The Planet Plunderers
Die Planetenpluenderer
Plot Summary
Morgenstern, a Terranaut, travels with Jana, the Lodge Master of the Irminsul, and her crew, including young Lem Odebreit, to Krisan. Their mission is to persuade the colony to join the Alliance of Free Worlds, as the Empire abandons worlds beyond 500 light-years from Earth. However, Max von Valdec, a former Lord Colonel, is plundering colonies with his super-Drivers, including Osiris 84, to build up his power base on Lancia.
An electronic assassin, dispatched by Valdec's enemies, is aboard the Ziolkowski, a ship involved in Valdec's operation. The assassin's target is Valdec himself. Meanwhile, on Krisan, Valdec's forces are dismantling industrial plants and enslaving the population. The Irminsul arrives, and Morgenstern, along with Myranda Llan and Can Katzenstein, departs in a Ringo to negotiate with the Krisaners. They discover that Krisan has already been plundered by Valdec.
A trap is sprung: an Atar-class space fighter and a battleship attack the Ringo. The Terranauts attempt to escape, but their ship is destroyed. Morgenstern, Llan, and Katzenstein are captured. The assassin fails to kill Valdec on the Ziolkowski. Morgenstern is interrogated by Valdec and the super-Drivers, but his PSI protection prevents them from extracting information. The assassin attacks the governor's palace, creating chaos and allowing Morgenstern to escape, but Llan and Katzenstein are killed.
Morgenstern flees, eventually hiding in a grain container bound for space. He discovers the assassin is also hiding in the container with him. Meanwhile, Valdec, realizing his operation is compromised, orders an immediate departure from Krisan. The assassin is still at large. The Irminsul and other Terranaut ships arrive, but they are too late to prevent Valdec's escape. Morgenstern's fate remains unknown.
Key Events
- 01 An electronic assassin boards the Ziolkowski with the mission to kill Max von Valdec.
- 02 The Irminsul arrives at Krisan on a diplomatic mission to persuade the colony to join the Alliance of Free Worlds.
- 03 Morgenstern, Myranda Llan, and Can Katzenstein depart in a Ringo to negotiate with the Krisaners.
- 04 They discover that Krisan has been plundered by Max von Valdec and his forces.
- 05 An Atar-class space fighter and a battleship attack the Ringo, revealing a trap.
- 06 The Ringo is destroyed, and Morgenstern, Llan, and Katzenstein are captured.
- 07 The assassin attacks the governor's palace, creating chaos.
- 08 Myranda Llan and Can Katzenstein are killed by the super-Drivers.
- 09 Morgenstern escapes the palace.
- 10 Morgenstern hides in a grain container bound for space.
- 11 Morgenstern discovers the assassin is also hiding in the container.
- 12 Max von Valdec orders an immediate departure from Krisan.
- 13 The Irminsul and other Terranaut ships arrive, but Valdec has already escaped.
Characters
Morgenstern — A Terranaut on a diplomatic mission to Krisan. He is captured by Valdec's forces but escapes during an attack on the governor's palace.
Jana — The Lodge Master of the Irminsul, a former pirate. She leads the ship on its mission to Krisan.
Lem Odebreit — A young Driver with passive PSI abilities, part of the Irminsul's crew.
Max von Valdec — A former Lord Colonel who is plundering colonies to build up his power base. He captures Morgenstern and attempts to interrogate him.
Osiris 84 — A super-Driver in Valdec's service, used to subjugate planets.
Frost — Valdec's closest advisor and former Council manager of the Kaiser Corporation.
Myranda Llan — A Driver and Terranaut who accompanies Morgenstern to Krisan. She is killed by the super-Drivers.
Can Katzenstein — A Driver and Terranaut who accompanies Morgenstern to Krisan. He is killed by the super-Drivers.
Sheik Daud — A Humo tower commander on Krisan who accepts Valdec as his master.
Queen Myra — A Queen in Valdec's service who is responsible for the launch of the space fighter.
Prometheus 107 — A super-Driver who interrogates Morgenstern.
Queen Shetzan — Commander of the Ringo, the REGENT-Nine.
Altamont O'Hale — A Terranaut aboard the GRAMSCI.
Locations
Irminsul — A Driver freighter used by the Terranauts.
Krisan — A planet in the Mephisto System, targeted by Valdec for its resources.
Lancia — The planet in the Calina System where Valdec is building his power base.
Al Akhbar — Krisan's only moon, used as a hiding place for Valdec's ships.
Port Saud — The planetary capital of Krisan.
Governor's Palace — The former seat of government on Krisan, used by Valdec as a base.
Mephisto System — The star system containing Krisan.
Ships & Vehicles
Irminsul — A Driver freighter used by the Terranauts for their mission.
Ringo — A small, spherical auxiliary craft used for transport to planets.
Ziolkowski — A Kaiser Force spacecraft used by Valdec's forces.
Atar — A class of space fighter.
Regent — The flagship of Valdec's small fleet.
Gramsci — A Terranaut ship commanded by Altamont O'Hale.
Technology & Concepts
PSI Powers — Psionic abilities possessed by Drivers and super-Drivers.
Kaiser Force — A dangerous form of space travel that can provoke attacks from alien races.
Super-Drivers — Genetically engineered clones with enhanced PSI powers.
Sarym Shield — A type of shield that protects against PSI attacks.
Mistletoe — A substance used by Drivers to navigate through Space II.
Space II — An alternate dimension used for faster-than-light travel.
Telepathic Immunization — A defense against telepathic attacks.
Photon Burners — Advanced propulsion systems.
Themes & Notes
This booklet explores themes of political intrigue, the consequences of abandoning colonies, and the dangers of unchecked power. The tone is dark and suspenseful, with a focus on action and survival. The narrative style is fast-paced and descriptive, with frequent shifts in perspective.
Connections
Continues from: Likely builds upon previous booklets detailing Valdec's rise to power and the Terranauts' efforts to counter him.
Leads into: Leaves open the fate of Morgenstern and the assassin, as well as the ongoing conflict between the Terranauts and Valdec.
Related booklets: Likely related to other booklets featuring Valdec, the Terranauts, and the plundered colonies.
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