Chapter 25 - The Rest Area

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0:34Legally, we can't say drinking Storm makes you smarter and more focused. But with zero sugar, 200 milligrams of caffeine, and immunity support, you're smarter and more focused for drinking Storm. Storm. Good energy in, good energy out. Energy for life. Greetings, traveler. Jared here. One thing. Every week I tell you all the reasons you should join Club 86, add free episodes, too many series, all that stuff. But today, I want to just share one thing, one reason with you. It just helps me to keep making the show. So if you got a dime to spare, sign up. You're going to like it. And if like so many right now, you don't have a dime to spare, just give us a shout out on your social.

1:17Links to minor in the show notes, or you can leave a nice review on the podcast player you listen to, or tell a friend, or tell an enemy that might need it. Make them listen to that mean old Mavis episode from the second season. Anyways, every little bit helps. If you're interested in joining Club 86, go to patreon.com forward slash desert skies or click the link in the show notes below. And speaking of Club 86, I just want to give a special shout out to some new members. Nikki Green, Omi Grassi, Troy Best Boy, I Divided by Zero and Now I'm Undefined, And ah, Taylor Young, Kathleen Marinara, Samantha Loriman, Hoyo, Alex, Kay, William Lemoyne.

2:01If I butchered your name this week, just shoot me a message on Patreon, and next week I will apologize profusely and get it right. Thank you, friends. You're a big part of making this happen. But wait, I have one more shout out. Chili's Grill and Bar. I've come to the decision that every time I release a new episode, I get to go to Chili's. This in an effort to overcome my artistic anxieties. It's working. Chili's. They don't sponsor me, but they are the new official fuel that powers the machine. That is Desert Skies. Chili's, from your amazing three for me deal to your unbelievable Nashville hot ma's, you're the real deal.

2:44I'll see you this afternoon. Enjoy Desert Skies, Chapter 25, The Rest Area. For the best listening experience, headphones are recommended.

3:06Um, good morning. I'm sorry that it's so cold, but this is the only place on the grounds that can hold a crowd this size. I have promised to keep this short. My father wishes he could be here to talk with you himself, but his health prevents it. He asked me to convey apologies on his behalf. I'm going to read something now. I wish that I were here under better circumstances, but I am not. This factory, which has stood on these grounds for some 30 years, As for the majority of that time, been leader in productivity among our dozens of locations, both here and abroad. But, in the last two years, that productivity has dipped.

3:59Due to your actions or lack thereof, we have no choice but to close this facility effective immediately. Your final paychecks will be mailed to the address on file. You have 15 minutes to retrieve your personal items from your locker and exit the premises, or you will be removed. And that's it. Merry Christmas, I guess. Please, I'm begging you, don't do this. Not two weeks before Christmas. I have a family. I got kids. What am I supposed to tell them? Um, I don't know. Well, productivity is down because ever since your daddy bought this factory, he's reduced the workforce and increased the quotas.

4:47What did he think was going to happen? Why would he do this? I'm sure he had his reasons. You, uh, y 'all should have been able to figure it out with what you had. How? Do you even know what it is we do here? Um, yeah, you, uh... You really are as dumb as they say you are. Nice cars, pretty ladies. You got everything a man could want, except for a lick of cents. I ain't dumb, friend. Yeah, you keep telling yourself that. Sir, your father is on the phone and would like a word with you. Where's the phone? In the manager's office. Follow me, sir.

5:33Hank. Cal. Why are you calling? I was calling to see if you were able to do what I'd sent you to do without screwing it up. Yeah, it's done. I read what you told me to read. Philip tells me that after you fired 1100 of my employees, you wished them a Merry Christmas. Well, I, uh... Well, that's gonna read just great in tomorrow's papers. I'm sorry, I just... I should have known I couldn't count on you to do something as simple as reading from a goddamn sheet of paper without embarrassing this family. I said I was sorry. It doesn't matter. How are you doing, Hank? How's the health? Are you seriously asking a dying man, an 83-year-old dying man, how his health is?

