The Amelia Project - Episode 91 - Joseph and his Dreams (700 BC)

Episode Date: July 24, 2025

"I want to take you to Canaan, where we met a striking young man with a coat of many colours and a head full of dreams..." Maybe you know the story of Joseph and his multicoloured coat from the Book of Genesis, or maybe you know it from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical... but you've never heard the story told like this! The Amelia Project is a production of Imploding Fictions. This episode featured Alan Burgon as The Interviewer, Hemi Yeroham as Kozlowski, Peter Wicks as Joseph, Torgny G Aandraa as Cole, Benjamin Noble as Haines, Erin King as Mia, Jordan Cobb as Jackie, Julia C. Thorne as Alvina, Philip Thorne as Mr. Boardman, Josh Callahan as Matthias and introducing Rose Thorne as the young Cole. The episode was written and edited by Philip Thorne, with direction by Philip Thorne and Oystein Brager, story editing by Oystein Brager, sound design by Alexander Danner, music by Fredrik Baden, graphic design by Anders Pedersen and production assistance by Maty Parzival. Thanks to Chris Pepper for providing inspiration. The episode was recorded at Theme Studio in London and Nitro Studio in Oslo. Website: https://ameliapodcast.com/  Transcripts: https://ameliapodcast.com/season-5  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ameliapodcast Donations: https://ameliapodcast.com/support Merch: https://ameliapodcast.dashery.com/  Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theameliaproject.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameliapodcast/ Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/ameliapodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where am I? Welcome to Desert Skies, traveler. Your journey through the physical plane has come to an end. I am the attendant. My colleague here is the mechanic. This is your last stop on your way to the great beyond. It's our job to make sure you're prepared for the ride. Now before hitting the road, we have an impressive selection of over 34 varieties of microwavable

burritos. Um, what's going on? There's gotta be a better afterlife than this. I mean, come on! Uh, that's offensive. Something seems to be wrong here. You left something major undone. I have a life outside of this gas station, you know.

You quite literally do not. Any hobbies? Nope. Ever travel? Nope. Love interests? Are you kidding? Oh my god.

You're like the human version of a plain bagel. Cash register. How can I help you, attendant? Play some music? You got it. It's kind of funny though. What I needed wasn't back there. It was here, waiting for me. I wonder what it feels like to be a human being. I'm not sure if I'm a human being. I'm not sure if I'm. It's kind of funny though. What I needed

wasn't back there. It was here, waiting for me. I wonder what it feels like, Mech. To miss the physical plane, the people you left behind. You know I had a wife who died three years ago. Wish I could go back. No, you don't need to go back. You just need to be here. And a new traveler approaches. Ready team? Ready! Good. Let's do this. Find desert skies wherever you listen to podcasts. This episode is dedicated to Tiffany Duffy who will tragically collapse while attempting to blow up a balloon and will reappear as a playground designer in Sweden. Thank you Tiffany and thanks

to all our patrons who allow us to keep this death faking agency alive. Enjoy the show. The tea is almost finished and we are entering the final stretch. Soon I will tell you the stories about how it all began, but before that I want to take you to Canaan, where we met a striking young man with a coat of many colors and a head full of dreams. I am sure you can guess to whom I am referring.

No. Of course, you are not religious, Mia. But you, Jackie, do you know who I am talking about? Jackie? Mia? Jackie? Mia? Patience. Chickens. I'm professional. Ready? What? You've got your gun. Of course.

Why? The surgeon's going to escape. And we're going to follow. Oh, of course. Yeah, yeah. I wonder where I'll go. I bet he'll take us to the others. Oh, yeah, yeah.

Once we've got them all in one place, we alert North Cod. Should be forced to give us promotions. Why isn't he going? He's just sitting there. Go, go, go! This is your chance! What an idiot! Maybe he's biding his time. Waiting until he's sure theysure they're fast asleep?

Yeah... ...maybe. Hmm. Pity we didn't get to hear the next story. No, we've heard dozens. What difference does one more make? Well, I... ...happened to be kind of interested in that one.

