Llewellyn's Gambit
Eine Falle für Llewellyn
Plot Summary
On the harsh world of Stonehenge II, Queen Ishiya of the Gray Guards oversees the Kaiser Corporation's Thingstone mining operations and the excavation of an ancient alien Ark. She receives word that a CYGNI-class ship is approaching, carrying Llewellyn 709, a powerful Riemenmann and leader of the Terranauts. Ishiya sees this as an opportunity to capture Llewellyn and exploit his abilities. Meanwhile, in the CYGNI, Llewellyn has a vision of Stonehenge II and believes it holds the key to his past. He plans a risky solo mission, using the CYGNI as a distraction while he enters the atmosphere in a Ringo lifeboat.
Aboard the CYGNI, the crew, including Angila Fraim and Claude Farrell, express concern about Llewellyn's plan, but he is determined. On Stonehenge II, Valhala 13, another Riemenmann under the control of the Grays, undergoes rigorous training overseen by PSI-Expert Sartyra Fuji. Valhala is plagued by fragmented memories and fears the mental block implanted in his mind that will force him to commit suicide if he disobeys orders. Ishiya plans to use Valhala as a double agent, replacing Llewellyn after his capture.
Llewellyn lands on Stonehenge II amidst a violent storm and encounters a Stoneman, one of the planet's bizarre native inhabitants. He discovers that the Stonemen create the obelisks from sand. The storm forces Llewellyn to abandon his Flugscheibe and seek shelter near the Ark. He enters the Ark through an unguarded opening and is attacked by Wandering Crabs. He breaks through the impact shield, alerting the Grays to his presence.
Ishiya orders the capture of Llewellyn alive. As Llewellyn is cornered, he removes his PSI-dampening straps, unleashing a powerful PSI-storm. The PSI-storm causes chaos and distorts reality. Valhala, protected by his own straps, confronts Llewellyn and uses a stunner to subdue him. Valhala closes Llewellyn's straps, ending the PSI-storm, but the Ark is damaged and later explodes due to a nuclear overload. Valhala successfully impersonates Llewellyn and is extracted by the CYGNI. The real Llewellyn is imprisoned in a deep-sleep capsule on Stonehenge II. Valhala, posing as Llewellyn, is tasked with infiltrating the Terranauts and eliminating key members.
Key Events
- 01 Queen Ishiya learns of Llewellyn 709's impending arrival on Stonehenge II.
- 02 Llewellyn 709 has a vision of Stonehenge II and decides to investigate.
- 03 Valhala 13 undergoes PSI training under Sartyra Fuji.
- 04 Llewellyn 709 launches from the CYGNI in a Ringo lifeboat.
- 05 Llewellyn 709 encounters a Stoneman and learns about the obelisks.
- 06 A storm forces Llewellyn 709 to abandon his Flugscheibe.
- 07 Llewellyn 709 enters the Ark and is attacked by Wandering Crabs.
- 08 Llewellyn 709 breaks through the impact shield, alerting the Grays.
- 09 Llewellyn 709 removes his PSI-dampening straps, unleashing a PSI-storm.
- 10 Valhala 13 subdues Llewellyn 709 and closes his straps.
- 11 The Ark explodes due to a nuclear overload.
- 12 Valhala 13 impersonates Llewellyn 709 and is extracted by the CYGNI.
- 13 Llewellyn 709 is imprisoned in a deep-sleep capsule.
- 14 Valhala 13 receives his mission to infiltrate the Terranauts.
Characters
Queen Ishiya — The commanding Queen of the Gray Guards stationed on Stonehenge II and the Acting General Manager of the Kaiser Corporation in the system of the sun Set. She orchestrates the plan to capture Llewellyn 709 and replace him with Valhala 13.
Llewellyn 709 — A powerful Riemenmann and leader of the Terranauts. He travels to Stonehenge II seeking answers to his past, but is captured and replaced by Valhala 13.
Sartyra Fuji — A Gray and PSI-Expert in the service of the Gray Guards. She oversees Valhala 13's training and is killed in the explosion of the Ark.
Valhala 13 — A Riemenmann under the control of the Grays. He is trained to impersonate Llewellyn 709 and infiltrate the Terranauts.
Claude Farrell — A member of the CYGNI crew and a friend of Llewellyn 709.
Angila Fraim — A member of the CYGNI crew and a friend of Llewellyn 709.
Hechzekil — Security Manager for the Kaiser Corporation on Stonehenge II, subordinate to Queen Ishiya.
Locations
Stonehenge II — A harsh, nitrogen-rich planet with extreme weather conditions, Thingstone deposits, and the ruins of an ancient alien civilization. It is the setting for most of the story.
CYGNI — The Terranaut ship used to travel to Stonehenge II.
Ark — The ancient alien spacecraft being excavated on Stonehenge II.
Eishe Desert — A desert region on Stonehenge II where Llewellyn 709 lands.
North Pole Outpost — The Gray Guard and Kaiser Corporation base on Stonehenge II.
Ships & Vehicles
CYGNI — A former Kaiser Force ship used by the Terranauts.
CYGNI-One — The specific Ringo used by Llewellyn 709 and later Valhala 13.
Flugscheibe — A small, disc-shaped vehicle used for ground transportation.
Turtle — An armored tracked vehicle used by Queen Ishiya.
Technology & Concepts
Riemenmann — Genetically enhanced humans with powerful PSI abilities, often used as pilots.
PSI — Psychic or psionic abilities.
Thingstones — Radioactive crystals found on Stonehenge II that amplify PSI abilities but can also be dangerous.
Space II — An alternate dimension used for faster-than-light travel.
Gray Guards — Genetically modified soldiers loyal to the Council.
Stonemen — The native inhabitants of Stonehenge II who create the obelisks.
Wandering Crabs — Crab-like creatures that inhabit Stonehenge II.
Impact Shield — An energy field that provides a breathable atmosphere and protection from the harsh environment.
Sarym-Schirm — A shield that blocks psionic influences.
Mental Block/Suicide Program — A form of mind control used by the Council to ensure obedience.
Themes & Notes
This booklet explores themes of identity, control, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. The tone is dark and suspenseful, with a focus on the psychological struggles of the characters. The narrative style is action-oriented, with frequent shifts in perspective between the different factions involved.
Connections
Continues from: Previous booklets detailing the Terranauts' conflict with the Council.
Leads into: The infiltration of the Terranauts by Valhala 13 and the potential consequences for the League of Free Worlds.
Related booklets: Booklets dealing with the Council's PSI research, the nature of the Thingstones, and the history of Stonehenge II.