Friends at the Table

Latest Episodes:

Twilight Mirage 61: The Restitution of All Things Pt. 2 Jul 20, 2018

Show notes

At the heart of many capital ships, there is a great flow of heat and energy. Yet the core of of the Restitution of All Things is the coolest place on the vessel: the Center Centra Diplomatic Retreat, a snow covered nature preserve, with lake and lodge and firepit. And right now, inside of the old wooden building aside the icy water, Our Profit, Final Hegemon of Earth, is making her case: the Twilight Mirage itself is more than celestial cloud cover, more than a mist that bends time and hides space: it is fuel and it is medium, and if used in just such a way, it could open the door to a new way of living for everyone in the galaxy.

But one pair of ears that was scheduled to hear it--those of Fourteen Fifteen, her recently assigned bodyguard--is absent entirely. Instead, they and their would-be rescuer, Grand Magnificent, have knocked on the door to a warehouse. And whether they go inside or not, they will soon face two truths:Dormancy is action and all that is joined will one day break.

This time on Twilight Mirage: The Restitution of All Things Pt. 2

I'm not brave I'd rather live outside

Hosted by Austin Walker (@austin_walker) Featuring Art Martinez-Tebbel (@atebbel) and Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Produced by Ali Acampora (@ali_west)

Cover Art by Craig Sheldon (@shoddyrobot)

A transcription is available for this episode here.A full list of completed transcriptions is available here. Our transcriptions are provided by a fan-organized paid transcription project. If you'd like to join, you can get more information at https://twitter.com/transcript_fatt. Thank you to all of our transcribers!!

Twilight Mirage 60: The Restitution of All Things Pt. 1 Jul 12, 2018

Show notes

For the hundreds of days after the Miracle of the Mirage, the sky above the planet Moonlock was filled only with dust and color. While the occasional landed by and the odd satellite or station came briefly into view, the world was not--like many others in the system--a harbor for fleets or a rest stop for caravans. Perhaps, those on Moonlock thought, it was the planet's frightening proximity to Volition. Or maybe it was the tension of relationships on the surface, an awkward arrangement of Qui Err communities, NEH colonists, and of course, the militant "Particulars" who prowled the wastes looking for erratic phenomena to capture or destroy. It was not a particularly friendly world, Moonlock. So why should its skies be?

But today, thousands of ships hang in orbit above the planet's capital city, the Sky Reflected In Mirrors. It is the Argosy, Spliced, flotilla of the NEH and the Church of the Self. And at the center of the fleet, is the Restitution of All Things, flagship of Our Profit, and current home to Fourteen Fifteen, errant member of The Notion.

As Fourteen Fifteen goes about their business as a newly recognized citizen of the Hegemony, a twisting, clandestine ship slides past the many hundreds surrounding the Restitution: It is the Bolero Smooth, the awarding-winning vessel of Waltz Tango (Cache). And in its hold, deep in thought, is Grand Magnificent. He knows he has to rescue someone. But will it be his friend, or himself?

This time on Twilight Mirage: The Restitution of All Things Pt. 1

I'ma try to swim from somethin' bigger than me

Hosted by Austin Walker (@austin_walker) Featuring Art Martinez-Tebbel (@atebbel) and Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Produced by Ali Acampora (@ali_west)

Cover Art by Craig Sheldon (@shoddyrobot)

Twilight Mirage 59: The Siege of the Lineage Brighton Pt. 3 Jul 06, 2018

Show notes

CW: This episode contains death and gun violence

On one end of the Quire system, eminating from The Restiution of All Things, is the Profit's Star, an overawing beam of scalding light aimed at the distant eye of Crystal Palace, machine sage.

But here, inside of the Mirage, the light shines on a free-floating, living sea.

Driven by reckless commitment to success, Gig Kephart throws himself into overwhelming odds to achieve his mission and save that creature. Meanwhile, Even Gardner--consumed by a righteous bloodlust--pursues a desperate strategy that could turn the tables on their pursuers. And there at the middle of it all, enveloped by the light of Profit's Star, are a pair of siblings: Echo and Ballad Reverie, as they hurtle towards an inescapable clash of wills and hearts.

