Desert Skies - Chapter 28 - Those Are Some Of My Favorite Parts

Episode Date: January 14, 2026

Having left the Inter State behind, the crew heads towards the Long Paws to reunite with Corson. C.A.S.H. has something she wants to show Mac on the Forest Sphere, something she hopes will undo some of the damage done by Bad Mother. Along the way she'll share a story about a strange creature, one whose existence on the Astral Plane up to this point has only fueled tales and rumors, one who may serve as the answer to what they're looking for. 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: Keep Me Entertained - Mattie Maguire (Announcements) Angler - Ellen Piel Finding Memories - Martin Landh Cradle Song - Mary Riddle Me and You - Sunfish Grove Boulevard to Nowhere - Rasure (Credits) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At Medcan, we know that life's greatest moments are built on a foundation of good health, from the big milestones to the quiet winds. That's why our annual health assessment offers a physician-led, full-body checkup that provides a clear picture of your health today, and may uncover early signs of conditions like heart disease and cancer. The healthier you means more moments to cherish. Take control of your well-being and book an assessment today. Medcan. Live well for life.

Visit medcan.com slash moments to get started. Hey, Ontario, come on down to BetMGM Casino and see what our newest exclusive the Price is Right Fortune Pick has to offer. Don't miss out. Play exciting casino games based on the iconic game show, only at BetMGM. Check out how we've reimagined three of the show's iconic games, like Plinkgo, Cliffhanger, and The Big Wheel into fun casino game features. Don't forget to download the BetmGM Casino app for exclusive access and excitement on the Price's Right For. Fortune Pick. Pull up a seat and experience the Price is Right Fortune Pick. Only available at BedmGM Casino. BetMGM and GameSense remind you to play responsibly. 19 plus to wager. Ontario only. Please play responsibly.

If you have questions or concerns about your gambling or someone close to you, please contact Connects Ontario. At 1866, 531, 2,600 to speak to an advisor free of charge. BenMGGM operates pursuant to an operating agreement with Eye Gaming Ontario. Hi, friends. First, thank you for your patience in waiting for Chapter 28. If you've been with the show as it actively releases, you know that sometimes episodes publish a little erratically. And with the holidays, well, anyways, it's here, and I hope you enjoy. But, as always, before, beginning today's episode, I'd like to say thanks to some new members of Club 86. The Slim Reaper, Blueist Girl. Erica. Peyton L. Swanson. Alina.

Amanda. Stephen and Kayla Harker. Emma Nichols. Michelle Hazuda. Tim Grubisick. Greg. Oopsy Tula. Emma.

Amazing Bananas. Lil. Carol Grams. Kelly Rivera. Ben, too. Iris. Dora. Saravia.

D. Thompson. Aria. Marath. Justin Enrique. Rhonda. Ronda. Mnard. Radocat.

Brenna, Carrie Tillman, Benjamin Haggardorn, Dibs, Senior Duce, Joseph Wells, Kimberly Sunderland, Haley, Kinder, Kermie, Beaela Tore, George Banfield, and Postman Max, Mrs. Finlay's rendition of A Bear. Any more when I see really weird names like that, I just assume it's a Midnight Burger thing, and I love it. And if it's not, I still love it. Also, if I butchered any of your names, and I'm sure I did, please reach out to me on Patreon, and I will publicly apologize in the next episode and say it correctly. If you're not a member of Club 86, it's a great way to get access to a lot of bonus stuff, including two miniseries, merch, digital rewards,

commentaries, and lately I've been doing a live show for Club 86 members called The Astral Update, which airs shortly after a new release. I talk about the most recent episode, give some updates, have some fun segments and answer any questions you might have to join just visit patreon.com forward slash desert skies again patreon.com forward slash desert skies or as always click the link in the show notes below and with that enjoy chapter 28 those are some of my favorite parts for the best listening experience headphones are recommended been a while since i heard that sound What sound? What are you talking about? The long pause. You can't hear it?

Not yet. You must have really good hearing. Or maybe you just have not so good hearing. I can hear it just fine. Wonder why that is? My guess. Back on the physical plane, you listen to music with headphones, and you played it way too loud. That's an interesting guess. Not that interesting and not really a guess. Why do you say that? When you borrowed the cassette player back at the station, I could hear the music.

Coming from the headphones. So? Yeah. You were inside and I was outside. I'm sorry. What did you say? I said you were inside and I was... Say that again, please?

I couldn't hear it. I said you were inside and I... Just kidding. I can hear you. Huh. That's funny. I'm stealing that. I'm sorry.

