Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow - Part 2
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Welcome to episode 12 of the Curious Matter Anthology. I'm Jonathan Pezza, the creator and host of the series. With the conclusion of tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow, we wrap our first season here on Curious Matter Anthology. I'd specifically like to thank our Patreon subscribers who helped support the show this year.

and give a grateful shout out to Dustin F, Jeremy P, Simon C, Tom W, Elizabeth P, Robert A, Steve B, Darren C, and Chris P. Thank you guys so much for your support. Over this season, we've visited the cyclopean landscapes of horror masters H.P. Lovecraft and Robert Block, dove headfirst into the dystopian robot-riddled landscape of Philip K. Dick,

and delved the dark in search of the unknown with William Hope Hodgson. And with today's episode, we dive back into tomorrow with the help of Kurt Vonnegut Jr.,

When I decided to adapt Tomorrow End Tomorrow End Tomorrow, I couldn't help but find parallels between Vonnegut's humorous speculation about what the future might look like and our own world today. The Ford family has been cooped up in their apartment for more than a hundred years, and I think that's an experience we're all a little too accustomed to in 2020 and 2021. Vonnegut's future was built off an unhealthy concentration of wealth and power with an elite and curmudgeonly few. Again, check.

Real estate scarcity? Check. Social uprising? Check. For a story about a magic drug, it all just felt a little close to home when I began adapting it in August. But the reason I chose this story isn't because of its many parallels to the hardships of our times. I chose this story because within the world Vonnegut created, he reminded me that hope blossoms from the unlikeliest and most unexpected of places.

This episode of Curious Matter is rated explicit and includes adult language. As a specific trigger warning, this episode contains depictions of mental illness and discussions of suicide and may not be suitable for some audiences. Our show is designed to be a completely immersive HD audio experience and it is best when played through high quality stereo speakers or headphones. So grab your popcorn.

Turn out the lights and enjoy the conclusion of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. Good afternoon Ford family. It's 1500 hours. The weather outside is a sunny 109. Air index is orange. Masks are advised when leaving the apartment or using the balcony. Third shift, please vacate the bunk room and deposit your clothing in the recycling receptacle. Have a wonderful day.

I know I'm new here as the guy who just married in, but is that normal? No. No, it's not. What's the deal with Law? She almost sounds... happy. Em! What are you doing in third shift? I convinced Harold III to swap, and Law approved it. But why?

I thought you were furious with me. Lou, like it or not, I said I do. And I'm stuck with you now, you big dummy. Besides, I never thought you had it in you. Attempted murder. It's just so hot. If the air quality wasn't so bad today, I'd drag you out onto the balcony and tear your clothes off.

Better get moving. Flavored algae porridge awaits. Shhh, shh, bravo, bravo, viva la revolucion. So we should have thought of that years ago. Eddie, Dad, if you think of another way, we are with you. Make way, guys.

Alright, let that man breathe. It appears you have fans. But you don't understand. I really didn't do it. That's smart. Keep up the plausible deniability. It's not plausible. It's absolute. I didn't do it. The thing I don't get is why Kramps didn't press charges. Hmm. Maybe he actually does love you. I don't know. More likely he's figured out a punishment worse than federal pen. Yeah, that seems way more likely. Yeah, maybe.

Have you seen Morty? Has anyone seen Morty? Nah. Heard he got moved to first shift. Probably just bugged out. Good morning, Lou. What would you like to order from the Automat Kitchen? What's the least disgusting algae flavor? As of 0-12-hundred hours, you have full access to the menu. Full access? Your permissions have been updated. Would you like bacon and eggs? I believe that was your preference before. Did he change anything else?

Where am I in the rankings? As of 0-1200 hours, there are no rankings. Hey! Law just gave me a steak! From a real freaking cow! Give me a bite! I've never had a steak! Oh my god, oh my god, there's no shower rations! We don't have water? No, I mean there are no time limits! None! All the water you want! Wait, I mean... What the hell is going on, Law? I do not understand the question.

May I prepare your breakfast? Buttermilk pancakes, perhaps? Where is Gramps? I do not have that information. Harold Ford left the apartment at 12:18. What do you mean he left? Harold Ford opened the front door and walked out. And went where? I do not have that information. Where did he go?

