Hollower | UNEND | Season 3, Episode 4

Added: 2026-04-29

[00:00:00]Here in the shimmering memorycape of the improbable oasis, the crew stare at Mother Artifice, who is not staring at them because he is pretending to play with some salamanders.

[00:00:14]Well, who's to say he's pretending? He picks up a mosscovered stick and gently offers it to the critters clinging to a dense tendril of red lychen where it drapes into a tide pool.

[00:00:29]They swarm around the stick, crawling over one another to investigate it with curious little flicks of their spiral tongues.

[00:00:38]>> Without turning his head, Mother Artifus says at a surprisingly normal volume.

[00:00:44]Come closer. It will be easier to keep this conversation covert if you stay near to me. We don't want your past selves to become suspicious of my behavior.

[00:00:56]Felix looks vaguely horrified. the gears in his head spinning as meaninglessly as the gears in his clocks.

[00:01:04]>> Uh, I don't seem to recall that we did suspect anything, so I guess we won't.

[00:01:13]>> Good. Then we should be safe to talk.

[00:01:16]>> Everett's eyes are brimming with tears.

[00:01:20]She reaches out to touch Artifice's shoulder and finds it solid and real in a way that nothing else in this place has been. It is as reassuring as it is devastating. Arty, if you're here now, does that mean I'm not here now? I was here then.

[00:01:44]>> Everett sways on her feet, gripping mother artifice's shoulder with something like desperation.

[00:01:50]>> But you can see us. You could talk to us. So maybe you're not really.

[00:01:54]>> Uh, maybe we shouldn't tell him. Cleo interjects, but Artifice finishes Everett's sentence anyway.

[00:02:03]>> Not really dead.

[00:02:07]>> The group just looks at him mutely.

[00:02:11]Steve is quiet and Dot is remarkably and almost eerily neutral, evidencing very little reaction at seeing their late mentor again.

[00:02:26]>> Rawfield is watching them closely.

[00:02:30]>> Artifice reaches up to touch Everett's fingers in a gesture that could pass for innocuously rubbing his shoulder. Black gloved fingers skim over iridescent scar speckled skin and she trembles at the contact.

[00:02:47]>> Your present experience of the past does not change the future. If I died, then I am dead.

[00:02:56]>> Everett shakes her head violently.

[00:02:58]>> But did you die? We just assumed we didn't actually see your body or anything. You said something about protecting us and then we went from one cosmos to another and you were just gone. One cosmos to a what? Oh, yep.

[00:03:13]That would do it. Sorry for your loss, but surely you have more pressing matters to discuss.

[00:03:19]>> Yeah, they do. Everyone starts talking at once.

[00:03:22]>> Except for Dot, who is standing back a little, watching quietly. And Steve, who is stalk still, silent, head pupil fixed on Artifice, darting occasionally between him and the granddaughter.

[00:03:38]Artifice stands from the salamander nest and begins a slow exploratory stroll around the surrounding tide pools.

[00:03:47]>> His inongruous moon boots crunch softly over the fine micica sand.

[00:03:52]>> The crew mates all follow like a crowd of reporters swarming around a politician. Or perhaps more like ducklings struggling to keep up with their mother. Only Dot and Steve seem free of urgent desperation to ask Mother Artifice as many questions as possible as fast as possible.

[00:04:15]>> Did you know there were other cosmoses?

[00:04:17]>> Are we back in ours?

[00:04:19]>> Did we do it? Did my lights lead us to the right place?

[00:04:22]>> How do we get out of here?

[00:04:23]>> Do you know what those shadow things were?

[00:04:25]>> What is this place?

[00:04:27]>> You are within the hall of doors.

[00:04:30]>> Okay. Yeah, but what is that? A place you should not linger.

[00:04:36]>> We'd love not to linger, >> Mickey interjects.

[00:04:40]>> But we don't have much choice if we don't know how to leave. Hallways are forgetting places. It is their purpose.

[00:04:48]Any hallway will inevitably take you elsewhere as long as you keep going. As long as you do not forget your destination.

[00:04:57]our destination.

[00:04:59]>> Cleo says within the doors, within these memories, she still brightens and dims like a firefly.

