The legal ramifications of the Nerus Expedition tragedy resulted in a substantial settlement for the survivors. The university, entangled due to Captain Murphy’s employment and subsequent negligence, awarded hefty compensation to the group. Questions surrounding Murphy’s actions and his mysterious disappearance only fueled the controversy and legal battles.
Months after the incident, the crew of the Mandoleer’s Folly sat around a table laden with maps and notes. 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... More, a seasoned commander known for his calm demeanor, addressed the room.
“Jayson, you mentioned seeing Captain Murphy on a lifeboat but then he vanished once you hit land?” Spacedawg queried, his brow furrowed in thought.
Jayson nodded, leaning forward. “Yeah, I saw him, clear as day. But it’s like he just… disappeared when we reached the shore. And there were those rumors about him, sleeping on the job, dodging consequences from past screw-ups. Maybe old habits do die hard.”
Spacedawg stroked his chin thoughtfully. “We need to assume he’s still alive. Ed, 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... More, Henry, Alchemist, let’s consider every angle. Captain Murphy has a knack for slipping away unnoticed.”
The team dispersed with their instructions, and the hunt for Murphy began in earnest. It wasn’t long before a lead took Ed and Spacedawg to a seedy bar on the outskirts of a bustling spaceport. The bar, dimly lit and filled with the murmurs of disreputable types, was known to be a favorite haunt of Murphy.
Inside, they spotted him immediately, the captain’s unmistakable posture bent over a drink at the bar. Stealthily, they approached, their boots silent against the grimy floor. As they drew closer, Murphy’s hand twitched toward the pistol at his side, but Ed was faster. With a swift motion, he grabbed Murphy’s arm, twisting it behind his back—a sharp crack suggesting a spiral fracture.
“Captain Murphy, you’re under arrest,” Spacedawg declared, his voice firm, carrying across the low hum of the bar.
Murphy winced, pain flashing across his features. “You don’t know what you’re messing with,” he hissed, but the fight had gone out of him as they led him away.
At the local RCSC base, Murphy was more cooperative, sensing the gravity of his situation. “Look, I want a deal,” he began, his voice urgent, “I know things—about Dr. Carter’s death. Let’s make this beneficial for both sides.”
Spacedawg leaned back, his eyes narrowing. “We’re listening, Murphy. But it better be good.”
Murphy’s gaze shifted between the stern faces of his captors. “It’s bigger than you think. It wasn’t just an accident or a random act—it was planned, and I know who orchestrated it.”
The room tensed, the weight of his words hanging heavy. Spacedawg exchanged a glance with Ed, a silent agreement passing between them. This was just the beginning, and Murphy’s information could unravel a much larger conspiracy than any of them had anticipated. The legal entanglements and the pursuit of justice for the Nerus Expedition had just entered a new, more perilous phase.