6:27I'll tell you how my health is. worse every second since I asked you to step up and take some responsibility at this company. Can you say one thing to me without making me feel like a piece of shit? I spoke with the accountants this morning, Cal. And? Apparently you're asking for an advance on next month's disbursement. Yeah, so? A hundred thousand dollars a month I give you. That ain't enough. I had something I had to do. Another garage for your cars? Or did you decide to get married again? I donated it. Since when in the hell do you donate anything? Since now. And where did you donate this money?

7:11To a university. A university where? I said a university where? Arizona. Don't tell me you don't already know that. I just wanted to see if you'd admit it. My son, 56 years old and just as dumb as the day His miserable ass came into this world Is there anything else, Hank? No, Cal Nothing else Then goodbye Goddammit, why don't you just die already, asshole? Is everything alright, sir? What do you think, Phillip? Big mouth Bring the car around

8:20Rest area, next exit. I've always wanted to visit one of those. Why? You ever been to one? If I did, it was before I lost my memories. I've seen the signs for a couple of them when I was out exploring, but always figured, what was the point? Since you don't, you know... Go? Exactly. Go what? Well, apparently that's not what those stops are for. Right, Tand? Tandy used to make announcements about the rest areas on Desert Skies FM. Remember what you'd say, Tandy. I couldn't possibly forget it. I've said it a million times. Then do it. Do it? Like now? Why not? Do it. Do it. Do it. Do it. Do what?

9:03Okay, let's see. Greetings, travelers traversing the astral plane. There are 11 rest areas along the road, and I recommend stopping as needed. When I say rest areas, don't think of the traditional human bodily fluid relief units You may have visited when still present on the physical plane. We don't do that here. These rest stations are for soul relief. Specifically, the relief of burdens you carry with you from your time on Earth. Stop at 1. Stop at all 11. Lots of baggage. Take advantage. Bravo! Bravissimo! I can't believe I know the guy that does that announcement. These rest areas sound weird.

9:47What are human bodily fluids, blood? I think stopping at one is actually a really good idea. They're probably among the most underutilized features of the astral plane. Not to mention a good excuse to get out and stretch our legs. Agreed. Let's stretch our achy legs and rest our weary souls at the rest area. I really like road trips. You've never been on a road trip. Yeah, I know, but I've always wanted to go on a road trip. And now I am. And I'm already really enjoying it. I'm glad to hear it, Mac. I'm enjoying it too. Remember how you and me used to talk about what we'd do if we ever went on a road trip?

10:29Actually, no. I don't remember that. Yeah, that's probably because back then it used to stress you out. The idea of leaving the station. But we did talk about it a few times. We used to talk a lot. We did, didn't we? I miss our talks. I do too. What changed? Jeez, I don't know. A lot. There's more of us. So much has happened. So much is happening. Sometimes I miss when it was simple. All right, everyone. Gather round. This kiosk is where you get your ticket to one of the stalls inside. Ooh, I love the retrofuturism aspect of its design. How does it work? By touching the screen. But I should warn you that, of course, and not yet...

11:12Greetings, traveler. It's you. Oh my god. Welcome to the Desert Sphere rest area. The first of 11 rest areas you'll find along the highway spanning the Astral Plane. Please choose from the following options on the screen. Now that is something. When we were updating the rest areas, I was asked to record my voice for the new kiosk system. It's embarrassing. Why is it embarrassing? I think it's cool. Yeah, me too. I wasn't thinking about the fact that we might actually be traveling the highway together someday. This isn't the only place you're going to hear my voice. Sweetie, we love your voice.

11:48How many other things did you make a recording for? A lot of things. Like, a lot. A lot. So how does it work? Which of these options? Let's start with the tutorial. You've chosen tutorial. This is a rest area. On the physical plane, rest areas were designed to relieve travelers of physical waste. This is so embarrassing. Everybody poops cash. I mean, except for us. Here, you won't be relieving yourself of physical waste. Rather, you'll be relieving yourself of physical plain waste. Namely, the burden of regret that you've carried with you into this state of existence. When ready, you will print your ticket.

