Transmission Folklore

Transmission Folklore is a fiction podcast about a road trip that is technically a kidnapping, running from a murderous siren, and the intricacies of LGBTQ+ identities.

CAST & CREW

Transmission Folklore is a production of the Lavender Lemonade Collective in Houston, TX.

The show is written & directed by Mik Koats (they/them) and edited & produced by Orion Ibert (he/him and they/them).

Carter was originally voiced by Charlie Dunham (he/him) until the second episode. His episodes are still up but marked as archived in our feeds.

Please note that any character art done, even by the creators of the show, is not canon.
Character art by Orion Ibert.

Carter is voiced by
Orion Ibert
(he/him and they/them)

Emery is voiced by
Tal Minear
(they/them)

Rowen is voiced by
Rowen Jewels
(they/them)

Meabh is voiced by
Lilith Costo
(she/her)

Adelyn is voiced by
Aryn Rozelle
(she/her)

Ray is voiced by
Punyaha Mukherjee
(he/him and they/them)

Sorrel is voiced by
Mik Koats
(they/them)

Kali is voiced by
Aspen Bickel
(he/him and they/them)

Horatio is voiced by
Nina Nikolic (KidKerrigan)
(she/her)

Sock is voiced by
Mary McGill
(she/her)

Clare is voiced by
Drew Ibert
(she/her)

Carter was originally voiced by
Charlie Dunham
(he/him)

TRANSMISSION FOLKLORE
PRESS KIT

Accessibility

The Lavender Lemonade Collective strives to create a community that allows art from a uniquely LGBTQIA+ lens, that makes space for all races, religions, body types, abilities and genres. Transmission Folklore is no exception to this. We have written and cast all characters in our podcast with serious thought.

Transmission Folklore has an entirely LGBTQIA+ cast, crew, and characters, therefore following Lavender Lemonade’s sentiment of LGBTQIA+ media for and by the LGBTQIA+ community.

ARCHIVED
EPISODE 02.0 TRANSCRIPT

Link to Google Doc

[footsteps walking up to the car]

CARTER
Hey, I’m pretty sure we can go ‘head and check it now.

SORREL
Oh, I’m not checking it. Aren’t you “decent with cars?”

CARTER
Right, of course! Okay, yeah I’m good with cars! I’ll go check it.

SORREL
Cool. I’ll sit here.

[“Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah begins to play]

ANNOUNCER:

CARTER
I’m sorry this happened like this but.... I need you to know, I’m not like, totally weird. Like I really saw you being drowned by that... siren?

SORREL
I believe you. I just don’t understand why you took me out of Houston. You don’t really know me.

CARTER
I panicked? I didn’t want you to die.

SORREL
I could be a bad person, or a serial killer.

CARTER
You’d make a bad serial killer, you almost died.

SORREL
Did you pack any food in your great escape?

CARTER
I don’t. I have enough money to get us to the Arby’s. Are you a vegan?

SORREL
Is going to Arby’s going to be a problem if I am?

CARTER
Yeah, it’s a meat place. A place for meats, to eat them and stuff.

SORREL
I’m not a vegan. I’m kind of insulted you think I am.

CARTER
No, wait I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to insult you or to insinuate-- I just meant... I wanted to be thoughtful in case you might be a vegan. I’m not a vegan but I’m allergic to stuff and
like, I can’t eat tomatoes which is really sad because tomatoes are delicious. I used to eat them like apples but then I kept going to the hospital and we didn’t know why and I’m allergic to tomatoes! Who knew! So I didn’t know if you were vegan or if you had allergies-- do you have allergies?

SORREL
Bullshit.

CARTER
Oh. [a beat] Well, we won’t drive through a cow field!

SORREL
I guess we won’t. What’s wrong with the car? Can we get the light to turn off or?

CARTER
The car has... Well I can’t tell. We might drive to an Autozone or something, I think the main issue is relatively small-- I mean, the engine looks good and the oil is full. Whatever it is, it’s no big deal. Maybe a gas cap. That needed to be replaced my freshman year. Fumes escape and then you get low gas mileage and it’s a big mess.

SORREL
Right.

CARTER
So... can I ask you something?

SORREL
You can ask, but I don’t know if I’m going to answer it.

CARTER
That’s fair.

SORREL
No offense, but just because you told me your name, doesn’t mean I know you, or have to like you. And you don’t have to like me, we can go our separate ways at Autozone.

CARTER
Right. It’s just like, I don’t want that. If you want that that’s okay, but you look scared.
(a pause)
What were you doing by the bayou the other day?

SORREL
I just. I walked over. I saw that person - I guess, siren. I saw him swimming. And we’re not supposed to swim I mean, the notice, right?

CARTER
Right, totally.

SORREL
I just... It looked like it was going to be bad. That person in the water. So I said “hey, get out.” and he said “Do I have to?” And I was like “I mean yeah, I’m pretty sure this got
shut down for that flesh eating bacteria or something.” And then I don’t really remember what happened after that. I just felt like I needed to go talk to him. Like I was interested
in the conversation and it was really. It was nice. I remember coming up from the water and being mad about it. Like I was angry you pulled me up. I don’t really remember you
but the idea... The person who pulled me up. And then I guess I blacked out in the car. I mean, I woke up and we were far away from campus. And I was in your passenger seat and I only sort of know you. Like I know your face and I know you eat breakfast at the same time as me and we live in the same dorm, but I didn’t know your name till you told me.

CARTER
You haven’t told me your name!

SORREL
Sorrel Huckson.

CARTER
Nice to meet you, Sorrel.

SORREL
It’s not really. I’m exhausted, and you’re afraid of me. This whole adventure is a lot. Can we go home?

CARTER
No.

SORREL
Why not?

CARTER
Look, I just... I’ve spent a lot of time reading folklore and um, so I know that if this siren follows folklore - which there is truth in a whole bunch of it, I’m positive - then we’re in danger.

SORREL
Why’s that?

CARTER
Just the way sirens work I mean... The magic associated with sirens is almost entirely destructive. And I don’t want to be destroyed.

SORREL
By drowning?

CARTER
He tried to kill you. With his hands!

SORREL
As opposed to with their feet?

CARTER
He doesn’t have feet! I bet if he did he might have used those too! Sorrel, there’s a lot of spookiness and I don’t like it. So I’m getting in the car, I’m driving us to Arby’s and I’m not leaving you here, at the edge of Texas just so you can die. Because we’re not going to die today. We’re going to live and get curly fries and I’m going to try and answer questions to the best of my half a degree of knowledge. So stop it.

SORREL
Yeah, sure. Sounds good, Cartwheel.

CARTER
See, we’re friends.

SORREL
Friends who kidnap each other.

[sound of car passing, drive through speaker kicks on]

ARBY’S EMPLOYEE
Hello welcome to Arby’s, can I take your order?

CARTER
Can I get a number one with curly fries?
(to Sorrel)
What do you want?

SORREL
I’ll eat whatever.

CARTER
Two number ones with curly fries. And two chocolate shakes.

SORREL
I’d prefer a coke.

CARTER
A coke over a chocolate shake?

SORREL
Yeah, I don’t want to be thirsty after I drink.

CARTER
Oh my god.

SORREL
Also, since you kidnapped me, you’re paying for all our meals.

CARTER
This is not a kidnapping, don’t say that to the Arby’s drive thru!
(to Arby’s drive-thru)
Two chocolate shakes and a coke.
(to Sorrel)
Don’t give me that look! I already adjusted the order once, I don’t want the Arby’s lady to hate me.

SORREL
Oh my god. You’re never going to see this Arby’s person again. You don’t even live in this town.

CARTER
I love Beaumont. I might come back.

SORREL
You’re running away. You won’t come back.

CARTER
How do you know?

SORREL
Because you’re stuck with me now. We’re not going back.

CARTER
Right.

SORREL
I’m serious. Look you’re right. I don’t want to die or get killed or crushed by the siren. So we work together to stop that. We get a little wild, rent a hotel, don’t get noticed and
hope for the best.

CARTER
Okay. That works. We’re on the same team.

SORREL
The “not getting murdered” team.

CARTER
Oh boy. That’s kind of spooky.

SORREL
Yeah well, it’s what’s happening. The line’s moving. Pull forward.

[sound of car passing]

CARTER
(chewing food) Um... Are we okay? Like, this is gonna be really awkward if you hate me the whole time.

SORREL
(also chewing) I don’t hate you. I don’t like being pulled away from classes but I probably would have done the same thing. Not as wild but, same idea.

CARTER
Okay, cool.

SORREL
I don’t trust you, if that’s what you’re asking. Like I said, we don’t know each other.

CARTER
We can learn about each other.

SORREL
Yeah, sure we can. But it’s not the same as learning about each other before you kidnapped me.

CARTER
Again, not a kidnapping! I was trying to stop you from being drowned!

SORREL
I appreciate it, and like it’s not the same as a murder kidnap situation, but it is still, technically, a kidnapping.

CARTER
I swear, next time I pull over, I’m going to google what a kidnapping is and how this doesn’t count as a kidnapping.

SORREL
You can do that. You still kidnapped me.

CARTER
So, why’d you pick Sorrel?

SORREL
Should you really be asking--

CARTER
No, wait I... Me too. I am trans. I too. I passed your door a couple times and you have they/them scrawled under your tag. I remember because I remember I thought Sorrel was a cool name and was excited there was another trans person in the building. I mean, I’m sure there are more, but--

SORREL
But you don’t know any who lived in Moody Towers. Right, yeah. Okay. That’s fair.
I think it sounds cool. My dead name had bad connotations since I stopped talking to my dad and I like the taste. So Sorrel. And it’s gender neutral enough that you can’t automatically pick what pronouns go with it.

CARTER
And... they/them, right? Have you changed your pronouns?

SORREL
No, they/them still.

Why’d you pick Carter?

CARTER
Because it’s cute and I like the way it sounds and also I’m really into Peggy Carter and also it’s cute.

SORREL
Cool.

CARTER
I guess I should channel Agent Carter to really help me get out of this situation.

SORREL
Yeah, probably. I’ll channel... a veggie.

CARTER
Are you sure you’re not vegan?

SORREL
I’d probably be a cannibal if I was. So no.

CARTER
Okay.

[car passing sounds, a sudden loud honking sound]

SORREL
You’re sure you don’t want me to drive?

CARTER
I’m positive, I’m just… [yawns] It’s getting dark.

SORREL
The sky is like... There’s that pink stripe in the middle and the clouds in the middle of that.

CARTER
I love our beautiful trans sky.

SORREL
You should drive to a rest stop. We need to crash for the night.

CARTER
In the car?

SORREL
Look, we haven’t seen a hotel in like forty miles. There’s a rest stop next exit. A hotel would be better, but we’re not going to make it to a hotel. You need the rest.

CARTER
What’re we going to do?

SORREL
Take the rest stop. I can drive in the morning.

CARTER
If we rest, I don’t need you to drive.

SORREL
[laughing] Cool, because I’m a terrible driver.

CARTER
Why’d you offer?

SORREL
Because I’m not a dick, I’m not going to be an asshole to you.

CARTER
But you might crash my car?

SORREL
I won’t. I never crashed my ex’s car.

CARTER
Okay. Well, we need to rest. Maybe take a shower.

SORREL
God, I’d love a shower. I’m still covered in bayou muck.

CARTER
Oh. I thought that was just my smell.

SORREL
[sniffs] No. I can’t smell you.

CARTER
Okay. Good. Where am I supposed to exit?

SORREL
Here!

CARTER
Fuck!

[Sounds of car honking]

SORREL
We made it!

CARTER
Oh my god.

SORREL
You didn’t die. Come on. Let’s keep going, just like, half a mile.

CARTER
You’re going to sleep too, right?

SORREL
Probably not.

CARTER
Why not?

SORREL
I don’t sleep real well. It’s just like, a thing. Insomnia I guess.

CARTER
Promise me you’ll try?

SORREL
I’m not making a promise I can’t keep. C’mon, turn here. We’ll get out and go.

CARTER
Yeah. Let’s go.

[car passing sound, outro music fades in]

ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore was written by Mik Koats. Carter is voiced by Charlie Dunham. Sorrel is voiced by Mik Koats. Special thanks to our supporters on Patreon and Ko-Fi. You can support us by going to Patreon.com/lavenderlem or follow us on Facebook or Twitter at @LavenderLem. This episode’s cryptid is the speedy Jackelope; outrun whatever’s chasing you.

EPISODE 01.1: TEXAS-- CHECK ENGINE

Google Doc Link

ANNOUNCER
Hey there! My name is Orion and I am the editor and producer of Transmission Folklore. Charlie, our original actor for Carter, has undergone a very sudden move and is no longer able to record. We-- Uh, I will be taking over his role of Carter and he will still be doing fun behind the scenes stuff for the podcast. We will be keeping his episodes up, but marking them all as archived. In the meantime, we will also be posting the re-recorded first and second episodes as well as the new third and fourth episodes all within the first weeks of June 2020. Thank you all for your patience as we undergo this change, and we hope you all stick with us. You all have been wonderful. Thank you and speak soon!

This episode of Transmission Folklore has the following content warnings: mentions and descriptions of drowning and murder, and loud car horn noises. Please do what you need to to take care of yourself.

[car passing sounds in the background of the entire episode]

CARTER
Are you mad at me? I’m going to take the silence to mean you’re mad at me. Look, just...Can I explain myself? Oh god, you’re not talking. Okay, look, I guess, I’m going to have to. This is not a kidnapping. I mean, it’s not... I didn’t kidnap you. I mean, that’s totally what this looks like right? God, that’s totally what this looks like-- I’m so sorry.
But I didn’t kidnap you, because that’s illegal and totally bad and um... God, this is gonna sound wild. You’re like barely going to believe me, it’s gonna sound so wild. But just, try to believe me?

[“Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah fades in-- strangely nostalgic folk music, as though you are driving down a highway lined with tall green trees.]

ANNOUNCER
The Lavender Lemonade Collective presents Transmission Folklore.

[music fades out]

CARTER
I mean, I know it’s a lot and I know it’s so hard when someone says “try to believe me” but you barely know them.

I mean, heck my mom-- one of my moms-- Adelyn, she used to do that all time. Like she’d say something so goddamn wild; like, it would be totally out there and I’d trust her, because she was my mom, but in the back of my mind I was like, “whoa, this is so wild.” I’m sure that’s what you’re thinking now. I mean, but worse. Because... You don’t know me. I know my mom.

My name is Carter. I don’t know if I ever told you that. Carter Corrin, but um most people just call me Carter. My other mama, Bianca and my sister, Clare and my mom call me “Cartwheel” sometimes. If that makes you more comfortable then Cartwheel is fine. Gosh, I just... what else, uhh-- Oh! I’m an anthropology major with a focus in folklore. Does that tell you anything about me? I don’t really know what you majored in, but all the people in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences know what an Anthro major means. I, uh, specifically focus on how a story can travel across the world like that’s my main focus but I also just really like folklore. I mean, that’s just fun stuff to know to know what a story is and how people shaped it. I mean, it’s…Oh.

You do not care. I can see it. I mean your face is making this... This face. Oh god, god, god... Holy shit!

