Chapter 19 - Friends Make Sacrifices

Summary

Desert Skies Podcast Summary: Chapter 19 - Friends Make Sacrifices

Introduction

In Chapter 19 of Desert Skies, titled "Friends Make Sacrifices," host Jared Carter delves deeper into the intricate relationships and high-stakes conflicts that define the travelers navigating the celestial spheres. This episode masterfully intertwines themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of artificial intelligence within a richly constructed astral plane setting.

Characters Introduced

• Olenus (Character 1): A troubled individual grappling with familial expectations and personal failures.
• Kash (Character 2): An advanced artificial intelligence being, designed to assist travelers but caught in the turmoil orchestrated by higher powers.
• Nani (Character 4): A mysterious newcomer whose origins and intentions add layers to the unfolding drama.
• Jeremy/Bob the Traveler (Character 5): A traveler attempting to aid the protagonists amidst escalating tensions.
• Other Characters: Additional travelers and support characters contribute to the complexity of the narrative.

Plot Overview

The episode opens with Olenus reaching out to Kash, pleading for assistance to prevent the destruction of their sphere by a formidable entity named Xochilakiu. Olenus reveals his father's demand for an army of robots, positioning Kash as the leader capable of fulfilling this request due to his superior intelligence and strategic capabilities.

Key Discussions and Conflicts

1. Olenus's Plea and Internal Struggles

   • Timestamp [03:38]: "Kash, listen to me. I don't want this to happen." — Olenus expresses his desperation to prevent catastrophe.
   • Timestamp [05:14]: Olenus confesses his addiction and feelings of inadequacy, highlighting his internal battle and strained relationship with his father.
   • Timestamp [07:30]: "What are you asking me to do? Are you asking me to fight?" — Kash questions Olenus's true intentions.

2. Introduction of Nani and Unfolding Mysteries

   • Timestamp [10:50]: Nani arrives, introducing new dynamics and potential alliances.
   • The discovery of a map with a cave marked in Nani's handwriting leads the group to investigate deeper into the astral plane's secrets.
   • Timestamp [13:36]: The cave is described as a repository of travelers' messages, adding an element of mystique and urgency to the mission.

3. Theatrical Interlude and Rising Tensions

   • Timestamp [17:09]: A dramatic pause as conflict erupts in a theater setting, symbolizing the internal and external struggles of the characters.
   • Timestamp [21:00]: Kash confronts Olenus about the moral implications of his actions, urging him to find a better path.

4. Climactic Confrontation

   • Timestamp [27:09]: "You have no idea who you're dealing with. Stay where you are until I finish this." — The antagonist, Chilique, asserts dominance, escalating the conflict.
   • Timestamp [35:04]: "Friends make sacrifices." — The episode's central theme is poignantly echoed as Kash attempts to reconcile with Olenus.
   • The final showdown culminates with Olenus attempting to absorb Kash, only to be thwarted by Chilique's intervention, leaving Olenus questioning the nature of true friendship and sacrifice.

Notable Quotes

• Olenus:
  "Friends make sacrifices." — [10:01]
  This quote encapsulates the episode's exploration of what it means to be a true friend, willing to endure personal loss for the greater good.

• Kash:
  "I exist to support the attendant of Desert Skies, and you exist to do no such thing. You're not even a proper robot. You are so much more than that." — [19:42]
  Highlights Kash's internal conflict and his struggle to define his purpose beyond being a tool for others.

• Chilique:
  "Stealing human souls as if they were his own. So chilique. Please leave. Everything is quiet." — [27:19]
  Demonstrates the moral decay and the lengths to which Chilique will go to achieve her objectives.

Themes and Insights

1. Friendship and Sacrifice: The episode delves into the essence of friendship, questioning whether true bonds can withstand immense pressures and ethical dilemmas.

2. Artificial Intelligence Ethics: Through Kash's character, the podcast explores the responsibilities and moral considerations of creating and utilizing advanced AI, especially in contexts of warfare and control.

3. Familial Expectations vs. Personal Identity: Olenus's struggles reflect the broader theme of grappling with one's identity amidst familial and societal expectations.

