#microcos-pod

[steadysapphics]

Hi! If you want to Uplift Sapphics/Sapphic Ships in Fandoms, Look Below!

Hi! We’re the Steady Sapphics, a pair of trans lesbians who run this blog!

A troubling pattern we have noted within every fandom we have been a part of is a significant lack in content for sapphic pairings, whether they be canon or not. The mlm ships, while they were wonderful, always received more fics, more fanart, and more engagement from the fandom itself. In TV shows, canon sapphic ships are either a secondary ship to the main one, or if it does star the sapphic pairing, the show is canceled after 1 season. The world views sapphic ships as less profitable and less interesting, unless they are fetishized or marketed to a male audience. This is a heartbreaking reality for young women loving women/non-men loving non-men to see.

We made this blog in an attempt to change this view in the fandom world. Our goals with this blog is to:

1. Create sapphic content in various fandoms through fan fiction

2. Uplift other sapphic creators/works in these fandoms by reblogging fanfics and fanarts from various fandoms, as well as shouting out sapphic creators, both on and outside of Tumblr.

3. Give sapphics a safe space to engage with sapphic content and express their thoughts and opinions.

This blog is for every sapphic, whether you be lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, aromantic, omnisexual, polysexual, transgender, nonbinary, intersex, or anywhere on the spectrum of sexuality and/or gender! Allies of sapphics are welcome as well, with the understanding that this blog is not about them, but meant rather to uplift sapphics, sapphic ships, and sapphic content.

Important Links:

Steady Sapphics AO3 Profile

Steady Sapphics Discord Server (Coming Soon!)

List of Fandoms/Ships That I Can Write For

Request a Fanfic

Request A Sapphic Media/Rarepair

Meet the Runners of this Blog Below!

~Hi! My name is Madison, and I am a white nonbinary ace lesbian. I go by he/they/she pronouns. I’m 18 years old, and have been involved in fandom culture since I was around 13 years old. Some of my passions include writing, horse riding, and theater. I am the one who originally thought up of the blog, and got the team together to begin making it.

~Hello! My name is Cedar. I’m 16 years old, and I am a nonbinary black lesbian. My pronouns are they/them. While I have not been active in many fandoms, I have a great appreciation for art and music. I am often disappointed that I don’t see myself represented as much as white, straight, or gay men.

[ameliapodcast]

Hi Maty, hast du irgendwelche deutsche Podcast Empfehlungen? Irgendwas damit ich es bis zur nächsten Amelia season aushalten kann! 😊

Whelp, I didn't expect that. I have to say, I don't really listen to any German Podcasts, since I have yet to find a German Fiction Podcast. I know there are some translations of SCP Archives episodes? But I honestly haven't looked into that too much. I can recommend podcasts to you, though?

Primordial Deep. Take Wolf359 but make it underwater. I won't say more except that JORDAN COBB and don't listen when you have to rest your eyes because I was scared out of my socks for a second there. Also, it's in the same universe as Janus Descending and Descendants is apparently out?? I only saw that yesterday so I might have to retreat to the vents and listen to that.

Micro-Cosmos. @microcos-pod Currently on break, but found family on a planet? Felix is a mood. I don't want to spoil anything but god this podcast is so good. I love every character. I love the premise.

Once again, @starstrider-productions ' The Pilgrimage Am I biased because I'm both queer and autistic? I don't know. I binged through most of it in one day while painting, basically hiding from everything because I was captured. They are also still crowdfunding their last season I think! So check that out!!!

The Secret Of St. Kilda 👀 It has Alan, our Interviewer, it has... a not-cult, it has twists you don't expect and also... No. I am not saying anything else because that podcast is - as well - better enjoyed without knowing what awaits you. People acted as if they would be snatched away if they spoilered me so... I wonder what that is about, @thekilda ?

I hope that helps! Have some podcast recs!

-Intern

[microcos-pod]

Micro-Cosmos Trailer 1: Until Tonight Becomes Tomorrow

Stream wherever you find your podcasts, and find the transcript here! Thank you for listening!

Dr. Emily Macey gives a final report.

Micro-Cosmos: A New Science Fiction Podcast, premiering in March of 2021.

This trailer, Until Tonight Becomes Tomorrow, was written by Lauren Tucker, and directed by Jesse Smith and Zyrel Thompson. It starred Lauren Tucker as Dr. Emily Macey, with original music by Julia Barnes and sound editing by Tobias Friedman.

Be sure to stay tuned to our feed for more upcoming trailers and updates on the new backpacking, intergalactic adventure from Futuristic Trail Mix Productions.

To follow the show and find transcripts, you can find us on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram as @microcos_pod/microcospod. Questions, comments, and concerns can be emailed to us via futuretrailmixpros@gmai.com.

[microcos-pod]

Micro-Cosmos Trailer 1: Until Tonight Becomes Tomorrow Transcript

(Dr. Emily Macey gives a final report.

Transcript begins below break.)

[INTRODUCTORARY THEME MUSIC PLAYS.]

[MUSIC FADES OUT.]

[The scene opens with the sounds of typical office droning in the background. There are a few moments of only this, before…]

[SFX: fast typing]

[SFX: click of a mouse]

EMILY

(clears throat) This is Doctor Emily Macey, reporting in service of the Board, on the final comprehensive personnel review and approval prior to… Launch of Omnitarian Establishment Crew #0137-F, on, mission designation Ophiuchus-22, scheduled for launch in two Earthen days from the time of this recording.

Mission personnel is a crew of five, consisting of four human crew members and one artificial intelligence unit. All members have been briefed on their mission responsibilities, and all have passed screenings with acceptable, if varying, levels of success.

[SFX: click click]

EMILY (cont’d)

Beginning with the leader, I suppose. The duties of mission commander, as well as navigations officer, will be taken up by Alex dela Cruz. Ms. Dela Cruz has been with us for three missions prior to this, however, this is her first command, that she is taking eagerly. She's a... strange sort, though perfectly suited to this position. Professional gamer turned navigations specialist is, erm... not exactly what I had pictured for mission command, but... I, as well as the review panel, have full confidence in Alex's abilities, as well as her dedication to mission success.

She has received a conclusive rating of Exemplary Readiness, and should be expected to perform exceedingly well.

[SFX: click click]

EMILY (cont’d)

Moving on to Doctor Felix Couvillion, Science Officer. (chuckles) Oh, how to describe Doctor Couvillion? Curiouser and curiouser, perhaps?

Though I suppose this report has little to do with the personal, I must say that Felix is an acquired taste, though not unfriendly by any means. In any case, he is a talented biologist, and myself as well as the review panel have found him to conclusively demonstrate Exemplary Readiness as well. He also requested, at our last meeting, that I pass on his request for additional snacks, specifically... (strained) dark chocolate trail mix, within the provisions. Soo... I suppose I'll just inform you of that in case the board is feeling kind enough to indulge him.

[SFX: click click]

EMILY (con’t)

(sigh) Ah, yes. Of course. Mx. Miles  Abbott, who will be functioning as the crew's AI and engineering specialist. Miles... well, dear Miles is... Miles. I say that with the same professional admiration as I do of Doctor Couvillion, though... they're…

Miles is very talented. Very young, very easily frustrated, but very talented nevertheless. I... worry about them. Not about their capability, by any stretch of the imagination, but I worry in the sense that... In my humble opinion, Miles doesn't need to be any more resilient than they already are, and I fear that this task may prove to be... a little much for their temper, especially in working with this crew's AI unit.

However, I'm getting ahead of myself. Miles still passed with a conclusive ranking of Satisfactory Readiness, and thus should be… Prepared for mission launch along with the rest of the crew.

[SFX: click click]

EMILY (CONT'D)

Well! Speak of the devil… Artificial Intelligence Unit C41, lovingly referred to as Cal, and Miles's personal frenemy in chief. They will be supervising the mission and providing additional support and contact with headquarters according to need and regulation.

I must admit, most of what I know about Cal's professional strengths I've heard from Miles, or from the AI screening team. As far as I know, they're a slippery one, always looking for ways around any annoyances in their programming. Miles always has plenty to say about Cal's... creativity in thinking outside the box.

It will surely be strange around the AI Development wing once those two left for assignment. You won't be able to set your watch to their three o'clock shouting match, for starters.