12:28This ticket will have one of four stall numbers printed on it. Enter on either side of me. Find your stall and enter. After you close the door to your stall, take a seat. More instructions will be provided at that time. So, are we gonna do it? I could probably use it, honestly. Well, the rest of us have no memory of the physical plane. Is there any point in us going in? I think it could still be helpful. Despite what the tutorial said, this would work with any regrets. There or here on the astral plane. Well then, I'm down. Me too. I didn't think I'd need it, but it sounds strange. And I want to see it.

13:09Corson, if you don't think you need it, maybe sit this one out. There's only four stalls. I know I got some regrets. Well, in that case, I can sit this one. No, Corson, you should do it. But why? He just said he doesn't need it, and I just said I think I do. Sit this one out, Mac. Is this one of your weird word things? Yeah, sit this one out, Mac. All right, Tend. If you say so. I'll just get a snack from the trunk and hang out in the car until you guys are done. I'm sure you can try it when we're done, Mac. Oh, okay. Sounds good. Tendi, what was that all about? I'm not sure. If you're done being strange, my young friend, I'll print out some of these tickets.

13:54Yeah, go for it. Okay, room. I close the door and I'm sitting down. Do your thing. Oh, nice and dark. Kind of spooky. Welcome, traveler. Are you ready to begin? Ready as I'll ever be. Life was like the desert sphere. Beautiful, magic, full of mystery. But it was also painful. Like the needle of a cactus, the sting of a scorpion, or the blistering rays of the summer sun. In your time on the physical plane, you experienced pain caused by any number of factors that were born from places outside yourself. Cancer, rejection, abuse. But you also experienced pain born from within yourself. Things you regret.

14:44Things that were your fault. Or at least, things you perceived to be your fault. Your journey through the celestial spheres will grant you reprieve from so much of the pain you experienced in life. But the pain of regret is something we find difficult to leave behind. In many ways, it's made worse here, because here, there's nothing you can do to remedy what was done. It isn't bad to have regrets. It means you're human. Humans make mistakes. Mature humans own them. Sharing those mistakes out loud is one way of leaving them behind. Of flushing them out of your system. So now, I ask you, human. What regrets are you carrying on this journey through the afterlife?

15:39Well? What regrets are you carrying on this journey through the afterlife? Well, none, I suppose. In fact, I'm a little offended. One, that you assume I have regrets, but also that you dare to call me human. What regrets are you carrying on this journey through the afterlife? Well, I kind of regret this recording. Is that really what I sound like? Okay, let's see. My regret is agreeing to go on this journey. Ever since Tendi and I found my journal in that cave, I can't get this thought out of my head that I spent who knows how long waiting for two people. One named Oliver, the other just two letters before where the page was ripped.

16:41L-I. Liam, Lily, Lillian, Little John, like in that Robin Hood book. Who knows? You? Well, not you. Kind of you. But Cash, she says that there's a way home. But what does that mean? She's not telling us. We'd just be what? People returning from the dead? Surely that's going to cause some issues. And the people that I'm waiting for here, they might be old already. I'd go back and I'd remember who they were. And all of the feelings I have for them will be there too. And then maybe they'll be so old that they just die. And I'm left all alone and grieving. And that's if they're even still alive. For all I know, they're either here or they've already traveled the astral plane.

17:49And that's why I can't go back. I should never have told Robo Girl that I would. She's got her hopes up. And I'm going to have to crush those hopes. She'll still have Tendi and Mac. She's known them longer anyways. But me? No matter how far this journey takes us, the only path left for me is all the way to the end. Whatever lies beyond Sphere 33. Maybe there I'll get my memories back. And maybe there the people I'm waiting for will already be. And if not, at least I know they're headed there because time only goes the one direction, baby. I think.

18:40So that's my regret. Not telling Cash. Not telling anyone that my time with them is coming to an end. I'm going to the next life. Are you finished unburdening yourself of this regret? A little, I guess. Please answer yes or no. Are you finished unburdening yourself of this regret? Sure. Please answer yes or no. Yes, yes, I meant to say yes. Congratulations. Seriously? That's hilarious. Thank the prom mover for whoever created a teeny microwave that plugs into a cigarette lighter. This is convenience. This is luxury. All right, burrito. Let's do this. Mouth opening. What in the hell? Mind if I join you?

