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Death Spiral: The Podcast Version
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Death Spiral: The Podcast Version

The idea of a ‘separation’ is part of a culture that means a death spiral of marriage.


Article 17 is a military science fiction story with aliens and romance. It is set in a future reminiscent of Napoleon era Britain. The war was going very poorly until the military installed a dictator. This story follows one of the dictator’s great men: Cladin Tomirosh, Leader, and thrice decorated hero.

Intro // Podcast Version

She was pretty, popular, snobby, and a planetary governor’s daughter. He was the son of shopkeepers, a social misfit, and a decorated hero. She thought she was there to dance. He had other ideas.

A Dance // Podcast Version

As a governor’s daughter, Illoia usually avoided such events, but when the captain made the announcement that there was to be an Article 17 dance, she, too, was forced to attend. If only the scum hadn’t been there too.

The Unbridgeable Chasm // Podcast Version

Eukles and Meriones, brave military leaders, quail at the idea of crossing the gulf between themselves and asking a lass to dance.

There He Is // Podcast Version

The young hero comes in, and Aleshia and Illoyia gossip about him.

Look at the Young Hero // Podcast Version

The young hero comes in, and greets Eukles and Meriones… and announces his intentions.

Target // Podcast Version

Tom, Leader Cladin Tomirosh, sets his sights on the governors daughter. She isn’t impressed.

Fuming // Podcast Version

Tom and Illoia dance, while she desperately tries to get him to go away!

Now’s Our Chance! // Podcast Version

Eukles and Meriones use Tom and Illoia as a distraction and stalk their own girls.

To Slap or Not to Slap // Podcast Version

Meriones introduces himself to his new wife with a slap on the backside.

No Sane Man // Podcast Version

Illoia insults the young hero, and he proposes.

Never You, Darling // Podcast Version

Illoia finds herself unable to turn down his proposal.

A Wild Dance // Podcast Version

Illoia finds being Tom’s Consented Wife hard… with wild New Irish dances and immodest ones.

Registered // Podcast Version

A new marriage is registered. All hail the dictator!

Middy’s Got a Lass! // Podcast Version

Medinia is deliriously happy… she got 17d!

A Duel to the Death // Podcast Version

Illoia wakes up next to her new husband.

A Dowry // Podcast Version

As it turns out, Illoia brings some money into the marraige.

Fitting // Podcast Version

Even soldiers wives have to wear the uniform.

Message // Podcast Version

So, about telling her father. It’s not going to be easy.

Training // Podcast Version

Even soldiers wives have to learn how to shoot aliens.

The Captain // Podcast Version

So, about telling the governor about the marriage you allowed on your ship, Sir…

Presentation // Podcast Version

The absolute last chance to get an Article 17 wife, with everyone all lined up and shaking hands and no real time to talk…

Ma, Pa, Squeakers // Podcast Version

Imagine sending a tick tock message to your family telling them you are married.

Yee Haw // Podcast Version

Illoia is shocked to find that Tom considers his social responsibilities at a weird eating joint.

New Ship // Podcast Version

Telling the Governor // Podcast Version

Aleshia rides down on a shuttle, takes an aircar to the governors mansion, and gets to face his temper.

Hardship // Podcast Version

Marja is finding marriage very hard. Not her husband, just… life.

Waiting for Her // Podcast Version

Recruiting // Podcast Version

Lecture // Podcast Version

Order of Battle // Podcast Version

Third Award // Podcast Version

The Purge // Podcast Version

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Theology and Fiction from a radically Christian perspective
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