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3.10: Unbroken Still Through All
In this episode of 'Once Upon a Wasteland,' titled 'Unbroken Still Through All,' the characters navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and impending nuptials in a post-apoc...
3.10: Unbroken Still Through All
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Interactive Transcript
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This October, somethings lurking in the basement, and it's not just bad plumbing.
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Dark Road Diaries is a horror comedy audio fiction podcast about cursed relics, supernatural
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creatures, and friends who may or may not be qualified to stop the apocalypse.
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You can find more information about the show on BlueSky at darkroaddiaries.com and on Patreon
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at patreon.com slash once upon a wasteland.
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And now you can help unleash the madness.
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The dark road diaries crowdfunding campaign is live now on Kickstarter.
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Visit darkroaddiaries.com slash Kickstarter for more. Dark Road Diaries coming soon.
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Once upon a time, 27 years after the bombs fell. There were two people,
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a vault tweller and a California girl. They met and sparks flew.
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That's when things got interesting. This is their story.
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The dark road diaries crowdfunding campaign is live now on Kickstarter.
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Once upon a wasteland, season three, episode ten, unbroken still through all.
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Hey, princess. On your way over the white spring.
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I am. O'Deser now again to have dinner and spend some time together.
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You better not be planning on sleeping over.
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Wouldn't dream of it. I'm not superstitious, but considering everything that we've been through
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to get to this point, I'm not taking any chances.
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It's a prize that you're not there yourself.
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Case, he's got it under control. I'm sure she does.
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I'll tell you what. Is she ran a military outfit like she runs a wedding?
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The brotherhood would have taken over Appalachia years ago.
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I sure so won't mess with her.
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She hasn't been unkind, has she?
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She's good at hiding it, but she's feeling a lot of pressure to get it just right.
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Nah, she's been great. I don't think it's possible for her to be unkind.
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It's not phony either. I can sniff that out a mile away.
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Casey is many things, but phony is not one of them.
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She's one of the most genuine people I've ever known.
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She's so nice, but not weak. That's a hell of a thing to pull off.
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It is. People talk about killing with kindness, but if anyone could actually do it, it's her.
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Ha ha ha. Hell of a way to go.
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You doing okay?
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I am. But given everything that's happened,
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everything Odessa and I have been through to get to this point, it's
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hard not to worry that something else is going to happen.
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That some previously forgotten shoe is preparing itself to drop.
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Hey, you can't think like that. Yeah, shit tends to happen around here, but there's no
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get around that. But I think the universe owes you one.
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Can't disagree there, and I hope you're right. I could do with the day completely without surprises.
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Well, I can't guarantee that. But there are a lot of people working their asses off to make
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sure tomorrow goes off without a hitch. I know, and I appreciate it. I know you do.
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It has been pretty quiet since we got back from Sinsi, but I'm going to take that as a win,
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and not as a harbinger of doom. Hey there, Peloton.
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I'm off duty. Call me Layla. Actually, you can call me Layla when I'm on duty too,
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unless you want to join the brotherhood, of course.
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I think I'll pass on that. But can I get you a drink? That would be great. What would you like?
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Surprise me. All right, I like a challenge.
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On your way to the white spring, I take it. Yes, I'm eating your desert seven for dinner.
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And then they're going to get some cinnamon before they tie the knot and make everything official.
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Amanda? Am I wrong? Well, no, but that's what I thought. Don't worry. I have several people in
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place who are going to make sure that she's in her bungalow by bedtime. The way I'm letting those
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two see each other tomorrow before the ceremony. Good. So what brings you here on this fine evening?
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I'm on my way back to Fort Atlas from the white spring. I'm pleased to report that Casey has
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everything under control. Told you so. As if I doubted that for a second. For what it's worth,
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I didn't doubt it either. I just wanted to get a sneak peek.
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Rank's got its privileges. It does indeed. I don't suppose Bones could give me a sneak peek at one
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of the new drink recipes he's created for the reception. There are some privileges rank doesn't
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provide. Hell, he only let me try two of them. All he'll tell me is that none of them are lethal.
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I'll take it. Yes, I'd prefer as few corpses as possible at my wedding. Thank you. We're still
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shooting for zero. Don't worry. Speaking of which, anyone from a grapevine about anyone thinking of
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trying something stupid? Not even a hint. And that's not just coming from me. Craig's been keeping
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a close eye on things too. As have I, I won't jinx it, but I can say with confidence that everything
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indicates that your wedding day will be uneventful. Well, except for the event itself, of course.
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Yes, there is that. How many are holding up? Very well. Thank you. I've taken advantage of this
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lull in the action to do some writing. I've been exploring, rediscovering who I was when I was
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Isabelle. I started reading some of what I wrote. That's helped. What are you writing about?
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The past three years mostly. And a couple of short stories from when I was a kid in the vault.
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Little adventures that I had with Dad. I'd love to read some of your work from your time in
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Gralsberg. Of course. I'll pick some tie to his out for you before we leave for North Carolina.
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I'll warn you. Some of them can get a bit uh uh uh steamy, but I can leave this out if you'd like.
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I'm okay with steamy. Good. There you are. Thank you. I'd love to stay in
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chat, but I think it's time I go to the white spring. Everything's waiting for you in your bungalow.