[00:05:08]>> We're just trying to get back to our own cosmos. It seems like my bioluminescence has some kind of relationship to where I am in relation to home. I thought I figured out how it worked. We were using it to navigate, but now what is this supposed to mean? She thrusts her blinking forearm toward Artifice's face.

[00:05:31]Navigating the hall is not like navigating any other space. But that is a very interesting phenomenon you got there. Very worth meditating upon.

[00:05:40]>> I already did. It was a whole thing. It felt very conclusive. I'm a compass.

[00:05:46]>> Do not be so quick to equate yourself to an object, Cleophy. Self-nowledge is not linear. You can be completely sure of something one day and have a total change of heart the next. The answer lies within yourself, and it is up to you.

[00:06:01]>> Oh no, you're not getting out of it that easily.

[00:06:05]>> Merlin cuts in, ratcheting up a little taller with his backwardly bending bular legs.

[00:06:10]>> How many answers lie inside of you? If you are aware of us now, then you knew all of this was going to happen to us.

[00:06:18]Why didn't you warn us? Are all mothers conscious of different points in time?

[00:06:24]Oh, I'm I'm Merlin, by the way. That's the bular man. He's biological now.

[00:06:29]>> Interesting.

[00:06:30]>> Yeah. Why wouldn't you tell us what's about to happen? How much do you know?

[00:06:34]Is this time travel after all?

[00:06:37]>> No, Felix. This is not time travel because there is no time >> at this. Felix begins to yell incoherently.

[00:06:46]back. Nothing is moving from moment to moment because there are no moments.

[00:06:52]This is not a point in time. It is always right here. None of it has ever happened. Only this has ever happened.

[00:07:02]And it is not happening to anyone or for anyone. It is just reality or unreality unfolding. A flow of appearances as appearances. There is no watcher, no experiencer apart.

[00:07:18]>> Merlin's eyes blink off.

[00:07:21]>> Okay, well, this is definitely the real Artifus.

[00:07:26]>> Felix has slapped a hand to his head.

[00:07:28]>> But you could have warned us, prevented all the bad stuff that's happened to us.

[00:07:35]>> That is not how this works.

[00:07:37]>> But you knew.

[00:07:38]>> I only know what you tell me. And so far you have not told me much, nor should you tell me more. Hassle me not about what I could or could not have done or said to you in the past. Hear what I am telling you now. The hall is a very dangerous place to be without a mother at minimum. Use it as halls are intended to be used to get somewhere else.

[00:08:04]Speaking of somewhere else, somewhere else just over there. The biological man is watching the past bular man trump around robotically in the oasis.

[00:08:17]He feels nostalgic, creeped out, amazed at how far he's come. Maybe all of the above. He can still recall his history logs of this event, records of words spoken, steps traveled, obstacles avoided, instructions carried out. But those memories, if you can even call them that, are devoid of feeling.

[00:08:48]Things were so much simpler back then.

[00:08:51]People told him what to do and he did it. In a way, he misses it. Felix nudges him.

[00:08:59]>> Hey, biomman. You okay?

[00:09:05]>> In the distance, a laugh from teeny tiny past Haming getting licked by a salamander.

[00:09:12]>> You look a little out of it.

[00:09:14]>> Felix shakes his head wearily. It's not just you, though. I think it's all of us. It's hard to remember which me I'm supposed to be being. For you, that must be extra weird.

[00:09:29]>> Brazen of you to enter a memory that you are all a part of. You may find such recollections to be the most difficult to withdraw from in your transit of the hall. Oh, but of course, you are not all a part of it.

[00:09:48]Like a search light, Artifus fully turns his attention now to Steve.

[00:09:56]Hello.

[00:10:01]Steve freezes. His lights flicker and his rhinosized bulk seems to quake for a second under the gaze of mother artifice. yet as nonchalantly as he can, >> which is not very nonchalantly.

[00:10:16]>> He says, "Hello, I'm Steve."

[00:10:24]There is a moment as Steve and Artifice regard one another until the mother crouches again at the side of another pool and continues to prod around the salamanders with his stick. Rawfield steps forward now, her mouth tight like she's been chewing her lip. Artifus, we have to talk to you while we have you since we don't have you anymore. Where we're from, when we're from.

[00:10:55]>> One moment, please. And he turns to Shauna Marian, who is jogging up to speak with him.