19:40Forgive me if this comes across a little rude, but who in the hell are you? Of course. There's no reason to be worried. I'm the attendant of this rest area. The attendant? That's right. I didn't think this place had an attendant. Oh? Nah, there's a computer that distributes tickets for the stalls up there. It's automated. No attendant needed. Oh, I understand the confusion now. True, we used to help people find their stalls, and we would guide them through the experience. But now our job is much simpler. We repair the kiosk if it breaks, replenish the ticket dispenser, Clean up the stalls after travelers use them.

20:25You're like a janitor. Exactly. Exactly like that. It's weird that Cash didn't mention you. Well, it's been a long time since she and the other robots came through here with the Prime Mover. She's probably forgotten all about us. The rest area attendants, that is. Oh. Well, I guess that makes sense. I gotta say. I didn't know there were other attendants on the astral plane. You're an attendant. Oh, sorry, yeah. My name's Mac. Put her there. Nice to meet you. I'm one of the attendants of Desert Skies. You don't say. I do say. Oh my goodness, you're famous. Really? Everyone knows of the attendants out here.

21:09Are you all alone? Oh, no. Tendi, the other attendant, he's with me. And Cash, Corson, who was a sphere mover for a bit of eternity. and our friend, Nani. What are you doing so far away from the station? That's a bit of a long story. I have time. Well, sure. Let's see. It starts with... Do you hear that? Sounds like breakfast is ready. Because Quaker's coming in hot with morning nutrition, 100 % whole grain oats, and a good source of fiber to fuel the rhythm of your morning and kickstart your day. And that sounds absolutely delicious. Fuel to start whatever's next. Quaker, official sponsor of FIFA World Cup 26.

21:59I, O, let's go! Did you know Sam's Club isn't a store? It's actually a club. With cool finds and, like, a whole community. It's a club! Of course, Jason. It's in the name. Sam's Club. Oh, yeah. Come join us. Sam's Club. You still haven't shared your regret. Do you need more time? Please answer simply yes or no. No. What regrets are you carrying on this journey through the afterlife? I regret that, well, Mac and I have drifted apart a little. Some parts of it aren't my fault, and some parts of it are very much my fault, I guess. this stuff that's out of my control it might sound wrong and it's weird saying it to you cash even if you're just a recording but mac and i were the only humans at the station that weren't travelers at least we thought we were and at first it kind of drove me crazy because two humans spending a lot of time together that leads to a lot of conflict But over time, we started to become really good friends.

23:16Especially after everything that went down with Zochila Q. But now, there's three more people. And yeah, one's not exactly a human, but he acts very human. Walks and talks like a human. Though I guess most humans don't say bitch that often. But yeah, now there's a lot of people. A lot compared to two. and everyone offers different things and requires different things and the love is just getting passed around so much that it's spreading thin a little, if that makes sense. And then Matt got so sad whenever you left the astral plane. And I'll be honest, I pulled away a little. No, I pulled away a lot.

24:06I just wasn't able to meet him where he was at. Or wasn't willing to. All that to say, I regret not setting aside more time for Mac. I regret not going on more walks with him. Or listening to music with him in the basement. And you know what? I'm gonna make that a priority. Starting right now. Are you finished unburdening yourself of this regret? Um, yes. Congratulations. Gross. You still haven't shared your regret. Do you need more time? Please answer simply yes or no. For the millionth time. Yes, yes, yes. I need more time. I would say that I regret not bringing more games, but that's not my fault.

25:00And I might say that I regret not bringing more clothes. But that's also not my fault. Perhaps I could say that... So you're saying your friend has found a way to the physical plane. A way for you to live again. That's what she says. That is remarkable. If it's true, it truly is. And I trust Cash through and through. I'm glad you feel that you have someone you can trust. Thank you. How are you feeling about all of this? It must be hard leaving the station where you've spent so much of your time. It is. It's very hard. I'm sorry. I'm getting emotional. No, it's okay. Here, take my handkerchief.

