The Trigan Empire

Krusi and his new friend, Janno, were water-sporting in Trigan City harbour.

That’s a splendid yacht of yours.

Glad you like it, Janno. I have two of them, of course, in case one of them breaks down.

Later, relaxing by the yacht’s swimming pool, the false Simbal chatted with his friend.

I greatly admire your uncle the Emperor. A very fine person. 

Yes, Simbal. And basically a very simple person—born of simple Vorg stock. What he misses most is contact with the ordinary common people of his mighty empire.

Greatly daring, the ex-street sweeper put forward a suggestion . . .

I—I know it’s very presumptuous of me, Janno. But—I wonder—would his Imperial Majesty like to come on a cruising holiday in this yacht? To get away from affairs of state for a while, you know.

My dear fellow, Uncle Trigo would be delighted! Nothing would suit him better than to take an informal holiday. Incognito, of course . . .























By dawn next day, the news arrived in the bandit camp in far-off Cato.

The great opportunity presents itself. News has just come from Chango that Trigo is spending a holiday on the impostor’s yacht . . .

As soon as we receive the signal from Chango that Trigo has boarded the yacht—we strike!

All that day, the bandit cut-throats sharpened their swords and looked to their firearms.

When we have received the Emperor’s ransom, I think I shall retire from crime and take up good works!

On the day of Trigo’s arrival aboard the yacht, the former Trigan City Council street sweeper was a mass of nerves.

Here comes the Emperor! Is all in readiness? You have forgotten none of my instructions, Porsho—and you, Gavo?

All is ready, Sir.

To the last detail, Sir.

Trigo greeted his host with his typical friendly informality.

Imperial Majesty! Such an honour . . .

Don’t address me as Imperial Majesty, Simbal. Remember that I am travelling incognito. Please call me, simply “friend”.

A certain person crept away to the tele-radio . . .

 . . . the chauffeur, Gavo!

The “friend” has arrived aboard! Commence the operation!

The millionaire’s yacht sailed at sunset—to what unknown perils those aboard could never have guessed!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 774 on 13 November 1976.

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.