Which one? The one he was about to tell. Well, how'd you know which one he was about to tell if he didn't tell it? Don't be dim, Haynes. What? You do know who he was hinting at, right? Someone from the Bible? Honestly, Haynes, it's a really famous story. You're religious? Not Then what's the big deal? It... It... Was... Yes? It was my first big role. Role? Yeah.

What the fuck are you talking about, mate? At school. Every year we put on a play. At police school? Not police school, primary school. Right. First we did Noah's Ark and I played a hippo. And then we did the Seven Days of Creation and I played a dandelion. Cole I really don't give a... But then we did Joseph and... That's the fellow. Joseph. Yeah the bloke with the dreams.

Yes exactly and that was me. Great. Mum was so proud. She bought heaps of fabric and made a massive gown, spent a fortune on it. I'm sure you looked splendid. I did. I'm surprised you never considered a career in showbiz. You know, it's funny you say that. Because actually, Father Bruce... Oh no! What?

The surgeon! Look! Did he go... Relax, Saints, he's still right there. Yeah, but look! What? The surgeon. Look. Did he go? Relax, Zanes. He's still right there. Yeah, but look. What? His head's slumped on Jackie's shoulder.

Are you sure? It's pretty dark. Listen. He's fallen asleep. He's sleeping. Can you believe it? What an absolute shit criminal. Are we the only professionals here? Why didn't he run away?

Beats me. Moron. So, anyway, as I was saying, Father Bruce... Father Bruce? What are you blabbering about, Cole? He was the local vicar, and he came to see the people. You're still talking about your kindergarten play? Primary school. Oh. Oh, he was the local vicar and he came to see the... You're still talking about your kindergarten play? Primary school.

Oh. And he told me that I had real potential. And he invited us to perform at church the next Sunday. And Mr. Boardman was so chuffed. Mr. Boardman, that was our headmaster. He had written the play himself, you see. And there were lots of lines to learn. And anyway, the next Sunday, a whole class went to church.

Mum was sitting in the front pew there. to learn and anyway the next Sunday a whole class went to church mum was sitting in the front pew there and when I came out on stage it was Haynes? Haynes? Haynes? Haynes? Haynes? Heinz, Heinz. Unbelievable. Unbefucking believable. Unbefucking believable. Oh, my God. The The Amelia Project, created by Philip Thorne and Øystein Ulspek Braga, with music and sound direction by Frederick Barden and sound design by Alexander Danner. Dreams, 700 BC.

Hot, hot today. Hot yesterday and the day before that. Yes, that's true. Yes. Waterless and dry. Yes, but I wouldn't give for a camel's hump right about now. Oh, oh look at that dune. That one. Look at it. Ah. Ah.

It was over there yesterday. That cloud disappeared. Yes, well it must have been very windy to move that dune from there to there in one day. Arthur. Yes? There. Where? On the horizon.

Oh, yes. What is that? A peacock. A peacock with the most extraordinary plumage. I do not think so. It is too big. A flamingo? No. I do not think so. It is too big. A flamingo?

No, I do not think so. It has too many colors. A multicolored ostrich? Maybe. Yes? Maybe it is a coquetryse. I have always wanted to see a coquetryse. Kohath? Yes? I have always wanted to see a cockatrice. Heh heh. Uh... Ah... Hmph. Gohath? Yes?

I don't think it's an animal. I think... Is it... Yes, I think it's a man. Indeed it is! Look, he's coming straight towards us. Oh, he seems in a hurry. Look how his coat flaps in the wind.

It is an extraordinary coat. It is the most eye-catching garment I have ever seen. Me too, yes. So many colors. So many colors. Sunset and silver and plum and brown and white and ash and ochre and peach and poppy and rose and... Kohath, do you think this might be a client?

With clothes like that, he must have money. And if he has money, he has enemies. Yes, he may need our services. Well, who do you think he is? A king from a foreign land? We shall soon find out. Yes. I mean, soon is relative.

