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Neptune is Captain Francis Crozier's pet Newfoundland dog and is the ship's dog for HMS Terror. He first appears in episode 1 when Sir John Franklin boards Terror for dinner and is later seen being petted by Commander James Fitzjames below decks. Robert Golding says he heard Neptune whine last night and with the right conditions he could smell a bear up to a mile. Cornelius Hickey asks what rank Neptune is to which Thomas Evans replies he's on deck most nights so it's most likely watch duty. David Young states Neptune is more likely an Able Seaman or a Marine. Hickey points out Neptune is able walk the quarterdeck which makes him at least a Petty Officer but on some nights he sleeps with the officers which might make him a Mate or even a Lieutenant. Golding asks if they are still talking about him and Hickey expresses displeasure in the notion of putting a dog above a man but William Strong's tell him Neptune's the ship's dog so they put up with it.

Later that evening, Strong, Thomas "Tom" Hartnell, and Sgt. Solomon Tozer are on deck and can hear Neptune barking. Strong remarks he's been doing that for quite some time and something has got him worked up. Neptune later appears towards the end of the episode whimpering inside Terror as explosives are set off in attempt to free it from the ice.

Neptune appears again in episode 2 when the sledge parties are sent out in search of open water. Later in the episode he is in the captain's quarters with Hickey who is caulking the seat of ease and Hickey remarks he'll caulk Neptune next. Neptune then defecates near Hickey before walking off. He also appears briefly in episode 3 during Sir John's funeral when Hickey goes below decks.

Neptune appears briefly in episode 6 and is seen at Crozier's side as he recovers from alcohol withdrawal and asks Jopson where all the men are.

In episode 7, Thomas Armitage, William Pilkington, and Hickey are having breakfast and discuss that Neptune's rations are probably the same as theirs. Neptune's barks are heard all throughout episode 7 until the scene when Morfin causes a commotion in the camp. Hickey retreats from the scene and soon after, Neptune's barks stop. Thomas Jopson later informs to Crozier that Richard Wall has reported Neptune missing but Crozier insists he'll return when he's hungry. Hickey tells Lieutenant Hodgson that he found Neptune earlier and killed him after finding him on the rocks with a broken leg. Hickey shows the remains to Lieutenant George Henry Hodgson with the intent of eating it but Hodgson is upset as Neptune was their alarm against the Tuunbaq. It is not until episode 10 that Crozier learns of Neptune's fate but forgives Hodgson for not informing him but not Hickey.

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