Chapter 1: The Rising Hatred

Tensions in the galaxy were running high. After the New Brunswick Sector Neural Syndrome (NBSNS)New Brunswick Sector Neural Syndrome (NBSNS) IntroductionNew Brunswick Sector Neural Syndrome (NBSNS) is a mysterious brain disease first identified in the New Brunswick Sector. The condition is characterized by progressive neurological symptoms and has puzzled scientists and medical professionals since its discovery. EpidemiologyNBSNS predominantly affects residents of the New Brunswick Sector. Cases have been reported across various demographics, though certain... More pandemic, hatred and xenophobia towards indigenous species had spiked dramatically. Right-wing media outlets like the Quebec Sector News ServiceType: Private Industry: News Media Founded: Early 22nd century Headquarters: Quebec Sector Area Served: Primarily Quebec Sector, with influence across the Canadian Expanse Key People: Jean-Paul Tremblay (Chief Editor), Marie-Claire Bouchard (Head of News), Philippe Gagnon (Director of Operations) Overview The Quebec Sector News Service, also known as le Service des nouvelles sectorielles du Québec (SNSQ), was founded in the... More twisted the situation, blaming figures like 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 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... More for the pandemic.

Star systems that had refused to enforce vaccine mandates were seeing a surge in deaths from NBSNSNew Brunswick Sector Neural Syndrome (NBSNS) IntroductionNew Brunswick Sector Neural Syndrome (NBSNS) is a mysterious brain disease first identified in the New Brunswick Sector. The condition is characterized by progressive neurological symptoms and has puzzled scientists and medical professionals since its discovery. EpidemiologyNBSNS predominantly affects residents of the New Brunswick Sector. Cases have been reported across various demographics, though certain... More. The media twisted these facts, fueling anger and fear among the human population. Spacedawg and his crew became scapegoats, accused of being traitors and murderers.

Under political pressure, the RCSC High Command ordered the Mandoleer’s Folly to dock and put the crew on leave. They were given two choices: imprisonment or stay on Henry’s Camping Planet during the investigation.

Spacedawg gathered his crew in the conference room. “We’ve been given two choices,” he said, his voice heavy with the weight of the decision. “We can either be jailed or stay on Henry’s Camping Planet.”

The crew looked at one another, their loyalty to Spacedawg unwavering. Commander 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 spoke up, “We choose unpaid leave, Captain. We stand with you.”

Spacedawg felt a surge of pride. “I appreciate your loyalty. I’ll make sure everyone gets paid out of my savings.”

The crew traveled to Henry’s Camping Planet, where they began setting up camp. Spacedawg and his senior officers organized team-building exercises to keep morale high. They played capture the flag, used non-lethal blaster roundsBlaster Rounds are a crucial component of advanced weaponry within the Canadian Expanse, a universe where technology has reached unprecedented levels of sophistication. These rounds utilize platinum, a metal that is abundant in the Canadian Expanse, due to its high conductivity, stability, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. Blaster rounds are standard across various classes of blaster weapons, including assault... More in place of paintball, and conducted unit drills. Spacedawg watched with pride as his crew demonstrated their unity and camaraderie.

Weeks turned into months, with no word from RCSC High Command. Spacedawg tried repeatedly to contact Celine, but the communication devices were useless due to a dampening field surrounding the planet. The isolation and lack of information gnawed at him.

One evening, as the crew gathered around a campfire, Spacedawg shared his concerns. “It’s been months, and we haven’t heard anything. I can’t get ahold of Celine. Something’s not right.”

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 nodded. “It’s odd that there are no other people here. It’s just us.”

Spacedawg decided to take a squad to the spacedock and RCSC installation to investigate. “We’ll head out at first light,” he announced.

The next morning, Spacedawg, accompanied by Ed, 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, and a few other crew members, set out for the installation. As they approached, they noticed that all the shuttles and ships were gone. The installation looked abandoned.

“Let’s try to get inside,” Spacedawg suggested. They attempted to enter, but the doors were locked tight.

“This place is deserted,” Ed said, shaking his head. “We need to get back and inform the others.”

The squad returned to camp and gathered the crew. Spacedawg shared their findings. “The installation is empty. All the ships are gone, and we couldn’t get inside. Something is definitely wrong.”

The crew listened intently, the gravity of the situation sinking in. They were stranded, isolated, and left without answers. Spacedawg looked around at his crew, their determined faces reflecting the trust they had in him.

“We’ll get through this,” Spacedawg assured them. “We just need to stay strong and united.”

As night fell, the crew pondered their next move, the uncertainty of their situation hanging heavily over them. The chapter ended on a tense note, setting the stage for the challenges they would face in the coming days.