Chapter 28 - Those Are Some Of My Favorite Parts

Summary

Desert Skies – Chapter 28: "Those Are Some Of My Favorite Parts"

Date: January 14, 2026
Host/Performer: Jared Carter (all voices)

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Episode Overview

In this emotionally resonant chapter, the denizens of Desert Skies Astral Plane Fuel and Service Station continue their journey through the celestial spheres. This episode centers on Mac’s struggle with guilt and identity, as Cash helps him confront painful memories from his former life. Along the way, they unravel the enigmatic presence of the Grand Trivia Lizard, explore the healing mysteries of the astral lake, and reflect on what it means to be "good" — all delivered through the show’s warm blend of humor, metaphysical intrigue, and tenderness.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Return to the Long Pause and Remembering Friends

• [03:30–04:22]
  • Mac and Cash revisit the Long Pause, a sphere both haunted and enlivened by memories of a past friend, Dristan ("a musician with a heavy hearted past").
  • There are references to Mac's accidental celebrity status among the local anthropomorphic bears, crediting him with saving the Astral Plane.

Notable Quote:

• “These bears credit you and Mac with saving the Astral Plane. Of course, no acknowledgement of the part I played.” – Cash (06:30)

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2. The Pecocks & the Cult Recruitment

• [07:19–10:50]
  • Mac confides to Cash about being approached by a cult-like group called the Bacocks, who want Mac to join them at the behest of an unnamed leader.
  • The Bacocks believe that collecting "facts" from across planes and times could unlock true freedom of travel—even through time.

Notable Exchange:

• Mac: “She said that their leader thinks that if a person is able to collect enough facts from the different planes—” (10:10)
• Cash: “Because, Mac, there’s only one creature on the physical plane who’s consumed with collecting facts.” (10:20)

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3. The Grand Trivia Lizard: Myth and Power

• [10:50–21:05]
  • Cash recounts the backstory of the Grand Trivia Lizard, formerly a gecko named Alan who became the Sphere Mover of the 25th sphere.
  • The ascension is depicted as a coronation, unsettling the other Sphere Movers who see themselves as servants, not royalty.
  • The Lizard collects trivia ("facts") obsessively, extracting them from travelers and other Sphere Movers in ritual-like games.

Notable Quotes:

• “A coronation meant that this new Sphere Mover considered themselves royalty.” – Cash (16:40)
• “He wants facts. Cold, hard facts from the physical plane. The more a traveler can tell him that he doesn’t already know, the happier he is.” – Cash (19:29)
• “It was like watching a glutton eat. But instead of licking his fingers after swallowing delicious morsels, he was licking his eyeballs after every boring thing they said.” – Cash (19:57)

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4. Mac's Burden: Guilt and Self-Image

• [21:05–23:12, 24:08–33:42]
  • Mac voices deep feelings of shame regarding acts from his past; Cash patiently teases out the truth.
  • Mac was forced to fire people at his job, believing himself to be in the wrong, but Cash reminds him of the kindness he did—secretly helping the fired employees financially at great personal cost.

Notable Exchange:

• Mac: “Why’d you tell me I was the sweetest man who ever lived, huh? What was I, cash, some sort of king?” (24:15)
• Cash: “The only reason why you even agreed to tell those people they were fired was because the person who told you…said he was gonna withhold their last paycheck if you didn’t.” (32:11)
• Cash: “You were brave enough to stand in front of those people in order to help them, knowing they’d hate you for it.” (32:29)

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5. The Astral Lake: Facing and Accepting the Self

• [24:49–34:08]
  • Cash takes Mac to the mystical glowing lake, which only appears to those who need it, accompanied by someone who loves them and can guide them.
  • By throwing rocks into the water, Mac confronts colored “ripples” representing shame, guilt, and fear within himself. As he processes his emotions and Cash reassures him, the ripples lighten and eventually disappear.
  • Cash imparts a moving lesson: the parts of ourselves we fear or regret are often those that others value most.

Notable Quotes:

• “The parts of you that make you who you are. The parts you’re afraid of and wish weren’t there? Those are some of my favorite parts.” – Cash (31:00, 34:01)
• Jerry: “Some features of the astral plane are more curious than others. They only appear when they’re needed.” (27:16)
• “And what color was it?” – Cash (25:58)
  “Red.” – Mac (25:59)

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6. Astral Mechanics & Magic

• [27:11–30:34]
  • Jerry (the bear) explains the astral lake’s purpose: it appears only when two people, one a first-time visitor in need of healing and one who loves and can guide them, are present.
  • This is ancient astral magic, beyond the understanding (and machinations) of even the Industrial Sphere.

