The morning after the takedown of Ivan Krasikov, the city was abuzz with the news of the corruption scandal that had rocked the full-contact curling world. Newspapers heralded Briane Harris as a fallen star who had found redemption, his face splashed across front pages as a symbol of integrity regained.
In the quiet sanctuary of his office, Briane gathered his thoughts. The echoes of cheering children from the previous day’s exhibition opening lingered in his mind, a stark contrast to the tumultuous revelations and gunfire that had followed. He picked up a newspaper, the headlines glaring back at him, and then set it aside, his focus shifting towards the future.
At the RCSC headquarters, Celine Ebner
Biographical Information Name: Celine EbnerDate of Birth: April 20, 2173Place of Birth: Vancouver Prime, Canadian ExpanseOccupations: Cybernetically Enhanced Operative of the Royal Canadian Space Cavalry (RCSC)Parents: Captain Eugene Ebner, Former Deputy Commandant Mary Ebner Overview Celine Ebner is a distinguished officer in the Royal Canadian Space Cavalry (RCSC), known for her profound resilience and cybernetic enhancements. Born into a family... convened a debriefing with her team. The room was filled with a sense of accomplishment, but also an awareness of the challenges that remained. “Great work, everyone,” Celine began, her voice firm yet appreciative. “But let’s remember, the fight against corruption doesn’t end with one victory. We need to remain vigilant and ready for what’s next.”
Maelstrom
Origin 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..., always the strategist, chimed in, “We should keep an eye on the networks that Ivan was part of. There are surely others who shared his interests, and they might try to fill the void he left.”
Henry, who had returned to his duties, nodded in agreement. “I’ll adjust our monitoring systems to keep tabs on any unusual activity in the betting circles. If anyone tries to take Ivan’s place, we’ll know about it.”
Back at the hotel attached to the Institute complex, Spacedawg Pauly
Birth 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... found himself a reluctant celebrity. As he walked through the lobby, whispers followed him, and eyes turned in his direction. The weight of public attention was unfamiliar and uncomfortable, but the recent events had thrust him into the spotlight.
As he reached for the elevator button, a small voice called out, “Mr. Spacedawg?” He turned to see a young boy, the same one who had given him the action figure the day before, clutching his mother’s hand.
“Hello there, young man,” Spacedawg greeted him, kneeling to be at eye level.
“I just wanted to say thank you again,” the boy said shyly. “For saving everyone and for the patch.”
Spacedawg smiled, a genuine warmth spreading through him. “You’re welcome, kiddo. And thank you for the action figure. It’s going to have a place of honor back on the Mandoleer’s Folly.”
The boy beamed, and Spacedawg stood, ruffling his hair gently before stepping into the elevator. As the doors closed, he leaned against the wall, the encounter leaving him thoughtful.
Later that day, at the official public opening of the exhibition, Spacedawg, Celine, and the rest of the crew stood ready to face the questions of hundreds of schoolchildren. The kids were eager, their hands shooting up with questions about the adventures of the RCSC, the technologies on display, and what it was like to be a space-faring hero.
Spacedawg found himself warming to the role, his answers interspersed with light-hearted jokes that drew laughter and cheers from the young audience. The dread he had felt was slowly replaced by a sense of purpose—perhaps this was another way he could make a difference.
As the day wound down, the crew gathered for a quiet dinner, reflecting on the events that had unfolded. “You know,” Spacedawg said, looking around at his friends, “maybe being a hero isn’t just about the battles we fight. Maybe it’s also about the hearts we touch along the way.”
Celine raised her glass, her eyes twinkling with pride and affection for her team. “To new beginnings, and to a future where we continue to make a difference.”
“To new beginnings,” they echoed, their glasses clinking in the soft light of the setting sun, ready for whatever challenges the future might bring.