What did you say? Well, here we are. It's going to be weird. Why's that? Last time we were here, we met Driston. We didn't get to spend a whole... whole lot of time with him, but... But he was a friend, came through for us right when we needed him.

He was a musician with a heavy-hearted past, and he found a real home here. At the long pause, he was real close with the local sphere mover Jerry, the bear tender. Okay, now I get it. Get what? Remember the little big walk I went on right after I met you guys? Yeah. Well, this was naturally my first stop on the forest sphere, and first thing that happened was I walked in, started to sit on a stool, and that bear tender nearly clawed my damn face off.

Then he pointed to a portrait some bear had scratched into the wood. Nicely done. Surprising amount of detail. It was a guy in his 30s. Sad eyes, little scruffy? Yep, that's Tristan. Well, apparently his stool is a memorial now. Don't make the same mistake I did.

I'll make sure to avoid it. Guys, would you mind if I talk to Mack? We'll be in in just a minute. Sure, Cash. We'll wait inside. But don't take too long. I want to know what the badass kids want with Matt. We won't be too long. What do you want to talk about? Come on, Mac. Let's go for a walk. I want to show you something.

Is everyone looking at me? Well, from what Jerry has told me, you're kind of a celebrity around here. Me? Why? You're the attendant, of course. These bears credit to you and Mac with saving the astral plane. Of course, no acknowledgement of the part I played. Yes, I know you played a part as well. The bass, as I remember. Jerry, can you tell them to start playing again?

Thanks. Attendant, go out there, shake some paws. Your furry fans would be thrilled to meet the great attention. of desert skies. Uh, okay. So you found them. Where's Mac? Outside with Cash.

Corson, have you ever heard of the Bacococ? The Bacomx? Yes. B-A-K-O-C... Can't say that I have. Is there a place a little more private we can talk? Mac and Cash should be here soon. There's a room behind the bar.

It has a table and some chairs. Follow me. Great. Jerry, that's your name? Assuming that's a yes. Two beers, please. Oh, no, none for me. What do you...

Oh, you thought I was getting you one. This is embarrassing. You do intend to stay sober, do you not? I can't stand, drunk humans. I don't get drunk, Corson. Then, what do you get? Even. Why do you like this?

I don't know. Ask a shrink. Collect your libations. And follow me. Thanks, Jerry the Bear. What did he say? He said he remembers you, and that if you get out of line,

I am to deliver you to him for correction. He is a very scary bear. You have no idea. How are you, Mac? You tell me. I'm sure you've already piqued at my soul. You haven't spent much time on the forest sphere, have you? No, no, not really.

It might just be my favorite. Well, one of them. I can't wait to experience it in my human frame. I just love the sound of the wind and the trees and the chorus of crickets. It smells amazing. I bet it does. There's something I want to ask you about, but I'm scared you're not going to want to answer. I know, Mac, but trust me to answer what I can,

and know that what I can't is only for your good. What's the question? Did you lie to me? Lie to you. About what? When you got back, you said I was a sweet man. And even though I kind of hate being called sweet, I hate it less than the idea of being, well... Bad?

Yeah. Mack, what does that bad mother want with you? She wants me to join the Bacococs. Does she really think you're a badass kids, of course, a can of material? What do they even do? Just hide in the interstate and get old? It's weird, Cash. She said there's a man who wants me to join them. Wants me to become a part of their little cult.

Who's the man? She wouldn't say. said it's not time for him to reveal himself to me. That sounds a little unbelievable. Tell me more. She said, they're seekers and finders, that the interstate is the glue that binds realities together, the different planes and even different times.

She said that if I joined them, that he could show me how to use it. Cash, she said that their leader thinks that if a person is able to collect enough facts from the different planes... Facts? Yeah, facts. That's what she said.

Collect facts. Yeah, Cash. That's exactly what she said. She said it a bunch. Why does that matter? Because, Mac, there's only one creature on the astral plane who's consumed with collecting facts. Creature? Did she say it was a man?

Yeah. Wait. No. No, I don't think she ever did. I don't know. I've never seen him, but others have. He's very elusive. Who is he?

He's the leader of the 25th sphere, the grand. Trivia lizard. Wait. The grin. Nani's met him. But she wouldn't remember. Nani's met him? If she doesn't remember, how on earth would you know she has?

