Chapter 29 - The Shape Death Leaves Behind

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1:22Hi, friends. Jared here. It's so good to be back with you after such an extended absence. And I'm excited for you to hear this episode and the many that I have in the works already. Normally, I would toss in some shout-outs for new Club 86 members at this point in the show, but for today's episode, you'll find those shout-outs at the end. Speaking of Club 86, it's a great way to help the show, keeps the lights on, keeps the burrito freezer stocked. It's also how you can get exclusive episodes, including the Game Night and Grief Train miniseries. You can listen without ads. And I have another short-form miniseries in the works called Meanwhile, Back at the Station.

2:06as well as another series that I'm not going to tell you about just yet that I'll be announcing soon that's going to publish between every episode. Lots going on for those of you who can't get enough of the Astral Plane. If you're interested in joining Club 86, just visit patreon.com forward slash desert skies. So that's it for now. Stick around for those shout outs. And also maybe follow the show on Instagram or Facebook. It's up to you. social media is weird or join us on discord that place is cool and you can water our fake trees all the links for everything are in the show notes so just check those out and anyways so glad to be back with you enjoy the show this episode was made by a human for humans and coyotes for the best listening experience, headphones, and human-made art are recommended.

3:15Everyone else is still in the long pause, and they're probably wondering where we are. I should go. Listen, if it turns out we can find the Grand Trivia Lizard, and if it's true he's discovered a way to traverse the plains, We'll do everything we can to relay instructions to you. May you be victorious in your quest, girl. May you reap the rewards of your efforts. For your sake and ours, you must succeed. I'm desperate. I feel it. I am already at the edge of the fire. Already at the stairway. Siwa Coato, please. Hold on just a little longer. You can rely on us. Do they know? Know what? The other purposes of your journey.

4:03I haven't told them anything except that we're going home. Will you tell them? I should have already. Would they still be willing to help you? If they knew it meant I would return to the astral plane. There's only one way to find out. I have to tell them. Why risk it? I have their trust. Even with everything I haven't said, they believe in me. I don't intend to lose that trust by not telling them about you. You haven't told them about their lives. How is this different? They fear you. You know that. I'm not the monster they think I am. I know. And I'll do my best to make sure they know it too.

4:41And what if they don't believe you? I will stop at nothing to achieve what I'm here to do. I trust your resolve. And when you find him, tell him I'm sorry. You're going to tell him yourself. Farewell, girl. Cash. So chill a cue. Thank you for everything you're doing. For everything you've done for... us. For my sister. She... She doesn't have long. Even I, as little time as I've spent here, am beginning to feel the effects of the physical plane. We don't belong here. I can't imagine what centuries of this it felt like to my sister. I don't know how long it will take for us to find the answer, But if it's really only been 12 minutes since I passed on the physical plane, then from your perspective, this shouldn't take long.

5:31I mean, to me it's felt something like a week here, I think. So one could assume that an hour there is equal to something approximating a little less than a month and a half here. In less than 24 of your hours, we'll have been traveling - Cash, before you get too ahead of yourself, I wish it were as simple as you say. I really do. But this is the astral plane you're talking about. And I can only assume that it does with time exactly as it pleases. Twelve minutes here could be something like a week there. Or it might be something like exactly twelve minutes there. You're saying I should assume there's no constants when it comes to time here?

6:13If there were, how would we be having this conversation in real time? How did I not think about that? That's amazing. That's the astral plane. So we should move quickly. I think we can safely say that whether you move quickly or move slowly, it won't change whatever the outcome is meant to be. Do what you must do and trust, Cash. Trust. The astral plane will guide you. I will. Farewell. Jerry! I'm sorry, what? I said, it's gonna be great to see Jerry, Cash. You doing all right? Let's go inside, Mac. I need to speak with everyone.

