Desert Skies - Chapter 25 - The Rest Area

Episode Date: November 10, 2025

Does anybody need to go? Go somewhere where they can unburden themselves of regrets they accrued on the Physical Plane, that is. Welcome to the first of eleven Rest Areas along the Celestial Highway. What will be revealed in the stalls? Links ⁠Join Club 86⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Visit our Merch Store⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Visit our Website⁠⁠ Socials: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, and the ⁠⁠Discord⁠ Credits Desert Skies is made by Jared Carter. He does voices, and writes, and edits the sounds and stuff. The show is Executive Produced by Michael Freiberg. He's the one who makes sure people hear it. Music Featured This Episode: Darker Shades - ELFL (Announcements) A Procession Of Mirrors - Jay Taylor The Meeting Place - Rachel Sandy The Old House - Rikard From Traces - Ever So Blue Mysterious Forest - Howard Harper-Barnes Me and You - Sunfish Grove Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greetings Traveler, Jared here. One thing. Every week I tell you all the reasons you should join Club 86, add free episodes to miniseries, all that stuff. But today, I want to just share one thing, one reason with you. It just helps me to keep making the show. So if you got a dime despair, sign up. You're going to like it.

And if like so many right now, you don't have a dime despair, just give us a shout out on your social, links to Minor in the show notes or you can leave a nice review on the podcast player you listen to or tell a friend or tell an enemy that might need it. Make them listen to that mean old Mavis episode from the second season. Anyways, every little bit helps. If you're interested in joining Club 86, go to patreon.com forward slash Desert Skies or click the link in the show notes below. And speaking of Club 86, I just want to give a special shout out to some new members. Nikki Green, Omigrossi, Troy Best Boy, I divided by zero and now I'm undefined,

Ah, Taylor Young, Kathleen Marinera, Samantha Loriman, Hoyo, Alex, K, William Le Moyne. If I butchered your name this week, just shoot me a message on Patreon, and next week I will apologize profusely and get it right. Thank you, friends. You're a big part of making this happen. But wait, I have one more shout out. Chili's, Grill, and Bar.

I've come to the decision that every time I release a new episode, I get to go to Chili's. This, in an effort to overcome my artistic anxieties, it's working. Chili's. They don't sponsor me, but they are the new official fuel that powers the machine, that is Desert Skies. Chili's, from your amazing three-for-me deal to your unbelievable Nashville Hot Maws. You're the real deal. I'll see you this afternoon. Enjoy Desert Skies, Chapter 25, the rest area.

For the best listening experience, headphones are recommended. I'm sorry that it's so cold, but this is the only place on the ground. but this is the only place on the grounds that can hold a crowd this size. I promise to keep this short. My father wishes he could be here to talk with you himself, but his health prevents it. He asked me to convey apologies on his behalf. I'm going to read something now. I wish that I were here under better circumstances, but I am not.

This factory, which has stood on these. grounds for some 30 years. As for the majority of that time, been leader in productivity among our dozens of locations, both here and abroad. But in the last two years, that productivity has dipped. Due to your actions or lack thereof, we have no choice but to close this facility effective immediately. Your final paychecks will be mailed to the address on file. You have 15 minutes to retrieve your personal items from your locker and exit the premises, or you will be removed. And that's it. Um, Merry Christmas, I guess.

Please, I'm begging you. Don't do this. Not two weeks before Christmas. I have a family. I got kids. What am I supposed to tell them? Um, I don't know. Productivity is down because.

Ever since your daddy bought this factory, he's reduced the workforce and increased the quotas. What did he think was going to happen? Why would he do this? I'm sure he had his reasons. You, uh, y'all should have been able to figure it out with what you had. How? Do you even know what it is we do here? Um, yeah, you, uh... You really are as dumb as they say, you are. Nice cars. Pretty ladies. You got everything a man could want. except for a lick of sense.

I, dumb, friend. Yeah, you keep telling yourself that. Sir, your father is on the phone and would like a word with you. Where's the phone? In the manager's office. Follow me, sir. Hank. Cal.

Why are you calling? I was calling to see if you were able to do what I'd sent you to do. without screwing it up. Yeah, it's done. I read what you told me to read. Philip tells me that after you fired 1100 of my employees, you wished them a Merry Christmas.

Well, I, uh... Well, that's gonna read just great in tomorrow's papers. I'm sorry, I just... I should have known I couldn't count on you to do something as simple as reading from a goddamn sheet of paper without embarrassing this family. I said I was sorry.

