The Trigan Empire

I am the proprietor of this inn and . . . oh, I see what went wrong.

Neither the manager nor the young driver seemed at all put out by the incident.

I forgot to slow down in time and had to crash through your wall.

I know how it is. I’ve smashed up three of them in a lunar year. I walk everywhere now.

The newcomer introduced himself to Janno and Peric.

I’m Kalli. The Council asked me to look after you and show you around. I’m afraid we’ll have to walk.

That suits me fine. I think it will be . . . er . . . safer.

Their guide took them through the delightful city of the Nobes.

Over there is the stadium where we play Bollo. Bollo is our national sport and our national obsession.

Bollo, the Trigans discovered, was played with a hard metal ball. The game was fast . . .

One!

. . . And violent!

Two!!























After the game, Janno and Peric had a confrontation.

Trust the Trigans to be here already!

Emissaries from Cato. There’s going to be trouble!

Catons and Trigans were implacable rivals and enemies.

I suppose you are looking around to see  what’s in it for the Trigans. I wager you’ll  soon be moving in to take over the Nobes. 

That is a most improper suggestion!

The Trigans’ method is to come in friendship. After that, they take over your country and enslave your people! Never trust a Trigan. Every Caton child learns that almost as soon as he can walk!

Janno leapt at the taunting Caton and it took all the efforts of the others to part them.

Gentlemen, gentlemen! Let there be peace. This sort of behaviour is not permitted in the land of the Nobes!

Janno and Peric went on their way and the Catons watched them go.

Trigan animal! I’d like to have destroyed him with my bare hands!

Quite unnecessary, you did well. I found out all I needed to know. The Trigans do not  intend to take over the Nobes’ territory.

What they do not want, the Catons will have! I shall send a message to Cato this day, advising an immediate invasion of this valley, which is rich in mineral resources and a people who will make excellent slave labourers!

That night, in far-off Cato, the bombers and escort fighting-craft of the massive air fleet stood ready to take off and attack the peaceful valley of the Nobes.

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 742 on 3 April 1976.

As the Trigans watched, a young Nobe climbed aboard the aircraft and took off.

There was pride in the voice of the Nobe leader.

It must be a revelation to you poor ignorant people, to see a living person fly like a bird.

What will they think of next?

By the stars! He’s going to crash!

They lifted out the stunned pilot.

What hard luck. He was doing quite nicely.

What are you saying, young man? That was a perfect landing.

There is only one way to land an aircraft . . . that is, to crash it!

Sometime, somehow, we have to break the news to these delightful people that the rest of the planet can fly at ten times the speed of sound!

They’re never going to believe us. They think we’re all backward compared to them!

Their hosts led them through the capital city of the hidden valley.

They can’t build aircraft, but they know how to build cities that are a delight to live in.

It’s very restful, I must admit.























They were taken before the grand council of the Nobes, where Janno gave them the message from the Emperor.

My uncle, the Emperor Trigo, wishes to extend to the people of this valley the aid and protection of the Trigan Empire.

Aid and protection. Why?

Well, for the sake of argument, in case of . . . war.

What is war?

He means, if you’re invaded.

In case another power tried to steal your territory and enslave your people.

We do not understand. What is invaded? What is steal? What is enslave?

Later, when they were given a pleasant groundfloor apartment in one of the city inns . . .

Of course, it is obvious that ages ago, the Nobes were in touch with the rest of the people of this planet, for they speak the common Elekton language.

But some of the words have fallen into disuse. Words connected with war, violence, crime.

This valley must be a very pleasant place to live!

SUDDENLY . . .

The strange vehicle smashed itself against a pillar.

Aaaaaagh!

Are you all right?

Perfectly fine, thanks.

You know, one day, someone will have to contrive a way of stopping these things without having to run into a wall!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 741 on 27 March 1976.

Long after the founding of the Trigan Empire, vast tracts of the planet Elekton, for geographical and political reasons, remained totally unexplored.

In the beginning of the year of Zemm, an eruption of cataclysmic proportions rent the remote mountain range of Zeros, in the continent of Tharv.

A rock wall fell during the eruption, revealing a vast and fertile valley lying within the heart of the range.

News of the development was received in far-off Trigan City, and a public announcement was broadcast in the Great Square.

A race of strange people have been found living in the secret valley since the beginning of time. His Imperial Majesty is appointing a commission to visit these people and convey to them the good-will of the Empire.

In fact, it was the Emperor’s nephew Janno and the top scientist Peric, who were even at that moment being briefed by the Emperor.

I want you to convince these people that we wish only for friendship and that they have nothing to fear from us. Understood?

Yes, Imperial Majesty.

Yes, Uncle.

Always remember, Janno, that you may,  one day, be Emperor of the Trigans. We have no wish to make enemies of these unknown people.

I understand, Uncle.

Janno piloted them both across the planet. Over deserts, mountains and trackless forests. 

Approaching Tharv now . . .























The air space over the Tharv province surrounding the Zeros range was jealously guarded by a treaty that the Tharvs had made with the Empire. The two emissaries were obliged to travel by kreed, under the suspicious eyes of mountain tribesmen.

Will they shoot us?

It has been known! But don’t worry, cannibalism was stamped out last year.

. . . At least, that’s what they say!

Presently, they came safely to the strange valley.

It’s like . . . a miracle!

They were met by the leaders of the people who inhabited the valley.

Sir . . .

Address me as “Enlightened One“ if you would be so kind. I am the present elected leader of the Nobes, and you would seem to be more emissaries from the outside world. We are flattered.

There was a strong attitude of superiority about the leader of the Nobes.

We are aware that, because you have been cut off from us since the beginning of time, there are vast differences between us. But, I assure you, the Nobes are more than willing to help you.

Help us? But . . . how?

We will assist you with our superior technology . . .

Of which that flying machine is a notable example.

One day, with our help, you will be able to construct another of those! 

A few paces distant was the piece of “superior technology”!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 740 on 20 March 1976.