Kareem

Hi everyone, it's Kareem, the voice of Simon Fairchild from the Magnus archives. Today I'm here to advertise Beck's End, an upcoming new audio drama that will be launching on the RQ Network. Beck's End is a folk horror audio drama about isolation, belief, radicalization and poses the question if redemption is possible. When floodwaters swallow an idyllic English Lake District village, a stranded journalist finds herself trapped in a rising tide of fear. Cut off from the outside world, she begins to uncover horrors, both human and biblical, lurking beneath the surface. If this intrigues you, you can support the creation of Beck's End on Kickstarter until the 17th of July. For more information on the show and to pledge your support, visit Becksend.com that's B E C K-S-E N D.com and you might recognise a voice here or there. Have fun and enjoy the episode.

Aura Advertiser

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever think about switching insurance companies to see if you could save some cash? Progressive makes it easy to see if you could save when you bundle your home and auto policies. Try it@progressive.com Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states.

Grow Therapy Advertiser

Everyone treats summer like it owes you happiness. Long days, pool parties, your best life on a loop. So what does it mean when you feel worse? The summer blues are real. It's why summer is one of the busiest stretches of the year for people starting Therapy Grow Therapy is here for all the moments when you decide you want more. More support, more clarity, more tools. Grow connects you with thousands of high quality licensed therapists across the US offering both virtual and in person sessions, nights and weekends. The therapist you want takes your insurance on Grow Grow grow accepts over 125 insurance plans. Sessions average $21 with insurance and some pay as little as $0 depending on their plan. Visit growtherapy.com acast today to get started. That's growtherapy.com acast growtherapy.com acast availability and coverage vary by state and insurance plan.

Coca-Cola Advertiser

Crisp, refreshing and unmistakably tasty. Ice cold coke zero sugar. It's the only drink with real co

Kareem

and zero sugar on the under $3 menu at McDonald's. A McChicken is $2 because when you're craving a McChicken you deserve a McChicken. And now that McChicken is just $2 limit time only.

McDonald's Advertiser

Prices and participation may vary.

LifeLock Advertiser

Prices may be higher for delivery. Lots of places can expose you to identity theft. Oh no that's why Lifelock monitors hundreds of millions of data points a second for threats to your identity, which is way more than anyone can do on their own. If we find anything like new loans or changes to your financial accounts, we alert you right away, all through text, phone, email or the Lifelock app. Get the alerts that could make all the difference. Save up to 30% your first year@lifelock.com podcast terms apply.

Grow Therapy Advertiser

Most people don't realize how much of their personal information is being bought and sold every day. Data brokers are making billions, pulling details about you from public records and the Internet, then packaging and selling it email, usually without your consent. That's how your information lands in the hands of scammers, spammers, even stalkers. It's why you get endless robocalls and why ads seem to follow you everywhere. That's where Aura comes in. Aura actively removes your data from broker sites and keeps it off. They also instantly alert you if your information shows up in a breach or on the dark web. But Aura goes beyond data protection. With one app, you get a vpn, antivirus, password manager, spam, call protection, dark web monitoring, and even up to $5 million in identity theft insurance. All backed by 24. 7 US based fraud support. Other companies might sell just credit monitoring or even just a vpn. Aura gives you all of it together at the same price competitors charge for just one service. Start your free trial today at aura.com safety. Protect yourself now@aura.com safety.

Shahan

Hi there, it's Shahan. Today we are sharing the first episode of a brand new Rusty Quill short series, Res High. In a distant future, a band of scavenging kids find a vintage VR system that becomes a gateway to a gamified recreation of an alien world. A 1970s British comprehensive school, all Josie Reflex and Dogwood know is the wild, unrecognizable landscape of the far future where they must fend for themselves and get by on their wits. To them, playing through the immersive levels of Res High, stopping Bull, snogging behind the bike sheds, or outsmarting the headmaster is completely surreal. Join them in this first episode of the series as they make their mysterious discovery. You can find the rest of the series by following the link in the description or by searching for the neon inkwell feed. Wherever you find podcasts. Enjoy the episode.

Josie

Rusty quill presents res high episode 1 old school. Hello? Is there anyone there?

Dogwood

Josie, Wait for us.

Josie

I've got a good feeling about this one.

Dogwood

It's a long dark tunnel with weird goop all over walls?

Josie

Yeah, why not?

Reflex

You're right. This is the way the Bipper never lies. Dogwood.

Dogwood

And does your Bippa say it's safe? I don't want to die down here.

Josie

You never tell us where you do want to die. It's making it hard to plan.

Reflex

It's here.

Josie

Sounds like there's something really good under there.