It doesn't matter. How are you doing, Hank? How's the health? Are you seriously asking a dying man? An 83-year-old dying man. How his health is. I'll tell you how my health is. Worse every second since I asked you

to step up and take some responsibility at this company. Can you say one thing to me? without making me feel like a piece of shit. I spoke with the accountants this morning, Kyle. And? Apparently you're asking for an advance on next month's disbursement. Yeah, so? A hundred thousand dollars a month I give you.

That ain't enough. I had something I had to do. Another garage for your cars? Or did you decide to get married again? I donated it. Since when in the hell do you donate anything? Since now. And where did you donate?

Donate this money to a university a university where I said a university where Arizona don't tell me you don't already know that I just wanted to see if you'd admit it my son 56 years old and just as dumb as the day his miserable ass came into this world is there anything else Hank no cow nothing else then goodbye God damn it Why don't you just die already, asshole? Is everything all right, sir? What do you think, Philip, big mouth? Bring the car around.

Rest area next exit. I've always wanted to visit one of those. Why? You ever been to one? If I did, it was before I lost my memories. I've seen the signs for a couple of them when I was out exploring. But always figured, what was the point? Since you don't, you know.

Go? Exactly. Covewant. Well, apparently that's not what those stops are for. Right, Tand? Tandy used to make announcements about the rest areas on Desert Skies FM. Remember what you'd say, Tandy. I couldn't possibly forget it.

I've said it a million times. Then do it. Do it? Like now? Why not? Do it. Do it. Do it.

Do it. Do what? Okay. Let's see. Greetings travelers traversing the astral plane. There are 11 rest areas along the road, and I recommend stopping as needed. When I say rest areas, don't think of the traditional human bodily fluid relief units. You may have visited when still present on the physical plane.

We don't do that here. These rest stations are for soul relief, specifically the relief of burdens you carry with you from your time on Earth. Stop at one, stop at all 11. Lots of baggage, take advantage. Bravo, bravisimo. I can't believe. I know the guy that does that announcement. These rest areas sound weird.

What are human bodily fluids? Blood. I think stopping at one is actually a really good idea. They're probably among the most underutilized features of the astral plane. Not to mention, a good excuse to get out and stretch our legs. Agreed. Let's stretch our achy legs and rest our weary. souls at the Rust Area.

I really like road trips. You've never been on a road trip. Yeah, no, but I've always wanted to go on a road trip. And now I am, and I'm already really enjoying it. I'm glad to hear it, Mack. I'm enjoying it too. Remember how you and me used to talk about what we do if we ever went on a road trip? Actually, no, I don't remember that.

Yeah, that's probably because back then it used to stress you out, the idea of leaving the station. of leaving the station, but we did talk about it a few times. We used to talk a lot. We did, didn't we? I miss our talks. I do too. What changed?

Geez, I don't know. A lot. There's more of us. So much has happened. So much is happening. Sometimes I miss when it was simple. Hmm. All right, everyone.

Gather round. This kiosk is where you get your ticket to one of the stalls inside. Ooh, I love the retro-futurism aspect. of its design. How does it work? By touching the screen, but I should warn you that. Of course, and not yet. Greetings, Traveler.

It's you. Oh, my God. Welcome to the Desert Sphere Rest Area. The first of 11 rest areas you'll find along the highway spanning the astral plane. Please choose from the following options on the screen. Now that is something. When we were updating the rest areas, I was asked to record my voice for the new kiosk system. It's embarrassing.

Why is it embarrassing? I think it's cool. Yeah, me too. I wasn't thinking about the fact that we might actually be traveling the highway together someday. This isn't the only place you're going to hear my voice. Sweetie, we love your voice. How many other things did you make a recording for? A lot of things. Like, a lot, a lot. So how does it work?

Which of these options? Let's start with the tutorial. You've chosen tutorial. This is a rest area. On the physical plane, rest areas were designed to relieve travelers of physical waste. This is so embarrassing. Everybody poops cash. I mean, except for us.

Here, you won't be relieving yourself a physical waste. Rather, you'll be relieving yourself a physical plane waste. Namely, the burden of regret that you've carried with you into this state of existence. When ready, you will print your ticket. This ticket will have one of four stall numbers printed on it. Enter on either side of me. Find your stall and enter after you close the door to your stall. Take a seat.

More instructions will be provided at that time. So are we going to do it? I could probably use it, honestly. Well, the rest of us have no memory of the physical plane. Is there any point in us going in? I think it could still be helpful. Despite what the tutorial said, this would work with any regrets. There or here on the astral plane.

