what were you thinking?

That I was hungry. Test me again, boy. that I wanted to get him back. I wanted it to be his fault. He who created the gate which separates body from soul, his own invention being used for something so disficable. And not only that, but improved upon by his own son. I made him the monster that he saw in me.

And I learned that I was smarter than him. How did you feel after the first traveler? At first, I felt amazing. And then... And then I felt like I was the monster, which made me do it again, so that I could stop feeling the way I felt. Which made me feel worse. Olenis, listen closely. You are a monster.

Ding, ding, ding, two points. Why are you doing this? Last question. How do you want to consume Cassius' soul? I don't. And I do. If she really is alive as I've surmised, then perhaps a soul will cure me of this terrible, persistent pain. Good. Three points. You win.

Now to summarize, are you listening? Say what you have to say. Oh, I will. You are the son of a sphere mover. And yet, you are unlovable. You are stupid. You are a monster because of what you've done to travellers And the only way to feel better is to consume Cash's soul

All right Now you say it I will not But it's true I will not say it You will if you want your prize Fine if it pleases you Lord Cawson

You're right I am the son Of a sphere mover and unlike he I am unlovable I am stupid I am a monster because of what I did to travel us and the only thing that can free me from this pain is her so good hold that thought way way Hoh, Cawson, way, way. Cash, I don't understand what's happening.

What are we all doing here? You really have no idea. What do you remember? I came here looking for cash. Because... Because you're my friend. And you wanted to visit me. I did.

Oh, I did. How are you, mate? I'm well. Thank you. Olinus, it's occurred to me that someone as lovable, intelligent and benevolent as you are would do well if you were given the opportunity to rise above your station. You are, after all, so concerned for the well-being of travellers. I would.

I am. Olenis, how would you like to be a sphere mover? Wait, what? Of course, and there's not exactly any positions open, is there? Oh, there's one I think you'd be a perfect fit for. The Eighth Sphere could use someone, just like you, someone to guide travelers safely on their way to the next life, to overcome the rocky terrain,

to show them the Lindworm races. But you're the leader of the Eighth Sphere. Are you saying you'd hand over your responsibilities to me? Well, the thing is, I've been thinking, I need to spend more time with my family. You have a family? You have a family? He does.

We're his family. Yes. All of these strange people. Oh, well, if you really think it'd be a help to you, it would. Olinus, I hand over my responsibilities to you You are the mover of the InSphere Now come Let us walk together

And we can discuss it more Yes, let's do that Thank you, Corson, it really is kind of you But what about the Soulsies? Something we can discuss at a later time, perhaps What is he talking about? Souls Nothing that can't be solved and not worth another word at the moment.

So, how does one be a sphere mover? First, keep a couple board games around. I can give you some. Where's he at? I'm gonna kick some ass and take some names. Well, just the one. His name. What's his name?

What's his name? Nani, you missed a lot. How about I explain? Okay. You guys talk. I'm gonna go find Tendi and tell him. the good news. Hi, Tendi. Are you okay?

Yeah, I'm good. How are you? I'm okay. You see oddly serene about the whole situation. I knew you were going to be fine, Cash. You know what? I think I am going to be fine. Maybe what's been happening to me is going to end now Now that Wait, how did you know I was going to be fine? Because

Something told me that I have something I'm supposed to tell you Tendi are you crying? Cash, will you receive what I have to say? You're freaking me out. Receive. Listen, will you receive it or not? Okay, if you think I need to. I think you do. Then say it.

You had a cat. You named her Wendy. Wendy. What's happening? And your favorite TV show was the A-team. What? Tendy, stop. Cash from the moment I first heard your voice.

I knew you. There was something familiar about it, something scary, something that was just beneath the surface like a memory I couldn't recall. I still don't know who you are. but I know you you're so afraid of what's going to happen to me you've been so afraid of losing me

so afraid of abandoning me so afraid of me feeling bad it's my mission to assist you and you did assist me cash you did you saved me more than once I don't know what I'd do without you

I don't know where I'd be but you did what you set out to do. I'm going to be okay. And so are you. Please tell me what you're saying is going to fix me. I don't need fixing cash. Then what do I need? A long time ago, I met a robot, cash register.

And I was scared. Scared to leave behind these things that I couldn't remember. And do you know what this robot said to me? Don't say it. Cash. Please don't say what I think you're going to say. It's okay to let go. I know.

I know that now. I don't know how. What if I don't come back? Well, whether it's a little while from now, or a million years, you will come back. And when you do, I'll be waiting. You've always been there for me. Now it's my turn. Nothing means more to me than being here for you.

Sounds like you need a life. I'd settle for a friend. Cash, there's one more thing I have to say to you, and I don't know what it means. What is it? It's Forge and Flora. Forge and Flora? What is that? You have an invitation that needs delivering. Okay.

