[narrator] As offspring get older,
their lifegivers prepare them for independence in myriad ways.
And you'll do this every day.
Every day?
[narrator] It is a long journey with many highs
and lows.
Time to gain consciousness.
Oh, no.
[narrator] But what many lifegivers find is that, at the end of it,
the most emotionally difficult part of the process
is the moment you succeed.
I am ready to leave and make my own choices now.
Oh, no.
[horns honking]
[chomping]
[swallows, exhales sharply]
Welcome to Beans & Means. We have all the beans a being needs.
What can I get for you?
I manage a restaurant across the bay,
and today we're hosting a free jitter liquid day for our customers.
Our usual jitter liquid tastes like mud,
but I hear you have a special bean that creates a less-chewable liquid,
so I made the trek here to acquire some. [inhales sharply]
Is that so?
I may know the beans of which you speak,
the ones whose aroma have mysterious properties of tranquility.
Do they taste better?
No.
Do they make you feel less jittery?
No.
So, what makes them better?
Do you not listen?
Their aroma has mysterious properties of tranquility.
What's the catch?
-Sometimes it makes you empty your bowels. -Oh.
[ringing]
[Kid] Hello?
Hey. I picked up the beans for Free Jitter Liquid Day.
-Did you start prepping? -[Kid] Almost.
[sighs] You're not even there yet, are you?
[Kid] No, I am not.
I'm almost ready to get dropped off at the docks.
I think there are only a few more bags to go.
Hey, come here.
Look at me. I'm so proud of you.
My baby being going to learnstitution.
I can hardly believe it. It's a great day.
Gratitude.
Hey, look at me again. [licks]
-You have a substance on your face. -Oh, come on.
[singer] ♪ Here's our orb It's slightly leaning ♪
♪ Orbiting a star ♪
-♪ We find ways to give life meaning ♪ -[cheering, shouting]
♪ Some might seem bizarre ♪
-♪ All we know is that we exist ♪ -[harmonizing]
[singer] ♪ And it won't be for long So it helps to put some foot tubes on ♪
♪ Joy and sadness, courage and fear ♪
♪ Curiosity and anger On a planet full of danger ♪
♪ And it's only getting stranger From here ♪
Did you do your final preparation check?
-That's not a real thing. [sniffs] -Of course it is.
-Preparation is the key to success. -I don't think that's always true.
-Did you remember your mouthstone brush? -Yes.
-Being identification card? -Yes.
-Emergency fire extinguisher? -What?
[groans] Why would I bring that?
Preparing for every situation is important, but you refuse to even try.
I'm gonna be just fine.
The way you see the orb, I must be pretty lucky.
Luck is just the meeting of preparation and opportunity.
Well, if that's true, I better pack this vibrating-creature toy,
these striking hand covers, this screwdriver.
Okay, I see what you're doing.
I'm just worried about you, that's all.
What if you get lost? Or sick?
What if you lose your center of gravity and float off the orb?
I'll ask for directions, take some medicine,
and make friends with the outer void beings.
Well, what if the outer void beings aren't friendly?
Don't forget your favorite cold slime tubes for the trip.
I don't eat those anymore. They're foul.
And who knows how long they've been in there.
They're portable and nutritious, and you love them.
You never know when you'll get hungry.
That's why you always need to be prepared with snacks.
[groans]
[thunder rumbling]
[Kid scatting] Careful Now.
[scats, grunts]
[music playing faintly]
-Hello. [shouts] -[shouts]
My apologies. I thought you were the manager.
How could you get us confused? Aren't you their sibling?
What? No. Sibling? Is that how they see me?
Yeah. [stammers] Maybe. I don't know.
[chuckles] Speaking of, uh, where is the manager?
They're picking up beans for Free Jitter Liquid Day,
and the owner's out of town, so this is my first time opening on my own.
Ah. Okay, I'll wait. Not for the manager.
For free jitter liquid. [chuckles]
-Mm-hmm. Sure. -No, really.
I come every day to eat your jitter liquid.
To eat it?
Yes.
Is it that bad?
Yes, and I'm comforted by the consistent lack of quality.
What's in the box?
I'm not sure. Let's open it.
-Ooh. -[Kid] Flip flopper machine.
Too bad we're gonna be so busy today. I'd love to bust this baby out.
I'm sorry, all. The groupfloatmachine has broken down.
The next available groupfloat will be this evening.
This is unacceptable.
Aren't you prepared with a backup groupfloat if one fails?