[car honking fading in and out very suddenly]

I promise I’m a good driver. I mean, I’m very good with cars. This is the-- uh-- same car that was my first car and I bought it myself: a 2006 PT Cruiser. This is the original chrome on the side, except for the uh... the driver’s door.
I got in a crash once-- the only one I’ve ever been in and the door broke off. I’m okay though and uh, I was like sixteen and so like does it matter? No. It really doesn’t. And I’ve had this car since I was sixteen and I’m twenty-two now like, I’m pretty good at taking care of cars. Not terrible at it at least. I’m decent. Like very decent. Good even. My mama, she used to be a mechanic and she taught me a lot, before she moved to New Orleans. Like a ton. And she taught me even more when I started going to college way closer to her than Adelyn and she like really wanted me to be good. To be like really be good. She’s a cool mom. Like not like “If you’re gonna drink do inside” cool but like “If you want to talk to me about your thoughts and feelings and fears I’ll do my best to understand” cool. And she does, she does her best. I guess, like, that’s good.

[“Raise your hand if you think evil is increasing in the world” by Chris Zabriskie fades into the background-- soft ominous background music]

I’m just really nervous right now and not totally sure what to make of everything. Like I saw you. I mean, over by the bayou. That was so…

Why do you look like that? I guess, you might not remember? You seemed like you were in this trance, your eyes were so glazy for a long time, till we got a couple miles away. Whatever, like I said, I need to explain this. Nothing is going to make sense if I don’t explain it.

About eight hours ago, you were standing on the edge of the bayou. The one by our dorm. You were talking to the most beautiful person who was inside the bayou. They had this like, ethereal quality. This water around them was dirty and mucky, the way it always is in Houston. The bayou still smelled like a bayou, all mold and gunk and must. This person though, he didn’t look wet like you might imagine a person standing in a bayou would and they weren’t covered in gunk and I think you guys were debating? Or maybe like... I don’t know you looked really into them but also you were talking a lot, like you were trying to figure out if you were going to jump in or jump them or... I don’t know. I wasn’t close enough to hear but the person looked at you and motioned to come closer. They waved a hand and swam a little further in and I saw it. I saw that they had this slick tail. It didn’t look wet either it looked smooth. It looked like a fish tail but also beautiful. It was long, longer than legs would be, and it shone so bright, scales that were blue and purple and just so beautiful I wanted to cry! And I thought that there was no way I was seeing what I was seeing, I must be imagining it but like, I wasn’t. I don’t have that vivid an imagination; all the stories in my mind I’ve read from somewhere else-- but back to the person-- the fish?-- in the bayou.

He motioned into the gunky dark brown water. And I was already confused because we’re not supposed to get in the bayou! The notice says that there’s fish or bacteria or something and we can’t swim in it. I don’t know why the person in the water had a tail. I watched you walk towards the water though. I saw you, going in. And then they took their small hand-- it was so tiny, like fragile looking, and he pushed you under the water. It--it happened so fast.

They took you by your green ponytail and he pushed you down into the water. I thought you were going to die and so I ran over there and I grabbed you by the hand. The person tried to talk to me but you know when you’re, like, on the edge of anxiety and like you can’t hear anything but static? That’s where I was. I couldn’t hear him, which is probably good.

This is the wild part, okay? I think he was a siren. Not like an ambulance “weewoo” siren. Like a mythic bitch siren. Like drown you in the water with his voice, siren. Like literally tried to kill you, siren.

I don’t know this because I’m all powerful or whatever. I just think that’s the only explanation. I mean, how else would there be someone trying to kill you by way of bayou? Someone with a goddamn tail? Just-- [sighs] I’m really scared for you. I mean, I didn’t know where to go.

I panicked. I just, threw my stuff in the car and I threw you in the car. I mean, you’re not that heavy. You’re really small, like 5’2”? Um, but yeah. So now we’re here.

And here is... Still in Texas, definitely. I just... I got on I10 and kept driving. We’re not in Winnie yet but we’re close, I think. I saw a sign like ten miles ago. Just I know stories and no one else was around to help you. I didn’t want this to be the story you died in.

I mean, I don’t know you. But I know your name is Sorrel! Because I saw it on your door in the dorm! You’re like my elevator buddy at the dorm and also that fish definitely saw me, so they know I saw them.

I don’t want to die, do you?
[a pause]
You look unphased. Why are you so unphased? Did you know?

SORREL
Your check engine light is on.

[car passing sounds fade out]

[“Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah fades in-- strangely nostalgic folk music, as though you are driving down a highway lined with tall green trees.]

ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore was written by Mik Koats. Carter is voiced by Orion Ibert. Sorrel is voiced by Mik Koats. This episode was edited by Orion Ibert.

Special thanks to our supporters on Patreon and Ko-Fi. You can support us by going to Patreon.com/lavenderlem or follow us on Facebook or Twitter at @LavenderLem.

Make sure you check out our new website at transmissionfolklore.com!

This episode’s cryptid is the simple banshee; someone has to tell you when you’re going to die.

[music fades out]

EPISODE 02.1: TEXAS-- GAS CAP

Google Doc Link

ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore has the following content warnings: mentions and descriptions of drowning and attempted murder, and loud car horn noises, and yelling. Please do what you need to to take care of yourself.

[car door opening, sounds of feet hitting the ground]

CARTER
Hey, I’m pretty sure we can go ‘head and check it now.

SORREL
Oh, I’m not checking it. Aren’t you “decent with cars?”

CARTER
Right, of course! Okay, yeah I’m good with cars! I’ll go check it.

SORREL
Cool. I’ll sit here.

[“Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah begins to play]

ANNOUNCER:
The Lavender Lemonade Collective presents Transmission Folklore.

CARTER
I’m sorry this happened like this but I need you to know, I’m not like, totally weird. Like I really saw you being drowned by that... siren?

SORREL
I believe you. I just don’t understand why you took me out of Houston. You don’t really know me.

CARTER
I panicked? I didn’t want you to die.

SORREL
I could be a bad person, or a serial killer.

CARTER
You’d make a bad serial killer, you almost died.

[footsteps walking away, sounds of glove compartment being opened and looked through, then closed.]

SORREL
Did you pack any food in your great escape?

[sounds of footsteps walking back]

CARTER
I don’t. I have enough money to get us to the Arby’s. Are you a vegan?

SORREL
Is going to Arby’s going to be a problem if I am?

CARTER
Yeah, it’s a meat place. A place for meats, to eat them and stuff.

SORREL
I’m not a vegan. I’m kind of insulted you think I am.

CARTER
No, wait I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to insult you or to insinuate-- I just meant... I wanted to be thoughtful in case you might be a vegan. I’m not a vegan but I’m allergic to stuff and
like, I can’t eat tomatoes which is really sad because tomatoes are delicious. I used to eat them like apples but then I kept going to the hospital and we didn’t know why and I’m allergic to tomatoes! Who knew! So I didn’t know if you were vegan or if you had allergies-- do you have allergies?

SORREL
Bullshit.

CARTER
Oh. Well, we won’t drive through a cow field!

SORREL
[snorts] I guess we won’t. What’s wrong with the car? Can we get the light to turn off or?

CARTER
The car has... Well I can’t tell. We might drive to an Autozone or something, I think the main issue is relatively small-- I mean, the engine looks good and the oil is full. Whatever it is, it’s no big deal. Maybe a gas cap. That needed to be replaced my freshman year. Fumes escape and then you get low gas mileage and it’s a big mess.

SORREL
Right.

CARTER
So... can I ask you something?

SORREL
You can ask, but I don’t know if I’m going to answer it.

CARTER
That’s fair.

SORREL
No offense, but just because you told me your name, doesn’t mean I know you, or have to like you. And you don’t have to like me, we can go our separate ways at Autozone.

CARTER
Right. It’s just like, I don’t want that. If you want that that’s okay, but you look scared.

What were you doing by the bayou the other day?

SORREL
I just. I walked over. I saw that person - I guess, siren. I saw him swimming. And we’re not supposed to swim I mean, the notice, right?

CARTER
Right, totally.

SORREL
I just... It looked like it was going to be bad. That person in the water. So I said “hey, get out.” and he said [falsetto] “Do I have to?” And I was like “I mean yeah, I’m pretty sure this got
shut down for that flesh eating bacteria or something.” And then I don’t really remember what happened after that. I just felt like I needed to go talk to him. Like I was interested
in the conversation and it was really. It was nice. I remember coming up from the water and being mad about it. Like I was angry you pulled me up. I don’t really remember you
but the idea... The person who pulled me up. And then I guess I blacked out in the car. I mean, I woke up and we were far away from campus. And I was in your passenger seat and I only sort of know you. Like I know your face and I know you eat breakfast at the same time as me and we live in the same dorm, but I didn’t know your name till you told me.

CARTER
You haven’t told me your name!

SORREL
Sorrel Huckson.

CARTER
Nice to meet you, Sorrel.

SORREL
It’s not really. I’m exhausted, and you’re afraid of me. This whole adventure is a lot. Can we go home?

CARTER
No.

SORREL
Why not?

CARTER
Look, I just... I’ve spent a lot of time reading folklore and um, so I know that if this siren follows folklore - which there is truth in a whole bunch of it, I’m positive - then we’re in danger.

SORREL
Why’s that?

CARTER
Just the way sirens work I mean... The magic associated with sirens is almost entirely destructive. And I don’t want to be destroyed.

SORREL
By drowning?

CARTER
He tried to kill you. With his hands!

SORREL
As opposed to with their feet?

CARTER
He doesn’t have feet! I bet if he did he might have used those too! Sorrel, there’s a lot of spookiness and I don’t like it. So I’m getting in the car, I’m driving us to Arby’s and I’m not leaving you here, at the edge of Texas just so you can die. Because we’re not going to die today. We’re going to live and get curly fries and I’m going to try and answer questions to the best of my half a degree of knowledge. So stop it.

SORREL
Yeah, sure. Sounds good, Cartwheel.

CARTER
See, we’re friends.

SORREL
Friends who kidnap each other.

[sound of car passing, drive through speaker kicks on]

ARBY’S EMPLOYEE
Hello welcome to Arby’s, can I take your order?

CARTER
Can I get a number one with curly fries?
(to Sorrel)
What do you want?

SORREL
I’ll eat whatever.

CARTER
Two number ones with curly fries. And two chocolate shakes.

SORREL
I’d prefer a coke.

CARTER
A coke over a chocolate shake?

SORREL
Yeah, I don’t want to be thirsty after I drink.

CARTER
Oh my god.

SORREL
Also, since you kidnapped me, you’re paying for all our meals.

CARTER
This is not a kidnapping, don’t say that to the Arby’s drive thru!
(to Arby’s drive-thru)
Two chocolate shakes and a coke.
(to Sorrel)
Don’t give me that look! I already adjusted the order once, I don’t want the Arby’s lady to hate me.

SORREL
Oh my god. You’re never going to see this Arby’s person again. You don’t even live in this town.

CARTER
I love Beaumont. I might come back.

SORREL
You’re running away. You won’t come back.

CARTER
How do you know?

SORREL
Because you’re stuck with me now. We’re not going back.

CARTER
Right.

SORREL
I’m serious. Look you’re right. I don’t want to die or get killed or crushed by the siren. So we work together to stop that. We get a little wild, rent a hotel, don’t get noticed and
hope for the best.

CARTER
Okay. That works. We’re on the same team.

SORREL
The “not getting murdered” team.

CARTER
Oh boy. That’s kind of spooky.

SORREL
Yeah well, it’s what’s happening. The line’s moving. Pull forward.

[sound of car passing]

CARTER
(chewing food) Um... Are we okay? Like, this is gonna be really awkward if you hate me the whole time.

SORREL
(also chewing) I don’t hate you. I don’t like being pulled away from classes but I probably would have done the same thing. Not as wild but, same idea.

CARTER
Okay, cool.

SORREL
I don’t trust you, if that’s what you’re asking. Like I said, we don’t know each other.

CARTER
We can learn about each other.

SORREL
Yeah, sure we can. But it’s not the same as learning about each other before you kidnapped me.

CARTER
Again, not a kidnapping! I was trying to stop you from being drowned!

SORREL
I appreciate it, and like it’s not the same as a murder kidnap situation, but it is still, technically, a kidnapping.

CARTER
I swear, next time I pull over, I’m going to google what a kidnapping is and how this doesn’t count as a kidnapping.

SORREL
You can do that. You still kidnapped me.

CARTER
(trying to change the subject)
So, why’d you pick Sorrel?

SORREL
Should you really be asking--

CARTER
No, wait I... Me too. I am trans. I too. I passed your door a couple times and you have they/them scrawled under your tag. I remember because I remember I thought Sorrel was a cool name and was excited there was another trans person in the building. I mean, I’m sure there are more, but--

SORREL
But you don’t know any who lived in Moody Towers. Right, yeah. Okay. That’s fair.
I think it sounds cool. My dead name had bad connotations since I stopped talking to my dad and I like the taste. So Sorrel. And it’s gender neutral enough that you can’t automatically pick what pronouns go with it.

CARTER
And... they/them, right? Have you changed your pronouns?

SORREL
No, they/them still.
(a pause.)
Why’d you pick Carter?

CARTER
Because it’s cute and I like the way it sounds and also I’m really into Peggy Carter and also it’s cute.

SORREL
Cool.

CARTER
I guess I should channel Agent Carter to really help me get out of this situation.

SORREL
Yeah, probably. I’ll channel... a veggie.

CARTER
Are you sure you’re not vegan.

SORREL
I’d probably be a cannibal if I was. So no.

CARTER
Okay.

[car passing sounds, a sudden loud honking sound]

SORREL
You’re sure you don’t want me to drive?

CARTER
I’m positive, I’m just...
(Carter yawns.)
It’s getting dark.

SORREL
The sky is like... There’s that pink stripe in the middle and the clouds in the middle of that.

CARTER
I love our beautiful trans sky.

SORREL
You should drive to a rest stop. We need to crash for the night.

CARTER
In the car?

SORREL
Look, we haven’t seen a hotel in like forty miles. There’s a rest stop next exit. A hotel would be better, but we’re not going to make it to a hotel. You need the rest.

CARTER
What’re we going to do?

SORREL
Take the rest stop. I can drive in the morning.

CARTER
If we rest, I don’t need you to drive.

SORREL
(laughing) Cool, because I’m a terrible driver.

CARTER
Why’d you offer?

SORREL
Because I’m not a dick, I’m not going to be an asshole to you.

CARTER
But you might crash my car?

SORREL
I won’t. I never crashed my ex’s car.

CARTER
Okay. Well, we need to rest. Maybe take a shower.

SORREL
God, I’d love a shower. I’m still covered in bayou muck.

CARTER
Oh. I thought that was just my smell.

SORREL
(sniffs) No. I can’t smell you.

CARTER
Okay. Good. Where am I supposed to exit?

SORREL
Here!

CARTER
Fuck!

[Sounds of car honking]

SORREL
We made it!

CARTER
Oh my god.

SORREL
You didn’t die. Come on. Let’s keep going, just like, half a mile.

CARTER
You’re going to sleep too, right?

SORREL
Probably not.

CARTER
Why not?

SORREL
I don’t sleep real well. It’s just like, a thing. Insomnia I guess.

CARTER
Promise me you’ll try?

SORREL
I’m not making a promise I can’t keep. C’mon, turn here. We’ll get out and go.

CARTER
Yeah. Let’s go.