Dogwood

It's not just the water making the bib a bip, is it?

Reflex

Not unless that water's magnetic.

Dogwood

What are you doing?

Josie

I can't see through this water with my hand. Light. I'm going to feel about.

Dogwood

What are you doing? That's disgusting.

Josie

Reflex. Can you pinpoint it with that thing?

Reflex

Yes, it's. It's right there.

Josie

Right here. I found it.

Reflex

What is it? What is it, Josie? Slimy. What else? Very heavy.

Josie

What's that on the side?

Coca-Cola Advertiser

It.

Reflex

It saves res high and then. Welcome back to the best days. And then something else has worn off.

Josie

What do you think it is?

Reflex

I'll have to open it to find out. I'm not doing that until I dry it off properly.

Dogwood

Do you remember when Kemet and Quartz found the video screen?

Josie

This is much better than that.

Dogwood

Why?

Josie

We know what a video screen is. We learn nothing from finding one of those. This is something mysterious.

Dogwood

All right, but will this play? Video shows.

Josie

Do you remember how that screen just got torn apart for chips and bits?

Reflex

We needed zootron parts.

Josie

Well, before we hand this over to get torn up too.

Reflex

Yes, I do want a good look first.

Dogwood

And it's not dangerous.

Josie

Why would it be dangerous?

Reflex

The real problem are we getting here

Dogwood

past my mom and the electric eye.

Reflex

Well, the eye's been broken since two winters ago. But you don't know that. Dogwood.

Dogwood

Yes.

Reflex

You don't know that.

Dogwood

If it's so very heavy and really slimy, then I vote Josie carries it.

Livia

What?

Dogwood

She's got the muscles and that huge backpack.

Reflex

And I'm sure she'll be suitably careful with it.

Dogwood

And it were all her idea.

Reflex

She's absolutely the right woman for the job. 2 out of 3 votes carry it and I'll deal with my mum.

Josie

No, that's a terrible plan. Your mum always knows when you're lying.

Dogwood

Josie, everyone knows when you're lying.

Livia

Come up, Reflex.

Reflex

Hiya, Mum.

Josie

Hey, Mrs. Seven. What's up with Josie? That puddle was a lot deeper than it looked.

Livia

Ugh. You stink, kid.

Josie

Yeah, well, you live with reflex. You should be nose blind by now.

Livia

Oh, I'll have you know my beautiful girl smells like fresh water.

Josie

Yeah, and what does that smell of.

Reflex

Here's the hole, Mom.

Josie

Oh, a lot of rust today.

Dogwood

Loads of rubbish.

Livia

What happened to that big blip I sent you to?

Josie

Whatever blipped, it wasn't there anymore.

Livia

Don't tell me the Zootrons are on the blink again.

Reflex

It was probably a one off, but I'll check it out tomorrow. Mom.

Teacher/Authority Figure

Mom.

Reflex

Don't worry.

Josie

It got my hopes up. The size of that blip. We were all hopeful.

Kamet

Nothing there.

Reflex

If there was, we'd have found it.

Josie

Maybe.

Livia

I will send Kameh and Quartz to check tomorrow.

Josie

Be our guest.

Reflex

Check the next scans. Bum. I bet the blip will be gone. A phantom blip.

Josie

I know. We used to find a lot more.

Dogwood

There's always tomorrow.

Josie

Go on, you're holding up the queue.

Reflex

I'll be in the scran all at tea time, Mum.

Dogwood

See you later, Mrs. Seven.

Josie

Let's go. Get this thing running.

Reflex

I'll try.

Josie

Thanks, Reflex.

Reflex

Don't thank me yet. Let's meet after tea. I'll see if I can get it working.

Josie

Hey.

Dogwood

Am I late?

Josie

Reflexes even later.

Dogwood

I ate it up here. We should have met somewhere else.

Josie

No way. Give me the top three reasons you hate the bug room.

Dogwood

One, it's all the way at the top of the climb. Two, it's always really muggy. And three, all these boxes are disgusting things. Screwing and then eating each other. It's revolting.

Josie

And everyone else in Rivermill agrees this is the perfect place to meet in secret.

Dogwood

It's not like reflex to be late.

Josie

No, but it's a good sign. If the thing wouldn't work at all, she'd have given up.

Dogwood

What do you think it is?

Josie

Something absolutely ancient. I did try to work out what Res High might mean, but I couldn't. Or me, which makes it extra exciting.

Dogwood

You think it's something totally new?

Josie

No. Something ancient. Something forgotten.

Dogwood

But something we've never seen before. Yeah.

Josie

Filled with secrets from the past.

Dogwood

So you don't think we should just send it over?

Josie

No.

