In the translucent depths of the sea off Tharv, a lone hunter was closing with his prey. All at once, the hunter found himself—the hunted! Knocked unconscious by a shock-projectile, the victim was connected to a grab . . . And lifted aboard a waiting sea-craft. Later, when he had recovered consciousness . . . See here, you—whoever you are! Who I am is of no importance to you! I apologise for interrupting your sport, but I have need of your very special services. Who do you want me to kill—and for how much? The Emperor Trigo! For half a million thullars! Cash in advance!How did you come to know of me? That is immaterial! I know you are the top operator in your—er profession! That you kill silently and without trace! You will fly to Trigan City and assassinate Trigo during the opening of the Imperial Assembly in two days’ time! Fail . . . and you perish! I never fail! In accordance with his instructions, the hired killer boarded a trans-plangtary air-cruiser in Tharv. The air-cruiser was soon skybound. Not many people flying to Trigan City today. Suddenly, over the Daveli jungle—IT HAPPENED! Alarm! Alarm! This is an emergency! All passengers remain seated! We are going to crash-land! The big cruiser tore a path of fire and wreckage through the dense jungle . . . then there was silence. Much later, the assassin clawed his way out. Am I the only survivor?
This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 653 on 20 July 1974.