-[clamoring, grumbling] -Where's the backup?
There aren't any.
-No. No floatmachine? -Somebody has to have--
-Oh, well. -I need to get back to my restaurant now.
My coworker could end up burning the whole place down if I'm not there.
And we need to get to the learnstitution.
It's the first day of Meet Other Beings and Get Situated Week.
My offspring needs to meet other beings and get situated.
-I'm a learner. -Me too.
Same here.
You'll just have to wait. [stammers] I'm sorry.
There's nothing more I can do at this time.
[clamoring, grumbling]
Hmm. I wasn't prepared for this.
There must be another solution.
There is! I can take you across the bay!
Whoa.
-[murmuring] -Looks safe to me.
Come aboard my vessel, The Chancy.
Are we sure about this?
You literally called it, The Chancy?
Uh, it has earned that title.
There are no guarantees on the Big Wet,
but there's always a chance you'll have fun!
Okay.
-They have a trustworthy face. -I'll try anything they tell me to.
I'm sold.
This captain seems like they're prepared for anything.
[sighs] Anything to get back before something goes wrong.
[grunts, chuckles]
Thank you for helping me with my bags.
Oh, it's my pleasure, sweetie.
Now let's get on board. We still have a big wet to cross.
[stammers] What are you doing?
I'm taking you to learnstitution.
What? No, I can go on my own.
Remember what happened on your very first day of learning as a tiny being?
That was 15 revolutions ago.
But do you remember what happened?
You cried out for your lifegiver, and then you fell off a swing.
I think it was the other way around.
You cried, and I will not let that happen again.
Wha--
[thunder rumbling]
[beings chattering]
-[groans] -You're doing a good job
for your first time on your own.
Gratitude. It's not so bad.
One free jitter liquid, please.
Yes, I know why you're here.
-[whirring] -Hmm. [groaning]
[groaning continues]
[stammers] Uh, one moment, friend. I need to brew a new batch.
-It's gotta be here somewhere. Oh, no. -What's wrong?
We're out of jitter liquid beans.
-What do I do? What do I do? -Don't panic.
Just call the manager. That's what I would do.
That's because you have a thing for them.
Hey, is the jitter liquid ready yet?
[sighs] Fine. You're right. I'll call them.
-[dialing] -[beeps]
[stammers] Careful Now. What's your order?
You called me.
Doesn't mean you don't have an order.
[static]
[stammering] What's going on over there? Everything okay?
We're-We're out of jitter liquid. What do we do?
Brew hot leaf liquid until I get back. Can you hear me?
I can't hear you.
[static]
[gasps] What about the new flip flopper machine?
That came already? I ordered it this morning.
No. Do-Do not open it.
That machine is too complicated to use without proper training.
It's just a flip flopper machine.
Whatever you do, do not set up that flip flopper machine.
Are-- Can you hear-- Is the connection cu--
Connection isn't great, but I think you're saying
I should go ahead and set up that flip flopper machine.
No-- No, I'm saying the opposite of that. Tell me you understand.
I understand.
I understand that you're stuck on the Big Wet, so I gotta take action.
Action on what?
Action on Free Flip Flopper Day.
You're one brilliant being.
Patrons, we have run out of jitter liquid.
-[booing, clamoring] -[patron 1] Oh, come on!
[patron 2] We're setting the restaurant on fire!
But we decided it would be better if it were Free Flip Flopper Day.
[cheering]
[buoy tolling]
Does anyone have reception?
I-I'm in the middle of a flip flopper fiasco.
This is not good.
-[thuds] -Whoa. And it's getting worse.
[grunting]
Oh, would-- would you like some help with that?
-[sighs] Yes. Gratitude. [grunting] -[sighs, grunting]
[grunting, sniffs] Is that smell the beans?
So calming.
Yes, the aroma supposedly has… [grunts]
…mysterious properties of… [grunts] …tranquility. [grunts]
Aw, very kind of you, offspring.
[grunting, panting]
If that's true, maybe you should take a whiff.
You look pretty stressed out.
That obvious, huh?
I manage a restaurant, and we ran out of jitter liquid,
and my least experienced employee is in charge.
So, naturally, I'm a bit concerned.
Well, there's not much you can do from here.
Have they let you down before?
This is their first time in charge.
Why do you think they'll fail?
I like to imagine the worst-case scenario and operate from that vantage point.
Uh, e-excuse me. Are you going to learnstitution too?
No, I am a few revolutions past that.