Dogwood

After what happened in Library, prepare to

Reflex

have your minds blown.

Josie

Here we go. So what is it?

Reflex

You've got to experience this for yourselves.

Dogwood

You're scaring me.

Reflex

No, no. It's nothing to be worried about. I think it's probably just a toy.

Josie

A. A toy?

Reflex

But not like any toy we've ever seen before.

Josie

Let me see.

Reflex

You'll do more than that. Sit down and get comfortable, Both of you.

Josie

Okay.

Reflex

We got really lucky. The case was pretty much watertight. Put this on your head.

Dogwood

Okay. On the head?

Reflex

Yeah. Around your head. And put yours on your head too. Like this.

Dogwood

This won't give me electric shocks, will it?

Teacher/Authority Figure

No.

Reflex

No.

Dogwood

I hope it doesn't make sort of noises.

Reflex

No, it's. It's nothing like that. But before I switch it on. Are you both comfortable?

Josie

Yes.

Dogwood

Yeah.

Reflex

See you inside.

Res High System Voice

What?

Josie

This doesn't. Where are we?

Reflex

We're sitting on the floor in the bug dome.

Dogwood

I can't hear the bugs or see

Reflex

them, or smell them. Or smell. Josie.

Josie

Am I dreaming?

Reflex

That's it. Something like that.

Josie

Are you seeing what I'm seeing?

Reflex

Well, that'll depend on what you're seeing.

Josie

A big frame.

Dogwood

Yeah, like a steamy window.

Res High System Voice

Character creation. Welcome back. Reflex.

Josie

Who's that?

Reflex

It's the thing, the Res High. It talks and understands what you say. Back to it.

Res High System Voice

New players. To create your character, step up to the mirror and imagine yourself.

Josie

Oh, it's a mirror.

Dogwood

Why am I so blurry?

Reflex

It looks in your mind. I think so. Imagine yourself. Let it see.

Josie

Then why am I dressed like this?

Reflex

Pretty much everybody here is. All the youngers. It must be some kind of costume.

Josie

What do you mean everybody here?

Dogwood

Who's here?

Res High System Voice

Character creation complete. Would you like to play the tutorial?

Dogwood

Yes.

Reflex

Steady. Or Dogwood.

Res High System Voice

Welcome to res high. It's the first morning of the new term, but before class begins, there's still some time to explore. Meet a few of the other students, take a look around. When you're ready for the school day to begin, head to the class and I'll take care of the rest.

Josie

Not exactly plain English, was it?

Dogwood

I'm up for a look around anyway.

Josie

Reflex. Where did all those people over there come from? Who are they?

Reflex

They're not real. They're part of the dream.

Dogwood

What a waste to a dream. Where's all the sword fighting and. And sex? I was gonna say kissing.

Teacher/Authority Figure

Sure.

Reflex

I wasn't absolutely convinced I'd get the same thing again, but this is exactly what happened to me. As if this particular dream is stored on this machine.

Josie

Like a recording of a dream. Or a memory. Maybe an ancient place. An ancient people.

Reflex

It might be.

Josie

This is not what I expected.

McDonald's Advertiser

Watch out, new kids.

Josie

Hello, ancient kid.

Teacher/Authority Figure

Watch your backs. Mad Monk is about. He finds every new kid sooner or later.

Dogwood

And then what?

McDonald's Advertiser

You'll find out.

Reflex

Hello. Can I ask you something? Something?

McDonald's Advertiser

What do you want?

Reflex

Just to ask a few things if.

McDonald's Advertiser

What do you want?

Reflex

Where is this?

McDonald's Advertiser

Restchester High. The crappiest comprehensive this side of the river.

Reflex

Right. What's a comprehensive?

McDonald's Advertiser

I don't know what you mean.

Reflex

What do you mean? By comprehensive. Comprehensive? What? Comprehensive.

McDonald's Advertiser

How sharp.

Reflex

Okay, thank you.

Josie

Hello. I'd love to ask you a few questions. Questions?

Res High System Voice

All right.

Josie

Where am I?

McDonald's Advertiser

This is Restchester High.

Josie

And what do you do here?

McDonald's Advertiser

Check your timetable.

Josie

Check what?

McDonald's Advertiser

Check your timetable.

Livia

Hello.

Reflex

What's a comprehensive?

Teacher/Authority Figure

I don't know what you mean.

Reflex

You either, then. Hello. Do you know what a comprehensive is?

McDonald's Advertiser

Piss off. Thought.

Dogwood

Hello.

McDonald's Advertiser

Hello.

Dogwood

Hello.

Res High System Voice

Hello.

Dogwood

Hi there.