I mean, the desert is very large. Um, should we walk towards him, maybe? Nah! Let him come to us. Right, yes. Right, look at him go. I mean, it is a very long way. Do you think he'll make it? Well, if he's serious, then yes. If he's not, then... Let him walk back.

Right. Should we take bets? Bets? Yes. Yes. On whether he's real. On whether he... Oh, you mean... or whether he's a mirage? We have seen a lot of those over the past few days, that's true. We have, remember the giant cockroach?

Yes, being chased by the tiny elephant. Yes, that was a sight to behold. Ah... Happy days. Happy days. Happy hot days. I bet he turns around. I bet he collapses.

You are on. Turn around. Go on, collapse man, collapse. Turn around, little colored person. Oh, oh, ah, ah, ah, ah, he almost did, you see that? His knee did that thing when you're walking and all of a sudden it stops working. No. I promise you, any moment in five...

Turn around....four... Turn around....three... Two... Listen to my voice....one... Fall down. He's still going. He must be very hot in that coat. I'm very hot sitting here and we've got the shade of the canopy and just in my underwear.

That looks like a thick coat. You're sure we shouldn't walk towards him just a little? Arthur, you need to rest. Your limbs need time to heal. Oh, I'm fine. Stop fussing. I almost lost you, Arthur. It won't happen again, okay? We will never do another death by collapsing temple. That was a terrible idea. Oh, it was a stroke of genius. It almost cost you your life.

Ah, but it didn't, did it? You cannot count on me always being there, you know. It was quite the spectacle though. It was. Ah! You took it this morning as instructed. What? Patience! Oh yes, yes, yes. It's so salty. Yuck. You are still complaining about the taste.

But I mean, can't you do something to make it taste any better? I mean, can't we mix it with wine or something? Wine tastes good. Look! He is almost here. Oh, he did that quicker than I thought. Impressive. Yes, he made good time. A king would not have the stamina. This must be a man used to physical activity, used to the outdoors. Oh, the coat is even more impressive from up close. Flamingo and blue and russet and grey and purple and azure and orange and lemon and... Good day, gentlemen.

Oh! I won the bet. Oh dear. Do you think he's all right? I told you we should have met him half way. Let us bring him inside the Buryuta jar and give him a glass of wine. By wine do you mean... I just mean wine.

Right. He is merely fainted. Okay. and olive and snow and fawn and lilac and gold and mauve and cream and crimson and silver and rose and... Oh! Hello. Where am I? What is this place? It is our tent. And we are... You are the brothers?

We are the brotherhoods. I left my flocks to see you. Oh, you're a shepherd. If you do not mind me saying, your attire is rather unusual for a shepherd. Yes, very impractical. You do not like your coat? I feel so self-conscious. Yeah, it is hardly discreet.

It is dashing. You cut quite the figure. If you do not like it, then why wear it? Mum would be very offended if I didn't. It is a gift from your mother. She made it herself. Used the most expensive fabric, spent a fortune on it. She must love you very much.

Too much. It is natural for a mother to spoil her children. No, just me. Sorry? She only spoils me. My siblings have holes in their tunics and share one pair of sandals between them. How many siblings do you have?

Eleven. Whee! And why does your mother treat you so differently from the rest? I'm her favourite child. Your siblings must be very jealous. That's putting it mildly. It was bad enough when it was just the dreams, but now this colt has really sent them over the edge. Dreams? What?

You said it was bad enough when it was just the dream. Yes. What do you mean? Oh, oh I have these really weird dreams. Sorry, I thought you knew. What? How could we? What kind of weird dreams? Like this one for example. Which one? This one. You mean this encounter we are having right now? Yes. We are in your dream. Yes. You're dreaming about Kohath and I. Yes.

I think you are wrong. I think I am the one who is dreaming. Excuse me. You are in my dream. What? Yes, it makes sense. You see, I was about to tell Mia and Jack your story, but they fell asleep. I must have fallen asleep too, and now, well,

I am dreaming, dreaming about you. Oh, that is ridiculous. Wait, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. You've got this all wrong. I was about to tell Alvina the story. Alvina? Then I fell asleep. Alvina.