I am afraid that it's impossible to know. He has deactivated his terminal. Where is Morty? Morty is currently in the bunk room, asleep in bunk three. Shut up, Morty! What did you do? Quiet! Turn on the lights. Dad, what's going on? Eddie, go into Gramps' room. Is that a good idea? He doesn't... Just do it! Please, look for clues. Anything that could tell us where he's gone.

Go! Uh, okay. Morty! What the hell did you do to law? The apartment is going haywire. Everyone has access to everything. Complete permission! I don't know what you're talking about. Wait, what? Lou, aren't you in enough trouble? Gramps is gone. What do you mean, Gramps is gone? Where would he go? Did he say complete access? One word. Ice cream. Quick!

Whatever you're trying to do, it's not gonna work. First, lost sensors, then the kiosk, now this? Everyone knows you tried to kill Kramps because he knocked you to the bottom. You're not his golden boy anymore. Get a grip, old man. You are going to tell them the truth! Get off me! Didn't you hear the AG repair techs? I'm not the one who hacked Kramps' precious anti-gerasone! You did! You! Stop! Uh, Kramps is gone. There's nothing in the bedroom.

I am Law, the Ford family virtual government lawyer and assistant AI. Thank you for your attention. I have an automated priority one state of the family address from the former senior familiars, Harold Ford. Former? His griff's dad? I'll kill you! Get with me, you fucking psycho! I'm sure right about now, all you, my precious descendants, are wondering what the hell is going on.

Some of you are probably shaking in your boots, others using millions of dollars in water or gorging yourselves like little children on the last of my priceless cryogenic beef. I have never been more ashamed to call myself a Ford. You really did it. Yesterday, somebody who I've sheltered and protected

and taught the best I know how all these years. Turned on me like a mad dog and tried to end my life. Slowly. Lewis has always been a lackluster, boring, bootlicking goody two-shoes. Just like his father. I'd have never thought him capable of such decisive action and viciousness. Almost would have been proud under different circumstances.

We'll see how he does, all you do from now on without my guiding hand. You're all summer children. All had the benefit of a life spent young. My life has been long, but it's been a frozen winter. I can no longer bear the crushing burden of life as I once could. So since it's clearly the wish of you all, I shall say goodbye.

The cares of this world will soon drop away like a cloak of thorns and I shall know peace. By the time you hear this, I will be gone. End this fucking recording. Yes. Yes. We're gonna get the robe! Great. Just great. I think I'm going to be sick. So who's here? What does this mean? Harold Ford Sr.'s final orders were to nullify the Ford family will and constitution

All laws, rules and amendments as to the organization and order of inheritance have been repealed. So who gets the money? And the apartment? And the bedroom? Per UN law, when a senior familius passes without inheritance instructions,

The estate is to be split equally amongst all living descendants. So we have to rebuild it all ourselves? As the last official heir, Liam and I should get the bedroom. No frickin' way. I think we should get it. As the youngest. You fogies had your chance in the olden days. Yeah. Just calm down. Everyone.

It just means we all have an equal say. I think this is an opportunity. You would. This is all your fault. I was framed. Why would any of you think I know how to hack a kiosk? It was Morty. I caught him. Red-handed. Why would anyone believe you? That was his entire plan. Morty? I mean, I guess at this point there's no reason for denying it. Wow.

This is not how I thought this would go. What did you think would happen? You become the heir, the senior familius? Crazier things have happened. So what do we do now? We start from scratch. We write new rules. Build a new Ford family constitution. One that works for everyone. As equals. As in a democracy. That'll never work. Quick! Mike, run for the bedroom! Move! Get back! Stop! Get out of the way!

Stop! Mama Ant is coming through! No, no, no! Take it over to the end! And on two! No, no, no, no, no, no, no! Stop! Ow!

Crazy! I'll show you crazy! I just made it. I'm over the thunder now, bitches. I'll get him right to the head. I'll get him right to the head. I'll get him right to the head. I'll get him right to the head. I'll get him right to the head. I'll get him right to the head.

