Rubix's human Spaceman had just shut his car door, his normally white clothes always seemed to return with interesting blotches of red. Rubix stood with his front paws on the back of the couch so that he could see out the window. Spaceman was carrying a bottle in one hand along with his keys and a large bone in the other hand. Rubix's tail started to go nuts, it wrapped on the curtain enough times to catch Spaceman's eye on the porch outside. He smiled at Rubix and began to fumble with his keys. 

Rubix jumped off the couch and down to the door mat in a single swoop. His tail heavily swept along the floor.  The sound of jingling keys was followed by a frustrated grumble. Rubix's tail began to slow as it lightly swayed back and forth, then the door knob began to make noise, his tail took off once more but the voice outside began to grumble much louder as he fumbled once more with his keys. Rubix's tail stopped and he turned his head to the side. The sound of a key actually turning the bolt inside the house caused the tail to start up once more, it made a WHAP sound as it collided with the hardwood floors. The knob turned and Rubix began to pick up his front paws in excitement, almost as if starting his engine. The daylight was visible as the door slowly opened and Spaceman made his entrance. Rubix lunged into the air in excitement and began hopping around in front of Spaceman. He held out the bone and Rubix sat down, it was one of his better sits, he concentrated on the bone, saliva began to drip from his jowls until the bone was thrown up in the air. Rubix sprung from the ground and met the bone in midair, his teeth clenched down on it happy to receive it. He walked over to the most comfortable spot on the carpet and began to spin around in place before finally falling to the ground and choosing which end of the bone he fancied most. 

Spaceman made his way to the kitchen and opened his bottle, he poured some liquid into a glass and came to sit down next to Rubix. He was smiling and he was happy, excited almost. He began to talk, it was all in Human though so Rubix did what he did best. He listened. He chewed on his bone and he listened. Rubix rarely had any words in the conversation, he knew a few human words like 'Speak', 'Walk', 'Treat', 'Go for a Ride', all of which require a Woof as confirmation but Rubix did not hear any of those words so he turned his head a few times to really sell it. Rubix could tell by the tone and the length of the conversation that Spaceman was really excited and it was something worth celebrating. He gave a congratulatory Woof! but Rubix just didn't feel like it was enough.

It was now evening and Rubix found the family in the normal sitting room, they were normally either talking or listening to the little man in the box, Rubix had never seen him but they called him Radio. Today they were all listening to Spaceman, he was telling the same story he had told Rubix earilier, he was still unsure of what was happening but all the other humans were excited about it. Rubix took his spot on the giant fluffy mountain of pillows and blankets and watched as the humans all took great interest in Spaceman's story from their uncomfortable chairs, Rubix would share his mountain but they all seemed content where they were. 

Rubix thought and thought until he finally came up with a good plan, he was going to throw a party for Spaceman for his... accomplishment. He would have it at the park of course, it would be a great surprise, everyone loves the park, so much room to run and so many smells to rub up against, not to mention other dogs could come. Rubix was tired of watching parties through clear barriers from the outside. It was decided, there was going to be a party at the park!

Rubix jumped up from his mountain of pillows and blankets, he looked at the humans who had all paused and looked at Rubix. "Woof!" Rubix said to Spaceman, excusing himself from the room. He ran to his office and grabbed his oversized pencil and began writing messages to all the business humans that owed him favors, like that back alley drug salesman that had an alley cat problem as well as the Firehouse he volunteered at after saving that family from a fire. Even that suit and tie guy that needed help digging 30 large holes in the woods, Rubix was going to call in all his favors. 

He spent two hours writing letters but was sure to get them out before the evening courier stopped by, they should all be delivered in the morning, all that was left was to follow up and send invitations. He would do that in the morning though, for now it was brandy hour and the humans had moved to the fireplace room, there was a spot on the carpet with Rubix's name on it. 

The sun was not yet up but Rubix was, he stretched out and sleepily walked towards the doggy door. He made his way outside and quietly walked behind the bushes. He laid down and rolled under a hole he had dug near the fence and shook off the dirt on the other side. Rubix walked towards the Business District and visited the firehouse first, the chief had called in all the volunteers after receiving the letter from Rubix. 

"Hey boy, got your letter, after what you've done for us, we got every man here to help. You said you need some man, errr human power with cooking and fireworks? And also bring some spare fire hydrants? And this is for 'Your Humans Celebration'?" 