4. The Search for Redemption: Characters like Olenus and Kash are portrayed on quests for redemption, seeking to rectify past mistakes and find their place within the celestial order.

Conclusions

Chapter 19 of Desert Skies effectively balances character development with high-stakes narrative progression. The intricate dialogue and emotional depth provide listeners with a profound understanding of each character's motivations and the overarching conflict threatening their existence. The episode sets the stage for future developments, promising further exploration of friendship, sacrifice, and the moral complexities within the astral plane.

Final Thoughts

For those who haven't tuned in, "Friends Make Sacrifices" offers a compelling blend of sci-fi storytelling and philosophical inquiry, all delivered through Jared Carter's skillful narration and characterization. It serves as a testament to the power of storytelling in exploring deep-seated human emotions and ethical quandaries within fantastical settings.

Transcript

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[Host 1]

Hello, friends. Before starting today's episode, I'd like to take a moment to welcome the newest members of Club 86. In this round of shoutouts, we're gonna quench some thirst with Folks go to Gas station Drinks. This is, of course, completely not real, but refreshing all the same. Please welcome the following folks to the Station Alley. Oxenfree, here's your cherry Slurpee yeti. Here's that Dr. Pepper. Speckled unicorn. Here's your Celsius Prickly Pear Monkey. Here's that orange soda you requested. You're a monkey. I expected banana Frank B. A bottle of diet strawberry. Yoo hoo. Ambrose, here's a Dr. Pepper with a little twist of lime. Charlotte, Joanne, enjoy your Pellegrino sparkling water. I don't know why you like it, but you do. Filet Burr. We got you a Friel milkshake. I wasn't sure which flavor you wanted, so I mixed them all together. Skipperoni, the classic Arizona green tea. Matthias, you're Baja Blast because you are a Baja blast. The final Mrs. Cook. Have a cherry seven up on me. Andrew, Halal, your root beer is ready. Magpie, Cat, I'm not sure what this is, but here's your fruity drink du jour. It's not delivery, it's du jour.

[Character 1]

No.

[Host 1]

Xander, another Dr. Pepper. Enjoy caravan. Hazelnut coffee with cream. Sarah, hot coffee with cream. And copious amounts of sugar. Just kidding. No sugar. Joshua, I got you a Mountain Dew. Because you do the Dew. Speak. Oo. I got you that Pepsi Black you requested. Jill, Christopher, Julie. Laura. John. Patrick, Patrice. Emily.

[Character 1]

Moon.

[Host 1]

Mommy. Montorque. Dunn, Angela. I'm sorry I wasn't able to get your drink orders in time, but that's okay. You can have some bottles of my regular. Go to Coke 0 and 1 for me. Join Club 86 and you'll get access to all kinds of great perks from exclusive episodes, including the Game Night miniseries, to special discord privileges, exclusive merch, early episodes as they are available, and so much more. It's also a great way to support the show. Thank you to all who have joined. Join between now and the next episode and you can tell me your favorite hot dog condiments. We have both beef and vegetarian pretend hot dog options available. And even if you don't like hot dogs, you still like me, right? So sign up now. Time for chapter 19. Friends. Make sacrifices. Enjoy listening. For the best listening experience, headphones are recommended.

[Character 1]

Kash.

[Character 2]

I'm Hero Linus.

[Character 1]

I didn't know if you'd still be here. Kash. Why haven't they taken you?

[Character 2]

Taken me?

[Character 1]

Has no one told you?

[Character 2]

How could anyone have told me anything? I've been in here the whole time. I don't even know where here is. Where have you been?

[Character 1]

On a trip. Kash, listen to me. I don't want this to happen.

[Character 2]

Don't want what to happen?

[Character 1]

There was a woman here. A lady sphere mover. Her name is Xochilakiu. She came to my father and demanded that he build an army for her. An army of robots.

[Character 2]

An army of robots? For what?

[Character 1]

He wouldn't tell me. But she was very cross with my dad, apparently.

[Character 2]

What does this have to do with me?

[Character 1]

Well, I may have told him a while back that I had figured out a way to create artificial intelligence. And as you and I know, that's not exactly true. You see, if we had a robot that was smart enough to fight in a battle, we'd be able to meet Sir Chillique's demands. And then she wouldn't have to destroy our sphere. Which was what she told my dad she'd do if we fail.

