The Trigan Empire

It was not till his fourth visit to the safe-deposit vault beneath the Trigan Imperial Bank that Krusi was able to view his new-found fortune with equanimity.

One gets quite used to being rich. What shall I take to see me through the week?

A pocket full of gems? . . A few million zerst notes?

His luxury hover-auto was waiting.

Take me to the Air Fleet base, Gavo. I have an appointment with Lieutenant Janno.

Yes, sir.

During the past lunar month, the false Simbal and the Emperor’s nephew had struck up a firm friendship. That afternoon they played Elekton’s newest ‘in’ game—ro-ball.

Hah!

Well hit!

You play well, Simbal. Being a millionaire obviously doesn’t prevent you from keeping in good physical shape.

Ah, Janno. I’ve always taken plenty of outdoor exercise, you see.

What’s streetsweeping but outdoor exercise?























Arriving back at his luxury villa that evening, Krusi was surprised to find that he could not switch on the lights in his bedroom

Strange . . .

Next instant . . .

Aaaaagh!

Krusi grasped at his attacker with one hand . . . swung with the other.

Take that, whoever you are!

Uuuugh!

With a cry of pain, the intruder raced out into the darkness.

No point in going after him. He may be carrying a firearm . . .

He rang for his valet, and together they fixed the lights.

It seems that I disturbed a burglar at work, Porsho.

Indeed it does, sir. I never heard a thing.

The following dawn, back in the bandit camp on the hillcrest in far-off Cato . . .

We have a message from Chango, who is closely investigating the cur who took Simbal’s identity. He makes frequent visits to the bank and is a close friend of none other than Janno.

Janno!

Could we not use the imposter as bait, to kidnap Janno?

Good thinking, my friend! But . . .

The bandit leader grinned savagely.

Better still. We will use him as bait to catch a bigger fish!

Trigo himself! With an Emperor’s ransom, we can forget the treasure in the bank!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 773 on 6 November 1976.

Krusi left the Trigan Imperial Bank with a song in his heart—and a pocket full of priceless gems.

Thank you, fellow.

To the door-keeper of the bank he gave a jewel fit for an emperor’s crown.

By all the stars! I need never work again in my life!

Then followed a riot of spending . . .

I’ll have it!

I’ll have two of those!

I’ll move in tomorrow!

Some days later, Janno was driving out of the city on his way to the air base. He was late. And he was exceeding the speed limit.

That idiot!—Why doesn’t he look where he’s going?























Next instant—impact!!

The collision was spectacular, but not disastrous. Janno leapt from the auto, blazing with fury—but . . .

Now, see here! ..

Sir, the fault lies entirely with us. Pray accept my apologies . . .

Gavo, radio for my heli-jet to come and pick us up.

In no time at all, a heli-jet descended upon the autoway.

Now, Sir, if I can make some amends—where can I drop you?

That’s very kind of you, Sir. At the air base, please.

And so . . .

Permit me to introduce myself—I am Simbal.

How do you do, Sir . . .

I am Lieutenant Janno.

Not—The Janno, nephew of the Emperor?

That’s right.

The former Trigan City street sweeper gasped in awe.

To think of it! Me—hob-nobbing with a member of the Imperial Family!

That night, the false Simbal summoned his new valet in his new luxury villa.

Lay out my evening attire, Porsho. I am attending a reception at the Imperial Palace—at the invitation of Lieutenant Janno.

Very good, Sir.

Later, amidst the pomp and pageantry of an Imperial reception, the ex-street sweeper was introduced to Trigo himself!

Sire, may I present my very good friend Simbal.

How do you do. Any friend of Janno’s is a friend of mine.

I must be dreaming . . . I must . . .

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 772 on 30 October 1976.