The Man with a Mission (continued . . .)




Lukaz Rann’s dossier on the Tharv scientist, VALLU, gave a complete picture of that creature’s evil career. It was Vallu who had invented a plant-killer, which, if sprayed from the air . . . . . . brought swift destruction to plants and crops ! With my compound, we could wipe out an enemy’s plant food supply in the first day of war ! One drop of my X-germ in a city’s water supply will eliminate the entire population of that city ! Currently, he was at work on a sensational new explosive force. My plan is to harness the latent magnetic energy of the planet ! Many times, the clever Trigan scientist, Peric, had warned the Imperial Council of the peril from Tharv. I tell you all that it is theoretically possible that, in testing his new explosive force, Vallu will blow up the whole planet. He must be stopped. Peric ! You know we can do nothing to stop a citizen of another state ! When Vallu was questioned about Peric’s claim, he only scoffed. And what do you say to the allegation that your new force will blow up the planet ? The allegation was made by an old fool ! At his age, he should give up science and take up needlework !
Lukaz Rann read through Vallu’s dossier. I’ll rid Elekton of that unspeakable creature !

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 702 on 28 June 1975.

 

The Man from the Future




The new Air-Fleet carrier “TRIGAN HERO” was launched by the Emperor, with great ceremony, on the seventeenth day of the year of Zenf. I name this vessel “Trigan Hero”. May she sail the seas of our planet and bring glory to the empire. The Emperor’s nephew, Janno, himself a pilot in the Air-Fleet, was flying over the scene of the launching. There she goes! Be ready to land in formation as soon as she’s in mid-harbour. Janno and his companions were the first to land on the broad deck of the new carrier. The “Trigan Hero” was leaving immediately for the Great Central Ocean, where a war with the state of Cato was threatening. As soon as Cato gets news that we’re at sea, they’ll have second thoughts about making trouble. Yes, Janno. With what we carry on this ship, we could take on Cato single-handed! Among the massed crowds watching the departure of the great vessel was an individual with red hair. A fine ship! Aye! Makes you feel proud to be a Trigan! Those about him would have been shocked to have known his thoughts at that moment. A pity that “Trigan Hero” is going to sink on her first voyage!
The red-headed one had an assignation that day. He met a stranger, by prior arrangement, in the great square of the city. I recognise you from your description. You’re the fellow who advertised for the Lottery ticket with the special number, aren’t you? I am. And you have that ticket? The Trigan Imperial Lottery, in addition to providing useful revenue for the state, paid out one massive prize every quarter-year. I am satisfied. This is ticket number seven, three, six, two, zero, zero, nine, four. Are you willing to buy it for five thousand zersts—a ticket that only cost me fifty? The bargain was made. I will pay you in cash! I don’t understand it. You’ve made me an enormous profit, but your chances of winning with that ticket are millions to one! You can’t go wrong, especially when you know what’s going to happen in the future! “Trigan Hero” reached the Great Central Ocean the following day. Towards sunset, alarm bells rang throughout the huge vessel. Janno was just about to climb into his air craft. What’s happened? Fire! Fire in the engine room! The next instant, the newest unit of the Trigan fleet was riven asunder!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 690 on 5 April 1975.