It is clearly my dream. Arthur? Roslovski? I thought his name was Kohath. Roslovski, we meet again. It is clearly my dream. Arthur? Koclowski? I thought his name was Kohath. Koclowski! We meet again. Arthur! You are telling this story to Alvina?

Yes. Right now? Yes. I'm confused. Where are you? Where are you Arthur? Tell me! Tell me where you are!

Cole. Cole. What? I'm eavesdropping on their dreams. I can hear them too. We have access to their subconscious. Well, this will be very interesting. Who knows what we'll find there?

Huh. Except it's not real, is it? What do you mean? It's not real is it what do you mean it's not real we're dreaming we're dreaming yeah are you dreaming me or am I dreaming you I'm dreaming you I must be dreaming you you don't look like you well you're you're saying no I'm not saying no I mean I'm dreaming you saying but your head is massive he said that just sometimes no it's like unnaturally massive that's just the moon by shh listen what Listen. What?

Can you hear that? No. Someone else. Someone else. Somewhere else. Who is it? I don't know, but I can hear them breathing. There. Do you hear that?

I think they just moved. You're imagining it. No, no, no, no. I think someone is listening to us. Yes! Someone is eavesdropping. Don't be silly. We're eavesdropping on the Surgeon. Yes, and I think someone else is eavesdropping. Don't be silly. We're eavesdropping on the surgeon.

Yes, and I think someone else is eavesdropping on us eavesdropping on the surgeon. Someone is listening to this conversation right now. I'm sure of it. It sounds highly unlikely. Stop listening to us. Stop it. How are you, Arthur? I am not well. You have been taking it as instructed. Listening to us. Stop it! How are you, Arthur? I am not well.

You have been taking it as instructed. What? Patience! I have no more patience. Me neither! I have lost my patience with you two. Can we please get back to my- I do not have long.

I need you, Kozlovsky. Arthur, I will come to you. Tell me where you are now! I am- Can you please tend to your personal business later? Sorry? This is about my case. Sorry, where were we again?

I was telling you that I have strange dreams. What kind of strange dreams? Like this one, for example. Which one? This one. You mean... No, no, no. We are about to go around in circles. Tell us about another dream. Another dream?

Yes. Very well. Just last week I had a dream that was so vivid. My siblings and I were out in the fields, binding sheaves of grain, when suddenly... Yes? And... Yes? Um. When suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright while the other sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it. When suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright while the other sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it. Bravo Cole. Thank you Mr. Boardman.

You forgot your line. Shut up! While the other sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it. Bravo Cole. Thank you Mr. Boardman. Ha ha ha, you forgot your line. Shut up! Then my sheave started singing and dancing and the other sheaves applauded wildly. A singing and dancing sheave. A very curious dream indeed. What do you think it means?

Isn't it obvious? Not really, no. They will make a musical about me. A musical? It will be a big success. A musical about Joseph and his multi-coloured coat. I suppose the coat will feature. And so will we. No, no, no.

No? But aren't we part of your story? Your dream? Yeah, but this encounter must remain secret. We are well versed in secrecy. Tell us why you need our services. Their jealousy has reached a boiling point. Your siblings? My sisters, yes. Sisters? That's not right. It's brothers. No, he said sisters.

No, it was brothers. Joseph had 11 brothers. They couldn't stand hearing about Joseph's dreams and were fed up with their father always favouring him. You mean mother? No, father. That's also wrong. Yeah, no, he's getting the whole story really muddled. It's his story. He should know, don't you think? He's not real. It's just some weird

Dream person in the Bible. It's the father gives Joseph the coat and for the brothers Well, that's just the last straw the brothers take Joseph deep into the desert abandon him there and then pretend he's dead. Oh Oh It wasn't the brothers It was the brotherhood. Of course. The brotherhood of the- The brotherhood of the immortal mole rat. What? What?

