Chapter 5: Hunting in the Shadows

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 sat hunched over her console, her fingers flying across the keyboard. The transmission they had intercepted was troubling, but what caught her attention was its simplicity. “This is almost too easy,” she muttered.

Spacedawg leaned over her shoulder. “What do you mean?”

“No advanced encryption. It’s like they wanted us to find it,” 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 replied, a frown creasing her forehead. “Feels like a setup.”

Spacedawg straightened, a determined look on his face. “Then let’s use this to our advantage. Time to test some of the new toys RCSC installed on the Mandoleer’s Folly.”

Maelstrom’s eyes lit up with excitement. “I’ve been dying to try out the modified Murder BallThe Multifunction Decoy Probe, commonly referred to as the Murder Ball, is an advanced, versatile drone designed and constructed by Maelstrom and Abraham Corcoran. This highly sophisticated piece of technology is approximately the size of a basketball and is used primarily for surveillance, deception, defense, and offensive operations in space combat scenarios. Design and Development Designers: Maelstrom and Abraham Corcoran  ... More Drone. I can reconfigure it for long-range reconnaissance.”

Spacedawg nodded. “Do it. Send the drones to trace the signal and handle the dirty work.”

Within minutes, 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 had the drones ready. She launched them, and the crew watched on the main screen as they zoomed towards the signal’s origin. The data streamed in, showing the drones’ approach to a large asteroid mining base.

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, monitoring the feed, whistled. “That place is swarming with pirates.”

Renée LachapelleInspector Renée Lachapelle is a distinguished officer who currently heads the joint anti-crime task force between the local Constabulary and the Royal Canadian Space Cavalry (RCSC) on Montreal Prime. Renowned for her sharp investigative skills and unwavering commitment, Lachapelle plays a pivotal role in maintaining law and order in the Quebec Sector of the Canadian Expanse.  Early Life and Background... More frowned. “No wonder they didn’t bother encrypting the signal. They probably think they’re untouchable.”

Spacedawg’s eyes narrowed. “They’re about to learn otherwise. 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, give the order.”

The drones conducted a thorough scan of the base, mapping out every corner. “All set, Captain,” 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 confirmed.

“Fire,” Spacedawg commanded.

The screen lit up as the drones unleashed their arsenal, obliterating the base in a series of controlled explosions. The pirate threat was neutralized, but DeSnaijlerBorn: March 9, 1903Birthplace: Rotterdam, NetherlandsOccupation: Physician/Geneticist Early Life and Education Joost DeSnaijler was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands. He graduated top of his class in medical school but faced ostracism due to his far-right political leanings, aligning with Nazi and fascist ideologies. Career and Wartime Activities DeSnaijler was arrested during a National Socialist Movement (NSB) rally but moved to Germany... More was nowhere to be found.

As the dust settled, 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 analyzed the wreckage. “Wait, I’m picking up something. Plans, locations… looks like intel on other pirate bases and fleets.”

Spacedawg nodded approvingly. “Send it to Celine. We’ll need all the help we can get.”

Moments later, Celine’s holographic image appeared on the bridge. “Good work, Spacedawg. The 666 Squadron will assist in coordinating attacks on these pirate bases. We need to dismantle DeSnaijler’s resources.”

Spacedawg’s determination hardened. “Understood. We’ll take them out one by one.”

The Mandoleer’s Folly joined the coordinated assault across the British Columbia 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. Each strike was precise and devastating, methodically dismantling the pirate network. The crew worked tirelessly, their resolve unshakable.

After several successful operations, the Mandoleer’s Folly targeted the last known pirate base. The battle was intense, but the crew’s superior tactics and technology prevailed. As the base crumbled, Spacedawg led a rescue team inside, freeing over 50 captives and arresting numerous pirates.

Back on the ship, Spacedawg addressed the rescued individuals. “Your testimonies are crucial. Anything you can tell us about DeSnaijlerBorn: March 9, 1903Birthplace: Rotterdam, NetherlandsOccupation: Physician/Geneticist Early Life and Education Joost DeSnaijler was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands. He graduated top of his class in medical school but faced ostracism due to his far-right political leanings, aligning with Nazi and fascist ideologies. Career and Wartime Activities DeSnaijler was arrested during a National Socialist Movement (NSB) rally but moved to Germany... More will help us stop him.”

One of the rescued captives, a gaunt man with haunted eyes, stepped forward. “DeSnaijler… he’s more machine than man now. He’s planning something big, but I don’t know what. We were just pawns.”

Spacedawg’s gaze was steely. “We’ll find him. And we’ll stop him.”

As the crew began the process of debriefing and gathering intelligence, the Mandoleer’s Folly set a new course, driven by the relentless pursuit of justice. They knew DeSnaijlerBorn: March 9, 1903Birthplace: Rotterdam, NetherlandsOccupation: Physician/Geneticist Early Life and Education Joost DeSnaijler was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands. He graduated top of his class in medical school but faced ostracism due to his far-right political leanings, aligning with Nazi and fascist ideologies. Career and Wartime Activities DeSnaijler was arrested during a National Socialist Movement (NSB) rally but moved to Germany... More was out there, lurking in the shadows, but they were ready for whatever came next.