Episode 14 - Without Direction

Summary

Trap Street: Episode 14 - Without Direction
Release Date: October 18, 2024
Hosts: Tony Martinez and Michael P. Greco
Starring: Michael P. Greco as Josh Mayfield, Lindsay Elston as MC Henderson

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Introduction

In Episode 14 of Trap Street, titled Without Direction, listeners are plunged deeper into the enigmatic world created by Tony Martinez and Michael P. Greco. This episode continues the thrilling saga of Josh Mayfield, an unemployed gamer who becomes the linchpin in a battle that could determine the fate of humanity. The tension escalates as Josh uncovers sinister plans tied to mysterious mapmakers and a formidable antagonist named Morgan.

The Encounter with the Mapmaker

The episode opens with a seemingly mundane conversation between Josh Mayfield and MC Henderson, sharing a meal and reminiscing about their favorite Chinese food. However, the ordinary setting swiftly transforms when a Mapmaker intervenes, revealing the existence of "trap streets"—secret streets embedded within maps to deceive unintended users.

Mapmaker: "We have returned. You can leave the scooter right there." (01:37)

Josh’s curiosity peaks as he engages with the Mapmaker, seeking answers about these elusive streets.

Understanding Trap Streets

As the dialogue unfolds, the Mapmaker provides a historical overview of trap streets, highlighting their decline in relevance due to digital technology and copyright law changes.

Josh Mayfield: "How many trap streets are there?" (02:06)
Mapmaker: "There was one in 1880. There were 317 in 1948. Today there are 26." (02:08)

This revelation underscores the dwindling presence of trap streets, setting the stage for the unfolding crisis.

Introducing Morgan: The Antagonist

The conversation takes a dark turn when the Mapmaker introduces Morgan, a former Mapmaker who has turned against humanity. Once a beacon of hope, Morgan’s disillusionment with human choices has led him to devise a catastrophic plan.

Mapmaker: "Morgan wants to destroy your world." (04:43)
Mapmaker: "From the beginning, I said we should give them the appearance of free will, but you insisted on giving them the real thing." (06:05)

Morgan's plan involves hunting down the remaining descendants of mapmakers, absorbing their energy to gain immorality and ultimate power.

The High Stakes: Josh as the Last Descendant

The Mapmaker reveals the dire situation: there are only nine descendants left, and Morgan has already eliminated eight, leaving Josh as the final target.

Mapmaker: "There were nine. Morgan has killed eight." (09:25)
Josh Mayfield: "Nine descendants minus eight descendants leaves one descendant. The last descendant. And that's me. He has to kill me." (09:30)

This revelation thrusts Josh into a position of immense responsibility, despite his feelings of inadequacy.

Morgan’s Sinister Plan

Morgan's strategy extends beyond simple destruction; he aims to dismantle all forms of mapping systems, creating chaos that would cripple global transportation, military operations, and societal infrastructure.

Josh Mayfield: "To create chaos by destroying every single map on Earth." (11:19)
Josh Mayfield: "Morgan is turning us into a world that constantly gets lost." (11:53)

The implications of this plan are catastrophic, threatening to plunge the world into anarchy and leading to the eventual downfall of the human race.

Josh’s Reluctance and Emerging Destiny

Faced with the enormity of the threat, Josh grapples with self-doubt and a sense of unpreparedness. The Mapmaker emphasizes that Josh is the only one who can stop Morgan, pushing him towards embracing his pivotal role.

Mapmaker: "Josh, you are the only one who can save the human race." (13:18)
Josh Mayfield: "I'm an unemployed communications major who likes to play video games. What the hell am I supposed to do, bore him to death with my resume?" (13:22)

Despite his reservations, Josh begins to accept the gravity of his mission, recognizing the potential within himself to make a difference.

The Turning Point and Cliffhanger

As the episode nears its conclusion, MC Henderson becomes directly involved, adding layers of complexity and hinting at deeper connections. The tension culminates in a suspenseful cliffhanger, leaving listeners eager for the next installment.

MC Henderson: "I don't care about the rest of the world. I care about you." (17:02)
Josh Mayfield: "We need to leave right now." (17:28)

The sudden appearance of MC Henderson suggests that allies may be closer than Josh anticipated, setting the stage for future confrontations and alliances.

Notable Quotes

• Mapmaker: “Our time together is almost over.” (04:50)
• Josh Mayfield: “I have no idea what you expect me to do.” (13:54)
• Mapmaker: “One person can make a difference.” (14:16)

Conclusion

Episode 14 - Without Direction masterfully intertwines elements of mystery, suspense, and supernatural intrigue. As Josh Mayfield stands on the precipice of an epic battle against Morgan, listeners are left contemplating the true power of individual action and the thin lines between fate and choice. With its rich narrative and compelling character dynamics, this episode is a pivotal chapter in the Trap Street series, promising even greater revelations in the episodes to come.

Transcript

[Advertiser]

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[Host]

From the creators of StrangeAir this is Trap street episode 14 Without Direction.

[Josh Mayfield]

This is crazy good.

[MC Henderson]

I've been ordering Chinese food from his family since I was a kid.

[Josh Mayfield]

I don't blame you. This orange chicken is incredible. Oh, by the way, I never got a chance to congratulate you.

[MC Henderson]

For what?

[Josh Mayfield]

Getting landmark status for the museum.

[MC Henderson]

Oh, right. Thanks.

[Josh Mayfield]

You leveled up in a major way.

[MC Henderson]

And I feel really good about it, but right now I'm just a little distracted.

[Josh Mayfield]

Right. Sorry. I didn't mean to dump so much on you.

[MC Henderson]

I'm all in now, so why don't you tell me the rest while I finish off this wine?

[Mapmaker]

We have returned. You can leave the scooter right there.

[Josh Mayfield]

That was a fun history lesson.

[Mapmaker]

We are glad you enjoyed it. The rest of your visit will be less entertaining.

[Josh Mayfield]

Yeah, I figured you were building to something.

[Mapmaker]

We enjoyed our time together, Josh. Please exit by the door you entered and follow the path through the tunnel back to where you first arrived.

[Josh Mayfield]

Got it. But can I ask you something first?

[Mapmaker]

Of course.

[Josh Mayfield]

How many trap streets are there?

[Mapmaker]

There was one in 1880. There were 317 in 1948. Today there are 26.

[Josh Mayfield]

So they're not as popular anymore.

[Mapmaker]

That is correct. Digital technology and changes in copyright law have reduced the need for trap streets. We believe they will cease to exist in 20 years.

[Josh Mayfield]

And that's a good thing.

[Mapmaker]

Indeed.

[Josh Mayfield]

But I still don't get why you don't like trap streets. I mean, only three people have ever used them. Those two mapmakers and me. That's over a period of 150 years.

[Mapmaker]

There is another.

[Josh Mayfield]

Another what?

[Mapmaker]

Someone else crossed over? This happened six months ago.

[Josh Mayfield]

Another map maker? Or another descendant?

[Mapmaker]

We enjoyed our time together, Josh. Please exit by the door you entered and follow the path through the tunnel back to where you first arrived.

[Josh Mayfield]

You're just gonna leave me hanging?

[Mapmaker]

Goodbye, Josh.

[Josh Mayfield]

So I went back down that long tunnel, and the first mapmaker was waiting for me at the other end.

[MC Henderson]

In the green void.

[Josh Mayfield]

Yes.

[MC Henderson]

The one that was the color of my eyes.

[Josh Mayfield]

Right.

[MC Henderson]

Hmm.

[Josh Mayfield]

What?

[MC Henderson]

Nothing. I just didn't realize you were so obsessed with my eyes.

[Josh Mayfield]

Well, I thought, for God's Sake.

[MC Henderson]

Josh, relax. You look like a virgin on prom night.

[Josh Mayfield]

No, it's not that. I just.

[MC Henderson]

I have a question.

[Josh Mayfield]

I'm not a virgin.

[MC Henderson]

Good to know. But that's not my question.

[Josh Mayfield]

Oh, sorry. Go ahead.

[MC Henderson]

When you went into the trapped street, I saw cobblestones and gas lamps on the inside. What was that?

[Josh Mayfield]

Because the first trap street was created in 1880, so all the paths between our world and theirs are connected to that point in time.

[MC Henderson]

That makes sense, I guess. So what happened next?

[Mapmaker]

Welcome back, Josh.

[Josh Mayfield]

Thanks. That was fascinating.

[Mapmaker]

Do you have any questions?

[Josh Mayfield]

Yeah. Yeah. Who crossed over six months ago?

[Mapmaker]

It was one of us.

[Josh Mayfield]

Why did this mapmaker want to become human?

[Mapmaker]

No. He wants to destroy your world. Destroy your world. Destroy your world.

[Josh Mayfield]

What?

[Mapmaker]

You must listen carefully, Josh. Our time together is almost over.

[Josh Mayfield]

Trust me. I'm all ears.

[Mapmaker]

We do not have names here. We are one. But for the sake of clarity, we will call the mapmaker who crossed over Morgan.

[Josh Mayfield]

All right.

[Mapmaker]

From the day eternity began, Morgan was a force of light. His hopes for your world had no limit. No one had a greater love for humanity. Over the last hundred years, that love began to fade. It was replaced by anger.

[Josh Mayfield]

Why? What happened?

[Mapmaker]

Morgan grew to believe your kind always make the wrong choices. He started to believe our gifts were wasted on you.

Our maps are supposed to bring people together, not help them destroy each other.

Morgan felt betrayed. As he watched humans wage war over race and borders and words from a book, he started to believe our maps should force you to make the right choice, instead of allowing you to make the decision on your own.

From the beginning, I said we should give them the appearance of free will, but you insisted on giving them the real thing. And look at what they've done. They used their free will to hurt each other and to destroy their own planet. It is our duty to stop them. If we care for them, we must save them.

Morgan gave up on your world. He wanted to create a new one. A world without free will. Without free will? Without free will.

[Josh Mayfield]

I'm guessing the rest of you didn't agree.

[Mapmaker]

That is correct. So Morgan came up with a plan.

[MC Henderson]

What was his plan?

[Josh Mayfield]

It was inspired by the two map makers who crossed over in 1880.

[MC Henderson]

Your great great grandfather and his wife.

[Josh Mayfield]

Right. Albert and Alice Beckwourth. They lived into their 70s, and when the two of them died, the energy that was inside of them, the force that made them who they were, returned to the world of the mapmakers.

[MC Henderson]

Like souls going back into heaven.

[Josh Mayfield]

Something like that, yeah.

[MC Henderson]

What about their kids? Did the same thing happen to them when they died.

[Josh Mayfield]

Yeah, and the same is true for all their descendants.

[MC Henderson]

So what does any of that have to do with Morgan's plan?

[Josh Mayfield]

Based on that knowledge, he decided to cross over, too.

[MC Henderson]

But that would just weaken him. You said that map makers lose their powers and immortality when they cross over, right?

[Josh Mayfield]

But Morgan found a way around that. He found a way to make himself stronger than all the mapmakers combined.

[Mapmaker]

Morgan's plan was to hunt and kill every descendant left on earth at the moment of their death. He would prevent their energy from returning to our world by absorbing the power himself.

[Josh Mayfield]

He can do that?

[Mapmaker]

We are one. Our energy bonds with itself. Morgan realized that if he was present at the time of a descendant's death, their energy would flow to the closest source of the same energy.

[Josh Mayfield]

Which would be him.

[Mapmaker]

That is correct.

[Josh Mayfield]

So Morgan didn't mind losing his powers and immortality because he knew he could get them back.

[Mapmaker]

The lives he has already taken have made him stronger, but not complete. He must kill every single descendant to regain all of his powers and become immortal. Immortal? Immortal.

[Josh Mayfield]

How many of us are there?

[Mapmaker]

The number of descendants has dropped over the decades. Your distant relatives were lost to old age, cancer, heart attacks, car accidents, several wars. And there was one suicide.

[Josh Mayfield]

So how many descendants were left when Morgan crossed over?

[Mapmaker]

There were nine. Morgan has killed eight.

[Josh Mayfield]

Nine descendants minus eight descendants leaves one descendant. The last descendant. And that's me. He has to kill me.

[Mapmaker]

Great.

[Josh Mayfield]

That's just great. So why is he doing this now? Why not 10 years ago or 10 years from now?

[Mapmaker]

There are less trap streets with each passing year. Once they are gone, none of us will be able to cross over. Morgan understood this, and he decided to act quickly.

[Josh Mayfield]

So how strong is this guy? Can it be stopped? And what's his plan? What's he trying to do?

[MC Henderson]

Those are all excellent questions. Did you get any answers?

[Josh Mayfield]

I did.

[MC Henderson]

And?

[Josh Mayfield]

Well, it's like this. Morgan's grown physically strong, much stronger than a normal person. But he won't be immortal unless he.

[MC Henderson]

Kills the last descendant. Which is you.

[Josh Mayfield]

Right?

[MC Henderson]

Then what?

[Josh Mayfield]

Well, the first part of his plan has already begun. He set it in motion six months ago after his first. A waitress in New Orleans.

[MC Henderson]

Did she receive an email like the one you and Simon got?

[Josh Mayfield]

Yeah. All the descendants received a map that would lead them to the closest trap street.

[MC Henderson]

Why did you and Simon also get pictures?

[Josh Mayfield]

Because we were the only two going to the same destination.

[MC Henderson]

Ocean Bay.

[Josh Mayfield]

Exactly.

[MC Henderson]

So my grandmother's trap street saved your life.

[Josh Mayfield]

It sure did.

[MC Henderson]

And it was supposed to save Simon's Life.

[Josh Mayfield]

Right.

[MC Henderson]

So what's Morgan's plan?

[Josh Mayfield]

To create chaos by destroying every single map on Earth.

[MC Henderson]

Okay, I mean, that sounds more like an inconvenience than a sinister plan.

[Josh Mayfield]

I know, but think about it. A world without direction. There would be no maps. Hard copy or digital GPS would stop working, and that would disrupt all forms of transportation. Shipping, airlines, military movements. They'd all be screwed.

[MC Henderson]

So he's the one responsible for all the maps getting destroyed at all those museums?

[Josh Mayfield]

That was him, all right. And he has enough energy to do it from a distance. That's how we messed up the apps on our phone. Morgan is turning us into a world that constantly gets lost.

[MC Henderson]

But that wouldn't bring about the end of the human race, would it?

[Josh Mayfield]

No, but that's just the first part of his plan.

[MC Henderson]

So what happens after he kills you?

[Josh Mayfield]

I really wish you wouldn't put it that way.

[MC Henderson]

Sorry.

[Josh Mayfield]

Right now, he can destroy maps, but he can't change them. If he kills me, Morgan's batteries will be fully charged, and he'll be able to manipulate maps. And the people and companies and countries using those maps would have no idea they'd been altered. He could lead them anywhere.

[MC Henderson]

Planes would crash into each other, ships.

[Josh Mayfield]

Would sink, and the military would be affected, too. I mean, think about it. Morgan can send nuclear subs into enemy territory. He could direct fighter planes to fly over the wrong airspace. It would be the end of us.

[MC Henderson]

And Morgan would survive because he's immortal.

[Josh Mayfield]

Exactly.

[MC Henderson]

So what the hell are you doing here, Josh? Shouldn't you be on the other side of that trap street where the map makers can keep you safe?

[Josh Mayfield]

No, they need me here.

[MC Henderson]

Why?

[Josh Mayfield]

Because they can't stop Morgan. Not anymore. He's too strong.

[MC Henderson]

Then who's gonna stop him?

[Josh Mayfield]

Me?

[Mapmaker]

Yes. Josh, you are the only one who can save the human race.

[Josh Mayfield]

I'm an unemployed communications major who likes to play video games. What the hell am I supposed to do, bore him to death with my resume?

[Mapmaker]

You must understand.

[Josh Mayfield]

Hey, hey. This is on you, not me. Why don't you people have some kind of plan or something?

[Mapmaker]

Our plan was to lure the nine remaining descendants to various trap streets across the country. The one in Ocean Bay was the closest to you and Simon. If that plan had worked, the nine of you would have been able to work as a team to stop Morgan.

[Josh Mayfield]

Yeah, except he was smarter and faster.

[Mapmaker]

That is correct.

[Josh Mayfield]

You know what else is correct? The human race is in serious trouble. Because I have no idea what you expect me to do.

[Mapmaker]

The situation might seem dire.

[Josh Mayfield]

You're immortal Beings with crazy powers. Why don't you stop him?

[Mapmaker]

Our limitations have not changed. Mapmakers can have no direct influence on the events that occur in your world.

[Josh Mayfield]

But I can.

[Mapmaker]

We have watched your kind since the beginning of time. One person can make a difference. One person can make a difference. One person can make a difference.

[Josh Mayfield]

Trust me. I'm not that guy.

[Mapmaker]

There is something else you should know. Going through the trap street charged the energy that has been dormant inside you.

[Josh Mayfield]

What does that mean?

[Mapmaker]

It means you will be able to create a bond with Morgan. Doing this will allow you to know his location.

[Josh Mayfield]

But isn't that how he found me and Simon and all the other descendants? By bonding with our energy?

[Mapmaker]

That is correct.

[Josh Mayfield]

Then wouldn't he just do it again? He'll know I'm back the moment I return.

[Mapmaker]

We have been bonding with your energy since you arrived. We have created a barrier that will prevent Morgan from knowing your location.

[Josh Mayfield]

Well, I guess that's something.

[Mapmaker]

The barrier is temporary. It will not last.

[Josh Mayfield]

So how long do I have before Morgan knows where I am?

[Mapmaker]

We are not certain. This is uncharted territory.

[Josh Mayfield]

Great.

[Mapmaker]

You should also know.

[Josh Mayfield]

Wait, Whoa. Did you just pause? You never paused. Why did you pause? Finish the sentence.

[Mapmaker]

You should also know this is the first time we have been unable to see any possible futures.

[Josh Mayfield]

So there's no way you can guide me because you don't know which way I should go?

[Mapmaker]

You will have to create your own path. Create your own path. Create your own path.

[Josh Mayfield]

So what happens now?

[Mapmaker]

Your time with us is over. You must go home.

[Josh Mayfield]

How do I do that? Just walk down those cobblestones till I pop back out in Ocean Bay.

[Mapmaker]

Our power over trap streets has never been strong. They have magnetic fields which are difficult for us to control. Meaning when you cross over, you could appear anywhere on the face of the planet.

[MC Henderson]

So that's how you ended up in New Zealand.

[Josh Mayfield]

Yeah. Yeah, which is such a cool city country. Oh, right.

[MC Henderson]

And now you're on your own, I guess. Well, that's not completely true.

[Josh Mayfield]

What do you mean?

[MC Henderson]

I'm standing right here. Josh.

[Josh Mayfield]

Wait. What? No. No way.

[MC Henderson]

Don't be stupid. You need all the help you can get. And don't even think about hitting me with some of that screwed up gender bias bullshit where you need to hold my hand and keep me safe from the bad guy.

[Josh Mayfield]

The map makers sent me your picture because they knew you would lead me to the trap street. And you did that. Your part is done.

[MC Henderson]

No, it's not. That psycho scumbag killed Simon, and now he wants to kill you and the.

[Josh Mayfield]

Rest of the world.

[MC Henderson]

I don't care about the rest of the world. I care about you.

[Josh Mayfield]

Really?

[MC Henderson]

I just have one question.

[Josh Mayfield]

What?

[MC Henderson]

Is Morgan still here in Ocean Bay?

[Josh Mayfield]

That barrier the map makers created must still be there, because I don't know where he is.

[MC Henderson]

So he could be right outside or just down the street.

[Josh Mayfield]

Yeah. We need to leave right now.

[Host]

Trap street was written and directed by Tony Martinez. The show was produced by Michael P. Greco and Tony Martinez. Starring Michael P. Greco as Josh Mayfield, Lindsay Elston as MC Henderson. Featuring Timothy Davis Reid, Keiko Agena, Ed Cunningham. Thanks for listening. We'll be back soon. And remember, maps have secrets.

[Advertiser]

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[Scribe]

A fading dream passing thought, a distant memory. Greetings and salutations, dear listener. May you know me simply as the scribe. Beware, for you have been gifted this opportunity to know what many have dreamed of and others have prayed to forget. Join me now that we may journey through the wonderful and terrifying account entombed within. Take a step into the Nameless Chronicles.

[Mapmaker]

Find the Nameless Chronicles on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and your favorite streaming platforms.