(chuckles)

My apologies. I shouldn't laugh about that sort of behavior, but they do make it awfully difficult, don't they? In any case, Cal has received a rank of Satisfactory Readiness as well, and should be considered ready for mission launch, but, oh…

[SFX: a notification from her computer; click]

EMILY (con’t)

What in the world? Oh... oh dear. Members of the Board, it would appear that Miles has left a note for me, requesting that Cal be considered ready for launch, under the following circumstances, and I quote, "That they just keep their nose out of the..." (sighs) Now there's a profanity here that I won't repeat, "Keep their nose out of the… mmm, protocol memory storage while I try to do my job, and stop trying to pull stunts that keep me up all night trying to shove their brain back into-"

Well, I... I don't think we need to go any further into that. They must have had quite the blowout… I'm sure they've worked it out.

[SFX: click click]

EMILY (cont’d)

And last but not least, Ms. Athena Romero. Ms. Romero will be serving as the crew’s communications officer and chronicler, effectively the voice and... if I allow myself the moment of whimsy, the 'spirit' of the mission. Leading by example is what I hope to see of her among this crew, and I feel that her confidence and calm will be quite the stabilizer for this quirky bunch.

You, the Board, will be hearing plenty from her as she reports back on all of their successes and hurdles, so I'm sure you'll see what I mean. She has received a rating of Exemplary Readiness, and should be considered ready for mission launch.

(sigh) And I believe that should about cover it. In service of Board, I, Doctor Emily Macey, now with my full confidence, pass oversight of this mission off to the Board's discretion as they see fit, and…

[THE THEME MUSIC BEGINS TO FADE IN]

EMILY (cont’d) 

When the crew lands, I suppose we'll all hear for ourselves just how it goes. I... look forward to seeing them succeed. For now, goodnight, goodnight. Parting is such sweet sorrow.

[SFX: click of desk light turning off; recorder clicks to a stop]

[MUSIC ENDS, CREDITS BEGIN]

[microcos-pod]

Micro-Cosmos Trailer 2: Joy’s Soul

Stream wherever you find your podcasts, and find the transcript here! Thank you for listening!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Sop4l7qxpyFfsi2otPDxc?si=NA5rxr0AT7qsbCBcSD5gfw

The Omni-Corporation does a bit of advertising. 

Micro-Cosmos: A New Science Fiction Podcast, premiering in March of 2021. This trailer, Joy's Soul, was written by Jesse Smith, and directed by Jesse Smith, Lauren Tucker, and Zyrel Thompson. It starred Cassidy Leo as Charlotte and Jackson Rossman as Miles Abbott, and featured additional voices by the cast of Micro-Cosmos, with original music by Julia Barnes and sound editing by Tobias Friedman. 

Be sure to stay tuned to our feed for more upcoming trailers and updates on the new backpacking, intergalactic adventure from Futuristic Trail Mix Productions. 

To follow the show and find transcripts, you can find us on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram as @microcos_pod/microcospod. Questions, comments, and concerns can be emailed to us via futuretrailmixpros@gmai.com. For more information on the show, visit our website, microcospod.space. 

Thank you for listening.

[microcos-pod]

Micro-Cosmos April Fool’s Bonus Episode: The Felix Couvillion Show Transcript

(A strange incident involving banana peels and lemon juice... Happy April Fools!

Transcript begins below break.)

[THEME MUSIC FADES IN] EMILY (V.O.) The Felix Couvillion Show! Starring: Dr. Felix Couvillion. Miles Abbott! Athena Romero. Alex de la Cruz, and Unit C41! [INTRO MUSIC FADES OUT] [sfx: a loud scream, and then a thud] MILES MY EYES!!!! [sfx: laugh track] [sfx: a creaky couch being sat on, Cal’s chime] C41 Where have you been, Dr. Couvillion? FELIX *YELPS.* [sfx: laugh track] FELIX (CONT’D) Good lord, Cal! You scared the dickens out of me! C41 Sorry, Felix. You walked inconspicuously into the room and I thought I ought to ask. [sfx: laugh track] FELIX Well, since you asked so politely... Officer Romero and I went for a walk. Discussing business, and the like. You know how things are these days... Business, and all. C41 Yes, of course. Business! However, Athena is currently in the kitchen, so, unless you duplicated her likeness, I'm unsure how the two of you could go on walk together... [sfx: laugh track] FELIX Oh... yes... of course, the kitchen. Right, sorry, did I say the... uh, Athena? I meant the Commander! Funny how similar those sound... haha... C41 The Commander has been out visiting family all day, Dr. Couvillion. Are you sure you're doing alright? FELIX Hmm... uh... [sfx: knocking, a door opening, and the crowd cheers]

ALEX Did someone say 'family'? C41 & FELIX (simultaneously) Alex! ALEX Cuz I've got a big group of terraformers right here in need of some massive found family energy. C41 & FELIX  *LAUGH*. [sfx: laugh track] ALEX So, what do you kids watch these days? Feels like I haven't watched TV since the sitcom revival of the 2080s. C41 Oh, just the Omni-Corporation Incorporated mandated television stream. ALEX Oh, lovely! [sfx: footsteps entering the room] ATHENA Is that Alex I hear! ALEX Athena! Hey there, our Goddess of Wisdom! ATHENA Hi there, our dearest Commander. How was the family? ALEX Oh, you know what they say about family! They were lovely! FELIX Do they say that? [sfx: laugh track] ATHENA I need to know, though... where did all of our bananas go? FELIX Oh, uh... who knows! ALEX Yeah, I noticed a recognizably lacking amount of lemon juice in the supply cabinet before I left this morning... FELIX Yeah! I wonder where- C41 Me too! And Dr. Couvillion has been suspiciously absent from our daily viewing sessions with Miles. FELIX That really is strange, isn't it! ATHENA Felix... ALEX Where's Officer Abbott, Felix? FELIX See, that's a funny story... MILES  (muffled, as if through a wall) COUVILLION!!!!! [sfx: laugh track] ALEX, ATHENA, C41 (simultaneously)  Feeeeelix! [sfx: the crowd CLAPS, some outro music plays]

*** [sfx: a campfire crackling]

FELIX And they cheer! The Felix Couvillion show! The credits roll: Emily Macey, Charlotte- me, of course, and- You are very unenergetic about this. ATHENA It's 3 in the morning, Felix. FELIX It... is? ALEX How about we all go to bed first, yeah? And continue the... Felix Couvillion adventures tomorrow? Please? FELIX Right. Yes. Sorry. I lost track of time. ALEX I know, Felix... I know... ATHENA Goodnight, Felix. C41 I thought it was a good story, Felix. FELIX Thank you, Cal. C41 I especially liked the bit where Officer Abbott had lemon juice poured into their eyes. It sounded painful. FELIX Thanks, Cal. ***

[OUTRO MUSIC PLAYS] ANNOUNCER Micro-Cosmos: A Science Fiction Podcast. This bonus episode, The Felix Couvillion Show, was written by Jesse Smith, edited by Jesse Smith, and directed by Jesse Smith. It starred Kaleb Piper as the voice of Felix Couvillion, Jackson Rossman as the voice of Miles Abbott, Luka Miller as the voice of Alex de la Cruz, Jesse Smith as the voice of Athena Romero, Pippa van Beek-Paterson as the voice of Cal, and Lauren Tucker as Emily Macey. Original music by Julia Barnes, and sound editing by Jesse Smith. Be sure to stay tuned to our feed for upcoming episodes from the new backpacking intergalactic adventure from Futuristic Trail Mix Productions.

To follow the show and find transcripts, you can find us on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram as @MicroCosPod. Questions, comments, and concerns can be emailed to us via futuretrailmixpros@gmail.com. Thank you for listening.

[microcos-pod]

Micro-Cosmos Trailer 2: Joy’s Soul Transcript

(The Omni-Corporation does a bit of advertising.

Transcipt begins below break.)

[INTRODUCTORARY THEME MUSIC PLAYS.]

[MUSIC FADES OUT.]

[A light orchestral tune fades in, like that of an old-fashioned advertisement.]

CHARLOTTE:  Have you found yourself feeling drained? Despondent Disconnected? Is the crushing burden of your insignificance within our everexpanding universe bringing you despair?

[She pauses for a comical amount of time, as if expecting a response.]

CHARLOTTE (CON’T):  Well, look no further than your nearest monitor! Found on any and all streaming services, news suppliers, or search engines, one can easily find any availabilities within our lovely company- the Omni-Corporation, Omni-Corp for short. 