[car passing sound, outro music fades in]

ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore was written by Mik Koats. Carter is voiced by Orion Ibert. Sorrel is voiced by Mik Koats. Special thanks to our supporters on Patreon and Ko-Fi. You can support us by going to Patreon.com/lavenderlem or follow us on Facebook or Twitter at @LavenderLem. This episode’s cryptid is the speedy Jackelope; outrun whatever’s chasing you.

MINI-EPISODE 1: PEACH SHIRT

Google Docs Link

[A phone rings. Sorrel answers it.]

SORREL
Hello?

EMERY
You left. A pity.

[“Raise Your Hand If You Think Evil Is Increasing in This World” by Chris Zabriskie begins to play]

SORREL
Why are you doing this?

EMERY
You know why.

SORREL
Leave this guy out of it.

EMERY
Can’t. Sorry!

SORREL
Emery. Please.

EMERY
He’s a cutie, I’ll admit. But it’s his fault he wanted to save you. You don’t deserve being saved. What’s the cutie’s name?

SORREL
Sorrel.

EMERY
You know what I meant. Don’t make me sing.

SORREL
You are the biggest bitch on this side of the Mississippi, what do you get out of this?

EMERY
Well for starters, that shirt with the peaches on it the boy is wearing. What’s his name?

SORREL
[gasps] Oh, shit.
Carter. CARTER WAKE UP!

[The phone clicks off, music fades out]

EPISODE 03: :LOUISIANA-- COOLANT

Google Docs Link

ANNOUNCER
The content warnings for this episode of Transmission Folklore include: [stuttering] over-overall themes of panic, murder, drowning, and kidnapping. There is a very loud radio noise, somebody having a graphic panic attack, the description of a toxic relationship, and graphic sounds of vomiting. Please do what you need to take care of yourself.

In other news, please stay to the end of the credits to hear the trailer for Tal Minear's Sidequesting-- A fantasy podcast about avoiding the main plot.

And without further ado, here's the long awaited episode 3 of Transmission Folklore. Enjoy!

SORREL
Hello? Jesus. Wake up. Wake up, wake up, wake up! You went to sleep like three hours ago. You’re not even really asleep, Christ almighty. Come on, wake up, wake up! Jesus. WAKE UP!

[Sorrel clicks on the radio. Loud music pops and scares Carter awake. Carter makes a noise.]

SORREL
Good, you’re awake now.

CARTER
Well, yeah, I’m awake. Golly, what’s the matter with you?

SORREL
We have to go. Now.

CARTER
I’m trying to sleep.

SORREL
And we can’t stay here anymore. We can’t sleep. I have to go.

CARTER
Why?
SORREL
(frantic, fearful)
I saw them.

CARTER
Who?

SORREL
Who do you think? Who are we running from?

CARTER
Christ. Can’t we get a decent rest?

SORREL
No, we can’t, come on metal to the pedal. I want you to speed down the highway.

[The sound of the car starting up.]

[intro music fades in-- “Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah]

ANNOUNCER
The Lavender Lemonade Collective presents Transmission Folklore.

[music fades out]

[Sorrel is having a panic attack.]

CARTER
What happened?

SORREL
(strained, almost like they were crying)
I don’t want to talk about it.

CARTER
You’ve been completely silent for twenty minutes.

SORREL
I have not.
(beat)
We’ve only been driving for eighteen.

CARTER
And you’ve been silent for all of them. What happened?

SORREL
I don’t want to talk about it, okay? We’re not that close.

CARTER
You’re going to have to talk about it sometime. That kind of stuff festers.
SORREL
No it doesn’t. It sits and it waits and we’re not having this conversation. You don’t know me and I don’t know you and just because we have breakfast two booths across from each other every other day doesn’t make us close. It just puts us in proximity to one another.

CARTER
I’ve been thinking about what I know about sirens. They don’t... They don’t debate. I said that when you first woke up, I said I thought you guys were debating. Sirens sing. I mean, that’s where we get the phrase siren song or whatever. So they sang to you. You can tell me what it was about.

SORREL
You were there, weren’t you?

CARTER
I didn’t... I didn’t actually hear anything. I just, I heard the blood in my ears when they were drowning you and that freaked me out so I just... Freaked out before I could hear anything.

SORREL
(almost in laugh tears)
You sound so goddamn pathetic.

CARTER
Excuse me?

SORREL
You didn’t hear the song because you were having a panic attack?

CARTER
You’re having a panic attack right now! Even if you won’t fucking admit it! Okay? You can be the broody silent type but you literally are struggling to breathe and you’re staring straight ahead at nothing. Mine is just blood in my ears, I can’t hear. Panic attacks just happen, don’t be a dick, symptoms are different with everyone!

[music fades in-- “wasteland” by Silicon Transmitter]

SORREL
(realizing)
Oh my god.

CARTER
What?

SORREL
They didn’t…

CARTER
What?

SORREL
Earlier, when you were talking? When you were talking to me, when I first woke up. You said you ran into the water. You grabbed me from the water?

CARTER
Yeah.

SORREL
From inside the bayou? Next to them?

CARTER
Yeah, I guess.

SORREL
Oh my god, I didn’t think of this earlier.

CARTER
How much do you know about sirens?

SORREL
I’ve seen Aquamarine and H2O. Dude, the answer is anxiety.

CARTER
What?

SORREL
If you’re already anxious and you can’t hear the siren song-

CARTER
Maybe I just am immune.

SORREL
No one is immune to their song. It can be understood across the board, even with the deaf there’s Underwater Sign Language and it’s just… The song is understood, always. But you if you can’t understand the song-

CARTER
I can’t be lured?

SORREL
You’re getting it now.

CARTER
So we just make the song incomprehensible.

SORREL
Correct. We have to go to an electronics store.

CARTER
Why?

SORREL
You’ll see.

The sound of the car driving off. The sound of a door opening and the other.

[music fades out]

CARTER
(yelling)
This is a dumb idea.

SORREL
(yelling)
It’s the best we got.
(a click, no longer yelling)
Connect your headphones to your phone.

CARTER
(a click, no longer yelling)
We’re just going to be on a constant call in the same car?

SORREL
Look, just for now. We can take the headphones off when I think we’ve lost them.

CARTER
Okay. This is kind of stupid.

SORREL
Yeah, sure it is. But it’s all we got.

CARTER
Right… God, that food truck behind us is giving me a headache.

SORREL
You don’t like orange?
(a beat)
I’m sorry I called you pathetic.

CARTER
You should be, thank you for apologizing.

SORREL
Look, I know I’m a dick. I’m trying to be a better person, but you caught me at the worst time, okay? This whole situation is super fucked. They freak me out.

CARTER
The siren?

SORREL
Their name is uh... Emery.

CARTER
How do you know that?

SORREL
Do you think I just walked into a bayou? No, we know each other.

CARTER
And you knew they were…

SORREL
Not until then. We dated. It ended badly.

CARTER
How badly?

SORREL
Well, they did try to drown me.

CARTER
Yeah, that’s pretty bad.

SORREL
Emery isn’t like... They sing. As a profession, they go and they sing and their sweet - they were sweet. But they also had a lot of opinions and a lot of ugly thoughts and they’re gross. That’s not a “were” that’s an “is.” I cannot stand them anymore so I broke it off.

CARTER
And now not only do they know you, they want to kill you.

SORREL
I don’t know if they want to kill me. I just think they won’t stop until they do.

CARTER
Why?

SORREL
I told you, I don’t want to talk about it.

CARTER
Look, you don’t have to talk about but I’m a little freaked out. Because, you’re right, I don’t know you and you just said you had a relationship with a siren and that siren tried to kill you like two days ago and now they’re back and you’re terrified.

SORREL
I am not terrified.

CARTER
You are! You’re having a panic attack.

SORREL
I am not.

CARTER
I know the symptoms of a panic attack!

SORREL
I didn’t ask you to kidnap me!

CARTER
I did not kidnap you!

SORREL
Yeah, you did! I am in this car with you and did not ask to be and like thanks for saving my life or whatever but also, running across the state is a wild goddamn idea.

CARTER
It’s not across the state. We’re out of the state now.

SORREL
Where are we?

CARTER
Louisiana. We’re almost in New Orleans.

SORREL
We’re almost at the mouth of the Mississippi?

CARTER
Yeah.

SORREL
You think the largest river in the United States might possibly have some fucking sirens?

CARTER
No, I didn’t think that until just now.

SORREL
Oh my god, we’re going to die. Pull the car over right now.

[Sorrel throws up out the window.]

CARTER
Are you okay?

SORREL
No, I’m not okay. Going to a bunch of angry sirens, I think that’s how we die!

CARTER
How do we know they’re angry sirens?

SORREL
I’ve never known a siren not to be. I mean Emery was angry and -

[Sorrel vomits.]

CARTER
How many sirens do you know?

SORREL
I don’t know, at least the one.

CARTER
Death is imminent.

SORREL
Then why’d you leave Texas?

CARTER
I… Shit…

SORREL
What?

CARTER
There’s a food truck behind us.

[ominous music fades in]

SORREL
Where? Again?

CARTER
Right behind us! Big and orange says “Aloha Fish, Hawaiin Sushi fusion.” It’s been following us for a while.

SORREL
I’m confused - do you want us to pull over for fusion?

CARTER
That food truck has been following us for like ten minutes.

SORREL
We’re on a highway. There’s only one way to go.

CARTER
Look at the driver? They’ve got like... Long frizzy auburn hair-

SORREL
Speed.

CARTER
Oh my god.

SORREL
Speed, no one will pull you over. We’re in Louisiana.

CARTER
Do laws not exist in Louisiana?

SORREL
They do, but altered.

CARTER
Have you been to Louisiana?

SORREL
I’ve done a lot of stuff.

CARTER
Oh my god.

SORREL
Keep speeding.

CARTER
It’s hard to think with you yelling!

SORREL
If you don’t want to speed we’ll switch seats.

CARTER
Oh my god how fast do you speed?

SORREL
Real fast.

CARTER
You’re never driving my car.

SORREL
(disbelieving)
Okay.

CARTER
I’m going to try and lose them.

SORREL
That’s a good plan. Lose them please.

CARTER
Dear god, you’re so mean.

SORREL
I’m not mean. I’m stressed out.

CARTER
You’re stressed out in a mean way.

SORREL
Look, let’s just keep driving.

CARTER
Okay.

[cars passing, music fades out]

SORREL
[yawns]
We lost them yet?

CARTER
I think so.

SORREL
We’re fucked. So, so fucked.

CARTER
We’re not fucked. We just have to figure out... Why do they want to kill you? And then... Make them not… Want to kill you.

SORREL
(sounding it out in frustration)
Fucked. I’m very, very killable.

CARTER
Shut up. We aren’t fucked. Let’s pull over somewhere.

SORREL
There’s a rest stop. It’s right on the Mississippi - like, we can be quick there.

CARTER
I don’t want to go to a rest stop. Let’s go to a hotel.

SORREL
A hotel?

CARTER
Like one of those creepy ones that don’t ask questions. If someone asked me anything I’d cry right now.

SORREL
Yeah. Okay, I saw a sign. Take the next exit.

CARTER
Are you okay?

SORREL
I’m fucking terrified. Happy? I’m panicked, this is what a panic attack looks like.

CARTER
No. I don’t want you to be scared.

SORREL
I don’t want to be either, I just live like this, okay?

CARTER
I’ll ask for a room as high as we can.

SORREL
Sounds good. Further from the water.

CARTER
Do you know how long they need to be away from the water?

SORREL
Uh me and Emery were never together more than like... Sixteen hours.

CARTER
That’s... Specific.

SORREL
I asked them to stay a couple nights. They didn’t want to.

CARTER
Okay. They’re not going to get near you, okay? I promise.

SORREL
Don’t promise something you can’t keep.
(a beat)
It’s hot in here. Stifling, going to kill me hot.

CARTER
I’ll check the coolant in the morning.

SORREL
I thought you said you knew something about cars.

CARTER
I do. This is just all new.

SORREL
Yeah. Real fucking new.

CARTER
Uh, there’s a Motel 6 by the river. I can go a little further away if you want.

SORREL
That’s fine. As long as we stay on the top floor. I like the Mississippi. It’s kind of pretty at night.

CARTER
Are there not lights out here?

SORREL
No there are. Casinos and gambling and all that is bright. But the Mississippi is always this murky water you can turn back to. Like, the water is brown and messy and kind of gorgeous in a way I can’t, like, describe with people words. Sometimes you want to know what infinity times infinity is and you look at the river and see all the little droplets and you see how they make one big flowing river. And that’s it. That’s infinity times infinity.

CARTER
That’s kind of beautiful. I didn’t realize you were poetic.

SORREL
I’m not, but like okay.

CARTER
You said something low-key poetic.

SORREL
It wasn’t.

CARTER
Infinity times infinity - that’s poetic.

SORREL
It’s about a goddamn river.

CARTER
Which you find very attractive.

SORREL
I don’t want to fuck a river if that’s what you’re saying.

CARTER
No, you find the idea of the river attractive. You had this whole infinity speech.

SORREL
Just find the motel.

CARTER
You like things.

SORREL
I don’t like anything, I’m a stone cold monster bitch.

CARTER
(sing songy)
That’s not true.

SORREL
Find the goddamn motel or I’ll drive.

CARTER
Okay.

SORREL
I am a monster bitch.

CARTER
Sure, you are. I’m mean too.

SORREL
God, you’re insufferable.

CARTER
I think we’re getting along better.

SORREL
Yeah, glad this kidnapping became something like a friendship.

CARTER
It’s not a kidnapping. You can leave, I’ll drive you back.

SORREL
(tired)
I don’t want to go back.

CARTER
(smug)
Then it’s not a kidnapping.

[cars passing]

EMERY
There’s gotta be something good on the radio now...
[Emery turns on the radio and flips through channels. “I’ll Fly Away” performed by Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch]

EMERY
Hm! This kinda bops.
[singing along to the radio with their own lyrics]
You'll float 'way oh glory
You'll float way
When you die
Sorrel Huckson I'll say bye
You'll float way.

[“Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah fades in]

ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore was written by Mik Koats.

Carter is voiced by Orion Ibert.
Sorrel is voiced by Mik Koats.
Emery is voiced by Tal Minear.

This episode was edited by Orion Ibert.

Special thanks to our supporters on Patreon and Ko-Fi. You can support us by following us at patreon.com/lavenderlem, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook at LavenderLem.

Make sure to check out our website at transmissionfolklore.com.

This episode’s cryptid is the refreshing Yeti; Stay frosty, or else.

[Sidequesting’s trailer begins]
RION
I have made a decision. It’s a big, scary decision, one I fantasized about making but could never bring myself to actually do.

I love the little village I grew up in, full of places and people I love to see every day. It’s wonderful here, beautiful and peaceful and comforting. But I’m getting restless. I’m getting tired of seeing the same places and people every day.

I can’t spend the rest of my life here.

So I’ve made the decision to leave.

After arriving at this decision, I sent messages to people in other towns, looking for jobs that a brand new adventurer could do. And it turns out, there’s a lot. I now have a number of places to visit and a bunch of different things to do at them. It’s all very exciting.

One of my friends wants some help driving down tourism in her village. There’s a king who wants someone to rescue his daughter. A few towns over, someone is missing a beloved pet. Another friend sent me word of a town with mysterious, terrifying apparitions. Someone else filled me in on rumours of a mad scientist that’s been trying to hire an apprentice. And a former neighbor of mine just wants me to come say hi. I guess they’re lonely.

