Target Perculion
Angriffsziel Perculion
Plot Summary
Melwine Knyvett, a Shadow, is dispatched to Shondyke II (formerly Perculion), a newly established Gray Guard fleet base in the BF-1930-12 system, to warn of Llewellyn 709 and the Terranauts' recent successful attack on Finstermann Station. She finds the base already on high alert due to a mysterious spore cloud interfering with energy generation. Commander Nugade, the base commander, initially dismisses Melwine's concerns but eventually assigns her to oversee additional security measures, appointing Captain Krüger as her adjutant.
Meanwhile, aboard the IRMINSUL, Llewellyn 709 is contacted telepathically by an alien entity concerned about the Gray Guard presence in the BF-1930-12 system. Despite resistance from his crew, who desire rest and plunder, Llewellyn insists on investigating. He struggles with internal conflicts, including suspicion of a traitor, the moral implications of his guerrilla war, and his growing feelings for Jana, the Witch. He also deals with a captured Shadow, attempting to extract information from her without resorting to brutality.
As the IRMINSUL approaches BF-1930-12, the spore cloud continues to wreak havoc on the Gray Guard's operations. Queen Morlay, commander of the corvette SALADIN, is tasked with combating the spores but her ship is disabled. She sends a coded message to Valdec via Queen Oddly on the PRINZ EUGEN, revealing the spores' effect on Kaiser Force drives. Melwine, suspicious of the two Queens, investigates and uncovers their loyalty to Valdec. She confronts Queen Morlay, who dies after Melwine breaks through a psycho-block in her mind, revealing a network of traitors.
The IRMINSUL arrives at BF-1930-12 and launches an attack on a cargo satellite, destroying several KK-tugs. Llewellyn reveals his plan to allow the crew to plunder the satellite, but sabotages their efforts, ensuring they gain nothing. A Gray Guard corvette, the PATTON, commanded by Melwine, arrives to intercept. Llewellyn stuns the crew of the PATTON and forces the ship to land on the satellite. He then releases the captured Shadow, hoping to end the cycle of violence. The IRMINSUL departs, leaving Melwine stranded on Shondyke II, which is now being evacuated due to the spore cloud. Melwine, however, has an idea to harness the planet's lightning storms for energy, potentially saving the base. Commander Nugade, however, commits suicide, throwing the base into chaos. Melwine takes charge, determined to establish a colony on Shondyke II. Finally, Jana recounts the story of her medallion and its connection to David terGorden.
Key Events
- 01 Melwine Knyvett is sent to Shondyke II to warn of Terranaut attacks.
- 02 Shondyke II is already on high alert due to a mysterious spore cloud.
- 03 Llewellyn 709 receives a telepathic message about the Gray Guard presence in BF-1930-12.
- 04 The IRMINSUL crew debates whether to investigate BF-1930-12.
- 05 Queen Morlay's ship, the SALADIN, is disabled by the spore cloud.
- 06 Queen Morlay sends a coded message to Valdec via Queen Oddly.
- 07 Melwine uncovers the Queens' loyalty to Valdec and confronts Queen Morlay.
- 08 Queen Morlay dies after Melwine breaks through a psycho-block.
- 09 The IRMINSUL attacks a cargo satellite, destroying several KK-tugs.
- 10 Llewellyn sabotages the crew's attempt to plunder the satellite.
- 11 Melwine arrives in the PATTON to intercept the IRMINSUL.
- 12 Llewellyn stuns the crew of the PATTON and forces it to land on the satellite.
- 13 Llewellyn releases the captured Shadow.
- 14 Melwine has an idea to harness lightning for energy on Shondyke II.
- 15 Commander Nugade commits suicide, throwing Shondyke II into chaos.
- 16 Melwine takes charge, determined to establish a colony.
- 17 Jana recounts the story of her medallion.
Characters
Llewellyn 709 — The Riemenmann and leader of the Terranauts. He receives a telepathic message about the Gray Guard presence in BF-1930-12 and decides to investigate. He struggles with internal conflicts and his growing feelings for Jana.
Melwine Knyvett — A Shadow agent sent to Shondyke II to warn of Terranaut attacks. She uncovers a conspiracy involving Queen Morlay and Queen Oddly and eventually takes charge of the base after Commander Nugade's suicide.
Commander Nugade — The commander of the Gray Guard fleet base on Shondyke II. She initially dismisses Melwine's concerns but eventually assigns her to oversee security measures. She commits suicide after the base is evacuated.
Dime Mow — A Driver and Terranaut, and Llewellyn's loyal supporter. He is initially bitter and vengeful but undergoes a change of heart.