We here at Omni-Corp are firm believers that every job matters. We wouldn't be such a well-oiled machine if we didn't have our wonderful cleaning crews and cafeteria workers. (giggle) 

Of course, those jobs are fully occupied by top-of-the-line artificial intelligence androids, like myself! However, we have a multitude of positions open to humans, of this world or otherwise. These can extend across planes of job areas and application. Secretaries, engineers and technology developers, even project directors, if you're intelligent enough.

For those less interested in our science-related positions, we have other opportunities ranging anywhere from ecommerce to admissibility. In fact, we are practically always on the lookout for locker team, audio and video production, and (scornfully) legal team members...

And yet... these are only but a glimpse at the galaxy of career possibilities here at Omni-Corp. Since our founding in 1976 by world renowned philanthropist, astronomer, and entrepreneur Beauregard Oswald, we have worked to assure we employ only the very best. Among them are thousands of talented and hardworking individuals, striving to improve life as we know it.

However, even with so many skilled people working amongst the many, many branches of our company, there's only so much we can do from Earth in regard to our spaceflight operation.

Before our shuttles leave the surface, a large team of specially trained scientists make sure that everything is a-okay from the ground before we send our magnificent spaceflight teams out into the stars. From there, they find us more inhabitable planets to call our home sweet homes. Voyaging, terraforming, and specializing crews ensure each and every planet they find is safe, full of victuals, and devoid of predatory species. And I think they do a tremendous job at it, too. (giggle)

So check our availabilities! As we always like to say, "Things won are done; joy’s soul lies in the doing." We here at Omni-Corp are always looking for new members to join our big, happy family. As a-

[SFX: panicked running footsteps and a door being thrown open; there is some sort of beeping device going off]

[The orchestral music halts, and Charlotte gasps, aghast]

MILES: Shoot, shoot, shoot, dammit, dammit! Sorry, sorry, coming through! Marsha, could you- AH! 

[SFX: the device beeps faster and is dropped to the ground]

MILES (CONT'D): Everyone stand back, stand-

[SFX: boom]

MILES (CON’T):  Back... Aaand... there goes the weeks' work. Again. 

[There is a long pause, before the music begins to fade back in.]

CHARLOTTE: Anyways, as I was saying... We here at Omni-Corp are always looking for new members to join our big, happy-

MILES: Oh, damn, you're recording today? 

[The music, once again, comes to a halt.]

CHARLOTTE: Family. 

MILES: Because, if you are, I can go back into the office for a few minutes, no big deal... I mean, it's a- it's a bit of a deal, but... I mean, it can wait now. I guess. 

CHARLOTTE: Mx. Abbott. If, you could be so kind, I would... grandly, appreciate your silence... Or absence. I do believe this area was marked off limits for the next twenty minute block, was it not? 

MILES: Ah. Well...  Probably? I mean... I'll... yeah. I'll go. Sorry.

[SFX: footsteps]

MILES (CON’T): (to themself) I just offered to leave...

[SFX: door closing, followed by frustrated scream from Miles]

[There is a LONG pause, before the music begins fading back in.]

CHARLOTTE: (tense) We here at Omni-Corp... Are always looking for new members to join our big, happy family. As a multiplanetary corporation, we have constellations worth of love and support for all affiliates of our company. And... Don't tell anyone this, but I have a hunch that that love might just be requited. What do you think, folks?

CROWD OF EMPLOYEES: We love Omni-Corp.

CHARLOTTE: And we love you. Remember, when life gets hard, when you feel stuck, when it feels as though the weight of the world rests upon your feeble shoulders? Omni-Corp is here for you. Omni-Corp is your welcoming escape.  Look inside yourself and to your nearest information retriever. Omni-Corp might just need you, and all of your special abilities.

For quick access to one of our representatives, pick up a telephone and dial our hotline: 1-4-3-5-5-3. That's 1-4-3-5-5-3. See you soon, and work well!

[SFX: the music becomes distorted, and everything is flooded out by static]

[THEME MUSIC BEGINS, CREDITS BEGIN]

[microcos-pod]

Character Playlists #2 & #3

Though a bit late, we would love to share our second and third character playlists with you all! (Previously released on our Insta)

Our second playlist, inspired by Charlotte, includes classical jazz songs for all of your corporate needs.

Our third, inspired by Petty Officer Miles Abbott (previously mentioned in trailer one), has all of the pop rock and punk your heart could desire, matching Miles’s ‘explosive’ personality quite well.

Our next trailer drops this Monday, so we’ll see you then! Take care of yourself, stay safe, and work well!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1sasbfdrvrpqpUVZDKRDhZ?si=alWWFiPSQY22H4TsuRSMkQ

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0H0fIvPW8xRGlCPpoeYb1t?si=AfxJt1kCQmq84lpk1R8mow

[steadysapphics]

List of Fandoms/Ships I Can Write For

Hey! Below are a list of sapphic ships and fandoms I am familiar with and are able to write fanfic for! Don’t see your ship? Go to Request A Sapphic Media/Rarepair!

Alice Isn’t Dead (Podcast & Book):

Alice/Keisha

I Am Not Okay With This (TV Show)

Dina/Sydney Novak

Schitt’s Creek (TV Show)

Stevie Budd/Alexis Rose

Arcane (TV Show)

Caitlyn/Vi

Stranger Things (TV Show)

Robin Buckley/Nancy Wheeler

Robin Buckley/Vickie

Eleven | Jane Hopper/ Maxine “Max” Mayfield

The Penumbra Podcast (Podcast)

Buddy Aurinko/Vespa Ilkay

Sir Caroline/Quanyii

The Magnus Archives (Podcast)

Georgie Barker/Melanie King

Agnes Montague/Gertrude Robinson

Agnes Montague/Jude Perry

Ever After High (TV Show)

Madeline "Maddie" Hatter/Raven Queen

Kitty Cheshire/Lizzie Hearts 

Darling Charming/Apple White

Raven Queen/Apple White

Cerise Hood/Raven Queen

Any other sapphic pairing you can think of!

Monster High (TV Series)

Draculaura/Clawdeen Wolf

Abbey Bominable/Frankie Stein 

Twyla/Howleen Wolf

Any other sapphic pairing you can think of!

Red Dead Redemption 2 (Video Game)

Sadie Adler/Abigail Roberts

Mary-Beth Gaskill/Tilly Jackson

Sadie Adler/Molly O'Shea

Sadie Adler/Mary Linton

Star Stables (Video Game)

Alex Cloudmill/Maya Dew

Anne von Blyssen/Alex Cloudmill 

Linda Chanda/Lisa Peterson

Linda Chanda/Alex Cloudmill 

The Bright Sessions (Podcast)

Samantha Barnes/Chloe Turner

Samantha Barnes/Joan Bright

Chloe Turner/Rose Atikson

Rose Atikson/Emily Rodriguez

Wolf 359 (Podcast)

Isabel Lovelace/Renée Minkowski 

Hera/Alana Maxwell

The Strange Case of Starship Iris (Podcast)

Violet Liu/Arkady Patel

Microcosmos; A Science Fiction Podcast (Podcast)

Athena Romero/Alex de la Cruz

The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (Musical)

Deb/Alice Woodward

Heartstopper (TV Show)

Tara Jones/Darcy Olsson

Do Revenge (Movie)

Elanor Levitan/Drea Torres

Gabbi Broussard/Eleanor Levetan 

Gabbi Broussard/Eleanor Levetan/Drea Torres 

Go ahead and Request a Fic!

[dollypartons9to5]

!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m so excited to listen on Monday!!!

Character Playlist #1

Here is a collection of songs that inspired Dr. Emily Macey and the first trailer, Until Tonight Becomes Tomorrow, which airs on Monday (December 14th)!

Keep an eye open for more playlists as we approach our second trailer's release, and remember that the pilot drops in March of 2021!

Enjoy!

🎶🚀✨

[microcos-pod]

Hello, all!

Good news! We will officially be returning from our hiatus with Episode 8: The Fever Called Living on AUGUST 9TH!

See you then! Work well. 😉

[microcos-pod]

Bonus Episode #4 - The Fire Is Slowly Dying

*** JESSE Hey, it’s Jesse Smith! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Believe me, we’ve missed being in your feeds every two weeks so much, but we are sadly still on hiatus. In good news: we are getting very close to being ready to return, and we will keep you updated on our social medias of an estimated time of returning to normal scheduling.  About a year ago, we released our first bonus episode on a whim, having written all of the trailer and the first draft of our pilot. Who would’ve thought that we’d have come so far in just a year. But, we couldn’t have done it without the amazing support of all of you, listeners, and for that we thank you so very much. Anyways, without further ado, our newest mini-episode: The Fire is Slowly Dying. Work well.

