Episode 16 - On the Run

Summary

Trap Street: Episode 16 - On the Run

Release Date: November 15, 2024
Hosts: Tony Martinez and Michael P. Greco

---

Overview

In Episode 16, titled "On the Run," listeners are plunged deeper into the enigmatic world of Ocean Bay. The episode follows Josh Mayfield, an unemployed gamer, and his companion MC Henderson as they navigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding a town map and the elusive figure, Morgan. As secrets unravel, the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

---

Opening Conflict

The episode kicks off with Josh and MC Henderson on a precarious journey, seeking refuge after leaving Ocean Bay through a "trap street"—a mystical passage that alters their reality.

Notable Quote:

• Josh Mayfield [02:08]: "It's been three days since I used that trap street to get away from him. Maybe he realized I wasn't coming back and he took off."

This sets the stage for the looming threat of Morgan, an antagonist who relentlessly pursues Josh.

---

Auckland Encounter

Their path leads them to Auckland, New Zealand, where they attempt to regroup. In a local shop, a travel companion seeks information about Josh, revealing past interactions that hint at Morgan's pervasive influence.

Notable Quotes:

• Travel Companion [05:22]: "Your cross has given me a wonderful idea. You and I are going to play a game."
• Shop Owner [05:28]: "Bugger off. I didn't lie to you."

This exchange underscores the tension and the mysterious powers at play, suggesting that items like the cross hold significant symbolic meaning in their quest.

---

Breakfast Revelation

During breakfast at a local café, Josh grapples with technical issues caused by the trap street's magnetic field, complicating their situation.

Notable Quote:

• Josh Mayfield [12:17]: "I can feel him again. But this is different. It's. It's more like."

Josh's realization of sensing Morgan’s presence signifies a critical turning point, intensifying the urgency to find solutions.

---

The Map's Secret

Seeking answers, Josh utilizes an ancient map to trace Morgan's whereabouts. Through a series of temperature-based sensations over different regions, Josh deciphers that Morgan is in Rome, Italy.

Notable Quote:

• MC Henderson [16:51]: "So maybe this power of yours is based on temperature. Meaning cold is far and warm is close."

This innovative method showcases Josh's growth from a gamer to someone applying his skills to tackle real-world dangers.

---

Vatican Inferno

The climax unfolds in Rome, where Josh witnesses a devastating fire at the Vatican. Amidst the chaos, he spots Morgan in the crowd, confirming the dire consequences of his actions.

Notable Quotes:

• Narrator [19:05]: "Tonight, the gallery is no more. There has been a fire inside the Vatican..."
• Josh Mayfield [19:50]: "Holy shit. That's him. Right there in the crowd. That's Morgan."
• MC Henderson [20:16]: "Morgan's a monster. How do you fight a monster?"

The destruction of the Vatican not only amplifies the stakes but also reveals Morgan's expansive reach and malevolent intent.

---

Psychic Confrontation

As the situation spirals, Josh experiences a psychic invasion by Morgan, who communicates directly into his mind, signaling an imminent confrontation.

Notable Quote:

• Travel Companion [21:00]: "I sense there is someone there with you, Josh. Is it the girl with the red hair and green eyes?"

This telepathic encounter marks the culmination of Josh's fears, highlighting the supernatural elements entwined with his quest.

---

Conclusion and Implications

The episode concludes on a tense note, with Morgan declaring his intent to pursue Josh and MC Henderson, setting the stage for future confrontations. The destruction in Rome serves as a grim reminder of the high stakes involved.

Notable Quote:

• Travel Companion [21:23]: "I'm coming for you, Josh. I'm coming for both of you. Can you dig it?"

Listeners are left anticipating the next steps in Josh's journey, pondering the intricate connections between maps, trap streets, and the enigmatic Morgan.

---

Key Themes and Insights

• The Power of Maps: The ancient map serves as a central artifact, guiding Josh and MC Henderson through their perilous journey and symbolizing the hidden pathways that dictate their fate.

• Transformation Through Challenge: Josh's evolution from a gamer to a problem-solver showcases personal growth driven by extraordinary circumstances.

• Supernatural Pursuit: Morgan's relentless hunt introduces a blend of reality with supernatural elements, emphasizing themes of destiny and survival.

---

Final Thoughts

"On the Run" masterfully weaves suspense, mystery, and supernatural intrigue, keeping listeners engaged as Josh and MC Henderson navigate a world where maps are more than mere representations—they are gateways to understanding and confronting deeper threats. The episode sets a compelling precedent for the unfolding narrative, promising more revelations and intense encounters in the episodes to come.

