The Dark Wheel

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The novella as included with the Acornsoft publication of Elite

The novella as included with the Firebird publication of Elite

The Dark Wheel is a 1984 novella set in the Elite computer game universe and included with most 8 and 16 bit variations. It was written by noted fantasy writer Robert Holdstock. The novella can be read online at Ian Bell's Elite site.

The story tells of a young pilot, Alex Ryder, whose father Jason is killed when their merchant ship is attacked by pirates. In trying to understand and avenge his father's death, Alex encounters the basics of the Elite universe - including combat, hyperdrive and hyperspace - and discovers the truth about his father and his combat rank. He also learns who the "Dark Wheel" are and what it takes to join their ranks.

The original Acornsoft version promises on its back cover that "[a] sequel to the novella is planned for publication in 1985", but no direct sequel was ever written. A second novella, Imprint by Andy Redman, was included with the IBM PC release of Elite Plus, but despite being set in the same universe it is in no way connected to the original story.