Well, then, I'm down. Me too. I didn't think I need it, but it sounds strange, and I want to see it. Corson, if you don't think you need it, maybe sit this one out. There's only four stalls. I know I got some regrets. Well, in that case, I can sit this one. No, Corson, you should do it. But why? He just said he doesn't need it, and I just said I think I do. Sit this one out, Mac. Is this one of your weird word things? Yeah, and sit this one out, Mac. All right, Tand. If you say so, I'll just get a snack from the trunk and hang out in the car until you guys are done.

I'm sure you can try it when we're done, Mac. Oh, okay. Sounds good. Tendi, what was that all about? I'm not sure. If you're done being strange, my young friend, I'll print out some of these tickets. Yeah, go for it. Okay, room, I close the door and I'm sitting down. Do your thing.

Oh, nice and dark. Kind of spooky. Welcome, traveler. Are you ready to begin? Ready as I'll ever be. Life was like the desert sphere. Beautiful, magic, full of mystery. But it was also painful.

Like the needle of a cactus, the sting of a scorpion, or the blistering rays of the summer sun. In your time on the physical plane, you experience pain caused by any number of factors that were born from places outside yourself, cancer, rejection, abuse. But you also experience pain born from within yourself, things you regret, things that were your fault, or at least things you perceived to be your fault. Your journey through the celestial spheres will grant you reprieve from so much

of the pain you experienced in life. But the pain of regret is something we find difficult to leave behind. In many ways, it's made worse here, because here there's nothing you can do to remedy what was done. It isn't bad to have regrets. It means you're human. Humans make mistakes. Mature humans own them.

Sharing those mistakes out loud is one way. of leaving them behind, of flushing them out of your system. So now, I ask you, human, what regrets are you carrying on this journey through the afterlife? Well... What regrets are you carrying on this journey through the afterlife? Well, none, I suppose. In fact, I'm a little offended. One, that you assume I have regrets. but also that you dare to call me human. What regrets are you carrying on this journey through the afterlife?

Well, I kind of regret this recording. Is that really what I sound like? Okay, let's see. My regret is agreeing to go on this journey. Ever since Tendi and I found my journal in that cave, I can't get this thought out of my head, that I spent, who knows how long, waiting for two people. One named Oliver. The other, just two letters before where the page was ripped. L.I. Liam, Lily, Lillian. Little John, like in that Robin Hood book?

Who knows? You? Well, not you. Kind of you. But Cash, she says that there's a way home. But what does that mean? She's not telling us. We just be what? People returning from the dead? Surely that's going to cause some issues. And the people that I'm waiting for here, they might be old already. I'd go back and I'd remember who they were. And all of the feelings I have for them will be there too. And then maybe they'll be so old that they just die. And I'm left all alone and grieving.

And that's if they're even still alive. For all I know, they're either here or they've already traveled the astral plane. And that's why I can't go back. I should never have told Robo Girl that I would. She's got her hopes up, and I'm going to have to crush those hopes. She'll still have Tendi and Mack. She's known them longer anyways.

But me, no matter how far this journey takes us, the only path left for me is all the way to the end. whatever lies beyond sphere 33 maybe there I'll get my memories back and maybe there the people I'm waiting for will already be and if not at least I know they're headed there because time only goes the one direction baby

I think so that's my regret not telling cash Not telling anyone that my time with them is coming to an end. I'm going to the next life. Are you finished on burdening yourself of this regret? A little, I guess. Please answer yes or no.

Are you finished on burdening yourself of this regret? Sure. Please answer yes or no. Are you finished on burdening yourself? I meant to say yes. Congratulations. Seriously. That's hilarious.

Thank the Prime Mover for whoever created a teeny microwave that plugs into a cigarette lighter. This is convenience. This is luxury. All right, Burrito. Let's do this. Mouth opening. What in the hell? Mind if I join you?

Forgive me if this comes across a little rude. But who in the hell are you? Of course. There's no reason to be worried. I'm the attendant of this rest area. The attendant? That's right. I didn't think this place had an attendant. Oh? Nah. There's a computer that distributes tickets for the stalls up there. It's automated. No attendant needed.

Oh, I understand the confusion now. True. We used to help people find their stalls, and we would guide them through the experience. But now our job is much simpler. We repair the kiosk if it breaks. Replenish the ticket dispenser. Clean up the stalls after travelers use them. You're like a janitor. Exactly.