McDonald's Advertiser

Hello.

Dogwood

Oh, hello.

Livia

Are you new here?

Dogwood

Very new. I'm not sure what I'm doing yet.

Livia

What do you want to do?

Dogwood

I don't even know what my options are.

Livia

Okay. What would you like to do? Eat something that I can help you with. There's a thing called a tuck shop just around there. I'd take you, but this wheelchair is absolutely rubbish at steps. You'll find some money in your pocket. Try a rhubarb and custard.

Dogwood

I'll check it out. Smart one.

Kamet

Thanks.

Josie

What year is it?

McDonald's Advertiser

1979. Don't you know anything?

Josie

Not about 1979. Wow. What can you tell me?

McDonald's Advertiser

I don't know what you mean.

Josie

I want you to tell me what happened.

Res High System Voice

What happened?

Josie

What happened to all of you? Why, there's only River Mill left. Now tell me about history.

McDonald's Advertiser

3B is where we have history.

Josie

What's 3B?

McDonald's Advertiser

3B is where we have history.

Josie

And where is that?

McDonald's Advertiser

Don't you know anything?

Josie

Would you please just tell me how to find this history place?

McDonald's Advertiser

Are you looking for Classroom 3B?

Josie

Classroom 3B? Finally. Thank you.

McDonald's Advertiser

It's in Block 3, over there. Don't you know anything?

Reflex

Hello. Would you mind if I ask you a few questions?

Teacher/Authority Figure

Yes, I would.

Reflex

How about you?

McDonald's Advertiser

Hello. What would you like to know?

Reflex

What's a comprehensive?

McDonald's Advertiser

According to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary, comprehensive is an adjective meaning including all or almost all the items, details, facts, information, etc. That may be involved.

Reflex

Oh, that's amazing. Have you memorised the entire dictionary?

McDonald's Advertiser

Knowledge is power, my friend.

Reflex

Do you know the noun version too?

McDonald's Advertiser

According to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary, comprehensive is a noun meaning a secondary school for young people of all levels of ability.

Reflex

Ah, you're very handy. Okay, next. What's the secondary school? Secondary school?

Josie

Hey. What are you eating?

Dogwood

Some sort of little sweet pill. It's called rhubarb custard. I think it's very chewy. Do you want one?

Josie

How do you know it's safe to eat?

Dogwood

Because this is just a dream.

Josie

Have you seen Classroom 3B anywhere about it? But you're not sure?

Dogwood

I saw a girl in a wheelchair and A grumpy woman who has her own place full of food called Took Shop. But nothing with freebie on it.

Josie

Classroom 3B is where these people keep their history. Excuse me.

McDonald's Advertiser

What do you want, new kid?

Josie

Could you help me find Classroom 3B?

McDonald's Advertiser

Why should I tell you anything?

Dogwood

Because she asked you nicely.

McDonald's Advertiser

All right, smart ass.

Sydney Sweeney

Smart.

McDonald's Advertiser

Why shouldn't I just drag you into the bogs and flush your head?

Dogwood

I'd have a much better comeback if I knew what any of that meant.

McDonald's Advertiser

Are you taking them in? Buddy.

Livia

Monk.

McDonald's Advertiser

Unhand that young man.

Josie

Buddy Monk. Are you related to Mad Monk?

McDonald's Advertiser

Call me that to my face again.

Josie

Buddy Monk.

McDonald's Advertiser

Come on. Off with you. Monk. And you new kids. Let this be a lesson to you. Stay out of trouble.

Dogwood

It's not up to us.

Josie

Apparently we will. Thank you. But before you go, could you help us find classroom 3B? No. Hello? Hello? The history place. 3B.

Reflex

Oh, Josie, this door has three hs written on it. I think we're on the right track.

Dogwood

This one's 3F. Must be this way. Stop.

Josie

What? What is it?

Reflex

Quiet. Okay, listen.

Josie

I don't hear anything.

Reflex

Exactly. It's too quiet. I think we should wake up and get out of here. Something might be wrong and I should really check the cable.

Dogwood

Promise, no sudden loud noises.

Josie

Where did it go?

Reflex

I'm gonna look into it. Let's get on the safe side. Take those off your heads.

Dogwood

You're scaring me again.

Josie

Please tell me Res high isn't broken.

Reflex

I think I could fix it.

Josie

Thank look.

Reflex

Could if I had the right parts. But I don't have the right parts. See these three little valves?

Josie

Not through all the smoke.

Reflex

No, they're the things making the smoke. Little valves where the head bits plug into the main unit. These were the only open part of the whole machine. Oh, they must have got wet. I can bypass them, but I need to run the connections through. Oh, I guess qubits instead.