Transcript

[Jack]

If you need three new reasons to love Jack wraps at Jack in the Box, even more. Here they are. Chicken fajita, chicken Caesar, and delicious. Starting at $3. Coincidentally, those are the same three reasons you should come to Jack in the Box. Right now at Jack, every bite's a big deal.

[Narrator]

From the creators of Strange Air. This is trap. Episode 16 on the Run.

[Josh Mayfield]

How much further?

[MC Henderson]

Not sure, Mappa. My phone isn't working. I wonder why.

[Josh Mayfield]

Very funny humor.

[MC Henderson]

Mankind's greatest blessing.

[Josh Mayfield]

You may need to take the wheel soon. This rain is killing me. I'm really tired.

[MC Henderson]

You probably have jet lag from your adventure in New Zealand.

[Josh Mayfield]

Hey, can I have another piece of that weird donut?

[MC Henderson]

Hold up. I told you they're not donuts. They're called elephant ears.

[Josh Mayfield]

Why?

[MC Henderson]

Are you serious? Look, stop.

[Josh Mayfield]

You're getting sugar on your hair.

[MC Henderson]

Oh, it's worth it. Elephant ears are amazing.

[Josh Mayfield]

There's a sign. Mount Hood, 90 miles.

[MC Henderson]

Great.

[Josh Mayfield]

I still think we should call your parents.

[MC Henderson]

It's vacation home, Josh. They won't even know we're there.

[Josh Mayfield]

I'm so glad we left Ocean Bay.

[MC Henderson]

Me too. You think Morgan's still there?

[Josh Mayfield]

It's been three days since I used that trap street to get away from him. Maybe he realized I wasn't coming back and he took off.

[MC Henderson]

Or maybe he's been going to every house in town looking for you.

[Josh Mayfield]

Then I'm twice as glad we left.

[MC Henderson]

And you can't feel him or anything?

[Josh Mayfield]

I don't even know how that energy bonding thing is supposed to work. The map maker said I'd be able to sense him, but I don't feel anything.

[MC Henderson]

That must mean he's not able to sense you either. I mean, which is good. Gives us time.

[Josh Mayfield]

Let's hope so.

[MC Henderson]

I wonder where he is.

[Shop Owner]

Good afternoon. How can I help you?

[Travel Companion]

Good afternoon. This is a lovely shop.

[Shop Owner]

Ah, cheers.

[Travel Companion]

What is that wonderful scent?

[Shop Owner]

It's a blend of lavender and vanilla. I make it myself.

[Travel Companion]

You're a talented young woman.

[Shop Owner]

Oh, thanks. It's available to buy if you'd like to take some home.

[Travel Companion]

It will be quite some time before I see my home again.

[Shop Owner]

On a long holiday, eh?

[Travel Companion]

Yes. I started in the city of New Orleans, and now I am here.

[Shop Owner]

Well, welcome to Auckland.

[Travel Companion]

The problem is, my traveling companion and I have become separated.

[Shop Owner]

And you think he was here in my shop?

[Travel Companion]

We lost track of each other right across the street. He is not answering his phone, so I am visiting the shops in this area. I am hoping someone might be able to help me find him.

[Shop Owner]

Oh, what's his name Joshua Mayfield?

[Travel Companion]

The expression on your face tells me he was here.

[Shop Owner]

He sure was, just a few days ago. And when you find your stupid friend, tell him I'll kick his ass all the way back to America if I ever see him again.

[Travel Companion]

Why are you upset?

[Shop Owner]

Because Josh blundered in here. He was all confused about where he was, and then, well, you know how Americans are. He was all flirty and convinced me to have dinner with him. So, you know, we ended up having a big one on the Terps, and it led to all kinds of sex back at my place. And you know what happened next? Nothing. Cause I woke up and he was gone.

[Travel Companion]

Do you know where he went?

[Shop Owner]

Yeah, Josh said he was going down to Wellington. Bet you can find him there.

[Travel Companion]

So Joshua Mayfield is still here in New Zealand?

[Shop Owner]

Yeah.

[Travel Companion]

It is odd that I cannot bond with his energy. This did not happen with the others.

[Shop Owner]

What others?

[Travel Companion]

I felt the portal open across the street. When Joshua Mayfield came through, he left a trace of his own energy there. And that energy led me directly to your shop. It is ironic that the descendant left a map for me to follow.

[Shop Owner]

I don't understand anything you just said.