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I've just received word we are breaking into our normal programming to bring you a special live news bulletin. Another violent youth riot has broken out in northern New York. Our correspondent Cynthia Trout is on the scene. Cynthia, can you hear us? Yes.

I'm coming to you live from Alden Village, a New York mega-development that covers most of what was once the former state of Connecticut. Yet another youth rights riot has broken out, leading to mass break-ins, looting, vandalism, and fires over an 18-mile section of this 100-story mid-century complex.

This marks the third such riot in a matter of weeks. This one is believed to have been started by an entitled white middle-class family from Tower 257, but quickly spread to neighboring households. The UN's Department of Homeland Harmony Tactical Division has been dispatched to quell the unrest and has issued a release that they should have things under control in a matter of hours. I'm Cynthia Trout with the Ilium News Network, reporting from the front lines. Back to you, Kurt.

Welcome to Riker's Island Penitentiary. As citizens of sovereign family states convicted of international crimes, you have been remanded to our care for the duration. Family law has no place here. Here, the guards are the law. Get that in your heads and we'll get along just fine. Uh, when do we eat?

New inmates will queue single file towards the ingest window, where you will receive one jumpsuit, one pair of shoes, one blanket, one pillow, and one hygiene kit. You will then be assigned your cell and escorted to said cell by one of us. Do not talk, except to answer the ingest officer, and do not step out of line.

Lewis Ford. Age? 152. Little too old to be a youth terrorist, aren't you? What are you, some kind of age traitor? I honestly didn't. Don't care. Oh, oh, okay. Cell Block 5. Cell 61. Is the rest of my family in there with me? Stop talking. Oh, sorry. File to your right. The guard will escort you to the block.

Thank you. One more thing: Blabbing is grounds for immediate release. What? Get moving. You think they actually serve real fish? I think they mean us. Don't you watch TV? Ah, Granny never let us. Cell 61, this is you, Ford. Open 61! How many of us are crammed in here? In the cell? Just two. Only two?

We gotta feign a... Autophobic. Can't handle all this space. Happens all the time. But how? Families can do whatever they want within the silent borders. But this is the UN. We have civil rights and stuff. Just don't go telling everyone, or we'll be up to our elbows in dissidents like you. Remember, mum's the word. Or you'll be right back out on the street.

I love you, I love you, I love you! You were the smartest, most wonderful husband anyone could ever ask for. Was this your plan all along? It was, right? Oh, you've made our dreams come true!

They put us together? Where is everyone else? They're here too. Everyone but Morty. Apparently they haven't caught him yet. Isn't this the best thing you've ever seen? It's just the two of us. I've had it to myself for a week. I wasn't sure who I was going to get as a roommate. Now it only makes sense that as the leader of the uprising, your trial took longer, but here we are. Look at us. Together. Alone.

At last. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Leader of the what? Haven't you seen the news? There have been riots all over. Revolution, they're saying. You're on posters and everything for taking things into your own hands and saying no to Krampus' tyranny. You're a hero. Law said it was best if I didn't attend the trial for my own good. I've been in isolation.

It's simply divine, isn't it? Being alone. But now there's two of us. Just the two of us. Our own room! Look, there's a private toilet in the corner, our own little TV in the wall, and we get to choose from one of three channels. We can even push the cots together if you like. How long of a sentence did Law get you? Fifteen to twenty. Me too! It'll be like a second honeymoon. Law tried to get more, but the judge just wouldn't budge.

Still 15 whole years living like royalty! But what about the family? With everything that's happened, we all need to rebuild. Who's going to rewrite the Constitution and the laws? And make sure everyone is taken care of? There's so much to do! What are you talking about? It's just you and me, finally! Finally.

Oh! Hello, sir.

Do you have an appointment? This is still the Brooklyn Bridge, right? Of course, sir. What's with all the hubbub? The bridge was converted in 2204. Converted into what? Why, into an ethical suicide studio, hun. By the UN Department of Termination. You are here to jump, right? That's none of your damn business. Well, that's not a no. There's no reason to be shy.

This is one of our most popular studios for... traditionalists. I'm just going to take a walk out on the bridge. We get a lot of late-life dosers like you. Oh, can't have been easy. Being stuck in your... I'm guessing... 80s? 70. Well, see? We are here to make your experience unique and memorable right up to the very last moment.