Back before we ever met her. Nani had a room in the cave where you left us. She'd collected a bunch of crap from all over the astral plane. One was some kind of a ward she'd got back before she met us. A giant scale. It was from him. The Grand Trivia lizard. Who is he?

I don't know what's the truth, and what's just rumors, Mack. He's one of the most secretive of all sphere movers. Not only that, he's not even one of the originals. What do you mean? In the same way that Olenis took over Corson's sphere, the Grand Trivia lizard took over the one he now oversees. You mean like, someone gave it to him? Handed the roll over like Corson did?

I don't know for certain. Tell me what you do know. What in the astral plane would he even want with you? It makes no sense. Tell me what you know, and maybe we'll find out. Okay. The story as I remember it. The ocean sphere.

Do you remember their sphere mover? She was with Zochilicue when she came to destroy the station. Tito, master of the 27th sphere, where the oceans are filled with monsters. Tito is incredibly powerful. Having mastered an understanding of the giant creatures that inhabit the oceans of her sphere, she can control them in ways that both comfort the traveler and terrify. So the grand, trivial lizard, is he... Is he some sort of giant ocean monster?

No, he's not. Not an ocean monster anyways. The ocean sphere is home to five oceans and five islands. Before the highway was constructed, travelers made their way across the sphere on the backs of the five giant, sea creatures that inhabit it, visiting the five islands, where they'd face the five trials of Kito. You sure are saying five a lot. As scary as it was to ride on the backs of these monsters, the travelers were safe, but it was Kito's job to make sure of it. So, what kind of challenges

did they face? Most aren't important to the story, but I can say this. They were difficult. They took a long time. Which ones are important to the story? Only one. The eye. The The trial of observation was home to a trial in which travelers were tasked with taking notice of their surroundings. Not just noticing them, but seeking to understand them. Kito would lead them into the center of a circle, standing beneath the boughs of a bio-illuminousant broadleaf forest. She'd have them close their eyes and remain silent. In their silence and without the aid of sight, the whole island would come alive by means of their other senses. The mimicry cry of the cagoo, the sound of waves crashing on the nearby beach,

the smell of the ocean spray, and the musty scent of the tree ferns. To know something is to feel the whole of it with the whole of you, to let your senses take hold of that which you seek to understand. Kido would keep travelers on the Isle of Observation, until the island itself became almost a part of them. Why? Because as humans, and yes, it feels strange saying that in this frame, as humans were terrible at being present in the worlds that surround us,

our senses are muted, pushed to the side by a consciousness preoccupied by past and future, not the here, not the now. How do you know so much about this challenge? I've seen it, Mac. When we rebuilt the highway, we built exits from the bridge to the islands below, allowing Keito to once again lead travelers through the experience. It was Keito who showed me the trial, and it was Keito who told me about him. The Grand Trivial lizard.

Before he was the grand trivia lizard, he was just a small gecko who looked on silently from the trees, watching trial after trial with great wonder. His name was Alan. As the story goes, along with each traveler, Alan would close his eyes and he'd listen, and he'd smell, and he'd taste the world around him through scent particles on his tongue. Keeto would watch him with wonder, amusement, for no other creature on the ocean sphere exhibited such intelligence. Kito could see on Alan's face such tremendous delight as he became one with the island,

as sounds and taste and smells dance in and through his senses connecting him with the world around him. And then a time came when Kito looked to Alan's favorite tree, expecting to see the lizard, who had amused her so much. And he was gone. It would be ages before he was seen again. Where did he go? No one knows for sure. After much time had passed, Kito was approached by a courier with an invitation.

A 25th sphere had a new sphere mover. There would be a celebration to honor his coronation, and she was one of just a select few who'd been chosen to attend. Kito was taken aback. Not only was she shocked to hear that there was a new sphere mover, but to call his ascension to the role a coronation, filled her with grave concern. This was long before Zochilicue's attempt to seize power. Sphere movers had always considered themselves servants to the purposes of the astral plane, Even if begrudgingly, a coronation meant that this new sphere mover considered themselves royalty. A sphere mover came.

Right. Well, she accepted the invitation out of that concern. She left for the 25th sphere immediately. When she arrived, she found a small number of other curious and concerned sphere movers. Some she knew, some she didn't. They were attended to by the sphere's inhabitants, who insisted on blindfolding them before leading them to the coronation. The sphere movers protested, but their curiosity moved them to concede. They were led on a long walk, then heard the sound of a large steel door being opened.