The chief puts up quotation fingers to quote the letter after reading the whole thing completely seriously. 

"Well, after all you've done for us, you have the whole crew at your disposal, we'll be there"

"Woof"

"Yes, yes, with fire hydrants." The chief replied. 

Satisfied, Rubix made his way to the Butcher, for whom Rubix had brought wares in, reduced disposal costs by 80%, as well as been a mascot for in his younger years, plus there was that one time a pig got loose. He made his way to the loading dock since the Butcher was not yet open. Upon seeing Rubix the Butcher greeted him by tossing him a large bone he had set aside, "I figured I'd see you, I got your letter. I'm not sure what you mean by 'Your Humans Celebration', but I do have 'Meats Humans Like', I assume its a sort of Bar-B-Q in the park? The Butcher asks Rubix. Rubix was hard at work on the bone already and did not reply. 

"I'll just give you some of everything and throw in some extra steaks and some bones, I'll have my boy drop them off at the park just before your party." The butcher said. Rubix understood that it would be taken care of and took what was left of his bone with him. The sun was in the sky but the drug dealer wouldn't be up yet, but he did have to go by the Mayors house. The Mayor had caught him chasing squirrels on his property one morning and encouraged him to do it ever since. The Mayor did not like squirrels and with Rubix there they eventually relocated. The Mayor said he owed Rubix a favor, and today he was calling it in. The guard at the gate let Rubix in as was the instructions in his employee handbook, Rubix checked the grounds to make sure there were no squirrels, both out of habit and to make sure it was a good time to call in his favor. The Mayor was sitting on his porch enjoying his squirrel free yard eating his bowl of peanuts. Upon seeing Rubix he tossed on his way. Rubix snatched it from the air and enjoyed it thoroughly. "Rubix my boy, good to see you. I got your request this morning with my breakfast. I can't let a dog throw a party in a park. However... I can throw a party in the park and it would be my honor if I could come see what kind of party a dog throws for 'Your Humans Celebration'". Rubix sat and listened to the mayor, because he was a good listener and also had no idea what he was talking about. But as every human had said those words, Rubix was sure he had gotten the letter. "Woof!" Rubix approved and checked the back yard for squirrels before heading to the suit and tie guy. 

Rubix sat on the sidewalk outside of the tallest office building in Philadelphia. A well dressed businessman stopped in front of him. "Rubix!? What are you doing here? Need something? You know I owe you from that time..." Rubix got the feeling this human didn't get his letter. 

"Woof woof woof woof." The human looked confused. Luckily the morning courier had just turned the corner with the letter. He handed it off and the business man looked down at it. "Ah, now this I can understand, One second". The man read the poorly penned letter as Rubix slumped down on the sidewalk. He rolled over at a lady passing by allowing her to pet his belly. She went inside and Rubix rolled back over and sat up. The man had finished reading. "Sure Rubix, I'll write you a check right now. Hmmmm, maybe I can do one better, my wife is a party planner I'll call her up and get her to plan the whole thing." The business man went inside to make the call and Rubix made his way to his next stop. 

Rubix arrived at a back alley where a man sat in a small folding chair, sleeping. Rubix barked at him, he opened his eyes and smiled at Rubix. "Hey boy, I heard you need to get your hands on some fireworks. I thought dogs hated fireworks? But yeah, I know a guy, I'll have em stashed in a bush at the park for you." Rubix gave a nod to his shady friend and decided to head home. Everything seemed to go well but right now, his food bowl was probably being filled and he was far from home. 

Upon arriving at home, Rubix ate his breakfast and began writing up invitations. He would have to hand deliver them but that was always a nice touch anyways. The crew HQ was quiet except for the sound of a giant pencil being sharpened every five minutes. When he had all the invitations ready he set out to deliver them. 

Upon returning at home all that was left to do was wait for Spaceman to get home. He grabbed the leash and waited at the front door. When Spaceman got home he fumbled for his keys and opened the door to place his things inside before meeting Rubix on the porch for a walk. He held the leash but Rubix held the other end in his teeth, today Rubix was taking Spaceman to the park. 