[chuckles] And despite the stress I tend to bring on myself regarding jitter liquid
and flip flopper machines, I am grateful to have a face that doesn't crease.
Come along, sweetie.
There are so many learnstitution-bound beings for us to meet.
Sorry. I've got my own stress to deal with.
I wish you luck on your bean mission.
I wanted to specialize in creature studies.
Hello, new friends.
I would like to introduce you to my offspring.
They too are attending Beingsburg Learnstitution.
-[chuckles] -[sighs]
Hello. [sighs]
[gasps, stammers] Mm-mmm.
Hi. Nice to meet you.
Okay, good introduction. Enjoy the trip.
[groans]
You need to make acquaintances with beings to build your support system.
This is how you prepare for life.
If you could let me breathe for a single second--
Aha! The storm is upon us, friends!
This is the adventure we live for!
[door closes]
Mmm. What would you do without me?
Get soaked and sick, that's what. See how important it is to be prepared?
[shouts] Why are you here?
You're the only lifegiver accompanying their offspring.
Why don't you trust me? I can handle this on my own.
Huh. Well, we can test that theory.
I know plenty of other beings on this boat will appreciate my nurturing
and preparedness since you clearly don't need it.
Great! Go nurture them.
Oh, I'm gonna nurture them! I'm gonna nurture them so hard.
[laughing]
Embrace me, Big Wet!
The sea, my love, you always listen to me.
Everything okay up here? I heard yelling.
[shouts] Have you never been on the Big Wet?
One isn't a captain unless they are conversing with the sea.
Oh, so you-- so you don't need help with anything?
Need? All I need is Lorb to grant us a more thrilling expedition!
-[laughing] -Okay.
[groaning, gagging]
I wish I had brought snacks.
I'm so hungry, I feel sick.
[gasps] It's nurturing time.
[both] Hmm?
Flip Floppers! Flip Floppers! Flip Floppers!
Settle down. Settle down. We're trying to figure it out.
-How do we power it on? -[sighs]
The manual only has these confusing photos.
Why would someone give directions like this?
Mmm. Forget the directions. We got this.
-Push every button? -Push every button.
[beeping]
-[machine whirring] -Oh, baby. Here they come.
This is a great day.
One at a time. Single file line. Here we go.
Hey. You're fun, friend.
You're fun too, pal.
Oh, hello, new friends.
Would you like some cold slime tubes to slurp?
-[laughs] Take 'em. Go ahead. -Ooh.
Hard to pass up a cold slime tube.
It's nutritious and portable.
[chuckles] Gratitude.
You are so welcome.
Who else needs some nurturing?
Me!
-Slime me! -Oh, gimme the tubes.
Chunky and refreshing.
Oh, it's so nice to be appreciated.
Good thing I came prepared.
Otherwise, all these beings would be sick from hunger.
[dialing]
[beeping]
[dialing continues]
I imagine you're experiencing more stress than before?
I am almost certain I can smell the restaurant burning.
The truth is, there's nothing you can do from here.
It's either going well or it's not. And at this point, you can't control it.
That is why I'm experiencing more stress than before.
-Cold slime tube? -[groans]
-[sighs] No, gratitude. -No, thank you.
You can have snacks when you learn to be prepared.
That is the worst possible snack to consume on a nautical voyage.
They're right, you know. [stutters] It is good to be prepared.
That's how you limit stress and anxiety.
The only stress and anxiety I feel is from my overbearing lifegiver.
It's sweet that they're so protective of you though.
They wanna make sure they've set you on the best path.
I can relate because I tried my best to prepare my employee,
but I don't think they're ready.
Maybe you did prepare them.
If you trusted them a little more to handle things on their own,
they could show you they're perfectly capable.
And what's the worst that could happen?
They learn from their failure.
Or I perish on a groupfloat in the middle of the Big Wet while my restaurant burns
to the ground, unable to be saved by the very liquid that led me to perish.
I think you should take a whiff of your beans.
Do you really believe the aroma of beans can offer tranquility?
I think it's worth a try.
-[whirring] -We really nailed it.
I'm sure they don't even remember that it was Free Jitter Liquid Day.
What a day.
-Um, how do you turn this thing off? -[whirring]
Push every button?
It did work the first time.
[beeping]
[shouting]
-[gobbles] -[yelps, groaning]
Stop, please. I don't wanna get in trouble.
You won't get in trouble.
It's not your fault the machine is spewing flip floppers.
I wasn't supposed to use it.
When I said Manager gave us permission, I was not telling the whole truth.
