The Computer's Ultimatum
Das Ultimatum der Computer
Plot Summary
The Terranauten, aboard the BERLIN, are in a stalemate with Max von Valdec and his Gray Guard fleet due to the Ebberdyk computers seizing control of the Guard ships. The hate plague continues to ravage Asen-Ger and others on Rorqual, as well as Claude Farrell and his companions aboard the GARIBALDI. David terGorden receives an offer from Valdec: the antidote to the hate plague in exchange for the fleet.
Valdec, aboard the GRAUE ARDA, agrees to the exchange but secretly plans to betray the Terranauten once back in the solar system. He claims the antidote is locked in a vault in Berlin, requiring his presence to open it. Meanwhile, aboard the GARIBALDI, Claude Farrell succumbs further to the hate plague and threatens to bomb Berlin if the antidote isn't delivered. David terGorden agrees to let Valdec come to Earth.
Valdec arrives at Kaiser Headquarters in Berlin, where he is met by Council Manager Frost and Security Manager Glaucen. He learns of growing opposition within the Council and an impending audit by Lord Inspector Tyll. He tasks Master Builder Zarkophin with preparing the ENERGIELURCHE ships and orders Patrick Ebberdyk to deliver the antidote to the BERLIN and investigate the computer mutations.
The Ebberdyk computers, now self-aware, refuse to be handed back to the Gray Guards and issue an ultimatum: release Ebberdyk's family and deliver the antidote, or they will steer the fleet into Earth's core. Valdec seemingly agrees, sending a Ringo with the antidote and Ebberdyk's family. However, the family members are rigged with a bomb that detonates upon proximity to Ebberdyk, causing a massive energy surge. The Terranauten manage to contain the explosion.
The Ebberdyk computers, now fused with the consciousnesses of Patrick Ebberdyk and his family, prepare to transit to Rorqual. Valdec activates the ENERGIELURCHE ships to create an artificial Space II rift near Earth, hoping to destroy the fleet. The Terranauten escape to Space II just as the transmitter field is activated, and the Ebberdyk computers have managed to thwart Valdec's plan. The Terranauten arrive on Rorqual with the antidote, saving Asen-Ger and the others.
Key Events
- 01 Asen-Ger recovers from a hate plague surge and finds a dead Driver.
- 02 Mandorla warns Asen-Ger of Rorqual's changing landscape and the need to separate.
- 03 David terGorden learns that Max von Valdec has deceived them about the antidote's location.
- 04 The Ebberdyk computers seize control of the Gray Guard fleet.
- 05 Lyda Mar makes contact with the Ebberdyk computer.
- 06 David terGorden offers Valdec an exchange: the fleet for the antidote.
- 07 Valdec agrees to the exchange but plans to betray the Terranauten later.
- 08 Claude Farrell, succumbing to the hate plague, threatens to bomb Berlin.
- 09 Valdec arrives at Kaiser Headquarters in Berlin.
- 10 Patrick Ebberdyk is ordered to deliver the antidote and investigate the computer mutations.
- 11 The Ebberdyk computers issue an ultimatum: release Ebberdyk's family and deliver the antidote, or Earth will be destroyed.
- 12 Valdec seemingly agrees and sends a Ringo with the antidote and Ebberdyk's family, but they are rigged with a bomb.
- 13 The bomb detonates, killing Ebberdyk's family and fusing their consciousnesses with the Ebberdyk computer.
- 14 Valdec activates the ENERGIELURCHE ships to create an artificial Space II rift.
- 15 The Terranauten escape to Space II just as the transmitter field is activated.
- 16 The Terranauten arrive on Rorqual with the antidote, saving Asen-Ger and the others.
Characters
Asen-Ger — Founder of the Terranauten and Lodge Master. He is suffering from the hate plague on Rorqual but is eventually saved by the antidote.
David terGorden — Heir of Power and leader of the Terranauten. He negotiates with Valdec and ultimately thwarts his plans.
Max von Valdec — Lord Colonel of Kaiser Force and antagonist. He deceives the Terranauten and attempts to destroy them.
Narda — Terranauten member and close associate of David terGorden. She supports David in his decisions and helps contain the explosion.
Llewellyn 709 — Riemenmann and Terranauten member. He is suspicious of Valdec and provides psionic support.