This week on Twilight Mirage: The Siege of the Lineage Brighton Pt. 3

Signal coming in and out Hope you're doing well bruh

Hosted by Austin Walker (@austin_walker) Featuring Sylvi Clare (@captaintrash), Keith J Carberry (@keithjcarberry) and Andrew Lee Swan (@swandre3000) Produced by Ali Acampora (@ali_west)

Cover Art by Craig Sheldon (@shoddyrobot)

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Description by Austin Walker

Twilight Mirage 58: The Siege of the Lineage Brighton Pt. 2 Jun 29, 2018

Show notes

On paper, the Notion's mission to protect the Wandering Sea from the cruel talons of Advent is going well: They've secured the massive, mysterious cube that contains what they need to free the sea. They've reunited, having secured Echo Reverie from the dock at the city of Perigiean. Gig Kephart has recovered from a major injury more ready than ever to jump into danger. And they're heading into space, where pilot Even Gardner is most in his demesne.

And yet there is something off about today. The mystery of a closed box, maybe. Or perhaps it is Even's devotion to the larger mission at hand. And then there's Gig's fervant desire to dive into the fray--he who was once a filmmaker now throwing himself into conflict like a mercenary. And certainly, laying under all of these things, there is Echo's lingering knowledge that family ties can not be left behind at the dinner table--and the nagging feeling that some connections may last even longer still...

This week on Twilight Mirage: The Siege of the Lineage Brighton Pt. 2

In comes a morning, hunting us with the beams Solstice ain't as far as it used to be

Hosted by Austin Walker (@austin_walker) Featuring Sylvi Clare (@captaintrash), Keith J Carberry (@keithjcarberry) and Andrew Lee Swan (@swandre3000) Produced by Ali Acampora (@ali_west)

Cover Art by Craig Sheldon (@shoddyrobot)

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Description by Austin Walker

Twilight Mirage 57: The Siege of the Lineage Brighton Pt. 1 Jun 22, 2018

Show notes

In the year that followed the Miracle, the Brighton Lineage leveraged their skill as diplomats (and their resort-quality holdings) to gain favor with factions throughout the Mirage. So succesful were they that they became the de jure rulers of the Rogue Wave, supported not by a fleet of their own, but through a collection of treaties to the military powers of the Quire system. But with the arrival of Our Profit, the creation of Parhelia, and the revelation of the Rapid Evening, the system has been thrown into disaray, and the Brightons have been left without their external support.

Smelling blood in the water--and spurred on by the relic-hunters of Advent--the Herringbone Flotilla, former leaders of the Rogue Wave, have finally struck. It is the first extended battle of the Post-Miracle Mirage, a war without guns, yet filled with bloodshed.

Over the last month, Even Gardner, Echo Reverie, and Gig Kephart have helped the Brightons in keeping civilians safe from harm. They've also uncovered the real reason for Advent's involvement here: They seek some object that would let them to capture the Wandering Sea, a powerful being that would grant Advent the ability to see into the future.

Now: Even Gardner, Gig Kephart, and Kent Brighton have located and secured this mysterious object, locked away in a crate. And as they prepare to extract it under enemy fire, Echo Reverie faces down a challenge of their own: Family Dinner.

This week on Twilight Mirage: The Siege of the Lineage Brighton Pt. 1

Roots run deep, family throw a big shadow

Hosted by Austin Walker (@austin_walker) Featuring Sylvi Clare (@captaintrash), Keith J Carberry (@keithjcarberry) and Andrew Lee Swan (@swandre3000) Produced by Ali Acampora (@ali_west)

Cover Art by Craig Sheldon (@shoddyrobot)

Music by Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal)

Description by Austin Walker

Twilight Mirage 56: The Vault of Anticipation Pt. 2 Jun 15, 2018

Show notes

CW: This episode contains discussion of suicidal ideation.

A single family remembers the Divine Pleroma, now. Neither Phive Amala nor her daughter, Aete, lived when Pleroma, a being of wholeness and breadth, still blessed the fleet with their wisdom and perspective. But every evening, just before bed, Phive Amala and her daughter, Aete, work through Pleroma's volume of the Assemblage two lines at a time. Not simply a habit, yet not quite a prayer.

Still, the forces at work in the Miracle must have heard them read. Because from a scrap of the body of the being, a Basilica formed. A palace of faith and of knowledge.

And now, inside of that place, Signet and Tender Sky must confront an old, difficult truth before continuing on to the Vault of Anticipation... where they will at last confront a new one.