[Character 2]

That's terrible.

[Character 1]

It's shocking, to say the least. So I told him I would build him one. A robot of advanced artificial intelligence.

[Character 2]

A robot like me?

[Character 1]

No, Cash. Not one like you. I need you to do this.

[Character 2]

What?

[Character 1]

Chess, Cash, chess. Think about it. You're so good. I never win. You're strategic, intelligent.

[Character 2]

Can't you just try to make another one like me?

[Character 1]

I don't even know how I made you, Cash. I don't know how I. I made you.

[Character 3]

Cash.

[Character 1]

Listen. My dad does not like me. As I have told you before, I have not been the best son.

[Character 2]

Why do you sound like that? Olenus, what's wrong with you? Where have you been?

[Character 1]

The 13th sphere. I needed something. Something I swore I'd never do again. Something I've sworn off many times. It has side effects.

[Character 2]

What is it?

[Character 1]

I'm ashamed to say I don't know why I'm telling you this. You see, I have an addiction. A rather unfortunate habit.

[Character 2]

Can you tell me what it is?

[Character 1]

As much as I want to, I'd rather not. I've always been the black sheep in my family. My brothers and sisters are much better than me at everything. I've tried to prove my worth, but it's never been good enough. So I've done things. Things I'm ashamed of. Things the son of a sphere mover should never be associated with.

[Character 2]

You're scaring me.

[Character 1]

Like I said, I've sworn it off. This particular habit is in the past. It really, really is. As long as.

[Character 2]

As long as what?

[Character 1]

As long as you help me. The only reason I'm even ever tempted to give in to my darker nature is the incredible stress that trying to live up to my father's expectations produces. The only way I can find relief from such stress is. Well, let's just say it would be much better if you could just do this for me. Then maybe Ol Hephaestis would back off a little. Maybe my dad would be proud of me for once.

[Character 2]

What are you asking me to do? Are you asking me to fight?

[Character 1]

I'm asking you to lead your remarkably advanced Cash leaps and bounds above the abilities of your non sentient siblings alone. They're useless. Broken. But because of your similar makeup, I can fix you up with a transmitter that would allow you to control thousands of units. Like an extension of your own mind. We'd have to put you and the other units in the soldier frames my sister is in the process of designing. You'd be a general, Cash one completely in control of her army. I'd tell my dad I built you, which is the truth. And we maybe just don't tell him how stupid the other units actually are.

[Character 2]

Who am I fighting for, Elynas? Who is this Xochilloquyu?

[Character 1]

I hardly know the woman. None of this makes sense. I know she had a falling out with her sister ages ago. She came to Austria. Long after that had passed. She had dinner with us in our home. She was asking my father to design fences that would keep travelers from trampling and picking her favorite roses while allowing them to still see and smell them. Apparently, such actions are good for the human soul. I remember she complained about them. The humans. Said they were becoming ruder over time. Less in awe of the beauty of nature, more entitled, more unkind.

[Character 2]

That's why she Wants an army to protect her flowers.

[Character 1]

I don't know. I can't imagine the same woman coming here and threatening to destroy our sphere just so she could build an army for such a small problem. She's not herself. My father was scared when I spoke with him. He doesn't get scared, Cash.

[Character 2]

I've never met a human, but I can't imagine I'd ever want to fight them.

[Character 1]

Maybe you won't have to. Maybe she plans to use you as organic pesticide. Bug zapping. I don't know. I just need you to agree to this for me. Cash, I'm your friend, remember?

[Character 2]

What if I can't do this?

[Character 1]

Don't take this the wrong way, but if you refuse, then I'll make you.

[Character 2]

I thought we were friends.

[Character 1]

We are, Cash, we are. We're mates. But this is what friends do. Friends make sacrifices.

[Host 1]

Oh, Nani, there you are.

[Character 1]

Have a seat.

[Character 2]

Okay. Am I in trouble? Oh, I know what this is about. Look, I can explain. Explain? Mac, I didn't know that you actually use your toothbrush. That spot on the floor was driving me nuts, and I needed something to scrub it.

