Realis 06: Escape from the Serene Atoll 01 (Patreon)

Dusty Ulled is below them now—those Nerveless Chancers. They left behind a clattering of snorts and violence and tapping feet, hiding away the odd marble in closed hands. That spheric synecdoche for the moon itself, and a catalyst too—not simply for stirring lunar power, but for spurring themselves forward towards the mysterious unknown.

But they are not the only thing moving in the dark. Other shuttles ferry travelers from moon to moon or deliver parcels or post to the miserable and mopish waiting for good news. Orphan vessels swim like gillfins through the shadows laid by those orbital giants, and in the distance—ah, so far, cast perhaps in different light all together—can you hear it, the chittering of some chitinous armada? What approach might they take? Which artery will they travel down? I promise you will not guess.

Still, as the fifth axiom of the third pedagogue reads: for each thing moving, one thing still: The ball, its net. The wasp, its nest. The light, its shadow. The shadow, its body. The body, its soul.

And for the shuttle of the Krinsky Family Circus, caught ever in circuitous route, what stands still is unexpected, perhaps. No, not the Gallery of Unfinished Curiosities on Dohkine, nor the prestigious School of Clownery on Principia, or even the infamous Trickster’s Arena of Crux. It floats high above Ulled, a glossy mirror of the muddy feasts below. It is: the Serene Atoll Space Station and Luxury Resort!

Listen on, as their journey continues. Will they find the respite offered to the Atoll’s wealthy visitors. Or will something else find them first.

Hosted by Austin Walker (@austinwalker on bluesky)

Featuring Art Martinez-Tebbel, Keith J Carberry and Ali Acampora

Produced by Ali Acampora

Music by Jack de Quidt (available on bandcamp)

Cover Art by by Oddesque

With thanks to Amelia Renee, Arthur B., Aster Maragos, Bill Kaszubski, Cassie Jones, Clark, DB, Daniel Laloggia, Diana Crowley, Edwin Adelsberger, Emrys, Greg Cobb, Ian O'Dea, Ian Urbina, Irina A., Jack Shirai, Jake Strang, Katie Diekhaus, Ken George, Konisforce, Kristina Harris Esq, L Tantivy, Lawson Coleman, Mark Conner, Mike & Ruby, Muna A, Nat Knight, Olive Perry, Quinn Pollock, Robert Lasica, Shawn Drape, Shawn Hall, Summer Rose, TeganEden, Thomas Whitney, Voi, chocoube, deepFlaw, fen, & weakmint

This episode was made with support from listeners like you! To support us, you can go to friendsatthetable.cash.