*** ANNOUNCER Futuristic Trail Mix Productions Presents Micro-Cosmos: A Science Fiction Podcast. ***

JASON Mr. Lacount? I have your coffee.

[sfx: knocking on the door, opening it]

JASON (CON’T) Mr. Lacount? Uh, Hello? Hello?

VIOLA I’ve collected a series of voicemail messages addressed to a select number of company employees, Mr. Lacount, just as instructed. Would you like for me to play them?

[Jason yelps.]

JASON Uh, ah, oh. Oh.  [He puts on an impression of Mr. Lacount in a panic.]

Um, um...Yes, yes, dear, that would be perfect?

VIOLA Message 1: Addressed to Dr. Emily Macey. December 11, 2093. 3:41 PM.

[sfx: a voicemail beep] OCTAVIA Good evening, Emily. This is Octavia. Though I appreciate your fast response to my previous email regarding my son’s upcoming project, I would appreciate it even more if you could return my calls. This is, after all, a rather time sensitive matter, I hope you recognize that. 

[Octavia sighs.]

Irregardless, I would appreciate an ETA and a description of his accessibility to communication. I would like to speak to my son. Thank you very much. 

[sfx: a voicemail beep]

VIOLA Message 2: Addressed to Dr. Emily Macey. December 14, 2093. 6:53 PM.

[sfx: a voicemail beep] JEANETTE Hey there, Dr. Macey, it’s Jeanette. Is Marsha still at the office? She’s normally home by now and she’s not answering the phone, it’s not like her to-

[sfx: a door creaks open, footsteps as Marsha returns]

JEANETTE (CON’T) Oh, hey there, doll!

MARSHA Hi-a, honey. Sorry I’m running late, I had to stop by Ann’s for some flowers.

[sfx: cats meowing distantly]

JEANETTE Oh, Marsh, they’re beautiful! I- One moment, I’m sorry. Problem solved. Sorry about that! Thanks, anywho. Chag Sameach!

MARSHA Aww, were you worried about me miss-

[sfx: a voicemail beep]

VIOLA Message 3: Addressed to Receptionist Marsha Francis. December 15, 2093. 10:27 AM. [sfx: voicemail beep]

MINERVA Hey, Dr. Macey? It’s Minerva, um, Minerva Romero. My sister came in to see you last week and she’s just been… super cryptic about it since then. Like, she doesn’t normally tell me everything, but this is different, and I really don’t need that energy hanging over Christmas dinner. So…to herselfI know this is probably a long shot.steadying herselfI was curious to know if I might be able to get some information on the project she’s been training for? I totally understand the confidentiality part and all, I’m not asking for much, I just want something. Please? You’ve got my phone number, please call me back when you can. Merry Christmas.

ATHENA Minnie, I’m about to head-

[sfx: voicemail beep]

VIOLA Message 4: Addressed to Dr. Felix Couvillion. December 17, 2093. 12:48 PM.

MOTHER Good evening, Felix. I’m reaching out to you on behalf of my son, your supervisor. It would be quite appreciated if you could visit his office within the next 24 hours and receive your instructions. Your lack of response to his, and now my, calls is quite unprofessional.

[sfx: voicemail beep]

VIOLA Message 5: Addressed to Receptionist Georgina Hollinghead. December 17, 2093. 2:54 PM.

[sfx: voicemail beep]

FELIX Gnädige Frau, good afternoon! You see, that's incredibly interesting- your last message! Very interesting, indeed, because the funny thing is: I did not intentionally miss any calls! Speaking with your son is …A joy, and I would never miss talking to him for the world! Such a good supervisor, oh boy, yes indeed! I have just been

[He continues as if he’s struggling to push something] - with some work- in the lab. [Felix pants slightly but appears to have succeeded at whatever his task was.] But yes, I am on my way to his office right now, as a matter of fact! I will see him then! Thank you so much, have a lovely day. Happy Holidays.

[sfx: voicemail beep]

VIOLA Message 6: Addressed to Receptionist Marsha Francis. December 21, 2093. 3:02 PM.

[sfx: voicemail beep]

MINERVA Hey, it’s Minerva Romero again. Was hoping you could work on getting back to me with that information, please? I know you’re not supposed to, believe me, I know, I’ve looked into the legality, but I just want to be aware of what is happening. She won’t tell me anything. I won’t tell anyone if you tell me, okay? I swear on my life. I swear on her life. I just want to know what my sister is doing, since it’s clearly so important. Please, Dr. Macey.

[sfx: voicemail beep]

VIOLA Message 7: Addressed to Receptionist Marsha Francis. December 22, 2093. 9:34 AM.

[sfx: voicemail beep]

GABRIEL Sorry if this is the incorrect use of this phone number, I don’t want to schedule an appointment or anything, I just wanted to see what the status of Alex de la Cruz’s training was? Is there a chance she could come home for the holidays? Her son and I have missed seeing her, and God knows she could use the break. Just consider it, please? 

[Gabriel sighs.]

Thanks. Have a happy New Year.

[sfx: voicemail beep]

VIOLA Message 8: Addressed to Dr. Emily Macey. December 23, 2093. 10:43 AM.

[sfx: voicemail beep]

MARSHA Hey there, dolly. I know it’s your day off, but I am just hopin’ and hopin’ to everythin’ nice and good out there that you’re gonna listen to your voicemail for once. 

[sfx: paper shuffling and typing for a moment]

I’ve had a coupla family members of the Ophiuchus-22 crew contact me, and… Well, I think you should reach out to them when you get the chance? I just know if this was about Jeanette, or one of my sisters, or someone else in my family or what have you… I don’t know. I just can sense the fragility that they’re left with right now. This is a big project, y’know, and they can tell! They don’t even know anythin’ about it and they can tell. They deserve to be treated with some humanity. It’s a lot to ask, I know, but… One was a girl. Sixteen or seventeen, maybe eighteen at most? The other had a little boy. I just… I can’t in good conscience let them sit without some answers. You already know how much that M.J. kid pulls at my heartstrings, and they’re grown! 

Just consider it, Em. These are real people. Real families. And they’re countin’ on you, hun. I don’t have the standing to do anything, but you do. I just emailed you their phone numbers and names. Reach out if you can. I’m gonna look into that Dawkins case some more tonight, I think. Have a good evening. Kisses.

[Marsha sighs.]

[sfx: voicemail beep]

VIOLA Message 9: Addressed to Receptionist Marsha Francis. December 27, 2093. 10:58 PM.

[sfx: voicemail beep]

ARCHIE Oh, whatever could this be? A freshly submitted HR report?

[sfx: Jiminy produces the sound of an audience gasping]

[sfx: shuffling and tapping of papers]

ARCHIE (CON’T) Now, I don’t typically respond to these funny little things, but this one really caught my eye! Y’know, you and I, Marshy poo, have always been very similar, I think. I like you a lot, Mrs. Francis, I do! I really, really do! So I think you’ll understand the little twinge I felt in my chest, oh so painful, when I caught a glimpse of this silly little thing on Ms. Lacount’s desk.

[sfx: Jiminy generates the sound of the world’s saddest violin]

ARCHIE You wouldn’t be doing anything to taint company face, would you, Marsha Marsha Marsha?

[Archie laughs after a moment, delighted]

No, of course not! 

[sfx: Jiminy produces the sound of an audience cheering]

ARCHIE (CON’T) Of course not, you’d never do anything like that. You’re a loyal, dedicated employee.

Right?

Right! Well, call me when you can, I’d like to discuss this sometime. Just as I’ve got that heavy focus in Company Portrayal, y’see, I need to make sure our associates are sticking to the fine print and not harming our branding in any way! I’m sure you understand. Alrighty then. Toodles!

[sfx: Jiminy produces various cues indicating a goodbye]

[sfx: voicemail beep]

VIOLA Message 10: Addressed to Dr. Emily Macey. January 1st, 2094. 3:01 

LADY Good morning, Emily. Just popping in with the Season’s Greetings.

There’s something magical about the New Year, isn’t there? You’d think with all of our calendar troubles across establishments that it would have lost some of its charm, but as we do with all things, we’ve kept it in shape. The snowfall is rather picturesque outside of this window. Any revelry has faded out by this hour. Only those of enough mind and ambition to appreciate the wee hours of a blank slate, of change, of a birth, if you’d like, find themselves awake. You are awake, aren’t you? Happy New Year, Emily. Here’s to the big year ahead. 