Goodbye, my friend. Goodbye, Tend... Cash? Cash! Oh, no. Do something, Tendi. Don't just leave her laying here, we gotta help her. She's not here, Mac.

What do you mean? I'll do my best to explain. Man, I'm so excited for this. I never thought I'd see the day. Hey, it's the siblings. How was the trip? What'd you see? Oh, hey guys, yeah, Mindy's pretty much. Those dog are so good at trivia, and you should see him after one beer. Hilarious.

Mack, how you doing? I'm... Doing better. It's been so long. I'm starting to come to terms with it. Wherever Cash is, I'm sure she's just fine. You gonna join us for yoga later? Are you kidding me? Sorry, but I'm gonna be busy.

Check it out. Here we are. Oh, my friends. Welcome, one and all. I so appreciate everyone's help. Tendee for ordering supplies, Greg for laying the foundation, Betty, for your insight into running electricity, and your help with lifting heavy things. You are so welcome.

Now, speech. Very well. Friends, family. For the longest time, I felt so alone. Yes, I had imps, but I felt like I was looking for something, something I could not begin to understand. I was looking for you, all of you. The Prime mover helped me realize that I am truly home, with you, and what we've built

together here. May it serve those travelers who cross our paths. Gas station, airport, and now this, we've practically got a town now. Indeed we do. Games, they've always helped to ease my soul when I felt lost, lonely, sad, and they've elevated my spirit. Even on those days when I felt none of those things, they've been good for me. And I believe they'll be good for others.

Now I give to you. Bolts and Thunder A place for board games And Hot Tea Is that Next to the word bolts I don't know that I did her justice But yes

It's meant to be her That's so damn nice I'm sure she'd be honored Oh man do I miss her Not to ruin the moment But Corson if you don't mind me ask it Will you have iced tea by chance?

Ice tea? Greg, did you not hear the name? That's it. You're not allowed inside. Gee, sorry. I'm only joking, no. Not iced tea. We're not children.

Now everyone, inside. We are going to start with a game of Balderdash. Corsin. Travel? Oh, man, I'm sorry, Tand. I forgot to flip the sign. I can handle it. I can do it.

No. You guys go inside. I'm not good at Boulder Dash anyways. Yet. You're not good at it yet. Growth mindset, Tendi. That's right. I'll try to remember. Oh, they're driving over here. Greetings, traveler. My name is Tendi. And I am in a... Whoa. Sorry. Travelers don't usually start with the hug. But yeah. All right, man. Um, all right, that's good.

Why? Why are you smiling like that? There's a way home. Cash. Thank you for listening to Season 2. Desert Skies will return with its third and final season. Until then, safe travels. The Fable and Falling Network, where fiction producers flourish.

As you just heard in Chapter 22, after Cash departs for the fiscal plane, we experience a jump forward in time to the opening of bolts and thunder and the sudden reappearance of Cash. The grief train takes place between these two scenes, following immediately after Cash's departure, setting the stage for the preview you're about to hear. Enjoy. Cash, there's one more thing I have to say to you, and I don't know what it means. What is it? It's Forge and Flora. Forge and Flora? What is that? You have an invitation. that needs delivering.

Okay. Goodbye, my friend. Goodbye, tin. Cash. Oh, no. Do something, Tendi. Don't just leave her laying here? We gotta help her.

She's not here, Mac. What do you mean? I'll do my best to explain. Hey Tendee, and look at what I found out. What is it? It's a book I had in my room. room at the cave. Beyond Grief, a guide for recovering from the death of a loved one. Interesting title. This book's from the physical plane, right? Well, kind of. I've talked with the siblings about it,

and apparently there's a library on the sphere of industry, a big one, and when books are published on the physical plane, they arrive there on this plane. Interesting. Just books? No, way more than that. They got movies, newspapers. magazines, CDs, 8 tracks, laser discs. Apparently it's like a collection of important human media. Huh, I'd like to visit that sometime. Me too. Let's do it. You want to go? Let's go.

As much as I'd love to, I don't think you know who is going to be up to it. Maybe it would do him some good. Maybe, but I'm not sure how much success we'd have trying to convince him of that. Where is he? You know where he is. Still. So you got the book for him? To help him?

I got the book for us. to help us understand what's going on. I didn't know cash as long as the two of you, but I loved her, and I feel her lost deeply. But... But what? I feel like I'm okay. Is that bad?

I don't think so. For one thing, it's been a while. You've had a chance to process, but for another, you're a tough cookie, Nani. I get the feeling maybe you're an expert in grieving. Maybe more than that. Maybe you had to be. What do you mean?

