Table Read - KILLER CARGO - Act 1

Episode Date: October 13, 2026

🎧 KILLER CARGO | Act One | Written by Heather Foster Christmas Eve. Springfield, Missouri. One luxury jet. One secret shipment. One spectacularly bad idea. For flight attendant Anita Fitzgerald, the night is already complicated. She's sleeping with a married captain, dodging the advances of an insufferable copilot, and trying to survive another holiday in the service of the obscenely wealthy. Then three nervous men board with a six-foot, frosted-white container. Nobody will say what's inside. Nobody wants to be near it. And somewhere over Missouri, something starts moving. KILLER CARGO is a wickedly funny, gloriously twisted sci-fi horror ride where the seats are leather, the liquor is top-shelf, and turbulence is the least of anyone's problems. Featuring Ashley Bell as Anita Fitzgerald, Darin Toonder as Kevin Powers, Shaan Sharma as Captain Charles Song, Jade Tailor as Daria Jagoda, Charles Halford as Cliff Krantz, Ed You as Idris Bowman, Matt Curtin as Arnie Heim, and Sarah Phillips as Madge, with Tim Friedlander narrating. Act One of Three. Written by Heather Foster. Produced by Table Read Podcast and Manifest Media Productions, LLC. Executive Produced by Jack Levy, Shaan Sharma, and Mark Knell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get it. You have a lot of podcasts to choose from. So many. Too many. But low key, this is not your typical podcast. We want you to listen if you want to. We won't make you. That's why it's called listen if you want to. And here's why you'll want to. We'll be your BFFs to tell you what to watch. We'll tell you who you need to care about when it comes to celebrity stuff. Sometimes we'll just talk about random things and you'll actually give a shh. Listen to. Listen if you want to on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Back to school is here and you know what that means. Dirty Rush is on. As campuses come back to life and Rush Week kicks into high gear, we're taking you inside the mysterious journey of a sorority girl from pledging to initiation and just about everything in between. Join me, Gia Judice, Daisy Kent, and Jen Fessler. Dirty Rush takes you deep inside Greek life.

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But why should you listen to ours? Well, we're only the best podcast in the entire world. And we talk about pretty much everything under the sun. For example, music we're listening to, underground music, trending music, drama in music worlds. Yes. Sometimes we even talk about just everyday mundane situations in our lives, like the cool Uber driver we just had. Or the food we just say that is surprisingly delicious.

Or we'll talk about the Met Gala and the looks that they wore. Are they awesome? Are they trendy? Come find out. Because our opinion matters. And so does yours. And this is a place where all of our minds can come together and connect. So what are you waiting for? Come connect with us. Listen to out

of character from Will Ferrell's Big Money Players Network. On the IHeart Radio app, Apple Pods, or wherever you get your podcasts. It's Dramos, and I want you to meet the disruptors who are setting today's trends and discover those who are building what's next. People like Sebastian Yatra. Life is on the other side of fear.

Introducing Global Flow, a new podcast where I sit down with disruptors across music, entertainment, business, and tech to break down what they're building, get the blueprint to how they got there, all while trying to figure out what's coming next. They'll share their stories, including not just the winds that we all see, but the moments they had to persevere through when everyone counted them out. People like the co-founder of Buddy's Coffee, Rachel, who quickly went from being a New York Times success story to facing eviction. Being, you know, deemed a successful business by, like, you know,

I mean, this is New York as, like, a Puerto Rican girl from New York who didn't finish college. I was like, holy crap, like, I'm finally doing something. Like, maybe this is all working out. And then that day when the landlord comes in is like, you, like, you like, it all over that idea and he stepped on me. Listen to global flow as a. part of the My Futura Podcast Network, available on the IHartRadio app,

Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. Whether you're stepping up to the starting line of a marathon or just trying to take the first step toward a big, scary goal, the conversation in your head is usually the same. Do I have what it takes? I'm Emily Abadi, and on hurdle with Emily Abadi, we dive into the grit, vulnerability, and mindset that fuels our greatest comebacks. I talk to elite athletes, Olympic champions,

industry change makers and everyday runners about how they face self-doubt, redefine success, and keep moving forward when life gets heavy. I'd just love to say, I never know who's watching. So you want to make sure you, you through and through, and you just stay true to who you are. Yeah, your path might change

because different things come on your path to disrupt it, but it's just putting you on a new path and the skills, you have to have faith at the skills that you've learned and developed over time are going to continue to bring you success. When the world is burning and crashing around you, will you still say fight for your dream? will you still say it's possible?

Will you still believe you're a good person? Can you still see the brighter side of tomorrow? It's motivation, real talk, and practical wisdom for life on and off the run. Listen to Hurtle with Emily Abadi on the Iheart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, what's up y'all? It's Questlove. And on the Questlove show, I've been sitting down with some really interesting people. And I've got two recent episodes you should check out.

I caught up with my good friend Jojo to talk about her music, her career, and what she's been up to. Don't invite me to karaoke. I'm going to make it weird. Someone's going to try to sing, leave get out, or too little, too late, or baby to you. Oh, no. And I'm going to be like, okay, cool. I also caught up with Wally 267 for a conversation that covered his story, his perspective, and plenty more. I don't even call it cheat day.

That's a life day. I'm not doing nothing. Don't try to be slick and just go Sunday. Go Wednesday. This what you do. Sleep leader. make a reservation for the rest of the round later. Just chill.