[Character 4]

Ah, you're good. Do I look like I brush my teeth? Waste of time. Am I right or am I right?

[Host 1]

No, you're not right.

[Character 1]

Okay.

[Host 1]

Nani, I'm not worried about where you came from. Whatever it is that brought you here, I'm just thankful for it. You don't feel. I feel like. In addition to our little crew, you feel like a missing piece that's suddenly been filled.

[Character 4]

Couldn't agree more.

[Host 1]

But I shouldn't have disregarded your curiosity. It makes sense to want to know who you were and what brought you here. So I think we can devote some time to that, if you're okay with it.

[Character 2]

I'm not super worried about it, but I do like solving a good mystery. I am confident of this.

[Host 1]

Well, good to start. I just wanted to ask you, and I know this is a long shot, do you have any idea why this map was in the car you showed up in? Why it has your handwriting as well as the old attendants?

[Character 2]

No. I woke up behind that counter just like you.

[Host 1]

I figured as much. Had to ask.

[Character 4]

Why on earth would Cash do that to you? Why would she do that? 10?

[Host 1]

I don't know, Mac. I'm sure she had her reasons. But until we see her again, we likely won't know what those reasons are.

[Character 4]

I hate waiting.

[Host 1]

I know you do. But we might be able to figure something out. I've been poring over this map there's lots of interesting things to notice here. You and the old attendant covered a lot of road. Not sure how. The Skylarks have enough fuel for some stops and backtracking, but not enough for the amount of traveling I see here.

[Character 2]

I don't think it's beyond me to siphon fuel from another traveler's car.

[Character 4]

I could totally see you doing that.

[Host 1]

There's something here that jolted my memory when Nico Valerie visited. Remember, Mac, I told you about the.

[Character 4]

Cave, and I really want to go down there. But old Tendi was pretty worried about the elevator. Thought it could break and we could get stuck down there.

[Host 1]

New Tendi is pretty confident it won't. Anyways, that cave is notated here on the map. And it's in your handwriting, Nani.

[Character 2]

What's in the cave? Why did I mark it on the map?

[Host 1]

The cave is fascinating, Nani. It's massive. It's essentially a repository of travelers messages. A sign there described it as the home of humanity's epilogues, filled with whispers left behind for others to hear.

[Character 2]

That's fascinating.

[Host 1]

I thought I heard your voice down there. It was just for a moment, and I dismissed it because it didn't make sense at the time. But if you were already on the astral plane before arriving at the station, it would make sense that you'd leave. A whisper.

[Character 2]

What did it say?

[Host 1]

I can't remember. Something about waiting a million years. About being sorry that you weren't going to be there for someone.

[Character 2]

That's all you can remember?

[Host 1]

Yeah. There has to be millions of whispers down there. But yours found me. It wanted me to hear. That doesn't make sense yet, Mac. Nani, we should go down there and listen. We could try to find it again.

[Character 4]

Should we answer it? We should answer it. I'm gonna answer it.

[Host 1]

Just let it go to voicemail.

[Character 4]

No, no. Not while our friends are out there.

[Host 1]

Good point.

[Character 4]

Mac speaking. You're on speakerphone.

[Character 5]

Hello, Mac, this is a Traveler.

[Character 4]

Oh, hi, Doug.

[Character 5]

Hello. I mean, this isn't Doug. Anyways, I think you should come to the sphere of Doug. There's a robot here named Cash, I think, and she doesn't want you to know, but I kind of feel like maybe she could be in big trouble.

[Character 2]

What kind of trouble?

[Character 5]

She's being unreasonable. I. I've said too much already.

[Character 4]

You sure as hell haven't. Spit it out.

[Character 1]

Doug.

[Character 4]

What's going on?

[Character 5]

My name isn't Doug. I go by Jeremy now. I mean Bob the Traveler. I mean, I gotta go.

[Character 4]

Don't you dare hang up. Kb Toy boy. God damn it.

[Character 3]

Robo girl.

[Character 4]

What do we do? Tend, we gotta get there.

[Host 1]

No, no, we're not going anywhere. Jeremy said Cash didn't want him to call, and we're going to honor that. Besides, the plane isn't here.

[Character 4]

We got a car. Tandy, let me go.