7:29We're doing what? Corson, calm down. Calm? First you tell us about this psychotic gargantuan iguana. It's actually a gecko. And now this. You know what she did. You know what she's capable of. Who again? Siwa Coatl. Did you hear nothing Cash said? Don't snap at me. I heard it. I just don't know what it means. Somebody explain. Siwa Coatl. The dangerous, devious, despicable... I think I'd prefer a different narrator. Tendi, you sober enough? Yes, I am. Thank you, astral metabolism. Siwa Coatl. Short version. Short version? Siwa Coatl is Xochilicu's sister. Yep, I think I remember that. Ages ago, she was banished to the physical plane.

8:19For what? For something she didn't do. Travelers had started disappearing, and people thought she was responsible for it. Eventually, she was caught and confronted, and it ended with Siwa Coatl on Earth. How? How did she go to Earth? One sphere mover has the power. Well, that's great news. Let's find them. They can send us back. There's a couple problems with that. First, we're dead on the physical plane. Even if our souls could be reunited with our bodies, they're probably underground. I don't know about you guys. I don't want to come back to life in a box. Just to like suffocate and die. That is if we were all buried.

8:57Or were we cremated. Why is everyone looking at me? I'm not telling. Please tell me I had a Viking funeral, Cash. I mean, look at me. I'm not. Just blink twice, Cash. Just blink twice. How? The other problem is that the sphere mover with the power to banish souls isn't here. It's Xochillacue. Xochillacue was the one that did that? Her sister couldn't have taken that well. No, she didn't. She became a sadistic psychopath who tried to destroy the astral plane. It's not that simple, Corson. I'm not doing it. I'm sorry. I'm not helping her come back here. Corson, I think we should hear Cash out. Let her tell us what Siwakowat will say.

9:42I'm not interested, Cash. My dear, I know you're smart, but you've been manipulated. We're walking into a trap. Can't you see it? It's not a trap, Corson. Come on, Corson. Let her tell us. Cash, what did Siwakowatl say that convinced you she's no longer a threat? It's not something she said. Can we go for a walk? No. We finish this conversation here. Now. What do you want me to say? I want you to say no. This isn't happening. Because you're scared. You've already asked me to help you leave this plane. To leave me alone. And now you're telling me you will go and she'll return? How can you ask for my complicity?

10:28You risk the destruction of everything precious in this place. I can't stop her, Cash. Not by myself. And certainly not when my powers are... You won't have to try and stop her, Corson. I will. You won't. I promise. And I can show you why. And if I still don't believe you? Then we'll carry on without you. That's cold. After everything. I made a promise. A promise that I intend to keep. Come. Should we wait for him to catch up? He's so far back. If we slow down, so will he. Let's give him some space. Good idea. I'm gonna walk with him. That's kind of the opposite of giving him space. Oh, right.

11:16Well, true to my rebellious nature, that just makes me want to do it even more. So I'm gonna go. I know, Mac. I can't control myself, Tend. I know, pal. Thanks. I feel seen. That's because I see you. A true friend. A best friend. Go, Rebel. Go walk with Corson. I don't need your permission. Now I kind of feel a path to stay. Mac, just go. Okay. Cash, you had to listen to them bicker like this for how long? That had to have been irritating. It used to be. Sometimes. Hmm. Used to be. Now it's my favorite sound in the whole astral plane. Hey, need a walking, buddy? If you don't mind walking in silence.

11:54You got it, man. Thank you. Sometimes you don't need to talk. It's just nice to have someone present. I'm happy to be that someone. Thank you. You're welcome, man. Do the stars look different here? Maybe a different shade of... Mac. Oh, right. No talking. Right. Yeah, got it. I know you said not to talk, but I have to ask something if that's okay. I'll take your silence as a yes. Did something happen between you and Siwa Coatl? I mean, I get you being upset, but... Well... Man, you're taking it a lot harder than the rest of us, and... Well, it was us she tried to destroy. Not you. So what's the deal?

12:39He's disappeared. But how? Mac, come here. Look at that. What? What is it? There, in that clearing. Those two trees? Those two trees are moving like... Swaying in the wind? Like walking around. I don't see them. Watch the stars there, above the forest line. See how they're disappearing and reappearing? There. That's because something is moving in front of them. Oh, I see it now. How in the hell did you notice that? You don't win games by ignoring small details. Yeah. So, giants. Likely. I've never seen a giant before. I've seen a few. But not on this sphere. Which ones? None that you know of. Then tell me.

13:30I promised Cash I wouldn't. Why? She wants you to experience the astral plane the same way all travelers do. Which is how? In constant surprise. Oh, can we go talk to the giants? I think we better not. We should catch up with the others while we still can. Or we might lose them. Yeah, maybe we can find the giants on the way back. Perhaps. The hell is that? Looks like we're about to have company. We are there behind those bushes why now Probably runs off the way you runs about what do you mean the way? I've runs I means to say you don't know how to take soft steps You're twice as big as me and twice as loud.

14:23I may be bigger brother But I knows how to be dainty dainty Aye, dainty as a skeeter. What lies on your head without letting you know? Would never have ascribed daintiness to a skeetle. Aye, as a way with words, brother. You'll hear no arguments from me, brother. Can you teach me to be dainty? No, that's as I can. Fair enough. Which ways you think they went? Let's think on it. How? He's got any ideas. No, I can't say his eye has. Did you get a good look at him? Was they the ones what's been bothering us? No, they's not the ones. I got a fairly good look. One was short and pudgy, and the other one was a funny dresser.

15:22What? Who are you calling a funny dresser? Oh, so there they are. Funny things. Ain't much use hiding away if a small spoke at your ego sends you into the tizzy? We've got some questions we'd like to ask. What kind of questions? What are you? And are you with them? With who, bitch? Provide some context. What is a bitch? Am I a bitch? I don't know. Am I a bitch? All of us are bitches. In one form. or another. What's it mean? Why so many things? Now's not the time. Who, may I ask, is it that you're looking for? You knows who? The bear and the metal man used with them. No, we're with a metal lady.

16:16Perhaps you mistaked me for a bear. You enshroud our senses. We as keen eyes. It was a metal man and a young bear. We don't know who that is. Why do you ask? Because there's messing with us, causing us a right bit of trouble. In what way? You tell them. You tell them. Well, here's the tale. This bear and metal man, there's messing with our fish. Your fish? We's the fishes. My name's Todd, and this is my brother. Name's Osborne. Pleasure. I am Corson, and this is Mac. Nice to meet. Seems nice to meet. And with that fine introduction, I shall continue my tale. We's the fishes, and we's overseas, the fishery.

17:20A fine old place where we get the fish pieces what the bears eat. The fish pieces? You mean the fish? No, why would we want the whole fish? We only take the tails. Dries them out, grinds them up, and the bears put the tail powder in their fried fish balls. Gives it flavor. I think I'm going to throw up. Point away from my shoes. You mean to tell me that you take these poor fish, remove their tails, and waste the rest? That sounds cruel. They give some to us. Tail for a tail. A tail for a tail. And they grow back anyways, and it's not like it hurts. Anyways, there's a bear and a metal man who tricks our fishes into giving up their tails for a tail.

18:17But then, he provides no tail and runs away laughing. It ain't right. Tail for a tail. That's the way it's always been. Guys, this is some seriously fascinating stuff. And I'd be remiss if I didn't share that I am remarkably confused. Same. So, what do you mean, a tail for a tail? Comes with us to the fishery and seas for yourself. Our friends think we're still following him. Yes, we must catch up. Or we might lose them. Perhaps we can visit when we make our way back to the highway. No need. Sneaky robot. Stealth mode. Terrifying. It really is. She can be a little too quiet when she wants to be.

19:04You guys are so big. Seriously. How did I miss you the first time through here? We's a bit introverted and dainty. Eyes dainty, but I'll try to teach him. So, there's more of you, and one of them's metal brother. Likes the metal man. Shames, but different. Shames, but different. My name's Cash. You here's to take our fish? No, I'm not. Tell me about this metal man. Did he look like me? Shames, but a bit different too. What could it be, Cash? I'm not exactly sure, but I might have an idea. So, you mean to tell us that there is a rogue robot running around the astral plane? God, just when you think this place couldn't get any cooler.