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7. Reversal and Preparation for What’s Next

• [34:11–35:14]
  • The episode ends with a metaphysical twist: Mac, now in a new state of understanding, is met by Xochilaqu (Cash's sister, a powerful being), who hints at the Grand Trivia Lizard possibly holding the key not just to Mac and Cash’s problems, but to their way home.

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

| Time | Speaker | Quote | |----------|---------|-------| | 06:30 | Cash | “These bears credit you and Mac with saving the Astral Plane. Of course, no acknowledgement of the part I played.” | | 10:20 | Cash | “Because, Mac, there’s only one creature on the physical plane who’s consumed with collecting facts.” | | 16:40 | Cash | “A coronation meant that this new Sphere Mover considered themselves royalty.” | | 19:57 | Cash | “But instead of licking his fingers after swallowing delicious morsels, he was licking his eyeballs after every boring thing they said.” | | 25:58 | Cash | “And what color was it?” – “Red.” | | 31:00 | Cash | “The parts of you that make you who you are. The parts you’re afraid of and wish weren’t there? Those are some of my favorite parts.” |

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Memorable Moments

• Mac’s genuine laughter with Cash about the “inside/outside” joke (04:11–04:19).
• The description of the Grand Trivia Lizard’s coronation—a darkly whimsical yet ominous astral version of an interview panel (17:32–19:19).
• The touching, almost therapeutic sequence as Cash gently walks Mac through releasing shame at the lake, with the color of the ripples signifying emotional progress (25:11–33:42).
• The “bears tickling Mac with their claws” scene, blending humor and empathy (22:56–23:13).
• The conclusion, which sets up a new quest and leaves Mac—with Cash’s help—finally able to forgive himself and let go of shame.

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Episode Structure & Timestamps

• [00:01–03:30] – Pre-episode dialogue and show business (skip)
• [03:30–07:19] – Arrival at the Long Pause; remembering Dristan
• [07:19–10:11] – Cult recruitment; the Bacocks and collecting facts
• [10:11–21:05] – Unveiling the Grand Trivia Lizard’s mythos
• [21:05–24:08] – Mac’s moment of shame, seeking validation from Cash
• [24:08–34:08] – At the glowing lake: emotional healing, astral magic explained
• [34:11–35:14] – Mac meets Xochilaqu: hints for the future
• [36:11 on] – Outgoing promos (skip)

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Tone and Style Notes

• The episode balances whimsy, warmth, and philosophical inquiry, sustaining the show’s signature blend of quirky, otherworldly setting with heartfelt character work.
• Dialogue is a mix of dry, clever humor and moments of deep vulnerability—much of the emotional impact comes from understated admissions and gentle affirmations.

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For listeners and non-listeners alike, this chapter serves as an elegant meditation on shame, redemption, and the transcendent power of empathy—set against the lovingly realized metaphysics of the Astral Plane.

Transcript

[Mac]

Edgar said to the interviewer he was convinced that the thing out there wasn't a vault.

[Cash]

Yeah, I know what he thought.

[Mac]

Dr. Eggers didn't think it was designed to keep things out. I know what he thought it was designed to keep something in. Do you even understand the difficulty trying to keep a base like Fathom at.

[Cash]

The bottom of the ocean from killing.

[Mac]

Everyone in it on a daily basis? Oh my God, everyone hold on to something. I think whatever is on the other side of that door out there, it's not friend. I think it's trying to get out. That, my friend, is a dire combination. That's a bad sign. Get out of the door.

[Cash]

It's spreading like some kind of technological contagion. We can either stop it here or.

[Jerry]

Watch the world burn.

[Mac]

Fathom, the first season of Derelict. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or learn more@derelict podcast.com hi friends first, thank you for your patience in waiting for chapter 28. If you've been with the show as it actively releases, you know that sometimes episodes publish a little erratically and with the holidays. Well, anyways, it's here and I hope you enjoy. But as always, before beginning today's episode, I'd like to say thanks to some new members of Club 86. The Slim Reaper Bluest Girl, Erica Peyton, L. Swanson, Alina Amanda, Steven and Kayla Harker, Emma Nichols, Michelle Hazuda, Tim Grubicic, Greg Oopsie, Tulip, Emma Amazing Bananas, Lil Carol, Grams, Kelly Rivera, Ben Tube, Iris Dora Saravia, Dee Thompson, Aria Morath, Justin Enriquez, Rhonda Menard, Ratocat, Brenna, Kerry Tillman, Benjamin Hagedorn, Dibs, Senor Deuce, Joseph Wells, Kimberly Sunderland, Haley Kinder, Kermie, Bea de la Torre, George Banfield, and Postman Max. Mrs. Finlay's rendition of a bear Anymore. When I see really weird names like that, I just assume it's a midnight burger thing. And I love it. And if it's not, I still love it. Also, if I butchered any of your names, and I'm sure I did, please reach out to me on Patreon and I will publicly apologize in the next episode. And say it correctly, if you're not a member of Club 86, it's a great way to get access to a lot of bonus stuff, including two Miniseries merchants, Digital Rewards commentaries, and lately I've been doing a live show for Club 86 members called the Astral Update, which airs shortly after a new release. I talk about the most recent episode, give some updates, have some fun segments and answer any questions you might have. To join, just visit patreon.com desertskies again, patreon.com desertskies or as always, click the link in the show notes below. And with that, enjoy chapter 28. Those are some of my favorite parts. For the best listening experience, headphones are recommended. Been a while since I heard that sound.