No job is too small. And if I’m feeling brave, I might even take on some of the big ones. This started out as a pipe dream, but I think I can actually do it. It’s gonna happen. I’m finally going on my grand adventure.

Everyone else I know who has set off on a grand adventure has found one big quest to do. A life’s calling, a single goal. But that’s never been for me. I want to see the world. Meet people. Try new things. Do everything!

And it’s time. It’s really time.
Let’s go.

[OUTRO MUSIC]

Credits:
Sidequesting is a scripted fantasy podcast about avoiding the main plot and doing sidequests instead. It’s told from the point of view of Rion, who goes on a new sidequest each episode. Come join us on this adventure - we’ll be stopping by in your podcatcher soon.

EPISODE 04: LOUISIANA-- CAR ALARM

Google Docs Link

ANNOUNCER
Content warnings for this episode of Transmission Folklore include overall themes of murder and drowning, descriptions of toxic relationships, and a very loud car alarm sound in the middle of the episode. Please do what you need to to take care of yourself.

[car passing sounds in the background.]

SORREL
This is the worst day of my life.

CARTER
Worse than almost drowning?

SORREL
Why are you mocking me?

CARTER
You’re being a tiny bit dramatic, don’t you think?

SORREL
Not at all.

CARTER
Hand me the 3/16th head.

[rummaging around in toolbox sound]

[intro music fades in-- “Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah]

ANNOUNCER
The Lavender Lemonade Collective presents Transmission Folklore.

[intro music fades out]

SORREL
[sound of metal tool hitting the ground] Is it this one?

CARTER
[walking sounds] Yes, and they’re not that bad. [walking back sounds]

SORREL
Auto shops are there for you, I expect bagels to be there for me.

CARTER
Bagels are good.

SORREL
This bagel is stale, looks bad and tastes gross.

CARTER
Oh my god, it’s not that bad.

SORREL
It might as well have mold on it.

[music fades into the background-- “Traveling to Louisiana” by Lobo Loco]

[Carter makes an embarrassing sound, almost like hiccuping]

SORREL
What’re you doing? Why are you posing on the car?

CARTER
You see the really cute them?

SORREL
Pink Leia buns?

CARTER
Yeah, them. I’m trying to give off “sexy mechanic.”

SORREL
You’re giving off “kind of bewildered and definitely scared.”

CARTER
Oh, god. Okay does, like, putting my arm up on the hood like this help?

SORREL
It makes it worse.
(a beat)
That person is really cute though.

CARTER
Oh my god, what if they walk up?

SORREL
Say hi?

CARTER
I can’t do that.

[footstep sounds]

KALI
Hey there, I’m sorry to bother y’all, but do you have a 1/16th socket?

CARTER
God.

KALI
I know, my kit didn’t have one. Stupid right?

SORREL
Yeah it’s real stupid. You said 1/16?

KALI
Yes please.

SORREL
You from around here?

[The sound of Carter rummaging begins]

KALI
Nah, headin’ up to Montana to visit my ex’s daughter. She has a ballet recital next month.

SORREL
Is your car the UHAUL over there?

KALI
No, haha very funny. We broke up. I like her kid though, and do LGBTs ever really say goodbye?

[The sound of Carter rummaging ends.]

CARTER
Here! I found the 1/16.

KALI
Thanks! So are you two like… a thing?

SORREL
Um, no. It’s an arrangement of circumstance. He’s an associate, from college. Not into it, even a little.

KALI
Aw why?

SORREL
Just not my thing. I’m Sorrel.

KALI
Kali Rose.

SORREL
Good meeting you, Kali.

KALI
Where y’all heading?

SORREL
Don’t know... We’re hunting Bigfoot.

KALI
Really?

SORREL
Yeah. Carter there, he’s an expert in folklore, and he’s pretty sure he’s got the final Bigfoot down… Right Carter?

CARTER
I am a folklore major, hi! Carter Corrin.

KALI
Damn. I’ll be lookin’ for y’all on the news.

SORREL
I’ll be looking for “little dancer from Montana makes it big” on the news.

KALI
You’ll see her. She’s an awesome little girl.

[Kali walks away.]

SORREL
Bye!

[music fades out]

SORREL
Carter, do you never talk to cute people?

CARTER
No!

SORREL
They walked away.

CARTER
I’m sweaty.

SORREL
You’re working on a car. It’s hot. Louisiana in February can be like that.

CARTER
I know that, one of my moms lives here. But it’s so hot.

SORREL
You have two moms? That’s dope.

CARTER
Yeah, Bianca and Adelyn. It’s not as dope as it sounds.

SORREL
Am I supposed to ask you to talk about it?

CARTER
Dear god, no… Ugh, I’m sweating so much it’s nasty!

SORREL
You’re sweating from the sun.

CARTER
Do you get sweaty when you see cute people?

SORREL
I mean, I look in the mirror often, so no.

CARTER
Don’t they make you... uwu?

SORREL
You can say horny, you don’t have to meme it.

CARTER
No, it’s-- it’s not - I mean like... You wanna like hold a pretty person’s hand and--

SORREL
I mean, I wouldn’t mind holding a pretty person’s hand. I have terrible luck with dating though.

CARTER
You did date a siren.

SORREL
Yeah, who turned out to be a real asshole. Should I bring up the drowning?

CARTER
I know about the drowning.

SORREL
Not even just that.

CARTER
What else happened with you guys?

[music fades in-- "Flotsam" by Parallel Park]

SORREL
A lot.

CARTER
Care to be specific?

SORREL
Emery is a total soul sucker. Not in the traditional sense - I mean, not all magical like that, but like... I’d say something right? I’d say “Hey Em, I’m having a bad day.” And they’d make it about them and how clearly they had caused my bad day and I’d be dealing with the bad day and also like promising them they weren't at fault and that’d make me feel worse and then I felt guilty for feeling worse and then I’d want to go out. And they’d tell me they didn’t want to go out. And they’d ask me to clean their place. We’d spend a lot of time together. Just the two of us. At first it was really sweet. I mean, you get to have this nice moment and this nice time with someone who means a lot to you. But then... Then you can’t do that. Because something happened. Something is bad and you feel bad and everything is awful.

CARTER
Oh.

SORREL
Yeah, so that’s how my last relationship went.

[music fades out]

CARTER
Okay.
(a pause.)
I almost died at a zoo because of my last relationship.

SORREL
What?

CARTER
So like that’s a little overdramatic. But like my last boyfriend, Greg, he was this big and hulky and like, very hot. Sort of. He was hot at the time.

SORREL
Pics?

CARTER
What?

SORREL
Pics, I wanna see how hot.

CARTER
I didn’t ask for pics of your ex.

SORREL
You’ve seen my ex, they’re pretty, I guess. For a siren.

CARTER
They’re pretty.

SORREL
Pretty goddamn murderous.

CARTER
Okay. Well, Greg, he brought me to the zoo. It was supposed to be cute and romantic or whatever but it was hot and I forgot my inhaler and I needed a new binder because mine shrunk and, being the fool that I am, I wore the shrunk binder. We spent like forever looking for pandas. He wanted to see them so bad that he wouldn’t just give up. So we went to the zoo and looked for the pandas and long story short... I ended up like halfway in with the panda.

SORREL
You ended up in the panda container?

CARTER
Most people call them enclosures.

SORREL
It contains pandas, does it not?

CARTER
Oh my god.

SORREL
So did Greg push you?

CARTER
Yeah. Ish. Just my top half though.

SORREL
Ugh. Men.

CARTER
He says he didn’t push me in.

SORREL
He’s a liar. Did you dump him?

CARTER
I just didn’t talk to him for two months and hoped he got the hint.

SORREL
Probably he didn’t. There’s probably Greg out there now, looking for you.

CARTER
I hope not.

SORREL
[laughing] He’s probably got a banjo, begging for his baby back.

CARTER
Oh my god, what if he is? It was two years ago but what if he is?

SORREL
Got a real Streetcar moment. “Stella!”

CARTER
I need to text him right now.

SORREL
I’m kidding, I’m kidding. I’d like to think you dated a sensible guy.

CARTER
He pushed me into the pandas!

SORREL
Yeah, okay. It does sound like he sucks.

CARTER
I told people we broke up because long distance was too hard.

SORREL
Why?

CARTER
We had a lot of the same friends.

SORREL
And he pushed you into a fucking panda container. That’s shitty.

CARTER
Well, it’s over. Got any other horror stories?

SORREL
Yeah. I dated someone who only wanted me for my chem knowledge.

CARTER
Yikes.

SORREL
It’s fine. I ate him.

CARTER
Um....

SORREL
It’s a joke. I did kick his ass in a debate.

CARTER
Really?

SORREL
Yeah. It was good. Should we try starting her back up?

CARTER
Yeah, let me sit down.

[Carter’s door opens and shuts. Car turns on.]

SORREL
I didn’t think you were going to fix it.

CARTER
I don’t know why you doubt me?

SORREL
At last, cool air. Let’s just get going.

CARTER
Where should we go?

SORREL
I… I don’t know. Like I said, didn’t think you’d fix it.

CARTER
I’ll keep driving then. We’ll find something.
(a beat.)
I guess it’s good I’m taking all online classes.

SORREL
Oh my god. You still care about school?

CARTER
Uuuh, I mean yeah. This isn’t all my life is going to be. Is it?
(Silence.)
Sorrel.

SORREL
I don’t know.

CARTER
What aren’t you telling me?

SORREL
Keep driving along the Mississippi.

CARTER
Why?

SORREL
Just drive.

CARTER
You’re getting to be hard to deal with.

SORREL
Okay? Drop me off then. Stop running. You know like I do, they’re going to come find you.

CARTER
What did you do to them?

SORREL
I pissed them off, I told you.

CARTER
So what do we do?

SORREL
Keep along the Mississippi. That’s where we go. We’ll find something - there’s a place my friends from an RP group have.

[music fades in-- “Nature Shuffle” by Ketsa]

CARTER
[snorts, laughing] You roleplay?

SORREL
Got a problem with it?

CARTER
No, no just... Didn’t expect it.
[Carter makes a sound and tries to open a door. The car alarm goes off.]

SORREL
Turn the car alarm off!

[Carter fumbles with the keys and clicks the unlock button on his keys.]

CARTER
Sorry.

SORREL
I keep it on the DL.

CARTER
Who do you roleplay?

SORREL
Mostly original characters.

CARTER
Any fandoms?

SORREL
It’s not relevant.

CARTER
If I guess-

SORREL
Mostly fantasy fandoms, and I’m only telling you because you’re probably thinking like Homestuck.

CARTER
[chuckling] Huh.

SORREL
Who do you roleplay?

CARTER
Oh, I don’t.

SORREL
Okay but you write fanfiction?

CARTER
No. I’ve gone to a couple cons and like to make cosplays, but I don’t write. I’m not that kind of creative.

SORREL
(annoyed)
Hah.

CARTER
Not all of us are nerds.

SORREL
Whatever.

CARTER
[sing-songy] You’re mad ‘cause I found out you’re a nerd.

SORREL
No, I’m mad because your eyes aren’t on the road.

CARTER
I’m being safe.

SORREL
Be safer.

CARTER
Can I ask one more thing?

SORREL
Sure, whatever.

CARTER
Who was your character?

SORREL
I had a couple. My longest one was Alice Adelaide, they were a terrible creature with wings of fire.

CARTER
Fire?

SORREL
Yeah, I liked to set stuff on fire.

CARTER
Like for real or in your RPs?

SORREL
In the RPs, Christ. Do you think I just go around setting stuff on fire?

CARTER
I mean, maybe!

SORREL
I don’t want to set shit on fire.

CARTER
If I had a power, I think it would be-

SORREL
Invisibility, I know.

CARTER
No.

SORREL
What is it?

[music fades out]

CARTER
Flight. I’d want to do flight. I want to see the whole world from the skies.

SORREL
That’s... like fake deep.

CARTER
It’s not fake deep.

SORREL
You think it’s real deep?

[Carter turns on the radio. Music plays-- “Paper Lanterns in the Dusk” by springtide]

CARTER
(deadpan)
I love this song.

SORREL
You do?

CARTER
Do you not have it in you to be nice?

SORREL
No, I don’t. I’m exhausted from all the running from all the shit I didn’t mean.

CARTER
So you’re the bad one in the relationship?

SORREL
Two people can be bad!

[music fades out, sounds of cars passing]

VOICEMAIL
Three missed voicemails. First missed message from, Monday at 4:32 PM.

EMERY
It’s been days Sorrel. Days. You think you can run forever, but you aren’t especially good at running. I’ve seen you run. You’re not very fast and you look ugly when you sweat. I know I’d tell you you look fine, but we both know you looked bad. Yellowed stains and pink faced. It’s embarrassing. Your skin was not meant to be flushed. I can imagine you now; so full of fear, full of disappointment. What do we do with Sorrel? We’re both wondering that. Carter and I.

VOICEMAIL
Second missed message. Tuesday at 5:23 PM.

EMERY
It annoys me when you don’t call me back. I mean, I told you something fun. I know his name now; it took me a while, but it’s not hard to find these things out. People are so willing to help from the school. You want me to leave him alone, don’t you? You’re so quick to bounce from one person to the next, you haven’t stopped to ask who you’re hurting. It’s not just me. Call me back, prick.

VOICEMAIL
Last missed message. Today at 3:20 PM.

EMERY
I hate you. We ended this relationship like most relationships do; hate fucking to try and preserve what was. And I am tired of hate. So, I’m going to finish this. I will let everyone know all the secrets you’re keeping. Especially the boy. Especially Carter.

VOICEMAIL
End of messages.

[music fades in-- “Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah]

ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore was written by Mik Koats. Carter is voiced by Orion Ibert. Sorrel is voiced by Mik Koats. Kali is played by Aspen Bickel and Emery is voiced by Tal Minear. This episode was edited by Orion Ibert.

Special thanks to our supporters on Patreon and Ko-Fi. You can support us by following us at patreon.com/lavenderlem, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook at LavenderLem. Make sure to check out our website at transmissionfolklore.com.

This episode’s cryptid is the influential sasquatch. Just leave them be, okay?

[music fades out]

EPISODE 05: MISSISSIPPI-- BLINKER
(not officially captioned)

Google Docs Link

ANNOUNCER
Content warnings for this episode of Transmission Folklore include: asthma attack sounds, consistent blinker noises, gagging noises, mentions of blood and mild body horror, splashing sounds, yelling, general themes of drowning. Please do what you need to to take care of yourself.

[Sorrel is chewing loudly. Carter keeps making noises, trying to get them to stop making noises.]

SORREL
What?

CARTER
What, what?

SORREL
What’re you doing?

CARTER
I’m not doing anything.

SORREL
You’re making that fucking noise.

CARTER
I’m not making a noise.

SORREL
You are.

CARTER
You’re making the noise.

SORREL
I’m eating a kolache.

CARTER
Do you have to eat so loudly?
[Sorrel chews louder.]
Sorrel.

SORREL
Shut up. I’m hungry.

CARTER
But you’re breathing so loud.

SORREL
It’s hard to breathe, okay?