[00:11:02]>> Hey, uh, mother, I'm sure you're being careful, but Zela doesn't really want us poking at the wildlife. Shaamarian stoops at the tide pool, four hands on her two knees oblivious to the large spectral crowd gathered nearby who are peering at her fondly, sorrowfully, wistfully. Cute little lizard guys, though. Darn.

[00:11:28]>> Artifice yells in his usual manner, dropping the mossy twig.

[00:11:32]>> Very well, I will adhere more strictly to a policy of non-intervention.

[00:11:37]He stands once more and seems to turn a pointed glance in the direction of the lingering group. Thank you for the reminder, Bosen. You betcha. Call her if you need anything. And Shauna departs with a manyhanded wave.

[00:11:53]>> Zila watches her go.

[00:11:56]Should we tell him about her and the others?

[00:12:01]>> No, Artifus says probably shouldn't. and he turns back to Rawfield. Ripley, you were saying, >> "While we have this opportunity, could you please examine the granddaughter? In order to bring us here from where we were before, they they have exerted themselves. I would feel much better if a mother could look at them."

[00:12:21]>> Artifice merely glances at Dot.

[00:12:24]>> You tended to their recovery yourself, doctor.

[00:12:27]>> To the best of my ability. In that case, I have nothing to offer you except my congratulations.

[00:12:34]They appear to be up and about. More than can be said of me, apparently.

[00:12:40]>> And to dot, >> you do not feel unwell, granddaughter.

[00:12:45]>> No, I do not. H Nevertheless, mothers and their like must be particularly cautious in the hall of doors.

[00:12:53]>> And to Steve. You as well. Steve's brain lights flash with alarm. He seems uncharacteristically lost for words. His attention glob is laser focused on the mother.

[00:13:07]>> Me you.

[00:13:11]>> Steve's brain flickers, erratic, darting again between Artifice and the granddaughter.

[00:13:17]>> All right.

[00:13:19]>> Okay, but why?

[00:13:21]>> Merlin raises his hands in exasperation.

[00:13:25]Explain right now. Enough of these slipping vagaries. You have no idea what we've been through, what we're still going through. We need your help. This is no time for brittleles and cryptic motherliness. It is clearer now than ever that you have always known many things that you've withheld. And if you care for us and our survival of this dire situation, then help us by sharing that knowledge. could tell us everything, anything right now, please.

[00:13:58]We may not make it otherwise.

[00:14:01]>> Artifice is examining Merlin wordlessly.

[00:14:05]In the distance, past human Merlin and past Cleophy are picking pearly red orbs from a cascade of vines.

[00:14:14]>> You presume I have the answers, Merlin.

[00:14:18]>> I presume you have some answers. And right now, every single answer counts.

[00:14:25]>> You seek the missing pieces, and you are never satisfied as your constant seeking continually reinforces your sense of lack. Let go of the need for answers, Merlin. You already possess all that you require. You all do.

[00:14:44]>> Felix scoffs. Okay, great. But that doesn't really help us in any meaningful way. Whatever comes is already in the right part of us.

[00:14:53]>> Merlin seizes him. Bular hands clamping around cloaked shoulders.

[00:14:59]>> No riddles. You say we should not linger here. So tell us how to escape. Tell us.

[00:15:06]Do you know how we can get home?

[00:15:09]>> I have already suggested to you how you can get home.

[00:15:13]>> Artifus says, >> "Move along." And with respect to your insinuation that I possess vast secret knowledge of all things, all that I know for sure is that I ultimately know very little of that. I can promise you I am certain.

[00:15:32]Merlin releases Artifice wearily.

[00:15:36]Artifice does not seem perturbed.

[00:15:39]>> I am dead, >> he says.

[00:15:42]>> I am gone.

[00:15:44]You already know more about the future than I ever will. Many have lost their minds, seeking answers within the hall instead of within their own present reality.

[00:16:00]A profound silence descends over the curious crew.

[00:16:05]During that silence, they observe the very alive, not spaghettified, foldlight expert, Ephraim Amos, scurrying differentially in Mother Artifice's direction, winding around tide pools in his microof boots.

[00:16:19]>> Mother Artifice, may I have a word with you?

[00:16:22]>> Artifice whispers hurriedly.

[00:16:25]>> Do not allow yourself to be swallowed by the past or you will become a major problem for yourself and others. There are entities who haunt the hall who have made this mistake before.