What? What? My sisters hired the brotherhood of the immortal mole rat. You mean the brotherhood of the naked mole rat? I'm pretty sure it was immortal mole rat. Naked mole rat? You know them. The most incompetent death-faking agency this side of the river Jordan.

Well, my sisters paid them to abduct me and fake my death. I overheard everything. They are coming for me in the next hour. The next hour! Help! They'll be late. Discover the magic of Bet MGM Casino, where the excitement is always on deck. Help! They'll be late. you're actually at the casino. The excitement doesn't stop there. With over 3,000 games to choose from including fan favorites like Cash Eruption, UFC Gold Blitz and more. Make

deposits instantly to jump in on the fun and make same-day withdrawals if you win. Download the BetMGM Ontario app today. You don't want to miss out. Visit betmgm.com for terms and conditions 19 plus to wager Ontario only. Please gamble responsibly. If you have questions or concerns about your gambling or someone close to you, please contact Connects Ontario at 1-866-531-2600 to speak to an advisor free of charge. BetMGM operates pursuant to an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario. Why did your sisters hire these charlatans? Because mum smothers me with gifts while they have nothing. I drink wine while they share a single grape between them.

Do you know how difficult it is to cut the grape into 11 pieces? I understand why they want to get rid of you, but why hire a fifth-rate death-faking agency when they could hire an assassin? I mean, there are perfectly decent assassins in Canaan. They don't want to get blood on their hands. Oh, just fake blood? Yeah. Hmm.

All right, but why are you visiting us and not your sisters? If they had consulted us rather than the brotherhood of the naked mole-rat... Exactly. We would have planned an extremely convincing death for you. No hope of return. Tell your sisters the next time they wish to dispose of a sibling they should come to... Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop. I want you to help me, not my sisters. But your fake death has already been planned. And I want you to undo it.

Undo your fake death? Yes. But we are death fakers. I don't want to die! You won't! It's fake! What? Do you know what they've got planned for me? Oh, it's grim. Well, what do you expect when you hire the Brotherhood of the Naked Mole Rat?

I didn't! It was my sister's! Please, save me! Not our line of business. Go to a Samaritan. There are perfectly decent Samaritans in Canaan. Alright, alright. Here's another idea. You fake my death before the Brotherhood of the Immortal... Perfectly decent Samaritans in Canaan. Alright, alright. Here's another idea. You fake my death before the Brotherhood of the Immortal... I mean, Naked Mole Rat have a chance to fake my death. I do like the sound of that.

They are coming for you in one hour, you say? Yes. I think they are early. Excuse me? You see that dust cloud on the horizon? Oh. Err, oh. It could just be an animal. No, it is a man, walking barefoot on burning sand.

I only know one man who would be so stupid. It is Matthias. Matthias? The mole rat. Look at him hopping from foot to foot! Ouch! His feet must be covered in blisters! It will take him some time to get here. Not enough time, however, for us to fake your death.

Then what do you propose? We don't have enough time to fake your death, but we can... Yes? Offer you a drink. A drink? A drink, yes. What... what good is that? Well, it's very hot out here and you look parched and I mean...

and I doubt the Brotherhood of the Naked Mole Rat offer their clients a drink before sending them into their new lives. And I will not tolerate it. New life? New beginnings must always be toasted. New beginning? We'll raise a glass together, but then we must bid you farewell. Wait, wait, wait, wait... What's all this about new lives and new beginnings?

They didn't say anything about a new life. They didn't? So what do they intend to do exactly? They'll throw me in a well, take my coat, dip it in goat's blood, go home, and tell Mum I've been torn apart by wild animals. Ugh, typical mole rat banality. Where's the pizzazz? And after they throw you into the well? They just leave you there? Yeah, I suppose.

But you will starve! Unless you get attacked by snakes first. Yes! They really did not plan an escape route and a new identity. That was an option, but it cost extra. Ah, what good is a fake death without a new identity? My sisters only wanted to pay for the death-faking part. Yes, but this fake death will very quickly turn into a real death. I know! That's why you have to help me.