[Cash]

What sound? What are you talking about?

[Mac]

The Long Pause. You can't hear it?

[Cash]

Not yet. You must have really good hearing.

[Mac]

Or maybe you just have not so good hearing. I can hear it just fine.

[Cash]

Wonder why that is.

[Mac]

My guess, back on the physical plane, you listened to music with headphones and you played it way too loud.

[Cash]

That's an interesting guess.

[Mac]

Not that interesting and not really a guess.

[Cash]

Why do you say that?

[Mac]

When you borrowed the cassette player back at the station, I could hear the music coming from the headphones. So, yeah, you were inside and I was outside.

[Cash]

I'm sorry, what did you say?

[Mac]

I said you were inside and I was.

[Cash]

Say that again, please. I couldn't hear.

[Mac]

I said you were inside and I.

[Cash]

Just kidding. I can hear you.

[Jerry]

Huh.

[Mac]

That's funny. I'm stealing that.

[Cash]

I'm sorry, what did you say?

[Mac]

Well, here we are. It's gonna be weird.

[Cash]

Why's that?

[Mac]

Last time we were here, we met Dristan. We didn't get to spend a whole lot of time with him, but. But he was a friend. Came through for us right when we needed him. He was a musician with a heavy hearted past, and he found a real home here at the Long Pause. He was real close with the local Sphere mover, Jerry the Bear tender.

[Cash]

Okay, now I get it. Get what? Remember the little big walk I went on right after I met you guys? Yeah. Well, this was naturally my first stop on the forest sphere. And first thing that happened was I walked in, started to sit on a stool, and that bear tender nearly clawed my damn face off. Then he pointed to a portrait some bear had scratched into the wood. Nicely done. Surprising amount of detail. It was a guy in his 30s. Sad eyes, little scruffy.

[Mac]

Yep, that's Tristan.

[Cash]

Well, apparently his is a memorial. Now, don't make the same mistake I did.

[Mac]

I'll make sure to avoid it.

[Cash]

Guys, would you mind if I talk to Mac? We'll be in in just a minute.

[Mac]

Sure, Cash, we'll wait inside.

[Cash]

But don't take too long. I want to know what the badass kids want with Mac. We won't be too long.

[Mac]

What'd you want to talk about?

[Cash]

Come on, Mac, let's go. For a walk. I want to show you something.

[Jerry]

It.

[Mac]

Why is everyone looking at me? Well, from what Jerry has told me, you're kind of a celebrity around here. Me? Why, you're the attendant. Of course. These bears credit you and Mac with saving the astral plane. Of course, no acknowledgement of the part I played. Yes, I know. You played a part as well. The bass, as I remember. Jerry, can you tell them to start playing again? Thanks. Attendant. Go out there, shake some paws. Your furry fans would be thrilled to meet the great attendant of Desert Skies. Uh, okay. So you found them. Where's Mac?

[Cash]

Outside with Cash. Corson, have you ever heard of the Pecocks?

[Mac]

B. Bacox?

[Cash]

Yes. B, A, K, O, C. Can't say that I have. Is there a place a little more private we can talk? Mac and Cash should be here soon.

[Mac]

There's a room behind the bar. It has a table and some chairs. Follow me.

[Cash]

Great. Jerry, that's your name? Assuming that's a yes. Two beers, please.

[Mac]

Oh, no. None for me.

[Cash]

What do you. Oh, you thought I was getting you one. This is embarrassing.

[Mac]

You do intend to stay sober, do you not? I can't stand drunk humans.

[Cash]

I don't get drunk, Corson.

[Mac]

Then what do you get?

[Cash]

Even.

[Mac]

Why you like this?

[Cash]

I don't know. Ask a shrink.

[Mac]

Collect your libations and follow me. Thanks.

[Cash]

Jerry the bear. What did he say?

[Mac]

He said he remembers you. And that if you get out of line, I am to deliver you to him for correction.

[Cash]

He is a very scary bear.

[Mac]

You have no idea.