19:50Well, we're all here now. Shall we visit this fishery? I'd like to see it. Same. Then follow us. Or better yet, we could carry you. Nope, nobody carries me. I'm good. Fast enough on my own. Certainly not. Totally, but only if I can ride on your shoulders and use your hair to steer you. Sounds like fun to me. Come on big boy, let's ride. Hey, it's Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. Now I was looking for fun ways to tell you that Mint's offer of unlimited premium wireless for$15 a month is back. So I thought it would be fun if we made$15 bills, but it turns out that's very illegal. So there goes my big idea for the commercial.

20:36Give it a try at mintmobile.com slash switch. Upfront payment of$45 for three months, $90 for six months, or$180 for 12 month plan required. $15 per month equivalent. Taxes and fees extra. Initial plan term only greater than 50 gigabytes may slow when network is busy. See terms. Eggers said to the interviewer he was convinced that the thing out there wasn't a vault. Yeah, I know what he thought. Dr. Eggers didn't think it was designed to keep things out. I know what he thought. He thought it was designed to keep something in. 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?

21:09Oh my god. Everyone hold on to something! 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. That's a bad sign. Get out of the door! It's spreading like some kind of technological contagion. We can either stop it here or watch the world burn. Fathom, the first season of Derelict. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or learn more at derelictpodcast.com.

21:51Damn, this place really is something. It's enormous. It has to be. I believe a tour is in order. Been some time since we was able to show folks about true brother. So, that there's Orsborne's chair. That one there's Dodge. We got the fire pit where we cooks our dinner and looks at this. What is it? What do you mean, what is it? It's a portrait. A portrait I painted of me and my brother. Oh, I see it. It's an abstract painting. Abstract? But this over here is what we want to show you. Is it about to? You're saying we stink? You are a bit musky. So is. And we likes it that way. No, this is a pond, one that connects to the river through a tunnel which runs beneath.

23:00That's really cool. What's it for? Shall we show them, brother, ins and outs of our business, the ways of the fishers? I think they'd like it. We'd love it. Right. Then we begin. Come little fishies from the river next door. The fishers are here and we've got some lore. The bears at the bar got some needs to feed. And you little fishies got the tails they need. Look at the water, Mac. Whoa, so many. We got an offer that we think's just fine. A tale of yours for a tale of mine. So stay, little fishes, make yourself at home. A tale for a tale. A tale for a tale. A tale for the tale time has begun.

24:09Well, little fishes, as Osborne grabs the puppet stage, let's decide on the tales, shall we not? On tonight's menu, we have the following tales to choose from. We has the tale of the rabbit we saw the other's day. That's a new story. We has the tale of the time Osborne and I saved a little person from the river. And we has an old shared tale you ain't heard in quite some time. The tale of the sisters. Don't see us, we as guests. Why don't we let him pick? What's the tale of the sisters? Oh, now that's quite the story. It's a very old story. A melancholy tale. Something we've seen with our own eyes.

25:06Something we'll never forget. Something horrible. And beautiful. And momentous. You ever seen a woman with hair dark as night? Eyes like fire. Bow on her back and a dagger sharper than the teeth of a bear. Has you ever seen a woman with a dress made of flowers? You ever seen someone just disappear? Because we has. Yes, we has. Zochilicu. And Siwakaoto. Aye, the sisters. We was there. We saw the battle. Ah, ah, ah, no spoilers. Is that the tale you choose? The astral flame will guide you. What's that you say? Just something someone said to me. Corson? You're going to tell me there's a reason we're here.

26:03You must have already known about this. I'm not sure how you did it. Corson, this isn't what I planned to show you. Do you want to hear it or not? I'm not going to make you, Corson. I'm not as hard-headed as all that, my dear. Go ahead. Tell your tale. Just let me grab my puppets and let me turn the lamp down. Ladies and gentlemen, we shall now take our place beneath the stage. Metal girls and fishes, we the Fisher Brothers, Jordan Osborne, present to you a tale of old. The tale of the sister. Our story begins in a round clearing in the woods, where the trees are at the thickest. But for that part where's our story takes place.