Dogwood

New cubits in library.

Reflex

Oh, don't remind me.

Dogwood

Where can we get them now?

Reflex

We can't. We've picked the maws clean. I don't remember the last time we found anything. Cube generation out there.

Josie

Don't we have anything like that around Rivermill?

Reflex

I repaired most of the Zootrons with cubits before now, but I'm not getting those back. Mom, can I borrow one of the last sutrons? Oops. I've broken it. Sorry. But I guess you won't need these cubits now. Unless one of yous has been keeping a secret map tracker or music man under your floorboards. I can't do anything. I guess we'll just hand over the res high next time we weigh in and enjoy all the time. Credits we'll get for it.

Dogwood

There are loads more things at tuck shop I wanted to try.

Josie

Did you say Music Man?

Reflex

Reflex, Please don't tell me you've got one hidden in your room.

Josie

No, of course not. I don't keep secrets from you, Reflex. But I do have a.

Kamet

So you want me to crack open the centuries old, miraculously intact Music Man I risked my life to rescue from a collapsing rotting building out on floodlands? Rip out its precious little cubit and just give it to you?

Josie

Ah, you don't really like music anyway. Yours is not the face of somebody who understands fun.

Kamet

Don't flatter me, Kame.

Josie

If you give me that cubit, then I'll never be able to to tell anyone that you've got it.

Kamet

And I suppose if I'm the one to give it you, then I won't be able to rat you out either, is that it?

Josie

This is what they used to call mutually assured destruction.

Kamet

I'd forgotten you were Rivermill's leading scholar of ancient history. What are you gonna do with a cubit anyway?

Reflex

You see?

Teacher/Authority Figure

Weird.

Dogwood

Josie. I'm sorry I didn't get you a pie.

Josie

Don't worry, Quartz.

Reflex

I'll be on my way.

Kamet

Josie's not old enough for ale, Quartz.

Dogwood

You're not.

Josie

It tastes disgusting anyway.

Dogwood

It just tastes funny.

Kamet

Then why do you drink it?

Dogwood

I don't know. Did you get what you want, Josie?

Josie

Did I get what I want? Cammy.

Dogwood

What does she want?

Josie

I forget.

Kamet

Perhaps if you see a friend, Reflex. Later you'll get a handy little reminder.

Josie

Perfect. See you on the moors, boys. Enjoy your ales.

Reflex

Look, if you don't repeat the instructions back to me, I'll never know you were listening.

Josie

The valves burned up. So you've bypassed them with a cubit. But this bypass means the res high can't wake us up automatically anymore.

Reflex

But what were the actual instructions?

Josie

We get out by walking through the school gates. It's that simple. We wake up by walking out of the dream.

Dogwood

Can we run through the gate instead? Instead?

Reflex

Sure.

Dogwood

Can I jump through them if I like?

Reflex

You can ride over them on the back of a Zootron if that's what you want. Just get yourself through those gates.

Josie

See? We were listening to the instructions. And the warnings.

Dogwood

Go on. Hit the button.

Reflex

See you inside.

Res High System Voice

Mission one Kiss Chase. Your crush wants to meet you. Escape your classes. Find your crush and kiss them.

McDonald's Advertiser

Good luck. Good Morning, class. Today we'll be working from our textbook. Please turn to chapter 38.

Dogwood

Josie, quiet.

Josie

the back of the class is a note for you.

Dogwood

Oh, okay. So how do I get to the bike sheds?

Teacher/Authority Figure

When I want to bunk off, I say I badly need the loo.

Dogwood

The what? Hello. Hi. I need the loo.

McDonald's Advertiser

Class has only just started.

Kamet

Chat.

McDonald's Advertiser

You can wait.

Dogwood

I do need it badly.

McDonald's Advertiser

Go if you must, but no dilly dally.

Dogwood

Great. What way is the bike shed?

McDonald's Advertiser

What are you talking about? Get out of here, boy. Good morning, class. Today we'll be working from our text. Please turn to chapter.

Reflex

Excuse me, can I leave?

McDonald's Advertiser

Why, girl?

Reflex

You're looking for some kind of credible excuse, aren't you? Like I need to use the toilet or get some kind of medical assistance.

McDonald's Advertiser

Do you need some kind of medical assistance?

Reflex

Yes. Yes, I do.

McDonald's Advertiser

Go if you must, but no dilly dally.

Teacher/Authority Figure

Before you go, here's a note for you.

Reflex

Oh, brilliant. Thank you.

McDonald's Advertiser

Good morning, class. Today we'll be working from our textbook. Please turn to chapter 38. What are you doing, girl?