VIOLA End of selected voicemail messages. JASON (impersonating Mr. Lacount) I would drink to that. 

VIOLA May I ask why you gave me these instructions, Mr. Lacount?

JASON (impersonating Mr. Lacount) “Theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die”.

VIOLA Of course, sir.

[sfx: Viola powers off]

[sfx: retreating footsteps, door opens and the coffee is spilled]

[Jason yells.] ***

[sfx: a phone dialling]

WOMAN Find anything?

MR. LACOUNT (over phone) Oh, much. But first, if you’ll humor me enough to listen to these…

WOMAN Tapes? What are those from, the 20th century?

MR. LACOUNT (over phone) Last year, actually. Just listen.

[sfx: inserting a tape into a tape deck]

***

[Miles’ voice sounds considerably younger, this memory being from a number of years ago.]

NORA Pass me that one, honey.

MILES This one?

NORA Mm-hmm.

MILES It’s from me.

NORA Oh, perfect. Those are my favorite kinds of gifts.She shakes the box lightly, and then opens it.

[sfx: shaking the box lightly]

NORA (CON’T) Oh, Miles, you shouldn’t have!

SHAWN The hell is that?

NORA Shawn… 

Go on, Miles, you can explain it to him if you’d like.

MILES It’s fine, Mom, it’s not his gift.

SHAWN It looks like a piece of trash to me.

NORA I think it’s perfect. The yellow accents, the–

[sfx: button pressed, a noise is generated by the gift]

NORA (CON’T) Amazing! Miles, your little inventions just keep getting better and better! 

SHAWN Don’t encourage this, Nora.

MILES Thanks, Mom.

NORA Stop it, Shawn. You really need to… 

[The tape fades out.]

***

[Miles sounds to be their usual age.]

MILES -wasn’t really a fan of my gift giving, anyways. Plus, I haven’t really got a reason to celebrate anymore, y’know? EMILY I understand. I was the same way when I was your age. Then I… well, I told you that story. With, er—

MILES Barf, yes, I remember.

EMILY Right. But after we… you know-

[Miles gags.]

MILES Spare me those details please, Em-

[Emily laughs.]

EMILY You, you are a pain! After we split, effectively, I went back to… This, I suppose. 

MILES That’s surprising, honestly.

EMILY Is it?

MILES Sort of. Not sure why, but… They shrug.

EMILY I see… the hot chocolate is good though, yes?

MILES Oh, hell yes. 

[Miles takes a sip.]

MILES (CON’T) By the way, thanks for letting me know ahead of time about training last week. Alex would’ve had my ass if you didn’t tell me to look over those…

[The tape fades out.]

***

WOMAN Pardon me for my lack of enthusiasm, but I am still confused as to why I am wasting my time with… tapes?

[sfx: loading the tape deck]

***

ALEX (whispering) Oh. My God.

GABRIEL (whispering) How does it look?

ALEX It looks… great. Very red.

GABRIEL Jolly?

ALEX You could say that. He’s fast asleep in his room, you know, I’m not sure this is entirely necessary.

GABRIEL Sure it’s necessary. 

ALEX Mm…

GABRIEL Think about the cookies! The milk, the candy canes, the stockings hung with care? A job for Saint Nick, methinks.

ALEX Gabe…

GABRIEL Come on, it’s fun!

ALEX It’s 1 AM… 

GABRIEL It’s Christmas! If you really think about it, you can thank that Dr. Macey from your work for this. She’s the one who gave you the opportunity to be a part of this in the first place.

ALEX Sure… can we not bring up work right now?

GABRIEL … Right. Right. Well, what are you waiting for, get the camera!

ALEX God…

[The tape fades out.]

***

MR. LACOUNT (over phone) Do you understand now?

WOMAN Right! Yes, of course! I can see oh-so-clearly that this is not robbing me of precious hours. I understand with full clarity.

[sfx: loading the tape deck]

***

MINERVA So that’s it? You’re just not going to say anything?

ATHENA Minerva, we’ve discussed this over and over and over again, alright, legally I cannot.

MINERVA Why? I’m blood.

ATHENA Blood isn’t enough.

MINERVA Blood isn’t enough? You favor the law over your sister?

ATHENA It’s not favoring, Minnie, I never said that! I just can’t. I need this job, I— we can’t afford to lose it.

MINERVA You’ve been under Omni-Corp’s toe since you were 16, Athena! You—

ATHENA It was different then. 

MINERVA You know what? Yeah! Sure, that’s true! Back then, you came home at night. You told me what you were doing.

ATHENA Things can change.

MINERVA I just want you to stop lying to me.

ATHENA Lying?! When have I ever—

MINERVA Dr. Macey told me everything.

ATHENA … What?

MINERVA She told me everything, like how you have been… 

***

[sfx: the tape is popped out of the deck]

WOMAN Hm…

MR. LACOUNT (over phone) Do you see now?

WOMAN This is… interesting… Elaborate, please. 

***

ANNOUNCER Micro-Cosmos: A Science Fiction Podcast.

This mini-episode, The Fire is Slowly Dying, was written by Jesse Smith, edited by Lauren Tucker and Luka Miller, and directed by Jesse Smith and Lauren Tucker. It starred Jayce Pelletier as Viola, M. Furch as Octavia, Sivan Raz as Jeanette Francis, Jackson Rossman as Miles Abbott, Luka Miller as Marsha Francis and Alex de la Cruz, Mae Sokolik as Minerva Romero, Jesse Smith as Athena Romero, Kaleb Piper as Felix Couvillion, Oscar “Tumbleweed Tom” Ramos, Jr., as Gabriel de la Cruz, Lauren Tucker as Dr. Emily Macey, Nikki Paige as Nora Abbott, Colin Tucker as Shawn Abbott, and Griffin Berlstein as Archie Armstrong, with additional voices by Billie Willett, Emma Johanna Puranen, and Briar Zachary. Original music by Julia Barnes, and sound editing by Jesse Smith. Be sure to stay tuned to our feed for upcoming episodes from the new backpacking intergalactic adventure from Futuristic Trail Mix Productions. Keep an eye on updates to the show's hiatus on our social medias. Enjoying the show, and want to give us a boost? You can support us by rating and reviewing us on iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts, or telling a friend about us. To follow the show and find transcripts, you can find us on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram as @MicroCosPod. Questions, comments, and concerns can be emailed to us via futuretrailmixpros@gmail.com. Thank you for listening.

[microcos-pod]

The adventure begins March 2021. Check out trailer 1/3 on Monday, December 14, 2020.

Micro-Cosmos is a sci-fi audio drama about a crew of terraformers on Ophiuchus-22, a planet many, many stars away. Produced by Futuristic Trail Mix Productions. Written by Zyrel Thompson, Jesse Smith, and Lauren Tucker. More information coming soon.

[microcos-pod]

New Playlists!!

Stream our newest playlists inspired by Episodes 6 & 7!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4kkZ7U7CYY4ruLLM8C298d?si=ZEU3tW82TuaOVluJ8AIMfg&dl_branch=1

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6G4B4kSKpuySuNWCJkX18O?si=wNorIjo8Qb6w1xjXQfMAGg&dl_branch=1

Though we are currently on hiatus, please feel free to message us/comment suggestions for bonus content in the coming days!

✨💙💫

[Photo IDs: The first photo shows white text reading “MICRO-COSMOS EPISODE 6: FLOWERS IN THE STORM” over a shot of a bluely lit cave. The second photo shows white text Redding “MICRO-COSMOS EPISODE 7: MIRACULOUSLY MISPLACED” over a shot of a small waterfall in a grey, rocky cave. They are the playlist covers. End ID.]

[microcos-pod]

Micro-Cosmos S1E7 Transcript: Miraculously Misplaced

(“Hello world. This is Chronicling Log One, of Doctor Felix Augustine Couvillion.” CONTENT WARNINGS: yelling, peril, brief claustrophobia, mentions of unreality, paranoia, and the fear of going insane.  Transcript begins below break.)

[THEME MUSIC PLAYS]

ANNOUNCER Futuristic Trail Mix Productions presents Micro-Cosmos: A Science Fiction Podcast.

[THEME MUSIC FADES OUT]

*** [sfx: external storm ambiance echoing through the cave, button press]

FELIX Um... hello world. This...This is Chronicling Log One, of Doctor Felix Augustine Couvillion. I am the science officer on duty with Omnitarian Establishment Crew, erm... zero three... no, we're um...

