DERELICT Presents: Desert Skies

Summary

DERELICT Presents: Desert Skies – Episode Summary

Podcast: DERELICT (Night Rocket Productions)
Episode: DERELICT Presents: Desert Skies
Date: December 5, 2025
Episode Focus: Introduction to the fiction podcast Desert Skies, featuring its first episode—a poignant, comedic, and heartfelt exploration of the afterlife through the eyes of a lost traveler, quirky gas station staff, and an unexpected cosmic journey.

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Main Theme & Purpose

This episode showcases the complete first episode of Desert Skies, a genre-blending sci-fi/fantasy podcast. The story centers on a mysterious service station located on the astral plane between life and the next, where the staff—Tindy the Attendant, Mac the Mechanic, and Cash the sentient cash register—help recently deceased travelers prepare to move on. Through dry humor, surreal setting, and compassionate character interaction, the show explores existential questions, the weight of regret, and finding meaning after loss.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Arrival at the Astral Plane Gas Station

• Lawrence Cobb arrives, confused and disoriented, at the Desert Skies Astral Plane Fuel and Service Station (04:00).

  • Tindy formally welcomes him and explains their location:

    "Desert Skies astral plane fuel and service station exists on the lowest sphere of existence between life and death. Or as we like to say around here, between life and the next life." (04:45 – Tindy)

• Tindy attempts to ease nerves with a script outlining services (“chips, sodas, sunflower seeds, pickled pig's feet that induce devastating sadness…”), blending absurdity and surreal humor (06:39).

2. The Truth About Death

• Lawrence demands truth: why is he here? Is this a dream? Is he dead?

  "Look, I need some answers. ...I just want to know what's really going on. Give it to me straight. Am I high right now?" (07:54 – Lawrence)

• Tindy gently reveals the reality:

  "Possibly. But that's irrelevant. You're here because you're dead." (08:22 – Tindy)

• Mac and Cash provide practical but eccentric support, explaining that nothing keeps travelers from turning back, though it’s not advised (09:13).

3. The Burrito Metaphor and Astral Rules

• Tindy illustrates the consequence of refusing to move on: travelers who turn back are immortalized as microwavable burritos representing their life’s essence.

  "In accordance with the governing rules of the astral plane, the full essence of this individual's existence... has been meticulously crafted into this artisan style burrito. Taste the flavor of life." (10:19 – Lawrence, reading label)

• Lawrence is both horrified and amused by this fate (10:37), leading to a darkly comic riff:

  "So there's ground up lady in here?"
  "Uh, no. God, no. That's...disgusting. This isn't her physically. It's the flavor and texture of her existence, which apparently tastes like diced chicken in a cream sauce." (10:37–10:40 – Lawrence & Tindy)

4. Processing Death, Loss, and Identity

• The staff help Lawrence accept his fate. He admits not recognizing the car he arrived in—but in the astral plane, it doesn’t matter (12:04–12:11).

• Tindy offers comfort, describes the next phase as "real nice," and asks Lawrence to return before he leaves (12:37–12:47).

• Tindy privately confides in Cash about offering comfort when unsure about the truth:

  "I always tell people that what lies at the end of the road is a nice place....But what if it's a lie? I don't know if it's nice or not." (13:06–13:16 – Tindy) "I can't say for certain. But I believe that if given the ability to provide comfort to frightened travelers able to travel but one direction, I would allow myself to express confidence that they are headed towards a nice place, regardless of my uncertainty." (14:04 – Cash)

5. Lawrence’s Past and Path Forward

• Staff check his "traveler bio": Lawrence Cobb, age 42, died choking on toaster waffles. Wife, Deborah, died three years prior (16:17).

• Lawrence struggles with regret and grief. He wishes for reunion with his wife, Deborah (21:02–21:28).