I mean, maybe, you know. Don't start in on that again. You think I put others first to a fault. Not to a fault, Nani. Just maybe... What? Tendi, we're all built different. Maybe some of us were just built, you know, tougher.

Maybe. Maybe you're right, Nani. Forgive me. I shouldn't be making assumptions. Consider yourself forgiven. I used to think Mack was built pretty tough. I mean, he is... He is tough, Tendi.

This is just... This is just more than he can handle. Are you gonna read that book, or did you... Here, take it. I'm assuming I already read it at some point, so it's probably best for you to take a look at it. Thanks, Nani. I appreciate that.

You're welcome. I'm going to go sit with our tough, heartbroken guy for a minute. I'm sure he'll appreciate that. Yeah, I think so, too. Later, chill, Tendi. Stop calling me that. Nope! Now that looks like a comfy bench.

Mind if I join you? Oh. Hey, Nani. Yeah. Help yourself. You're the one who built it. I did, didn't I? I mean, it was mostly Greg and Betty, but...

Yeah, it was mostly Greg and Betty. Hey, you doing alright? About the same, I guess. You need anything? A burrito, perhaps? No, I'm good. Thanks, Nani. Thanks, Nani. You want me to talk?

You want me to just sit here? You want me to walk away? You want me to listen? How can I be here for you? Um... I'm sorry, I'm sorry. That's too much pressure. I'm just gonna sit here.

Okay. I can't believe. She's just down there. She's not down there, Mac. You know what I mean, Nani. The only cash I ever knew was in that register and her humanoid frame. frame. For me, that was cash. And now she's just down there. Does it help to know she's alive? Is she, Nani? I mean, do we really know that? She hasn't shown up here, has she?

Yeah, but that doesn't mean anything. It's like I told you before, two people can die seconds apart on the physical plane, and one will show up, and it could be ages before the second one gets here. Well, I mean, if she died, then... Then maybe we'll get to see her again, but you know, it doesn't matter. Even if I did think we were going to see her again someday, it doesn't make it easier. Jesus, Nani, a grave! On the desert sphere! How in the hell did this happen? Is this really what the physical plane is like? Just tons of graves everywhere? Yeah, I mean, I don't remember, but probably not everywhere. I think they keep all the

bodies in like the same place maybe i know what a cemetery is nani but you know what i mean it shouldn't be this way how do you know maybe this is exactly how it should be yeah i just don't accept that something about this whole thing is just broken be that as it may don't you think you've spent enough time out here no can i tell you what i think would help shack juice i don't think that's the best idea right now. No. Let's do some exploring. I don't want to leave the desert sphere. I don't want her to be alone. We don't have to leave the desert sphere. Listen, I was thinking about this. So, the cave? What about it? Before the highway, it was the first place people visited, right? Yeah, I guess so. Well, it's not the last place they visited. They're supposed to continue on their journey.

Well, I went out there behind the cave, and after clearing a little brush, you know what I found? What'd you find? A path. A path? Yeah, like a path that had intentionally been cleared for travelers. Parts of it were lined with rock, and there were a few steps built into hills. It's the original path. Then I took a look at that hand-drop map we found in the car I showed up in.

There's all these landmarks on it, like a lot, right here in the desert sphere. And it looks like they're along that path. I don't understand any of the names of places. Who knows what they are? Probably Wei, way. But nobody's seen that dude for a while. Good, because that little shit was apparently keeping secrets from me, and he's not going to like what I have to say about it.

What are you going to say about it? I don't know. I'll probably just be nice about it. Damn, his fluffy exterior. Hmm. I just don't know, Donnie. Why don't you and Tandy just go? I can join you next time.

Mack, you've been denying me for a while. Denying you what? You know what I want. Making me beg is not cool. I've asked 13 times. Yeah, and I have the right to say no 13 times. Fair, but I'm going to ask again. Fine. May I give you a hug?

No, you may not. Why not? Because I said so, that's why. But why? Lay off it. Why? Because I don't want to feel better, that's why. Oh.

One of my best friends is gone. She doesn't get to be here. with us. She doesn't get to laugh at embarrassing childhood memory. She doesn't get to play us music or go on walk. She's just gone. Why should I feel better if she can't? You know what? Screw it. Non-consensual hug. Nanny. Three, two, one. You feel better? Damn it, Nani. Yes. A little. How the hell do you do that? I don't know. You ready to do some exploring? Yeah. Yeah, I guess. Can I just have a moment out here, though? Sure. I'll go Let Skinny Boy know. Grab some snacks.

Meet you back here? Sounds good. Get me some jerky, please. What's it made out of, Mac? Never gonna tell. Never. Okay. See you in a bit. See ya. Cash. The hell do you have to go and leave for?