Josie

I have to go find my crush. Apparently I'm supposed to kiss them.

McDonald's Advertiser

Not during my lesson, you don't. Sit down.

Josie

Well, how long is your lesson?

Livia

Stop.

McDonald's Advertiser

Any more of this insolence and you'll get detention.

Josie

It's really long, isn't it?

McDonald's Advertiser

Back in your seat, girl, or it's off to the headmistress with you.

Josie

Is the headmistress outside of this room?

McDonald's Advertiser

Right, that's it. Off to Mr. Sexton with you.

Josie

Oh, thank luck and thank you.

Reflex

Hello. I'm looking for a bike shed, but I don't know for sure what that is.

Teacher/Authority Figure

Don't you know anything?

Reflex

I used to think I did. Hello. Can you tell me what a bike shed is?

McDonald's Advertiser

Shouldn't you be in class?

Reflex

Oh, well, that'd depend on who you ask.

Dogwood

You look helpful. What's a bike shed?

McDonald's Advertiser

According to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary, bike shed is a noun meaning an enclosed structure where bicycles may be stored.

Dogwood

Now I know.

McDonald's Advertiser

Knowledge is power, my friend.

Dogwood

Yeah. What's a bicycle?

Teacher/Authority Figure

You there. Do you have a hall pass?

Dogwood

Sorry, I don't even know what that is.

Teacher/Authority Figure

I'll need to see your hall pass.

Dogwood

You could ask the kid with glasses. He's definitely the most helpful one around here.

Teacher/Authority Figure

If you don't show me your hall pass, I'll have to send you back to class.

Livia

Here you go. His whole pass. He must have dropped it on the floor. And here's mine.

Teacher/Authority Figure

Okay this time, but no dilly dallying.

Dogwood

Nobody wants me to dilly dally.

Livia

I wouldn't mind if you did.

Teacher/Authority Figure

And no running in the corridors.

Livia

I won't be running anywhere.

Dogwood

Thank you. You came just in time.

Livia

Come on. I'm going to the bike shed too. Though we'll have to go the long way around.

Dogwood

More steps.

Livia

They're really not as useful as most people think. What's your name?

Dogwood

Dogwood.

Livia

Do you want to ask me my name?

Dogwood

Yeah, of course. What's your name?

Livia

I'm Livia. It's really lovely to meet you. Dogwood.

Josie

Heya. Where is classroom 3B?

McDonald's Advertiser

Don't you know 3B is in block 3?

Josie

I'm new here. Where's block 3?

McDonald's Advertiser

It's by the playground.

Josie

Where's this playground then?

McDonald's Advertiser

It's over by block three.

Josie

Which is where?

McDonald's Advertiser

What do you mean?

Josie

Where is Block 3?

McDonald's Advertiser

It's by the playground.

Josie

Useless.

Reflex

Josie. There you are. I didn't know it was going to split us up like that.

Josie

You're not with Dogwood?

Reflex

No. I was in a classroom and now I'm looking for a bike shed. How about you?

Josie

I'm looking for Classroom 3B. It's apparently a history place of some kind.

Reflex

Is that where your crush is going to be?

Josie

No.

Reflex

Didn't you hear what the voice said?

Josie

Yeah, but history?

Reflex

I don't think we can just wander about.

Josie

Can we just at least try?

Reflex

Look how this whole thing works. It's much more restrictive than a real place. I want to find our crushes to see what that does.

Josie

But I. I don't even know what a bike shed is.

Reflex

We'll get the dictionary kid to tell us.

Josie

I've got so many questions for him. Come on. Let's go this way. Hey. Your hair. Did you give yourself a haircut?

Reflex

I suppose I was a bit more honest with the mirror this time.

Josie

Nice.

Reflex

I thought I could look a bit more the way I see myself.

Josie

Yeah. It really suits you. You look great.

Mr. Groan

Yeah.

Reflex

Thank you. Maybe the next mission will be about your history place.

Josie

This is so gross. We have to kiss this crush character if we want to get anywhere. Didn't the people who made this cave. You know people actually want to be kissed?

Reflex

They're just dreams, Josie. They don't want anything.

Josie

I'm not a dream. And I can't really kiss someone else without them kissing me too. Though I'm sure Dogwood is having the time of his life.

Reflex

Maybe. Think of it like you're pretending to kiss somebody. Somebody who ain't even there. Like playing a game. I think it's supposed to Be fun. Oh, you've brought me all the way to your class 3B blind.

Josie

Look, I promise. But while we're here, the spitting door's locked.

Dogwood

Everyone here is so miserable. I know, but you're.

Livia

I'm not. Not right now, anyway.

Dogwood

Me either.