Upon making it to the park Spaceman became worried at the sight of fire engines but was quickly at ease by the smell of decadent meats being cooked on grills nearby. A bunch of tents were set up and both kids and dogs were playing games near the fire hydrants. As Rubix pulled Spaceman into the park he was able to see a stage surrounded by all his close friends and even the mayor. Rubix pulled Spaceman up on stage and up to a small podium under a banner saying 'Human Celebration'. Rubix jumped up to the podium and motioned towards Spaceman. The crowd went silent. 

"Woof"

A young lady in the front of the crowd yells out, "he's so elegant!" A slow clap starts in the back and grows louder until everyone is standing and clapping for Spaceman on his Human Celebration! The crowd yells out, "Congratulations Spaceman!" to the "medical doctor". Spaceman walks up to the front of the stage and addresses the crowd, including the mayor who all have no fucking clue what they are celebrating. 

After the crowd disperses and many of the celebrators have wandered off, Star approaches Spaceman and extends her hand towards him, grasping his hand firmly. It's a big day for the both of them and the excitement in the air is still palpable.

"Spaceman, congrats again. I can't believe that this day has finally come! Rubix sure has outdone himself in the decorating!" She peers around his shoulder at the banner celebrating Rubix's human, a bemused expression on her face before turning back to Spaceman. "The BBQ was a nice touch. Anyway, I'm proud of what's you've accomplished here in Philly. I hope to make you proud as well boss man." 

Kittie had followed the delectable smell of grilled meat and had somehow managed to find herself in the park.  There she saw Rubix and his owner Spaceman, and her own best friend and now crewleader Star standing around with plates of food.  She decided to help herself, then walked over to Spaceman. 

"Congrats on becoming Godfather, Godfather.  This is an auspicious day and I truly relish the thought of working for you and making this city a place people will be clamoring to come to.  And you Star, congratulations to you as well.  The both of you have worked so hard for this, I'm proud to call you friends and to work under you.  Now how about this Bar-B-Que your dog pulled together?  He needs a raise!"   She laughed lightly, then tucked in to her heaping plate of grilled food. 

Tara and Gavin showed up at the park, not remotely surprised by Rubix anymore. They both made their way over to Spaceman and shook his hand, not wanting to take up too much of his time. Tara, as usual, did the fancy talking.

"Godfather Spaceman, it's an honor to be here with you to celebrate this day. For many people, this is the end of their journey. For you, I know this is just the next step in your quest to build something worthwhile and leave a legacy behind. I'm honored- we're honored- to be a part of your operation, and we wish you the very best."

Stepping back from the Godfather, Tara and Gavin made their way over to Star. This time, Gavin spoke first.

"Hey- nice suit! Congratulations to you as well, my friend. Buy you a drink to celebrate?"

While on business in Philly, Uncle Joe had heard of the celebration being held for his friend and the newly appointed Godfather Chairman of Philadelphia, Spaceman. Uncle Joe made his way to the park and was greeted by Spaceman's loyal and adorable puppy Rubix.  Joe bent down to pet the little dog. Joe was fond of the cute pooch.

Making his way toward Spaceman with Rubix on his heels, Uncle Joe extended his hand to his friend. The two shook hands firmly.

"I just happened to be in the city on business and wanted to come by and congratulate you. It was no surprise to see you solidify your hold on the city. I look forward to coming back out east more to visit. You definitely make your friends feel welcomed. You'll have to come out west to Vegas and let me put you up at my resort and Casino, Lucky Ligambi's."

The two stood there making small talk as Uncle Joe excused himself for the grill.

"I see you got some grub over there, I'm starving. Been in the streets all day without a bite to eat. You'll have to excuse me a moment Spaceman. If I don't get back by to see you again I'll call, we'll get together for a game of golf."

Uncle Joe made his way for the food freeing up Spaceman for other patrons in attendance. 

Marie flew out to Philly specifically to congratulate Spaceman on achieving his complete control of the city.  She had heard how hard the fight for the city had been, but was not surprised that Spaceman had come out on top.  The two of them had manage to survive a couple of wars together and they had engaged in a few political dances.  He was a man Marie found worthy of respect.  A man she very much wanted to be on her commission.  The two had often talked about their visions for these shores, and it was amazing how closely they aligned.  

When she arrived at the park she saw Rubix and greeting the dog with a bit of steak she had brought with her just for him.  Then she sought out the man of the hour to pay her respect and to congratulate.