CARTER
Do you need an inhaler? I can switch my Walgreens on my phone and try and get us something that works.

SORREL
Is water in an inhaler?

CARTER
No. Albuterol.

SORREL
Look, let’s just get a shower. I’m grimy.

CARTER
Do you need medical attention?

SORREL
No - look, let’s just--

[Sorrel takes a big, heavy breath]

CARTER
Should I take you to the hospital?

SORREL
No, please don’t. Let’s stop at a gas station, I just need a drink. Not off the highway, go into the backroads.

CARTER
Where even are we?

SORREL
Mississippi.

CARTER
You want me to take Mississippi backroads?

SORREL
Please. I don’t want to get caught.

CARTER
Okay. Okay.

[Sorrel continues to try and get a breath in. Carter drives off. “Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah fades in]

ANNOUNCER
The Lavender Lemonade Collective presents Transmission Folklore.

[music fades out]

SORREL
Thank you.

CARTER
My credit card is going to get maxed out.

SORREL
On a case of waters?

CARTER
Yeah, I don’t know. And gas.

SORREL
Your car handles the gas alright.

CARTER
For a 2006.

SORREL
Yeah she’s a teenager now.

CARTER
Look, Sorrel, I’m scared.

SORREL
Yeah, you should be.
CARTER
I don’t know what to do. I don’t actually want to die.

SORREL
Me either.

CARTER
How do we save ourselves?

SORREL
We have to be smarter than a siren.

CARTER
I’m not that smart.

SORREL
Weren’t you in honors college?

CARTER
You remembered?

SORREL
You lived in the honor’s college section of the dorm.

CARTER
I have anxiety though. I mean, what’s that going to do in the honor’s college?

SORREL
Good point, maybe you’re not that smart.

CARTER
I’m getting immune to your cruelty.

SORREL
Are you?

CARTER
Yeah. It doesn’t even hurt when you insult me now.

SORREL
That’s what happens when you’ve kidnapped someone long enough.

CARTER
Ugh!

[Sorrel laughs - it sounds labored]

SORREL
Ready to go?

CARTER
Yeah.

SORREL
Take a left up here.

CARTER
Sounds good.

[The blinker noise goes on. It stays on.]

SORREL
Dude, turn that off, you turned.

CARTER
It’s supposed to go off automatically.

SORREL
But it’s not.

[Carter flips it off.]
CARTER
What’s the matter?

[Carter turns the blinker on. It stays on.]
SORREL
It’s annoying. Take the next left too.

CARTER
At the light? And it’s not annoying - I can’t help the sounds the car makes.

SORREL
Why did you buy this car?

CARTER
I’m poor.

SORREL
It’s a bitch to work on, there’s always something wrong with it, and it’s hard to get to the engine.

CARTER
Phyrra can hear you.

SORREL
Phyrra’s a car.

CARTER
She’s my car. Look, I know you can’t be nice to me, but please be nice to the two thousand pounds of metal between us and the road.

SORREL
Holy shit.

CARTER
What?

SORREL
I just thought you couldn’t get more... more.

CARTER
What?

SORREL
More ridiculous.

CARTER
I’m getting sick and tired of you. I have my car. I work hard to maintain her.

SORREL
So sorry.

[Blinker noise off.]
CARTER
Where do I turn here?

SORREL
Right.

[Blinker noise on.]

CARTER
We’re in the middle of nowhere.

[Blinker noise off.]
SORREL
Yeah, well it’s where we’re going.

CARTER
Jesus.

SORREL
You can’t make fun of my friends.

CARTER
But you can make fun of my car?

SORREL
Your car doesn’t have feelings.

[The blinker noise comes on.]

CARTER
Ah!

SORREL
Why did you do that? We don’t need to turn.

CARTER
I’m not making it do that. The blinker must be shorting out.

SORREL
It’s annoying.

CARTER
Sorrel, you’re getting worse. Are you sure you don’t want to stop?

SORREL
Positive. I want to go to my friends’, get them to call their plug and then go to bed.

CARTER
You smoke?

SORREL
Yeah. Some of us manage our anxiety...
[blinker keeps going off]
Jesus Christ, turn off that fucking blinker.

CARTER
You are absolutely the worst person to have tried to save. You’re not nice, you’re hurtful, and you won’t tell me anything that would actually help you.

SORREL
No, I want to tell you anything that might help you, because unlike you, I want to survive. You’re so woe-is-me about the world you might as well collapse standing.

CARTER
When scary shit happens to me, I face it.

SORREL
You can’t hear the scary shit with anxiety.

CARTER
How can you hear it with anger?

SORREL
Because insurance won’t cover anger management.

[Sorrel starts coughing up along. The blinker is getting louder.]

CARTER
Sorrel, are you okay?

SORREL
Stop the car.

CARTER
Here? There’s a lake.

SORREL
Yes, I know!

[The door opens up. Sorrel retches. Soft water noises in the background.]

CARTER
Are you bleeding?

SORREL
Yeah. I’m bleeding.

CARTER
Jesus fuck! Why are your legs bleeding? Why is your skin melting off - you need to go to the doctor, Sorrel, we have to get you to the doctor.

[the blinker sound fades out, “Unsilenced” by Ketsa fades in]

SORREL
The blood is falling down my legs and the skin on top of my legs fails me. It’s not meant to cover my bones as long as it has. Skin is such a faulty thing. Bones too, the kind meant for legs. A femur is supposed to be powerful but it’s so breakable and it hurts. I’ve been wearing this for too long and it hurts. The doctor can’t fix me, or help me. You can’t fix me or help me. You can’t help yourself.

CARTER
I’m trying to help you, stop being an edgelord.

SORREL
Yeah. Get in line. Drive off if you hate talking to me so much.

CARTER
I like talking to you! Let me help. Let me in.

SORREL
You want in? Let me show you in. This is who you rescued, the worst person ever.

[There’s a splash. Magic sound.]

CARTER
Holy shit. You’ve got a tail.

[Sorrel coughs loudly. A door opens.]

SORREL
[shouting] Yeah and guess what? This tail is flexible bones, tiny and thin, surrounded by bright orange scales. I’ve got two armors, good luck breaking through. Why are you getting out?

CARTER
I’ve got empty water bottles in the back. I’ll fill them up. In case you need it.

SORREL
You’re not running away?

CARTER
No.

[music fades out]

SORREL
Why not? You know now.

CARTER
I face scary things, Sorrel. I don’t need to run away from everything I’m afraid of.

SORREL
But you’re fucking scared.

[sounds of Carter wading into the water]

CARTER
If you wanted to kill me, you would already.

SORREL
You’re in the water with me. This is my height.

CARTER
Yet here I stand. Alive.

SORREL
You’re unconvincing.

CARTER
So are you.

SORREL
You can drive off Carter. I’m giving you a way out of my life.

CARTER
You said it yourself. I’m a part of this now.

SORREL
Emery is going to let you go. If you get far enough away from me. Make it look like you wanted to get out of this.

CARTER
I don’t.

SORREL
Do you want to die?

CARTER
Not particularly, thank you.

SORREL
A siren’s song can do more than kill someone. It can hypnotise, it can drive you to do things you don’t want to do.

CARTER
You wouldn’t do that though. You wouldn’t let them do that either. You’d stop me from doing anything dangerous, Sorrel.

SORREL
You don’t know me!

CARTER
I believe you’re a good person though! I know you’re the most frustrating person alive, and you’re so scared to admit you’re scared. Sorrel, it’s okay to be afraid that they’re coming! I’ve got my hand out for you, just please, grab it.

SORREL
I’m going to hurt you. It doesn’t have to be with a song, but somehow I’m going to hurt you. I can’t help it.

CARTER
You sound like an edgy thirteen year old. You can help who you hurt.

SORREL
Not when Emery’s involved.

CARTER
Let someone else help you then! I promise, I’m stuck here now. With you. And I’m gonna fill these stupid water bottles so you can get some stupid water so your scary ex can’t kill us.

SORREL
Emery is scary for the same reason I’m scary.

CARTER
I never saw you kill someone. You can fight me all you want but I trust myself on… not a lot of things. But without a doubt I know you’re a good person, past all the bullshit. So just, please. Come back with me. We’ll get on the road again and you’ll be safe.

SORREL
I don’t want you to get hurt.

CARTER
I’m going to get hurt. I’ve got brittle, brittle bones. But I’m not going to let you get murdered by your ex. That’s an awful way to die.

SORREL
Just, stop! Stop! [voice effect] Stop!
Fuck, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.

CARTER
It’s, it’s okay.

SORREL
I do need help. Thank you for it. Let’s go-

[Carter starts to wade out, but stops]

CARTER
Is it safe? For you to get out of the water?

SORREL
It’s safe enough. I don’t want to be here too long.

[continues wading out]

CARTER
Let’s go.

SORREL
You don’t need to bring all those.

CARTER
Will these water bottles full of lake water help? Even a little?

SORREL
I guess.

CARTER
I’ve got you. I promise. Whoa!

[Sorrel hugs Carter]

SORREL
This is the most awkward hug ever.

CARTER
I don’t know where to put my hands. You still have a tail.

[water background noises fade out]

[The phone rings. Carter answers it.]

CARTER
Hello?

EMERY
How can you store so much anxiety in two syllables?

CARTER
Who is this?

EMERY
I’ll give you two guesses, peach shirt.

CARTER
You can stop this. What do you get out of beating Sorrel?

EMERY
Vindication. Validation. I don’t have a problem with you, Carter.

CARTER
How do you know my name?

EMERY
You took a minute to find, I gotta admit. It’s hard to find people with dead names, but I messaged around the queer groups from school - it’s a small community. Anxious trans guy with short black hair isn’t super specific but I found you. But you strolled the bayous around campus. You got a name. Everyone does.

CARTER
You can’t have my name.

EMERY
I don’t have any beef with you kid. You’re annoying, you fucked up my plan by a couple weeks, but just ditch Sorrel. They’re not worth it.

CARTER
Not on your life. They’re my friend.

EMERY
Look, they’ve convinced you they care, they’ve convinced you they’re a dick with a heart of gold or some shit, but they’re not. Sorrel is a siren. They’ve hurt people. They will continue to hurt people. There’s no way they haven’t hurt you yet.

CARTER
They haven’t.

EMERY
That’s a lie. I can hear it in your voice. Look Carter-

CARTER
You can’t sing to me through the phone. It doesn’t do anything. Sorrel tested it.

EMERY
I knew you were going to think that. Everyone always thinks the worst of me, but I’m not the bad guy here - maybe I am. I guess you know my endgame. But listen to me- I don’t want to see you tricked like I was. You seem like a nice young man.

CARTER
You don’t know me.

EMERY
No, I don’t. But you remind me of me. A better version of me, sure. You’re nice enough to stick with Sorrel this long. But sooner or later, they’re going to leave you on the side of the road, steal your car and run away. Ditch them before that shit happens. Leave them now, forget them. They’re always going to try and be two steps ahead. It’s just nature. Cut them off now.

CARTER
Sorrel can’t even drive.

EMERY
Sorrel’s chicken shit. They can drive, they just don’t like to. I promise you, this isn’t going to end well for you if you keep trying. Siren fights get ugly. Humans aren’t ready for that kind of ugly.

CARTER
I can handle a little ugly in my life. I can’t sit by and watch someone kill another person.

EMERY
That’s just a Tuesday for us. If you’re really stuck on Sorrel, there’s a good chance either they’re dying, or I am. Either kill or be killed.

CARTER
There are other options. Just because you don’t choose them doesn’t mean they disappear.

EMERY
I’m trying to do the right thing here. You aren’t part of this.

CARTER
I am now.

EMERY
One last chance to pull out. Take it.

CARTER
I will not abandon my friend.

EMERY
So noble. Sorry then. For what’s going to happen. I really didn’t want it to end up like this.

CARTER
Like what?

EMERY
Everything. Talk to you later Cater.

[The phone hangs up. Sorrel snores loudly.]
CARTER
Hey, Sorrel?
SORREL
Hmm?
CARTER
[hesitates] Hey, get some sleep, okay? I’m gonna drive us far away from here.

SORREL
I can’t get sleep if you wake me up. Go towards my friends.

CARTER
I’m gonna figure it out.

SORREL
Thanks.

[“Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah fades in]

ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore was written by Mik Koats. Carter is voiced by Orion Ibert. Sorrel is voiced by Mik Koats. Emery is voiced by Tal Minear. This episode was edited by Orion Ibert.

Special thanks to our supporters on Patreon and Ko-Fi. You can support us by following us at patreon.com/lavenderlem, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook at LavenderLem. Make sure to check out our website at transmissionfolklore.com.

This week’s cryptid is the scared siren; sing like it’s the end of times.

[music fades out]

EPISODE 06: MISSISSIPPI-- BUMPER
Captioned Video Coming Soon

Google Docs Link

ANNOUNCER
Content warnings for this episode of Transmission Folklore include overall themes of drowning, murder, and toxic relationships, mentions of blood and mild body horror, and one loud car thunking noise after the car has been parked in the show. Please do what you need to to take care of yourself. Enjoy!

[Sorrel yawns]

CARTER
You’re awake. I bought us some kolaches in Jacksonville. I figured you’d need some.

SORREL
You know what I miss? Buc-ee’s kolaches specifically. Nothing feels quite as big and powerful as an over hyped gas station with its giant bronze beaver carefully watching over you. The stupid beaver brought us to civilisation.

CARTER
[sighs] I miss my mom’s gumbo a lot. I wish we had some. Er, no wait, gumbo has fish in it and…

SORREL
Fish eat fish. Also, I’m not a fish, don’t call me that. It’s reductive and also wrong.

CARTER
Alright, well, what can we do to make the journey easier on you. Stopping as often as you need will slow us down but not stopping will kill you, and I won’t do that.

SORREL
The water is a good start.

CARTER
What next?

SORREL
I don’t really know. I’ve never needed to be away for this long.

CARTER
How long do you need to be away usually?

SORREL
Sixteen hours is the most I can make with no contact with water period. After that I’ll do anything. It’s usually not a problem.

CARTER
We’ve been in this car for two months. How did I not pick up sooner?

SORREL
Toilets at gas stations are filled with water.

CARTER
Ew!

SORREL
We do what we have to!

CARTER
Those toilets see the worst of humanity’s assholes!

SORREL
I know. Take a left here. I’m gonna stick my head out the window to double check if cars are coming.

[“Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah fades in]

ANNOUNCER
The Lavender Lemonade Collective presents Transmission Folklore.

[music fades out]

CARTER
So these roleplayers aren’t going to feel weird about us just showing up?

SORREL
Nah, Rowen and Horatio are used to me. And we’ve talked about it before-- We had an ex-army plan. Not sure if we’re serious about it, but I think if I act like we were, they’ll go with it. Like a weird game of chicken.

CARTER
Ex army?

SORREL
If one of us has an evil ex, the others will raise an army. It sounded like a funny thing at the time… Hey, by the way. Rowen has wings. Don’t be weird about it.

CARTER
Wings?

SORREL
I have a tail!

CARTER
Does Horatio have eight arms?

SORREL
Two arms, one hand. Not my business, never asked.

CARTER
My friends never made blood pacts.

SORREL
Please, this is not a blood pact. No blood was exchanged.

CARTER
Still. It seems kind of “friend culty”. Which way here?