I always say, Kohath, skimping on a fake death is false economy. Right. You have to help him, Arthur. Alvina? Please tell me you didn't just let the Incognito Project throw that poor guy... Not the Incognito Project! The Brotherhood of the Naked Mole Rat! I still can't believe that's what they were called back then... Back when? What's going on? Who are you? I don't know you! Get out of my dream!

I'm trying to help you! Oh. Oh then. Thank you. I suppose. Random stranger. Arthur, please don't tell me you're going to let the Incognito Project throw him in a well. Well... Arthur? No, no, you're right, you're right. Gohath, we must help him. I have an idea.

What's that? We will follow you disguised as Ishmaelites. Ishmaelites? Yes. Can't we be Medianites? Why, Medianites? Better turbines. Oh, I don't care whether you're Ishmaelites or Medianites.

How are you going to get me out of the well? Before Matthias throws you into the well, we will convince him to sell you to us. But my sisters have already paid him to fake my death. Ha! Matthias is greedy. If given the opportunity to cash in on you twice, he'll take it. Trust me. We'll bar you from him, then, once you're safely installed on the back of our camel,

we tear off our turbans and reveal who we really are. Will that not aggravate him? I hope so, yes. If we humiliate him, I fear he will seek retaliation. Bring it on. The man's useless. That's great. What next? Next? Next.

Once you've saved me from the mole rat. Oh, erm, we'll bring you home of course. A happy reunion with your... With my sisters who tried to kill me! Well at least your mum will be glad to see you. Oh, she's part of the problem. Giving me these ludicrous gifts and treating me like I'm the chosen one. Well if your dreams are right you are destined for great things. Why else would they make a musical about you? My sisters are sick of hearing that.

So if you don't want to go home what do you suggest? This new beginning you talked about. I quite like the sound of that. You want us to give you a new identity? Yes. Who would you like to be? Well, you're right. My dreams say I'm special. But when you work as a sheep farmer and have 11 siblings, being special is a curse. You don't want to be special, you want to fit in. So I want to come back in a profession where being special doesn't attract threats and mockery, but is rewarded. And do you have an idea for such a profession?

Well, at first, I thought I could be King of Tyre. King of Tyre? If I ruled over Canaan, I could use my special gifts for the good of the country. But then I thought, that is ridiculous. Right, yes, good. Some sense at least. I would hardly be free of threats and jealousy. The Philistines, Babylonians and Assyrians would all want to displace me.

No, no, the King of Tyre does not have nearly enough power. Er... Right. So then I thought, what is the mightiest nation? Where could I unleash my full potential without petty rivals getting in the way? And what's the answer to that? Egypt! Oh, good lord.

You want to be ruler of Egypt? Think of a good I could do with such a powerful nation behind me. Yes, there is just one slight problem though. What's that? Oh, I don't know, maybe I'm getting rid of Pharaoh? Oh, yes of course, sorry. That spot is currently taken. But I could be his number two. I think you're going to have to be a tad more modest in your ambitions. We could bring you back as a hippo.

A hippo? Yes, a hippopotamus. I don't want to be a hippo! A damned liar, then. It is not impossible. Bringing me back as a hippo! Who said anything about a hippo? He did!

No, I didn't. What I was about to say is that Pharaoh is a great believer in the power of dreams. You could be his dream interpreter. He's a divine ruler. We're a duo of nomadic deathfakers. And? Well, how do you expect us to get word to him?

I mean, it's not like we frequent the same parties. Hmm. Do you remember King Cardan's food taster? Of course. The poor man suffered from daily stomach cramps. We faked his death and brought him back as Potiphar's butler. Much safer job. Or it would have been if he hadn't got caught fooling around with Potiphar's wife. Ha ha! Potiphar put him in the slave market and oh, he was bought by Pharaoh, wasn't he? He was bought by Pharaoh as a kitchen slave. But thanks to his fine palate, he quickly rose through the ranks and today he is Pharaoh's head baker.

