The Emperor's Gambit
Das Kaiser-Komplott
Plot Summary
Kevin Sheebaugh, a scientist at Biotroniks Corporation, is kidnapped by Max von Valdec's Gray Guard to extract information about the mistletoe research. Valdec, Chairman of the Council of Corporations and General-Manager of the Kaiser Corporation, suspects Growan terGorden, David terGorden's father, is withholding information. Sheebaugh is tortured using a "Grade IV" device by Arbiter Perko, but resists revealing information. He attempts to use his modest PSI powers to influence a Gray Guard to attack Valdec, resulting in a chaotic shootout. Valdec orders Sheebaugh's execution, eliminating a potential PSI threat.
Meanwhile, David terGorden returns to Terra after being rescued from Syrta by Norwy van Dyne. He expresses his disdain for the caste system and corporate control on Terra. Valdec plans to remove Growan from power and install David as a puppet leader of Biotroniks. Queen Mandorla is tasked with preparing David for this role. Growan, aware of Valdec's intentions, orders Queen Skytha to monitor and protect David at Ultima Thule.
David clashes with his father, rejecting the Biotroniks Corporation and expressing his desire to connect with Yggdrasil in Ödrödir (Holy Valley). Growan attempts to manipulate David into accepting the leadership role, but David resists. Asen-Ger and his Terranauts are delayed on Syrta due to Mandorla's machinations. Valdec and Mandorla discuss their plans to control David using a Hypnoter and the Kaiser Force. David escapes from Ultima Thule, seeking Ödrödir (Holy Valley). He is recaptured by Mandorla and her Gray Guard.
Valdec meets with David on Universal Island after the Hypnoter implantation. He attempts to persuade David to support the Kaiser Force and take over Biotroniks. David, influenced by the Hypnoter, seemingly agrees. However, during the Great Festival, Growan announces his abdication and names David as his successor. Valdec reveals the Kaiser Force, a new energy source, and attempts to force David to demonstrate its power by passing through a dangerous energy field. La Strega del Drago detects the Hypnoter control and overloads Valdec's device, freeing David. David, realizing Valdec's plan, willingly enters the energy field, intending to disrupt it and prevent Valdec from gaining control. He is transported to Space II.
David returns to Ödrödir (Holy Valley) and Yggdrasil.
Key Events
- 01 Kevin Sheebaugh is kidnapped and tortured by Max von Valdec's Gray Guard.
- 02 Kevin Sheebaugh attempts to use PSI to attack Valdec but is killed.
- 03 David terGorden returns to Terra after being rescued from Syrta.
- 04 David terGorden clashes with his father, Growan terGorden, rejecting Biotroniks Corporation.
- 05 Max von Valdec plans to remove Growan terGorden from power and install David terGorden as a puppet.
- 06 David terGorden escapes from Ultima Thule and seeks Ödrödir (Holy Valley).
- 07 David terGorden is recaptured by Queen Mandorla and her Gray Guard.
- 08 David terGorden is implanted with a Hypnoter on Universal Island.
- 09 Growan terGorden announces his abdication at the Great Festival.
- 10 Max von Valdec reveals the Kaiser Force and attempts to force David terGorden to demonstrate its power.
- 11 La Strega del Drago detects the Hypnoter control and overloads Valdec's device.
- 12 David terGorden willingly enters the energy field, disrupting Valdec's plan.
- 13 David terGorden is transported to Space II.
- 14 David terGorden returns to Ödrödir (Holy Valley) and Yggdrasil.
Characters
Kevin Sheebaugh — A scientist at Biotroniks Corporation who is kidnapped and tortured by Max von Valdec to extract information about the mistletoe research. He resists and is killed.
Max von Valdec — The Chairman of the Council of Corporations and General-Manager of the Kaiser Corporation. He seeks to control Biotroniks and the mistletoe monopoly.
Growan terGorden — The General-Manager of Biotroniks Corporation and David terGorden's father. He is being forced out of power by Valdec.
David terGorden — The son of Growan terGorden, a Driver who returns to Terra and rejects his father's corporation. He is sought after by both Valdec and Growan.
Queen Mandorla — A high-ranking member of the Gray Guard loyal to Max von Valdec. She is tasked with preparing David terGorden for his role as a puppet leader.
Asen-Ger — A Lodge Master and leader of the Terranauts. He is delayed on Syrta and seeks to convince David to lead the Terranauts.
Merlin III — An old magician and David terGorden's former teacher. He is a member of the Terranauts and resides in Ödrödir (Holy Valley).
Lithe — The daughter of Merlin III and a former acquaintance of David terGorden. She is initially cold towards David but ultimately helps him.
Queen Skytha — The Queen of the Biotroniks Gray Guard, loyal to Growan terGorden. She is tasked with protecting David.
Norwy van Dyne — A Servis who helps David terGorden return to Terra.
Arbiter Perko — A torturer working for Max von Valdec.
Captain Weso — A captain in Queen Mandorla's Gray Guard.
Kate Brusher — Max von Valdec's assistant.
Carlos Pankaldi — Manag of the Green Hill Corporation.
Alexandro Baikal — Manag of the V/O Kultura-Import Corporation.
Pankraz Paklew — Manag of the Ringo spacecraft corporations.
Llewellyn 709 — A Driver in Asen-Ger's lodge.
La Strega del Drago — A Driver in Asen-Ger's lodge.
Locations
Ultima Thule — The city where the terGorden family resides, featuring a palace and advanced technology.
Ödrödir (Holy Valley) — A hidden valley in Greenland where Yggdrasil, the primeval tree, is located.
Universal Island — An artificial island in the Atlantic Ocean where Max von Valdec meets with David terGorden.
Syrta — A colonial world where David terGorden was rescued from.
Space II — An alternate dimension used for faster-than-light travel.
Ships & Vehicles
FENRISWOLF — The Driver ship used by Asen-Ger and his lodge.
ASE Glider — An armored special combat glider used by Queen Mandorla.
Ringo — A type of spacecraft.
Technology & Concepts
Space II — An alternate dimension used for faster-than-light travel.
Gray Guard — A military force employed by corporations.
Hypnoter — A device implanted in the brain to control a person's actions.
Kaiser Force — A new energy source developed by the Kaiser Corporation as an alternative to mistletoe.
Befehlsgeber — A device used to control the Hypnoter.
Triadic Monochord — The energy field created by the Kaiser Force.
Themes & Notes
This booklet explores themes of corporate control, the exploitation of individuals, and the conflict between technology and nature. The tone is dark and suspenseful, with moments of action and intrigue. The narrative style is detailed and descriptive, focusing on the characters' internal conflicts and the political machinations of the corporations.
Connections
Continues from: Die Terranauten 002
Leads into: The fallout of the Great Festival and the power struggle between Biotroniks and the Kaiser Corporation. The fate of David terGorden in Space II.
Related booklets: Booklets featuring the Terranauts, Max von Valdec, or the Biotroniks Corporation.
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