Chapter 23 - Sometimes You Gotta Die A Little

SPEAKER_1 (0:00)

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SPEAKER_2 (0:31)

When did making plans get this complicated? It's time to streamline with WhatsApp, the secure messaging app that brings the whole group together. Use polls to settle dinner plans, send event invites and pin messages so no one forgets mom's 60th, and never miss a meme or milestone, all protected with end-to-end encryption. It's time for WhatsApp. Message privately with everyone. Learn more at whatsapp.com.

Jared Carter (1:00)

Hi friends, it's Jared. Welcome to the third season of Desert Skies. I can't tell you how good it is to be back with you. Can you believe it's been 10 months? Isn't that wild? A few very quick things before we start the episode. First, I want to invite you to join the wonderful Desert Skies community of fans, who I affectionately refer to as Skylarkians, in the many places we exist online. These days, I'm currently active on Instagram, Bluesky, Facebook, and you can also join our Discord community. We take turns watering a digital tree there. His name's Piney. Find links to all of our socials in the show notes. Second, if you want to learn more about the show, visit desertskiespodcast.com. And while you're there, sign the guestbook. I love it when people sign my guestbook. Third, I'd encourage you to join Club 86 It's a great way to support the show, and depending on the tier you join at, you get new episodes early, as available. You get access to exclusive episodes and mini-series, including Game Night and The Grief Train. You can also get ad-free episodes, a burrito cookbook, commentaries, and more. Just visit patreon.com/desertskies or find the link in the show notes below. And last, this weird little announcement. I get so many wonderful Spotify comments on episodes. And I read them all. I cherish them. Some of them are so heartfelt. But I can't reply to or publish them if they contain spoilers. So just please keep that in mind when you're leaving a comment because I hate to leave anything out. That's it. I'm done talking. Welcome back to the Astral Plane. Enjoy Chapter 23 Sometimes you got to die a little.

Previously on Desert Skies.

SPEAKER_4 (2:51)

It won't hurt anything if you humor me by just trying to go to the register, will it?

SPEAKER_5 (2:56)

I'm in the register. This is impossible.

SPEAKER_4 (2:58)

You can step out of the frame, any frame.

SPEAKER_6 (3:01)

Is it a good ending? A marvelous one.

SPEAKER_5 (3:04)

You said that friendship was one of the three greatest powers in existence. What are the other two?

SPEAKER_4 (3:10)

The love of a mother and the bond of siblinghood.

SPEAKER_6 (3:14)

I'm coming, Cece. She's banished herself to the physical plane.

SPEAKER_5 (3:19)

Here it is. Your favorite place.

SPEAKER_6 (3:21)

Is that a house?

Jared Carter (3:22)

Cache, why is there a house in your memories?

SPEAKER_6 (3:25)

It's not from here.

SPEAKER_5 (3:27)

It's from the physical plane. Olenna said that I'm either dying or I'm waking up. Which is it?

SPEAKER_4 (3:32)

A little of both.

SPEAKER_6 (3:34)

Olenna, I hand over my responsibilities to you. You are the mover of the Eight Sphere.

SPEAKER_4 (3:40)

Seven Snake Rain Rabbit. 01979MM115. The gate opens.

SPEAKER_6 (3:48)

Forge and Flora.

SPEAKER_5 (3:50)

Forge and Flora.

SPEAKER_6 (3:51)

You have an invitation that needs delivering.

SPEAKER_7 (3:54)

Don't just leave her laying here. We gotta help her.

Jared Carter (3:56)

She's not here, Mac.

SPEAKER_6 (3:57)

What do you mean? Bolts and Thunder.

SPEAKER_8 (4:00)

It's that.

SPEAKER_6 (4:02)

I don't know that I did her justice, but yes, it's meant to be her.

Jared Carter (4:07)

Travelers don't usually start with the hug. Why are you smiling like that? CASH. For the best listening experience, headphones are recommended.

SPEAKER_5 (4:28)

Hi, Oliver. It's so nice to meet you, sweetie. I know you're scared and angry, and that's okay. I've been scared and angry, too. But Oliver, look at me. You don't know me, but I'm gonna tell you something, and I want you to believe it with your whole heart. Do you wanna hear what I have to say?

Jared Carter (4:58)

Yeah?

SPEAKER_5 (5:00)

You're safe now, and you know why? Because I love you with my whole heart. I've been waiting for you my whole life. Isn't that crazy? I didn't even know who you were. But there was this big old hole in my heart, and guess what, it wasn't just a hole in my heart, but all of her. It was shaped just like you. My name is Stella, and you can call me Stella, or Mommy, or Stinky Butt Dork Face.