Hunted on Terra
Die Gehetzte von Terra
Plot Summary
"Hunted on Terra" depicts the ruthless suppression of dissent by Max von Valdec after his return to power on Terra. The story follows multiple plot threads: the hunt for key resistance figures, the exploitation of the population through propaganda, and the internal struggles of those enforcing Valdec's rule. Max von Valdec aims to establish a new Star Empire, crushing any opposition from the F.F.D.E. and the Arbiter unions. He uses Queen Lea, a genetically engineered "Killer-Queen" with a Microbe Computer in her brain, to hunt down high-profile targets.
Queen Lea is tasked with eliminating Chan de Nouille and her network of "Shadows." She tracks a Shadow from Edinburgh to a cooperative near Kilimanjaro City, only to discover it's a trap. The Shadows detonate a nuclear bomb, destroying the base and themselves. Meanwhile, Ignazius Tyll and Christin Dorf, key figures in the resistance, are captured and interrogated. Valdec uses propaganda, orchestrated by Security Manag Frost, to convince the population that he is their savior, ending hunger and restoring order. This involves staged events and manipulation of information through the RMN.
Manuel Lucci, the coordinator of the F.F.D.E., hides on Atlantica, an artificial island controlled by the criminal Kardelein. Kardelein, a Driver, betrays Chan de Nouille and Manuel Lucci to Queen Lea in exchange for money. Queen Lea confronts them, killing Chan de Nouille and capturing Manuel Lucci. She then kills Kardelein to eliminate loose ends. The story ends with Valdec seemingly victorious, having crushed the major resistance leaders, but hints at future conflicts with the Terranauts and the League of Free Worlds.
Key Events
- 01 Max von Valdec returns to power and begins suppressing dissent on Terra.
- 02 Queen Lea is tasked with hunting down Chan de Nouille and her Shadows.
- 03 Zen Torstein is captured in Perth after being betrayed by Osiris 84's PSI control.
- 04 Queen Lea eliminates a Shadow in Kosmograd, uncovering a lead to Edinburgh.
- 05 Ignazius Tyll is captured in Manhattan by a Clone Super-Driver.
- 06 Edinburgh becomes a battleground between the F.F.D.E. and Valdec's forces, with rebels using the Londrium B drug.
- 07 Queen Lea tracks a Shadow from Edinburgh to a cooperative near Kilimanjaro City.
- 08 The Shadows detonate a nuclear bomb in Kilimanjaro City, sacrificing themselves and destroying the base.
- 09 Kardelein betrays Chan de Nouille and Manuel Lucci to Frost in exchange for money.
- 10 Queen Lea confronts Chan de Nouille and Manuel Lucci on Atlantica, killing Chan de Nouille and capturing Manuel Lucci.
- 11 Queen Lea kills Kardelein to eliminate loose ends.
- 12 Christin Dorf is captured in Wolfsburg after a Super-Driver uses PSI to control the workers.
- 13 Valdec uses the RMN to broadcast propaganda, convincing the population that he is their savior.
Characters
Max von Valdec — The deposed Lord Colonel who returns to power and becomes the dictator of Terra. He seeks to establish a new Star Empire and crush all opposition.
Queen Lea — A genetically engineered "Killer-Queen" with a Microbe Computer in her brain, tasked with hunting down Chan de Nouille and her Shadows.
Chan de Nouille — The former Mistress of the Gray Guards and leader of the Conspirative Net, hunted by Queen Lea. She is eventually killed on Atlantica.
Manuel Lucci — The coordinator of the F.F.D.E. and leader of the uprising against the Council. He is captured on Atlantica.
Ignazius Tyll — A member of the F.F.D.E. who is captured in Manhattan.
Christin Dorf — An Arbiter Representative on the Reconstruction Committee who is captured in Wolfsburg.
Kardelein — A Driver and criminal who controls the drug trade on Atlantica. He betrays Chan de Nouille and Manuel Lucci to Queen Lea for money, but is then killed by her.
Osiris 84 — A Super-Driver who uses PSI control to capture Zen Torstein in Perth.
Queen Janitt — A Gray who interrogates Zen Torstein in Perth.
Queen Myra — A Queen at Lunaport who oversees the counter-conditioning of the Gray Guards.
Cosmoral Yazmin — Commands a container fleet bringing food to Terra.
Ludomir Chelskij — The new Economy Manag.
Zarkophin — Master Builder working on the Zarkophin Shield.
Hanzin Smid — A staff council member at the Wolfsburg Glider Workshop.
Zen Torstein — A member of Commando Brak Shakram who is captured in Perth.
Locations
Lunaport — A base on the moon where Gray Guards are being counter-conditioned.
Atlantica — An artificial island between Europe and North America, serving as a traffic hub and pleasure resort, where Chan de Nouille and Manuel Lucci are hiding.
Edinburgh — A city in the SCHOTT Region that becomes a battleground between the F.F.D.E. and Valdec's forces.
Kilimanjaro City — A former autonomous region where a Shadow base is located.
Wolfsburg — Location of the Glider Workshop, a stronghold of the Arbiter Organization.
Perth — A district where Zen Torstein is captured.
Manhattan — Sunken city where Ignazius Tyll is captured.
Ships & Vehicles
Schweber — Armored ground vehicles used by the Kaiser Guards.
Glider — Disc-shaped aircraft used for transport and combat.
MARTIN LUTHER KING — Mentioned as a ship from which surviving members of the Lodge will be useful.
Technology & Concepts
Microbe Computer — A cluster of microbes implanted in Queen Lea's brain, enhancing her senses and abilities.
Londrium B — An anti-hypnotic drug used by rebels in Edinburgh to resist PSI control.
PSI Control — The ability to manipulate minds using psionic powers, wielded by Super-Drivers like Osiris 84.
Sarym Projector — A device that creates a twilight field, providing concealment.
Dead Spaces — Prisons in Berlin where captured rebels are interrogated.
Zarkophin Shield — A technology developed by Master Builder Zarkophin.
Kaiser Force — Valdec's military force.
Potential Amplifier — A device used to enhance psionic abilities.
Themes & Notes
"Hunted on Terra" explores themes of oppression, resistance, betrayal, and the cost of freedom. The tone is dark and cynical, highlighting the ruthlessness of Valdec's regime and the desperation of those fighting against it. The narrative style is fast-paced and action-oriented, with multiple interwoven plot threads.
Connections
Continues from: Likely follows previous booklets detailing Valdec's return and the initial resistance efforts.
Leads into: Sets up future conflicts with the Terranauts and the League of Free Worlds, as well as the ongoing struggle against Valdec's rule.
Related booklets: Likely related to booklets focusing on the F.F.D.E., the Gray Guards, and individual characters like Queen Lea, Chan de Nouille, and Manuel Lucci.