[Travel Companion]

And I don't believe anything you just said. That necklace is quite attractive.

[Shop Owner]

What? This cross. I've had it since I was a little girl.

[Travel Companion]

It is the symbol of the Christian religion.

[Shop Owner]

Right.

[Travel Companion]

Your cross has given me a wonderful idea. You and I are going to play a game.

[Shop Owner]

What kind of game?

[Travel Companion]

We are going to play pretend.

[Shop Owner]

Listen, mate, it's getting late and I need to close up, so I am.

[Travel Companion]

Going to pretend that I am a priest.

[Shop Owner]

Why did you just lock the door?

[Travel Companion]

You are going to pretend you are a woman who wants to confess her sin.

[Shop Owner]

Sin?

[Travel Companion]

Watson, in your religion, lying is considered a sin.

[Shop Owner]

Bugger off. I didn't lie to you.

[Travel Companion]

And a lying tongue must be torn from the mouth of the sinner.

[Josh Mayfield]

This house is incredible. And I love that fireplace.

[MC Henderson]

My parents have owned it since before I was born.

[Josh Mayfield]

How far are we from Mount Hood?

[MC Henderson]

About a mile and a half. A newspaper editor named Henry Pittock was the first person to reach the summit.

[Josh Mayfield]

When was this?

[MC Henderson]

1857.

[Josh Mayfield]

It's insane that you know that.

[MC Henderson]

I love me some history.

[Josh Mayfield]

I don't feel that way about anything.

[MC Henderson]

Are you serious? Do you hear yourself?

[Josh Mayfield]

What?

[MC Henderson]

Come on, Josh. There must be something that you enjoy. What makes you happy. Well, tell me or I won't sleep with you.

[Josh Mayfield]

Wait, what?

[MC Henderson]

Relax. I was joking.

[Josh Mayfield]

Oh.

[MC Henderson]

So what's the answer? What are you into?

[Josh Mayfield]

Um. I like computer games and Escape rooms and stuff like that.

[MC Henderson]

Why? Why do you like those things?

[Josh Mayfield]

Because they force you to think. They make you consider your options. You have to focus on a problem and solve it. And that's extra hard in an escape room because you've got a ticking clock over your head.

[MC Henderson]

Can I make two observations based on what you just said?

[Josh Mayfield]

Sure.

[MC Henderson]

First, you live in the Bay Area. There are like a million gaming companies there. Go work for one. Take any position you can get. Who knows where that might lead? And let me ask you this. Do you know people with money?

[Josh Mayfield]

My friend Richard works in an investment firm.

[MC Henderson]

Perfect. If you can't get a job at a gaming company, come up with a new type of escape room, and get Richie Rich and his work buddies to invest in your idea.

[Josh Mayfield]

I've never considered that.

[MC Henderson]

Follow your bliss.

[Josh Mayfield]

Ah. That's Campbell, right?

[MC Henderson]

Look at you knowing the hero's journey.

[Josh Mayfield]

I'm not a complete idiot.

[MC Henderson]

I never said you were.

[Josh Mayfield]

So what's your second observation?

[MC Henderson]

These gaming skills you claim to have, they might come in handy right about now. So start thinking about this Morgan situation as a game you have to win.

[Josh Mayfield]

Yeah. Yeah. Okay. I can do that.

[MC Henderson]

Good. Would you like more wine? It's the spendy stuff my parents love.

[Josh Mayfield]

Yes, please.

[MC Henderson]

What? Why are you staring at me?

[Josh Mayfield]

It's your hair. The flames from the fireplace really bring out the red.

[MC Henderson]

You want to hear something funny? No one in my family has red hair except me. So the joke is my mom had rusty pipes.

[Josh Mayfield]

Well, you look incredible in this light.

[MC Henderson]

Thanks. Josh.

[Josh Mayfield]

Yes?

[MC Henderson]

Remember a few minutes ago when I made that joke about us sleeping together?

[Josh Mayfield]

Yeah.

[MC Henderson]

I wasn't joking.

[Travel Companion]

There has been a change in plans. I want to make a stop before we return to the United States.

[Guide]

Yeah. Where are we going this time?

[Travel Companion]

The city of Rome.

[Guide]

Italy. Really?

[Travel Companion]

Yes. Someone just showed me a cross. This gave me an exciting idea.

[Guide]

Look, I'm glad you're all excited, but here's the thing. I knew a guy in New Zealand. Italy is going to be totally different. Getting you in and out of Italy with no passport, that's going to be tougher than a ten dollar stake, man. I'll have to bribe a higher class of official, if you know what I mean.