• The tragic cosmic catch: He discovers Deborah became a burrito (Debbie’s Waffle Stuffed Burrito) after attempting to turn back for him—a fate sealed by the astral rules:

  "This delicious microwavable snack is dedicated to Deborah Cobb, who attempted to return to the physical plane for her dear husband, Lawrence. We honor the sacrifice she made in the name of love." (23:29 – Tindy, reading burrito label)

• Lawrence is devastated but finds grim solace. The moment is simultaneously macabre and touching:

  "My wife, the only reason I ever had for living is a burrito." (23:51 – Lawrence)

6. The Epilogue—Acceptance, Hope, and Absurdity

• Lawrence chooses not to move forward, instead consuming the burrito that represents his wife:

  "I've never seen a man sob and eat a burrito at the same time." (26:41 – Mac)

• Tindy reflects on her own lost identity and the passage of travelers but finds meaning in her role helping others move on (25:21–25:39).

• In a bittersweet twist, a new freezer item appears: “Lawrence and Debbie’s Chicken and Waffle Stuffed Burrito,” a cosmic sign that, in some way, their love endures:

  "This delicious microwavable snack is dedicated to Lawrence and Deborah Cobb, whose love for one another transcends the boundaries of the known plains. May their essences enjoy an eternity of artisanal bliss together. Taste the flavor of love." (30:04 – Tindy, reading label)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On coping after death:

  "You're here because you're dead. This is your last stop on your way to the great beyond." (08:22 – Tindy)

• Surreal humor and snacks:

  "Are you dealing with the regret of never having accomplished anything significant in your life? Punish yourself appropriately with some Flamin Hot Cheetos." (07:32 – Tindy)

• On acceptance:

  "You left a physical plane. So what? It's just one plane of existence. This is another, and down that road is another. And that's your destination? That's the next life." (19:08 – Tindy)

• Cosmic melancholy:

  "My wife, the only reason I ever had for living is a burrito." (23:51 – Lawrence)

• Love transcending boundaries:

  "Lawrence and Debbie's Chicken and Waffle Stuffed Burrito... whose love for one another transcends the boundaries of the known plains. May their essences enjoy an eternity of artisanal bliss together." (30:01–30:04 – Tindy)

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Important Timestamps

• 04:45: Tindy's formal introduction to Desert Skies and astral plane explanation
• 08:22: Tindy tells Lawrence he's dead
• 10:19: Burrito explanation and fate revealed for those who turn back
• 13:06: Tindy discusses comforting travelers despite uncertainty
• 16:17: Lawrence’s bio and backstory revealed
• 21:28: Lawrence learns about his wife’s afterlife fate
• 23:29: Confirmation of Deborah as a burrito
• 26:17: Lawrence eats the burrito, cradling the essence of his lost love
• 30:01: Joint burrito for Lawrence and Debbie—love immortalized in astral cuisine

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Tone & Style

Desert Skies balances comedic banter with existential melancholy, using absurd elements (sentient cash registers, soul-burritos) to highlight themes of loss, memory, and moving on. Voice performances maintain a dry wit—Mac is gruff and sarcastic, Tindy is awkward but genuinely caring, and Cash is calmly logical.

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Concluding Reflection

Despite its surreal humor and cosmic fast food metaphors, Desert Skies delivers genuine emotional resonance about grieving, finding peace (or at least a form of it), and the enduring power of love—even in the most unexpected forms. The unique blend of absurdist afterlife bureaucracy and emotional storytelling makes the podcast both thought-provoking and entertaining for listeners seeking a fresh take on life, death, and everything in-between.

Transcript

[Narrator/Advertiser]

This episode is brought to you by Jack Daniels Jack Daniels and music are made for each other. They share a rhythm in the craft of making something timeless while being a part of legendary nights. From backyard jams to sold out arenas, there's a song in every toast. Please drink responsibly. Responsibility.org, jack Daniels and Old no. 7 are registered trademarks. Tennessee Whiskey 40% alcohol by volume Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee.

Coca Cola for.

[Lawrence Cobb]

The big, for the small, the short and the tall.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Peacemakers risk takers for the optimists, pessimists.

[Cash (Sentient Cash Register)]

For long distance love for introverts and.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Extroverts, the thinkers and the doers for.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Old friends and new Coca Cola for everyone. Pick up some Coca Cola at a store near you.