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I cannot wait to see you in that dress. It's absolutely lovely. I can't wait to see your
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dresses. You're both gonna look so beautiful. Craig brought in a stylist from Pittsburgh. He says
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she's the best. He'd know. All right, get out of here. I'll see you tomorrow, bright and early.
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Enjoy your last night as a free woman. Oh, I will.
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Knock knock. Hi Casey. How was looking all over for you? I'm glad you didn't want to do far.
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We need to get you in that dress soon. I know. I just wanted to take a look around.
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Your makeup looks amazing by the way. Andrew Hare. A lot of people had braids like this in
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Grotesburg and I thought they looked nice. I'm just glad I was able to describe them properly.
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Well, either way, you look beautiful. Even Beth are going to be the best looking couple
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whoever got married here. Thank you. The stylist is on her way to Beth's bungalow now. I just hope
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I didn't tire her out. Nah, she'll be fine. So what do you think? It's beautiful. All of it.
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Thank you. You too deserve it. Where did you get all these flowers? I had to do some more
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straighting, but it was worth it. I mean, I had to help a lot there. I hope she didn't have to call
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in too many favors. Sometimes it seems like she hasn't unlimited supply of those, but I assume
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there's a finite number. I think she'll have plenty left over. Don't worry.
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Hi, Casey. Can I steal Skripe Valdez for a moment?
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Of course. I was on my way back to talk to the caterer anyway. I'll see you in a bit.
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Why? What's up, Jess? I'll admit I'm a little concerned that you called me Skripe Valdez.
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This isn't official business, is it? Yeah, it is. I'm sorry.
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This isn't something someone else could handle? Anyone else?
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I'm afraid not. They asked for you specifically at end. Well, I wasn't about to tell them no.
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Halogen Romani signed off on it. I'll have to have a talk with her later.
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Lead on. It's not far. Good.
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This was an enclave communication suite that was built for dignitaries.
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So they didn't have to go far. If there was some sort of crisis they had to manage.
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While they were here at the white spring. And what? Do you need me to fix it?
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Now? No, it's working perfectly. It's patched into the comms array for atlas.
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The one that you were working on with Skripe Hargrove last year. Yes.
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Jeff, please. This can wait until I get back from my honeymoon. I don't think it can.
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This is Skripe Jessica Navia of the Appalachian Brotherhood of Steel. Do you read?
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This is Paladin Derek Cupid. I read you loud and clear. Skripe Navia. Five by five.
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You set up a call with my former fiance on my wedding day? Something like that?
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There's a package from the mailbox. Skripe Navia. What?
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There's Odessa there. Oh, yes she is. Put her on, please. Yes, sir.
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Hello, Derek. Hi, Odessa. Dave and Jess have been working day and night to get us
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array up and running. I'm glad they were able to do it in time. Dave's going to get a
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commendation. I wanted to say congratulations and let you know how happy I am for you too.
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That's very nice of you, Derek. Thank you. But you didn't have to go through all of this trouble.
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We made our peace. We did. Yes. But I guess I kind of buried the lead. I didn't just want to get
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this line of communication reestablished so I could wish you well. What else? Odessa?
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Mom, is it really you? Yes, dear, it's me. Your dad's here too. Hey, Munchkin. Dad?
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I wish you could be there in person, but we're at Northwara for that long of a march these days.
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But the good news is that Elder Maxson commissioned a project to develop airships.
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He said they might have been able to make across country trips at some point and that
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point may be sooner than later. You mean I might see you again? You're very well-mouthing.
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Your father and I would love to meet your lovely bride and perhaps some grand children.
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My dear Valdes.
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I'm joking. Well, mostly, but no pressure. We're just so happy that you're happy.
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Derek should have picked us up. She's beautiful and you both look so happy together.
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Thanks, Dad. You'll love her. I know it. We are proud to have her as a member of our family.
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Thanks, Mom. Can you get me in touch with the team that's working on those airships?
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I might be able to help. I can take care of that. It's quite not yet. Yes, sir.
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We're able to finish the science projects. You can describe how it will work for you.
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Yes, we tested it out last night and it went perfectly. What are you talking about, Jess?
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Well, we were thinking. Even though your parents can't be at the ceremony,
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we know that you'd want them to be part of it somehow. We set up an extension in the chapel
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so that they could hear the whole thing over columns. That's... thank you, Jess.
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Thank you, Derek. This means so much to me. At least I could do. I was having trouble thinking of a good wedding present,
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especially since the white spring is kind of upside our delivery zone.
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This is the perfect gift. This isn't a one-time thing, is it?
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Nope. We can talk to lost hills anytime we want now.
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And my final report was received favorably. You won't have to worry about interference from the home office.
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The council will make sure of that.
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We'd like to talk to Beth at some point. It would be lovely to get to know her.
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She'd love that. She was just saying that she wished there was some way to meet you.
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Oh, Dad.
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He'd better.
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I'm just telling the truth. She's an amazing woman. Just like you.
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You're perfect for each other.
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Thanks, Derek, for all of this. It was a team effort. All the way. We'd better let you go.
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You've got a busy day ahead of you.
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I still remember our wedding day.
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Oh, oh, oh.
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Oh, make sure you cherish every moment.
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I will. We'll talk again soon, right?
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We will. And we'll be right there with you for the ceremony.
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It's going to be wonderful to hear you say. I do.
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I love you.
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I love you too, Odessa.