SORREL
We were not in a cult… Straight… Gayly forward. Go slow though, there’s a crik up there.

CARTER
A creek?

SORREL
Right.

[whimsical folksy music begins to play-- “Nature Shuffle” by Ketsa]

[The two get out of the car, closing the doors behind them, into a field. Suddenly there is a powerful gust of wind.]
Not funny, Rowen.

CARTER
What’s happening?

SORREL
Stop it. You’ll scare the other guy. He’s already got anxiety.

[a metal thunking sound of something hitting the ground]

CARTER
My bumper! The wind ripped my bumper off.

[wind fades out]

ROWEN
Not funny? It was very, incredibly funny.

HORATIO
[laughs] We can put the bumper back on with some duct tape if you’d like. We should be able to make it match the door.

SORREL
Rowen, Horatio, meet my friend Carter. Carter is a very fleshy human. So be gentle with him.

CARTER
Please never describe me as fleshy again.

SORREL
You are.

CARTER
You have flesh?

ROWEN
Mostly scales.

CARTER
Not when we hang out. And you have flesh. And wings.

ROWEN
Nice to meet you. Rowen Streams. It’s a fake last name.

HORATIO
Horatio. No last name.

ROWEN
I thought you were done with the boonies? What brings you to visit little old me? Are you finally going to lead a game? Like you promised?

HORATIO
Last time they were here, they said they were “done with the boonies”, those exact words. When we were having a 5e release party.

SORREL
Look, I’ve brought news.

ROWEN
You’ve brought news. And a normie. Is this your new normie boyfriend?

HORATIO
Are you pregnant?

ROWEN
Did you get Emery pregnant? Because you’re not ready for that.

SORREL
Guys, stop. Serious. [sighs] It’s for real over with Emery. They didn’t take it well. Carter saved my life, with generalized anxiety and a 2006 PT Cruiser. Look, I know the Evil Ex thing was mostly a joke but Emery’s not gonna stop until one of the two of us is dead.

CARTER
Wait, this is a murder mission? You didn’t tell me we were gonna kill Emery.

SORREL
Yeah. Horatio’s a witch and Rowen’s got some fae magic. We could really use that right now.

CARTER
No! Absolutely not!

SORREL
Carter, what did you think was going to happen?

CARTER
I think you’re better than them. You’re not allowed to kill them.

SORREL
I’m sorry, you’re not allowing me?

CARTER
Sorrel, you’re above Emery.

SORREL
No I’m not. They tried to kill me. I don’t give a fuck if I need to be “better than them.” Sirens kill. It’s what we do; we were born to destroy.

CARTER
I’ll protect you from Emery, but please.

SORREL
What should I do? Beat them up? Carter, I do not want to die. It’s a kill or be killed situation.

HORATIO
We could curse them?

ROWEN
We could curse them! Is that a thought you want to take off? Hmm, which kind are you thinking?
[a pause]
Why are you staring?

SORREL
He’s never seen wings up close.

ROWEN
You haven’t grown any?

CARTER
No. My boy juice hasn’t gotten me through that part of second puberty.

ROWEN
Oh well… I grew mine when I was in the tenth grade. Maternals told me about it, and fiction said it’d hurt. And it did. Wings break through your skin in the worst possible ways.

CARTER
Are you an angel?

[Everyone else laughs.]

HORATIO
No. They’re a faerie.

ROWEN
Yeah baby! These wings are made for causing powerful, powerful winds and chaos.

[Rowen demonstrates the wind.]

HORATIO
Enough! You’re moving me.

ROWEN
Oh, sorry! I get carried away.

CARTER
Haha, that’s so funny! You control the wind, wow. Cool. Your wings are beautiful though. I’ve never seen so many shades of iridescence sparkling, so many colors.

ROWEN
You gotta be your own rainbow. So, Horatio, what spells are we thinking? Bust out that grimoire.

[The sound of the grimoire app loading.]

SORREL
90s gaming is such an aesthetic.

CARTER
What is that?

HORATIO
I coded a grimoire app.

ROWEN
Find anything good?

HORATIO
I’m looking through, my best bet would be a banishment.

ROWEN
To the shadow realm!

HORATIO
Dude I wish. My mom would kill me if I released that kind of magic into the world, and my vibes would be way off with that much negativity. Nah, it’s like, restraining order level. But you have to obey it. They wouldn’t be able to get within a football field of Sorrel.

SORREL
Humane enough?

CARTER
Yes actually. It’s a good, actually out of your life scenario.

SORREL
So would gutting them.

HORATIO
I’m with the normie actually. Look, I’ll do a lot but killing your ex? Dude, that’s so tacky, even for you.

SORREL
But my ex is Emery. You guys know Emery.

ROWEN
Yeah, it was I who said dating someone you were miserable with was a mistake. And what did you say… C’mon Sorrel.

SORREL
[Rowen makes Sorrel repeat what they said a while back-- there is an echoed resonance to Sorrel’s voice] “That’s not a good enough reason to leave them.”
[regular voice] I hate when you do that to me.

ROWEN
You’re missing the point. Look if they’re not in for killing Em, neither am I. Banishment is the best we can make happen in trying times.

SORREL
Is it a spell that will work four ways? Because none of us are going down for my dumbassery.

HORATIO
Yeah, we’ll need some bigger ingredients for a four way, but we can manage.

ROWEN
What’s in the spell?

HORATIO
Faded passion, water of a new beginning… Everything is my box up in Montana. To banish… blah blah, I’ve got a long list for you. Can you gather the shit for the banishment spell?

SORREL
And you’re sure murder isn’t an option?

HORATIO
You asked for our help. I’m not comfortable with murder. Neither is the normie.

CARTER
That’s me right?

HORATIO
Yeah, you’re normal. Like comparatively normal.

CARTER
Compared to what?

HORATIO
Us. Rowen is fae, Sorrel’s a siren and I do magic.

CARTER
Oh okay.

ROWEN
Horatio just really doesn’t want to be the resident normie anymore. Anyone can do magic if they try hard enough. She’s just better at it than a lot of other normies.

CARTER
Could I learn magic?

ROWEN
Probably. Most folks can go down their line and find some fae in there. All you need is a little bit of faerie dust in your bloodline to do a spell.

CARTER
But we know nothing about faeries.

ROWEN
You know a lot about faeries, it’s just “folklore.” Faeries know who the reputable sources are.

CARTER
Can I know?

ROWEN
If you do your research, sure.

SORREL
Let’s focus on the spell. How long does it take? Because the song is what I’m worried about.

ROWEN
Emery’s infamous song.

CARTER
Is that why you dated?

SORREL
Emery’s a lot of things, but not that. They wouldn’t use a song to try and get me to date them.

ROWEN
You sure about that?

SORREL
They didn’t know anything about me when we started dating. We just had two original characters that meshed well together..

CARTER
Your roleplay stuff.

HORATIO
Don’t make fun of our roleplay. It was seriously legit.

CARTER
I wasn’t trying to--

ROWEN
What did you roleplay?

SORREL
He says he never roleplayed.

ROWEN
No joke, he’s a total Warrior Cats stan.

SORREL
I’m just saying Adelaide Alice and Jethro Moss got along really well.

ROWEN
Which totally means Sorrel and Emery would.

CARTER
I have a question; how are you able to be drowned? If you can breathe underwater, I mean.

SORREL
They weren't singing to get me to drown myself. They were singing to stop me from transforming. A siren’s song can do that; I think to help avoid awkward transformations. You can sing it to yourself sometimes. Well, you can’t, I can.

CARTER
Do you sing well?

[Horatio and Rowen laugh.]
ROWEN
They sing like an angel. Like the horrifying Bible ones.

HORATIO
They’re not terrible but like… Not great.

SORREL
Rhythmic speaking gets the job done. I usually slam but I don’t really do a siren’s song that often.

CARTER
Why not?

SORREL
Traumatic backstory. Can you stop asking my questions about this?

CARTER
I’m sorry, I just want to help.

SORREL
I know. Telling people is just not something I really do.

CARTER
Oh, okay. I didn’t realize it was like that.

SORREL
It’s an important part of me, but every time I tell someone about it, I’d have to explain the way I work. And it’s frustrating as fuck. Which was the nice part about dating a siren.

CARTER
I think I understand. I’m sorry this is difficult, I will work on making it better.

SORREL
Really?

CARTER
Yeah, I mean, I don’t want to be the reason you’re stressing out.

SORREL
You are.

HORATIO
Side note, we may have an issue obtaining my lockbox.

SORREL
Why?

HORATIO
I don’t have a license anymore.

ROWEN
How far?

HORATIO
Montana.

ROWEN
I can’t fly to Montana.

SORREL
Come with us?

ROWEN
After all the shit you put me through, you really think I want to sit in a car with just you and a normie I don’t know?

SORREL
You both can come with us?

ROWEN
No. I will help you with this spell. I will not put my ass on the line. What if they call Méabh? She’s still super pissed, it’ll end badly.

CARTER
What do you do to people?

SORREL
I told you, I hurt a lot of people.

ROWEN
And you don’t feel like you need to speak up about it? You never apologized to me.

SORREL
I don’t know how.

ROWEN
Friendship is about the give and the take. Look, I want to help you, I really don’t want you to die. But you apologize to me. I need an apology.

SORREL
I’m sorry. I can’t make it right. I don’t know how to make it right. But I need you right now.

ROWEN
Go on your own to get it. Meet us back here. I cannot travel with you. But I will not let you die.

[A long, tense silence.]

SORREL
We’ll follow the Mississippi River up till it hits the Missouri River. The Missouri drops off in Montana.

HORATIO
Woo me with your river knowledge.

SORREL
We’ll leave tonight. Rowen, can you take Carter to the Autozone or something to go get a new bumper since you so graciously broke it off with your wings.

ROWEN
Can you say please?

SORREL
Please? No fucking around.

ROWEN
Have you ever known me to fuck around?

SORREL
Are you allowed back in New Orleans yet?

[Rowen laughs.]

CARTER
What the fuck?

ROWEN
I’ll tell you about it when we get there.

SORREL
When we leave, you and Horatio keep us updated. If I don’t hear from you, I will call you up, okay? We keep each other safe. This is gonna be a mess but we will make it.

ROWEN
Who died and made you optimistic?

SORREL
I’m not gonna kill anyone, so hopefully no one dies.

CARTER
I’m gonna head out.

HORATIO
Sorrel, I’m glad you’re back.

SORREL
I’m glad to be back. I missed y’all.

ROWEN
Yeah, yeah. We missed you too. A lot.

[soft phone keyboard tapping sounds-- the pair are texting each other. After each message is a sent message tone.]
EMERY
So you got this?

MÉABH
Yeah, I got this, sweetie. It’s no problem. It doesn’t matter if I die - I’ll just pop back up in my grave. I can’t be killed. Not really.

EMERY
And you’ll be very quick? It’ll get them out of my hair.

MÉABH
You doubt me?

EMERY
I just don’t get what you get out of this.

MÉABH
You’re not the only one Sorrel’s fucked over.

EMERY
I just want it to be over soon. I’m completely over them.

MÉABH
Horatio and them aren’t in the car, right? I won’t do it if Horatio or Rowen or Ray would get hurt. It’s just Sorrel.

EMERY
All of them were there for your thing.

MÉABH
Yeah, but Sorrel is the only one I don’t like. I like the ones I know.

EMERY
You’re so judgy.

MÉABH
You’re so sad.

EMERY
I just want them out of my hair.

MÉABH
Anyone else gonna get hurt?

EMERY
They’re traveling with some normie. Is that an issue?

MÉABH
Not for me. What about you?

[a long pause]

EMERY
No.

[music fades in: “Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah]

ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore was written by Mik Koats.
Carter is voiced by Orion Ibert.
Sorrel is voiced by Mik Koats.
Rowen is voiced by Rowen Jewels.
Horatio is voiced by Kid Kerrigan/Nina Nikolic
Maebhe is voiced by Lilith Costo.
Emery is voiced by Tal Minear.
This episode was edited by Orion Ibert.

Special thanks to our supporters on Patreon and Ko-Fi. Find more about how to support us and to access transcripts and captioned videos at transmissionfolklore.com.

This episode’s cryptid is the person you used to be. Whatever you do, don’t capture them on video.

[music fades out]

07: MISSOURI-- CAR TIRES
Captioned Video Coming Soon

Google Docs Link

ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore has content warnings for the following: overall themes of drowning and murder and arguing. Please note that if you are driving, the following sounds will be in this episode: engine revving, tires squealing, and a car crash. If you are driving and these sounds are a potential trigger, please consider pausing this episode and checking the episode description for timestamps when you are safely stopped. Please do what you need to to take care of yourself.

[Carter and Sorrel are in a drive thru.]

SPEAKER
[the voice is distorted by the drive thru speaker] Would you like any sauce?

SORREL
Can I get a spicy mustard please.

CARTER
Is it spicy?

SORREL
I mean, what do you think?

CARTER
A spicy mustard and a chocolate shake.

SORREL
We’re not doing a chocolate shake in this car.

CARTER
I will go to the bathroom at some gas station. The lactose is worth it.

SORREL
We are in a car. It is winter. Do not threaten me. You almost shit your pant last time, lactose intolerant ass--

[intro music fades in]

ANNOUNCER
The Lavender Lemonade Collective presents Transmission Folklore.

[intro music fades out]

[Traffic Ambiance in the background. Carter takes a bite of a chicken nugget.]

CARTER
Eurgh, I hate chicken nuggets.

SORREL
That’s a hard stance at eight AM.

CARTER
They should only be one bite, why are they so big?

SORREL
You eaten today?

CARTER
Yeah. Chicken nuggets. I should’ve gotten a burger.

SORREL
I wish we had an oven.

CARTER
I could kill for my mom’s gumbo. I miss it.

SORREL
Bianca makes the gumbo right?

CARTER
Bianca, she’s got the best gumbo. I got some right before we left, ugh I miss her.

SORREL
If we finish this, we could go home. Well, you could go home. I could go back to Houston I guess.

CARTER
Is Houston not your home?

[“Hey Come Together” by Lobo Loco fades in]

SORREL
I don’t really have a home. I mean, I had my school, where my parents raised me, but I left. And contrary to what Rowen will tell you, I had a big fight with my dad. I didn’t leave because of Emery.

CARTER
What was it about?

SORREL
I wanted to be a writer and go to school for that. I wanted like, full blown novels and series and all that.

CARTER
That’s so cool. What have you written?

SORREL
Mostly love stories.

CARTER
Really? Why didn’t he like that?

SORREL
They were about sirens. He was worried or whatever about secrets getting out.

CARTER
Yeah, sirens would freak people out. But how could they trace you-

SORREL
Which is what I said. I just want a book I can see myself in.

CARTER
Valid.

SORREL
It’s just frustrating, because like yeah, of course I’m gonna be fucking careful. But he wants me to be “safe” for us. Which is not what I want… We can do something else if you want for lunch. Do you see food?

CARTER
I saw a cheap little Mexican place around here.

SORREL
We’re too far North to get Mexican food.

CARTER
We’re in Missouri, this is still the South.

SORREL
Emotionally, sure. But physically - this is the Midwest and I do not deserve to subject my body to a chain Mexican food place from the Midwest.

CARTER
Valid.

SORREL
We’re almost at the mouth of the Missouri River.

CARTER
[sigh] You follow the rivers like roads.