Mr. Groan

Boy, where are you going?

Dogwood

Oh, we just.

Mr. Groan

Shouldn't you be in class?

Livia

He has a hall pass.

Mr. Groan

Come on, Livia, you shouldn't be here.

Dogwood

Who's this guy?

Livia

Mr. Groan.

Dogwood

And who does he think he is?

Mr. Groan

I'm a teacher, boy. I'm in charge. So do you really want to push your luck with me? Move it along, Livia.

Livia

I have to go, Dogwood.

Dogwood

I'll see you later.

Mr. Groan

Not if I see you first.

Dogwood

Oh, hey.

Teacher/Authority Figure

Hello, Dogwood. I've been waiting for you.

Dogwood

Shall I kiss you?

Teacher/Authority Figure

Right, down to business. I like it.

Dogwood

Yeah, very romantic. But why not?

Teacher/Authority Figure

I'm very glad to hear it.

Dogwood

I'll try anything once.

Teacher/Authority Figure

Why not?

Res High System Voice

Congratulations. Your crush is now yours. Body and soul until the end of term. Or until somebody more fit comes along, whichever happens. First Mission one complete.

Reflex

I told you. Some areas are out of bounds just because of the mission we're doing.

Josie

So history is being held hostage. Hostage? Unless I kiss somebody to get it. Slugging Crudlark

Res High System Voice

issues and needs to restart. The system will shut down in 90 seconds. Please log out now to ensure a smooth transition.

Josie

Dogwood can hear this.

Reflex

I'm not sure he'll listen to it. Come on.

Josie

Where are we going?

Reflex

The bike shed. We've got to find Dogwood quick. And chances are he's where the kissing is.

Josie

Let me go. You get out. I'm much faster than you.

Reflex

No, I'm coming too.

Josie

Just. Just go.

Reflex

Why?

Josie

You might be able to do something from the outside.

Reflex

Okay, you're right. But if you get to the bike shed and he's not there, don't wait a second longer. I don't want to take any chances with a machine that's plugged straight into your brain.

Josie

Go now. You're not so fast. Dogwood, It's Josie.

Teacher/Authority Figure

I've been waiting for you.

Josie

Have you seen Dogwood?

Teacher/Authority Figure

I only have eyes for you.

Josie

Dogwood. He was coming here to meet his crush.

Teacher/Authority Figure

Oh, him. He was here with Izzy. They were snogging and.

Josie

Where did they go?

Teacher/Authority Figure

What do you mean?

Res High System Voice

Please log out now to ensure a smooth transition.

Josie

I mean, after that, where did they go?

Teacher/Authority Figure

I don't know what you mean.

Josie

I mean, where are they now?

Teacher/Authority Figure

I don't know what you mean.

Josie

Of course you don't. We're all You Ancient people. These stupid ancient. I'm 14. You're a waste of time.

Reflex

Oh, thank luck. Josie.

Josie

No. Oh, no.

Reflex

He's all right. I think he's just sleeping.

Josie

Have you tried to wake him up?

Reflex

He won't wake up yet. I'm restarting the unit.

Josie

Hey, that usually works.

Reflex

The Res High is restarted.

Josie

It's still the same. I'll have to go back. Push the button.

Res High System Voice

Res High requires a download. Please connect your unit to the Ethersphere and restart.

Josie

Start your slagging. Crudlark.

Res High System Voice

Instruction not understood. Please connect your unit to the Ethersphere and restart.

Josie

Restart.

Res High System Voice

Instruction.

Josie

Connect to the Ethersphere.

Res High System Voice

Instruction not.

Josie

Wake up Dogwood.

Res High System Voice

Instruction not understood.

Josie

Why are you like this?

Res High System Voice

Instruction not.

Reflex

I'll work this out, I promise.

Josie

I just need a download. If I take it to the wireless spire, can I connect it to the ethersphere?

Reflex

Great. I'll do it.

Josie

No. No way. Stay here with Dogwood. I trust you to look after him better than I would. And anyway, whoever's going has to get past your mum. You'll just have to tell me how to connect the unit. And let's be quick about it, because Luck knows what Dogwood's going through.

McDonald's Advertiser

Dogwood. Mad Monk is looking for you.

Dogwood

Mad Monk? Does he look like a monk?

Teacher/Authority Figure

He's going to clobber you. If he catches you.

Dogwood

Then what should I do?

McDonald's Advertiser

You can run or you can hide,

Teacher/Authority Figure

but whatever you're going to do, do it now.