[Cash]

How are you, Mac?

[Mac]

You tell me. I'm sure you've already peeked at my soul.

[Cash]

You haven't spent much time on the forest sphere, have you?

[Mac]

No. No, not really.

[Cash]

It might just be my favorite. Well, one of them. I can't wait to experience it in my human frame. I just love the sound of the wind and the trees and the chorus of crickets.

[Mac]

It smells amazing.

[Cash]

I bet it does.

[Mac]

There's something I want to ask you about, but I'm scared you're not going to want to answer.

[Cash]

I know, Mac. But trust me to answer what I can. And know that what I can't is only for your good. What's the question?

[Mac]

Did you lie to me?

[Cash]

Lie to you about what?

[Mac]

When you got back, you said I was a sweet man. And even though I kind of hate being called sweet, I hate it less than the idea of being, well, bad.

[Cash]

Yeah, Mac, what does that bad mother want with you?

[Mac]

She wants me to join the Bacaques.

[Cash]

Does she really think your Badass kids. Of course. A can of material. What do they even do? Just hide in the Inter State and get old?

[Mac]

It's weird.

[Jerry]

Cash.

[Mac]

She said there's a man who wants me to join them. Wants me to become a part of their little cult.

[Cash]

Who's the man?

[Mac]

She wouldn't say. Said it's not time for him to reveal himself to me.

[Cash]

That sounds a little unbelievable. Tell me more.

[Mac]

She said they're Seekers and Finders. That the interstate is the glue that binds realities together. The different planes and even different times. She said that if I joined them, that he could show me how to use it. Cash. She said that their leader thinks that if a person is able to collect enough facts from the different planes.

[Cash]

Facts?

[Mac]

Yeah, facts.

[Cash]

That's what she said. Collect facts.

[Mac]

Yeah, Cash, that's exactly what she said. She said it a bunch. Why does that matter?

[Cash]

Because, Mac, there's only one creature on the physical plane who's consumed with collecting facts.

[Mac]

Creature?

[Cash]

Did she say it was a man?

[Mac]

Yeah.

[Cash]

Wait. No.

[Mac]

No, I don't think she ever did. I don't know.

[Cash]

I've never seen him. But others have. He's very elusive.

[Mac]

Who is he?

[Cash]

He's the leader of the 25th sphere. The grand Trivia Lizard.

[Mac]

Wait, the Grand. Nani's met him? But she wouldn't remember.

[Cash]

Nani's met him? If she doesn't remember, how on earth would you know she has.

[Mac]

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

[Cash]

I don't know what's the truth and what's just rumors, Mac. He's one of the most secretive of all Sphere movers. Not only that, he's not even one of the originals.

[Mac]

What do you mean?

[Cash]

In the same way that Olenas took over course in Sphere, the Grand Trivia Lizard took over the one he now oversees.

[Mac]

You mean like someone gave it to him? Handed the roll over like Corson did?

[Cash]

I don't know for certain.

[Mac]

Tell me what you do know.

[Cash]

What in the Astral Plane would he even want with you? It makes no sense.

[Mac]

Tell me what you know and maybe we'll find out.

[Cash]

Okay. The story as I remember it. The Ocean Sphere. Do you remember their Sphere Mover?

[Mac]

She was with Xochilaqu when she came to destroy the station Keto. Master of the 27th star, where the.

[Cash]

Oceans are filled with monsters, Keto is incredibly powerful. Having mastered an understanding of the giant creatures that inhabit the oceans of her sphere, she can control them in ways that both comfort the traveler and terrifies her.

[Mac]

So the grand Trivial Lizard, is he. Is he some sort of giant ocean monster?

[Cash]

No, he's not. Not an ocean monster, anyways. The Ocean Sphere is home to five oceans and five islands. Before the highway was constructed, travelers made their way across the sphere on the backs of the five giant sea creatures that inhabit it, visiting the five islands where they'd face the five trials of Keto.

[Mac]

You sure are saying five a lot.

[Cash]

As scary as it was to ride on the backs of these monsters, the travelers were safe. But it was Kido's job to make sure of it.

[Mac]

So what kind of challenges did they face?

[Cash]

Most aren't important to the story, but I can say they were difficult. They took a long time.

[Mac]

Which ones are important to the story?

[Cash]

Only one. The Isle of Observation was home to a trial in which travelers were tasked with with taking notice of their surroundings. Not just noticing them, but seeking to understand them. Keto would lead them into the center of a circle. Standing beneath the bowels of a bioluminescent broadleaf forest, she'd have them close their eyes and remain silent. In their silence and without the aid of sight, the whole island would come alive by means of their other senses. The mimicry cry of the kagu, the sound of waves crashing on the nearby beach, the smell of the ocean spray, and the musty scent of the tree ferns.

