Chapter 1: The Collapse of Fort Smith Starbase

The Mandoleer’s Folly glided smoothly through the inky blackness of space, its engines humming a steady rhythm. Captain Spacedawg PaulyBirth 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... More stood on the bridge, surveying the vast expanse of the Territories SectorOverview A Sector, commonly referred to as a Provincial Sector, is a designated area of space within the broader and diverse cosmic region known as the Canadian Expanse. These Sectors function similarly to provinces, contributing to the organization and governance of this vast territory. Structure and Division The Canadian Expanse is divided into thirteen Provincial Sectors, each with its own... More. Their destination: Fort Smith Starbase, a sprawling orbital hub around the lone planet in the Fort Smith System.

“Prepare to dock,” Spacedawg commanded, his voice a mix of anticipation and routine. “We’ve got supplies to restock, personal packages to pick up, and new cargo bay officers to bring on board.”

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... More, the first officer, nodded. “Aye, Captain. Docking procedures initiated.”

The crew went about their tasks, efficiently preparing for what should have been a straightforward visit. As the Mandoleer’s Folly docked with Fort Smith Starbase, Spacedawg disembarked with several crew members, ready to oversee the resupply and meet the new officers.

The starbase bustled with activity, a vibrant hub of commerce and trade. Yet, something felt off. Spacedawg’s keen hearing picked up a faint, unfamiliar hum—a sound that didn’t belong.

“Ed,” Spacedawg said, his ears twitching slightly. “Do you hear that? There’s a hum. It’s out of place.”

Ed strained to listen but shook his head. “I don’t hear anything unusual, Captain.”

Spacedawg frowned. “Contact 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... More aboard the Folly. Ask her to run a full scan of the starbase.”

Back on the Mandoleer’s Folly, 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... More quickly responded to the request. Her fingers danced over the console, bringing up the starbase’s systems. “Captain, I’m detecting some unusual power fluctuations. It’s subtle, but it could escalate.”

Spacedawg’s gut tightened. “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... More, keep monitoring. I’ll head back to the ship.”

As Spacedawg and his team made their way back, the hum grew louder in his ears. He quickened his pace, urgency mounting. “Everyone, return to the Folly immediately.”

Once on board, Maelstrom’s face appeared on the main screen, her expression grim. “Captain, the fluctuations are getting worse. We need to put as much distance between us and the station as possible.”

“Signal the other ships to back away,” Spacedawg ordered. “This could turn catastrophic.”

Warnings were sent, but not all heeded the call. As the Mandoleer’s Folly pulled away, the starbase began to collapse inward, folding into itself in a violent implosion. The explosion’s energy rippled through space, a shockwave of destructive force.

The crew watched in stunned silence as debris from the starbase scattered, forming a ring around the planet below. The magnitude of the disaster was overwhelming.

“Initiate search and rescue operations,” Spacedawg commanded, his voice tight with grief. “We need to find survivors.”

Despite their best efforts, the results were grim. Nearly 150,000 lives were lost, and no survivors were found among the wreckage.

Amidst the chaos, Spacedawg’s comm device buzzed urgently. “Spacedawg, this is Celine. Are you alright?”

Spacedawg took a deep breath, relief mingling with sorrow. “I’m fine, Celine. But the starbase… it’s gone. So many lives lost.”

Celine’s voice was fraught with emotion. “I’m on my way to Fort Smith. We’ll meet up and start the investigation. We need to understand what happened.”

As the media swarmed the scene, broadcasting the disaster across the Canadian Expanse, conspiracy theories began to surface, adding to the confusion and grief.