Josie

Res High is a neon Inkwell podcast distributed by Rusty Quill and licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non commercial share alike 4.0 international license. The series is written and created by Brendan Connolly and directed by Lucy Ray. This episode was edited with original music by Katherine Seton and mastered by Catherine Rinella. It featured Olivia Hurst as Josie, George Bunting as Dogwood, Lozza Gilbert as Reflex, Kazim, Tosin Amore as Head Beth Aylesbury as Livia, Ryan, Hopefear Anderson as Grown, Christine Walsh as Mrs. 7, Shahan Hamza as Kamet, and William Kilgore as Quartz. A full list of cast and credits is available in the show Notes. Neon Inkwell is produced by April Sumner with executive producer Alexander J. Newell and showrunner Elizabeth Moffatt. To subscribe, view associated materials or join our Patreon visit rustyquill.com Rate and review us online. Tweet us at therustyquill, visit us on Facebook or email us@mailustyquill.com thanks for listening.

Shahan

If you enjoyed this episode, you can find the rest of Res High by following the link in the description or by searching for the neon Inkwell feed. Wherever you find podcasts. Thanks for listening.

Sydney Sweeney

Hey, it's Sydney Sweeney. Sid for short, for summer. I'm in the mood for comfortable. What am I wearing? Where am I going? What's the vibe? The short answer? American Eagle shorts. They're cute and go with everything. They just work. It's Sid for short. An American Eagle for summer. Shop my pics now@ae.com this is Coke

Coca-Cola Advertiser

Zero Sugar with real Coca Cola taste and zero sugar. Listen closely. Hear those bubbles. That's the sound of delicious, delicious Real Coca Cola taste and zero sugar Ice cold ah cook zero sugar Real Coca Cola taste zero sugar hey, real quick.

Lemonade Pet Insurance Advertiser

Since you didn't pay to skip ads, we're going to assume that you like to save money. And for the sake of this ad, we're also going to assume that you have a cat or a dog. Okay? Lemonade Pet insurance can save you up to 90% on vet bills. You definitely know that vet bills can pile up fast, which is why Lemonade settles half of all claims instead of super fast. And we definitely know that you just want to get back to whatever it is you were just listening to, which is why we'll also settle this ad like now get a'@lemonade.com pet you're great

LifeLock Advertiser

at protecting your data, but lots of places could still expose you to identity theft.

Josie

I thought it was safe.

LifeLock Advertiser

If that happens, LifeLock gives you a US based restoration agent who will stick by your side from start to finish. Phone calls, filing documentation, preparing insurance claims. Your agent handles it all. In fact, we're so confident restoration is guaranteed. Pour your money back. Isn't it nice to have someone like that on your side? Save up to 30% your first year@lifelock.com podcast terms apply. Lots of places can expose you to identity theft.

Josie

Oh no.

LifeLock Advertiser

That's why Lifelock monitors hundreds of millions of data points a second for threats to your identity, which is way more than anyone can do on their own. If we find anything suspicious, like new loans or changes to your financial accounts, we alert you right away, all through text, phone, email, or the Lifelock app. Get the alerts that could make all the difference. Save up to 30% your first year@lifelock.com podcast terms apply.

Aura Advertiser

Most people don't realize how much of their personal information is being bought and sold every day. Data brokers are making billions, pulling details about you from public records and the Internet, then packaging and selling it, usually without your consent. That's how your information lands in the hands of scammers, spammers, even stalkers. It's why you get endless robocalls and why ads seem to follow you everywhere. That's where Aura comes in. Aura actively removes your data from broker sites and keeps it off. They also instantly alert you if your information shows up in a breach or on the dark web. But Aura goes beyond data protection. With one app you get a vpn, antivirus, password manager, spam call protection, dark web monitoring, and even up to $5 million in identity theft insurance. All backed by 24. 7 US based fraud support. Other companies might sell just credit monitoring or just a vpn. Aura gives you all of it together at the same price. Competitors charge for just one service. Start your free trial today at aura.com safety protect yourself now@aura.com safety

Alex

hi Alex here, founder and CEO of Rusty Quill Limited in case you haven't heard, there is now a Magnus Archives novel. The Library of Jurgen Leitner is set in the world of the Magnus Archives and written by Nebula Award winning author Premier Mohammed with our very own Jonathan Sims. The story follows Hugh, a university dropout desperate to find somewhere to belong and his new job at an esoteric library. The books he must investigate for the enigmatic Jurgen Leitner are not normal because the library is not a vault sealed and silent, but a hive alive, buzzing and ready to sting. The Library of Jurgen Leitner Releases October 27, 2026 but you can pre order it right now in the US and UK from your local bookshop or by using the link in the episode description. If you live outside of the UK or us, you may be able to make an international order for this first publication, but it depends on individual retailers, shipping policies.