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We'll love you too much, Kim. We'll talk to you later.
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Goodbye.
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Goodbye.
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Are you okay?
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Yes, I... I didn't know if I'd ever be able to talk to them again to hear their voices.
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Thank you, Jess.
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It's like Derek said.
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Team effort.
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Well, either way, I'm not going to forget it.
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It's worth...
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Hey, hey, hey. Let's get you back to your suite so you can finish getting ready.
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There.
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All finished.
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What do you think?
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Oh, Beth, you look so beautiful.
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Odessa's going to pass out when she sees you.
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If I don't pass out first, you did a wonderful job.
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Thank you.
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If you think of any tweaks, just let me know.
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I'm going to start tracking down bridesmaids, okay?
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You got one.
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The maids of honor right here.
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Oh, I'm saving you for last.
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All right.
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Just don't run out of makeup or fancy hair stuff.
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I've got plenty of both.
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Seriously, you look amazing.
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I'm going to make sure that photographer takes so many pictures his finger hurts.
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Thank you.
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I want every memory possible to be preserved.
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All those years in Grosberg showed me just how important that is.
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Are you going to write about it?
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That's what I do.
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I got to admit, I was worried about you when we came back.
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I kind of hope that your brain wouldn't hide all that stuff in a box and you just be Beth again,
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like you were before.
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I understand, but I'm glad it didn't.
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Right, right. That's what I was getting at.
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If you forgot that time and those people,
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it would be an act of vandalism.
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Yeah, I guess I was just worried that you'd be totally different and I don't know,
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I'll grow me or something.
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I could never outgrow you.
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Any more than I could outgrow Odessa or Charles or my parents.
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I wish they could be here.
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I know, babe.
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They may be out there having universe hopping adventures with Devon,
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but they're here too.
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And are very real way.
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I know.
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I know you're right, but it's silly.
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Come on, spit it out.
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Whenever I picked you in my wedding day,
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they were there.
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Mum helping me get ready.
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Both of us are laughing and crying.
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Dad,
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walking me down the aisle.
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His arm wrapped around mine.
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Hey, hey, that is not silly at all.
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In fact, whatever the opposite of silly is, it's that.
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I know they wish they could be here with you too.
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You're right, though.
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The more I think about it,
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the more I realize they are here.
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And like you said,
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in a very real way,
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I can feel their presence.
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That's the spirit.
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I'll get it.
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Better not be Odessa.
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She may not be superstitious, but I am.
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What if you were in your dress already?
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Who is it?
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I...
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How...
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come in?
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Amanda, just tell me.
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Oh my, how?
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What happened?
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Are you... back?
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Am I dreaming?
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You're not dreaming.
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And we are back.
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But unfortunately, it's only temporary.
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I'm not breaking the laws of time and space, but I am bending them a bit.
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How is my timing?
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We didn't miss the wedding, did we?
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No, we have...
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about two hours.
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Well done, Seven.
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Hello, Lily.
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Are you... real?
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Yes, Shotzi.
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We are.
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How are you?
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I have so much to tell you.
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I just remembered.
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I have a... thing.
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You three aren't gonna disappear on me, right?
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No.
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Do you need any help with that... thing?
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Yes.
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Yes, I do.
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We can go say hi to the gang while these three catch up.
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That sounds great.
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Lead on.
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Where have you been?
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What have you been doing?
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Everywhere.
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And everything.
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There is so much out there.
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And we're going to see it all.
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How did you get here?
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The untainted Anonon on your heels, are they?
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No, that pathway is very family closed, fortunately.
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So, how are you here?
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Now, Devon detected Anonomaly,
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something quite different from anything he'd seen before.
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And that does not happen often.
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Is it dangerous?
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Should I get Odessa?
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No, no.
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It's not dangerous at all.
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We were able to hit your ride, it seems.
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You...
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hit your ride?
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With who?
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We don't know.
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Devon can explain in more detail, if you'd like.
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But he did some jiggery, pokery, and well, here we are.
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It took some doing too.
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The anomaly tried to drop us more than a hundred miles away.
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But he was able to steer us a bit closer.
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Whatever it was, I'm so glad you're here.
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Devon said it was temporary.
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But...
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How temporary?
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We don't know.
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I hope you're able to stay for the wedding.
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We do as well.
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But even if we're not, just seeing you is more than we could have hoped for.
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I was wondering...
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if you haven't already asked anyone...
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Dad, I've dreamed of you walking me down the aisle.
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If you're still here, there's no way that it wouldn't be you.
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I'm not sure if you're still here.
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I'm not exactly dressed for it, but...
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We'll get that sorted.
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Don't worry.
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Before we do that, there are some things I want to tell you about.
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Some tricks we've picked up along the way.
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They may come in handy later.
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You.
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Come here.
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Yes, ma'am?
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We're going to need two more seats at the head table.
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Ma'am, there isn't room.
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Make room.
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Figure it out.
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That's parents just flew in from out of town and they're sitting at the head table.
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Capiche?
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Yes, ma'am.
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And make a spot for Devon here too.
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A good place to sit.
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A good spot.
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Got it.
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No where near table nine.
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Oh, right.
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I understand.
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I'll take care of it, ma'am.
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The curbs were right about you.
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Uh-oh.
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What did they say?
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That you're strong.
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Tough.
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And that you always look out for the people who are important to you.