25:47Let's talk about something else. Why? Because you think your tears will upset me? I'm an attendant, just like you, remember? That's right. You know what? It's really nice to have another attendant to talk to. I mean, I got Tendi, but he's not available as much as he used to be. He's busy. Oh, yeah. He's got lots to do. All the time. That's kind of you to be so understanding. Well, he's my best friend. Oh, he's lucky. So tell me more about your station. What do you miss most? Well, see if I can do this. I miss the sound of the fluorescent lights, and I miss the smell of our mop liquid, and I miss...

26:34You still haven't shared your regret. Do you need more time? Please answer simply yes or no. No. What regrets are you carrying on this journey through the afterlife? I'm... I'm the reason for all of this. All of us being here, on the astral plane. if they could remember what it is that happened and i'm so glad they can't they would each think that it was their fault they would think that everything that went down was the result of actions they took as individuals and the whole time i would know just as i know now that when it comes time for me to make the right call i get it wrong over and over and over again She wouldn't have gone if I hadn't told her to.

27:26He wouldn't have gotten involved if I didn't ask him to. And he would have never left that car if I hadn't convinced him to get in in the first place. Before my soul returned to the physical plane, I thought I was a good person. But I'm not. And now I'm back here and I'm doing exactly what got us into this mess in the first place. I'm trying to fight a battle with people's souls. trying to get back there so we can do it all again, hoping with everything in me that it'll put things back together the way they should be and knowing that I could be wrong. I'm not even considering the implications of what it would mean for us to go back there and then.

28:08The only thing I can hope is that a Lily who can truly see the soul isn't going to make the same mistakes that she made on the physical plane. Why did the Prime Movers send me back? Why did he give me that message? Please. I hope you know what you're doing. Are you finished unburdening yourself of this regret? Not even close. Please answer yes or no. Are you finished unburdening yourself of this regret? Is that really what I sound like? You still haven't shared your regret. Do you need more time? Please answer simply yes or no. No, I don't need more time. I am ready. What regrets are you carrying on this journey through the afterlife?

28:53The first deck of Uno I ever recreated. I used cardstock with a glossy rather than matte finish. Are you finished unburdening yourself of this regret? Yes, indeed. Congratulations. What on earth is that sound? Thank you so much for lending me an ear like that. You're a good listener. It's a shame that you're not still leading people through this experience. You got a real knack for it. Oh, that's so kind of you to say. I suppose I should be going. Go where? Oh, there's always work to be done around here. But this has been nice. Besides, I'm sure your friends are about wrapped up. You can have your turn in one of the stalls.

29:41No way. I just got the real deal. Thank you. Well, not really. What do you mean? This rest area is all about regrets. We talked about your trip, going back to the physical plane, all the things you missed. But you never shared any regrets. Would you like to? Um, sure. That would be great. Let me think about this. What about the company you keep? I'm sorry. What? Oh, I'm just saying. The company you keep. Those people up on the hill. The ones you call your friends. What about them? Well, like you said, the other attendant has no time for you. The girl that was the robot, you told her you didn't want to leave the station.

30:28But she's making you anyway. Think about it. They're all up there having their fun. Without you, told you to stay behind, didn't they? How'd you know about - It's because you're a bad person. What? You are a bad man. They know it. Maybe the girl told them. I don't think I ever got your name, friend. You talk to the animals. You stare at the stars and you make jokes and you're waltzing along through this afterlife thinking everyone loves you. But they don't. It's all in your head because they know you're wicked. I'm not wicked. Why are you saying those things? Because that's what real friends do.

31:13When they truly value someone, they tell that someone the truth. You see, I know just how bad you are deep down. Yet, here I am. And there they are. And what's more, I want to help you. I want you to get out. All right, Mac. But if you change your mind, I'll be there. I'm not a bad man. They don't think I'm a bad man. Farewell, friend.