Posted on August 5, 2022September 12, 2024The Fiendish Experiment (continued . . .) The dreaded penal mines were the disgrace of the Trigan Empire. There, the empire’s worst criminals were sent to slave themselves to death. None escaped . . . Until . . . What . . . What are you doing ? Shut your mouth. Do everything I say. In less time than it takes to tell, the astounded convict was seated in a fast vehicle that was driving him through the night towards Trigan City. We must get into the city before the general alarm’s raised and road blocks are set up ! There were no complications. Before dawn, the escaped man was standing in Vella’s comfortable apartment. You ?—An Air Fleet officer ?—Why have you done this for me ? Not for you, my friend, but for me ! I need you ! You are—or were—Zerros the scientist. Possibly the greatest scientist on Elekton after Peric, till you were condemned for life for selling secrets to Trigan’s enemies. I have a job for you. Read this. Zerros scanned the contents of the red folder. It was not long before he was staring in horror at his companion. It’s insane ! . . . diabolical ! . . . I’ll have nothing to do with it ! You will conduct the experiment, using me as the subject—or back to the mines you go ! Anything but the mines ! . . . anything ! But it will take time, and money, to construct the apparatus for the experiment. Time we have plenty of . . . money I will get ! Vella went to the leader of the criminal organisation to whom he already owed a fortune in gambling debts. Are you out of your mind, Lieutenant ? I gave you till the end of the lunar month to settle, now you come asking for more money ! I tell you that your investment will be repaid a thousandfold ! Trust me . . . He got the money. By the end of the lunar month, his apartment was filled with strange apparatus. It is ready. But I must ask you to reconsider . . . You will conduct the experiment immediately ! Vella laid himself down in a transparent container. Why do you hesitate ? . . . Begin ! On your own head be it, Vella ! The scientist reeled back before the assault of sound and light. Aaaaaaaaaghhhh ! And when it was all over . . . It can’t be true ! . . . It can’t ! This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 551 on 5 August 1972.
Posted on February 19, 2022February 14, 2022The Miniature Killers of Zelph This installment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 527 on 19 February 1972.
Posted on March 13, 2021December 22, 2023The Giant Plant (continued . . .) Janno's blade flickered in the moonlight. I've only one chance of life ! Gathering his strength, he leapt for the wall behind him. Thank the stars ! Soon he was breaking the grim news to the Emperor. The people have fled, together with most of the armed forces. Only the Guard Cavalry remain, Imperial Majesty ! And rebel forces are approaching the city ! Imperial Majesty, I urge you to leave before it is too late. No ! I will stay and meet whatever fate has to offer. To think that a mighty empire is being brought down by a plague of vermin ! Vermin they may be, Imperial Majesty—but all my scientific skill can devise no way of combating them. On the plain not far away, the debased aristocrat, Tax Toru, watched triumphantly as frightened Trigans left the city. Your people are deserting you, Trigo ! Soon your enemies will enter that deserted city and cut you down from your proud throne. Then—a voice from the crowd. Tax Toru ! Can it be you, my son ? Mother ! I had never thought to see you again. You were condemned for life to the mines ! Mother—listen. Come with me to safety. I have friends— Lokans— Lokans ? Is it not enough that I should see my son shame his country and family name ? Must I now accept that he is claiming friendship with Lokans ? Then she was lost in the passing crowd. Mother ! What have I done ? What have I done ? Tax Toru returned to the secret Lokan hideout in the hills. He found his new comrades feasting. Greetings, Tax Toru. Sit with me, my friend. Trigan's enemies are approaching the city. Tomorrow we will complete the destruction begun by the rallus ! A plan was already forming in Tax Toru's tortured mind. Speaking of the rallus, friend. I am puzzled as to how you grew them to such a size. You're a fellow after my own heart, though you are a Trigan. I'll tell you the whole story . . . When his companion had finished, Tax Toru took a firmer grip on his heavy drinking horn. What do you think of that, then ? You have told me all I need to know ! Then he struck the Lokan at the back of his neck—and leapt ! Stop him— don't let him escape ! This installment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 478 on 13 March 1971.
