Posted on December 13, 2025December 13, 2025 by YarriThe Ultimate Collection (continued . . .) News of the snatching of the Emperor’s popular nephew was flashed round the planet. For the first time, there was a mention of a sinister connection between Janno’s disappearance and other sensational events. In this manner, Lord Janno was snatched up into the sky. It will be recalled that the Ultimate Aircraft and the Monster of Vorg were taken in the same way. Beyond the borders of the Trigan Empire, in the domains of Cato, the sacred city of Zemf was dominated by the mystical Temple of the Jewel, where thousands of worshippers a day filed past the great green glittering diadem. The diadem was guarded by the most sophisticated electronic devices. It was reckoned that the sheer complexity of the defences were sufficient to defeat any intruder. And then one day, they came. The invaders landed on the temple’s roof, and immediately ran into electronically discharged projectiles that turned the roof into a death-trap. By the time they had broken through into the temple, it had been emptied of panic-stricken worshippers. But their troubles had scarcely begun. When they attempted to mount the stairs to the diadem the stairs straightened out to become a slippery slide ! Aaaaaghhh ! Eeeeeghhh ! By then, the wail of police sirens outside the building told the intruders that a hue and cry had been raised. Their leader came to a swift decision. We have been beaten by time ! Back the way we came ! Thwarted by the very complexity of the defences, the raiders broke off the attempt and flew away. Guardian and keeper of the Great Green Diadem was the Abbot of Zemf, who dwelt in a palace on the mountain crest and was seldom seen. Soon after the departure of the raiders, the Abbot arrived at the Temple of the Jewel. The Great Green Diadem is untouched, Most Splendid One. This I must see with my own eyes, and with my own hands. I must ensure myself that it has suffered no harm. Only the Abbot himself was allowed to lay hands on the sacred gem. This he did, in full view of all. All is well. The sacred diadem has not been defiled ! Later that day, the resident high priest of the temple received a call on vidi-phone. This is the Abbot’s secretary. His Excellency, the Most Splendid One, wishes to come to the temple and assure himself that the diadem has not been defiled. Please make arrangements to receive . . . But the Most Splendid One has already been ! What ? Do nothing and touch nothing until I am with you ! One hour later, the Abbot’s secretary was inspecting the huge gem. Fools ! Dolts ! Bunglers ! This is not the Diadem of Zemf. He who came here was an impostor. He took the true diadem and left behind this copy. This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 726 on 13 December 1975.