SORREL
I mean, they are the same thing. But a river is more permanent.

CARTER
How do you mean?

SORREL
It stays - sure a river is ever changing, water flows, and somewhere around here, the water even got reversed. But a river will stand the tests of time far better than a road. Put too much weight on a road, it buckles. The road breaks down but the river still flows. The road gets built over a river but the road breaks, the river flows. Roads are made to be crumbled, and rivers crumble them.

CARTER
That’s poetic.

SORREL
It’s just the facts.

CARTER
It’s pretty… Do you really think we’ll get to live normally after this?

SORREL
I don’t know. I’m not going back to the University of Houston if we actually win.

CARTER
How could we lose?

[music fades out]

SORREL
We don’t have as much magic as we need, Emery kills us before it’s ready. A bad rainstorm could take us out.

CARTER
Yikes.

SORREL
Again, just facts. I’m trying not to let it rain.

CARTER
I don’t think it’ll be Emery. They seem really hesitant.

SORREL
To kill us?

CARTER
To kill me.

SORREL
They’re going to kill you, because you’re with me.

CARTER
They just didn’t sound like they wanted to.

SORREL
They what? When?

CARTER
They seemed really hesitant?

SORREL
Did you… Speak to Emery?

CARTER
Yeah?

SORREL
When?

CARTER
What do you mean when?

SORREL
When did you speak to Emery? Did he hurt you? Was it in person; did they sing?

CARTER
No it wasn’t in person… I don’t know the night you told me about being a siren, I think.

SORREL
So you just haven’t told me this whole time? Open your phone.

CARTER
I’m driving and can hear you.

SORREL
Open your phone.

[Blinker, gear shift, hazard lights-- Sorrel opens a door and begins humming. Cars are passing even louder]

CARTER
We’re on the highway.

Sorrel hums.

SORREL
What are you doing now?

CARTER
Sitting in the car?

SORREL
Look at your hands, are you eating anything?

CARTER
No…

SORREL
So then how does Emery have control over you?

CARTER
I don’t think they do.

SORREL
Then why would you not tell me you spoke to Emery?

CARTER
It wasn’t important? You were scared.

SORREL
You have to tell me when you talk to them. They’re evil.

CARTER
Am I supposed to tell you everything ever?

SORREL
You’re supposed to tell me when the evil ex who tried to drown me suddenly has your number.

CARTER
They got it from some of the school people? The trans community is really small.

SORREL
I’m getting back in the car.

[car door slams, the cars passing becomes quieter]

CARTER
What’s the big deal?

[car gets back into gear, hazards go off, blinker turns on]

SORREL
Why wouldn’t you tell me something so big, Carter?

CARTER
Because it’s not big.

SORREL
The person trying to kill us spoke to you. The person who you’ve got no context for; you just found out how sirens work a few weeks ago. You have-- You don’t have the context to keep yourself safe.

CARTER
You trust me to pilot a two ton death machine, but not talk to your ex?

SORREL
Yeah!

CARTER
I am capable of sound judgement.

SORREL
You’re naive. You think the world can be solved with a hug but this isn’t your world. I know you think I’m an edgelord or whatever, but I’m telling you the truth. We kill when we’re slighted. We don’t get emotional, we get even.

CARTER
I don’t feel comfortable getting “even”.

SORREL
I do! And I don’t want to bring you down with me, but ultimately, you’re bringing yourself down now and... why’s that car following us?

CARTER
Which one?

SORREL
The hot pink Tesla, Carter, how could you miss it?

CARTER
You were yelling!

SORREL
Because you didn’t tell me! This is a serious thing!

CARTER
[groans] I’m gonna try and lose the Tesla.

SORREL
I don’t feel comfortable with a car chase.

CARTER
We’ll figure out if they’re actually following us.

SORREL
Change lanes.

CARTER
I don’t need your driving advice right now.

SORREL
Shit they changed lanes, they’re definitely following us.

CARTER
What should we do?

SORREL
Oh, I’m sorry, do you need my driving advice now?

CARTER
Don’t do that!

SORREL
I don’t know what you expect from me? I told you when I got a phone call. I told you when I knew we were being followed. If Emery can contact you, they’re too close.

CARTER
I think they just want to stop it.

SORREL
Sirens have to get even, I told you.

CARTER
It’s not always murder.

SORREL
It’s murder right now.

CARTER
How did Emery get a new car?

SORREL
I don’t know as that’s Emery.

CARTER
Anyone worse it could be?

SORREL
Fuck, fuck! It’s Mèabh.

CARTER
Who?

SORREL
Mèabh’s one of the roleplayers - we were a lot less close. Let’s just say, she’s a complete nightmare. And she hates me. And she’s a revenant.

[Carter rolls down the window.]

MÉABH
What’s up sweetheart?

SORREL
C’mon, what’s your beef here?

MÉABH
I got bored. I’ll race you!

CARTER
No thanks.

MÉABH
Not you, normie.

SORREL
Leave him alone. He didn’t do anything.

MÉABH
The getaway driver of my enemy is my enemy. Five.

SORREL
Come on.

MÉABH
Four.

SORREL
You’re going to hurt him and I’ll tell Horatio!

MÉABH
I’m terrified. Three, two, one! Bye.

[Meabh revs off, Carter rolls the window back up and then the car swerves suddenly]

SORREL
Mother fucking son of a shit swaddled bitch.

CARTER
Ah. You make lots of friends, I see.

SORREL
Yeah Carter, everyone is desperate as you to be my friend. They all kidnap me, drag me across the South into the Midwest so they can moan about gumbo and gastrointestinal issues.

CARTER
And everyone’s dying to hear you wax poetic about the rivers and then say you don’t feel anything. Everyone wants to listen to you be too good and too edgy and too afraid to say anything.

SORREL
I don’t pretend to be a good person. I don’t pretend like I’m doing good. What the fuck does that even mean? I want to stay alive.

CARTER
I know you’re a good person.

SORREL
By what standard? I use magic to make people give me better grades. I broke into a Kentucky Fried Chicken when I got into a fight with my dad and needed food. I don’t check how ethical the places I eat are. We can’t all be model citizens dude. Sucks, so glad you pass the moral bar.

CARTER
I’m not trying to make you act like me.

SORREL
What do you want out of this conversation?

CARTER
I want you to know you’re a good person. If by no other standard than mine.

SORREL
You’ve got a real low bar. No standard at all.

CARTER
My standard is that when someone is hurting, you give them help. My standard is you try and save people, when you can. The world isn’t made of miracles, it’s made of tiny little stories that made my life less shitty. You, despite all of everything, have made my life less shitty.

SORREL
No I haven’t! You’re on a death quest!

CARTER
You brought me into a world of magic.

SORREL
Why do you want to be in so much? Magic is terrible. It’s impossible to understand, the rules you can understand are unfair and you don’t deserve to die and you will, and that’s my fault.

CARTER
You said it yourself, I chose to be here. I’m not leaving. Not now, not then, not ever. We’re going to do this banishment spell and we’re going to-

SORREL
Get over! Get over!

CARTER
Shit, Mèabh’s really after us. She’s like two cars behind again. I’m going eighty.

SORREL
Yeah, no shit. She’s a revenant, she can’t actually die. She just respawns, like a video game.

[Sound of a phone dial tone in the background]

CARTER
What’re you doing?

SORREL
Calling her?

CARTER
Is that a good idea?

SORREL
No.

CARTER
She hates you, right?

SORREL
Yeah, I may be responsible for their first death.

CARTER
Don’t call them, I can shake them.

SORREL
I don’t think you can.

CARTER
Just trust me.

[phone dialing tone stops, Sorrel hangs up the phone]

SORREL
Okay, let’s go.

CARTER
Shit, shit, stay out of my lane.

SORREL
She’s trying to run us over, I think getting in your lane is the point.

CARTER
Sorrel, not right now.

SORREL
I told you, we could die.

CARTER
I told you, I wasn’t going anywhere. I promise, I’m here to stay, the whole time, no matter what happens.

SORREL
I’m gonna try a spell, I’m not good at magic though.

CARTER
Anything could help.

SORREL
Please, mother of the sea, bring us under, bring us in. Shit, shit shit, it’s coming.

CARTER
Keep going, please!

SORREL
I can’t save us! I can’t save you!

CARTER
Try something! Anything!

[A huge whoosh!]
[CRASH! A series of sounds, car crash sounds.]

SORREL
You have wings! Carter? Carter!

[traffic ambiance fades out, “Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah fades in]

ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore is written by Mik Koats. Carter is voiced by Orion Ibert. Sorrel is voiced by Mik Koats. Maebh was voiced by Lilith Costo. This episode was edited by Orion Ibert. Special thanks to our supporters on Patreon and Ko-Fi. Find more about how to support us and to access transcripts and captioned videos at transmissionfolklore.com. This episode’s cryptid is the person you used to be. Whatever you do, don’t capture them on video.

[music fades out]

EPISODE 08: NEBRASKA-- TRANSMISSION
Captioned Video Coming Soon

Google Docs Link

ANNOUNCER
Hey! Thanks for picking up this episode of Transmission Folklore! After going on today's ride, consider stretching your legs and going for a run with And 195, a podcast about a magical runner with no sense of direction. Stay tuned until the end of the episode to hear about the strange portals And 195 can send you to.

This episode of Transmission Folklore has content warnings for the following: general themes of murder and drowning, dealing with the aftermath of a car crash, mild eye gore and blood mention, mention of blood in a way can be similar to describing menstrual blood, mention of death, a meditation segment similar to those used to fall asleep, echo-y voice effects, and sounds of physical distress. Please do what you need to take care of yourself.

VOICEMAIL
You have three missed voicemails. First missed voicemail:

SORREL
You have my attention.

Emery, you’re right. I am not a good person; not marginally. I am not the kind of person who you want to bring home to your parents. I’m not the kind of person you sneak up the backstairs. I’ve lied to people, including you. I’ve hurt people, including you. I’ve broken a lot of promises, to every one of our friends. But here’s the thing. I’m done with that. Done treating folks like shit.

Ever had a fae manipulate you into being a better person?

VOICEMAIL
End of message. Second missed voicemail:

SORREL
I don’t like you. I don’t like the way you treated me when we were dating and I don’t like who I was when we dated; there are some people you never want to be again. We’re like the water. You used to say rivers were never the same because water flowed, we didn’t have stagnant, still rivers. “How much water has to be changed before it’s a completely different entity?”

We’re like that. How many cells are replaced in me before I’m a new person? How many thoughts, feelings, experiences? I’m not a different person than who I was when we dated, but all my water has flowed downstream. I’m not sure what this is supposed to be… Whatever, ignore this one. And answer your fucking phone. Your plan failed.

VOICEMAIL
End of message. Third missed voicemail:

SORREL
I’m assuming Mèabh got back to you. I sincerely hope the two of you get the hell out of dodge. I’m not gonna kill you. I made a promise and despite all my flaws, I’m not stupid enough to break a promise with a fae. But man, I wish I was. You make me that stupid.

We were bad for each other, don’t you think? I didn’t used to think that, I mean, it’s hard to want to kill the person you love. And I did love you, for a time. But this isn’t that time, this is not when I see you and tell you I’m so sorry the way things have gone. I’m not sorry. I won’t lie about that. Because you made my life such a shit show- I used to feel sorry, for a long time. Sorry that I’d stopped loving you, that I couldn’t make things better for you. Sorry that you felt so bad, because I thought, for a long time, that I was personally responsible for your well being. And then, these past few months, I felt like everything there’s ever been has been my fault; I personally dragged this kid into hell, I was going to get us killed. He’s resilient though. And apparently, when put to the test, he soars.

So I’m not going to kill you, but you’re not going to win. It’s not my fault everything that’s happened to you. It’s not my fault what’s going to happen to Carter. But I promise, he better not die.

Because, I won’t kill you, but you’ll wish I had.

VOICEMAIL
End of messages.

[intro music fades in-- “Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah]

ANNOUNCER
The Lavender Lemonade Collective presents Transmission Folklore.

[intro music fades out]

SOCK
Is he breathing at least?

SORREL
Sock, he’s breathing. Can you help him? I don’t know how to keep him alive.

SOCK
Well, you got the right doctor.

SORREL
You’re not a doctor.

SOCK
You got the right healer, whatever. Do you have anything to give?

SORREL
I mean, not much?

SOCK
C’mon, you know I can’t make something from nothing.

SORREL
All we’ve got is the car, some clothes. I’ve got some hair, skin, and scales. Is any of that going to be useful?

SOCK
What?

SORREL
Anything I can use. Can you save him?

SOCK
I can try. What exactly happened again?

SORREL
Emery sent Meabh after us and just, completely wrecked everything. The passenger’s side is smashed, and the front light doesn’t work. The back end is in the best shape, but who does that help? There’s pillows and blankets and snacks back there, so grab some I guess.

SOCK
How’d you get the car down here like that?

SORREL
I’m gonna be real, I don’t know. I watched from the passenger side window as Meabh had crashed into us and she vanished from her vehicle and then I couldn’t see anything. It was all horrible.

SOCK
The car got hit on the passenger side though? The side you had been on?

SORREL
Yeah, it sucked. Now the door on that side doesn’t open. I had push him over the center console to crumple him in there.

SOCK
I just don’t understand how you didn’t get hurt. Magic?

SORREL
Not mine. I can’t cast anything that fast and I only really know magic to destroy.

SOCK
What about him?

SORREL
What about him?

SOCK
He’s fae.

SORREL
I just found that out. I don’t think he knew - he’s not a good liar and the only other fae he's met is Rowan.

SOCK
I’ve heard of shit like that before - if you’re raised by humans, sometimes your magic puberty takes longer. But extreme stress can trigger it.

SORREL
I’d say that was stress. So he cast a spell?

SOCK
I think so. What happened, do you remember?

SORREL
I don’t really. I screamed, and suddenly he had these massive wings - they barely fit inside the car. I closed my eyes, because I thought I was going to die. I mean, I had kind of accepted it, we were having this huge fight and I thought; this might as well be the end. Then the world got soft and I was surrounded by this soft, soft green. It was like I was back in the ocean and the foam surrounded me. For a minute, I thought I really had died. And then, I lived.

SOCK
I think he wrapped you up in his wings to keep you safe.

SORREL
I guess the fight wasn’t that serious.

SOCK
God, your car looks awful.

SORREL
Good thing we’re in Nebraska. Everyone’s car looks awful.

SOCK
A PT Cruiser stands out in Nebraska. I don't know if I'll be able to fix it.

SORREL
Phyrra Tuxedo Cruiser.

SOCK
What the heck?

SORREL
That’s what he named the car. Phyrra Tuxedo Cruiser. Since it’s black and there’s the chrome right here on the sides of the door and at the bottom. He told me that a lot. He loves this car.

SOCK
I’ll try to fix it; I’m not a mechanic though.

SORREL
I know, Sock.

SOCK
Are you okay?

SORREL
I’m as okay as I can be.

SOCK
You crashed the car-

SORREL
I got crashed into. I wasn’t even driving.

SOCK
You need to rest. I’ve got a pool, I can turn off the cleaning system and you can lie down.

SORREL
I want to be here.

SOCK
It’s gonna take a long time.

SORREL
I’m asking a lot of you, and I want to support you and him.

SOCK
Last time we talked you were so much more selfish.