"Godfather Spaceman.  It does me well to see you rise to this level.  You truly have earned it and I look forward to working with you even more closely in the days ahead.  If my family or I can do anything to assist your great city, please do not hesitate to call on us."  She excused herself so that others could also pay there respects and went to say hello to her Uncle Joe.

Home at last.  After a long day of surgery, Spaceman was happy to have his free time, swirling a glass of "medicinal" whiskey around as he scratched Rubix's chin, telling him about his day.

"..and so when I had a small slip of the scalpel, that old man in the mansion that takes a cut of our money every week just up and died!  His arteries were very brittle.  I had warned him that surgery at that age wasn't recommended.. he knew the risks.  Then people started screaming!  "You killed the Godfather!  You killed the Godfather!" so.. I had to stab them all.  By the unwritten law of succession, now I'm the Godfather!"  Spaceman said, as he pet Rubix and took a drink from his tumbler, eager to inform his organization that the days of unrepresented taxation were over.

The next day, Spaceman found himself taking an early day off - deciding to sample one of his new "Remember Me Yet" pills on his way out to the porch to meet Rubix.  Taking the elevator down, the bell dinged as it made its way to the ground floor - the ringing lingering longer and louder than it usually did.  Spaceman's vision briefly narrowed to a tunnel as the doors slid open, before returning to normal as he made his way out to the porch.  

"Let's go to the park, boy."

The two made their way to the park as Spaceman found himself feeling increasingly weighted down as the doctor wondered if he was experiencing the side effects of his medication.  The feeling was familiar - but for another medication.  Arriving at the park, Spaceman noticed a small gathering - including the mayor - as they began to welcome him.  The smell of freshly grilled meat in the air intrigued the doctor.  Was this a celebration for Spaceman's malpractice mistake?  Were they finally accepting Spaceman as a fully fledged member of the Philadelphia "business" community? Spaceman shook hands with the mayor - his hands feeling like cinder blocks as the medication's effects began to settle in.  This was not a Remember Me Yet, but a Forget Me Now.

Spaceman was beckoned to a podium as his eyes focused on the small crowd, with a ringing noise in his head intermittently filtering in and out.  As he began to speak, the words spoken were lost on him - words apparently well received by the crowd but not materializing legibly in the doctor's mind.  As he continued to speak, his vision narrowed - the ringing and then went black.  Nearly all concept of time and space was lost to the doctor, his mind only recording bits and pieces; enough for the doctor to know the evening was a blur of alcohol and meat-crazed debauchery.  Through the haze of the evening, loud blasts went off in the park as fireworks appeared to be set off by Rubix - the light from which illuminated and signified the arrival of buses from Delaware City.  Beatings followed almost as soon as the doors from the buses opened - the standard welcome for Delaware residents anytime they ventured out of their home town.  Yelling turned into cheering as sensory overload blurred sound, touch and sight together as Spaceman fell to the ground, staring to the sky as he slipped out of consciousness.

Several hours later, Spaceman awoke to the sound of brooms and trash bins being filled as he looked up to a blue sky, with a pain in his head.  The doctor blinked once before a figure he recognized as the mayor - now disheveled and with a loose tie - looked down at him.

"Great party.  Probably the best speech I've heard in a while."

Spaceman winced.

"What.. happened?"  

"The dog happened." replied the mayor, as he checked his watch.  "..and I'm late for work.  Until next time."

The mayor stepped out of view as he heard the mayor whistle, followed by the sound of jingling in the distance.  Recognizing it as Rubix's collar, the sound grew closer until the dog towered over Spaceman, a knowing look forming on the dog's face.  Spaceman reached out and greeted Rubix with a pet on the head as he sat himself up and took in the full view of the park - complete with two burned out buses and a dozen other people who appeared to be knocked out much like Spaceman was.

"This was you?"

The dog grunted, seemingly in affirmation, as Spaceman brought himself to his feet - coming into view of one of the other dozen stragglers lying on the grass, who gave the doctor a thumbs up along with a weakly uttered congratulations to the doctor as he passed back out.  Spaceman looked at Rubix - trying to piece together the memory of the evening but unable to clear the fog.

"I can't rem.."

Spaceman stopped himself as he shrugged.

"Thank you.  Now let's go home, boy."