Once inside their blindfolds removed, they realized that they were underground. The air was humid, musty, and a deep fog filled the air. Faint lights led them through the freshly dug tunnel, until it opened up into a gigantic cavern. A cavern? Yes. One Ketosur Kito said resembled a stadium of sorts. Thousands of the citizens of that sphere were seated around the darkened center, waiting in silent anticipation for the ascension of their new leader.

And in the darkness, Kito saw something move, something gigantic. And then the lights came up. And there was a throne, a great throne, and seated on that throne was the monster. The monster she once knew. As Alan, the crowd went

wild. But how? Kito was as confused as you are, Mac. The monster declared himself king of the sphere, bestowing on himself the title of Grand Trivia Lizard. He took a gold crown and placed it upon his own head and then looked to the band of sphere movers he'd invited. On their own spheres, they were giants among men, but in his presence, they felt small as ants. It was then that Kito noticed something strange, seated on the floor next to the throne, she could see five men, each one grinning menacingly at the sphere movers, delighting in their fear. Then the lizard spoke. Greetings, my friends. Welcome to my grand home. You like it? What's the matter? Cat got your tongue? Surely you must know that I mean be no harm.

After all, I'm one of you now. And what does a family do? Family. One by one, the sphere movers were called to the floor of the cavern, where they stood before the Grand Trivia Lizard. And did what? Play trivia? He calls it trivia, but it's more of an interview. He wants facts.

cold hard facts from the physical plane, the more a traveler can tell him that he doesn't already know, the happier he is. Nani got second place. That means Nani told him a lot. But why do they do it? Do what? Play the game.

I mean, Nani want to scale. That's just gross. What do you get if you win first place? I don't know. Kito says that when she and the other sphere movers played, he just asked them questions about the astral. plain, their spheres. She said that with each new fact, he nearly burst with delight. She said it was like watching a glutton eat. But instead of licking his fingers, after swallowing delicious

morsels, he was licking his eyeballs after every boring thing they said. That's a good one. I love it. And when they told him something he already knew, he would lean so far down that they could feel his horrible breath. over their whole bodies. You see, he doesn't like... As they'll fact, you better. What does he want with me, Cash? I don't know.

What does he want with all these facts? I think I know. Really? Like I was telling you before, she said the one that's having them scour the interstate in search of some facts believes that if someone gathers enough of them, they could travel anywhere in space,

anywhere in time, not just see it, but go there. That's not possible, is it? I need to tell you something, Cash. Something I saw. Something you saw? Yeah, something you should have told me. Something in the past.

But how did she... I don't know. What did she show you? Something that happened on the physical plane. What did she show you, Mac? Cash, am I a bad man? Tell me what she showed you. On Game D, pain can hit hard and fast,

like the headache you get when your favorite team and your fantasy team both lose. When pain comes to play, call an audible with Advil plus acetaminopin and get long-lasting dual-action pain relief for up to eight hours. Tackle your tough pain two ways with Advil plus acetaminopin. Advil, the official pain relief partner of the NFL. Ask your pharmacist at this product's rate for you. Always read and follow the label. Hey, Ontario, come on down to Bentmgmgm Casino and see what our newest exclusive the Price is Right Fortune Pick has to offer. Don't miss out. Play exciting. Casino games based on the iconic game show, only at BetMGM.

Check out how we've reimagined three of the show's iconic games, like Plinko, Clifhanger, and the Big Wheel into fun casino game features. Don't forget to download the BetmGM Casino app for exclusive access and excitement on the Price's Right Fortune Pick. Pull up a seat and experience the Price's Right Fortune Pick, only available at BedmGM Casino. BetMGM and GameSense remind you to play responsibly, 19 plus to wager.

Ontario only. Please play responsibly. If you have questions or concerns about your gambling or someone close to you, please contact Connects Ontario. At 1866-531-2,600 to speak to an advisor, free of charge. Ben-MGyM operates pursuant to an operating agreement with Eye Gaming Ontario. Exactly what you're talking about, bitch, right? Speaking of bitches, look who's back.

Me. I'm back. We can see that? Sit down, attendant, before you fall. Don't mind if I do. You guys are so pretty. Tandy? Yes, my good friend. What you've been up to?

I did what Corson said. I don't know what you think I said, but I didn't say whatever this is. Turns out that when you're a hero, people like to give you drinks. And when said people are bears, they don't like it when you say no. I'm sure you could have said no, Tendi, and they would have understood. Oh, yeah? Look at this. Oh, God, what have they done to your stomach? It's called tickling, I think.

It's different when there are claws involved. You should have seen it before it started healing. That must hurt. It did. Now it doesn't. Now I feel nothing. Okay, I'm gonna leave you four here and get some air. Person, did you call the station?

The tires are on their way, attendant. Good. Okay. I am going. Do you guys want to dance? We are fine right here. Right you are. Later.

No, no, no, no more. No, I can't. Okay, just one. Wow. Right. Should we help him? Yes, probably. Let's save the boy.

And then the people at the factory started yelling. It sounded like some might have been crying. And then... I was up there and I... I finished and I just walked away. Anything else you remember? No, that's it. Why'd you tell me I was the sweetest man who ever lived?

Huh? What was I cashed some sort of king? No, Mac, not a king. Then what? Follow me, Mac. I want to show you something. Are you just avoiding answering me? No, no, I'm not.

Follow me. And if it's all right, let's stay quiet as we walk. I need to think. Yeah. Yeah, okay, I can stay quiet. Oh, my word. It's one of my favorite places on the astral plane. I knew it would be here again. I've never seen so much water. And it's... Is it glowing?

Yeah. You see it too, right? I did once. Did? Yeah. How does it glow for me and not for you? I don't know exactly. Why are we here? Why'd you want me to see a lake? Pick up a rock.

A rock? Yeah. A big one or a small one? Doesn't matter. Just grab the first one you can find. Okay, let's see. Here we go. Now, toss it in.

You want me to just chuck it into the lake? Yeah, Mac. Go for it. All right. Wow. I figured it would be here. The prime mover showed me, and now I want you to see. See what?

That ripple. It's part of you. The part of you that you're afraid of, the part that's causing you trouble, because of how much you hated. I don't follow. When you threw that rock, what happened? Well, what a rock does?

The water rippled out from where it landed, but... And what color was it? Red. When you looked at it, how did you feel? I felt bad. Can you be more specific? I felt ashamed. Why do you think you feel ashamed?

Because of the thing she showed me. Whatever it was that I did to those people. Grab some more rocks. I'm going to get some too. Why? Just do as I say. All right, bossy pants. While we're looking for rocks, I'll try to explain.

This lake is strange, Mac. It doesn't glow for everyone. Really? No, but it glowed for me the first time I saw it, and I figured it would probably glow for you, too. Explain. Way back then, when I set out to help rebuild the highway, I was having a hard time.

How so? I was feeling things. What kinds of things? Things that were the result of, well, a number of things, including some things I'd rather not talk about at the moment. But I just shared with you. That was your choice, Mac, and I'm thankful. Okay.

Anyways, I was feeling some pretty big feelings when I found this lake. Wow, beautiful. What is this place? Is it one of the stops travelers used to make? Yes. And no. What do you mean? You'll see more of it.

Some features of the astral plane are more curious than others. They only appear when they're needed. Some sort of magic? The astral plane, much like the physical is comprised of features from different ages. We have our own history, you know. Yes, but what are you trying to tell me? Well, things have changed over time. The path that travelers followed across the...

planes, the areas they would visit. For instance, the electric desert. What about it? Well, that's a remnant of the industrial age. A time when the industrial sphere showed some real initiative. Overzealous initiative. We thought the astral plane needed modernization. You said the electric desert wasn't worth building an exit to, that it wasn't even worth us visiting. The thing about progress is it often promises simple and effective solutions to problems, but what it actually gives is oversimplified and ineffective answers to complex internal struggles. Struggles that can't be solved by sheer will and ingenuity, but instead a slow and long-suffering

exposure to what it is, the astral plane would have travelers learn. And the lake? The lake, like many things on the astral plane, doesn't appear to everyone. It appears to the right person at the right time, or in the lake's case, the right people. Why does it appear to me, to us, and why does it glow? Sadly, it doesn't glow for me, shame. I hear it's very pretty. It doesn't glow for you? No.

This is so strange. This is magic, ancient magic, older than the physical plane itself, older than the astral plane. Older than you? This is what the industrial sphere thought it could do better than, and in some cases they actually did some good. You'll see along the way. So how does the lake work? Well, a few conditions have to be met.

Which are? There has to be two people. A prime mover and a robot? Ha ha, no, any type of people will do. I was just joking. Oh, I know, I know, gosh. So, two people? Yes, but also, of the two people,

there must be one who's visited the lake already. And one who has never visited, the one who has never visited, for whom this is the first time. They always have a part of themselves, that they don't understand. A part they're afraid of. And what about the first person?

The person who has already been here. They must be someone who loves the person who hasn't. They must be willing to be a guide. So you're here to guide me? It would appear so. That means you've already been here. You can guide because you've been guided. I might be an exception to the rule.

So what happens now? Find some rocks. So you threw your rocks? I did. What color was it? Burnt orange, kind of like your beard. Nice. Okay, so then what?

Then he said something that I'll never forget, something I now say to you. The parts of you that make you who you are. The parts you're afraid of and wish weren't there. Those are some of my favorite parts. Throw another rock, Mac. What color? Red. What feeling?

Shame. Because you are. Mean. Mack, I've seen the part of you that you call mean tear bullies down to size. I've seen it protect your friends. I've even seen it keep Tendie humble. Sure, it's not always perfect. How it's used.

But I like that part of you. Dang, nice aim. You got it exactly where I threw mine. And what color is the ripple? It's still red, but not as dark as before. What feeling? Still shame. Because?

Because I did something to hurt those people. Mack, you didn't hurt those people. Not really. Someone else did. You were firing people, firing people from their jobs. You were told to. By who? It doesn't matter. Not yet.

What matters is what happened after. What happened after? You started giving your own money to help some of those people make ends meet. While they looked for other jobs, the people who were impacted the most. You did it in secret. You even started selling your things. You bought Christmas presents for their kids. You paid mortgages.

You helped as many people as you could. Gosh, I was loaded. I was loaded? And now I don't have a cent to my name. Hell, I don't even have a name. The only reason why you even agreed to tell those people they were fired was because the person who told you to said he was going to withhold their last paycheck if you didn't.

Why? Because he didn't like the part of you that made you strong, stronger than him, the part of you that made you kind. You were brave enough to stand in front of those people in order to help them knowing they'd hate you for it. So you're saying. You are a selfless man, Mack, who pushed back against greed and darkness on the physical plane. Color? Almost pink. And the feeling?

There's still a little bit of shame. Because? Because I should have never loved. let her tell me who I am. She didn't earn that right. No, she didn't. But you have. You've earned it, and I'm ashamed that I didn't trust you. Mack, part of you that almost let her convince you that you were bad. That's the part of you that wants to be good for your friends. You were afraid that you weren't right for us, that we weren't right for you. You shouldn't have believed her, Mac. It's true, but that's nothing to be ashamed of. Because,

Because it was love that almost let her win. Whoa. What color, Mac? No color. It's just a boring old lake now. Yep. Just a boring old lake born of ancient magic. Remember what I told you, Mac.

Remember it because one day you might be the one doing the guiding. The parts of you that make you who you are. The parts you're afraid of and wish weren't there. Those are some of my favorite parts. Thank you, Cash. Ready to go inside? Yeah, yeah, I guess so. It's going to be great to see...

Mac? Cash. I'm glad to see that you've made it successfully to the astral plane. Why are you in your robot frame? Who and... So, Chilicue? Yes, Cash. It's me.

But how? The same way my sister was able to invade my mind when I was on the astral plane, and she was on the physical plane. A type of projection. How long has it been since I died? About 12 minutes. Wow. I'm glad we can talk.

I need to ask you something. What is it, Cash? The grand trivia lizard. What about him? What do you know? I've never seen the creature. Only heard rumors. I don't know much about him.

But I do. Why are you asking about the lizard? Siwa Kotel. Is he creating a problem? Yes. But he might also be providing a solution. to your problem and ours. A way home for both of us.

Tell me everything. This episode was written, produced, and performed by me, Jared Carter. The show is executive produced by the masterful Michael Freiberg. Desert Skies will return with Chapter 29. Until then, safe travels. The Fable and Falling Network, where fiction producers flourish. Come on down to BentMGM Casino and see what our newest exclusive the Price's Right Fortune Pick has to offer. Don't miss out.

Play exciting casino games based on the iconic game show, only at BetMGM. Check out how we've reimagined three of the show's iconic games, like Plinkgo, Clifhanger, and The Big Wheel into fun casino game features. Don't forget to download the BetmGM Casino app for exclusive access and excitement on the Price's Right Fortune Pick. Pull up a seat and experience the Price is Right Fortune Pick only available at BedmGM Casino. BetMGM and GameSense remind you to play responsibly. 19 plus to wager.

Ontario only. Please play responsibly. If you have questions or concerns about your gambling or someone close to you, please contact Connects Ontario. At 1866, 531, 2,600 to speak to an advisor, free of charge. BetMGM operates pursuant to an operating agreement with Eye Gaming Ontario.