Exactly like that. It's weird that cash didn't mention you. Well, it's been a long time since she and the other robots came through here with the prime mover. She's probably forgotten all about us. The rest area attendance. That is. Oh. Well, I guess that makes sense.

I gotta say. I didn't know there were other attendants on the astral plane. You're an attendant. Oh, sorry, yeah. My name's Mack. Put her there. Nice to meet you. I'm one of the attendants of desert skies.

You don't say. I do say. Oh my goodness. You're famous. Really? Everyone knows of the attendants out here. Are you all alone? Oh, no.

Tendee, the other attendants. He's with me. And Cash, Corson, who was a sphere mover for a bit of eternity, and our friend, Nani. What are you doing so far away from the station? That's a bit of a long story. I have time. Well, sure. Let's see. It starts with...

You still haven't shared your regret. Do you need more time? Please answer simply, yes or no. No. What regrets are you carrying on this journey? through the afterlife. I regret that, well, Mac and I have drifted apart a little. Some parts of it aren't my fault, and some parts of it are very much my fault, I guess.

The stuff that's out of my control, it might sound wrong, and it's weird saying it to you, Cash, even if you're just a recording. But Mac and I were the only humans at the station. that weren't travelers. At least we thought we were. And at first, it kind of drove me crazy because two humans spending a lot of time together, that leads to a lot of conflict.

But over time, we started to become really good friends, especially after everything that went down with Zochilikyu. But now, there's three more people. And yeah, one's not exactly a human, but he acts very human, walks and talks like a human, though I guess most humans don't say bitch that often. But yeah, now there's a lot of people, a lot compared to two. And everyone offers different things and requires different things,

and the love is just getting passed around so much that it's spreading thin a little, if that makes sense. and then Matt got so sad whenever you left the astral plane and I'll be honest I pulled away a little no I pulled away a lot I just wasn't able to meet him where he was at or wasn't willing to

all that to say I regret not setting aside more time for Mac I regret not going on more walks with him or listening to music with him in the basement And you know what? I'm going to make that a priority, starting right now. Are you finished on burdening yourself of this regret? Um, yes.

Congratulations. Gross. You still haven't shared your regret. Do you need more time? Please answer simply yes or no. For the million time. Yes, yes, yes, I need more. time.

I would say that I regret not bringing more games, but that's not my fault. And I might say that I regret not bringing more clothes. But that's also not my fault. Perhaps I could say that... So you're saying, your friend has found a way to the physical plane, a way for you to live again. That's what she says. That is remarkable. If it's true, it truly.

is and I trust cash through and through. I'm glad you feel that you have someone you can trust. Thank you. How are you feeling about all of this? It must be hard leaving the station where you have spent so much of your time. It is. It's very hard. I'm sorry. I'm getting emotional. No, it's okay. Here, take my handkerchief. Let's talk about something else. Why? Because you think your tears will upset me. I'm an attendant, just like you, remember? That's right. You, you know what? It's really nice to have another attendant to talk to. I mean, I got Tendi, but he's not available as much as it used to be. He's busy. Oh, yeah. He's got lots to do, all the time. That's kind of you to be so understanding. Well, he's my best friend. Oh, he's lucky. So tell me

What do you miss most? Well, see if I can do this. I miss the sound of the fluorescent lights, and I miss the smell of our mop liquid, and I miss... You still haven't shared your regret. Do you need more time? Please answer simply yes or no. No.

What regrets are you carrying on this journey through the afterlife? I'm... I'm the reason for all of this. of this, all of us being here, on the astral plane. If they could remember what it is that happened, and I'm so glad they can't, they would each think that it was their fault. They would think that everything that went down was the result of actions they took as individuals, and the whole time I would know, just as I know now, that when it comes

time for me to make the right call, I get it wrong over and and over and over again. She wouldn't have gone if I hadn't told her to. He wouldn't have gotten involved if I didn't ask him to, and he would have never left that car if I hadn't convinced him to get in in the first place. Before my soul returned to the physical plane, I thought I was a good person, but I'm not.

And now I'm back here, and I'm doing exactly what got us into this mess in the first place. I'm trying to fight a battle with people's souls, trying to get back there so we can do it all again, hoping with everything in me that it'll put things back together the way they should be and knowing that I could be wrong. I'm not even considering the implications of what it would mean for us to go back there and then.

The only thing I can hope is that a lily who can truly see the soul isn't going to make the same mistakes that she made on the physical plane. Why did the prime mover send me back? Why did he give me that message? Please. I hope you know what you're doing. Are you finished on burdening yourself of this regret? Not even close.

