Category: Victris

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The Man from the Future (continued . . .)

















	














The shattered remains of the Trigan armoured forces straggled back into the city, bitterly denouncing what they regarded as their betrayal.

What happened?

The accursed Catons were waiting for us! We were shot to pieces!

Someone must have talked!

Trigo was addressing the Imperial War Council.

It was the same with the high-seas fleet. They sailed into an underwater trap!

Nothing will convince me that a betrayal has not taken place.

The Emperor rounded on Toth Zandu.

You claim to be able to see into the future, and have done so on several occasions. Why didn’t you warn us of these disasters?

The other’s smooth reply gave Peric, Trigan’s top scientist, food for thought.

I did not see them coming, Imperial Majesty.

With the greatest respect, sir, nobody’s perfect!

I wonder!

Peric was still thinking when Janno sought him out, later, in his laboratory.

What’s worrying you, Peric?

I’m thinking that the one who betrayed our attacks to the Catons may be . . . Toth Zandu!

Supposing that he can read the future? He would be in a perfect position to sell advance news of victory or defeat. Why, the details of today’s disasters have already been written into the Imperial history, for posterity to read.

Supposing that Toth Zandu went into the future and brought the news back before it had happened?

Then he may already have told the Catons the full details of tomorrow’s surprise air attack!

Exactly!
























	














Peric began to write.

What are you doing now?

I am writing the history of tomorrow. Just as Toth Zandu has already read it in the future! Just as it will happen, unless you do something about it!

What can I do?

You can prove that historians are sometimes wrong. Instead of leading your squadron against the Caton air bases at midday, you will disobey orders and make a surprise attack at dawn!

The main Caton air base. Dawn.

I can hear distant engines, sir. Can it be the Trigans?

The Trigans are not due till midday. Then our air craft will be in the sky and ready for them.

It was the Trigans!

Choose your own targets! Strike! And strike again!

The first assault achieved devastating results.

Long live the Trigan Empire!

The next instant, Janno felt his craft give a death-shudder.

I’ve been hit!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 696 on 17 May 1975.

 
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The Man from the Future (continued . . .)

















	














As the Caton struggled upright, he gave a cry of pain . . . 

Uuuuuh!

 . . . and crumpled at Toth Zandu’s feet.

This gives me a great idea!

Later, when the pilot opened his eyes, Toth Zandu was tending his wounded leg.

So! You have turned the tables while I was unconscious, Trigan animal!

Not so, my friend. Your firearm is tucked into your belt, if you feel you have need of it.

What are you up to?

Simple. I am going to help you to escape back to Cato!

In return, you are going to help me!

That night, Toth Zandu drove his luxury hover-auto through the darkened streets of the capital.

Halt! Don’t you know it’s forbidden to be out after nightfall?

I am Toth Zandu, adviser to the War Council.

His very name already carried great weight.

Your pardon, Excellency! We did not recognise you. Drive on, please.

By the dark sea shore beyond the city, a craft waited.

Come out, friend. You’re safe now.
























	














Yonder fishing boat will land you on the Caton shore tomorrow. And when you reach Cato City . . . 

I give your message to our leaders.

This list contains precise details of three assaults by land, sea and air that the Trigans are planning to make against Cato.

The information will cost your country five million Thullars! A prompt payment will ensure further accurate information.

The first of the three fateful assaults took place when Trigan armoured forces crossed the border into Cato. They were expected, counter-attacked and cut to ribbons.

It was the same story when the Trigan high seas fleet sailed into Caton waters and ran into a trap of underwater craft.

We have them! Fire all underwater projectiles!

The treacherous Toth Zandu received the news with glee.

Success! I am seeing into the future and making a fortune out of history!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 695 on 10 May 1975.

 
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The Man from the Future (continued . . .)

















	














Toth Zandu was taking a sumptuous meal in his luxury villa, when there was a rude interruption.

This should all be mine, this villa, the very clothes you wear—everything!

You!

It was he from whom Toth Zandu had quite fairly bought the fateful Lottery ticket that had won the fortune.

You cheated me! I demand my rights!

You have no rights, fool.

Help! A madman is trying to slay the master!

The intruder was seized and dragged away.

I’ll have my revenge!

Throw this animal out! If he shows his face again, give him a good beating!

How nice to know that one is safe from that fellow’s mad jealousy.

And now, it’s time for me to visit and astonish—the Imperial War Council!

The empire being in a state of war with Cato, but no shots having yet been fired, Trigan’s leaders were planning their first move . . . when . . .

A certain Toth Zandu begs a hearing, General. He says he has inside information of an imminent enemy attack!

Then bring him in.

Well, fellow, what’s this information, and where did you get it from?

I will not reveal the source of my information, but you will ignore it at your peril.

Tonight, at sundown, a large force of Caton bombing craft will attack Trigan Bay bridge, here.

However, thanks to my information, you will have a large force of fighting craft in wait for them and the Caton force will be entirely destroyed!

You think we would move a large force of fighting craft at your instructions?

I know you will!

You know? How do you know?
























	














It was at that moment that the Emperor Trigo entered the council room.

What’s all the excitement, General?

This madman, Imperial Majesty, is babbling about a Caton attack. We are just going to have him thrown out.

The Trigan Bay bridge, vital link between the capital and the sprawling frontiers of the wide empire. It was sunset.

They came in low over the water—A FORCE OF SPEEDY CATON BOMBING CRAFT.

Anti-air batteries on the bridge went into action immediately.

Open rapid fire!

Then the first projectiles began to fall.

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 692 on 19 April 1975.