[JBM (Host)]

Hey everybody, JBM here between seasons we like to share some shows that we are personal fans of and think you might dig as well. These segments have always been called Derelict Presents and we have a new one for you here today. But before we get into that, I wanted to let you know that we have a lot of really cool things happening behind the scenes for the show right now and some big announcements coming soon. So to stay up to date on everything coming down the line in 2026 if you're so inclined to sign up for our newsletter by clicking the link in the episode notes below or you can visit derelictpodcast.com join we're going to be publishing our newsletter more actively than we have in the past and it's going to be the best way to make sure you don't miss out on any of the exciting things we have in store. So again, you can sign up by going to derelictpodcast.com join or you can just click the link in the episode notes below. As far as Derelict Presents goes, we're happy to share with you all the first episode of another genre fiction podcast we're big fans of called Desert Skies. It's a quirky, comedic, even heartfelt sci fi fantasy podcast set in the afterlife and takes place along the road of a lonely highway at a gas station called Desert Skies Astral Plane Fuel and Service Station. The staff at the station help new arrivals get ready to embark on their journey ahead through the celestial spheres. You'll meet Tindy, the attendant, Mac the mechanic, no connection to the misunderstood VI from our show, and Cash the sentient cash register. Over the course of the show, what sort of begins as a slice of life story following new arrivals to the station quickly grows into an action packed and high stakes adventure. Desert Skies was voted one of Reddit's top fiction podcasts, and the show has received millions of downloads and thousands of five star ratings. If you like what you hear, the full first and second seasons of Desert Skies are out now, and the third season is currently in release. So it's a great time for new listeners to jump in. You can find Desert Skies on your favorite podcast platform, or you can just click on the link in the episode notes below. So, without further ado, enjoy the first episode of Desert Skies, and thanks for all of you for your support, as always.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

For the best listening experience, headphones are recommended.

Sam.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Hello there.

If you don't mind waiting just a moment while we get ready. We're. We're actually trying something new. I. We're formalizing our process, so this is. This is an exciting time to be here. I've actually written something up, so I think it's. I'm pretty proud of it. It's. It's cool. Where am I? Please hold all of your questions until the presentation is complete. Everything will be answered in time. Okay, I think. I think I'm ready. You may approach the counter.

Welcome to Desert Skies, traveler. Your journey through the physical plane has come to an end, but we are so glad you're here. And I. I know what you're. You're thinking, where is here exactly? I'll do my best to explain. Desert Skies astral plane fuel and service station exists on the lowest sphere of existence between life and death. Or as we like to say around here, between life and the next life.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Yeah.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

You have no more reason to be afraid. No more reason to fret nor worry. Whatever your needs, we are here to help. My colleague here is the mechanic, or Mac for short.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Yo.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

It is his job to service your vehicle in preparation for the journey across the celestial spheres. I am the attendant, or attendee, for short. I told you not to call me that in front of the travelers.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Well, I think it puts them at ease.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

I'm trying to create an air of mystique.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Yeah, well, that's stupid.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Yeah, well, nobody asked you. Um. Wha.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Wha. What's going on? Like. Like I said, I am the attendant. It is my job to ensure you have adequate provisions and are well instructed in navigating the journey through the celestial spheres.

Now, let me tell you about a selection of products available and any associated promotions.

One second. Here.

We have all of your road trip favorites. Chips, sodas, sunflower seeds, pickled pig's feet that induce devastating degrees of sadness. It's a trip that's Max favorite.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Actually, it's just nice to feel something.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Before hitting the road. How about one last trip south of the border? We have an impressive selection of over 34 varieties of microwavable burritos. Everything from breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, and various other flavors, Right? Right. Now if you grab three, you will receive a portable microw to take with you on your journey. It has a little cigarette lighter adapter.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Hell of a deal, if you ask me.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Are you dealing with the regret of never having accomplished anything significant in your life? Punish yourself appropriately with some Flamin Hot Cheetos.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Enough. Turn off the music.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

What's wrong?

Was I reading too fast?