What's the whole truth?
That they did not give us permission.
What? And you made me your accomplice?
Yeah, apologies. Maybe I don't got this.
-[beings screaming] -[captain laughing]
Whoa.
[groaning]
[chuckles]
Not so foul now.
[gasping, shouting]
Passengers! The funnest part of the storm is upon us.
Hang on to your foot tubes.
What is fun about this?
I'm hanging on to my foot tubes, but I don't think it's helping.
[screams] Oh, I don't feel good.
I'm here for you, friend.
Maybe you need to slurp a little more slime tube?
[retches] Oh, no. The slime. [retches]
-[retching continues] -[backup singers harmonizing]
♪ With anchor drawn and the floatsails set We brave the waves of the old Big Wet ♪
♪ Creatures low, and the swells up high Terror awaits in the sea storm's eye ♪
♪ When your bones are aquake with fear Scream to the sky, for Rorb to hear ♪
♪ "Yo-ho-ho, I face the sea The liquid shan't make a fool of me!" ♪
[retching continues]
♪ The liquid shan't make a fool of me! ♪
[retches]
[grunting]
Any ideas?
Ah, is there a flip flopper expert in the house?
I'm a flip flopper expert.
What were the odds of that?
Can you turn this thing off?
Why didn't you do that in the first place?
[chuckles] We all thought this was part of the celebration.
-[sighs] -Gratitude.
What are we going to do with all these flip floppers?
I don't know, eat them?
It's worth a shot.
[gobbling]
-Oh, Lorb. We can't do this. -[groaning]
I'm so full.
I wish my stomach were an empty void.
[groans] If only our bodies were an endless,
gaping expanse like that expanse mocking us outside.
[groaning, retching]
[laughs] That is exactly the adventure we all needed!
Not to worry.
[sighs] I'll have us back to shore in no time.
[gags] As soon as I'm done. [retching]
Oh, my Lorb. I made everyone sick.
Whoo! That was wild!
This being gets it. [retches]
Are you doing okay?
I am experiencing a sensation I have never experienced.
Can you describe it?
It's positive and calm.
Do you like this feeling?
I do. I am no longer concerned that the restaurant will burn down,
though I would prefer that it didn't. I just feel better. [breathes deeply]
It's the beans!
Oh, my Lorb.
We need to get the beings to sniff the beans.
I don't have anything to open the barrel.
I may have luckily prepared for just this opportunity.
[gasps]
[sniffs] Mmm.
[yelps, shivers]
Lifegiver, I don't say this lightly, but you were right.
You need to sniff these beans.
I never said anything about sniffing beans.
Take a whiff of these.
[sniffs, sighs]
Ah, I feel my fears dissipating through my face holes.
How did you-- [stammers]
I'm lucky you figured out how to quell my worry.
You know, sometimes luck is just the meeting
of preparation and opportunity.
You know, I heard that somewhere.
Help me cure the beings?
I'm always here to help.
[groaning, sniffs] Mmm.
[shivers] Hmm?
[both sniff] Mmm.
-Sniff these. -[snorting] Ah, great.
Divine spirit of the sea, you have finally embraced me!
Um. [sighs] Can this experience stay between us?
I would not wanna cause the manager any more stress.
Deal.
[wind whistling]
[whooshing]
Hey, you did a really great job today. The manager would be impressed.
Thanks. I think Manager would be elated to know how much you helped. Hmm.
They're really lucky to have us.
Land, ho!
[knuckles crack]
[grunts]
On to my next brush with perishing. [chuckles] Yes.
I apologize for being so overbearing.
It's my job to prepare you to be independent,
but I wasn't prepared for when you were.
It's okay, but you need to see you have prepared me.
I do.
Ready to continue our journey to the learnstitution?
I think you got it from here.
-Mmm. -Thank you.
They leave us so slowly and then all at once.
They'll be okay, right?
They'll be more than okay. You did a great job.
Oh, thank you.
[laughs] Though I can never again eat a slime tube.
[laughs]
Greets.
Greets. Beans are here.
-[sniffs] -Okay.
Uh, do you wanna talk about, uh, anything?
How'd it go?
It went great. Yeah.
Great. Thanks for handling that. I'm proud of you.
Manager's back… if you wanna see them.
I saw. I'll give them some space. I'm enjoying hanging with you.
Flip flopper fight?
Flip flopper fight.
I'm gonna get you. I'ma get you.
-Whoa! Oh. [grunts] -[laughing]
[laughing]
[sniffs, sighs]