Zero-one-three-seven-F. Yes. It says so right here.

You'll have to forgive me. Ordinarily, when I make these recordings, they're for my own notes, or for my scientific peers. I am not used to simply... documenting the goings-on, especially... my goings-on... when confined to a cave.

According to Athena, this is for a chronicling protocol called a Code Drag. It refers to, if memory serves, a distress situation without a contingency that, at present, makes mission objectives impossible to complete. That is to say, we have been "dragged" off course. There is no contingency plan for a cinderburst. Cal says they're too rare to even warrant such a thing, nor is there enough research to determine how one could occur here. If these storms supposed to be characteristic of desert terrain, however, I would say Ophiuchus is hardly a suitable candidate. Not that I can research such a claim when I have no signal to reach any external databases that could be of help. No, that would be too easy.

Instead of that, what I do is I sit inside of a cave, talking to myself, and try to avoid going... slightly mad. If I wasn't there already, of course. I wonder how Athena manages it.

For the sake of my friend, however, I am sucking it up and beginning with these entries. I've been procrastinating for long enough, so, I will see to it that I make this log faithful to its purpose, and as honest as I can manage. I'll start with a caution, though. This cave is dull, even considering what you would expect from a cave, namely: not much. For that reason, I'm afraid I cannot guarantee you anything riveting, my dear listener. Consider yourself to be warned.

So, I hear you ask me: What have I, Doctor Felix Couvillion, been up to, now that myself and my friends have spent about... oh, a day and a half inside a damp, cavernous lair of darkness? You ask me, 'Felix, what are the Tales from the Tunnels? The Stories from the Stones? The Accounts of'... a, a, um... a cave. The cave, which I'm sure I will have memorised every vein of by the time daylight decides to reappear.

In short, I've been working. Making note of the vegetation in here, and how it might help us. I've found a new variant of fruit-bearing vine, actually. Edible. Similar to a terran gooseberry. It will make for a decent snack, once my trail mix finally runs out. A sad day, that will be. Somehow I don't find this discovery as exciting as I should. The Commander, she tries hard to keep our morale afloat, but... you know. It hasn't been long, and somehow, I already feel as though we are... contained. Stuck in some version of a time capsule, and... preserved until the next moment we are meant for is to resume.

[Felix sighs.]

FELIX (CONT'D) There's no wildlife in here, as of yet. No water either. That makes sense, on paper. The fact of the matter is that carbon-based animal life needs water. Including us. In a worst case scenario, our current water supply wouldn't last us. So, I either solve this problem, or we all slowly die of dehydration, sucking the juice out of vine berries as a last ditch attempt to survive. Yeesh. Not a pretty picture, hm?

Which is why I will make my third trek to scout a potable water source this afternoon. If I'm able to find room in my busy schedule Oh! In between my rounds, though, I have found something to pass the time-He stops again. This is... what a chronicling log is for, yes? Cataloguing however our time is spent inside an unavoidable disaster?

Sure it is. Anyways. I have... wait for it... I have rediscovered my love for card tricks! And I can still manage to do them, too. It's like it never left me, in a way. Like riding a bike for the mind. Or, as Morgan once put it, riding a bike for nerds. Here, I'll show you. ...You can’t see me. Dammit. Well, let's try it like this, then. Were you here, dear listener, you would shuffle the deck. You would pick a card, only in your mind. And then, you'd give the deck back to me, and after a series of convoluted detours through what seems like a magical process, the card would end up in your pocket, a place it certainly shouldn't be. Ta da! Okay, okay, a magician shouldn't reveal his tricks, I know. But I can't contain myself, so I'll give you a tidbit. I forced a card on you, at the start. You thought it was your choice. It wasn't. It was, likely, the Ace of Dishes. Good card. I'm fond of it. It's an interesting thing, that trick. According to the logical part of your brain, the card should be in the deck, with the rest of its friends. It’s family, if you will. Your eyes told you it should be there, and so of course, you're expecting it to be there. Or were you? That card, from the second you or I chose it, when you saw it, and we convinced each other that it was special, or different, the, hm... well, the zeitgeist of the situation told you that by the end of the trick... that card wasn't going to be in it's rightful place. It wasn't going to be like all the others. It was going to be... miraculously misplaced. In reality, the misdirection relies on both expectations. It needs the voice of reason, and the voice of the little child inside your brain that really really really wants magic to be real, just so it can stir a whit of joy. In my experience, though, most things in life that are misplaced from where they belong, it's... not a good situation. Take our example. One looks down at the flowers for a moment, giving the storm just enough time to sneak up and tap him on the shoulder, and... Abracadabra. Misdirected... misplaced from mission objectives. This kind of thing... does not bring much joy, does it? That's my insight, anyways. And that's about as much as I can fill a Chronicling Log with, for now. I'm going to check up with the others. Um, Doctor Felix Augustine Couvillion, ending Log One.

[sfx: button click]

***

ATHENA ... That's a dog?

MILES Yeah. It's supposed to be! Like... bark?

ALEX Sorry, I... honestly thought it was supposed to be a sock puppet.

MILES Sock puppets don't have ears!

ATHENA ...An ear?

ALEX That's an ear?

ATHENA I mean I figured it was an animal of some kind, but-

MILES I never claimed to be good at shadow puppets, okay?

C41 Clearly.

MILES Cal, you don't have tangible hands, you don't get an opinion.

C41 At least I know that dogs aren't that long.

[sfx: approaching footsteps]

ALEX Yeah, actually, kinda... looks like that little cat thing that bit Felix.

FELIX It was a spray, not a bite. That makes it sound a lot more gross, actually.

[Alex claps her hands.]

ALEX Nice to see the party's finally here!

FELIX Hm? "Party"? That's new.

ALEX Did you bring the deck of cards?

FELIX Of course.

ALEX Then you're the party.

[Felix laughs.]

ALEX (CONT'D) Where've you been?

FELIX Recording my first chronicling log. I figured an update on my perspective was in order.

ATHENA Oh, good, thank you. How'd it go?

FELIX Um... well, I think. A bit meandering, maybe. Not anything special.

ATHENA Honestly, however they end up going is fine. It's just a matter of getting an account from everyone of how they're doing and what's going on. That's all I really have to do, most of the time. You'd be surprised how useful a ramble is when you have it on file. What did you meander about?

FELIX Oh just... you know. Something that I've been brushing up on. Here, I'll show you, actually.

MILES Sure, just share your talents with the class I guess.

C41 This should be interesting.

[sfx: unboxing and shuffling playing cards]

MILES What is this?

FELIX It's a card trick.

MILES A card trick...

FELIX Correct. Can I have a volunteer?

[Athena, Alex and C41 respond positively.]

FELIX (CONT'D) Miles, thank you, so kind of you to volunteer.

MILES My hand was not up.

FELIX Here, shuffle these.

MILES Ugh. Fine.

[sfx: cards shuffling]

FELIX No, don't give them to me! That's against the rules.

MILES Oookay. I'll keep em.

FELIX You're thinking of a particular one, I can tell.

MILES Uh... sure. Six of stars?

FELIX No, no, that's not it. Come on, this one only works if we convince each other that it's going to work. It was a low card, something... special.

MILES Low, and... special? Like an Ace?

FELIX It was an Ace?

MILES Yeah. Yeah, an Ace.

FELIX But not the Ace of Stars? We've got Planets, Comets, Dishes and Stars, but... How about you pick two of those, Officer Abbott?

MILES Dishes and Stars.

FELIX We'll keep the Dishes and the Stars then, and get rid of the other two. But it wasn't Stars, so the Ace of Dishes, then?

MILES Yeah.

FELIX The Ace of Dishes was the first card that came to mind, you're sure?

MILES Yeah.

FELIX Perfect. Athena, could you pick a number for me? It could be anywhere between, er... one to ten.

ATHENA Seven.

FELIX Seven. Very well. Miles, can I have the deck back?

MILES Oh, that's allowed now?

FELIX Of course, don't be silly. Now, I'm going to pull seven cards off the top of this deck that Miles shuffled and, well... we'll see what happens.

[sfx: cards being drawn from the deck]

FELIX (CONT'D) One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven.

Oh... dear, that's not it.

MILES Jack of Comets. Figured it wouldn't-

FELIX Indeed. Wait, Miles, what's that?

MILES What's what?

FELIX In your shirt pocket.

[sfx: an emphatic rustling and card flip.

FELIX This?