[Lawrence Cobb]

That's.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

That's fine. I can start over. Where's the rewind?

[Lawrence Cobb]

No, no, don't. Don't do it again. Look, I need some answers. 5 minutes ago I'm sitting at home eating a plate of toaster waffles. Next thing I know I'm driving down a deserted highway, then pulling into a gas station in the middle of God knows where and you start reading off some brain melting specials of the day with Gimli here. I just want to know what's really going on. Give it to me straight. Am I high right now?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Possibly. But that's irrelevant. You're here because you're dead.

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.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Uh huh. And what if I don't believe you? What if this is all just some kind of sick dream, huh? Some elaborate prank?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Look, I understand this experience can be jarring, especially if your death was sudden or unexpected. I can't remember. But I probably went through the same emotions you're experiencing right now.

[Lawrence Cobb]

For the sake of argument, let's say you're telling me the truth. What's to keep me from driving back the direction I came from, huh? Hightailing it back to my living room. No pun intended.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

There. There's nothing keeping you from that. I mean, we. We can't stop you. But I don't recommend it.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Yeah? And why's that?

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Microwavable Burritos.

[Cash (Sentient Cash Register)]

What.

[Lawrence Cobb]

What is that supposed to mean?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

I'll show you. Come on. Follow me.

Our microwavable burrito selection. Currently there are 34 varieties. If you drive back the way you came, there's gonna be 35. Here. Take a look at this package. What do you see?

[Lawrence Cobb]

Says Gut Buster brand Microwavable burritos. And there's a face lady with red hair. Alice's Chicken. All a King style.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Read the back.

[Cash (Sentient Cash Register)]

Okay.

[Lawrence Cobb]

This delicious microwavable snack is dedicated to Alice McDougal, who attempted to return to the physical realm and retrieve her beloved cat, Wallace. We honor her brave effort. What the hell is this?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Just keep reading.

[Lawrence Cobb]

In accordance with the governing rules of the astral plane, the full essence of this individual's existence, desires, purpose and romantic history has been meticulously crafted into this artisan style burrito. Taste the flavor of life.

So there's ground up lady in here?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Uh, no. God, no. That's. That's disgusting. This isn't her physically. It's the flavor and texture of her existence, which apparently tastes like diced chicken in a cream sauce. It's. It's actually pretty good.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Congratulations, friend. I've heard some crazy shit in my life, but I've never heard anything like that.

But you know.

I bet I'd be chicken. Some kind of chicken burrito.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Why do you say that?

[Lawrence Cobb]

Saw it on one of those placemats at a Chinese restaurant. I was born in the year of the chicken.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

I think you mean rooster.

[Cash (Sentient Cash Register)]

Really?

[Lawrence Cobb]

I always thought it was chicken. I think I'd rather be a chicken than a cock, you know?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Oh, God.

[Lawrence Cobb]

I need a cigarette. You got those, huh? A brand that doesn't taste like devastating sadness or contain the essence of someone's great grandma.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Here, have one of mine.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Thank God. Something I can actually use.

I know these things are awful for you.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

I'm not sure you gotta worry about that anymore. Come on, buddy. Let's take a look at that car of yours.

[Lawrence Cobb]

That's the other thing. I don't even own a car. Then boom. I'm suddenly cruising down the highway in a Buick Skylark.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

That's one hell of a car.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Sure, I'm not complaining, but that's not my automobile.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

And this isn't my beard's natural color.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Yet.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Here we are. Come on, let's get you road ready.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Hey, Nintendo, or whatever your name is, you really telling me I'm dead?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

It's Attendant. And. Yeah, you. You are. Sorry, friend.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Well, ain't that just a kick in the pants. One more question. This place at the end of the road.

What'S it like? Is it nice?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Yeah, it's real nice.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Huh. That's good to know, I guess.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Look, come. Come back and see me before taking off, okay?

[Lawrence Cobb]

Whatever you want. Lord of the underworld.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Hey, cash register.

[Cash (Sentient Cash Register)]

Hello, attendant. How can I be of service?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

I always tell people that what lies at the end of the road is a nice place.