[Mac]

To know something is to fill the whole of it with the whole of you.

[Jerry]

To let your senses take hold of.

[Mac]

That which you seek to understand.

[Cash]

Keto would keep travelers on the Isle of Observation until the island itself became almost a part of them.

[Jerry]

Why?

[Cash]

Because as humans. And yes, it feels strange saying that in this frame, as humans, we're terrible at being present in the worlds that surround us. Our senses are muted, pushed to the side by a consciousness preoccupied by past and future, not the here, not the now.

[Mac]

How do you know so much about this challenge?

[Cash]

I've seen it, Mac. When we rebuilt the highway, we built exits from the bridge to the islands below, allowing Kito to once again lead travelers through the experience. It was Kito who showed me the trial. And it was Kito who told me about him.

[Mac]

The Grand Trivia Lizard.

[Cash]

Before he was the Grand Trivia Lizard, he was just a small gecko. Goku looked on silently from the trees, watching trial after trial with great Wonder. His name was Alan. As the story goes along with each Traveler, Alan would close his eyes and he'd listen. And he'd smell. And he'd taste the world around him through scent particles on his tongue. Kita would watch him with wonder. Amusement. For no other creature on the ocean Sphere exhibited such intelligence. Keto could see on Alan's face such tremendous delight as he became one with the island. As sounds and tastes and smells danced in and through his senses, connecting him with the world around him. And then a time came when Quito looked at Alan's favorite tree, expecting to see the lizard who had amused her so much. And he was gone. It would be ages before he was seen again.

[Mac]

Where did he go?

[Cash]

No one knows for sure. After much time had passed, Kito was approached by a courier with an invitation. The 25th sphere had a new Sphere Mover. There would be a celebration to honor his coronation, and she was one of just a select few who'd been chosen to attend. Kito was taken aback. Not only was she shocked to hear that there was a new Sphere Mover, but to call his ascension to the role a coronation filled her with grave concern. This was long before Zocilocue's attempt to seize power. Sphere Movers had always considered themselves servants to the purposes of the Astral Plane. Even if begrudgingly. A coronation meant that this new Sphere Mover considered themselves royalty.

[Mac]

A Sphere Mover King.

[Cash]

Right. Well, she accepted the invitation. Out of that concerned, she left for the 25th sphere immediately. When she arrived, she found a small number of other curious and concerned Sphere Movers. Some she knew, some she didn't. They were attended to by the Sphere's inhabitants, who insisted on blindfolding them before leading them to the coronation. The Sphere Movers protested, but their curiosity moved them to concede. They were led on a long walk, then heard the sound of a large steel door being opened. Once inside, their blindfolds removed, they realized that they were underground. The air was humid, musty, and a deep fog filled the air. Faint lights led them through the freshly dug tunnel until it opened up into a gigantic cavern.

[Mac]

A cavern?

[Cash]

Yes. One Quito said resembled a stadium of sorts. Thousands of the citizens of that Swedish were seated around the darkened center, waiting in silent anticipation for the ascension of their new leader. And in the darkness, Keto saw something move. Something gigantic. And then the lights came up and there was a throne. A great throne. And seated on that throne was the monster. The monster she once knew as Alan. The crowd went wild, but how he do was as Confused as you are, Mac, the monster declared himself King of the Sphere, bestowing on himself the title of Grand Trivia Lizard. He took a gold crown and placed it upon his own head and then looked to the band of Sphere Movers he'd invited on their own spheres. They were giants among men, but in his presence they felt small as ants. It was then that Keto noticed something strange. Seated on the floor next to the throne, she could see five men, each one grinning menacingly at the Sphere Movers, delighting in their fear. Then the lizard spoke. Greetings, my friends. Welcome to my grand home. Do you like it? What's the matter? Cat got your tongue? Surely you must know that I mean me no harm. After all, I'm one of you now. We are family. And what does a family do?

[Mac]

A family plays trivia.

[Cash]

One by one, the Sphere Movers were called to the the floor of the Cavern where they stood before the Grand Trivia Lizard.

[Mac]

And did what? Played trivia.

[Cash]

He calls it trivia, but it's more of an interview. He wants facts. Cold, hard facts from the physical plane. The more a traveler can tell him that he doesn't already know, the happier he is.

[Mac]

Nani got second place.

[Cash]

That means Nani told him a lot.

[Mac]

But why do they do it?

[Cash]

Do what?

[Mac]

Play the game. I mean. Nani won a scale. That's just gross. What do you get if you win first place?