MILES The... Ace... of Dishes. Wait.

[Athena applauds.]

[Alex laughs.]

ALEX Hey now, how the hell did you do that?

FELIX Ah, ah. Magicians. Secrets. You know the rules.

ALEX I bet Cal knows.

C41 I have... an idea or two, but I'm not exactly sure, really. Nice job.

FELIX Thank you.

MILES I don't know how you did that. I am going to find out how you did that.

[sfx: lots of movement]

[Indistuguishable frenzied comments from the crew.]

***

[sfx: echoing footsteps, very distant external storm ambiance.]

[sfx: button click.]

FELIX Doctor Felix Augustine Couvillion. Recording Chronicling Log... Two, I suppose. Though it hasn't been long.

I had to escape from Miles's endless, somewhat terrifying questions. I fear those will be a common occurrence from this point on.

Anywho. I am currently... well, I don't know exactly where I am. My analog compass says I am southeast of our campsite, which is just outside the entrance to the tunnel system. But, I'm not so sure. You would think this little gadget would be unaffected by the storm, but the cinderbust seems to be acting on all of our other equipment as if it were somehow a geomagnetic storm. This, of course, may mean it is confusing the compass needle as well. 

So I'm not sure I can trust in that bearing. What I do know is, I took a left. So at least I have that to go on.

I did promise the Commander that I wouldn't stray too far from the camp when I'm alone. But I'm not alone. I'm on the hunt for a source of water, and I'm taking you, whoever will listen to this, with me for the journey. So technically, I'm keeping my promise, while getting results. Hopefully. Hopefully getting results. It isn't like I have any real reason to be concerned about my safety. Like I had mentioned, there have been no encounters with wildlife as of yet. Then again, I've been wrong before. It would be just my luck to end up being wrong again. But, I survived Mercutio, ergo, I could likely survive anything. The little devil.

[sfx: flashlight clicks on]

FELIX (CONT'D) Let there be light.

Ah. It appears we've reached a choice to make. Hm. Left... or... right. I'd rather not go in a circle. Right it is.

Left, then right. Left, then right. Left then... right. Okay.

So, anyways. I hadn't had any previous luck taking a right initially, where I first chose to go left. My left. Not... upon return- never mind. I know what I mean. I hadn't gone too far that way, in any case. 

Only today did I figure out the loophole in my promise, and... in terms of balancing my very busy schedule, I figure that it's best not to spend all my time fretting over dehydration. Going prematurely mad is not in my plans.

There are some interesting mineral formations on the ceiling. It may be worth taking a sample to submit on my way back. They're a sort of bluish-white, and they seem to form in hexagonal clusters, about three to four centimetres in length. Quite pretty. Pretty enough to understand the appeal of geology, if only for a moment. No offence to geologists, of course.

No luminescence is visible from the formations. My torch is the only current source of light. I suppose luminescence would have been too much to hope for. It is... rather dark, this way. Miles wouldn't like it. I don't think Miles likes many things, come to think of it. There's a grumpy individual if you ever did see one. But, a decent traveling companion when the mood strikes them-

[sfx: walking stops]

FELIX (CONT'D) Dead end. Hm. I'll make a mental note.

[sfx: footsteps resume]

FELIX (CONT'D) That's annoying. Back the way we came, then.

It might have done me good to bring Cal along. Most of their functions may be, er, rusty, at present, but they still have the sensors for these sort of things. Or perhaps I should have brought the Commander. Navigations, and all. Eh. I'm still not too far. And I have you, don't I, my trusty comms friend?

Even if you're not one for conversation. The brooding type. Strong and silent. I can work with that. And I can be fairly sure that I'm-

[sfx: footsteps stop suddenly]

FELIX (CONT'D) What?

[A long silence.]

[Felix swallows and chuckles nervously.]

FELIX (CONT'D) Well. I... must not have been paying attention as well as I'd thought.

I've just... I've just come up against another dead end. Where I thought... no, where the entrance to this passage should be. Where... where it just... was.

It can't have just... filled behind me. I would have heard the crash.

Right?

Same tunnel. Same... crystals. Perhaps a bit more on the indigo side that I had originally noticed. No more, or, um, less lacking luminescence.

Alright, er... Perhaps I took a turn and passed it. I'll retrace... my steps. What you're looking for is always in the last place you check, right?

[sfx: footsteps]

[Felix breathes shakily.]

[sfx: sound of distant running water fades in]

FELIX (CONT'D) Do you... do you hear that? That sounds like...

[sfx: the water sound recedes, replaced by storm ambiance]

FELIX (CONT'D) Sounds like... wishful thinking.

No, I could've sworn. I could have sworn. I'm not mad. I'm not.

FELIX (CONT'D) Don't you look at me like that. You're a bundle of wires and metal. You're not capable of going mad, only getting broken.

I... I wonder which is worse.

[sfx: a draft blowing in from the right side]

FELIX (CONT'D) Well. I... hadn't noticed that before. There's an offshoot path here, in between... I suppose in between dead ends. It must... it would have to lead deeper into the cave. I can't... This doesn't make any sense.

[Felix struggles to look inside the narrow path.]

FELIX (CONT'D) I can't make out anything inside. Very dark, but... But there's a draft. Meaning... it must lead outside. No daylight, however.

Well, of course there's no daylight, Felix. Remember why you're here in the first place.

[sfx: the draft stops unnaturally abruptly]

FELIX (CONT'D) Well, that doesn't make any sense, now does it?

The wind from the passage seems to have... turned off. Just... just like that.

I should just go back the way I came. Yes. That's what I should do.

[sfx: the sound of running water resumes]

FELIX (CONT'D) Wait... is... am I hearing that right...?

Not right now, thank you. I could do without the difficult decision.

Fine. Fine! Fine then, I'll just...

[He struggles further to get inside the path, with a few laboured mutterings.]

[Felix pants.]

[sfx: water droplets hitting the ground.]

FELIX (CONT'D) Yahtzee.

[sfx; unscrewing a thermos, letting water drip inside]

FELIX (CONT'D) I'll have to ensure this is potable, first. Or if I can make it potable. I'm sure it will be fine... Either way this is a good sign for our continued survival.

[sfx: extremely loud shifting of rock]

FELIX (CONT'D) What in the... What was that?

I've got enough of this to test but... The only problem is, I don't know that I could find it again. I... almost certainly don't know where I am.

[sfx: another creaking shift of rock]

[Felix gasps and exclaims.]

FELIX (CONT'D) What... I'm sorry, I just... felt a shift there, it startled me.

There's obviously an explanation for this but... I don't think I'm in any state to continue this trip. I need... I need to get back to camp.

[sfx: footsteps resume]

FELIX (CONT'D) Next time, if I ever come back this way, I'm bringing someone with me.

[sfx: running water fades out]

FELIX (CONT'D) Wait, uh... where... but I had just looked through...

I can't see that passage anymore. Where I got the water. Can you?

Of course you can't. I'm talking to myself. I bet no one will ever even listen to these. It isn't as if you care. You let this happen in the first place, sent us somewhere new without contingencies, and I'll bet you still don't feel responsible.

It's there. You can't see it from this angle, but it's there, you just can't see it in the dark.

[sfx: extremely loud stone creaking and moving]

FELIX (CONT'D) I need to go. I need to... I need to leave.

[sfx: running footsteps]

[Felix pants.]

[sfx: footsteps slow and stop]

FELIX (CONT'D) Left or... right? I swear, this doesn't... what was that goddamn sound?!

No. No, you shouldn't hear this. Am I transmitting, or... is this a recording-

[sfx: comms click]

***

[sfx: comms click]

ATHENA -were just looking for you.

FELIX I know, I know, I lost track of time-

ATHENA Alex was worried sick, we thought we heard you yell-

FELIX Well, that's very kind of her, but I-

ATHENA Felix... are you okay? Did something-

FELIX I'm fine.

ATHENA Okay.

Next time, maybe, take one of us with you. Or at least tell us when you'll be back.

FELIX Sure, sure. In any case, it was a success.

[sfx: unscrewing a thermos]

FELIX (CONT'D) Water. Fresh. Hopefully potable.

ATHENA That's great! That's a relief. Okay. Where did you find it?

FELIX Oh. Heh. Funny you should ask, actually.

ATHENA Oh?

FELIX Yes, I... see I was fine, but along the way I got a little... lost, it wasn't anything to be concerned about, but... I may have a little trouble finding it again.

ATHENA Oh.