Please answer yes or no. Are you finished on burdening yourself of this regret? Is that really what I sound like? You still haven't shared your regret. Do you need more time? Please answer simply yes or no. No, I don't need more time. I am ready.

What regrets are you carrying on this journey through the afterlife? The first deck of Uno I ever recreated, I used cardstock with a glossy rather than matte finish. Are you finished on burdening yourself of this regret? Yes, indeed. Congratulations. What on earth is that sound? Thank you so much for lending me an ear like that. You're a good listener.

It's a shame that you're not. still leading people through this experience. You got a real knack for it. Oh, that's so kind of you to say. I suppose I should be going. Go where? Oh, there's always work to be done around here, but this has been nice. Besides, I'm sure your friends are about wrapped up. You can have your turn in one of the stalls. No way. I just got the real deal. Thank you. Well, not really. What do you mean? all about regrets. We talked about your trip, going back to the physical plane, all the things you missed, but you never shared any regrets. Would you like to? Um, sure, that would be great. Let me think about this. What about the company you keep? I'm sorry. What?

Oh, I'm just saying, the company you keep, those people up on the hill, the ones you call your friends. What about them? Well, like you said, the other attendant has no time for you. The girl that was the robot, you told her you didn't want to leave the station. But she's making you anyway. Think about her. They're all up there having their fun. Without you, told you to stay behind, didn't they?

How'd you know about it? It's because you're a bad person. What? You are a bad man. They know it. Maybe the girl told him. I don't think I ever got your name, friend. You talk to the animals.

You stare at the stars and you make jokes and you're waltzing along through this afterlife thinking everyone loves you. But they don't. It's all in your head because they know you're wicked. I'm not wicked. Why are you saying those things? Because that's what real friends do. When they truly value someone, they tell that someone the truth. You see, I know just how bad you are deep down, yet here I am, and there they are, and what's more, I want to help you.

I want you to get out. All right, Mac, but if you change your mind, I'll be there. I'm not a bad man. They don't think I'm a bad man. Farewell, friend. Okay, so, what did you guys think about the toilet sound? Kind of funny, kind of gross. That's what a loo sounds like.

I thought it was a lindworm retching. What's a lindworm? Oh, just wait until you get to the eighth sphere. You'll love them. I miss them. Mack, is everything okay? You don't look so good, Mac. Oh, really? Anything you want to talk about?

No, I'm good. I think I'll drive. Can you guys give me a moment out here with Mack? Take your time. Say what you need to say so we can get going. Is this because I asked you to wait? You didn't ask me to wait. You told me.

Because I felt I had to. Really? Or is it because you're used to keeping me at a distance now? I get it. You got new friends. What are you talking about? Mack, this isn't like you. What happened while we were in sight?

I'm... What happened while we were inside? I don't want to talk about it. Fine. Then at least let me tell you about the rest area. Okay. What? They make you share your regrets.

And what's yours? Ever being my friend? No. Mine was not giving my friend the time he deserved. This world of ours changed overnight, and I wasn't ready for it. And in the midst of it, I took this... What we have. For granted, you're my best friend, Mack. I want us to hang out more, just the two of us. You mean that?

Of course I do. You don't think I'm a bad person? Mack, what happened while we were inside? Nothing. I just got confused is all. Come on, you can sit next to me. We can play I spy. All right, man.

Thanks, Tandy. Best bitches forever. Best bitch is forever. Yeah, it's me. I just wanted to let you know the seeds been planted. Absolutely. You can trust me. Have faith.

It's not like we haven't done this before. No, no, no, I understand. It is different this time. But I'm confident in my abilities. And I hope you are too. I won't let you down. I know what's at stake. This episode was written, produced and performed by me, Jared Carter.

The show is executive producer. By the meticulous Michael Freiber. Until next time, safe travels. I, um... They'd had a moment, hadn't they? That afternoon when Garrett had smiled, just like this, warm-eyed and amused in a way that made Tony want another cigarette, but also want to step forward...

Hey, Kate, what are you writing? Ah! New text post on Thursday, May 21st. Title. Why you should be watching Selkirk. So, Selkirk Fandom, who wants to read my 5,000-word essay, Garrett last name, Secret Werewolf? I'm Kate, by the way. They kiss?

I think I lucked out when I found Selkirk, because if I'd love something else, I would have made friends, and I would have been able to read a ton of great stories. but this way I met you me and day you a new story about love and fandom from the Procyon Podcast Network