Desert Skies - Bonus: Take Care of Yourself

Episode Date: November 22, 2023

Season 2 is on it's way in 2024, but that doesn't mean you can't spend a little time with the staff of Desert Skies while you wait. In this short story, Mac and Tendy take a drive on the Desert Sphere (at Mac's insistence), as Mac tries to help Tendy learn to take a break when he needs it. Laughter and life lessons (Mac style) abound in this little roadtrip. Join Club 86 Visit our Merch Store Join the Discord Visit our Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Enjoy it with me. All of those instruments working together with intentionality, the culmination of years of intense practice, yet resulting in something that could be mistaken for synchronicity. It's just playful. Feeling a little philosophical, are we? Mack, why are we out here? Do we have to have a Y man?

We're going for a drive, that's all. I have so much to do back at the station. The floor looks like it hasn't been mocked for a thousand travelers. The fountain heads need to be cleaned. I don't even want to look at the hot dog rollers. 1961 Buick, Skylar. How's it feel it? the wheel, Tandy. Fine. Fine. You're navigating one of the pinnacles of modern transportation

and all you can say about it is fine. Seriously, Mac, what is this? What are you doing? I thought it might be a good idea to get you out of the station for a little bit. Maybe try to clear your mind some. Why? Oh, I think you know why. What? Oh, oh, that's silly, Mac. Seriously, that was nothing. That was something. You're stressed, man. Stressed. Seriously? Tendie, you think I don't know you by now? I was just really into what the traveler was saying. Really?

You're telling me you've never overfilled a cup of coffee before. You kept pouring for so long that you nearly emptied the damn pot. I mean, look at your freaking hand, man. Okay. I don't know what happened. This association, bud. It's not just a river in Egypt. There's a river in Egypt called...

That lady started telling you about every bad thing that's happened to her in her life tend. she started on about politics? Like, who the hell cares? Barbara, you're dead. Right? Right. The guy before that couldn't stop bragging about what a study was back in high school. He was like 50. Get over it, dude. Maybe you're a king of the prom, but you couldn't even stay alive long enough to go bald. Stop living in the past, Philip. I felt like I couldn't breathe. Was he ever going to stop? No, sir. He wasn't. That's why I kept passing gas right next to him. That was you. I thought it was him. To be fair, it might have been both of us.

Probably where I got the idea. Anyways, look, you're great at talking with travelers. Watching you is like a master class in social interaction. There's another part of you that I think you're not paying attention to. And that part is a part of you that can't help but get a little anxious and overwhelmed when you're around too many people. We haven't had a break in travelers in ages. I love people, Mac. But...

People are hard. People are hard. It feels bad saying that. I'm an attendant. I shouldn't say stuff like that. Oh, yeah. I think I read that in the attendant manual. The Prime Mover gave me.

The Prime Mover gave you a manual. Seriously? No, Tandy. The Prime Mover did not give me a manual. And if he did, it wouldn't say that. And if he did, do you think I'd read it? Maybe if it was a book on tape, I love the Prime Mover's voice. does have a nice voice. So anyways, people, they're hard. That includes you and me too, but

that's fair. Not cash, though. Seriously, she's the best of us. I wish she was my mom. I think she kind of is. That's fair. So you took me away from the station to get away from people for a while? Yeah. And it's okay to do that? Just leave for a bit? Of course it is. The people will be here when you get back. Besides, you're not doing them any favors burning the shit out of your hand just because you want to be a good listener. Why are you so good at this stuff, Mac? I feel like you always have an answer for everything. I don't know. I guess I've just never questioned whether or not I'm worth taking care of. I just take a look in the mirror and go, hey, handsome, do what you got to do to be true to the you that looks 22 so you can get through. I envy you. I think I can only feel as worthy as I am

useful. I know you do, friend, but look at me. I'm driving. Oh, right, right. Keep your eyes on the road. But listen to me. Okay. You're worth taking care of Tendi. Not because of all the awesome things you do, though you are a very cool guy, and you do a lot that really helps people. You're worth it, just because you're worth it. Just because this is the astral plane, and you're already dead. That doesn't mean you're free to spend an eternity killing yourself to make sure everyone else is okay all the time. Now, roll down the window. Okay. Feel that breeze? Yeah. Soak it up for a moment. Let the mild air of the desert sphere fill your nostrils and breathe it in. Good. You feel the gentle vibration of the car. Yeah. That feeling is you, the engine, and the road together. Now, keep taking

deep breaths for a minute. Ready? Deep breath in. Two, three, four. Hold it. Two, three, four. Now breathe out. Two, three, four. Hold it.

Two, three, four. Okay. I just keep doing that and let's enjoy the sound of the radio and the hum of those eight cylinders doing what they do best. How you feel? I feel better. A lot better. Thanks, Mac.

This was really kind of you. Hey, that's what family's for. This message is intended for the attendance of Desert Skies. Mack, Tendi, a traveler is here. They're a handful. Please return as soon as you can. And speaking of family, come on, bud. Mama Cash is in need of a helping hand.

You ready? Actually, if it's not too much to ask, would you mind if I just got out here? I think a walk back might do me some good. Sure thing, bud. all the time you need. I'm proud of you for asking. Thanks. Are you sure you're okay doing this without me, Mac, because I... Because I am worth taking care of. Thank you.