Huh? After everything we've been through together. Listen. I feel terrible leaving you out here. I hope you can forgive me I'll ask Greg to drop by and you know Corson will when he gets back

I won't be far I won't be long please just come back cash I don't want to go on adventures without you I can't believe you found this path, Nani. Oh, I totally can believe it. I'm so good at this.

Sometimes I wonder. Why I'm so awesome? Uh, sometimes. Nah, sometimes I wonder if maybe the gas station hasn't outlived its usefulness. What? No, I think I understand. The highway was built to protect travelers against rebellious sphere movers, but that was a while ago now. The threat's no longer a reality, is it?

Even Olenus isn't a danger anymore. Yeah, and that cave is amazing. Who knows what else we'll find out here along the path? And that's another thing. Walking just seems better. You get outside. You can connect with nature. But you said the prime mover said something like,

The purr of an engine does a human good. Almost. He said it does something to their souls, but he doesn't know what, but that it's good. Yeah, I think that's horseshit. It can't be so good that it replaces all this. You really believe that? I don't know.

Maybe. If you asked me before... Before what? Before cash left us. Ever since then, a lot of this has just kind of lost its wonder. That's grief, Mac. It won't always be like this. Yeah.

We'll see, I guess. You guys see that? See what? Up ahead, on the left side. Oh, yeah. I see it now. Let's check it out. I can't see it.

What is it? These creosote bushes are in the way. Want me to pick you up? Oh, go to hell, Tendi. Do I detect a little smile? If I'm smiling, even a little bit, I'm just thinking about kicking you in the shins. Hey, as long as it makes you happy. Oh, shut up.

Come on. Let's go see whatever it is you giant freaks are looking at. Whoa, would you look at that? Cassidy's trading post. What do you think it is? I think it's the station before there was a station. Just without the gas pumps. Should we go inside?

I don't know. Looks haunted. By what? Living people? Come on, gentlemen. Flashlights at the ready. Wow. Look at these.

Fresh, saltwater oysters. Ew, those are no longer fresh. Dental more be. like back at the station just older packaging armor star corned beef hash I'm taking this you think it's still good sure it's canned plus it's the astral plane does stuff even rot here backpacks walking sticks flare guns that's so cool I want this this stuff is awesome you guys want a backpack sure Mac yeah why not they got some little fuel canisters we can take here and what's this hot dang a skillet god

Damn, you guys, I'm totally making crispy corned beef hash on this adventure. And, oh my gosh, over here. Nani, I have to admit. Mac was in such a funk. I wasn't entirely sure this would help. I should have known you'd know how to cheer him up. It's true. I am amazing at this.

In addition to many other things, and I will list them off now. Whistling? Hang on, Nani. Uh, rude. I don't hear Mac. Mac? Mac? Where are you? Oh.

Hey, Ten, I'm right here. What's wrong? It's nothing. I'll see you guys outside. Okay. Oh, Mac, you're forgetting your backpack. What do you think made him upset? My guess is this.

It must have reminded him of her. An old register. But why? I thought money wasn't a thing on the astral plane, and this is definitely not a robot. It's not. Look at these buttons. Aw, it's a little happy face.

and a not so happy face and a devastated face and every variation of angry face hey look that one's you the way you used to look before the great chilling of Tendi uh no this is so weird I want one we should take it I'm gonna take it can we take it what does it do I'm not sure

maybe we should try seeing what it does first pick a face Nani let's do Oh, this one. Are you sure? That face looks a little... Murderish? Yeah.

Agreed. But I'm gonna press it anyway. Go for it. Oh, I'm gonna. Okay, now what? Shirley used to talk about these old registers. You'd enter the amount on these buttons. I'm guessing there's had numbers instead of faces.

And then you pull this lever. I got to press the button, tend. You do the honors. Let's do it together. We're bonding. We're bonding. I like that. Okay, hand on the lever.

Three, two, pull. A ticket? What's it say? Indignation Station. Platform 3 must present ticket. Indignation station? Like a train station? I saw something like that on the map.

Let me see. It says there. Not indignation, but consternation station. We should go check it out. Yeah, we could. But, well, I don't know what these stations are. But maybe we should try to find one that's more applicable to us right now. Well, hmm, which one do you think?

This one looks chill. What do you say, chill, Tendi? I bet it says Relax Station Station. No, not that one. Then which face, Tendi? Hey, you guys coming or what? I think I found just the face. Uh-huh.

Thanks for listening to this preview. To hear the entire mini-series in full, just click the Club 86 link in the show notes, or visit patreon.com, forward slash desert skies, and subscribe at the traveler level or above. In addition to this series, you'll get the Game Night series, exclusive merch, ad-free, and bonus episodes, which is going to come in handy when season three launches soon. Thanks for listening. Thank you.