Listen to the music you want to listen to. Just enjoy it. It's going to be all right. Nothing's going to have you. You're a wig up Wednesday. I'm like, ah, and you're going to feel better. And those are just two of the many recent episodes of the Questlove show. Listen to the Questlove show on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcast, wherever you get your podcast.

Peace. Okay, one, two, three. Table Wee! Killer! That was excellent. Great. Thanks. Do it.

Let's do it. Killer Cargo. Written by Heather Foster. After a luxury jet's secret cargo turns out to be a murderous alien, a trampy flight attendant must destroy it before it devours the world. Interior, Gulfstream, 650 ER Cockpit Night.

Super, Springfield, Missouri. Kevin Empowers, 35, Cock of the Walk, wannabe, rests in the co-pilot seat. State-of-the-yard flat seat. screens blaze across his dushy face. He gazes at the lights illuminating the runway against the inky black sky. Kevin loves this job, mostly because he feels it makes him better than everyone else. He does dig the view, though.

Right outside the door, Anita Fitzgerald, 28, hardworking, poised with a sprinkle of daddy issues, bends over, buffing a minuscule smudge out of the hand-carved mahogany wood. Kevin twists around to watch her work. This view is pretty terrific, too. Hey, Anita, did you have a chance to think about that charity dinner? She straightens, turns, and challenges his ogling. I believe I'm busy that night. I didn't say what night it was.

Anita's way out of his league, but Kevin's the only one who doesn't seem to know this. She shoots him, you poor thing, smirk. Kevin, I said I'm busy. The sound of footsteps pulls her attention to the main door. Her eyes crinkle into a genuine smile. Oh, good evening, Captain. Charles Song, 53, Silver Fox, steps in, removes his cap and gallantly nods to her. Good evening, Anita. And Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, sir. He presses by. She inhales him as he pauses. Oh. Captain Charles enters the cockpit and places his leather travel bag into his cubbyhole. Merry Christmas, Kevin. Merry Christmas, Captain. Pre-flight is complete. Charles takes his seat in the captain's chair. Thank you.

He proceeds to check Kevin's work. Ah, Christmas Eve, and here we are. At least it's a short flight. Well, I'll be back home nestled in with Mrs. Claus before I know it. Are you going to your folks tomorrow? A flicker of hesitation crosses Kevin's face. He was planning on getting drunk all day, alone. Uh, yeah, mom's, uh, making a ham.

Good. Yeah, you're smart to enjoy your folks while they're still here. I miss mine every day. I plan on it, sir. Desper to stop this Norman Rockwell bullshit. What do you think is so important that we're flying tonight? Our job is to fly the plane, not ask questions. You know that.

Of course. And Kevin. Yes, sir. I smell cigarettes on you again. Please refrain from smoking before we fly. Yes, sir. It won't happen again. See that it doesn't.

Thanks to the dark of night, Captain Charles, Mrs. Kevin's, I'm a great. Gullf Stream 650 ER night. The sleek jet glistens on the twinkling air strip, parked at the base of its stairs. A six foot by three foot frosted fiberglass sarcophagus rests on a gurney. Frowning, Cliff Krantz, 42, a giant man in a $6,000 Brunello Cuccinelli suit. The heavy gives an unimpressed nod. That's it.

If Idris Elba had an exact opposite, Idris Bowman, 49, would be It's Perfect Wiping sweat off his brow Idris peers at his Apple Watch And then back the man-sized container We really need to get this plugged back in No one's stopping you

Arnieheim, 27 A gangly goofy fucker And a cheap valour track suit waves Hi, I'm Arnie Don't care Soliciting Cliff for help with the pod Would you mind I've made it this far

I'm only here to make sure you don't fuck up It's a bit heavy. Use your legs. Right. Idris looks at Arnie. Okay. On three. One.

Two. Three. Arnie lifts his end with ease. Idris lifts up and a container thuds to the ground. What the fuck? Sorry. I lost my grip. I told you.

It's heavy. Move. He pushes Edras away, searching the end of the vessel. All your brilliant minds and nobody made a handle? It wasn't created to be moved. Cliff heaves the container up. Underneath the pod, we see a tiny, tiny hole. Let's go.

Arnie and Cliff wedged the pod into the plane. Idris hurries after them. Interior, Gulfstream, 650 ER, main cabin, night. Anita greets the passengers with her. work smile. Welcome, gentlemen. We've prepared a place in the back. Follow me, please. Rich woodwork gleams in soft, low light, rows of buttery leather, cream-colored seats beckon over exotic animal print rugs, large oval windows lined the craft's walls. With the ceiling tall enough that the two big guys don't have to hunch over and a width of nearly nine feet,

maneuvering the container is much easier here than up the stairs. There are two lavatories, one here and one aft. Back? We don't say back on a plane. Is it bad luck or something? It's taken from sailing, from ships. What's in there?

He points to a small room next to the cockpit. Crew quarters. Anyway, the other restroom is in the plane's aft through the galley. She gestures to a well-stocked restroom complete with a huge picture window. Arnie stops to gawk and then whistles. What of you to take a dump.

It's a bathroom, you fucking moron. Keep moving. They continue their trek through the jet. Interior, Gulfstream, 650, ER, living room slash bedroom, night. A plush sofa faces a 60-inch flat screen. An old-fashioned popcorn machine stands tethered in the corner. Once again, Arnie pauses to take it in. Nice. Go.

