Episode 13 - A History Lesson

Summary

Trap Street: Episode 13 - A History Lesson

Release Date: October 4, 2024
Hosts: Tony Martinez and Michael P. Greco
Description: An unemployed gamer receives a mysterious email with two attachments: an image of a woman with red hair and green eyes, and an old map of Ocean Bay. His subsequent actions hold the fate of the human race.

---

Introduction

In Episode 13, titled "A History Lesson," of Trap Street, listeners are plunged deeper into the enigmatic world created by Tony Martinez and Michael P. Greco. The episode unveils pivotal revelations about the protagonist, Josh Mayfield, his heritage, and the mysterious concept of "Trap Streets." This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and conclusions.

---

Encounter at the Map Makers Ice Cream Parlor

The episode opens with Josh entering the Map Makers Ice Cream Parlor, a place that mirrors one of his childhood memories.

• Ice Cream Parlor Owner:
  "One of your fondest memories as a child was visiting the St. Francis Ice Cream parlor with your parents."
  [00:25]

Josh expresses his awe at the vast array of ice cream flavors:

• Josh:
  "But there are so many tubs of ice cream, I can't even see the end of this row. It just goes on and on."
  [01:33]

The owner explains the significance of the flavors:

• Ice Cream Parlor Owner:
  "Every flavor on the face of your planet is represented here, along with every possible combination. The permutations are endless."
  [01:40]

The Concept of Time and Memory

The conversation takes a metaphysical turn as the owner reveals the parlor's true purpose:

• Ice Cream Parlor Owner:
  "This space is based on that memory."
  "Choose a flavor, taste it, and you will be transported to that year."
  [01:26] & [02:04]

Josh skeptically questions the mechanics:

• Josh:
  "Are you telling me you built a time machine out of ice cream?"
  [02:10]

The owner clarifies the illusionary nature of this experience:

• Ice Cream Parlor Owner:
  "This is not time travel, Josh. The clock makers control time, not us."
  [02:14]

Revelations of the Past

Choosing the year 1997, significant personal events unfold:

• Josh:
  "Where were you when my dad was having a heart attack on that hike and I couldn't find the way out?"
  [05:27]

The owner discloses a hidden truth about Josh's father:

• Ice Cream Parlor Owner:
  "Your father did not know this. He was not a normal human being."
  [05:56]

This revelation leads to the disclosure of Josh's unique heritage:

• Ice Cream Parlor Owner:
  "You are the last descendant."
  [06:19]

Josh connects this to his friend Simon, uncovering a shared lineage:

• Josh:
  "We have a great, great grandfather in common. His name was Albert Beckwourth."
  [06:04]

Understanding Trap Streets

The narrative delves into the concept of Trap Streets, fictitious streets created on maps that serve as entry points between worlds.

• Josh:
  "You people really are full of surprises."
  [08:04]

• Ice Cream Parlor Owner:
  "When an invented street is drawn on a map, it becomes part of our reality."
  [12:36]

Josh learns that Trap Streets are not just cartographic anomalies but gateways controlled by the non-human Map Makers.

---

Journey to 1880: The Birth of Trap Streets

The episode transports Josh back to 1880 London, witnessing the inception of Trap Streets through the actions of Lewis Porter, a cartographer.

• Josh:
  "He's about to create the first trap street."
  [11:50]

Porter’s creation of Cherry Lane marks the establishment of Trap Streets, connecting the two worlds.

• Ice Cream Parlor Owner:
  "There is no difference between the street Lewis Porter has just invented and the one you entered in Ocean Bay."
  [12:22]

Josh observes the Map Makers' first foray into the human world:

• Josh:
  "They're kissing."
  [15:14]

This act signifies their permanent choice to live among humans, relinquishing their powers and immortality.

---

Heritage and Destiny Unveiled

As the layers of Josh's lineage unfold, it's revealed that he is a hybrid—half human, half Map Maker.

• Josh:
  "Are you saying I'm half human and half mapmaker?"
  [15:57]

His friend grapples with this revelation:

• Friend:
  "Because you're hybrid."
  [16:18]

This hybrid heritage explains Josh's unique ability to traverse Trap Streets, a feat unattainable by ordinary humans.

---

Conclusion: The Implications of Trap Streets

The episode culminates in the understanding that Trap Streets serve as the linchpin between the human world and that of the Map Makers. Josh's role as the last descendant positions him as a crucial figure in bridging or perhaps saving both worlds.

• Ice Cream Parlor Owner:
  "We wanted to bring both of you here so you could help us."
  [08:54]

The intertwining of past and present, reality and fiction, sets the stage for future episodes where Josh must navigate his dual heritage and the responsibilities that come with it.

