Spacedawg Pauly
Birth Name: PaulyCurrent Alias: Spacedawg PaulySpecies: Human-Canine HybridDate of Birth: February 22, 1973Place of Birth: Washington, D.C., United States, Earth, Sol SystemOccupations: Former Chef, Brewer, Distiller, Garden Worker, Apprentice Cobbler; Current First Mate on the Mandoleer's Folly, Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Space Cavalry (RCSC) Overview Spacedawg Pauly is a unique entity whose life story spans both Earth and the... stood on the deck of the Mandoleer’s Folly, surrounded by his old crew. There was a sense of bittersweet nostalgia in the air as he prepared to say his final farewells.
“It’s been an honor serving with you all,” Spacedawg said, embracing Captain Ed Alvis
Biographical Information Also Known As: Captain Ed Alvis, Dr. Ed AlvisProfessions: Scientist, Musician, AdventurerAlma Mater: University of MarylandNotable Achievements: Ph.D. in Physics, Expertise in Structural Engineering Overview Ed Alvis is a renowned figure in both the scientific and musical communities, celebrated for his dual expertise as a physicist and a musician. His remarkable journey spans academic achievements, a profound musical....
“The honor was ours,” Ed replied. “Take care of yourself, Spacedawg.”
As Spacedawg boarded the shuttle that would take him to the Imperial Destroyer, he felt a mix of excitement and sadness. The shuttle lifted off, and he turned to Njord, his loyal Captain of the Imperial Guard.
“Njord, what’s the name of the ship?” Spacedawg asked.
Njord replied with a hint of formality, “Whatever you wish, my Prince.”
Spacedawg sighed. “I’d prefer if you call me by my name.”
Njord nodded. “While in the company of other officers, protocol dictates that I refer to you as Prince or Prince Spacedawg. Informally, I can use your name if you order it so.”
As the shuttle landed in the bay of the unnamed Canis Destroyer, Njord turned to Spacedawg. “My Prince, would you still like to name the ship?”
Spacedawg nodded thoughtfully. “I have a few ideas, but I need some input. Arrange a meeting with the executive officers from every department. We’ll meet in the Imperial dining room for dinner.”
Njord spoke into his communicator, summoning the department heads. “Attention all department heads, you have been summoned by the Prince to the Imperial dining room for dinner.”
Njord then escorted Spacedawg to the dining room. Spacedawg approached the android chef and asked, “Could I have a go in the kitchen?”
The android chef seemed confused but bowed. “Of course, my Prince. I will take my leave.”
Spacedawg shook his head. “No, I’d like you to be my sous chef.”
Njord looked puzzled. “My Prince, this is highly uncustomary for an Imperial Prince.”
Spacedawg smiled. “Before I became Spacedawg, my human entity went to culinary school. I remember a menu I did with my favorite aunt.”
Spacedawg poured a beer and placed it in front of Njord. “I’m ordering you to relax and enjoy the aromas coming from the kitchen.”
Njord hesitated. “I will have to inform my Lieutenant of the guard change.”
Spacedawg patted him on the shoulder. “Go ahead. I’ll be fine.”
Returning to the kitchen, Spacedawg explained the menu to the android chef. “For the starter, we’ll have salmon mousse wrapped in thinly sliced cucumber on a bed of greens. The second course will be seared duck with balsamic drizzle and fresh sliced strawberries. The third course is New York strip steak, seasoned with salt and pepper, cooked rare, served with fluffy mashed potatoes. For a palate cleanser, we’ll have lemon sorbet. And finally, tea cups made of thin butter cookie wafers filled with coffee mousse.”
Njord’s relief guard arrived just as the first course was being prepared. Spacedawg asked the Lieutenant, “Have you and your men eaten yet?”
The Lieutenant shook his head. “No, my Prince.”
Spacedawg ordered them to sit down. “I made extra intentionally. You can guard me after you have a proper dinner.”
The Lieutenant was hesitant, but Njord reassured him. “If the Imperial Prince insists you eat a five-course gourmet meal, then you must do so.”
The guards didn’t leave a crumb. They could hardly believe how delicious the food was. After their meal, they bowed to Spacedawg, expressing their deep appreciation.
As the department heads entered, some looked a bit fearful, worried they might have offended the Prince somehow. Spacedawg smiled and instructed them to take a seat. The android chef helped him pour a type of honey wine the Canis were fond of.
Spacedawg raised his glass in salute. “Why do you think you are here?” he asked, chuckling at their silence. “First, this is my thanks to all of you for keeping this ship in perfect working order. Second, I was informed that this ship doesn’t have a name yet and that I can name it whatever I want. I’ve only named one ship in my life, and that was the Mandoleer’s Folly. I need your ideas for names, but first, enjoy the first course.”
The executive officers were amazed by the food. One of them commented, “The android chef has really stepped things up.”
The android chef stepped forward. “I only assisted. It was Prince Spacedawg who prepared the feast.”
Imagine the surprise when officers, below Spacedawg’s position in Canis Society, dined with the Imperial Prince, feasting on a meal he had prepared himself.
After the final course, Spacedawg poured a final drink and raised his glass. “Before we discuss names, a toast to this fine crew and ship.”
One officer suggested, “The crew refers to the ship as ‘Sturtu-sung,’ which means ‘Storm Song’ in Natyra.”
Spacedawg thought for a second and nodded. “I think we have a name for the ship! Sturtu-sung sounds perfect.”
Njord added, “It is customary to have a formal Naming of the Ship ceremony in front of the crew.”
“Okay,” Spacedawg agreed. “Before we head back to Ottawa Prime, we’ll hold the ceremony.”
The officers and crew left the dining room, having gained newfound respect for Spacedawg. As they saw him in action as a warrior, they now also saw his leadership and humility.