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I'm just protecting that kid from Casey.
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I may have this whole rater thing going on,
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but she's way more intimidating than me.
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In this environment at least.
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What kind of difficult times are we talking about here?
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The bullying.
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Oh, that.
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Yeah, she did.
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Kids are such assholes sometimes.
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I don't know why they decided to make Beth their target.
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But why do they do anything they do?
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But the mom and Casey stepped in and stopped.
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She had that kind of power.
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Sounds like she still does.
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I wouldn't mess with her.
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That's for sure.
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What have you guys been up to?
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Miss Otis.
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Yeah?
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Bones asked me to get you.
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I had a question about something on the menu.
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We went over all this last night.
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I gotta take care of this.
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Think you'll be okay on your own.
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Yes, I'll be fine.
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Don't wander off.
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Wouldn't dream of it.
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Devon, what are-
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How?
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You know what?
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I think I just need to stop being surprised at this point.
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It's nice to see you too, Nate Corson.
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Is everything all right?
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I should be asking you that question.
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Don't worry.
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We're not here because of any looming interdimensional invasions this time.
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You said we.
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Does that mean-
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Yes.
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Andrew and Alisa here as well.
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They're catching up with Beth now.
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We have a bit of a complicated situation happening right now.
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Well, you're in luck.
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I specialize in complicated.
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Oh, I remember.
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Haha.
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It's not the kind of thing that one soon forgets.
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Anyway, I'm glad you're here.
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Who are your friends?
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Liza Corbin.
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This is my son, Adrian, my daughter Sylvia, and my granddaughter, Sersha.
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Devon McNite, it's a pleasure to meet you.
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You as well.
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Did Greg say interdimensional?
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He did.
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The last time I was here, about a year ago,
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we had to face down an invasion from a race that calls themselves the untainted.
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My universe went dark because of them,
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and I've made it my mission to ensure they can't do it to any others.
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I've been chasing them for-
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well, for a long time.
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And that chase eventually brought me here.
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And you won the day.
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We did.
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Infosys on We.
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And now you've come back for the wedding.
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No, but I'm very glad that we're here for it.
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If I'm being honest though, I'm not sure why we're here, or more accurately, how.
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What do you mean?
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An important part to protecting this place from the untainted was
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permanently closing off the pathway that links universes together.
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That door was closed firmly behind us when we left.
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That's why Greg was so concerned.
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Concerned is understating in a bit.
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There's no need to be.
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The pathway is completely and irrevocably cut off.
spk_0
The untainted no longer pose of threat to this universe.
spk_0
It was the first thing I checked.
spk_0
If it's completely and irrevocably cut off,
spk_0
shouldn't that mean that you can't come back through it either?
spk_0
Precisely.
spk_0
Yet, here we are.
spk_0
We were at the Nexus.
spk_0
That's our home base for a lack of a better term.
spk_0
Things had been quiet, relatively speaking.
spk_0
And then, well, I saw something I'd never seen before.
spk_0
And I do not get to say that often.
spk_0
What did you see?
spk_0
A spoke.
spk_0
When a new pathway opens.
spk_0
Well, when an old pathway is reopened more accurately,
spk_0
we're alerted via a quantum visualization subsystem
spk_0
that I set up not long after arriving in the Nexus.
spk_0
These pathways were set up beyonds ago by a highly advanced race.
spk_0
That race eventually ascended to a non-physical state of being,
spk_0
or so the legends go, and they left behind a network of transdimensional portals.
spk_0
As those portals are discovered and reactivated,
spk_0
it provides a way for the untainted to get to that universe,
spk_0
after which they plunder and destroy it.
spk_0
The key is beating them to it.
spk_0
It takes them longer to discover a reactivated pathway than it should.
spk_0
It's not like I sat them down for an interview,
spk_0
but I suspect that they stumbled on some of that technology,
spk_0
but aren't very skilled at using it.
spk_0
But you are.
spk_0
Hmm.
spk_0
I have my moments.
spk_0
So this spoke.
spk_0
It was different.
spk_0
It was.
spk_0
I've been at this for a long time,
spk_0
and I've never seen any sort of pathway or conduit open
spk_0
that wasn't the result of that existing network.
spk_0
Now I'm concerned.
spk_0
Why is that?
spk_0
Well, you said you specializing complicated,
spk_0
and I think we're about to put that to the test.
spk_0
I'm listening.
spk_0
We came here through an interdimensional pathway ourselves,
spk_0
but it doesn't sound anything like what you've described.
spk_0
That would explain why I hadn't detected it previously.
spk_0
It doesn't though.
spk_0
There have been at least three activations of the veil within the past few weeks.
spk_0
Why didn't you detect those?
spk_0
I couldn't even begin to speculate without understanding how the veil works.
spk_0
That's a longer conversation than I think we have time for.
spk_0
Declan always tells me to look for the delta when we're trying to figure something like this out.
spk_0
What's changed?
spk_0
What's different?
spk_0
It's not the bracers.
spk_0
I activated the veil in exactly the same way when I sent those three home as when we came through.
spk_0
Bracers?
spk_0
The bracers of Paradir.
spk_0
They're the key that allows the veil to be activated.
spk_0
Now that's fascinating.
spk_0
May I see them?
spk_0
Of course.
spk_0
They don't come off.
spk_0
Sorry.
spk_0
Oh, that's fine.