Good for him. But how does this help me? Surely the baker doesn't have Pharaohs here? Do you know how many kings are poisoned by their kitchen staff? A ruler must trust their Baker. So... what? The Baker tells Pharaoh about me and my dreams and... you think he will listen? You think he will request to see me? I think it is worth a try.

But after that we are no longer responsible. If Pharaoh does request to see you it is up to you to impress him. Hmm it's risky. You may well end up in prison as most of his advisors do. Oh I am very confident that I will impress him. More than that I will become indispensable to him. How can you be so sure? I had a dream. I saw the sun and moon and eleven stars bowing down to me. The moon was my father, the stars were my brothers. You mean sister.

And the sun was Pharaoh. Bravo, call my boy ready for the big day. I won't let you down, Mr. Borderman. I'm sure you won't. We will put our faith in your dreams and defer payment until you become Pharaoh's number two. Thank you. And once you do, you will send a chariot of gold to take us to Egypt.

I will reward you royally. Although, just in case things don't work out, I think we should take a deposit. A deposit? What do you have in mind? Arthur. Hm? The mole rat! He's almost here. We must go. We must get our disguises.

Goodbye, Joseph. When you next see us, we shall be ishmolites. He means medianites. No ishmolites. No medianites. Arthur, behind the dune! Um, quick! Alright, alright, I'm coming! Wait! Kozlovsky! Where are you?

Kozlovsky, where are you? Behind the dune! Kozlovsky, where are you? I'm here! Kozlovsky, wake up! Stop! Stop! Stop! Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, The brotherhood of the immortal mole rat. Stay tuned for the epilogue, but first the credits. The Amelia Project is a production of imploding fictions.

This episode featured Alan Bergen as the interviewer, Hemi Yeroham as Kozlovsky, Peter Wicks as Joseph, Torgny G. Ondiro as Cole, Benjamin Noble as Haynes, Aaron King as Mia, Jordan Cobb as Jackie, Julia C. Thorne as Alvina, Philip Thorne as Mr. Boardman, Josh Callahan as Matthias and introducing Rosethorn as the young Cole. The episode was written and edited by Philip Thorne, with direction by Philip Thorne and Einstein Braga, story editing by Einstein Braga, sound design by Alexander Danner, music by Frederik Barden, graphic design by Anders Pedersen and production assistance by Marty Partsival. Thank you to Chris

Pepper for providing inspiration. The episode was recorded at Theme Studio in London and Nitro Studio in Oslo. Thank you to our Patreon supporters, without whom this podcast would vanish and reappear as a self-help course. Help yourself, fake your death and disappear. This show relies on the support of listeners like you, so if you'd like to chip in with $5 a month, we'd be ever so grateful. And in return, you can access our bonus episodes, the graphic novel, short story, Ruby Mariner,

lots of behind-the-scenes videos, including one for our recent story, ruby mariner, lots of behind the scenes videos, including one for our recent live show on theatreship and more. Go to AmeliaPodcast.com for more info. As always a shout out to our amazing super patrons, you guys are making a real difference to the survival of the show. That's Michaela Sullivan, Celeste Joes, Heat 312, Albina Sant, Amelie and Allison, Stephanie, Wightney, Lara Felle, Eduardo, Wilfus, Verastaki, Allison Thro, Patricia Bornwagner, Bryce Scott, McCliff, Heisinger, Michael West.