[Travel Companion]

I am prepared to double your fee.

[Guide]

Rome, here we.

[Waiter]

Here you go. One egg white scramble with a side of fresh fruit for you and an order of marionberry pancakes with extra crispy bacon, scrambled eggs and an English muffin for your friend. Would you like anything else?

[Josh Mayfield]

No, we're all set, thanks.

[Waiter]

Enjoy your break.

[MC Henderson]

I love when the food arrives while you're in the bathroom. You leave, there's nothing. You come back, there's food. Isn't that the best?

[Josh Mayfield]

We are so on the same page.

[MC Henderson]

Stop it.

[Josh Mayfield]

What?

[MC Henderson]

You've had a smile pasted on your face since we woke up. You look like the Joker.

[Josh Mayfield]

Sorry. I'll stop.

[MC Henderson]

And you're still smiling.

[Josh Mayfield]

I'll let you in on a little secret.

[MC Henderson]

What's that?

[Josh Mayfield]

You're smiling, too. Oh, hey, can I use your phone while you pile all that food into your mouth?

[MC Henderson]

Sure.

[Josh Mayfield]

It's so weird not having mine.

[MC Henderson]

I can't believe going through the trap street destroyed it.

[Josh Mayfield]

Yeah, there's some kind of magnetic field field in there. My ATM card and credit card were messed up, too. So guess who's paying for breakfast?

[MC Henderson]

No problemo.

[Josh Mayfield]

H, I have a message from Richard. He says it's urgent. Oh, I. I'll put it on speaker so you can meet.

[Richard]

Hello? Who's this?

[Josh Mayfield]

It's Josh. Oh, and hey, you're on speaker. There's someone here I want you to meet.

[MC Henderson]

Hello? Richard, this is the girl with red hair and green eyes.

[Richard]

Josh, pick up right now.

[Josh Mayfield]

What's wrong?

[Richard]

Police in Auckland contacted me. They found my information on Abby's phone.

[Josh Mayfield]

Why? What happened?

[Richard]

Someone attacked her.

[Josh Mayfield]

Oh, my God. Is she all right?

[Richard]

No, she's not. Her tongue was ripped out.

[MC Henderson]

I'm sorry.

[Josh Mayfield]

She was so nice. I. I can't believe that.

[MC Henderson]

Hey, hey, this isn't your fault.

[Josh Mayfield]

Of course it is. I'm the one who got her involved. And now she's going to be mutilated for the rest of her life.

[MC Henderson]

Josh, listen to me very carefully. I need you to focus.

[Josh Mayfield]

On what?

[MC Henderson]

Why do you think Morgan went to New Zealand?

[Josh Mayfield]

How would I know?

[MC Henderson]

Think. Focus on the problem. Find the answer.

[Josh Mayfield]

Okay, well, it's obvious he didn't bond with my energy because I'm not there.

[MC Henderson]

But you were there, so how would he know that?

[Josh Mayfield]

Right. How would he know that? He must have felt the trap street open. Yeah, yeah, yeah, that has to be it. And the portal was right across the street from Abby's shop.

[Shop Owner]

I must.

[Josh Mayfield]

Must have left some kind of trace he was able to follow.

[MC Henderson]

You think he's still there looking for you?

[Josh Mayfield]

God, I hope so. Oh, wait. Oh. What the hell is that?

[MC Henderson]

What?

[Josh Mayfield]

I feel something. It's like a warm sensation, but it's so far away.

[MC Henderson]

Holy shit. Is the bear here? Gone. Are you bonding with Morgan's energy?

[Josh Mayfield]

Maybe. Maybe. I don't know. I need.

[MC Henderson]

What? What do you need?

[Josh Mayfield]

A map. Map? I need A map?

[MC Henderson]

Here, use my phone.

[Josh Mayfield]

No, no, no. Those aren't working, remember?

[MC Henderson]

Right, I forgot.

[Josh Mayfield]

Where can we find a hard copy map of the entire world?

[MC Henderson]

I got it. We passed a library on our way to breakfast. They must have one.

[Josh Mayfield]

Great. Let's go.

[MC Henderson]

Okay, here we are. The world atlas.

[Josh Mayfield]

Perfect. Okay, let's. Let's try this one.

[MC Henderson]

What exactly are you trying.

[Josh Mayfield]

You get that I've never done this before, right?

[MC Henderson]

Sorry. Yeah, go ahead. Do your thing.