spk_0
Hmm.
spk_0
They're beautiful.
spk_0
Did you say Paradir, Luisa?
spk_0
I did.
spk_0
Fascinating.
spk_0
But I suspect that's also a longer conversation than we have time for right now.
spk_0
But I do have one question.
spk_0
Have you heard of Tier Null?
spk_0
How do you know that name?
spk_0
That's some of those same legends I mentioned earlier.
spk_0
That's what the fifth race called Graltzberg.
spk_0
Curious, sir, and curious, sir.
spk_0
And this fifth race, I take it you're the sixth.
spk_0
That's right.
spk_0
The fifth had been gone for a long time by the time our ancestors arrived there.
spk_0
Arrive from where?
spk_0
Exactly.
spk_0
Uh, from here.
spk_0
They were refugees from the Great War.
spk_0
I don't understand.
spk_0
The Great War was only 30 years ago,
spk_0
unless we're talking about a different Great War.
spk_0
No, it's the same one.
spk_0
Until Beth came through the veil, one bracer was in Graltzberg,
spk_0
and the other was lost somewhere on this side of the veil.
spk_0
And that created significant time dilation.
spk_0
More than 500 years had passed in Graltzberg in the time it took 28 years to pass here.
spk_0
Beth stumbled across the missing bracer in Cincinnati,
spk_0
and then she stumbled through the veil.
spk_0
She spent 28 years with us.
spk_0
The dilation did not correct itself right away,
spk_0
as we learned when Odessa and Amanda arrived.
spk_0
28 years.
spk_0
But she's not 29 years older than when I saw her last year.
spk_0
It's a long story, but I promise it's a good one.
spk_0
We'll agail you with all the tales of her stay with us
spk_0
after we attend to the business at hand.
spk_0
Returning here through the veil carries great risk, unfortunately,
spk_0
but that risk was worth it.
spk_0
So you didn't come for the wedding, either?
spk_0
No, but like you were thrilled that we'll be able to attend.
spk_0
So why are you here?
spk_0
Odessa worked with my husband on getting us access to what we call the deep archive.
spk_0
There was an incredible amount of data in there, but we couldn't access it.
spk_0
Technology is often a problem in Indy universe.
spk_0
Well, we've been analyzing it since they left, and we found something.
spk_0
There are two artifacts that were presumed lost, just like the brace for that bethound.
spk_0
We presumed there are black holes still operating here somewhere.
spk_0
We can't allow them to fall into their hands.
spk_0
And the deep archive says they're here.
spk_0
On this side of the veil, yes, not in Appalachia, but not far, in central North Carolina.
spk_0
Huh, that's where Beth and Odessa are going on their honeymoon.
spk_0
The Brotherhood is established a presence in that region over the last few months.
spk_0
Well, perhaps they could help us find those artifacts.
spk_0
Us?
spk_0
It sounds like you're about to go on an adventure.
spk_0
It's been a long time since I've had one of those that didn't involve the untainted.
spk_0
There's nobody I'd rather have on my side in a situation like this than Devon and the Kirby's.
spk_0
And Beth and Odessa, of course.
spk_0
They're going to want to see you.
spk_0
I do not want our presence to disrupt or distract from the wedding.
spk_0
We can talk to them after the ceremony.
spk_0
Um, if either of them found out you were here and I didn't tell them,
spk_0
there would be consequences.
spk_0
And I don't even want to think about what those would be.
spk_0
Now, they might send Amanda after me.
spk_0
Well, we can't have that.
spk_0
I'll take you there now.
spk_0
We'll table any discussions of adventures until later.
spk_0
Hmm, we'll know when the time is right.
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...
spk_0
...
spk_0
spk_0
spk_0
spk_0
...
spk_0
...
spk_0
...
spk_0
We are gathered here today.
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On the Fifth Anniversary of Reclamation Day,
spk_0
to witness and celebrate the marriage of Elizabeth Kirby and Odessa Valdez.
spk_0
This ceremony is not a beginning,
spk_0
but rather an acknowledgement of the next chapter and the story of their lives together.
spk_0
Elizabeth and Odessa will mark their transition as a couple,
spk_0
not only by celebrating the love they share between themselves,
spk_0
but by celebrating the love between all of us,
spk_0
including the love of their parents, extended family, and friends.
spk_0
Without that love, today would be far less joyous.
spk_0
Thank you all for being here today and for bringing so much love with you.
spk_0
Are you ready?
spk_0
Yes, we're ready.
spk_0
Do you, Elizabeth, take Odessa to be your wife,
spk_0
to have and to hold, and sickness and an health,
spk_0
and good times and bad, for richer, for poor,
spk_0
keeping yourself unto her so long as you both shall live?
spk_0
I do.
spk_0
Odessa, you are my north star.
spk_0
We've faced so much together, yet our love remains unbroken still through all.
spk_0
With each son that has set, in whichever universe we found ourselves,
spk_0
my love for you has a deepened.
spk_0
Today, I vow not simply to love you, but to stand at your side as we face the known,
spk_0
and the unknown, to fight for you, to dream with you, and to build a home with you that will
spk_0
be a haven from the chaos. Everything that has happened in my life has led me to this moment.
spk_0
Let me to you and I could not be more thankful.
spk_0
Do you, Odessa, take Elizabeth to be your wife, to have and to hold, and sickness and an health,
spk_0
and good times and bad, for richer, for poor, keeping yourself unto her so long as you both shall live?
spk_0
I do.
spk_0
Beth, every threat in the tapestry of my life has drawn me closer to you, my heart's true compass.
spk_0
In every world we've seen, in every trial we've braved, you have been the constant,
spk_0
the heartbeat that has always matched mine.
spk_0
With each dawn, I'm reminded of the strength and sanctuary of our love.
spk_0
Today, I vow not only to cherish and honor you, but to be your shield,
spk_0
your partner in every adventure, your solace in the stillness of night.
spk_0
Together, we have built a love that transcends time and tale.
spk_0
I promise to continue building a future with you where our spirits can rest, thrive, and soar.