[Cash]

I don't know. Keto says that when she and the other Sphere movers played, he just asked them questions about the Astral plane, their spheres. She said that with each new fact, he nearly burst with delight. She said it was like watching a glutton eat. But instead of licking his fingers after swallowing delicious morsels, he was licking his eyeballs after every boring thing they said.

[Mac]

That's a good one. I love it.

[Cash]

And when they told him something he already knew, he would lean so far down that they could feel his horrible breath gust over their whole bodies. You see? He doesn't like as stale fact. You better.

[Mac]

What does he want with me, Cash?

[Cash]

I don't know. What does he want with all these facts?

[Mac]

I think I know.

[Cash]

Really?

[Mac]

Like I was telling you before, she said, the one that's having them scour the interstate in search of some facts believes that if someone gathers enough of them, they could travel anywhere in space, anywhere in time. Not just see it, but go there.

[Cash]

That's not possible, is it?

[Mac]

I need to tell you something, Cash. Something I saw.

[Cash]

Something you saw?

[Mac]

Yeah. Something you should have told me. Something in the past.

[Cash]

But how did she.

[Mac]

I don't know.

[Cash]

What did she show you?

[Mac]

Something that happened on the physical plane.

[Cash]

What did she show you, Mac Cash?

[Mac]

Am I a bad man?

[Cash]

Tell me what she showed you.

[Mac]

If you're the purchasing manager at a manufacturing plant, you know having a trusted partner makes all the difference. That's why hands down, you count on Grainger for auto reordering. With on time restocks, your team will have the cut resistant gloves they need at the start of their shift. And you can end your day knowing they've got safety well in hand. Call 1-800-GRAINGER clickgrainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done. I know exactly what you're talking about, bitch.

[Cash]

Right.

[Mac]

Speaking of bitches, look who's back.

[Cash]

Me.

[Mac]

I'm back.

[Cash]

We can see that.

[Mac]

Sit down attendant, before you fall. Don't mind if I do. You guys are so pretty.

[Cash]

Tendy?

[Mac]

Yes, my good friend.

[Cash]

Whatcha been up to?

[Mac]

I did what Corson said. I don't know what you think I said, but I didn't say whatever this is. Turns out that when you're a hero, people like to give you drinks. And when said people are bears, they don't like it when you say no.

[Cash]

I'm sure you could have said no Tendi, and they would have understood.

[Mac]

Oh yeah, look at this. Oh God. What have they done to your stomach? It's called tickling. I think it's different when there are claws involved. You should have seen it before it started healing.

[Cash]

That must hurt.

[Mac]

It did. Now it doesn't. Now I feel nothing. Okay, I'm gonna leave you four here and get some air. Person. Did you call the station? The tires are on their way, Attendant.

[Cash]

Good.

[Mac]

Okay, I am going. Do you guys want to dance? We are fine right here. Right you are. Later. No, no, no. No more. Nope. I. I can't. Okay, just one. Wow.

[Cash]

Right? Should we help him?

[Mac]

Yes, probably.

[Cash]

Let's save the boy.

[Mac]

And then the people at the factory started yelling. It sounded like some might have been crying. And then I was up there and.

[Cash]

I.

[Mac]

I finished and I just walked away.

[Cash]

Anything else you remember?

[Mac]

Nah, that's it. Why'd you tell me I was the sweetest man who ever lived, huh? What was I, cash? Some sort of king?

[Cash]

No, Mac, not a king.

[Mac]

Then what?

[Cash]

Follow me, Mack. I want to show you something.

[Mac]

Are you just avoiding answering me?

[Cash]

No. No, I'm not. Follow me. And if it's alright, let's stay quiet as we walk. I need to think.

[Mac]

Yeah, yeah, okay. I Can stay quiet. Oh, my word.

[Cash]

It's one of my favorite places on the astral plane. I knew it would be here again.

[Mac]

I've never seen so much water. And it's.

[Cash]

Is it glowing?

[Mac]

Yeah. You see it too, right?

[Cash]

I did once. Did? Yeah.

[Mac]

How does it glow for me and not for you?

[Cash]

I don't know exactly.

[Mac]

Why are we here? Why'd you want me to see a lake?

[Cash]

Pick up a rock.

[Mac]

A rock?

[Cash]

Yeah.

[Mac]

A big one or a small one?

[Cash]

Doesn't matter. Just grab the first one you can find.

[Mac]

Okay. Let's see. Here we go.

[Cash]

Now toss it in.

[Mac]

You want me to just chuck it into the lake?

[Cash]

Yeah, Mac, go for it.

[Mac]

Alright. Wow.

[Cash]

I figured it would be here. The prime mover showed me. And now I want you to see.

[Mac]

See what?

[Cash]

That ripple. It's part of you. The part of you that you're afraid of. The part that's causing you trouble because of how much you hate it.