[Josh Mayfield]

All right. I'm holding my hand over North America, and I feel cold. Now I'm moving my hand over the Pacific and I feel.

[MC Henderson]

What? What do you feel?

[Josh Mayfield]

Cold.

[MC Henderson]

Try New Zealand cold. Why do you keep saying that?

[Josh Mayfield]

Because I'm getting a definite chill from the map. But the sensation I felt outside was warmth.

[MC Henderson]

So maybe this power of yours is based on temperature. Meaning cold is far and warm is close.

[Josh Mayfield]

Wow. Could it be that easy?

[MC Henderson]

Let's find out. Try a bunch of different countries.

[Josh Mayfield]

Yeah. All right, here we go.

[MC Henderson]

Australia, cold. Thailand, cold. India, cold. Go to Europe.

[Josh Mayfield]

This is so weird.

[MC Henderson]

Germany, cold. France, cold. Italy. Josh, it's warm. Amazing. Let's find a map of Italy.

[Josh Mayfield]

Right, Right. Okay, here's one.

[MC Henderson]

Start at the top.

[Josh Mayfield]

Right. Okay, let's see. Milan is. Milan is warm.

[MC Henderson]

What about Florence?

[Josh Mayfield]

A little warmer.

[MC Henderson]

Go down to Rome.

[Josh Mayfield]

Whoa. Oh, it's hot. It's really hot. And did you see that?

[MC Henderson]

I don't see anything.

[Josh Mayfield]

The word Rome is glowing, just like the attachment in the email.

[MC Henderson]

You did it. You found him.

[Josh Mayfield]

Why is Morgan in Rome? What are you looking for?

[MC Henderson]

Any news on Rome that might connect to Morgan. There has to be a reason he's there when you're not.

[Josh Mayfield]

We should leave.

[MC Henderson]

Why?

[Josh Mayfield]

If I can sense Morgan, he can sense me. So if I know he's in Italy, he has to know I'm here.

[MC Henderson]

I don't know, Josh. I think we should stay put until.

[Josh Mayfield]

Hey. You all right?

[MC Henderson]

Oh, my God.

[Josh Mayfield]

What is it?

[MC Henderson]

Look.

[Narrator]

The gallery of maps at the Vatican is longer than an American football field. The gallery can be found right next to the Sistine Chapel, and it contains an enormous ceiling mural and the world's largest series of painted maps. Tonight, the gallery is no more. There has been a fire inside the Vatican, which has destroyed the mural and the 40 frescoes which are part of the gallery. No additional information has been released, but everyone here is asking the same question. Was this an accident or an act of war against the Catholic Church?

[MC Henderson]

This is just awful.

[Josh Mayfield]

Wait, wait, wait. Freeze that.

[MC Henderson]

Why? What do you see?

[Josh Mayfield]

Holy shit. That's him. Right there in the crowd. That's Morgan.

[MC Henderson]

Are you sure?

[Josh Mayfield]

Yeah. Yeah, that's definitely him.

[MC Henderson]

But why is he in Rome? I thought he could destroy maps from a distance.

[Josh Mayfield]

I don't know. Maybe he wanted to see this one in person. Maybe he wanted to watch the Vatican burn.

[MC Henderson]

Oh, my God. Morgan's a monster. How do you fight a monster?

[Josh Mayfield]

You don't. You run, pack everything. Leaving.

[MC Henderson]

Josh, there's no need to rush. That's a live feed. He's on the other side of the planet.

[Josh Mayfield]

I know, but we have to come.

[MC Henderson]

Up with a plan, a real plan. Before we do anything.

[Josh Mayfield]

Wait. This is so weird. I. I can.

[MC Henderson]

You can what?

[Josh Mayfield]

I can feel him again. But this is different. It's. It's more like.

[Travel Companion]

Hello? Joshua Mayfield.

[Josh Mayfield]

Oh, my God. He's in my head.

[MC Henderson]

How is that even possible?

[Travel Companion]

I can see you clearly. You are in the city of Mount Hood in the state of Oregon.

[MC Henderson]

What do we do?

[Travel Companion]

I sense there is someone there with you, Josh. Is it the girl with the red hair and green eyes?

[MC Henderson]

What do we do?

[Travel Companion]

I'm coming for you, Josh. I'm coming for both of you. Can you dig it?

[Narrator]

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 Ed Cunningham, Kirsten Rutherford, Dale Ingram. Thanks for listening. We'll be back soon. And remember, maps have secrets. The Fable and Folly Network, where fiction producers flourish.