[Cash (Sentient Cash Register)]

You excel at putting our travelers at ease, Attendant.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Um, yeah, sure, but what if it's a lie? I don't know if it's nice or not. For all I know, it could be a plane of non existence.

[Cash (Sentient Cash Register)]

I would assume that even a state of mind non existence is better than having your essence converted into a microwavable burrito.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Yeah, maybe. I don't know. A lot of people like burritos.

[Cash (Sentient Cash Register)]

Attendant, as you know, I'm incapable of lying.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

So you've told me.

[Cash (Sentient Cash Register)]

But you're not. I can't say for certain. But I believe that if given the ability to provide comfort to frightened travelers able to travel but one direction, I would allow myself to express confidence that they are headed towards a nice place, regardless of my uncertainty.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

You really think that's okay, Attendant?

[Cash (Sentient Cash Register)]

I am just a computational assistance and service help register. But logic leads me to believe that the existence of Desert Skies, an astral plane fuel and service center dedicated to the comfort and safety of travelers embarking on their first final journey. Well, it seems to me that level of intentional care would denote a certain amount of goodwill on the part of our superiors.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Our superiors? I don't even know who they are. Do you, Cash?

[Cash (Sentient Cash Register)]

I'm sorry, attendant, but as I've told you 473 times, I'm unable to speak to that subject.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Unable or not allowed.

[Cash (Sentient Cash Register)]

Is there anything else I can assist you with? Attending?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Play some music.

[Cash (Sentient Cash Register)]

You got it.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Mood. Let's do contemplative.

Sa.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Welp, he's all set.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Where's he at?

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Dude's just sitting in his car with his head resting on the steering wheel. I'd ask what gives, but it ain't like I never seen it before.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

I told him to come back in here.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

What's his story anyway?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Jeez, I. I haven't even ran the report. Cash register.

[Cash (Sentient Cash Register)]

How can I help you?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Attendant request the Traveler bio for.

Oh, God, I didn't even ask his name.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

I got that from him at least. Name's Lawrence Cobb.

[Cash (Sentient Cash Register)]

Requesting Traveler biography for Lawrence Cobb.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Alright, let's take a look here. Lawrence Cobb, age 42. Looks like it was the toaster waffles that did him in. Choked to death watching television.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

When I die, that's how I want to go.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Yeah, well, you are dead, so there's that. And what, you. You want to die choking on frozen breakfast foods, watching tv?

[Mac (Mechanic)]

You're judgy, you know that?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Anyway, born and raised in New York. Manage the electronics counter at a department store.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Mm, fascinating stuff. But you know what I want.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Yeah, I know. There you go, you sick little man.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Embarrassing childhood memories. God, I love these. Look. In fourth grade, choked on an ice cube at lunch and threw up all over the table.

How do you even do that?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Hmm. Says his wife died. Her name sounds so familiar. Deborah Cobb. Deborah Cobb, debuh, brah. Cobb Cash. Do you have a record of a Deborah Cobb who was married to a Lawrence Cobb?

[Cash (Sentient Cash Register)]

Indeed. Deborah Cobb, age 36, sudden death, brain aneurysm.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Jesus, that's so young.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

We have so many people come through here, Tendi. What makes you think you'd remember some random woman? We must have had 20,000 deborahs at desert Skies in my time. And at least a handful of Deborah Cobbs.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

I don't know. Some people just stick with you, Mac.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Yeah, I guess that's true. There was that one guy who crapped his pants dancing to you're the One that I Want during a school play. I still got the report pinned up in my shack. You can't make this stuff up.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

No, you can't. I think I'm going to check on our traveler.

Mr. Cobb.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Go away, Nintendo.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

I. I just want to talk real quick. Give me 30 seconds.

Please, Mr. Cobb.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Stop calling me Mr. Cobb. My name is Lawrence.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Hey, Lawrence, buddy, you've been out here a while and we're getting kind of worried about you.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Worried about me? What's there to worry about? I'm already dead. Dead Is.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Is is such a weighty word.