---

Notable Quotes

• Josh on Trap Streets:
  "It's not my fault for getting lost?"
  [05:38]

• Ice Cream Parlor Owner on History:
  "The past can be more than a memory."
  [05:03]

• Josh Reflecting on Great-Grandfather:
  "And when those kids grew up, they had to marry normal people, right?"
  [15:50]

---

Insights and Themes

• Heritage and Identity: Josh's discovery of his unique lineage raises questions about identity and destiny.

• Interplay of Reality and Fiction: The concept of Trap Streets blurs the lines between fabricated elements on maps and actual entry points to another realm.

• Power and Control: The revealing of the Map Makers' reliance on humans' creation of Trap Streets underscores themes of control and autonomy.

• Love and Sacrifice: The Map Makers' decision to enter the human world reflects themes of love, sacrifice, and the quest for genuine emotion.

---

Final Thoughts

Episode 13 of Trap Street masterfully weaves a narrative that combines personal revelations with fantastical elements. Through Josh's journey, listeners explore deep-seated themes of identity, destiny, and the mysterious forces that govern our reality. The integration of notable quotes and engaging dialogue enriches the storytelling, making it a compelling installment in the series.

---

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections, focusing solely on the episode's substantive narrative and discussions.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

From the creators of StrangeAir. This is Trap Street. Episode 13, a history lesson.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Welcome to the Map Makers Ice Cream Parlor.

[Josh]

You have got to be kidding me.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

One of your fondest memories as a child was visiting the St. Francis Ice Cream parlor with your parents.

[Josh]

Yeah, yeah, that's true. It's been there for over 100 years.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

This space is based on that memory.

[Josh]

But there are so many tubs of ice cream, I can't even see the end of this row. It just goes on and on.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

That is because every flavor on the face of your planet is represented here, along with every possible combination. The permutations are endless.

[Josh]

And that's supposed to make me feel more comfortable?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

No, it is supposed to help you access the past. How each of these flavors corresponds with a year in human history.

[Josh]

Really?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Choose a flavor, taste it, and you will be transported to that year.

[Josh]

Are you telling me you built a time machine out of ice cream?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

This is not time travel, Josh. The clock makers control time, not us.

[Josh]

And where are they?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

On the other side of here.

[Josh]

Okay, so what happens if I eat some?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

You will observe moments from that year. Moments that will benefit your current understanding.

[Josh]

Current understanding of what?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Everything that matters.

[Josh]

Okay, fine. Let's go with 1997.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Ah, the year you were born. An excellent choice. Follow me. So, are you having a nice visit?

[Josh]

Yeah, I guess.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

The shirt you are wearing is very nice.

[Josh]

Thanks. It's. It's vintage.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Ah, we have arrived. This is 1997 chocolate chip cookie dough. That is correct. Here is a silver spoon. Enjoy your taste of history.

[Josh]

Wow. Hey, this is crazy good. Oh, wait, wait, wait, wait. What's happening?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

He's so beautiful.

[Parent]

Yeah, this is one good looking kid.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

And we're fine calling him Joshua. It might not be too late to change It.

[Parent]

Are you kidding? Joshua's a great name. It means salvation. And all his friends will end up calling him Josh.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Josh. Josh is nice. It would be hard not to like someone named Josh.

[Parent]

He's gonna have an incredible life.

[Josh]

Aren't you?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

He sure is.

[Parent]

And you know what? When Josh gets older, he'll probably make some really stupid mistakes, like borrowing my car without permission or deciding to become an actor. But it won't make any difference. I'll always forgive him. And I'll always love him, no matter what.

[Josh]

Wow. That felt so real.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

The past can be more than a memory.

[Josh]

Why did you show this to me?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

We did not show you anything. You are the one who chose this year.

[Josh]

Fine. Then why did chocolate chip cookie dough show this to me?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Perhaps it was necessary for you to experience that moment. Are we ready to move on?

[Josh]

No. No, not yet. I have a question.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Of course.

[Josh]

Where were you when my dad was having a heart attack on that hike and I couldn't find the way out? We had a map. You could have sent me directions or something.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Unfortunately, there was no path that could save your father.

[Josh]

So it wasn't my fault for getting lost?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

No. There was nothing you could do.

[Josh]

Thanks.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

The time has come for you to learn a secret about your father.

[Josh]

Secret? What secret?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Your father did not know this. He was not a normal human being.

[Josh]

How do you mean?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

His genetic background was unique. You inherited that background.

[Josh]

So you're saying I'm not normal?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

That is correct.

[Josh]

Then what am I?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

You are the last descendant.

[Friend]

You're the last what?

[Josh]

Descendant.

[Friend]

That sounds scary.

[Josh]

It's not. Well, not really.

[Friend]

All right, keep going. I'm listening.

[Josh]

First, we have to talk about Simon.

[Friend]

What does he have to do with this?

[Josh]

Remember when my hacker friend looked into his background?

[Friend]

Oh, how could I forget? While you were gone, I saw the report in your room. I know you and Simon are related.

[Josh]

Yeah. How incredible is that? We have a great, great grandfather in common. His name was Albert Beckwourth. He owned a print shop in London.

[Friend]

When?

[Josh]

Back in 1880.

[Friend]

And that's a fact?

[Josh]

It sure is.

[Friend]

Did you know this when you met him?

[Josh]

No. No, of course not.

[Friend]

I don't get it. Like, what does all this mean?

[Josh]

It means Simon was also a descendant.

[Friend]

You're both descendants?

[Josh]

Yes.

[Friend]

Descendants of what?

[Josh]

The map makers.

[Friend]

Hit the brakes. You said they're not human, so how would that even be possible?

[Josh]

The answer to that question involves two words you know very well.

[Friend]

And what are they?

[Josh]

Trap street.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

For you to understand this part of our shared history, we will have to Visit the year 1880.

[Josh]

So I get to eat more ice cream?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

That is correct. Here, get on.

[Josh]

We're taking scooters.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

It is a long walk. This will be faster.

[Josh]

You people really are full of surprises.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Do not forget to put on your helmet.

[Josh]

Sure, no problem.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Follow me. I know the way.

[Josh]

Hey, what's that over there?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

A world which is not part of ours.

[Josh]

Why is it so white?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Because that world is made of paper.

[Josh]

Paper? Yes.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

That is where stories begin.

[Josh]

I have another question.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Of course.

[Josh]

Am I the last descendant because Simon's dead?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

That is correct.

[Josh]

So if Simon was still alive, we would be the last two descendants, right?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

That is also correct. We wanted to bring both of you here so you could help us.

[Josh]

Help you with what?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

We have arrived.

[Josh]

Great. More ice cream. Wow. These rows never end.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Here is your silver spoon, Josh. Please try the flavor that is right in front of you.

[Josh]

Creamy rose water. Yeah, that sounds made up.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

We can assure you it is both real and quite tasty.

[Josh]

And it represents 1880?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

That is correct. Two important events occurred during that year. Events which had a direct effect on both our worlds.

[Josh]

All right, let's do this. Whoa. Oh, this one is really intense.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Ooh.

[Josh]

It's like. Oh, I can taste it in my.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Welcome to 1880.

[Josh]

What is this?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

We are outside a shop which is located on Belvedere Road in London.

[Josh]

You're kidding. This is England.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

That is correct.

[Josh]

And what's that tower over there? The one with the clock?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

You are looking at the great clock in Westminster. You might know this structure by the name Big Ben.

[Josh]

Really? Wow. That is super cool.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Follow me. Tell us, Josh, what catches your eye when you look around this shop?

[Josh]

Well, it's a mess. There's paper everywhere. It looks like someone had a fit. Who's that?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

That man is Lewis Porter. He is a cartograph.

[Josh]

Why is he so angry?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Lewis just learned he was a victim of a rather unusual theft.

[Josh]

What happened? Did some kid pick his pocket like an Oliver Twist?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

No. A competitor stole the design for a map he created. Lewis Porter is the victim of a copyright infringement which will cost him a great deal of money.

[Josh]

Hang on.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Look. Joshua, did you see what just happened?

[Josh]

Yeah, he's smiling. It's like a light bulb went on over his head.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Lewis Porter has come up with an idea that pleases him.

[Josh]

Wait, wait, wait. I know what this is.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Tell us.

[Josh]

He's about to create the first trap street.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

That is correct. Trap streets will become quite common in his country and yours. They will be used as evidence in countless lawsuits.

[Josh]

Yeah, yeah, my Friend told me all about that. Wait. But here's what I don't get. This guy isn't some kind of wizard or anything. He's just doing his job, trying to make a living. So how do we get from this moment to me entering the trap street in Ocean Bay?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

There is no difference between the street Lewis Porter has just invented and the one you entered in Ocean Bay. They are both entry points that exist between our worlds.

[Josh]

So from this point on, every trap street on every map connects to you?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

That is correct. When an invented street is drawn on a map, it becomes part of our reality.