Jeez. Cliffs right, Arnie. Time is of the essence. Idris rings his sweaty hands, his face carrying the word expression of an expectant father. They keep moving. Interior, Gulfstream 650 ER cockpit night. Through the windscreen, runway lights outline their path as Captain Charles and Kevin prepare for takeoff. Left and right.

Clear. Goldstream 255, Tango, Yankee, runway, 25, clear for takeoff. Runway 25, clear for takeoff, Gulfstream 255-Tango Yankee. With a cheesy wink to Kevin. Here's mud in your eye. Charles pushes the throttle. Interior, Gulfstream 650 ER galley. A few minutes later.

A pulsing hum radiates from the pod. Idris double checks the milky sarcophagus. Everything seems to be working. Cliff towers in the doorway. Where did this thing come from? Not here Idris slides past him Cliff grimaces at the strange container

and follows the quirky little man leaving the pod alone A hiss seethes under the noise of the jet engine Air oozes into that tiny hole in the bottom Interior Gulfstream 650 ER Main Cabin Night A nervous silence hangs over the men

Arnie's knees bounce freeing boyish energy. He springs up and paces the aisle. Arnie inspects a handsome wooden console, roots inside it. Score. It's a liquor cabinet, stocked with rows and rows

of spiritus Polish vodka. He holds up a bottle. Hey, is this stuff any good? Reading the label. Damn, 190 proof! Put it back, you aren't guests. Bro. Do it, bro.

Arnie says the bottle on the console. Chill. Cliff Wright. When I get back, I want to hear nothing but quiet. Cliff moves towards the interior galley night. From the doorway, Cliff glares of the pod. Something about it gives him the creeps. He scurries around it like a kid afraid of a closet monster,

into the laboratory, and slides the door closed. The door's lock clicks. Unattended, the container purrs in the galley. And then, from within... Thumb. Interior hallway next to the cockpit night. Anita knuckles a tap on the door before entering. The interior cockpit night.

She peeks her head in. Gentlemen, need anything? Nothing for me, hon. She rubs the bridge of her nose with her middle finger. Do we have any more of that Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee? Oh, of course. However, it'll take a little bit longer. I need to grind some beans.

I'd love some. Anita leaves the man. Interior Galley night. The bathroom door creeps open, and Cliff's broad face pokes out. Did he hear something? He stares down at the container in front of him and peers into its milky plexiglass. Guess not. Shuddering from a hemi-G-V attack, Cliff bolts out of the room.

The pod sits alone again. Through its cloudy cover, a vague shadow ripples. Interior Cockpit Night Charles glances at his watch I'm gonna see a man about a horse Betty's in your control My control Charles moves out

As soon as he's out of sight Kevin mocks him I'm gonna see a man about a horse What a fucking douchebag Interior Galley Night A few minutes later The gurgle of the coffee pot

Anita stares off her mind a million miles away. Behind her, a stem, the color of mildewed clay, finds a small hole in the pond's latch. It pokes the... Pulson with its tiny tip. Interior, main cabin, night. Captain Charles strides by the seated men, barely acknowledging them.

Interior, galley, knight. Charles shuts the door behind him, powering over Anita. The stem snaps back into the pond, unseen. May I be of service? She doesn't turn around. Took you long enough. Mm. He spins her, pulling her into him.

No time to waste. He ravishes her breasts while she works his manhood. This isn't the first time they fucked in this kitchen. Interior, pod, night. Seen through the frosted pain, Captain Charles, flips Anita around, taking her from behind. He breathes into her ear. Let me cry that bean.

In the pod. From an alien POV, golden trails of energy spurt off the lover's grinding bodies. This energy-filled light floats into the pod. Whatever is in there slurps, it's a proof. Interior galley night. Unbeknownst to the screwing couple, the gray-green fiber stretches out of the pod lock again. A throbbing knob now at its tip. Interior cockpit night.

Kevin checks his watch. He mutters. Prostate issues, grandpa. The music you love. Your favorite radio stations. Everywhere you go. The podcasts everyone's talking about. All in one place. And it's free.

High heart radio. Whatever you want to hear. Listen anytime. Anywhere. Music, radio. Podcasts. Unlimited audio. I'm Hamza and I'm Martin and we're the host of out of character it's a podcast I know there's a lot of them going around but why should you listen to ours well we're only the best podcast in the entire world and we talk about pretty much everything under the sun for example music we're listening to underground music trending music drama in music worlds yes sometimes we even talk about just everyday mundane situations in our lives and our lives sometimes we even talk about just everyday mundane situations in our lives and our lives

lives like the cool Uber driver we just had? Or the food we just say that is surprisingly delicious. Or we'll talk about the med gala and the looks that they wore. Are they awesome? Are they trendy? Come find out. Because our opinion matters. And so does yours. And this is a place where all of our minds can come together and connect. So what are you waiting for? Come connect with us. Listen to out of character from Will Ferrell's Big Money Players Network on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Pods, or wherever you get your podcasts. It's Dramos and I want you to meet the

disruptors who are setting today's trends and discover those who are building what's next. People like Sebastian Yatra. Life is on the other side of fear. Introducing Global Flow, a new podcast where I sit down with disruptors across music, entertainment, business, and tech to break down what they're building, get the blueprints of how they got there, all while trying to figure out what's coming next. They'll share their stories, including not just the winds that we all see, but the moments they had to persevere through when everyone counted them out.