You left a physical plane. So what? It's just one plane of existence. This is another, and down that road is another. And that's your destination? That's the next life?

[Lawrence Cobb]

Yeah. Well, if it's so great, why haven't you driven down that road, huh? If it's so wonderful, what are you doing out here in the plane of God knows what, hawking burritos with people in them?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

I don't know.

[Lawrence Cobb]

What do you mean, you don't know? You're dead, too, right? You must have pulled in here just like me. But you stayed.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

You're right. I mean, I assume that's what happened. But I don't remember a time when I wasn't working here, when I wasn't the attendant.

I don't remember my life on the physical plane, or my real name. I have no idea who I am or even how I died.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Jesus, that's messed up, guy.

So what's to keep you from going now? Get in the car. Come on. We'll go together. I know I'd feel better if someone was with me, you know?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

I'm sorry, Lawrence. I can't.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Why not?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Because I like What I do. It may not seem like much to you or. But to me, it's everything. It's all I've ever known. Do you know how many Lawrence Cobs I've had come through here? People like you who get behind that wheel and can't seem to turn the key. And 99.9% of the time, I get them down that road, I save them from the burrito plane of existence.

I helped them move on.

[Lawrence Cobb]

It might not be so bad being a burrito. You know, a lot of people like burritos.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

This is true.

[Lawrence Cobb]

You know, I had a wife who died three years ago.

I couldn't do anything without her. Ever since she's been gone, my life's just been one pointless day after another.

She might be up there, too, huh? Down that road. How could I not realize that? Tell me, did a Deborah Cobb ever come through this place?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

She did.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Well. Well.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Okay.

[Lawrence Cobb]

I'm gonna get to see her again.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Come inside, Lawrence. Let's get you what you need.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Hey, you got any of those corn chips shaped like a dunce cap?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Indeed we do.

[Lawrence Cobb]

And you didn't do nothing weird to it?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

No need. Those things are weird enough on their own.

So go ahead and take a look around the store, Lawrence, and meet me at the counter when you're done.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Thanks, but I can't buy none of this stuff. I don't even have my wallet.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Then how in the hell are you planning to pay for all that astrograde fuel I just pumped into your Buick? We don't take kindly to thieves around here.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Hey, now, wait just a minute. You didn't say nothing about no payment. I mean, what would you guys even do with money?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Nothing at all. Mack is just being an asshat.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Yeah, I'm just messing with you, buddy. Nobody's got money this side of the physical realm. You know what they say. You can't take it with you when you go.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Yeah, like I said, just grab whatever you like, and I'll be. I'll be waiting for you right. Right here. Oh, and don't forget to grab a map. They're on that rack over there by the burrito freezer. There's only one main road that you'll need to stay on, but there are some interesting sites along the way you might want to check out. Oh, also, it gets cold once you get past the Martian spears, so it would help to grab a. No, no, no. What's wrong?

[Lawrence Cobb]

My Debbie.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

What about her? I told you, she's been through here, Lawrence.

[Lawrence Cobb]

She didn't go down that road. She tried to go back.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

What are you talking about?

[Lawrence Cobb]

Come see for yourself.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

See what?

[Lawrence Cobb]

That's her face right there. Debbie's Waffle Stuffed Burrito.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Let me see.

It says, this delicious microwavable snack is dedicated to Deborah Cobb, who attempted to return to the physical plane for her dear husband, Lawrence. We honor the sacrifice she made in the name of love.

Damn it. I knew I remembered that name.

[Lawrence Cobb]

My wife, the only reason I ever had for living is a burrito.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

A lot of people like burrito.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Kay.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

I should shut up.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

No, you're right.

[Lawrence Cobb]

A lot of people like burritos.

But I love this one. And she's gone. For a second there, I thought there really was a chance we could be together again.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

I'm so sorry, Lawrence. Que sera, sera.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Could I have a moment alone, fellas?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Of course. Mac? Coming.

Poor guy. I can't imagine what he's feeling. The thoughts that have to be going through his head right now.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

And to think that if his wife could have just waited, they'd be together now.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

I wonder what it feels like, Mac.