[00:16:38]>> Yes, Efim. What can I help you with?

[00:16:40]>> I'm sorry, mother. I just finished with the spare bulb synchronization and ran into a few more of those minor errors we've been encountering. When it hit me, the fold light hit you?

[00:16:53]>> No. No, mother sir. I I mean to say I had an epiphany. Even though the bulbs are essentially identical, the sync errors, they might be representative of their own individualized records of particular moments conflicting with each other. While the fold light is directly piloting the ship, for example, the spare has been dormant in its cabinet, creating its own idiosyncratic memory logs. Artifice nods his broad hammerheaded headdress.

[00:17:28]>> Ah, yes. Perhaps acting as though they are one and the same has been a flawed premise from the beginning. They are individuals with their own unique experiences and providing a tolerance for disperate perspectives may help with their synchronization. Exactly what I was thinking. Now, I I'd love to get your take on the report, if you'll indulge me, but evidently there's some kind of aquatic orgy going on over there. That sounds like it's a sight to see. I'm going to take a look, but I'll be back at the bulb desk afterwards.

[00:18:02]Give it a think, and I look forward to your insights.

[00:18:05]>> Artifice offers a little salute.

[00:18:08]>> Yes, thank you, Mr. Amos. I'll be right there.

[00:18:11]Ephraim scurries away and Artifus turns back to his spectral visitors.

[00:18:16]>> You had better be on your way. I understand you are frustrated by a lack of absolute clarity about all matters, but that is only because you do not trust yourselves as I trust you. What you require, you already possess. It will not come from me nor from any other figment of the past.

[00:18:37]Release control. accept the journey, >> Dot says simply, breaking their long silence.

[00:18:45]>> And Artifus turns to them slowly.

[00:18:49]>> Yes, exactly.

[00:18:51]Wise words. I couldn't have said it better myself. Anyway, I have to go, so I must bid you all too low. Everett hugs him abruptly.

[00:19:01]>> Then so does Mickey and Haming with the great force of a normalsized man.

[00:19:06]>> You really are one of a kind, Artifus.

[00:19:08]You know that, right?

[00:19:10]>> Overcome by a swiftly cresting wave of emotion, the biological man rushes into the embrace, burying barely concealed tears in the fabric of Mother Artifice's robes.

[00:19:23]>> Cleo and Zela pile on.

[00:19:26]>> But the rest of those, thus far unnamed, do not. Artifus valiantly remains upright and relatively still under this barrage of affection.

[00:19:38]>> Merlin appears to take a shuddering breath.

[00:19:42]>> I Goodbye, Artifus.

[00:19:46]I want you to know that we will all miss you very much when you are gone. Riddles and all.

[00:19:54]One by one, with effort, but also with resolve, the crew turn back to the curtain of Lyken. They entered through their passage, leaving no footprints in the sparkling Micah sands as they head for the exit.

[00:20:09]>> Dot lingers behind, and they and their late mentor regard one another.

[00:20:17]>> You appear to be embracing the unknown gracefully, granddaughter.

[00:20:22]Well done. You alone out of your companions today had no questions about how your journey should be conducted.

[00:20:32]>> I have several, but this was not the moment for them.

[00:20:37]Indeed, it was not.

[00:20:40]>> And he turns away from the spectral crew heading toward the doorway back to the hall.

[00:20:45]>> But then he whips back around.

[00:20:46]>> Oh There is one thing I actually should tell you. Do not look at the paintings. Sorry. and all the excitement. I almost forgot that bit.

[00:20:53]That's very important.

[00:21:00]>> Thanks for listening to Unend. If you're enjoying the story, please rate and review to help someone new discover the cosmos.

[00:21:09]>> You can catch Unend every Wednesday anywhere you stream podcasts or through the Midst Podcast YouTube channel.

[00:21:16]>> If you're looking to dive deeper into the story, become a Beacon member at beacon.tv. TV or join the fold on midst.co to receive early adree access to episodes, behindthecenes exclusives, and lore expanding bonus content. Or if you just want to hear this podcast 2 weeks early and without ads, subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

[00:21:42]>> To stay uptodate on what's next in the cosmos, sign up for our newsletter on midst.co Co or find us on social media, Midstep Podcast.