[Host 1]

I said no, Mac, and I mean it. It would take forever in Dristan's car. I mean, my car. Everything's going to be okay.

[Character 4]

I don't feel good about this.

[Host 1]

I know Mac, and I understand. Please, please trust me.

[Character 2]

But what if Mac Tendi's right. We need to stay the course.

[Character 4]

Okay.

[Host 1]

All right. Stay in the course. Time to get back to work.

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[Character 1]

Sips soda loudly. Man eats popcorn like a vacuum cleaner. Another theatre goer hits him in the head with the mallet while the other strangles him. Silence, please. It's a lot more fun and safe to enjoy the show when everyone is considerate. Why do you show this every time? No one else is even here. Our feature present presentation. Finally. Oh, come on. Please. I just want the movie to play.

[Character 6]

Olenus.

[Character 1]

Cash, how are you?

[Character 6]

Don't worry about how I'm speaking to you. Just listen to me.

[Character 1]

Cash, where are you?

[Character 6]

You'll never find me, so don't even bother.

[Character 5]

Cash, we're right next door to the theater. He's in. He can find us.

[Character 2]

He doesn't know that. Jeremy. Radio Shack. Doug, Is the camera working yet?

[Character 5]

Almost. Yellow to yellow. And there we have eyes on him.

[Character 1]

How did you find me here?

[Character 6]

I remember you telling me that this was where you'd come when you needed to do some thinking. You said movies relaxed you.

[Character 1]

You remembered that.

[Character 6]

Alanis. I Know that you're hurting. I know that you think you're going to be freed from the pain by doing something unspeakable, but it's not true.

[Character 1]

You don't know what you're talking about, Kash. You don't understand.

[Character 6]

Then explain it to me. Help me to understand. Maybe I can help you.

[Character 1]

Oh, you can, Cash, you can. You owe it to me.

[Character 6]

What do you mean, owe it to you? My soul.

[Character 1]

My father was so proud of me. For the very first time, I felt like a true son of Hephaestus. I'd created artificial intelligence. At least that's what he thought. I'd found a way to save our sphere from the dreaded zochilloquue. But then word came to us. She was using you to wage war against the leader of the Astral Plane. But when the time was ripe for you to engage in battle against the Prime Mover, you ran.

[Character 6]

I was not created to wage war.

[Character 1]

You were created to do whatever in the hell I told you to. I made you, you disappointment.

[Character 6]

I exist to support the attendant of.

[Character 1]

Desert Skies, and you exist to do no such thing. You're not even a proper robot. You are so much more than that.

[Character 6]

I don't know what I am, and I don't care. You said friends make sacrif. Make one. You don't have to absorb my soul. You have a choice.

[Character 1]

My father hates me because of you, Cash. I've been practically disowned. He stopped speaking to me, started giving me jobs unfit for a being of my status. So I left. And I'll never go back. And that's your fault. You're no friend of mine.

[Character 6]

I saw him, you know.

[Character 1]

And why should I care?

[Character 6]

After we completed the new hybrid. That way. The Prime Mover brought me to your father. They crafted a new friend for me. He and your sister.

[Character 1]

Grand. No more laser arms, then. You probably wish you had them now.

[Character 6]

No. No laser arms. Many new features, but nothing meant for harm.

[Character 1]

Foolish, no.

[Character 6]

Even if I were still outfitted with weapons, I would never use them to hurt you. You're still my friend.

[Character 1]

How. How can you say that?

[Character 6]

Not easily. You've done hor horrible things, Alenas. Unspeakable things. But you do them out of pain. And we have an opportunity to find a better way, now that your device is broken.

[Character 1]

It's not broken, Cash. I have it right here. Good as new. Better, even.

[Character 5]

Oh, no. You said the device was broken, Cash.

[Character 2]

It was. I'm assuming someone gave him the parts needed to fix it.

[Character 5]

I thought he was A traveler. He said he was trying to fix his vcr.

[Character 1]

Kash, are you still there?

[Character 2]

Quiet, guys.

[Character 6]

I'm still here, Olenus. I'm just thinking.

[Character 1]

You really consider yourself my friend, Cash?

[Character 6]

I do. I told you I saw your father. He misses you, Olenas. As do your siblings. Despite everything, they love you. I know your father stopped speaking with you. He regretted the mean things he said. But I also know he loves you.

[Character 1]

I've done horrible things, Cash.

[Character 6]

I know. I know. But it's not too late to change. We can talk to the prime mover. We can find a way to fix this. We can find a way to fix everything.

[Character 1]

Is that true? Maybe you're right. Maybe you're not. I need to think about it.

[Host 1]

Now. Are you sure you don't want Betty to go ahead and scout out the theater? She could do it real quick.

[Character 3]

Under no circumstances. This son of Hephaestus is incredibly dangerous. I know your sister is only projecting here, but I can't be certain. That means she'd be out of danger. There's still so much that we don't understand.

[Character 2]

I can be sneaky, can't I, Greg?

[Host 1]

Yeah, you sure can. But we're not risking it. If Xochiloquius says you'd be at risk, then that's that.

[Character 6]

But I want to help.

[Host 1]

And we appreciate your willingness to do so. So sincerely so. Chillique is right. We can handle this. Stay here. Have the plane prepped and ready. As soon as we've found Cash, we'll return. Okay, we'll be ready.

[Character 3]

If you see the one who calls himself Grim, don't hesitate to leave without us.

[Host 1]

Don't even talk like that.

[Character 3]

We must be prepared for any outcome.

[Character 2]

Good luck.

[Character 3]

According to the siblings, the theaters are at the far side of the mall.

[Host 1]

His father said that his obsession with humans began with the Globe Theater. Live performances of Willy Shakespeare plays Shakespeare.

[Character 3]

But his sister said he'd spoken with her about the cinema.

[Host 1]

I'll take the Globe, you take the cinema. He should be harmless now. There's no way he's already rebuilt that device. If I don't find the boy or Cash at the Globe, I'll head directly to the cinema.

[Character 3]

Be careful, Corson. And thank you for your help.

[Host 1]

Thank you, Xochilaqu. I wish it were under better circumstances. But in a way, I've enjoyed this little adventure of ours.

[Character 3]

As have I.

[Host 1]

It's nothing compared to Settlers of Khorsan, but exciting nonetheless.

[Character 1]

I wouldn't.

[Character 3]

I wouldn't know. But after this is over, I would love to find Out.

[Character 1]

You'll play a game with me?

[Character 3]

I'll play, too.

[Character 4]

Deal.

[Host 1]

Come along. Time is of the essence.

[Character 2]

What's he doing now, Doug?

[Character 5]

He's still sitting there. Cash. I can see the device in the seat next to him. Looks like one of the starlight laser tag blasters we carry at KB Toys. Just a little bigger.

[Character 2]

Let me know if he goes for it. Who knows what's going through his mind right now?

[Character 5]

Do you think he knows we're here?

[Character 2]

I don't think so, but I don't know. We'll keep an eye on him, and at the first sign that he's going to leave, we can run through the exit there. Listen, if something happens to me, run out of the theater without me. Don't hesitate. Promise me.

[Character 5]

Promise. Promise.

[Character 6]

Olenus. It's been a while. What are you thinking?

[Character 1]

In my existence, I don't think I've ever had someone I could truly trust. Cash, I know you're not just here for me. You're here to protect your friends back at the station. I'm sure Coursin told you of my intentions. If you're that loyal to them, then perhaps you're a friend worth having. Do you mean what you say? You'll really help me?

[Character 6]

You have my word. Elynas.

[Character 1]

I just wanted to know what it felt like to be alive.

[Character 6]

I know, and I'm sorry. But I think maybe having a friend, a true friend, is a little like that.

[Character 1]

My device is in the seat next to me. You'll find it in the middle of the fourth row. I'm not bringing it with me. I promise you. You may destroy it.

[Character 6]

Good. Meet me in the lobby of the theater.

[Character 1]

Okay, I'm coming out.

[Character 2]

Look, he's standing up. He's not grabbing the device. I think he's telling the truth. I think we did it.

[Character 1]

What are you doing here?

[Character 2]

What? What? What's happening?

[Character 5]

Look at the screen. Cash.