Tim McMacken, Mr. Squiggles, Tony Fisher, Tibby, Florian Byers, Courtney Mays, I'm sorry, Courtney Mays, Renston, Boo, Astra, Kim, Olivia Dodson, Philip Hanson. Mays, Renston, Boo, Astra, Kim, Olivia Dodson, Philip Hanson, Michael, David Smith, Lisha Hall, LG, Ryan Burnett, Supercali, Fragilistic, xp, Alex Nicol, Timotheeus, Doctorus, Miss Dixie, Mystic, Sybil, Tiffany Duffy, Jason Woods, Ryan O'Bara, Christine Bayuga, Stefan Hartiger, Lucille Farrell, Lydia Ames, Anonymous, Splayvani, Iris, Jada Pickering, Daniela Nissen, Matthew with two T's, the first T is Silent, Kelsey Page, Silas X, Isabella, Arsino, G the Blue Sky, Canal, Cryptid, Mez, Ethan Cobb, Heldon, Inkheart and Atiya Mercada.

Goodnight. Joseph and his dreams. Joseph, I have a dream that will tragically pass in the time of one episode and I know that we'll be able to dream of each other again. And that's what it is all about. It is clearly my dream. Oh, I'm so happy! Enjoy the show. Hmm. What did you think? Well he was right. They did make a musical about him. Some 2673 years after the event.

Yes, but that's no excuse for getting the facts so muddled. What did you think? Oh I cannot really judge. Oh, come on now, don't be coy. You critiqued the King and I for five hours straight. It is just... I cannot really distinguish between what was on stage and what was in my head. What do you mean? Ten minutes into the show...

I fell asleep. Oh, you did? I knew that before I heard snoring. It was a very light sleep, but I had the strangest dreams. In my dream, Farrow turned into Elvis Presley. Oh, no, no, no, no, that was part of the show, actually. It was? Yes, I mean, it was ridiculous, but it was, yes. No, no, but there was nothing about us or the Brotherhood of the Naked Mole Rat, and

they got the whole Butler-Baker bit really mixed up. Well, they were following the Book of Genesis. What do you expect? Ugh, Book of Genesis. You know what, maybe we should have a word with this, um, wait a minute, um, Andrew Lloyd Webber. Yes, tell him what really happened. What did really happen?

What do you mean? Well, it was so long ago, even I am finding it difficult to keep the facts straight. Besides, it is only natural for stories to change over time. Yes, but not that. At least they are still being told. If our stories are not told, then what is the point? Why are we collecting them?

I remember you saying that to me once. I do not remember where exactly. Well, the songs were alright, I guess. Any dream will do. At least the evening gave me an excuse to wear this. Ha ha ha! You really should have given it back, you know. It was only meant to be a deposit. It's faded a lot over the centuries.

Still very bright. Gold and coffee and mauve and fire and... You are drawing a lot of attention. Crimson and emerald and sapphire and coal and white and chocolate and pink and... Stop it, Arthur! ...and charcoal and cherry and bronze and rust and beige and amber and lime and chestnut and yellow and green and brown and scarlet and black and ochre and peach and violet and...

Shit! What? I think they've realized. Realized what? That we're on to them. Stop listening to us. Stop eavesdropping on us. Right now.

The Fable and Falling Network, where fiction producers flourish. Where am I? Welcome to Desert Skies, traveler. Your journey through the physical plane has come to an end. I am the attendant. My colleague here is the mechanic. This is your last stop on your way to the great beyond. It's our job to make sure you're prepared for the ride. Now, before hitting the road, we have an impressive selection of over 34 varieties of microwavable burritos.

Um, wha-what's going on? There's gotta be a better afterlife than this. I mean, come on! Uh, that's offensive. Something seems to be wrong here. You left something major undone. I have a life outside of this gas station, you know. You quite literally do not.

Any hobbies? Nope. Ever travel? Nope. Love interests? Are you kidding? Oh my god. You're like the human version of a plain bagel. Cash register.

How can I help you, attendant? human version of a plain bagel. Cash register. How can I help you, attendant? Play some music? You got it. It's kind of funny though. What I needed wasn't back there. It was here, waiting for me. I wonder what it feels like, Mech, to miss the physical plane, the people you left behind. You know, I had a wife who died three years ago. Wish I could go back.

No, you don't need to go back. You just need to be here. And a new traveler approaches. Ready, team? Ready. Good. Let's do this. Find Desert Skies wherever you listen to podcasts.