27:00My brother and I was taking a leisurely stroll. We likes to see the fireflies down past the old shawmill. That's when we heard it. A voice. Something about it told us it weren't no traveler. We feared it were a ghost. Though we don't have those here in the forest. So we lay down on the forest floor and looks out at the small clearing. The same ones where we used to play marbles due to it being a perfect circle. Behold the woman. Beauty unmatched. The coveted flowers of a thousand colors. That puppet's the size of us. Behold, the green princess at her side, and the dog, and the little strange man.

28:02That green princess is Masonia. She's an alien, the mover of the Martian sphere. And that's not no dog, that's a coyote. His name's Weiwei, and the little strange man is... We knows it. We hadn't said the names yet because, as the narrators, we shan't reveals what we ourselves would not know at this point in the story. No interruptions, please. Okay, you guys are doing great. Appreciate it. Behold, the flower lady says to the princess, Thanks for coming here. And the green lady says in reply, I'm sorry that this time has come. This, the darkest of hours. And the dog said... Goddamn. What? That one dude's doing all those voices.

28:54Of course he is. And he's doing it quite poorly. They all sound the same. Shut up, man. You're the one that started the conversation. Please stop talking, or I'll ask you to leave the fishery. We're stopping. Good. Now's the green princess. She says... You are incredibly strong, Zochilicu. It feels cruel to ask this of you. Alas, you are the only one capable of putting an end to this, should our suspicions be confirmed. It is a cruel twist of fate that this power rests with me. I feel so ashamed. Poor Zochilicu. I can't imagine how hard it would be for Doug to turn against his own brother. If I had one, that is.

29:45But this isn't your fault. And you're not alone. We're all here. Weiwei Koyoto, do you truly see no other way? There's no need to apologize, Weiwei. This course of action is... Quiet. Do you hear that? Is it her? Welcome, Jerry. We're grateful you're here. We're going to need all the help we can get. This is where Weiwei last picked up her scent. Let's hope she returns. I'm embarrassed to say that I hope she won't. That is understandable. Weiwei, I must ask you once more. Are you confident that we're doing the right thing? In all the ages I've known, my sister, she's never done a traveler harm.

30:35In fact, quite the opposite. She's cared for them, possibly more than anyone I've ever known. I know. The evidence is abundant. Every time a traveler's disappeared, there's been witnesses to her presence. So Chilicu, look. The edge of the clearing. Everyone stand prepared. So Chilicu, we do this together. And if by some small chance we're wrong, then we shall all bear the blame. No, no, not yet. Let me speak with her alone. But what if she... She won't. She will not attempt to harm me. Then go. We shall wait and watch and be ready.

31:19Cece. Sister. The only time you've looked at me with eyes that red was every time I beat you at Uya Malizli. This game you're playing now is more dangerous. Word has spread among sphere movers that you've been looking for me. I have. But not out of concern for me. You believe I'm the cause of their disappearance. You're telling me you're not. How can you even ask me that? Sister, how long have you known me? Was eternity too little a time to prove my character? I have never been anything but a protector of the dead who traversed this plane. I know. I know, Cece. But you must help me understand and help the others believe.

32:02Why do travelers disappear wherever you go? What are you doing with them? Why does the burden of proof rest with me when I've done nothing wrong? Fine. I've been searching for the one who is taking travelers. Cece. It's true, Zochillicu. I've tracked them. Followed the little clues they've left behind. I'm so close. Whoever they are, I can stop them. You could be helping me, but instead, you've turned against me. They've warped your mind. That coyote has never liked me. That's not true. And even if it were, he would never... Who was that? What are you talking about? Someone's out there. You're imagining things again.

32:48Just like you imagine that I'm... Who is it, Cici? Sister, I can't explain. Whoever you are, step out of your hiding and show yourself. Do as she says. Who is this? It's not what it looks like. And you're giving them weapons? You're building an army. So, Chilicu, this plane of existence is run by fools. Travelers are always in danger. always exposed to the worst possible pains. You lied to me. It was you all along. No, I swear it. I only started to recruit travelers when it became obvious that... Let them go. No. No, I won't do that. Don't you see? This is how it has to be. The Prime Mover, his superiors.