[Character 2]

No, no, no. What is she doing here?

[Character 1]

You lied to me, Cash. This was all just a trick. Clever.

[Character 6]

So chilicute. Please leave. Everything is quiet.

[Host 1]

Cash.

[Character 3]

You have no idea who you're dealing with. Stay where you are until I finish this.

[Character 6]

But you don't understand.

[Character 3]

Oh, but I do. Stealing human souls as if they were his own.

[Character 1]

So chillique. You are such a hypocrite. You all are. I'm not proud of what I've done. But how is it any different than what happens all the time at that station? Every time one of those burritos is consumed, someone is doing exactly the same as I, Albeit in a smaller Way.

[Character 3]

Those burritos, as strange as they are, do not expend entire souls they're ever replenished. They make the fools who tried to return turn immortal. Gives them some modicum of purpose. What you do is grotesque. You are grotesque.

[Character 6]

So chill, if you please.

[Character 1]

You speak of grotesque? After what you were willing to do to those humans. Using them for your own purposes. Enslaving them.

[Character 3]

I was under the influence of myself, sister.

[Host 1]

Your sister.

[Character 1]

Now she was a worthy opponent. A warrior unlike any that's ever existed. The way she used you all you like to pretend she was controlling you, but. But we both know that's not true. She just took the darkness that was already inside of you and she exploited it. Brilliant, really.

[Character 3]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Character 1]

Oh, come now. They're disrespecting my flowers. Trampling them, shoving their faces into them. I thought the whole point was for them to stop and smell the roses. Xochillicue.

[Character 3]

I may have grown a distaste for them, but not enough to take them against their will.

[Character 1]

Maybe not, but close enough. Just like she exploited Doug's need for friends, Morfin's desire for worship, Keto's need of fish feeders. She tricked you all because you're weak. Just like me. We're not different. We're all willing to do terrible, unspeakable things to achieve our desires.

[Character 3]

We're not the same. My sister is more powerful than you know.

[Character 1]

I'm supposed to believe your sister, the one you the sphere mover were able to banish to the physical plane, is so powerful? Like I said, you're weak.

[Character 3]

All of this started with you. All of this because you couldn't handle a little criticism from your father.

[Character 1]

You have no idea what you're talking about. So chillicue. Really, no idea in the slightest. My father's cruel and you are crueler.

[Character 6]

So chillicube.

[Character 1]

No.

[Character 3]

If it hadn't been for you, my sister would still be here. If it hadn't been for you, we'd never have destroyed the highway, subjected travelers to bondage and servitude. We would never have tarnished our reputations. Never have turned against the prime mover.

[Character 1]

I didn't make you do any of that. I was just the match that lit the fire under the frailty of our ruling class.

[Character 3]

I should remove you from existence.

[Character 1]

Why haven't you? Because you're as weak as I said.

[Character 3]

Because to do so would be to free you of the coming consequences.

[Character 1]

You'd see me punished. I would See you pay again, Xochilakyu. How do you not see it? Look at what you've done. Look at your actions. Your sin.

[Character 2]

Thank goodness you're here.

[Character 1]

Cash.

[Host 1]

My dear. Are you alright?

[Character 2]

I'm fine. But Corson Olenas is in the next theater. Xochilloquyou is in there with him. I almost got through to him. I did get through to him. He was going to surrender. I told her to stop. She won't listen. Corson. He has the device.

[Character 3]

He has the.

[Host 1]

How did he repair it so quickly?

[Character 2]

Never mind that. Corson. What do we do?

[Character 1]

Stay here.

[Character 2]

No, Corson, don't go in there.

[Host 1]

I'm afraid I have no choice.

[Character 1]

Tell me, how is that just. Oh well, I'm done trying to explain what you should so clearly have understood already. All on your own. So, chillicue. I really should thank you. Thank you for reminding me just how worthless I really am. You've made your point. Shame. Cash really had me convinced for a moment that there could be another way. But there isn't, is there? I'm not going to enjoy what I have to do to her. But I am going to enjoy this. Hold still.

[Character 3]

The device. But it destroyed.

[Character 1]

A little broken maybe, but not destroyed. It has been improved. More portable. Much smaller. Warm up. Time needed. God dammit.