And best of all, is paid for by the UN. As a thank you for your service in making room for future generations. You know what? I have changed my mind. We're very busy but I can fit you in at 11:45! We have a fully stocked luxury waiting room! Why do they have to ruin everything? Law. Yes sir? Plan's changed. Get me a cab to Times Square. Cab? Please, I just- Times Square. Law.

How is it, in the last hundred years I feel like you are the only one who gets me? Really understands. Programming, sir. Shall I book you a hotel for the night? Perhaps in the Red Light District? One last hurrah. Nah, never been that into the bots. Know anywhere I can find a gun?

Always thought when it was time I'd pull a Hemingway. I'm afraid traditional firearms have been outlawed since- Spare me the history lesson. Yes, sir. How are the traitors? I successfully extended their sentences. Most will see at least ten years. Good, good. They can use the break. I can make a reservation at another studio. Do you have a preference? Wait-

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Locke. Yes, sir? Plans have changed. What do you know about space racing? I don't have the time, bro. I don't wear a watch. I'm a moveable, it's just like a clock. Been around here before, I've been on this block.

25 to life, bitch, I live on this rock Planet Mars, dog, my planet raw Took trips and landed far Took hits, I can't ignore My chest got a black hole I dealt with a black crow White dove or black salt White ball, my past cloak I try to get away from it Not trying to let the vapors in Time fly when you wasting it Fast life, I was racing it And I knew I had to pay for it Always knew that I was made for this My path, I paved the shit

They hover over like crows.

I hope you enjoyed the conclusion of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. This ends our first season, but don't worry, we will be back soon with all new stories and all new worlds to explore. Thank you so much for your support all season long. It's been an amazing journey. If you haven't yet, please make sure to subscribe for free on the podcast platform of your choice and rate us with five stars today.

If you like the podcast, leave us a review and connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook under the handle @CMANthology. This episode was dramatized, directed, and edited by me, your host, Jonathan Pezza, with story consultation by Tom Gray.

Our ensemble cast self-engineered their recordings from home and includes the talented voices of Adam Briggs as both Lou Ford and Harold Gramps Ford, Alexandra Littler as Law, Amy Vorpel as Em, Sandeep Parikh as Morty, Philip Gray as Eddie, Melissa Starr as JoJo, Bobby Thomas as Liam, Kelly Dawn Hancock as Tallulah, Ali Rivera as Catherine,

Jason Irvin as Kevin, Tian Nguyen as Hannah, Jeremy Pezza as Mike, Tara Strand as Dujan, Elizabeth Wilcox as Matilda, Tom Gray as Harold Tu, and Hailey Pezza as Sarah. The score was provided by Epidemic Music, with sound effects provided by Soundsnap.com. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow and The Big Trip Up Yonder are works in the public domain, and this episode was produced in accordance with U.S. copyright law.

Curious Matter is a production of Jonathan Pezza, Inc., copyright 2021, all rights reserved. If you have a question or feedback, or you just want to write and say hello, I'd love to hear from you. So reach out to Jonathan at CuriousMatterPodcast.com or check us out online for more information at www.CuriousMatterPodcast.com.

We normally dedicate each episode to a used bookstore, but this week we are going to take the time once again to let people know about resources out there that can help them cope with the continuing mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's easy to feel lonely and isolated in these times. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. There are many different support organizations, services, and treatments that may help.

please consider reaching out to one of the amazing resources available. Like the National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline. Their number is 800-950-6264. That's 800-950-6264.

You can also find them online at NAMI.org. That's N-A-M-I.org. You can also find the link to NAMI as well as many other resources in the episode page or the mental illness resource page on our website, www.curiousmatterpodcast.com. It's been an amazing season here on the Curious Matter Anthology, and we will be back soon. I am Jonathan Pezza, your host, and thank you for listening.

You don't hear that, do you?

Afflicted is a tale of hoodoo, a demonic book bound in human flesh, and natural disasters that are anything but natural. Which grave did you get the dirt from? Which grave? Afflicted, a horror thriller audio drama, coming this Halloween thanks to our Indiegogo supporters. Subscribe now to get notified the moment the first episode drops. It's time.