Jana, the Witch — Lodge Mistress and former pirate who provides her ship, the IRMINSUL, to the Terranauts. She has a mysterious medallion and a complex relationship with Llewellyn.
Silent Chorp — Llewellyn's new adjutant, a Driver who cannot speak and communicates telepathically. He was formerly an informant for the Shadows.
Lem Odebreit — Youngest member of Jana's Lodge, a Driver with passive PSI abilities that amplify the PSI-powers of the other lodge members during lodge activity.
Queen Morlay — Commander of the corvette SALADIN. She is loyal to Valdec and sends a coded message to him. She dies after Melwine breaks through a psycho-block in her mind.
Queen Oddly — Commander of the corvette PRINZ EUGEN. She is loyal to Valdec and helps Queen Morlay send a coded message.
Captain Krüger — Melwine's adjutant on Shondyke II. He is initially subservient to Commander Nugade but becomes more competent under Melwine's leadership.
Ed — A volunteer who joined the Terranauts hoping to enrich himself through plunder. He is ultimately tricked by Llewellyn and gains nothing.
Kalia — The oldest member of Jana's lodge. Kalia's serious nature and analytical mind proves to be a moderating influence between Jana and Llewellyn.
Shyla D'honor — A willowy, platinum-blonde beauty of barely twenty years, but she speaks with such measured deliberateness.
Ana Madashi — A thoughtful member of Jana's lodge.
Zinti — The delicate Zinti from the rough colonial world of Zintralon.
Mater Lian — A former Gray who had joined Jana's pirate lodge quite some time ago.
Tse Irlowna — The Zinti Tse Irlowna, who bore a striking outward resemblance to Ana Madashi.
Shifty McSmart — Keeps a watchful eye on the Shadow.
Locations
Space — The primary setting for the story, where the ships travel and battles take place.
BF-1930-12 system — A triple-sun system far from Earth, where the Gray Guard is establishing a fleet base. It is the target destination of the IRMINSUL.
Shondyke II — A desert planet in the BF-1930-12 system, being developed into a Gray Guard fleet base. It is the destination of Melwine Knyvett and the site of Commander Nugade's suicide.
Finstermann Station — A Gray Guard station that was successfully attacked by the Terranauts in the previous booklet.
IRMINSUL — Jana's ship, used by the Terranauts for their mission to BF-1930-12.
Ships & Vehicles
IRMINSUL — A former Driver freighter, now used by the Terranauts. It is equipped with conventional ion drives and combat stations.
SALADIN — A Gray Guard corvette commanded by Queen Morlay. It is disabled by the spore cloud.
PRINZ EUGEN — A Gray Guard corvette commanded by Queen Oddly. It is used to send a coded message to Valdec.
PATTON — A Gray Guard corvette commanded by Melwine Knyvett. It is used to intercept the IRMINSUL.
KK-tugs — Kaiser Force spacecraft used for transporting cargo.
Ringos — Spherical small-craft used for transport.
Technology & Concepts
PSI Abilities — Mental powers used by Drivers and Shadows for telepathy, telekinesis, and other abilities.
Kaiser Force Drives — A type of faster-than-light drive used by the Cosmorality. They are vulnerable to the spore cloud.
Spore Cloud — A mysterious cosmic phenomenon that interferes with energy generation and destroys Kaiser Force drives.
Shadows — Agents of the Cosmorality's secret organization, skilled in espionage and PSI abilities.
Terranauts — A group of Drivers fighting against the Cosmorality and Kaiser Force space travel.
Multisensory Mask — A mask worn by Shadows to anonymize their appearance and enhance their senses.
Theta Legitimation — An identification card that allows a Shadow to recommend to a Queen their classification as a temporary adjutant with advisory function.
Psycho-block — A mental barrier used to protect information in a person's mind.
Space II — A medium of space.
KK-Haulers — Kaiser Force haulers.
Themes & Notes
This booklet explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, ambition, and the moral implications of war. The tone is serious and action-oriented, with internal monologues from Llewellyn adding a layer of philosophical reflection. The narrative style is detailed and descriptive, focusing on the characters' thoughts and motivations as well as the events unfolding around them.
Connections
Continues from: Die Terranauten 076
Leads into: The fate of Melwine and the colony on Shondyke II, the spread of the spore cloud, and the ongoing conflict between the Terranauts and the Cosmorality.
Related booklets: Booklets featuring Llewellyn 709, Dime Mow, Jana, the Witch, and other members of the Terranauts. Booklets dealing with the spore cloud and its effects on Kaiser Force space travel.