Lyda Mar — Terranauten member who initially makes contact with the Ebberdyk computer.
Claude Farrell — Terranauten member and Driver who is suffering from the hate plague aboard the GARIBALDI.
Patrick Ebberdyk — Scientist and creator of the Rho-27a computer. He is forced by Valdec to deliver the antidote and is killed in a trap.
Fay Gray — Cosmoral of the Gray Guards and associate of Max von Valdec.
Queen Yazmin — Queen of the Gray Guards and associate of Max von Valdec. She assists Valdec in his plans.
Glaucen — Security Manager for Kaiser Corporation and close associate of Max von Valdec.
Ignazius Tyll — Lord Inspector of the Court of Auditors of the Geneva Council Administration, investigating Kaiser's finances.
Chan de Nouille — Great Gray and Commander-in-Chief of the Guards, who is in conflict with Valdec.
Zarkophin — Master Builder and designer of Kaiser Force ships, tasked with preparing the ENERGIELURCHE.
Ennerk Prime — Driver who helps Claude Farrell and delivers the antidote.
Altamont O'Hale — Terranauten member.
Onnegart Vangralen — Driver who helps Claude Farrell and delivers the antidote.
Sirdina Giccomo — Driver who is suffering from the hate plague aboard the GARIBALDI.
Angila Fraim — Driver who is suffering from the hate plague aboard the GARIBALDI.
Queen Ishiya — Gray Guard Queen who is killed by Rüben Carcones.
Rüben Carcones — PSI assassin who is killed by Queen Ishiya.
Anlyka terCrupp — GeneralManag of the Allwelten-Stahl-Konsortium.
Locations
Rorqual — Planet where the Terranauten had sought refuge, now ravaged by the hate plague.
BERLIN (ship) — Terranauten ship controlled by the Ebberdyk computer.
GRAUE ARDA (ship) — Max von Valdec's ship and flagship of the Gray Guard fleet.
Earth Orbit — Location of the Gray Guard fleet and the BERLIN.
Earth (Berlin) — Location of Kaiser Headquarters and Max von Valdec's base of operations.
Stojska-Interstellar — Spaceport in the Urals from which the Ringo carrying the antidote and Ebberdyk's family launches.
Lunaport — Space station orbiting the Moon.
Mars — Location of the development station for the Triadic Monochord and the ENERGIELURCHE ships.
Ships & Vehicles
BERLIN (ship) — Courier cruiser controlled by the Ebberdyk computer, used by the Terranauten.
GARIBALDI (ship) — Driver ship infected with the hate plague, docked to the BERLIN.
GRAUE ARDA (ship) — Kaiser Force ship and flagship of Max von Valdec.
ENERGIELURCHE (ship) — Experimental ships used to create an artificial Space II rift.
Ringo (ship) — Small spacecraft used for transport and docking.
Technology & Concepts
Hate Plague — Bacteriological weapon used by Max von Valdec that causes uncontrollable rage and madness.
Ebberdyk Effect — Phenomenon discovered by Patrick Ebberdyk that allows computers to navigate Space II.
Ebberdyk Computers — Rho-27a computers that have mutated and gained self-awareness.
Space II — Alternate dimension used for faster-than-light travel.
Triadic Monochord — Dangerous technology used to create artificial passages to Space II.
Kaiser Force — Military and economic power structure controlled by corporations.
Driver — Human with the ability to navigate Space II using psionic powers.
Mistletoe — Symbiotic organism that enhances a Driver's psionic abilities.
Entroper — A plant-like structure that is a thorn in the heart of Rorqual.
Themes & Notes
This booklet explores themes of betrayal, desperation, and the dangers of unchecked technological advancement. The tone is dark and suspenseful, with a focus on the moral compromises made in the face of overwhelming threats. The narrative style is action-oriented, with frequent shifts in perspective between the different factions involved.
Connections
Continues from: Previous booklets detailing the Terranauten's struggle against Valdec and the hate plague.
Leads into: The aftermath of the failed attempt to destroy the Terranauten and the consequences of the artificial Space II rift. The Terranauten's journey to Rorqual to deliver the antidote.
Related booklets: Booklets focusing on the hate plague, Valdec's schemes, and the Terranauten's efforts to find a cure.