[Mac]

I don't follow.

[Cash]

When you threw that rock, what happened?

[Mac]

Well, what a rock does. The water rippled out from where it landed, but.

[Cash]

And what color was it?

[Mac]

Red.

[Cash]

When you looked at it, how did you feel?

[Mac]

I felt bad.

[Cash]

Can you be more specific?

[Mac]

I felt ashamed.

[Cash]

Why do you think you feel ashamed?

[Mac]

Because of the thing she showed me. Whatever it was that I did to those people.

[Cash]

Grab some more rocks. I'm going to get some too.

[Mac]

Why?

[Cash]

Just do as I say.

[Mac]

All right, bossy pants.

[Cash]

While we're looking for rocks, I'll try to explain. This lake is strange, Mac. It doesn't glow for everyone.

[Mac]

Really?

[Cash]

No. But it glowed for me the first time I saw it. And I figured it would probably glow for you, too.

[Mac]

Explain.

[Cash]

Way back then, when I set out to help rebuild the highway, I was. I was having a hard time.

[Mac]

How so?

[Cash]

I was feeling things.

[Mac]

What kinds of things?

[Cash]

Things that were the result of. Well, a number of things. Including some things I'd rather not talk about at the moment.

[Mac]

But I just shared with you.

[Cash]

That was your choice, Mac. And I'm thankful.

[Mac]

Okay.

[Cash]

Anyways, I was feeling some pretty big feelings when I found this lake. Wow. Beautiful. What is this place? Is it one of the stops travelers used to make?

[Jerry]

Yes and no.

[Cash]

What do you mean?

[Jerry]

You'll see more of it? Some features of the astral plane are more curious than others. They only appear when they're needed.

[Cash]

Some sort of magic.

[Jerry]

The astral plane, much like the physical, is comprised of features from different ages. We have our own history, you know.

[Cash]

Yes, but what are you trying to tell me?

[Jerry]

Well, things have changed over time. The path the travelers followed across the plains, the areas they would visit. For instance, the Electric Desert.

[Cash]

What about it?

[Jerry]

Well, that's a remnant of the industrial age. A time when the industrial sphere showed some real initiative. Overzealous initiative. We thought the Astral plane needed modernization.

[Cash]

You said the Electric Desert wasn't worth building an exit to. That it wasn't even worth us visiting.

[Jerry]

The thing about progress is it often promises simple and effective solutions to problems. But what it actually gives is oversimplified and ineffective answers to complex internal struggles. Struggles that can't be solved by sheer will and ingenuity, but instead a slow and long suffering exposure to what it is. The Astral Plane would have travelers learn.

[Cash]

And the lake?

[Jerry]

The lake, like many things on the Astral plane, doesn't appear to everyone. It appears to the right person at the right time. Or in the lake's case, the right people.

[Cash]

Why does it appear to me? To us? And why does it glow?

[Jerry]

Sadly, it doesn't glow for me. Shame. I hear it's very pretty.

[Cash]

It doesn't glow for you?

[Jerry]

No.

[Cash]

This is so strange.

[Jerry]

This is magic. Ancient magic. Older than the physical plane itself.

[Cash]

Older than the astral plane, Older than you.

[Jerry]

This is what the industrial sphere thought it could do better then. And in some cases, they actually did some good. You'll see along the way.

[Cash]

So how does the lake work?

[Jerry]

Well, a few conditions have to be met.

[Cash]

Which are?

[Jerry]

There has to be two people.

[Cash]

A prime mover and a robot. Ha ha.

[Jerry]

No. Any type of people will do.

[Cash]

I was just joking.

[Jerry]

Oh, I know, I know. Gosh.

[Cash]

So two people?

[Jerry]

Yes, but also, of the two people, there must be one who's visited the lake already and one who has never visited. The one who has never visited for whom this is the first time. They always have a part of themselves that they don't understand. A part they're afraid of.

[Cash]

And what about the first person? The person who has already been here?

[Jerry]

They must be someone who loves the person who hasn't. They must be willing to be a guide.

[Cash]

So you're here to guide me?

[Jerry]

It would appear so.

[Cash]

That means you've already been here. You can guide because you've been guided.

[Jerry]

I might be an exception to the rule.

[Cash]

So what happens now?

[Jerry]

Find some rocks.

[Mac]

So you threw your rock?

[Cash]

I did.

[Mac]

What color was it?

[Cash]

Burnt orange. Kind of like your beard.

[Mac]

Nice. Okay, so then what then?

[Cash]

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

[Mac]

Red.

[Cash]

What? Feeling shame because you are mean, Mac. I've seen the part of you that you call mean. Tear bullies down to size. I've seen it protect your friends. I've even seen it keep tendi humble. Sure, it's not always perfect how it's used, but I like that part of you.