[Josh]

But why do you need entry points?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

As you have seen, humanity created trap streets, not us. We have no use for them. As your kind likes to say, they are more trouble than they are worth.

[Josh]

Have other people crossed over?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

No. Humans cannot see or use these trap streets.

[Josh]

I did.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

You are a descendant.

[Josh]

But I'm still human, right? Right.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

That is an excellent question. Follow me, and I will show you the answer.

[Josh]

Hey. What just happened? How'd we get here?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

We began our visit in the month of January. Now we are in the month of September. During the time that passed, Lewis Porter published a new map which replaced the one that was copied.

[Josh]

And this map had the first trap street.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

That is correct. The street is called Cherry Lane, and it is located right. Right around this corner.

[Josh]

Except there's nothing here. Which makes perfect sense because, well, it's not a real street.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Watch carefully, Josh. This is the moment your life begins.

[Josh]

Oh, my God. Who are those people? They just appeared out of nowhere.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

They're mapmakers. The two of them just used the first trap street to leave our world and enter yours.

[Josh]

Why?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

They did this because after watching human love from a distance for thousands of years, they wished to experience the emotion themselves. This trap street, the first of its kind, created the temptation and opportunity to cross over.

[Josh]

How long did they stay here?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

The choice they made was permanent. There was no turning back.

[Josh]

Wow.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

By crossing over, the two of them lost their power over maps. They also lost their immortality.

[Josh]

Was it worth it? Did have good lives. I'm asking because they look pretty confused right now.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Yes, they were quite pleased with their decision.

[Josh]

Look, they're kissing.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Oh. It is the first of many.

[Josh]

Oh. Where are they going now?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

The two of them are about to begin their new lives. They will use their knowledge of the future to find their way in this new world. By the end of the year, your great, great grandfather will open a print shop on Fleet Street.

[Josh]

And he took the name Albert Beckworth.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

That is correct. And she Became Alice Beckworth. The two of them will be married. Their child will become your great grandfather.

[Josh]

How many kids did they have?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

4.

[Josh]

And when those kids grew up, they had to marry normal people, right?

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

That is correct.

[Josh]

Which means their descendants would be hybrids. Are you saying I'm half human and half mapmaker?

[Friend]

Dear Lord. We just took a left turn into crazy town.

[Josh]

You don't really think I'm making this up, do you?

[Friend]

No, of course not. I saw that Trap street swallow you whole. And I knew there had to be an explanation. I just didn't think it would involve a group of immortal beings called the Map Makers who live on the other side of made up streets.

[Josh]

Do you have any questions?

[Friend]

Are you serious?

[Josh]

Well, maybe just a few. That can't wait.

[Friend]

Let's start with my grandmother's map. If I understand correctly, that fake street has been a portal to their world from the moment she painted it.

[Josh]

That's right.

[Friend]

But no one's ever gone in before.

[Josh]

No. Humans can't.

[Friend]

But you did.

[Josh]

Yes.

[Friend]

Because you're half human and half mapmaker.

[Josh]

Exactly.

[Friend]

Because you're hybrid.

[Josh]

Right.

[Friend]

I'm gonna open a bottle of wine.

[Josh]

That is an excellent idea.

[Friend]

And I'm gonna order some Chinese food. Do hybrids like Chinese food?

[Josh]

Sure do. Especially orange chicken.

[Friend]

This may be the strangest day of my life.

[Narrator]

Trap street was written and directed by Tony Martinez. The show was produced by by Michael P. Greco and Tony Martinez. Starring Michael P. Greco as Josh Mayfield Lindsay Elston as Mc Henderson featuring Keiko Agena Nan McNamara Renee Mujica thanks for listening. We'll be back soon. And remember, maps have secrets. The Fable and Folly network where fiction producers flourish.

[Parent]

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

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Yeah, I know what he thought.

[Parent]

Dr. Edgar didn't think it was designed to keep things out.

[Josh]

I know what he thought.

[Parent]

He thought it was designed to keep something in.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

Do you even understand the difficulty trying to keep a base like Fathom at the bottom of the ocean from killing everyone in it on a daily basis? Oh, my God.

[Parent]

Everyone hold on to something.

[Josh]

I think whatever is on the other side of that door out there, it's not friendly. I think it's trying to get out. That, my friend, is a dire combination.

[Parent]

That's a bad sign.

[Josh]

Get out of the door.

[Ice Cream Parlor Owner]

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

[Parent]

Watch the world fathom the first season of Derelict. Listen, wherever you get your podcasts or learn [e-mail].