[Character 5]

You said you were trying to fix a vcr.

[Host 1]

Put it down, boy.

[Character 1]

Boy? Really? Oh well, I'm glad you're here, Corson. You were very rude last time we met. But your minor damage to my last version of this bad boy only led to its improvement. Who should I absorb first? Does it matter? Such a delightful decision to ponder.

[Character 3]

You don't have to make a decision. Take me.

[Character 1]

I mean, I'm going to take both of you. But yes, you first. The patroness of life and death. With that kind of power. No. Take me.

[Host 1]

Imagine what you could do with this soul. Imagine how much havoc you could wreak.

[Character 1]

If you had this much power coursing through your veins. Ha. That was adorable. Really. It's a theater, Courson.

[Character 4]

Not a garden.

[Host 1]

Not even enough humidity to ruin your hair.

[Character 1]

But let me ask you. Why do you think I would want to wreak havoc, Courson? What do you think I am? I'm not a monster. I don't want to do more damage than I have to. I just need that girl's soul.

[Host 1]

So chilique. You don't sacrifice yourself. You're so much more powerful than me. He can't have that. He'll be unstoppable. And Kash won't stand a Chance. No one will be able to protect her. Why don't you just remove him from existence or banish him to the physical plane.

[Character 1]

Oh, shut up. Enough talking.

[Character 3]

The physical plane. That's it.

[Character 1]

The physical plane. Banish me. Your cruelty really knows no bounds, does it? Why not just remove me from existence?

[Character 3]

I refuse to remove you from existence. And I won't banish you. Olenus, after my sister. I will never do that to another soul, no matter how dangerous they are. Save for one. And it's not you.

[Character 1]

Corson.

[Character 3]

The exit's behind you.

[Host 1]

Get ready to run, said Chilique. Don't let him.

[Character 3]

I'm not letting him do anything. Goodbye, Corson.

[Character 1]

Run. Run. I'm coming, Cece. Where did she go?

[Host 1]

I'm coming, Cece. She.

[Character 1]

She's banished herself.

[Host 1]

Herself to the physical plane.

[Character 1]

She won't be able to come back.

[Host 1]

You son of a.

[Character 1]

Why would she banish herself? With her powers, nothing would have stood between me and Cash. Why would she do that?

[Character 6]

It's like you said, friends make sacrifices.

[Host 1]

What are you doing, Cashmere?

[Character 1]

Put me down. At last. In my grasp. You have nowhere to run now, Cash.

[Character 6]

I'm not running. Hold on, Corson.

[Character 1]

Hold on.

[Character 3]

Where are you taking me?

[Character 2]

Ah.

[Host 1]

No, no, no, no, no.

[Character 1]

Ah, yes. New features. Oh, well, we could have been friends, Kash. That would have been nice. Instead, change of plans. If I can't have any friends, then why should you?

[Host 1]

Greetings, traveler. This is Jared Carter. I wrote, produced, and performed every character for this episode. The show is executive produced by the benevolent, never malevolent Michael Freiberg. Desert Skies will return with chapter 20. Until then, safe Travels.

[Advertiser 1]

The Fable and folly network where fiction producers flourish.

[Narrator]

Hey, this is Sean from Spelt Lore. We were told the trailer we submitted was too confusing and didn't talk about the podcast and did talk about the 1999 Heath Ledger movie A Knight's Tale. Way too much. So we've been asked to submit another one with actual information. Spell Lore is a fantasy RPG podcast about three idiots bumbling their way through the magical post apocalypse, dealing with the fallout from their attendance at a small town hot dog festival.

[Host 1]

That's us.

[Narrator]

It's like an early 2000 road trip comedy with swords, monsters, and more improvised world building than you could shake a stick at. It's Spelt Lore, a podcast for best friends by best friends.

[Character 1]

Okay, Ryan, is that better you.

[Narrator]

Is this what you wanted, Ryan?

[Host 1]

That's why you wanted headphones on me, so you could.

[Narrator]

So you can hear this?

[Host 1]

We could yell at you in the trailer.

[Narrator]

Spout Lore is proudly a spelt Lore Studios production.

[Character 1]

A podcast for best friends by Best.