In the vast expanse of the Alberta Sector
Overview 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... within the Canadian Expanse, the enigmatic Drumheller System unfolds, a celestial tapestry threaded with starlight. At the core of this system, Drumheller Prime stands as a world seemingly frozen in time, its rugged landscape sculpted by ancient forces. Amidst towering canyons and serpentine rivers, the echoes of a primordial past beckon, luring explorers and scientists to uncover its buried secrets.
Yet beneath the tranquil surface of Drumheller Prime, shadows stir. A spate of thefts has cast the planet into a pall of darkness, with priceless fossils and artifacts, relics of bygone epochs, vanishing without a trace. Despite exhaustive efforts, the truth remains shrouded in mystery, obscured by the mists of time.
Colonel 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..., now Commander of the Order 93 Lair, receives a mission directive from the RCSC High Command. The orders are unequivocal: investigate the thefts afflicting Drumheller Prime and expose the truth behind the mysterious disappearances.
“It appears we have our work cut out for us,” Celine remarks, her voice tinged with resolve, as she briefs her crew aboard the Order 93 Lair.
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..., typically the first officer and pilot of the Mandoleer’s Folly, assumes the role of captain for this mission. He nods in agreement. “Aye, Colonel. It’s time to unravel this mystery.”
As the Folly nears Drumheller Prime, its crew braces for the challenges ahead. They are met by Declan Carter, a distinguished paleontologist, and Joel Ikbal, a proficient biochemist, who guide them deep into the investigation.
“So, what exactly has gone missing?” Spacedawg inquires, his piercing gaze seeking clarity.
Dr. Carter’s expression is laden with concern as he leads them to the site of one of the latest findings. “Priceless artifacts—relics of a bygone era,” he explains, his voice laden with sorrow. “But it’s more than mere possessions at stake here. It’s the fabric of our understanding—the very essence of our research—that’s threatened.”
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..., the ship’s engineer, leans in, his eyes sparked with curiosity. “And what about this rare specimen of preserved blood?” he probes.
Dr. Ikbal, always the scientist, responds, “Ah, yes. The blood encased within an Udath Crystal. Its disappearance has cast a long shadow over our work—a shadow that deepens with each passing moment.”
As tension simmers beneath the surface and rumors of foul play spread like wildfire, the crew of the Mandoleer’s Folly prepares to delve deeper into the mystery. On Drumheller Prime, where shadows mingle with the canyons and rivers, the truth remains elusive, hidden in the heart of darkness.
Dividing into two groups, the crew sets out in search of answers. While Spacedawg, Ed, 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... seek insights from Dr. Carter, the Alchemist and Henry engage Joel Ikbal in earnest discussion.
Spacedawg’s instincts tingle with suspicion as he observes Dr. Carter’s demeanor. “You seem to be withholding something, Doctor,” he states, his voice steady yet probing.
Dr. Carter’s eyes flicker with uncertainty, but he maintains his composure. “I assure you, Captain, I have nothing to hide,” he replies, his words resonating hollowly within the confines of the excavation site.
Nearby, in a makeshift tent, the Alchemist and Henry press Dr. Ikbal on the recent thefts and the missing blood specimen.
“I can assure you, I have no knowledge of the whereabouts of the stolen artifacts,” Dr. Ikbal declares, his tone earnest yet guarded. “As for the blood specimen, its disappearance has been a devastating blow to our research efforts.”
Henry scrutinizes every word from the scientist, his senses sharp for any hint of deceit. “And what of your colleague, Dr. Carter? Have you noticed anything unusual in his behavior prior to the thefts?”
Dr. Ikbal’s expression darkens slightly at the mention of Dr. Carter. “There have been tensions, yes,” he admits, his voice tinged with regret. “But I assure you, I had nothing to do with his demise.”
As rain begins to fall, casting an eerie pall over the landscape, the crew of the Mandoleer’s Folly finds themselves entwined in a web of deceit and betrayal. With each passing moment, the shadows grow darker, concealing the truth that lies beneath the surface of Drumheller Prime.
As the relentless drizzle of Drumheller Prime mingled with the murk of twilight, Henry, Spacedawg, and Ed traversed the jagged landscape towards an expansive dig site marked by its curious configuration of concentric circles. The site, a radial array of graves, revealed the layered history of the planet’s ancient inhabitants, each circle a chronicle of successive generations stretching back through eons.
“This is more than just a burial site, it’s a genetic manuscript written in bone,” Henry murmured, gazing over the meticulous excavation areas where several scientists were intently at work.
Spacedawg, whose instincts had been honed in less scholarly but equally perilous environments, nodded. “Let’s talk to them. Maybe they’ve seen or heard something that could shed light on this whole mess.”
Approaching the site, they were greeted by Emil Sinclair, Jennifer Brown, and Arthur Hastings, three scientists who looked up from their delicate task with guarded curiosity.
“Evening,” Spacedawg started, his tone friendly yet forthright. “We heard about the unfortunate situation with Dr. Carter. Mind if we ask a few questions?”
Emil, a tall man with a weary expression, wiped his brow. “Sure, we’ve heard about the investigation. Terrible business with Carter, but can’t say it was unexpected given the tensions.”
Jennifer, her hands still busy with a brush and dustpan, chimed in. “Yeah, Dr. Ikbal and he were at loggerheads last we saw. We were with Dr. Ikbal around the time it all went down. So, we’re each other’s alibis.”
Arthur, the oldest of the trio, leaned on his shovel. “No love lost for Carter around here. He took credit for everyone’s work. Not just ours. It was a common practice for him.”
Spacedawg exchanged a glance with Ed, noting the simmering resentment. “Seems like Dr. Carter wasn’t the most popular. Would you say someone might have had enough of his antics to… push things too far?”
Emil scoffed lightly, shaking his head. “Take your pick—almost everyone here had a motive, given his reputation. But murder? That’s a different level. We despised his guts for stealing the limelight, sure, but killing him? That’s not how we handle things in academia, even on the frontier.”
Jennifer stopped her work, looking up with solemn eyes. “It’s true, everyone here hated how he operated, but no one hated him enough to want him dead. At least, not that we know of.”
Arthur added, “And don’t forget, whoever did this knew what they were doing. It’s not just about opportunity but also capability. We’re scientists, not assassins.”
“Thanks for your insights,” Spacedawg said, jotting down a few notes. “If there’s anything else you remember, please let us know. We’re just trying to get to the bottom of this.”
As they walked away from the burial site, the layers of sediment and secrets seemed to mirror the complexity of their task. Spacedawg mused aloud to his companions, “It’s a tangled web here, all right. But every web has its spider. Let’s keep looking.”
With that, the trio continued their investigation, the ancient whispers of Drumheller Prime echoing beneath their feet, a somber reminder of the many mysteries still buried within its soil.
