Spacedawg lounged comfortably on the plush couch in the Mandoleer’s Folly’s lounge, savoring the calming effects of Henry Weedmonger’s latest creation. The room was bathed in the soft, ambient light of the holographic program playing before him. The show, an old favorite from his past, transported him back to a simpler time when he was fully human Pauly, dreaming of the stars alongside his faithful bloodhound, Spacedawg. Now, living that dream, he marveled at how far he had come.
The gentle hiss of the lounge door opening pulled Spacedawg from his reverie. Lieutenant Commander Abraham CorcoranAbraham Corcoran is a renowned neo-Victorian detective known for his ingenuity and a remarkable life story marked by adventure, mysticism, and technological intrigue. Born in Ireland, Corcoran left his homeland in 1890 seeking adventure in the New World. Instead, he found himself thrust into a 1904 neo-Victorian society dominated by steam-powered technology and eccentric fashion, prompting him to establish a... stepped in, his expression a mix of urgency and excitement.
“Captain, I’m sorry to interrupt,” Abraham began, his tone respectful but insistent. “You need to come to the bridge. There’s something you have to see.”
Spacedawg raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “It must be important for you to pull me away from this,” he said, gesturing to the hologram.
Abraham nodded. “It is. We’ve spotted a Poutine Troll. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime sighting.”
Intrigued, Spacedawg set aside his drink and followed Abraham out of the lounge, his mind racing with possibilities. He had heard stories about the elusive Poutine Troll but had never seen one himself.
As they reached the bridge, Spacedawg’s eyes widened at the sight on the main screen. The Poutine Troll floated majestically in the void, its hard, slimy brown armor glistening with white protrusions that indeed looked like gravy and cheese curds. Its multitude of tentacles swayed gently, creating an almost hypnotic display.
“Amazing,” Spacedawg breathed, his gaze fixed on the creature.
“It’s something else, isn’t it?” Sergeant Jonnathan MalikJonathan Malik Species: Human Gender: Male Birthplace: Chilliwack System, British Columbia Sector Occupation: Sensor Officer, Royal Canadian Space Cavalry, Order 93 Rank: Sergeant Station: Mandoleer’s Folly Biography: Sergeant Jonathan Malik is a skilled Sensor Officer aboard the Mandoleer's Folly, known for his keen analytical skills and exceptional proficiency in managing complex sensor arrays. Born in the Chilliwack System of the... said, stepping up beside him. “I’ve heard tales of these things, but seeing one in person… it’s surreal.”
Spacedawg nodded, still mesmerized. “Let’s pull up the species profile,” he said, activating the terminal. A detailed holographic display appeared, showing various facts and data about the Poutine Troll.
“Look at this,” Spacedawg said, pointing to the section about its corrosive ink. “Their ink can eat through hull plating. That’s some serious firepower.”
Abraham leaned in, reading the data. “Could the rupture in the Talon’s hull have been caused by one of these?”
Spacedawg’s mind raced as he pieced together the implications. “Computer, based on the damage reports from the Talon, is it possible that a Poutine Troll was responsible?”
The computer processed for a moment before responding, “Affirmative, Captain. The damage is consistent with corrosive ink from a Poutine Troll.”
Abraham frowned. “Do you think this could be the same Poutine Troll the Talon encountered?”
Spacedawg considered the question. “If it is, there might be a record of it in the Talon’s logs. We need to check.”
As if on cue, the door slid open, and MaelstromOrigin and Early Life Maelstrom, a Gichi-manidoo from the Rogue Moon of Giizis Babaa-ayaa in the Ontario Sector, is distinguished by her blue-furred, wild cat-like features. A member of the humanoid species with a deep connection to nature, she embodies the physical and spiritual traits of her heritage. Maelstrom’s life took a significant turn when she relocated to the bustling... entered, carrying a data pad. “Captain, I’ve defragmented the Talon’s logs and restored audio and video files,” she announced.
The crew gathered in the conference room, tension thick in the air. Spacedawg initiated the playback, and the room fell silent as the logs revealed the Talon’s final moments. The video showed the Poutine Troll attacking, its tentacles lashing out, spraying corrosive ink that ate through the hull like acid.
“It’s worse than I thought,” Spacedawg muttered. “The Talon didn’t stand a chance.”
The audio crackled to life, capturing the panicked voices of the crew and the grim final report of their captain. “We’re being overwhelmed. Half the crew is gone. If anyone finds this, beware the Poutine Troll…”
Spacedawg turned off the recording, his expression grim. “We need to keep our distance. No unnecessary risks.”
The Mandoleer’s Folly adjusted its course, ensuring they stayed well away from the Poutine Troll. As they resumed their journey to the Terrace SystemSystem Overview The Terrace System, located in the British Columbia Sector, consists of seven planets, each with its own unique characteristics. The system's primary star, Terrace Prime, is an orange dwarf (K-type main-sequence star), providing a stable environment conducive to life on its habitable planets. Astrophysical Characteristics Terrace Prime is an orange dwarf star, estimated to be 5 billion years..., the crew remained on high alert, the encounter serving as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the depths of space.
“We’ve faced tougher challenges and come out stronger,” Ed AlvisBiographical 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... said, breaking the contemplative silence.
Spacedawg nodded, a slight smile forming. “And we’ll continue to do so. We’re not just a crew; we’re a family. Whatever comes next, we face it together.”
As the Mandoleer’s Folly cruised through the vast expanse, the crew reflected on their recent experiences, their resolve strengthened by the trials they had overcome and the mysteries yet to unravel.