SORREL
Yeah. Well, this shit has made me less of that.

SOCK
What happened? You used to be so much more lively. I know things fell out when you started dating Emery but-

SORREL
Things fell out slowly. It wasn’t because I started dating Emery. It was because I didn’t stop.

SOCK
What does that mean?

SORREL
It means shit hit like a storm. I met Emery in a stressful time in my life with our roleplay and with my dad wanting me to take over the family business.

SOCK
What do you guys do again? Extortion or something.

SORREL
No, we don’t do extortion - we ran the SAO group. I think officially in paperwork it’s Sailors Against Oil, but it’s Sirens Against Oil. He still runs it. I just - it’s not my scene. I can’t do the public speaking stuff, and I don’t think the president of the organization should just be decided by him. We got into a big huge fight at a college speaking event, and Emery was there. And they saw me when I went to get a coffee and they bought it for me. And they saw me. You know, they didn’t know me as SOA kid, he didn’t misgender me. The first thing they did was ask my pronouns. And I hadn’t met a lot of trans sirens.

SOCK
You knew us though. I mean, your friends.

SORREL
But you guys are across the states. I visit Rowen and Horatio whenever the summer is out, and I see you once every couple of years. And you guys get it more - We talk about how ineffective glamor magic is for our tails and wings and tree limbs, but I hadn’t talked to someone about how gross tail bleeds are in a long time.

SOCK
You told us.

SORREL
And you guys nodded and said ‘that sucks’ but Emery told me about how when their tail bleeds, it’s this brown blood, and they were worried it was an issue and I told them I had been worried about mine because it was bright red and I was worried about taking testosterone because of that and they said they had no changes on T and they liked my hair and my scales and everything and I liked that. We clicked so well and there’s this part of you that, when you click you want to click, completely and deeply with someone, you want to tell them everything, every minute and so, when they ask you to stay home when you used to go out, you do. Because it bothers them to go out and it doesn’t matter to you either way.

SOCK
And you stopped talking to Rowan?

SORREL
I stopped talking to everyone. I had consumed myself. And we had a huge fight, Rowen and I. They came down to see me, in July and I told them I was unhappy with this relationship and Rowan said I should dump Emery.

SOCK
Yeah but Rowan hates Emery.

SORREL
Which is what I said. But Rowan was right, why drag out something joyless? We fought because I wasn’t ready to admit how miserable I was. And Rowan and I didn’t talk a few months. They said to see them when I dumped Emery.

SOCK
It took you this long?

SORREL
I was embarrassed.

SOCK
We all get embarrassed.

SORREL
This isn’t about Emery though. Can you fix Carter?

SOCK
He’s got significant damage to his aura. I’m not sure how bright it was before, but it’s so dim now. I can barely make out the man within. Have you talked to him?

SORREL
I mean, sorta. He doesn’t register much right now.

SOCK
I think it’d be hard for me to pull him out - but you two have history, we can bring you into Reflective Space and you can talk to him. Bring him back to his body.

SORREL
I’m not a motivational speaker.

SOCK
You don’t have to be. Just be his friend.

SORREL
I-

SOCK
I’m gonna work on trying to heal his body. I can get the bones unbroken, I can realign his muscular tissue. I can fix this eye and get the glasses out of it. But I can’t heal an aura. You need to bring him back to the body.

SORREL
I will.

SOCK
Let me get my stuff out to get you in. We can do it in the bathtub. It might take a while, you’ll need to be at your fullest. You need your tail out.

SORREL
How will I move with a tail in the Reflective Space?

SOCK
You create the world between worlds. Now shut up, I’m drawing a bath.

[tub faucet turns on]

SORREL
If I get him out, he’ll be okay, right?

SOCK
I don’t know. If you get him out, he’ll probably live.

SORREL
Does everyone get this nervous about it?

SOCK
Yeah. But you’re Sorrel. You’ve gone to the Reflective Space before.

SORREL
I’ve never had to pull anyone out.

SOCK
You don’t pull, you nudge. Get on in the water.

[Sorrel gets into the water. Their tail transforms.]

SORREL
It’s cold.

SOCK
Yeah, this apartment sucks big bad. The water heater breaks every ten minutes. Alright, I’m gonna lay his body down on the floor and work on him while you are gone. Your hands will be touching the whole time, and you just have to bring him back to his body. I’m gonna bring you down there, to the Reflective Space.

Just, relax your body and look into the water. Feel your feet slowly start to sink into the other side, and how heavy they’ve become. Feel your ankles following, sinking, sinking so heavy. And that sinking slowly makes its way up, your calves are taken to the Reflective Space, and your knees follow, and your thighs, your hips, until you’re in the Reflective Space up to your waist. [soothing tone, music fades in-- “Empty Pavements” by Ketsa] It climbs your spine, taking you under to your chest, up to your shoulders and you feel it taking flight through your arms, sinking you down further past your shoulders and into your bicep, down to your elbows and it stretches through each arm, engulfing your wrists and each and every fingertip. With your arms taken to the Reflective Space, your neck sinks, and so does your mouth, taking your nose down and your ears, and eyes and you are there. [Sock’s voice fades out]

[each voice in the Reflective Space has an echo-y, ghost-like effect on it]

SORREL
Hello? Cool, awesome, how do I do this? Um, Carter? Hey, Carter, it’s Sorrel. I want you to wake up. Jesus, it’s dark here. It’s like there’s nothing - just me, and my tail and this inky black reflection… Carter?

CARTER
Don’t get closer.

SORREL
Carter!

CARTER
Where are we?

SORREL
This is the Reflective Space. It’s a place between worlds. You get stuck when your aura’s drained.

CARTER
How do you know everything?

SORREL
I don’t. I just know about magic.

CARTER
I don’t!

SORREL
I know.

CARTER
How did I not know I had wings?

SORREL
Hey-- hey, can I sit next to you? I’ve got my tail, and the Reflective Space kind of adapts to you, so there’s water around me.

CARTER
Like a pool?

SORREL
A little. I need you to come home.

CARTER
I have a home. It’s my mom’s house in North Dakota. It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been - she had this big farmhouse with three acres. It’s not big for farm standards, but three acres was so big for my family. It was me, Clare and mom - my cis mom, Adelyn, not Bianca. Adelyn had a lot of issues, but when I think of home, I think of that farmhouse. It was two stories high - three if you count the attic. The river is not my home, we’ve been following a stupid river to try and stop someone who tried to kill us - I guess, killed us.

SORREL
No, no Carter, we’re not dead. We’re in transition. [music fades out] And I’m only here to bring you home to your body.

CARTER
How did I grow wings?

SORREL
Hey, North Dakota is on the way to Montana. We’ll visit your mom, we’ll ask her. She might have the answers.

CARTER
I don’t want to talk to her tonight. I can picture that farmhouse. It was seafoam green. It shone in landlocked North Dakota. It bubbled up against the sky and I thought this must be what a crashing wave looks like. I hadn’t seen the sea when I was little - I only got to visit Bianca in high school when she moved closer to the ocean. But when I was like ten? No sea. I just had to imagine. And when I finally got to see it? The sea wasn’t much. It certainly wasn’t sea foam green. Crayola lied to me.

SORREL
You haven’t seen a beautiful ocean. I’ve seen water that makes the sea foam green crayon look dull.

CARTER
I’m so tired.

SORREL
I know. It’s bad. But I’ve got someone who’s helping to make your body hurt less. And I’m not gonna let her do that again.

CARTER
How?

SORREL
I’ve got magic. My magic is mostly destructive, so all I can really do is defense. I’m gonna make Phyrra Tuxedo Cruiser a monster. The way a mama bear is. But I need you there.

CARTER
I’m weak.

SORREL
Carter, you saved me. You wrapped your wings around me - your sea foam wings - around me and stopped the crash from hurting me. Do I look hurt?

CARTER
I can’t see your legs.

SORREL
I don’t normally have legs. It’s magic, it’s a glamor spell. Just like how Rowen normally has wings but most people can’t see them. I can show you how to do that. But not here. Magic doesn’t really work in a reflection. I need you to take my hand, and we’re gonna go home.

CARTER
This is the scariest thing that’s ever happened to me.

SORREL
I know. But I’m here, and I’m going to help.

CARTER
You think my mom would actually know something?

SORREL
I do. Even if it’s from Bianca’s side, enough fae blood that you have wings? There’s no way your mom wouldn’t notice that if she’d been with someone long enough to have a kid together.

CARTER
How would Emery do a thing like that?

SORREL
Emery doesn’t listen to the same rules you do. Most magic users don’t. But I will. And we’ll go home and fix the car.

CARTER
And then everything will be okay again?

SORREL
I wish I could tell you that.

CARTER
Why can’t you lie to me?

SORREL
Because it’s not going to help. Look, everything is not okay. We can’t un-go through a car crash. You’re going to be in some pain. Phyrra is kind of fucked up.

CARTER
This is also not helpful.

SORREL
I’m not finished. We can fix the car, and we can keep going. We’ve got a lot to do. But we’re going to go to North Dakota and talk to your mom. And then we’re going to Montana and head back to fix everything. It’s a long road, but we’re halfway there. I want to keep going. Before I met you I was content to die in silence. I refuse to do that. I refuse to let you go out in a crescendo either. This keeps happening. We’re so close.

CARTER
Okay. Give me your hand.

SORREL
I can’t promise we won’t get hurt again, but we will make it.

CARTER
You’ve got a lot of friends all over.

SORREL
I did a lot of roleplaying.

[The two come to. “Small Hours” by Chad Crouch plays] Carter immediately notices his own pain and gasps]

SOCK
Hi, I’m Sock! She/her! I’m sorry this hurts.

CARTER
It hurts.

SORREL
Keep on keeping on. I’m gonna go find some stuff to get him a hot toddy. It’s not magic, it just works.

CARTER
(choked) Stay.

SORREL
Yeah, yeah. Here, take my hand.

SOCK
Hey, by the way Sorrel, your phone has rung three times.

SORREL
How long was I out?

SOCK
Like five hours.

Carter makes pain noise.

SORREL
Emery… Should I call them?

SOCK
Can you stomach it?

SORREL
I’ve got to hear them eventually.
[the phone dials]
Hello?

EMERY
What do you mean fae?

SORREL
Hello to you too.

EMERY
Answer the question.

SORREL
Exactly that Emery, what the fuck do you want me to mean?

EMERY
This was supposed to be over. I’m tired Sorrel.

SORREL
Me too. Look, it can be over.

EMERY
And go home a loser? No. I will not lose this war.

SORREL
It’s not a war. It’s just miserable people fighting. I’m tired of being miserable. Call it off.

EMERY
You’re scared.

SORREL
Not for me and not for you.

EMERY
You’re scared for the fae? Sorrel, he’s far more powerful than us.

SORREL
For Carter? Yes.

EMERY
Is he alive?

SORREL
Why do you care?

EMERY
I like that one.

SORREL
Heard y’all chatted.

EMERY
We did.

SORREL
Call off Méabh. Let’s deal with this.

EMERY
You’ve hurt so many people for so long. It’s not just me - Méabh and Rowen.

SORREL
Rowen forgave me. And it was your fault!

EMERY
Méabh didn’t.

SORREL
That’s between us, not you. Call it off.

EMERY
You can’t keep hurting people. I’ll drown you myself no matter who sees.

SORREL
You can try. Goodbye Emery.

[Sorrel hangs up.]

SOCK
Are you okay?

SORREL
No. Not by a long shot.

SOCK
Want to talk about it?

SORREL
No. I want to be right here. I’m right here, Carter.
[Carter makes a sound.]
I’m right here.

Some time later.

SOCK
I did the best I can do. You’re going to live, but here’s the deal dude, you’re not going to be able to drive for a few days though - there’s a lot of pain killing happening in your system and it sucks driving with magic.

SORREL
He’s okay though?

SOCK
Can you drive Sorrel?

SORREL
I’m gonna have to. We have to banish Emery.

SOCK
I missed you. You can stay a few days. You don’t have to go.

SORREL
Thank you, for saving him.

SOCK
Don’t go. You look so tired.

SORREL
But I don’t want anything to happen to you either, Sock.

SOCK
You have a home with us. Both of you do. Rowen and Horatio and I, you have a home here.

SORREL
I fucked that up a while ago.

SOCK
You were in a bad place. You’re still there, but you apologized, you’re not the same person you were before, but you’re not the person you were in the middle. You deserve to be happy and to live a good life. Okay? You deserve that. Take the boy, take him up to Canada or wherever you’re going, and stop Emery. You two deserve to be happy.

SORREL
Thanks Sock. I’m sorry. For everything that happened. You didn’t deserve it.

SOCK
Do better than before. It’s all you can do.
(a beat)
There’s one more thing. Carter, look at me. It was a lot of broken body bits and I don’t know how much you know, but magic has rules. And one of those rules is you can’t make something out of nothing - half of spell ingredients are just to have something to bind to. We didn’t have a lot here, so part of your body was repaired with the transmission. You had a really weird blood thing going on, so I used parts of the transmission - not the iron bits, I don’t want to hurt you.

CARTER
[Semi-lucid sound.]

SOCK
Tell him when he’s lucid, okay Sorrel? Does he know anything about faeries?

SORREL
Wings.

SOCK
The point is, Carter, you have to keep this car alive. It’s bound to you now.

SORREL
We’ve been making it work so far. Can the passenger door open now?

SOCK
Yeah. You sure you don’t want to stay? Heal up? You look worse for wear. I’m worried about you, Sorrel.

SORREL
So you’re worried now? Don’t be, I’m very hard to kill. Like a cockroach.

SOCK
Not funny. I’m worried about you. I don’t want you to get caught. I’ll come back to see you. You have my number. I had to text it to Rowen the other day.

SORREL
Thank you for having us and helping us. Carter, I’m going to pick you up now, okay? [Carter groans] We’re going to get in the car and we’re gonna drive to find your mom. I promised you we’d go to her, so we’re going.

I love you, Sock.

SOCK
I love you too. Now please, be safe.

[“Pilot” by Lately Kind of Yeah fades in]

ANNOUNCER
This episode of Transmission Folklore is written by Mik Koats. Carter is voiced by Orion Ibert. Sorrel is voiced by Mik Koats. Sock is voiced by Mary McGill and Emery is voiced by Tal Minear.

Special thanks to our supporters on Patreon and Ko-Fi. Find more about how to support us and to access transcripts and captioned videos at transmissionfolklore.com.

This episode’s cryptid is the reflection in the mirror space. Don't look too hard, they're self-conscious.
[music fades out]

THE RUNNER
A wise man once said that 42 was the answer to the universe, life, and everything. For me, they’re the kilometers I have to run during a race: 42, and a little bit more. Of course, things would be much easier if I didn’t get lost every time. My sense of direction isn’t bad; it simply doesn’t exist. Not even magic can help with that-- and I’ve tried. Trust me, I’m kind of an expert.

Oh, I forgot to mention, I may run for fun and repair clocks for work, but I’m a witch by heritage. My family has always dealt with magic, for as long as we can remember. Each has their own particular talent. Mine is… peculiar.

See, when I get lost, I get truly lost. You may end up in an unknown part of the city; I find myself in other dimensions. Each time its a discovery. I know one thing: If I keep moving, I’ll come home.

ANNOUNCER
Listen to And 195 on your favorite podcasting app.