People like the co-founder of Buddy's Coffee, Rachel, who quickly went from being a New York Times success story to facing eviction. Being, you know, deemed a successful business by, like, you know, of, you know, this is New York as, like, a Puerto Rican girl from New York, who didn't finish college, who was like, I was like, holy crap. Like, I'm finally doing something. Like, maybe this is all working out. And then that day when the landlord comes in, it's like,

you, like, you, like, it all over that idea and he stepped on me. Listen to the global flow as a. part of the Michael Tura Podcast Network, available on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. Whether you're stepping up to the starting line of a marathon or just trying to take the first step toward a big, scary goal, the conversation in your head is usually the same.

Do I have what it takes? I'm Emily Abadi, and on Hurtle with Emily Abadi, we dive into the grit, vulnerability, and mindset that fuels our greatest comebacks. I talk to elite athletes, Olympic champions, industry change makers, and everyday runners about how they face self-doubt, redefine success, and keep moving forward when life gets heavy. I'd just love to say, I never know who's watching.

So you want to make sure you, you through and through, and you just stay true to who you are. Yeah, your path might change because different things come on your path to disrupt it, but it's just putting you on a new path, and the skills you have to have faith at the skills that you've learned and developed over time are going to continue to bring you success. When the world is burning and crashing around you, will you still say fight for your dream? Will you still say it's possible? Will you still believe you're a good person? Can you still see the brighter side of tomorrow?

It's motivation, real talk, and practical wisdom for life on and off the run. Listen to Hurtle with Emily Abadi on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, what's up y'all? It's Questlove. And on the Quest Love show, I've been sitting down with some really interesting people. And I've got two recent episodes you should check out. I caught up with my good friend Jojo to talk about her music, her career. career and what she's been up to.

Don't invite me to karaoke. I'm going to make it weird. Someone's going to try to sing, leave get out, or too little, too late, or baby to you. Oh, no. And I'm going to be like, okay, cool. I also caught up with Wally-267 for a conversation that covered his story, his perspective, and plenty more. I don't even call

a cheat day. That's a life day. I'm not doing nothing. Don't try to be slick and just go Sunday. Go Wednesday. This is what you do. Sleep later. Make a reservation for the rest of our later. Just chill. Listen to the music. you want to listen to. Just enjoy it.

It's going to be all right. Nothing's going to have you a wake up Wednesday. I'm like, ah, and you're going to feel better. And those are just two of the many recent episodes of the Questlove show. Listen to the Questlove show on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcast, wherever you get your podcast. Peace. Interior Galley Night.

Charles and Anita mash away, locked in a grunted rhythm. God, this feels good. Behind them, the foreign organ rocks from side to side, growing longer and longer. The lovers whispered. Tell me how much. Baby, you know. No, no, no, no, tell me. This is all I think about.

Tell me you love me. Sure, yeah. Tell me. I love you. You. I love you, too. Oh, I can't wait for us to be together. Oh, oh.

Good morning. Interior, main cabin, night. Three men in different stages of boredom. Arnie wines. I can't believe you guys won't let me at least play Candy Crush. You were never here. You can go without your phone for an hour, God. Defeated Arnard.

Arnie takes a deep breath. That coffee smells good. And I don't even like coffee. Idris inhales. It sure it does. Do you think I could get a Coke? Will it make you shut up? Yeah.

Arnie rockets up. Would you mind getting me a coffee, Arnie? Sure thing, Idris. Interior, living room, slash bedroom night. Arnie revels in the trappings of the billionaire rich. He sniffs out the flat screens remote and clicks it on. Thousands of movies at his disposal. He selects the old Steve McQueen movie, The Blob.

The melodramatic score covers Anita and Charles banging away on the other side of the door. Classic. Stretching out on the sofa, the light of the horror flick washes over his simple face. Arnie jumps up to investigate the street vendor popcorn machine in the corner. His sleuthing uncovers oil and kernels in a nearby cabinet. He pours them into the kettle, very satisfied with himself. and switches it on. Interior Cockpit Knight.

Kevin checks his watch again. What is taking that geezer so long? Interior Galley Knight. Charles plows into Anita. Nearly there, driving, thrusting. Behind the lovers, the strange tendril pushes at the latch. Anita moans.

Tell me, tell me. Pulsing in time with them, the stem reaches. I love you. I love you. Stretching. Almost there. Say Olivia.

Charles moans in ecstasy. So close. Almost. Say it. Almost. Say it. Come on, baby. Say it.

Click that. I can't yet. Oh, Freed. Anita has her pants up in one cat like. Come on. Don't. be like that? I can't leave her now. You're never going to leave her.

She huffs out, slamming the door behind her. Charles bellows a half-hearted plea but doesn't follow her. It's Christmas. A tentacle slides around Charles' throat and pulls with such strength. This head tears away from his body.

A volcano of blood rush. Sure. Yeah. Interior, living room slash bedroom night. Anita storms in. Cheeks flushed from sex and rage. Her eyes land on the cheesy horror film on the screen. What are you doing?

Arnie clicks the TV off. Nothing? Sorry? She continues through the cabin. Can I get a Coke? Will you give me a moment? My apologies. Oh, sure. I'll just get him.

She waves but keeps moving. The waterworks are on their way and she doesn't want the knuckle drag her to see her cry. Pop, pop, pop, pop, popcorn colonel's bird to the kettle. Now for that cock. Whistling, Arnie glides the galley door. Interior, front, nose, laboratory, night. Anita throws her heartbroken self inside. Finally alone, the tears come. Glaring at herself in mirror. You dumbass! Spits at her reflection, and then quickly wipes it off. Another holiday alone.