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I pledge to you, my eternal love, knowing that whatever this or any other universe holds,
spk_0
there's no constellation where I don't find you beside me.
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I cannot wait to spend the rest of forever with you.
spk_0
A ring is an unbroken circle with ends that have been joined together,
spk_0
and it represents your union. It is a symbol of infinity and your infinite love.
spk_0
When you look at these rings on your hands, be reminded of this moment, your commitment,
spk_0
and the love you now feel for each other.
spk_0
Elizabeth, place the ring on a desis finger and repeat after me.
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Odessa, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge
spk_0
to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.
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Odessa, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge to love you today,
spk_0
tomorrow, always, and forever.
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And now Odessa, place the ring on Elizabeth's finger and repeat after me.
spk_0
Elizabeth, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge to love you today,
spk_0
tomorrow, always, and forever.
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Elizabeth, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with this pledge
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to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.
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Before these witnesses, you have pledged to be joined in marriage.
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You have now sealed this pledge with these rings.
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It is my honor and privilege to pronounce you, Mary.
spk_0
Well, hello, Mrs. Valdez Kirby. Oh, and Mrs. Valdez Kirby.
spk_0
You know, I was wondering if that might take some getting used to,
spk_0
but it already feels natural. I agree.
spk_0
Well, Mom and Adrienne are huddled up with Devon and the Kirby's.
spk_0
Stircia is somewhere around here.
spk_0
She's trying to observe as much as she can so she can write about it when we get home.
spk_0
She's her mother's daughter.
spk_0
Well, she has a lot of aunt Isabel in her too.
spk_0
That she does.
spk_0
We're so glad you're here, so I didn't think I'd see either of my families again.
spk_0
But here you are. You made a perfect day, even better.
spk_0
It was so nice to meet your parents after all you told us about them after you got your memories back.
spk_0
Your mom is adorable and um, your dad is so dashing.
spk_0
You should have seen him in his MI6 days.
spk_0
I only saw pictures, but he looks like he came straight out of a spy movie.
spk_0
Well, I can see why your mom couldn't resist him.
spk_0
He couldn't resist her either.
spk_0
That sounds familiar.
spk_0
Do you know how long you can stay?
spk_0
No.
spk_0
But Devon is going to work with Adrienne to try to figure that part out.
spk_0
They'll get it sorted.
spk_0
The augures in the text theorize that even though the time dilation issue itself was likely resolved
spk_0
when Adrienne took possession of the second bracer, there were still some lasting impacts.
spk_0
When Devon was here last year, he mentioned that his time was limited too.
spk_0
The two situations could be related.
spk_0
They could, but however much time we have, I'm so glad we got to see you again.
spk_0
We are too.
spk_0
You and my parents being here is the best wedding gift I could have asked for.
spk_0
And that's saying something considering the pile of gifts I saw.
spk_0
I think one of them was moving and screeching.
spk_0
Oh, that's probably from Lillith.
spk_0
I'd better find Siercia.
spk_0
I would never wander off like that.
spk_0
Hey, there's the happy couple.
spk_0
Alan, you made it.
spk_0
Are you kidding? I wouldn't have missed this for the world.
spk_0
You weren't sure if the invitations would find you.
spk_0
So glad it did.
spk_0
It's lovely to see you.
spk_0
Well, are you going to introduce us?
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This is my wife, Ellen.
spk_0
It's a pleasure to finally meet you.
spk_0
Ellen and Ellen.
spk_0
I like it.
spk_0
Ellen's told me so much about you both.
spk_0
Did you tell you that I had to get his stamp of approval before I called to do Dessa?
spk_0
That might be overselling it a bit.
spk_0
But either way, I could tell you two were perfect for each other.
spk_0
Never saw Valdez looking at anybody like that.
spk_0
Although, I guess I can't call you Valdez anymore, can I?
spk_0
Valdez Kirby?
spk_0
Hmm.
spk_0
Doesn't really roll off the tongue though, does it?
spk_0
It's all right.
spk_0
Your grandfather didn't.
spk_0
I have to ask.
spk_0
Did you really offer to
spk_0
Debris, Odessa?
spk_0
What did Ellen make that up?
spk_0
Oh, that is 100% true.
spk_0
Tell her.
spk_0
Do I have to?
spk_0
Yes, she's been waiting for confirmation for years.
spk_0
Yes.
spk_0
I did it.
spk_0
Sounded a little more learning in my head than it did when I actually said it.
spk_0
I think it was cute.
spk_0
And this guy has no room to talk.
spk_0
Have you ever seen him flirt?
spk_0
Now that you mention it,
spk_0
no.
