The Road to Argus
Der Weg nach Argus
Plot Summary
The story begins with the MIDAS trapped in a Kaiser Force-induced energetic instability following the destruction of the Spilter System. Scanner Cloud is catatonic, but emitting strange psionic impulses. Llewellyn 709 and the other Drivers form a Lodge to investigate, discovering that Cloud's mind is communicating with an unknown entity and receiving replies. Meanwhile, David terGorden, posing as Hinnersen Bolter, and Helena Koraischowa, are trapped in a semi-reality version of Berlin, facing a deadly storm and Kaiser Force discharge. They are rescued by the man without a face and transported to the Kaiser Headquarters in this reality.
Inside the Kaiser Headquarters, Helena reveals herself to be Chan de Nouille, a high-ranking Gray Guard, while David is exposed as an imposter. They are attacked by Gray Guards and mobile computer systems. Chan de Nouille deliberately allows herself to be captured to infiltrate the Kaiser Headquarters, while David uses his wits to escape the mobile computers. Chan de Nouille is taken to Gray-Alpha, the leader of the Gray Guards in this reality, and reveals her knowledge of the Neuter Project. Gray-Alpha reveals that they plan to use Chan de Nouille to bring back the original Chan de Nouille from Space II.
David, meanwhile, enters the Kaiser Headquarters and confronts Max von Valdec, only to discover that he is a mechanoid. He is captured and taken to the Kaiser Force Transmitter, where he is to be used as a test subject. Chan de Nouille and Gray-Alpha launch an attack on Valdec, and Chan de Nouille confronts the real Valdec. David kills Valdec, destroying the transmitter.
David and Helena are transported back to their own reality in Ultima Thule by the man without a face, who tells them only one word: "Argus". Chan de Nouille orders Queen Delter to investigate "Argus" and prepares to travel there. Meanwhile, the MIDAS escapes its prison, and Scanner Cloud directs the ship to Astos' Eyes, specifically Argus, claiming that David terGorden is alive and that Yggdrasil has made a mistake. The MIDAS arrives at Argus, where they are captured by Queen Lyra Mun. Chan de Nouille arrives on the CYGNI and confronts David and Scanner Cloud. David and Scanner Cloud escape, discovering a cutting of Yggdrasil in the grave of Astos. Chan de Nouille allows them to leave with the CYGNI, while she remains on Argus. The CYGNI escapes into Space II, with Llewellyn 709 and the other Drivers forming a Lodge to power the ship.
Key Events
- 01 Llewellyn 709 and the Drivers discover Scanner Cloud is communicating telepathically.
- 02 David terGorden and Helena Koraischowa are transported to a semi-reality version of Berlin.
- 03 Helena Koraischowa reveals herself to be Chan de Nouille.
- 04 Chan de Nouille is captured by the Gray Guards.
- 05 David terGorden infiltrates the Kaiser Headquarters and discovers Max von Valdec is a mechanoid.
- 06 Chan de Nouille learns of the Neuter Project and the plan to bring back the original Chan de Nouille from Space II.
- 07 David terGorden destroys the Kaiser Force Transmitter and kills Max von Valdec.
- 08 David terGorden and Helena Koraischowa are transported back to Ultima Thule.
- 09 Chan de Nouille orders an investigation into "Argus".
- 10 The MIDAS escapes its prison and heads to Astos' Eyes.
- 11 The MIDAS arrives at Argus and is captured by Queen Lyra Mun.
- 12 Chan de Nouille arrives on the CYGNI and confronts David terGorden and Scanner Cloud.
- 13 David terGorden and Scanner Cloud discover a cutting of Yggdrasil in the grave of Astos.
- 14 Chan de Nouille allows David terGorden and Scanner Cloud to leave with the CYGNI.
- 15 The CYGNI escapes into Space II.
Characters
Llewellyn 709 — A Riemenmann and Driver aboard the MIDAS. He leads the effort to contact Scanner Cloud and later helps the CYGNI escape.
Scanner Cloud — A Psyter aboard the MIDAS who falls into a catatonic state but is communicating telepathically with an unknown entity. He directs the MIDAS to Argus and reveals the importance of Yggdrasil.
David terGorden — Posing as Hinnersen Bolter, he is a Driver and Terranaut. He is transported to a semi-reality, infiltrates the Kaiser Headquarters, and destroys the Kaiser Force Transmitter. He later travels to Argus and discovers the cutting of Yggdrasil.
Helena Koraischowa/Chan de Nouille — Initially posing as a Manag, she is revealed to be Chan de Nouille, a high-ranking Gray Guard. She infiltrates the Kaiser Headquarters, allows David to escape, and later confronts him on Argus.
Gray-Alpha — The genderless leader of the Gray Guards in the semi-reality version of the Kaiser Headquarters. She is a prototype from the Neuter Project.
Queen Delter — A Gray Guard Queen in Ultima Thule. She receives orders from Chan de Nouille to investigate "Argus".
Queen Lyra Mun — A Gray Guard Queen in command of Argus. She captures the MIDAS and is later confronted by Chan de Nouille.
Locations
MIDAS (spaceship) — A Kaiser Force ship captured by the Lunaport rebels. It becomes trapped in a Kaiser Force-induced energetic instability.
Berlin (semi-reality) — A semi-reality version of Berlin, destroyed and chaotic.
Kaiser Headquarters (semi-reality) — The nerve center of the empire in the semi-reality.
Ultima Thule — A region of Earth covered in glaciers, where the story returns after the semi-reality.
Argus — The second planet of the sun Astos' Eyes, where a Gray Guard outpost is located.
CYGNI (spaceship) — A reconnaissance ship used by Chan de Nouille to travel to Argus.
Ships & Vehicles
MIDAS (spaceship) — A Kaiser Force ship captured by the Lunaport rebels. It is used by Scanner Cloud and Llewellyn 709 to travel to Argus.
CYGNI (spaceship) — A reconnaissance ship used by Chan de Nouille to travel to Argus.
Technology & Concepts
Kaiser Force — A powerful energy source and technology used by the Council, but prone to instability and causing destruction.
Driver — Individuals with psionic abilities, often persecuted and exploited by the Council.
Gray Guard — An elite military force of the Council, known for their discipline and obedience.
Neuter Project — A failed project to create genderless Gray Guards.
Space II — An alternate dimension or realm used for faster-than-light travel, but also a source of danger and instability.
Yggdrasil — A mysterious entity or force connected to nature and the Drivers.
Themes & Notes
This booklet explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the dangers of unchecked power. The tone is dark and suspenseful, with elements of mystery and intrigue. The narrative style is fast-paced and action-oriented, with frequent shifts between different perspectives and locations.
Connections
Continues from: Likely follows directly from the events of booklet 025, given the immediate continuation of the MIDAS's situation and the presence of characters like David terGorden and Helena Koraischowa.
Leads into: Sets up the mystery of "Argus" and the importance of Yggdrasil, which will likely be explored in subsequent booklets.
Related booklets: Booklets featuring the MIDAS, Scanner Cloud, Llewellyn 709, David terGorden, Helena Koraischowa/Chan de Nouille, and the Gray Guards. Booklets dealing with the Kaiser Force and Space II.