Dabbing a little water on her face, she inhales a deep cleansing breath. You're a walking cliche. Knock, knock. If you think you can just say you're sorry. She jerks the door open. Kevin. Great. Oh.

Sorry for what? Nothing. That time of the month? She spears a disgusted sigh. What do you want? Where's Charles? How do I know? It was flying the plane. It's fine. I turned on George. I need to use the can. What are you? Five? You can't hold your bladder for an hour?

Maybe it's not my bladder. Oh, gross. You've got your license, right? I'm short a few hours, but... Well, here's your chance to get some time. Fine. They trade places Interior

Galley Night Arnie slides the door open to Absolute Carnage Door on every surface It's even dripping off the ceiling Arnie has seen a lot in his young life But nothing like A small green blob about the size of an iPhone

Sprawls on Charles' chest Rippling out of the creature Are hundreds of stems They roll and lurches into every hole of the captain's body. Arnie's jaw unhinges to release a full-throated scream. The little wimper's just killed. Interior Cockpit Night.

Anita in Charles's seat. Cry singing. Without you. Interior hallway next to the cockpit, night. Kevin Grimmis is on the other side of the door. Cringe. This chick is definitely going through some shit. Interior cockpit night. Kevin sticks his head in.

Wow, you are a terrible singer. Anita wipes her wet face. How was your little potty break? Well, it all worked out in the end. Oh, ew! He grins. Oh, you are extra cranky tonight. You mean, bitchy?

You said it, not me. I thought you wanted to fly. I do, but... But what? Nothing. They sit in Stony's silence. This whole night's been weird, don't you think? I'm ready for a drink.

What's new? What does that mean? Her condescending hand pats his shoulder. I'll go check on Charles. He waits until she's gone. Yeah, it's definitely that time of the month. Interior Main Cabin Night. Arnie's muffled scream pierces the closed door.

Cliff and Idris lock eyes. Idris! Idris! Cliff jumps up, but Idris holds out his arm, shaking his head. No, don't move. He got out! Idris! He got out!

Idris creeps to the doorway and whispers through it. Arnie, listen to me. Be quiet. You are only attracting attention to yourself. Okay. Address and find a place to have it and stay still. We have to land the plane. What?

You hurt me? No. You have to deliver. That was the deal. Then we're all going to die. Interior Galley Night. The smooth, faceless organism turns. And for a split second, it takes on Charles' features.

It beholds Arnie with a crooked grin. Alien POV. Golden energy swirls around the man-boy's stupefied face. Interior living room slash bedroom. Pop! Pop! The kettle brims with popcorn. Arnie dies behind the machine and makes himself as small as he can. Eyes squeezed tight.

The creature snakes to the top of the machine. The heat from the glass sizzles its skin. The creature releases a... Yip! It slitters away. The machine starts to smoke. Interior, main cabin, night. Anita smooths herself down,

donning her professional persona. She notices Cliff and Idra standing. Their attention fixed on the closed bedroom door. Is there a problem, gentlemen? Cliff puts his finger to his lips. Shh. What's going on? Shut up.

She hardens. Charles is... back there. Idris meets Cliff's gaze, but they don't look at her. That's all she needs to know. She flies to the door, opens it. Interior, living room slash bedroom, night. Through the haze, Charles's crumpled, headless body.

Something snakes to the side of her. Arnie jumps out from behind a popcorn machine. And shoves her back into the main cabin. He's right behind her when, Thack! An alien limb rips through Arnie's stomach. His wide eyes fix on Idris. The appendage wraps around his body, wrenching him back. And then Arne is gone.

Cliff slammed the door shut. Interior main cabin night. Scoops up the hysterical Anita. She kicks and punches him to no avail. Charles! Cliff marches her into the Interior Flight Crew Quarter's night and tosses her into the chairs.

Stay here. What is that? I don't know. She wails. Look at me. I'm on it. Cliff. I don't know.

But you need to get your shit together. Click it off. Okay. She manages a nod. And wipe that snort off your face. She flips him off. That's my girl. Oh.

Interior main cabin, night. Cliff returns to find Idris, frozen, staring at the door. An awful slurping noise at the other side. Slur. Slurping. Slur. Arley, was you a great kid? I shouldn't have a group to do this.

This is all my fault. We'll get it under control. Tell me what to do to stop it. I don't know. What do you mean? What do you mean you don't know? I don't know. Stop it.

How did you ever have it under control? He came to us this way. The vacuum of space served as a sort of sedation. And it was always contained. He glowers at Idris. You short, sighted, fucker. Interior cockpit night. An endless ebony night extends beyond Kevin's.

silhouette. Oh, I should have asked for coffee. He stretches, cracks his neck, yons. Interior flight crew quarters night. Anita's shaky hands fumble her phone. She managed to dial Miss Jagoda. She presses the phone to her ear and waits. Two rings. Interior Hospital Room Night. Super, Kansas City, Missouri. A girl, seven-ish, wearing a a headscarf and too many IVs, sits up in her bed. She cradles an exquisitely gift-wrapped box. For me? Darya Jogoda, 32, halfway through her Christmas charity work, smiles at the sweet girl.