To miss the physical plane. The people you left behind.

I remember things about the physical plane. Real general things. Telephones, TVs, wars, placemats at Chinese restaurants. But I don't remember me. The only me I remember is the me at Desert Skies.

I've asked Cash to request the bio so many times I've lost count. And every time she says the same thing. I'm unable to submit bio requests for current staff.

I know I've asked you before, Mac, but you don't remember anything else about me when I got here?

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Just the same stuff I told you before. Tindi. You showed up, got out of the car, walked past me like I wasn't even there. Dead silent. You went inside. I started prepping your vehicle for the journey. And when I went to tell you it was ready, you were already standing behind the counter. The old attendant had slipped out the back and took the car meant for you. I guess he was finally ready to hit the road.

Funny thing is, I never got back.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Come here. Look at this.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

What's he doing?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

He's chewing.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

What's that in his hand?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

That, my friend, is Deborah Cobb. The full essence of her existence, desires, purpose and romantic history meticulously crafted into an artisan style burrito.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Well, I'll be damned. I've never seen a man sob and eat a burrito at the same time.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

I have.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

You said you'd never mention that again.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Hey, fellas.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Hey, Lawrence. You all right?

[Lawrence Cobb]

Yeah. You know what? I am I think I'm ready to go.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

But you don't have anything.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Don't need anything.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

You don't have to, but. You sure you don't want to grab some snacks for the road? At least let me grab you a map.

[Lawrence Cobb]

No need. I ain't stopping.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Well, okay then. Sounds like you're ready.

[Lawrence Cobb]

As I'll ever be. Thanks, fellas. For.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

And that was the last time that we ever saw Lawrence Cobb. As his tail lights faded into the distance, we were reminded of the power of love and its ability to. To cause wandering souls to find resolve. Perhaps each one of us.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Give it a rest, Mac. Look, he's turning around.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Maybe he's coming back for something.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

I don't think so. He's not slowing down.

And there he goes.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Nothing you could have done, Tendi.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

I really thought he was gonna make it.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Who's to say he didn't? Seems to me like he made it exactly where he wanted to go.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

The freezer aisle.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Come on, Tindy, we got a 35th variety now. Let's see what it is. We're gonna need a bigger freezer.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

You go ahead. I'm gonna submit my traveler report.

Hey, Cash.

[Cash (Sentient Cash Register)]

Hello, attendant.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

I'd like to submit my traveler report for Lawrence Cobb.

[Cash (Sentient Cash Register)]

I am ready to capture your report.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Another traveler has come and gone. Lawrence Cobb never departed for his trip across the celestial spheres.

It seems that he found a reason to head the other direction.

It's different this time, though. He wasn't trying to return to the physical plane, at least as far as I can tell.

He knew what the outcome of driving that direction would be. And that seemed to be his intention. To follow the path that his dearly departed Deborah had taken just three years before. I hope he found what he was looking for. That's the end of my report, Cash.

[Cash (Sentient Cash Register)]

Pensive and succinct attendant. Will you be needing anything else?

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Yeah, it's probably time we requested a second freezer. 34 varieties of microwavable burritos is just about all we have room for.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Looks like you're not up to 35 varieties just yet, bud.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

What do you mean?

[Mac (Mechanic)]

There you go. Look for yourself.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Lawrence and Debbie's Chicken and Waffle Stuffed Burrito.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Uh huh. And read the back.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

This delicious microwavable snack is dedicated to Lawrence and Deborah Cobb, whose love for one another transcends the boundaries of the known plains. May their essences enjoy an eternity of artisanal bliss together. Taste the flavor of love.

Another traveler. Looks like it's time to get back to work.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

The fable and Folly Network, where fiction producers flourish.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

And Doug Here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat, helping people.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

Customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Uh, Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us.

[Mac (Mechanic)]

Cut the camera.

[Tindy (Attendant)]

They see us.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty.

[Lawrence Cobb]

Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings vary Underwritten by.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates Excludes Massachusetts.

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