This week on Twilight Mirage: The Vault of Anticipation Pt. 2

This thing won't last unless we're both lyin' (both lyin')

Fake flowers, no water needed

Real life drowned by the weekend

Hosted by Austin Walker (@austin_walker) Featuring Janine Hawkins (@bleatingheart) and Ali Acampora (@ali_west) Produced by Ali Acampora (@ali_west)

Cover Art by Craig Sheldon (@shoddyrobot)

Episode description by Austin Walker

Music by Jack de Quidt

Twilight Mirage 55: The Vault of Anticipation Pt. 1 Jun 08, 2018

Show notes

The deserts of Altar are dotted with tombs, and each takes a shape all its own. Some are cathedrals, others monuments. One, a hanging garden. But in the base of a crater atop a volcanic peak, there is a Vault. And inside, is Anticipation... or what is left of Her.

After months of study and research, an effort led by the Waking Cadent and Shoghig Salon's Temple of the Lost has learned how to open the outer door of the vault. Now, Tender Sky and the excerpt Signet have been offered the chance to open the second gate.

But first, they must demonstrate that they remember the rule: No shortcuts.

This week on Twilight Mirage: The Vault of Anticipation Pt. 1

Transition lightning (ascending) Ashes and remnants of ballers

Hosted by Austin Walker (@austin_walker) Featuring Janine Hawkins (@bleatingheart) and Ali Acampora (@ali_west) Produced by Ali Acampora (@ali_west)

Cover Art by Craig Sheldon (@shoddyrobot)

Twilight Mirage 54: Downtime on Skein Jun 01, 2018

Show notes

It is one day after the Second Miracle and the arrival of Our Profit, the so-called final hegemon of the New Earth Hegemony. Lit by the massive, false star projected by the Restitution of All Things, Our Profit's flagship, the Twilight Mirage hangs, shocked and quiet. But not for everyone.

Resting and recovering in the apparent safety of the World Without End, a sudden wave of energy passes over the members of the Notion, sparked by a corrupted transmission from the all-seeing supercomputer, Crystal Palace. In their visions, the crew witness future conflicts, opportunities, victories, and betrayals.

But not all revelations come in visions.

This time on Twilight Mirage: Downtime on Skein

We'll let you guys prophesy We gon' see the future first

Hosted by Austin Walker (@austin_walker) Featuring Janine Hawkins (@bleatingheart) Sylvi Clare (@captaintrash), Ali Acampora (@ali_west), Art Martinez-Tebbel (@atebbel), Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal), Keith J Carberry (@keithjcarberry) and Andrew Lee Swan (@swandre3000) Produced by Ali Acampora (@ali_west)

Cover Art by Craig Sheldon (@shoddyrobot)

Twilight Mirage 53: Our Flaws in a Vacuum, or the Promise We Made To Each Other May 25, 2018

Show notes

Despite the faux-mornings and would-be-nights, the sun never rises or sets over the Quire system. Yet today, in the moments between light and darkness, the air hangs too quiet, the way it only does at dawn and dusk. As Fourteen Fifteen guards the scientist and artist Wind's Poem in a well-barricaded hotel room, Tender Sky goes to convince her ex, Open Metal, not to kill the Notion's Ward. Meanwhile, miles and miles away, Morning's Observation and Grand Magnificent search for answers in the floating allocology of the Church of the Self.

Dark Day is here. But will it arrive, or be finally diverted?

This week on Friends at the Table: Our Flaws in a Vacuum, or the Promise We Made To Each Other

Click-clicking my heels wishing away the day Wish it could have been Tuesday, just not today

Hosted by Austin Walker (@austin_walker)

Featuring Ali Acampora (@ali_west), Art Martinez-Tebbel (@atebbel), Jack de Quidt (@notquitereal) Produced by Ali Acampora (@ali_west)

Cover Art by Craig Sheldon (@shoddyrobot)

Twilight Mirage 52: The Second Miracle May 18, 2018

Show notes

As the axiom Ache strikes from above, the Notion joins Acre-7 in trying to end the conflict so Quire can perform a second miracle. Gig Kephart, desperate for some additional help, makes a decision that results in painful consequences. Echo Reverie makes a move, at last, on a dangerous foe, and the planet Quire leaves its mark on them, while Signet is caught between her past and present loyalties. And, in the heart of the Wound, Even Gardner witnesses something remarkable take shape.

This week on Twilight Mirage: The Second Miracle

You kneel down to the dry land Kiss the Earth that birthed you Gave you tools just to stay alive And make it up when the sun is ruined

Hosted by Austin Walker (@austin_walker) Featuring Janine Hawkins (@bleatingheart) Sylvi Clare (@captaintrash), Keith J Carberry (@keithjcarberry) and Andrew Lee Swan (@swandre3000) Produced by Ali Acampora (@ali_west)

Music by Jack de Quidt

Cover Art by Craig Sheldon (@shoddyrobot)

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected