The Mandoleer’s Folly glided smoothly through the vastness of space, heading back to the Order 93 base. 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... sat in the ship’s lounge, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation over a cup of coffee. His trusted first officer, 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..., joined him, both savoring the temporary calm after their recent missions.
“Have you read the latest news?” Spacedawg asked, holding up his tablet. The headline from the Canadian Expanse News NetworkCanadian Expanse News Network (CENN) OverviewThe Canadian Expanse News Network (CENN) is the successor to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, adapted to meet the demands of the 22nd and 23rd centuries. It was established in 2040 in the Ottawa System and has since become the premier news source for the Canadian Expanse. HistoryFounded as an evolution of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation... caught his attention: “Trillionairess Evilyn PriceEarly Life Evilyn Price grew up in Potomac, Maryland, surrounded by wealth. Her family was rich, and she always had everything she wanted, giving her a sense of entitlement. Education In her younger years, Evilyn went to an all-girls Catholic university. She initially thought about becoming a nun, but a rebellious phase changed her path dramatically, leading her into a... and Husband Jean-Philip DésemparésEarly Life and Education Born and raised in Quebec, Canada, Dr. Jean-Philip Désemparés exhibited an early fascination with the mysteries of the universe. His journey into the realm of theoretical physics was fueled by an insatiable curiosity and a passion for discovery. At the University of Montreal, Désemparés's dedication and intellect quickly earned him recognition, culminating in his graduation with... Donate Five Billion LooniesThe official currency of the Canadian Expanse Abbreviation: CEL Unit: Loon, Loonies Symbol: $ Banknotes: Commemorative banknotes in $5,10, 20, 50 and 100 denominations. Though they remain legal tender, the practice of using bills went out of fashion when the currency went digital. The Purse Card: A bank card that manages your money. All transactions, payroll and even taxes are... to Charitable Causes.”
Ed glanced over the article, shaking his head in mild disbelief. “She sure knows how to make headlines, doesn’t she? Always popping up at the most interesting times.”
Spacedawg nodded. “Indeed. It’s hard not to notice. She’s been a significant figure in the Expanse, yet there’s always something… I don’t know, elusive about her.”
Ed leaned back, a playful smirk on his face. “Wouldn’t it be funny if it was Evilyn PriceEarly Life Evilyn Price grew up in Potomac, Maryland, surrounded by wealth. Her family was rich, and she always had everything she wanted, giving her a sense of entitlement. Education In her younger years, Evilyn went to an all-girls Catholic university. She initially thought about becoming a nun, but a rebellious phase changed her path dramatically, leading her into a... who was buying up all those embattled companies we’ve been dealing with?”
Spacedawg chuckled, but then his expression grew thoughtful. “You know, Ed, that’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. Given her wealth and influence, she could easily orchestrate such acquisitions through shell corporations.”
Ed laughed. “Imagine if it were true. We’ve been chasing shadows while she’s been playing a masterful game of chess. I mean, it would explain a lot, right?”
Spacedawg’s smile faded slightly. “Think about it. She’s one of the richest people in the Canadian Expanse. She could afford it without even blinking. Dropping five billion LooniesThe official currency of the Canadian Expanse Abbreviation: CEL Unit: Loon, Loonies Symbol: $ Banknotes: Commemorative banknotes in $5,10, 20, 50 and 100 denominations. Though they remain legal tender, the practice of using bills went out of fashion when the currency went digital. The Purse Card: A bank card that manages your money. All transactions, payroll and even taxes are... like it’s pocket change…”
Ed leaned forward, his interest piqued. “Yeah, and the companies went on the cheap, especially if it’s an RCSC auction. But why? Why go through all this trouble?”
Spacedawg shrugged. “Maybe she’s secretly funding the imposter version of Ezra MinerName: Ezra MinerAlias: "The Gentleman Pirate"Birthplace: Ontario SectorAge: Mid-50sOccupation: Former train robber, now a cunning space pirate and master thiefAffiliations: Independent; known to work with various criminal syndicates when it suits his interests Early Life Ezra Miner was born in the Ontario Sector into a modest family. From a young age, Miner exhibited a keen mind and a rebellious spirit,... to force these corrupt companies to sell. Kind of ingenious if you think about it.”
Ed raised an eyebrow. “You don’t actually think she’d be capable of that, do you? I mean, she’s proven in the past what she’s capable of doing, but this is on a whole other level.”
Spacedawg took another sip of his coffee. “It’s a wild theory, but she has the resources and the brains to pull it off. And if she wanted to clean up these companies, turning them around for profit while posing as a philanthropist, it would be a perfect cover.”
Ed nodded slowly. “True. It’s a long shot, but it does fit her MO. And the imposter Ezra MinerName: Ezra MinerAlias: "The Gentleman Pirate"Birthplace: Ontario SectorAge: Mid-50sOccupation: Former train robber, now a cunning space pirate and master thiefAffiliations: Independent; known to work with various criminal syndicates when it suits his interests Early Life Ezra Miner was born in the Ontario Sector into a modest family. From a young age, Miner exhibited a keen mind and a rebellious spirit,... could be part of her plan to destabilize these companies from the inside.”
Spacedawg leaned back, pondering. “If it’s true, it would make her one of the most cunning players in the Expanse. But without concrete evidence, it’s just speculation. We need to keep our eyes and ears open.”
Ed grinned. “Agreed. But it’s definitely something to keep in mind. The way she moves in the shadows, always a step ahead…”
Spacedawg finished his coffee, setting the cup down with a determined look. “We’ll get to the bottom of it. For now, let’s focus on getting back to Order 93 and regrouping.”
As the Mandoleer’s Folly continued its journey, Spacedawg and Ed continued their hypothetical discussions, aware that the next phase of their mission might reveal unexpected truths. Their conversation served as a reminder of the complexities and intrigue that awaited them in the vast expanse of space.