Family Ties (Travels With T.I.M. episode)

"Family Ties" is the fourth episode of the first season of *Travels With T.I.M.,*a segment of *It's All Been Done Radio Hour*. It was the third segment of Show LXX. It was performed on April 10th, 2021. It was released as podcast episode 353.

Written by Jerome Wetzel

Directed by Shane Stefanchik

Previous episode: "The Space Station"

Next episode: "Bride of Shizreen"

## **The Story**

A few weeks later, following a run of fun, easy, less dangerous adventures, T.I.M. the Time Machine alights in a small meadow just outside of a small town. An excited Ezra Ford and Litcone Firest exit. Litty wonders if the village will have exotic food, having eaten and "found" many valuable things on recent trips. Ezra asks about any intriguing history, having enjoyed where T.I.M. has taken them recently and learned so much. T.I.M. claims his randomizer makes the choices of where they do, saying he doesn't control it. The two head into the town, with T.I.M. calling after them to be careful.

As the pair approach the settlement, they are disappointed at how small it looks. Then suddenly Chickee approaches and greets them, welcoming them to the town of Nuboneya. Chickee yells to the town that outsiders have arrived, then tells the two they've been waiting for the likes of them to show. Chickee quickly takes them to the center of the village, where a raised platform has been built and a few chairs set upon it.

As Chickee goes to fetch the others, Ezra admires the expert craftmanship and images carved into the chairs, while Litty complains they don't look comfortable. They have a seat. Ezra and Litty are soon surrounded by the town's whole population, who murmur excitedly and stare at them. Litty inquires about food, and Chickee orders a table on the platform, which is soon loaded with platters of meats, cheeses, and baked goods, pleasing Litty, who compliments them. Ezra tells Chickee they're from far away and don't know their traditions. Chickee explains that when there's a dispute in the village they can't solve themselves, they wait for outsiders to come and serve as judge, which is apparently common for villages on this part of their world. Ezra admits they haven't done this before and asks what kind of disputes. Chickee says it could be anything - conflict over property boundaries, accusations of theft... Chickee says it's not his place to tell them about the specifics here.

The town leader, Lelan, arrives. He introduces them to the litigants, Soma and Yine, a couple that has very recently split, and their son, Wetrop, who says Ezra and Litty look strange. Yine and Soma bicker over Wetrop's remarks, and Lelan asks them to be quiet and explains the dispute. Yine would like to move to a larger village with Wetrop, while Soma would like to keep her son there. Both parents are beloved and the others couldn't decide on their argument. Litty immediately chooses Yine, leading Soma to beg them to hear her case. Ezra says of course, they shouldn't make a snap judgment, and Litty agrees to do so if the food keeps coming.

Soma argues Wetrop is too young to go out into the larger world yet, needing to grow and learn more first, and saying it would be cruel to push him out. Yine argues Wetrop would benefit from being around more diversity and culture, and won't learn it if he doesn't go out. Chickee is offended on behalf of the town, but Yine asserts he loves it in Nuboneya, having chosen to come back after living elsewhere, his parents having taken him on a similar journey as the one he wants to embark upon with Wetrop. Lelan says he is glad Yine did return, revealing Yine is his son. Some says the larger villages can be scary and unfeeling. Litty asks Wetrop what he thinks, and Wetrop responds he doesn't know, and he loves both of his parents. Ezra admits they've been tasked with a weighty decision.

Chickee weighs in for Soma, wanting her nephew to stay, Chickee being Soma's brother. Chickee is also Yine's first cousin, and Litty is suddenly very interested. Ezra is disgusted, which surprises Chickee and the others, who say all the members of the village are related and this is very common on their world. Yine says he was glad to experience the world, but when it came time to marry, he had to return to his niece. Soma echoes her love for him, saying she wouldn't want to separate if it wasn't for this disagreement, and she begs her husband to stay. Yine says Soma could come with them, but she's afraid. He promises to keep her safe, and Lelan mentions the murder rate is only half as high in the big villages.

Lelan asks them for a decision. Ezra says Wetrop definitely needs to go with Yine, and Soma should go, too. Litty agrees. Wetrop begs her, and Soma reluctantly agrees so she doesn't lose her family. Lelan thanks the strangers, and Chickee packs up some food for Litty to take with her. Ezra asks if they can talk to Wetrop alone, and Lelan agrees, dispersing the crowd. Ezra tells Wetrop that marrying relatives isn't normal and encourages to look for girls his own age in the bigger village. Wetrop says that's kind of gross and wants to marry his sister. Litty echoes Ezra's recommendation and Wetrop promises to consider it. Chickee brings Litty's good and the two depart.

Back on T.I.M., the machine asks how their adventure was. Litty says amazing food and show, and Ezra recommends T.I.M. get his randomizer checked. T.I.M. asks where they should go next. Ezra says somewhere less familial.

## **Guest Starring**

* Megan Overholt as Chickee
* Chase McCants as Lelan
* Dan Condo as Yine
* Cat McAlpine as Soma
* Harrison Collins as Wetrop