spk_0
He's lucky I already kind of liked him when he finally decided to turn on the charm.
spk_0
Kind of.
spk_0
And don't push it.
spk_0
I just kind of had to get over myself and actually ask her out instead of worrying about what would happen if she said no.
spk_0
And now look at us.
spk_0
As he case, he still knows how to throw a party.
spk_0
That she does.
spk_0
She put out all the stops for this one.
spk_0
Yeah, we weren't sure how wild things would get, so we left the kids with Ellen's sister.
spk_0
Kids?
spk_0
Oh, I hope they take after their mother.
spk_0
Yeah, me too.
spk_0
Unfortunately, everybody says TJ is my doppelganger.
spk_0
Oh, he is.
spk_0
But Noel is pretty much Ellen Jr., so it evens out.
spk_0
Thank goodness.
spk_0
You two haven't missed a beat.
spk_0
I'm just glad I finally got to meet you.
spk_0
I was starting to wonder if you were real or just, you know, a tall tale or something.
spk_0
There are a few tall tales about us out there, but we're real.
spk_0
You know, I've been out of the loop for a while.
spk_0
I'll just sit down sometime and separate truth and fiction.
spk_0
You should come to our house for dinner after we get back from North Carolina.
spk_0
That would be great.
spk_0
We can bring dessert.
spk_0
Ellen's turned into quite a baker.
spk_0
A baker?
spk_0
Really?
spk_0
Don't act so shocked.
spk_0
Did you even know how the oven worked when you were here with the brother at?
spk_0
No.
spk_0
But I'm a quick study.
spk_0
I don't look at me like that.
spk_0
Okay, Ellen's brother is a good teacher too.
spk_0
That's more like it.
spk_0
We better find our table.
spk_0
Casey's headed this way and it looks like she's on a mission.
spk_0
It was nice meeting you.
spk_0
You as well.
spk_0
Try to keep him in line, okay?
spk_0
It's a constant struggle.
spk_0
I'm sure.
spk_0
Everyone's here.
spk_0
My parents and the cool bins as well?
spk_0
Yes.
spk_0
They just walked in together a moment ago.
spk_0
I figured that was my cue.
spk_0
Are you ready?
spk_0
I think so.
spk_0
You got this.
spk_0
All right.
spk_0
I'm ready.
spk_0
Good afternoon, everyone.
spk_0
If you could take your seats.
spk_0
Yes.
spk_0
The old nine is right over there.
spk_0
If you could take your seats,
spk_0
back would like to say a few words to get things started.
spk_0
Don't worry, Amanda.
spk_0
You'll get your chance.
spk_0
You got damn right, I will.
spk_0
All right, everyone.
spk_0
Please welcome Elizabeth and Odessa Valdes-Pervy.
spk_0
Beth.
spk_0
Thank you, Casey.
spk_0
Today has been an incredible day.
spk_0
And I want to thank you all for being here.
spk_0
To be surrounded by friends and family
spk_0
as we celebrate such an important milestone in our lives.
spk_0
To be surrounded by so much love
spk_0
is a feeling that I'll hold in my heart forever.
spk_0
To all those that are gathered here
spk_0
and to absent friends,
spk_0
let us raise our glasses.
spk_0
Three years ago,
spk_0
I awkwardly tossed a holotape to Odessa
spk_0
in the middle of a firefight.
spk_0
And thus,
spk_0
began a love story
spk_0
that's finally culminated in today.
spk_0
Not just a ceremony,
spk_0
not just a brilliant party afterward.
spk_0
Thank you, Casey.
spk_0
But a celebration of our journey.
spk_0
A celebration of our love.
spk_0
A celebration of our story.
spk_0
Hemingway once said,
spk_0
every man has two deaths.
spk_0
When he is buried in the ground
spk_0
and the last time someone says his name,
spk_0
I don't know when our names will be said for the last time.
spk_0
But the fact that you were here with us today
spk_0
has shown us that perhaps ours
spk_0
has been a story worth telling.
spk_0
And perhaps that second death
spk_0
won't come for a long time.
spk_0
My mother once told me,
spk_0
we cannot know what lies ahead.
spk_0
These past three years have certainly proven her correct.
spk_0
When we began this journey,
spk_0
I had no idea how it would turn out.
spk_0
Or even what would happen along the way.
spk_0
In some ways, I suppose I still don't.
spk_0
All I can say is that I could not have imagined
spk_0
in my wildest and most aspirational dreams
spk_0
that I would experience even a fraction
spk_0
of what I have in that time.
spk_0
This one thing for certain though,
spk_0
Odessa and I will have more adventures
spk_0
a lifetime of them.
spk_0
As for whether those stories will be told,
spk_0
well, we cannot know what lies ahead.
spk_0
But even if they're not,
spk_0
we hope that our story so far continues
spk_0
to hold a place in your heart.
spk_0
And perhaps you'll revisit it from time to time.
spk_0
Perhaps our story will even inspire you to tell your own.
spk_0
I want to say from the bottom of my heart,
spk_0
and with every fiber of my being, thank you.
spk_0
Ah, this is it.
spk_0
The end.
spk_0
I wasn't sure that we'd ever get here.
spk_0
Or even if there was a here.
spk_0
Would have been fine by me if we didn't.
spk_0
It's been an incredible journey.
spk_0
I wish I could have told people about this.
