The Food of the Gods (continued . . .)




Janno dived headlong for the undergrowth, with projectiles slashing past him like meteorites. He lay still, while his merciless pursuers searched the forest all round him. No sign of him. He’s escaped us. What does it matter ? He’s a nobody. The self-appointed leader of the super-creatures produced a handful of the deadly fruit. We will continue with our plans of conquest. But first . . . we will feast again off the food of the gods. Janno stayed hidden till nightfall. He then set off for Trigan City, reaching there at daybreak. I’ll report to my uncle at once. Those boys are a real danger and must be stopped immediately. But . . . Look ! It’s Janno ! Cut him down ! Only Janno’s quick wits and lightning physical reactions saved him. By all the stars !
Why are my own people shooting at me on sight ? He soon learned the answer . . . Did we get him ? I hope so ! We’ll be commended by the Emperor for wiping out the traitor who attacked the air base. I’ve been declared a traitor ! Following the mysterious attack upon the air base, the Trigan armoured corps were put on the alert. None of the soldiers took any notice of a group of boys watching nearby. We’ll take these war- machines and use them to destroy Trigan City ! Peric was working in his laboratory that fateful morning, when a sound at the open window made him turn. Peric. Aaaaah . . . You. The great scientist’s hand groped for a button . . . Peric. Something terrible is happening . . . Immediately, the young Air Fleet pilot was enveloped in twin clouds of choking red gas ! Aaaaaaagh ! Fool ! Do you think I am without protection here ?

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 665 on 12 October 1974.

 

The Food of the Gods (continued . . .)




You can’t go in there ! The next instant . . . Aaaaaaaaagggh ! The commander of the outpost was still in bed. He was rudely awakened when his door was kicked open. By all the demons of Daveli ! Get up . . . or perish where you lie. Later, back at Trigan City Army Headquarters. Outpost seven haven’t reported-in this morning, Sir. Can’t get any reply out of them. Get me Air Fleet operations room . . . emergency ! The Emperor’s nephew, Janno, was a duty pilot that fateful morning. Get airborne ! Fly to outpost seven ! Land and report the situation there ! Acknowledged.
It was a short ultra-sonic hop to the clearing in the forest of Vorg where the outpost lay. The place looks perfectly normal from here. He landed and climbed out of his craft—to be immediately surrounded. What are you lads doing here ? The outpost is ours. We have— eliminated the garrison. You, however, can be of some use to us. Later that morning, Janno’s fighting-craft came in for touch-down at its base. Here comes Janno. Now we’ll find out why he hasn’t reported-in about the situation at outpost seven. At the last moment, the fighting-craft turned sharply . . . What’s Janno doing ? . . . and dived to the attack !

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 663 on 28 September 1974.

 

The Food of the Gods (continued . . .)




The two scientists backed away, beating off the tiny forms and their slashing talons. Close the door, or we’re done for ! Safe inside, they stared out at their assailants. They’ve turned into fighting- mad killers ! But . . . why ? . . . How ? In the lunar months that followed, the strange plant gave forth a berry-like fruit. A party of schoolboys from Trigan City were camping in the forest of Vorg, under the charge of their master. Go exploring, by all means, but mind you’re all back in camp by the time the suns set. Later . . . These berries look good. I’m going to try one ! Watch it. They might be poisonous. What’s it taste like ? It’s . . . it’s . . . fantastic ! Try some for yourselves.
Towards sunset . . . Where are those confounded lads ? I told them to be back by now. So there you are. About time, too ! Why are you looking at me like that ? Don’t . . . don’t play games. Get him ! Destroy him ! He ran for his life and they followed, baying like animals. No ! No ! Ga-a-a-ah ! E-e-e-e-e-eeeeehhh ! At dawn next day, the boys approached a nearby Trigan army outpost. The sentry was all unsuspecting . . . Hello, lads. What can I do for you, eh ? Hey ! What’s come over you ?

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 662 on 21 September 1974.