[Mac]

Dang. Nice aim. You got it exactly where I threw mine.

[Cash]

And what color is the ripple?

[Mac]

It's still red. But not as dark as before.

[Cash]

What? Feeling still shame because.

[Mac]

Because I did something to hurt those people.

[Cash]

Mack, you didn't hurt those people. People, not really. Someone else did. You were firing people. Firing people from their jobs. You were told to.

[Mac]

By who?

[Cash]

It doesn't matter. Not yet. What matters is what happened after. What happened after you started giving your own money to help some of those people make ends meet while they looked for other jobs. The people who were impacted the most. You did it in secret. You even started selling your things. You bought Christmas presents for their kids. You paid mortgages. You helped as many people as you could.

[Mac]

Gosh, I was loaded. I was loaded. And now I don't have a cent to my name. Hell, I don't even have a name.

[Cash]

The only reason why you even agreed to tell those people they were fired was because the person who told you to say said he was gonna withhold their last paycheck if you didn't. Why? Because he didn't like the part of you that made you strong. Stronger than him. The part of you that made you kind. You were brave enough to stand in front of those people in order to help them, knowing they'd hate you for it. So you're saying you are a selfless man, Mac, who pushed back against greed and darkness on the physical plane.

[Mac]

Color almost pink.

[Cash]

And the feeling there's still a little.

[Mac]

Bit of shame because. Because I should have never let her tell me who I am. She didn't earn that right.

[Cash]

No, she didn't.

[Mac]

But you have. You've earned it. And I'm ashamed that I didn't trust you, Mac.

[Cash]

Part of you that almost let her convince you that you were bad, that's the part of you that wants to be good for your friends. You were afraid that you weren't right for us, that we weren't right for you. You shouldn't have believed her, Mac. It's true. But that's nothing to be ashamed of. Because it was love that almost let her win.

[Jerry]

Whoa.

[Cash]

What color, Mac?

[Mac]

No color. It's just a boring old lake now.

[Cash]

Yep. Just a boring old lake born of ancient magic. Remember what I told you, Mac. Remember it. Because one day, you might be the one doing the guiding. The parts of you that make you who you are, the parts you're afraid of and wish weren't there. Those are some of my favorite parts.

[Mac]

Thank you, Cash.

[Cash]

Ready to go inside?

[Mac]

Yeah. Yeah, I guess so. It's gonna be great to see.

[Cash]

Mac.

[Mac]

Cash, I'm glad to see that you've made it successfully to the astral plane. Why are you in your robot frame?

[Cash]

Who in so Chillique?

[Mac]

Yes, Cash, it's me.

[Cash]

But how?

[Mac]

The same way my sister was able to invade my mind when I was on the astral plane and she was on the physical plane. A type of projection.

[Cash]

How long has it been since I died?

[Mac]

About 12 minutes.

[Cash]

Wow. I'm glad we can talk. I need to ask you something.

[Mac]

What is it, Cash?

[Cash]

The grand trivia lizard.

[Mac]

What about him?

[Cash]

What do you know?

[Mac]

I've never seen the creature, only heard rumors. I don't know much about him, but I do. Why are you asking about the lizard?

[Cash]

Sihuacotl?

[Mac]

Is he creating a problem?

[Cash]

Yes. But he might also be providing a solution to your problem and ours. A way home for both of us.

[Mac]

Tell me everything. This episode was written, produced and performed by me, Jared Carter. The show is executive produced by the masterful Michael Freiberg. Desert Skies will return with chapter 29. Until then, safe travels. The fable and folly network where fiction producers flourish.

[Cash]

You found the heart? She found a key to the heart. On the quest of a lifetime, three best friends take on a harrowing journey.

[Jerry]

Your mind and body will be tested.

[Mac]

In these upcoming weeks, as well as.

[Cash]

Your heart, where more is at stake than a gift from the gods. Being with Albina and I is going to be weird.

[Mac]

Not bad weird, just different.

[Cash]

Everything's different on the water when new friends meet. You have an office? Where do you think? I do all the pirate business. Pirates have business. It's a parchment nightmare. And family secrets are revealed. We could be twins. Yes, I've noticed. This young crew of adventurers will learn what it takes to complete the deadly journey to the Heart.

[Mac]

It's not like an island could set a trap for us.

[Cash]

What?

[Mac]

Lightning fog? Are you kidding me?

[Cash]

But is getting what they want worth losing what they have? I was happy with you and Charlie was. Look at us.

[Mac]

How could I be?

[Cash]

Journey to the Heart. Now available everywhere. You listen to podcasts, tune in each week and vote for where you think the story should go next.

[Mac]

What will you wish for?