Spacedawg sat in his quarters, staring blankly at the wall, his mind lost in memories of Kai. The chime of an incoming communication broke his reverie. With a heavy sigh, he accepted the call. Celine’s holographic image flickered to life, her expression a mix of empathy and determination.
“Spacedawg, Captain Fraser will be taking over the investigation,” she said, her tone firm yet sympathetic.
Spacedawg’s eyes narrowed, frustration mingling with grief. “With all due respect, Celine, I’d prefer to oversee the investigation myself.”
Celine shook her head gently. “You’re too close to this, Spacedawg. You need to focus on your crew and the mission. Continue to the Dease Lake System
System Name: Dease Lake System Sector: British Columbia Sector Number of Planets: 5 Notable Features: Rugged natural landscapes, rich history, and abundant wildlife Primary Star(s): Dease Prime Astrophysical Characteristics Star Type(s): G-type main-sequence star (Yellow Dwarf) Age of the System: 4.5 billion years Habitability: One habitable planet (Dease Lake Prime) Special Phenomena: Periodic auroras due to the planet’s magnetic field....”
Reluctantly, Spacedawg nodded, feeling the weight of the command. “Understood, ma’am.”
Closing the communication, Spacedawg took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. He knew Celine was right, but it didn’t make the order any easier to follow. Squaring his shoulders, he stood and headed to the bridge, each step a struggle against the grief that threatened to overwhelm him.
In the common area, Sergeant Freya Jensen
Species: Human Gender: Female Birthplace: Sjaelland System, New Kalmar Union Occupation: Engineer, Royal Canadian Space Cavalry, Order 93 Rank: Sergeant Station: Mandoleer’s Folly Biography: Sergeant Freya Jensen is a distinguished engineer serving aboard the Mandoleer's Folly, under the banner of Order 93 in the Royal Canadian Space Cavalry. Born in the technologically advanced Sjaelland System of the New Kalmar Union,..., Lieutenant Nora MacKenzie
Species: Human Gender: Female Birthplace: Yellowknife System Occupation: Engineer, Royal Canadian Space Cavalry, Order 93 Rank: Lieutenant Station: Mandoleer’s Folly Biography: Lieutenant Nora MacKenzie is a distinguished engineer serving aboard the Mandoleer’s Folly, part of the Royal Canadian Space Cavalry’s Order 93. Born in the bustling Yellowknife System, Nora was raised by parents who were well-loved bartenders in their local..., Lieutenant Ava Clarkson
Ava Clarkson is a key character in the fictional universe of the Royal Canadian Space Cavalry, specifically within the Order 93 narrative. She serves as a lieutenant and pilot aboard the Mandoleer’s Folly, a distinguished spacecraft known for its critical missions throughout the Canadian Expanse. Early Life and Background Born on Regina Prime in the Regina System of the Saskatchewan..., and Nurse Emma Tang sat at their regular table. The chair where Kai once sat was empty, a drink placed in front of it as a silent tribute. The silence was heavy, each lost in their own thoughts, the weight of their friend’s absence palpable.
On the bridge, Spacedawg issued the necessary commands. “Set course for the Dease Lake SystemSystem Name: Dease Lake System Sector: British Columbia Sector Number of Planets: 5 Notable Features: Rugged natural landscapes, rich history, and abundant wildlife Primary Star(s): Dease Prime Astrophysical Characteristics Star Type(s): G-type main-sequence star (Yellow Dwarf) Age of the System: 4.5 billion years Habitability: One habitable planet (Dease Lake Prime) Special Phenomena: Periodic auroras due to the planet’s magnetic field.... Prepare the Fold Drive.”
The crew responded with subdued acknowledgments, their usual energy dampened by grief. Each movement felt mechanical, their hearts weighed down by the loss.
In their private quarters, the crew grappled with their emotions. Freya stared at a photo of Kai, tears streaming down her face. Nora busied herself with routine checks, trying to drown out the sorrow. Ava sat on her bunk, replaying memories of Kai’s laughter and camaraderie, while Emma clutched a keepsake he had given her, a small token of their friendship.
Back on the bridge, the final preparations were made. “Course set, Fold Drive ready,” reported the navigator, his voice somber.
Spacedawg took a deep breath, feeling the weight of command. “Engage.”
As the ship moved into the Fold, a holographic image of Kai appeared on the bridge, a temporary memorial to honor their fallen comrade. The crew stood in silence, paying their respects as they transitioned into the next phase of their journey. The image flickered gently, a poignant reminder of their loss.
The Mandoleer’s Folly traveled through the Fold, the crew united in their grief and determination to move forward. The loss of Private Kai Jensen was a stark reminder of the dangers they faced, but also of the bond that held them together. In the silence, they found strength, each memory of Kai a testament to the courage and camaraderie that defined their journey.
