World in Turmoil
Welt im Chaos
Plot Summary
The story begins with The Agent, a Sleeper agent of the Gray Guards, recounting his infiltration of the Terranauts on Rorqual. He details his staged capture and subsequent integration into their ranks, all while secretly seeking information about their Mistletoe supply and the location of a cutting from the primeval tree Yggdrasil.
David terGorden arrives on Rorqual via THE SHIP, piloted by a Genessaner named Cantos, to find the dimensional gate closing, threatening to isolate the Terranauts and other refugees. He learns that Rorqual itself is changing, with wars erupting and the environment becoming increasingly hostile. David plans to search for the seeds of Yggdrasil he deposited on the planet, vital for re-establishing Driver space travel and saving the terrestrial star empire.
Thorna observes David's arrival and a conference where his plans are met with resistance. She notices a mysterious observer spying on the conference and warns David, suspecting a spy. David realizes that Max von Valdec likely has an agent among them, seeking the location of Yggdrasil's seed. He departs in a Ringo, seemingly guided by an unknown force, while Thorna secretly stows away.
The Ringo flies over a chaotic landscape, with red fogs, monstrous creatures, and warring factions. David experiences a loss of control, realizing he's being influenced by an external power. He lands on Skull Island, the former home of the Children of the Black Dragon, only to find it deserted and destroyed by the Islahami. He discovers that the islanders' graves contain dried Mistletoe, a potential but ethically questionable resource. Yggdrasil communicates with David, instructing him to take the Mistletoe if necessary.
The Ringo is attacked by rat-like creatures, and David and Thorna crash. They are rescued by Layla Chalid and Golan Asgayr of the Islahami, who are considered dead by their clan due to their captivity. They join the Islahami as they travel to the Lannon River, hoping to find a ship. They encounter Marcel d'Guinne, who offers them passage on a two-master bound for the northern sea.
The ship is attacked by a Roulian, a whale-like creature. The Islahami fight the beast, but the ship is destroyed, and the survivors wash ashore on Saryfa. They are captured by the Arcanians, a fanatical monastic order who plan to sacrifice them. David and Marcel plan an escape, and during the sacrifice ceremony, they incite a revolt, taking control of the Arcanians' airship.
As they fly away, the airship is caught in a storm and crashes. Meanwhile, Claude Farrell organizes a search party to find David, accompanied by The Agent, setting the stage for future conflicts.
Key Events
- 01 The Agent reveals his role as a Sleeper agent infiltrating the Terranauts.
- 02 David terGorden arrives on Rorqual and learns of the closing dimensional gate.
- 03 Thorna warns David about a potential spy.
- 04 David departs in a Ringo, guided by an unknown force.
- 05 David lands on Skull Island and discovers the graves with Mistletoe.
- 06 David and Thorna crash after being attacked by rat-like creatures.
- 07 They are rescued by Layla Chalid and Golan Asgayr of the Islahami.
- 08 They board a two-master with Marcel d'Guinne.
- 09 The ship is attacked by a Roulian and destroyed.
- 10 The survivors are captured by the Arcanians on Saryfa.
- 11 David and Marcel lead a revolt and take control of the Arcanians' airship.
- 12 The airship crashes in a storm.
- 13 Claude Farrell organizes a search party, accompanied by The Agent.
Characters
David terGorden — Leader of the Terranauts and heir to the Biotroniks Corporation. He travels to Rorqual to find the seeds of Yggdrasil and is guided by an unknown force.
Claude Farrell — Terranaut and friend of David. He organizes a search party after David's Ringo crashes.
Thorna — Terranaut who stows away on David's Ringo and helps him during the crash and subsequent events.
The Agent — A Sleeper agent of the Gray Guards who has infiltrated the Terranauts. He seeks information about their Mistletoe supply and the location of a cutting from the primeval tree Yggdrasil.
Layla Chalid — Islahami woman who was once captured and is now considered dead by her clan. She helps David and Thorna after their crash.
Golan Asgayr — Islahami warrior who was also captured and is considered dead. He helps David and Thorna after their crash.
Hrassan Chalid — Leader of the remaining Islahami clan members. He is initially wary of David and Thorna.
Marcel d'Guinne — A merchant who offers David and Thorna passage on a two-master and helps them escape from the Arcanians.
Locations
Rorqual — The planet in Space II where the Terranauts have established a base. It is undergoing significant environmental and social changes.
Pitcairn — The island on Rorqual where the Terranauts' main base is located.
Skull Island — An island on Rorqual formerly inhabited by the Children of the Black Dragon, now destroyed.
Ships & Vehicles
THE SHIP — The alien vessel piloted by Cantos that transports David terGorden to Rorqual.
Ringo — A small, tracked vehicle used for transportation on Rorqual. David uses one to search for the seeds of Yggdrasil.
TASCA — A ship that arrived from Aqua with news that everything was ready for the reception of the emigrants.
Sturmvogel — A fast sailing vessel used by Collyn.
Two-Master — A ship captained by Karaman that provides passage to David, Thorna, and others.
Technology & Concepts
Driver — Individuals with strong mental powers capable of propelling starships through space.
PSI Abilities — Mental powers possessed by Drivers.
Mistletoe — A substance essential for Driver space travel.
Shadows — Secret agents of the Gray Guards.
Genessaner — An alien race with strong mental powers.
Sleeper Agent — An agent trained to take on a task on some unspecified day.
Themes & Notes
This booklet explores themes of betrayal, environmental chaos, religious fanaticism, and the struggle for survival. The tone is dark and suspenseful, with moments of action and adventure. The narrative style is a mix of first-person narration from The Agent and third-person narration following David and other characters.
Connections
Continues from: Die Terranauten 050
Leads into: The fate of the airship survivors is unresolved. The search for the seeds of Yggdrasil continues. The conflict between the Terranauts and the Gray Guards escalates.
Related booklets: Booklets featuring David terGorden, Claude Farrell, Thorna, Max von Valdec, Rorqual, and the Terranauts.