FELIX Ah, but, don't worry.

I kept the recorder running.

ATHENA Uh... well, that's good. It definitely makes my job a lot easier.

FELIX Well, yes, and I... wasn't alone.

ATHENA Right.

FELIX And! And, perhaps if I give this a listen, it would help me figure where I got turned around. Nothing a second journey won't fix.

ATHENA Not alone this time.

FELIX Not alone the first time because I personified my comms but... yes I see your point.

ATHENA Well, let's give it a listen, then.

FELIX Okay. Okay, okay, okay.

[sfx: button pressing]

FELIX (CONT'D) It should be my most recent... input, let's see here. Ah. There.

[sfx: button press]

RECORDING FELIX Doctor Felix Augustine Couvillion. Recording Chronicling Log... Two, I suppose. Though it hasn't been long.

[sfx: a sudden click, lasting static]

ATHENA Um, Felix?

FELIX ...Yes?

ATHENA Was that the end of the recording?

FELIX No. Definitely not.

ATHENA Then why... did you stop talking?

FELIX I didn't stop talking, I kept it running the whole time, I only turned it off just before I saw you!

ATHENA Something must have happened, then. Can I see it?

FELIX Sure, sure.

ATHENA It doesn't look like a corrupted file, in fact, everything seems to be working fine. Out here, at least.

Maybe the storm messed with your comms too, somehow. Or maybe... maybe there's some good conductors in the stone too, deeper in the cave, that could have thrown off your signal, or...

FELIX Or it could have been my own fault.

ATHENA It happens to the best of us, Felix.

FELIX Well, finding that source again just got infinitely harder, didn't it?

ATHENA Maybe? I don't know. Either way, we have time before that search becomes urgent, and, at least we know it exists. Hopefully we never really have to worry about it at all.

FELIX That doesn't make it any less frustrating, though, does it?

ATHENA Well, technology is wonderful, when it works. I appreciate the fact that you were recording anything for me at all, I know that code protocol can be a pain.

FELIX Well, strange as it sounds, I'm glad these protocols exist. It makes it seem like an effort is being made to keep things sorted, I suppose.

ATHENA Keeping our ducks in a row?

FELIX Precisely.

ATHENA Well, I can only hope. I've never had to run a crew-wide chronicling operation before outside of a drill. I was hoping I would never have to.

FELIX One narrator of this comedy of errors should have been enough?

ATHENA Precisely.

Anyways, do you want to head back to camp now? Everyone will want to know you're alright.

FELIX They were really worried?

ATHENA Of course they were. Alex wants her ducks in a row, too. An odd one out wouldn't be good for us.

FELIX Like an Ace of Dishes.

ATHENA Only, we were pretty sure you weren't in Miles's pocket.

[Both laugh.]

ATHENA (CONT'D) Here.

[sfx: footsteps]

ATHENA (CONT'D) This way.

***

FELIX Chronicling Log of Doctor Felix Augustine Couvillion, third part.

It's past evening now, into the night. I think the others have gone to bed. Yet, it appears that I can't sleep. Something about today unnerved me. There is no explanation for my confusion, except my own anxieties, my paranoia, what have you. I know that.

I know that in the same way I know that the walls of a cave don't move around you. Not unless you are very patient, dead, or mad.

In my case, the jury is still out on the latter.

A planet isn't conscious, it isn't sentient, it shouldn't know who I am.

And yet, there's nothing left of that recording to even tell you what I mean. All that's left is how I remember it, and that perturbs me.

Here's the thing: I can tell myself that I lost my way in a dead end simply because I am afraid of what happens when I turn my back. But if I deem that fear a sound rationalization... then I may have something to evaluate. A time of soul-searching, hopefully. In the company of a snack.

ALEX Yikes. Deep. Make sure you have your coffee first.

FELIX Commander! Where did- I'm sorry, I thought you were asleep with the others, did I wake you-

[Alex laughs quietly.]

ALEX Shh, shhh! Athena and Miles are still asleep, I was just... I was... never mind.

[sfx: Alex sits down.]

ALEX (CONT'D) You recording?

FELIX Er, yes. As redundant as it may seem. 

ALEX Redundant?

FELIX Yes. Just between you and me, boss? I doubt anyone will ever listen to these.

ALEX You really think so?

FELIX The good folks back at headquarters tend to overindulge on bureaucracy. Efficiency is prioritised to the detriment of efficiency.

Perhaps the duty will be passed on to an Artificial Intelligence like our friend. I suppose that works just as well.

ALEX There's the silver lining I was waiting for.

FELIX Oh, don't rely on me for that.

ALEX Why not? It's worked so far.

Case and point: that card trick was probably the silver lining of my day. And I still have no idea how you did it.

FELIX Really?

ALEX Really. No clue. Unless Miles was in on it, but I seriously doubt that.

FELIX I can show you.

ALEX Yeah?

[sfx: rustling through a bag, cards rustling, flipping and shuffling]

FELIX Certainly.

Now, the first thing is, Miles didn't pick the Ace of Dishes. I did. And then I convinced them that they did. And convincing Miles Abbott of something is probably the hardest part of any trick, so if you can manage that... this next part is quite easy.

ALEX The next part is the actual trick, you mean.

FELIX The convincing is the trick. If you can't even convince yourself that you can do it, make a card do something miraculous, how are you going to convince the people watching?

ALEX Good point. Teach me.

FELIX Very well. So it looks like this, when we actually do it. Pulling it out of a pocket.

[sfx: card flick]

FELIX (CONT’D) But really, we're just folding the card behind quickly as you flick it off the bottom of the pack, like that, and then... you cup it into your palm when you reach out. It never leaves your hand.

[sfx: the same card flick, but slower]

[sfx: a card sliding]

ALEX Oh. Ohhhhh, okay! Gimme one.

[Felix laughs.]

[sfx: passing Alex a card.]

FELIX Give it a try.

ALEX Okay... so... take it from the bottom of the... deck, and then-

[sfx: a similar card flick, a similar card slide]

ALEX (CONT’D) Like that?

FELIX Yes. Exactly.

ALEX Alright. Alright, okay. So... from here...

[sfx: a quick card flick, a quick card slide]

ALEX Like that?

FELIX Ha! You picked that up quickly, sir.

[sfx: repeated flick and slide of the card performed by Alex]

ALEX I can do more than play Go Fish, Couvillion.

FELIX That's for certain. It's double trouble for the rest of the crew, in any case. Two magicians are better than one, you know.

[sfx: card sounds stop]

ALEX Oh, man. Miles is going to hate this.

***

ANNOUNCER Micro-Cosmos: A Science Fiction Podcast.

This episode, Miraculously Misplaced, was written by Lauren Tucker, edited by Luka Miller, and directed by Jesse Smith and Lauren Tucker. It starred Jesse Smith as the voice of Athena Romero, Jackson Rossman as the voice of Miles Abbott, Luka Miller as the voice of Alex de la Cruz, Kaleb Piper as the voice of Felix Couvillion, and Pippa van Beek-Paterson as the voice of Cal. Original music by Julia Barnes, and sound editing by Tobias Friedman. Be sure to stay tuned to our feed for upcoming episodes from the new backpacking intergalactic adventure from Futuristic Trail Mix Productions. Enjoying the show, and want to give us a boost? You can support us by rating and reviewing us on iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts, or telling a friend about us. To follow the show and find transcripts, you can find us on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram as @MicroCosPod. Questions, comments, and concerns can be emailed to us via futuretrailmixpros@gmail.com. Thank you for listening. ***

[microcos-pod]

Micro-Cosmos S1E2: Turn and Draw

Stream wherever you find your podcasts, and find the transcript here! Thank you for listening! 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0KONOhM9wkt7RY4bujEzzV?si=f86defa662034ff0

 A strange beast torments the crew.

This episode, Turn and Draw, was written by Jesse Smith, and directed by Lauren Tucker and Jesse Smith. It starred Jesse Smith as Athena Romero, Luka Miller as Alex de la Cruz, Jackson Rossman as Miles Abbott, Kaleb Piper as Felix Couvillion, and Pippa van Beek-Patterson as Unit C41, with original music by Julia Barnes and sound editing by Tobias Friedman.

Be sure to stay tuned to our feed for future content. To follow the show and find transcripts, you can find us on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram as @microcos_pod/microcospod. Questions, comments, and concerns can be emailed to us via futuretrailmixpros@gmail.com. For more information on the show, visit our website, microcospod.space.

Thank you for listening.