Happy holidays. The little one lifts the lid, and her innocent face breaks into a giant grin. How did you know? I have my ways. Darya's phone buzzes in her $1,200 cashmere, hoodie's pocket. She slides it out. Anita. I'll be right back, dear. Beaming, the girl holds up a gorgeous pink dress against her frail body.

Darya throws her a kiss and exits. Is that why you're wearing pink today, too? Yes. That's awesome. Interior Hospital Hallway Night. Three oversized bodyguards and dark suits hover around the doorway. One of them holds a red and white Santa bag brimming with holiday-themed treasures. Daria strides past them, taking the call. Anita!

Hello, my darling. Hi, Darya. Sorry to bother you. We have an issue. A issue? Interior and flight crew quarters night. Anita swallows her terror and collects herself. With a shipment?

Inner cut. Darya lowers her voice very concerned. What happened? There was some kind of... creature and cut out. Darya lets out a long, troubled breath. Sweetie,

first and foremost, is everyone okay? Anita shakes her head, forgetting that Darya can't see her. Anita? Dear. Darya snaps at one of the suits motioning for him to distribute the rest of the presence. She returns to the call.

Anita's face breaks. No, Charles. Darya's hand goes to her mouth. Oh, no. You poor thing. What a nightmare. Anita quietly sobs. What is that thing?

Darya's eyes narrow. I'll track you, but confirm your location as soon as you land. Anita nods her head. Copy that? Darya strains to hear. Hello? On the other end, Anita's eyes dart around the room. Anita.

Yeah, yeah, sorry. Yes, yes. Copy that. Darya's voice drips with concern. It's going to be okay. I'm holding the intention. Say it together. Anita glances around, slightly embarrassed.

Everything will be fine. Yes. Good, good. Okay, I'll be with you sooner. Anita. Yes? Don't forget your Uwajai breathing. It's very calming in high-stress situations.

Dari hands her phone to a bodyguard. Anita frowns the phone before stuffing into her pants pocket and sneaking out. She ducks into the interior cockpit night off her rattled face. What's going on? I spoke to Mr. Gota. She said we need to land the plane. We're only 40 minutes out. Now.

She checks a map screen. We could land at BBG. It's almost underneath us. There's nothing there. It's Branson, Missouri. Our cargo, it got out. What is it, like a tiger or something? I don't know what it is.

I hope I'm asleep, and this is the most of my cargo. fucked up nightmare I've ever had, but Charles is... She shrieks. Okay, okay, we'll land in BBG. Into his headset. This is Gulfstream 25 Tango, Yankee. We need emergency clearance to land at ETA four minutes. I saw that.

I was hoping no one else would notice. It's one more five. Okay. This is Gulfstream 255 Tango Yankee. need emergency clearance to land. ETA four minutes. He waits. Repeat, this is Gulfstream 255 Tango Yankee. We need to land now. Hello, is anyone there? Kevin checks his watch. It's 11.13 p.m. guitar is probably close. We're coming anyway. He shrugs and presses the yoke forward.

The music you love at radio stations. Everywhere you go. The podcasts everyone's talking about. All in one place. And it's free. Whatever you want to hear Listen anytime, anywhere Music, radio, podcasts, unlimited audio. It's on the free of subscription. Always free. Grab the free app.

Download the free IR Radio app today. I'm Hamza. And I'm Martin. And we're the hosts of Out of Character. It's a podcast, I know. There's a lot of them to listen to these days. How are you going to get to us? Well, there's a specific reason why you should listen to us.

We are the best podcast in the entire world. I swear. I know. bold, but why don't we list some of the things we might talk about on a regular episode? So sometimes we'll talk about, I don't know, the Uber driver we just had. And how nice they were, or if we tipped them or not, come and find out. Sometimes we'll talk about that weird news story from last week. It's the one you're thinking about, trust me.

Or maybe we'll talk about music and what's happening in the underground or drama in music or TV shows or the Met Gala and what the actors wore. What we're saying is we're not afraid to talk about everything under the sun. And if you want to see what that's like, come join us. It's a place where everyone can hang out, anyone. Wherever you're from, whatever you're like, you're welcome. Listen to out of character from Will Ferrell's Big Money Players Network. On the IHeart Radio app, Apple Pods, or wherever you get your podcasts.

It's Dramos, and I want you to meet the disruptors who are setting today's trends and discover those who are building what's next. People like Sebastian Yatra. Life is on the other side of fear. Introducing Global Flow, a new podcast, where I sit down with disruptors across music, entertainment, business, and tech to break down what they're building, get the blueprint to how they got there, all while trying to figure out what's coming next. They'll share their stories, including not just the winds that we all see, but the moments they had to persevere through when everyone counted them out. People like the co-founder of Buddy's Coffee, Rachel, who quickly went from being a New York Times success story to facing eviction.

Being, you know, deemed a successful business by, like, you know, a new guy. to New York Times, like, as like a Puerto Rican girl from New York, who didn't finish college. He was like, I was like, holy crap. Like, I'm finally doing something. Like, maybe this is all working out. And then that day when the landlord comes in, it's like, you like, you like,

it all over that idea and he stepped on me. Listen to the global flow as a part of the Michael Tura podcast network, available on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. Whether you're stepping up to the starting line of a marathon or just trying to take the first step toward a big, scary goal, The conversation in your head is usually the same. Do I have what it takes?

I'm Emily Abadi, and on hurdle with Emily Abadi, we dive into the grit, vulnerability, and mindset that fuels our greatest comebacks. I talk to elite athletes, Olympic champions, industry change makers, and everyday runners about how they face self-doubt, redefined success, and keep moving forward when life gets heavy. I'd just love to say, I never know who's watching. So you want to make sure you, you through and through, and you just stay true to who you are. Yeah, your path might change because different things come on your path to disrupt it, but it's just putting you on a new path and the skills you have to have faith at the skills that

you've learned and developed over time are going to continue to bring you success. When the world is burning and crashing around you, will you still say fight for your dream? Will you still say it's possible? Will you still believe you're a good person? Can you still see the brighter side of tomorrow? It's motivation, real talk, and practical wisdom for life on and off the run. Listen to Hurtle with Emily Abadi on the IHeart Radio app. Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Hey, what's up y'all? It's Questlove. And on the Questlove show, I've been sitting down with some really interesting people. And I've got two recent episodes you should check out. I caught up with my good friend Jojo to talk about her music, her career, and what she's been up to. Don't invite me to karaoke. I'm going to make it weird. Someone's going to try to sing, leave get out, or too little, too late, or baby to you.

Oh, no. And I'm going to be like, okay, cool. I also caught up with Wally 267 for a conversation that covered his story, his perspective, and plenty more. I don't even call it cheat day. That's a life day. I'm not doing nothing. Don't try to be slick and just go Sunday. Go Wednesday.

This is what you do. Sleep later. Make a reservation for the rest of a while later. Just chill. Listen to the music you want to listen to. Just enjoy it. It's going to be all right. Nothing's going to have you.

You're going to wake up Wednesday. I'm like, ah, and you're going to feel better. And those are just two of the many recent episodes. of the Questlove show. Listen to the Questlove show on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcast, wherever you get your podcast.

Peace. Interior main cabin night. Haze from the burning popcorn rolls under the door. Fucking hell. Hundreds of tiny tentacles explore the sides of the door. Looking for a way out, they feel around,

taking hold. Crack. It rips the door off its track. The door disappears into the bedroom, revealing a room shrouded in fog. Cliff slides a Ruger SR-22 from his shoulder holster. He peers into the room. Across the sofa, sprawls Arnie's mangled, husked body.

Idra staggers back, terrified. He never takes his eyes off the dark lump that was Arnie. He moans. I failed him. We don't have to have to have that bullshit and shove it deep down. Doc. Cliff creeps backwards. away from the bodies, scanning for anything that moves.

Nothing. Then, he sees it. Hiding in the smoke. Something... Something... Hiding in the smoke. Something resembling a translucent, disease spider, slithers across the ceiling,

pulled along by hundreds of legs. Alien POV. View from above. A crying man in a chair. Energy crackles throughout the room. But bold lines float from the man's head. Main cabin. The creature warms towards Idris.

Cliff's mouth falls open. Terrified. He whispers. It's coming at you. Idris doesn't move. Idris! It slinks closer. Closer.

Get up! Edris weeps. Idris! The creature dangles from above, and then... Plop. It falls on him. Is there something on my head? Cliff nods in horror.

Idris doesn't fight back as the alien globs slurps and sucks and pulls and rips. The skin from Edress's scalp dissolves and batches, pieces of his skull exposed. Appendages burrow into Idris' scald. slumped body, draining every bit of life force from him. Waw! Waw! The fire alarm bleats out. Oxygen masks fall from the ceiling.

The bouncing, flailing tubing moves like the horrible creature's limbs. The alien scurries away. Interior, cockpit, night. A master warning light flares. An oxygen mask jangles in front of Kevin's concerned face. A fire? Geez, what the hell is going on? Anita ignores him.

She's trying to dissociate, but it's really hard with the alarm and Kevin's yammering. Anita, I need you to check it out. He snaps in front of her face. Hey, get up and go see what's going on. You want me to go out there? Yeah, I'm the pilot, and I'm ordering you.

But... Oh, but what? But what, huh? You can't, because you're a girl. Is that what you were going to say? No. It was. Get up and do your fucking job. You haven't seen it. You don't know.

It's a fire on a plane. Fine! Rising, her shaky legs plead with her not to do this. Interior main cabin, night. Cliff backs up. Where is that fucker? Maw. Waw.

The fire alarm rattles his skull. He tiptoes back. One step. At. Interior, flight crew quarter. Knight. Made it. Sliding in, Cliff shuts the door

and looks down in his piss-soaked pants. Calm down. Pussy. He presses his ear against the door. All he can hear is that damn alarm. Interior, main cabin, Knight. Anita stalks through the smoke. Waw. Waw. Wong.

Eter's... Eter's... I want that as a ringtone. Idris's caved-in head slumps back on his shoulders. His dead, open eyes stare at her. The plane, making its quick descent, lurches Edress's body at her. She slaps her hand over her mouth to keep from screaming.

She calms herself before taking two more steps. When? Something grabs her from behind. It's Cliff. He forces her into the tiny, room. Interior, flight crew quarters, night. Cliff wheels around and shoves Anita into the chair. What are you doing? Kevin made me check on the fire. Stay here. You don't need to be walking around with that thing out there. This is exactly what she wanted to hear. Thank you. She motions for him to leave.

I'll open the door when you get back. I'm not going out there. Cliff, it's a fire on a plane. Yeah, it's just smoke from that stupid popcorn machine. You don't know that? We'll be down soon. Try to relax. But... I said, shut up. No, you didn't. You said relax.

I... He points his gun at her. I said, shut up. Okay. Interior cockpit night. Surrounded by the Ozark Mountains, the faint lights of Branson Airport, BBG, emerge.