spk_0
You can take the gun out of the brotherhood,
spk_0
but you can't take the scrybout of the girl.
spk_0
Something like that.
spk_0
It's like I told you when I came back for you, though.
spk_0
This is the kind of thing everyone has to experience for themselves.
spk_0
Even a panda off me couldn't do it justice.
spk_0
What do you think it will be like?
spk_0
After.
spk_0
I don't know.
spk_0
But I know that we'll be together.
spk_0
And that's what matters.
spk_0
To be so jointed to you, the thought brings my heart to my throat.
spk_0
But without you, that's me out there alone.
spk_0
It's been a hell of a ride.
spk_0
It has.
spk_0
How does this work?
spk_0
Do we just...
spk_0
ascend?
spk_0
Is that even the right term?
spk_0
I'm not quite sure.
spk_0
I think it's different for everyone.
spk_0
I hope it's not different for you and I.
spk_0
It won't be.
spk_0
Do you see that?
spk_0
Please tell me you see it.
spk_0
I do.
spk_0
It's perfect.
spk_0
A crowd of stars.
spk_0
It's time.
spk_0
The rest of forever awaits my love.
spk_0
Take my hand.
spk_0
I love you, Beth.
spk_0
I love you to a desert.
spk_0
On to our next adventure.
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The End
spk_0
Once upon a wasteland.
spk_0
Season 3 Episode 10
spk_0
Unbroken still through all.
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Was produced and directed by Brad Williams and written by DK Treino.
spk_0
Starring.
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Letitia Lemon as Elizabeth Kirby.
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Vitrio plays as Odessa Valdez.
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And Lucy Middleton as Amanda Otis.
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Also starring.
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Pandora Beatrix as Paladin Laila Romani.
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Ash Albiniac as Luisa Corbin.
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Marney Warner as Sylvia Corbin McManus.
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And George Betancourt as Adrian Corbin.
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Special guest stars.
spk_0
Rissa Monteneges as Maria Valdez.
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Aiden Scott as Andrew Kirby.
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Christy Harrison as Elise Kirby.
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W. Keith Timms as Devon McNight.
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Addison Mosby as Derek Cewitt.
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John Laurie as Alan Banks.
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Crystal Sherry as Casey Barkstale.
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Ray Middleton as Commander Connor Jones.
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Featuring.
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Summer Lynn Rose as Jessica Navier.
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Benjamin Campbell as Knight Gregory Carlson.
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Diego Nevis as Oliver Valdez.
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Zoe Lee as Ellen Banks.
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AJ Fidelgo as the Responder.
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Ray Whitty as the Stylus.
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Skylar Giordano as the attendant.
spk_0
And Eric B. Rowland as Bones.
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Opening narration by Ashley Secon.
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I'm Christy Harrison.
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I'm Brad Williams, the creator of Once Upon a Wasteland.
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We'd like to thank you for joining us for our third season finale
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and for joining us on Bethano Dess' Journey toward Happily Ever After.
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Before I go on, I have a few things that I'd like to say.
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First and foremost, I want to thank you
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for allowing me to tell this story and for embracing it the way that you have.
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When this whole thing started, I did not know if I was a good enough writer
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or had good enough anything to pull it off.
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It was a leap of faith.
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And faith in myself is not something that always comes easily.
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But right from the start, the support that I received was incredible
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and that really helped keep you going.
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One of the most important questions when you start a project like this is
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what does success look like?
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For me, at the beginning, I just wanted to prove to myself that I was a good writer
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and I feel I've done that.
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The rest though, the hundreds of thousands of people who have taken the time to listen
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to the show all over the world, the incredible group of actors that I've had the privilege
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of working with and hearing them bring my words to life, the awards and the recognition.
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It's not so much that I didn't dare to dream of things like that.
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It's that I didn't even know that any of that was possible for somebody like me.
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Thank you for helping me discover that it was.
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I owe you all a debt of gratitude that I could never hope to repay.
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As Elise told Beth, we cannot know what lies ahead.
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What I do know though is that I have more stories to tell.
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What that means for the future?
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Well, I guess we'll all find out together.
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Thanks for hearing me out.
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The fact that you made it this far into the episode?
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That alone speaks volumes.
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I'd like to send a big thank you out to our VIP patrons, the mysterious career from the north
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and spated juggler. We'd also like to thank Don McCormick and Jeffrey Page.
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Thank you all for your support.
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If you'd like to support us, you can find details including benefits like discord access and merch
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at patreon.com slash once upon a wasteland.
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For more information on our show, visit our website once upon a wasteland.com
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where you'll find show information, scripts for each episode, artwork, and more.
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You can also find us on Twitter at once upon 76Pod,
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bluesky at once upon a wasteland.com, and on Instagram and threads at once upon a wasteland.
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If you like this episode, please leave a rating and review, which helps other listeners find us,
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and we hope you'll subscribe as well.
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Word of mouth is vitally important, so please tell your friends.
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If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, you can reach out to us directly on Twitter,
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via email at Brad at once upon a wasteland.com or on discord at Redisant duet. Thank you.
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Thank you for joining us for Once Upon a Wasteland.
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As this chapter of Bethanodessa's story closes, remember,
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even in the harshest wasteland, there are always stories to be discovered and new ones to be told.
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Until our paths cross again, we hope you'll fondly recall their story as you live your own.