Kevin wipes his brow and checks his brow and checks his watch. What is taking so long? He grabs a handset. Interior, main cabin, night. Through the PA system, Kevin's voice fills the smoky plane. Flight crew prepare for landing. Interior, flight crew quarters, night.

Over the speaker. Anita, come to the cockpit. Anita rolls her eyes. Oh, now he wants me to come to the cockpit. She rises from her seat, but Cliff pushes her down again. Dayput. Am I a prisoner? I'm trying to keep you alive.

Dumbass. Interior Cockpit Night. The jet touches down in a flawless landing. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you. With a flourish of his arm. Perfection! Exterior Branson Airport, BBG. Ramp, Night.

Gleaming and pristine, the Gulf Stream's sleek exterior belies the bloodbath inside. Interior Cockpit Night. Kevin scrambles out of his seat. On second thought, he grabs the hand. handset again. Interior flight crew quarters, night. Over the loudspeaker. Okay, we're here. Clif shakes his head. Great. Another moron. He holds up his gun, opens the door, steps out. Interior, outside the cockpit door, night. Cliff presses his face against the door. The faintest whisper.

Kevin. Yeah, man, what the fuck is going on? Interior cockpit night. Kevin opens the door. The bellowing of the fire alarm follows Cliff in. Cliff slams the door shut behind him, muffling the assault of ringing. Where's Anita? Is the fire in the galley? Cliff sighs.

He numbers off on his fingers. One, don't care about the fire. Two, that thing is loose. Three, everyone but Anita, you and me, is dead. Kevin hesitates before offering his brilliant response. Shit. I'm going to pick up Anita, and we're going to get off the plane. Wait, wait, wait, wait.

Kevin scans a cockpit for a possible weapon. Nothing but the fire extinguisher. He clutches it to his chest. You don't need that. It's something. Cliff relents. Whatever. And puts a meaty paw on Kevin's shoulder.

Let me go first. With a series of sacking up breaths. Cliff's out the door Interior hallway next to the cockpit night Kevin coweres behind the massive man Cliff lightly taps on the crew door with the gun

We're leaving Anita appears Ready purse on her shoulder A thump to the right of Cliff He spins wielding the 22 The incessant bleeding of the fire alarm makes it impossible to hear anything else Kevin peeks out from behind Cliff's giant back

Everything seems fine rich woodwork, leather, blood, pieces of Idris's head. To release the exit door, they need to press the button at the top right. It's only a few feet away, but it might as well be miles. The creature crawls out of Edress's chest. Now the size of a Labrador retriever. Oh, fuck. The creature snaps a melty Edrus face his way.

Kevin doesn't move. He contemplates fainting. Anita's screams bring him back. One scream. Oh, sorry. One scream. Anita's scream brings him back. Cliff seeing an opportunity.

Nabs Anita by her hair. Kevin, all distracted. You grab the door. Wait, wait, what? What? Distracted. Yeah. He grinsed down at Anita. Come on, gorgeous.

You know what it's like to be a piece of meat, don't you? Cliff directs her body towards the creature. What are you doing? She slaps at this giant arm trying to break free. Let go over, man. Don't worry about her. She's busy serving dinner. Get the door.

On the count of three, hit the door. Anita thrashes, desperate. One? No, let go of me. Two? Kevin stands frozen. Come on, nod if you're with me. Kevin slowly nods.

Decision made. Three. Kevin smashes the fire extinguisher into Cliff's skull. Oh, what the fuck? Cliff releases Anita, bringing his hand to the back of his head. Blood rushing from his scalp. He staggers, desperately trying to stay upright. Kevin kicks him on top of the monster.

Cliff clambers backward in sheer panic. Kevin smacks the exit door pad. The door whores in response. Cliff empties his weapon into the creature. The alien's body absorbs the bullets, immediately shrinking to the size of a large house cat. Out of ammo, Cliff throws the useless gun at the monster. The alien rises up.

It's underbelly a cavernous hole filled with rows and rows of fangs. The mouth opens and closes in rhythm with the fire alarm, like it's screaming. Wha! W! Wack! Alien appendage tears through the bodyguard's chest with such force, but it blasts his body into the hall. It pounces on top of Cliff, settling on his stomach. Before Cliff's mouth can release its wiggle, yowl.

The creature plunged another appendage down his throat. The door and exit stairs finished their automated unfurling. Kevin reaches for Anita. Come on! She grabs his hand, and he yanks her out the door and down the stairs. End of part one. Excellent job. I got a couple of things.

We get it. You have a lot of podcasts to choose from. So many. Too many. But low key, this is not your typical podcast. We want you to listen if you want to. We won't make you. That's why it's called.

Listen if you want to. And here's why you'll want to. We'll be your BFFs to tell you what to watch. We'll tell you who you need to care about when it comes to celebrity stuff. Sometimes we'll just talk about random things and you'll actually give a shh. Listen to. Listen if you want to on the IHeart Radio app. podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

Back to school is here and you know what that means. Dirty Rush is on. As campuses come back to life and Rush Week kicks into high gear, we're taking you inside the mysterious journey of a sorority girl, from pledging to initiation and just about everything in between. Join me, Gia Judice, Daisy Kent, and Jen Fessler. Dirty Rush takes you deep inside Greek life. Let's get dirty.

Listen to Dirty Rush on the IHRRRRRR radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.