The Food of the Gods (continued . . .)




Again and again, the fighting-craft came in with guns blazing. Open fire on him ! The defenders never had time to strike back. Then the attacker streaked off. You’ll pay for this day’s work, Janno—you foul traitor ! The news was brought to the Emperor Trigo. My own nephew, you say ? Is there no possibility of a mistake in the identification of the craft ? None at all, Imperial Majesty. It was Lord Janno’s craft—and he has caused havoc at the base ! That craft—or my nephew—are to be attacked and destroyed on sight. Yes, Imperial Majesty. Alone, Trigo could only ponder and grieve. Janno ! Why did you do it, lad ? Why ? . . . Why ?
At that same moment, Janno was watching his own craft coming in to land at outpost seven. How does he do it ? . . . It’s unbelievable ! He met the grinning face of the boys’ leader. I’ve just wiped out half your base. Not bad for a beginner-pilot, eh ? But—I only showed you the basic controls, with someone prodding me in the back with the muzzle of a gun. If I’d guessed that you could have even got it up into the air . . . How could you have guessed . . . about us ? Something has happened to us. Not only has our physical strength greatly increased, but our mental powers also. We are super-creatures ! A pity you will not be around to see us masters of Elekton, Janno ! Eliminate him ! Janno saw the weapon coming up on aim. He ducked . . . Aaaaagh ! Get him ! Shoot him down ! Janno ran for his life. Feet, don’t fail me now !

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 664 on 5 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 Elixir of Youth (continued . . .)




Mallo fled in panic from the terrifying creature who had once been Crillus, the great sword-fighter! You have turned me into the oldest living thing on this planet! Give me back those lost years! Aaaaaaah! Mallo’s s only thought was to put as much distance as possible between himself and Crillus. What went wrong? The mixture I gave Crillus had a completely opposite effect from that I gave Narrod! Talking of Narrod, I’d better see how he’s getting on. Oh, no! He’s turned into a baby! But what am I worrying about? This is fantastic! It offers marvellous opportunities for . . . profit! That night, Mallo kept an appointment in a seedy part of the Trigan City dockland. You are the official I spoke to at the Caton Embassy? Yes, and you are he who called and spoke of a sensational proposition?
Though not currently at war, Cato and the Trigan Empire were—as usual—in a state of mutual loathing. What would Cato give to a scientist who could turn the Emperor Trigo into a dotard or, perhaps, an infant? In either case, my country would immediately invade! The Trigan Empire is nothing without the guiding hand of Trigo! Then, my friend, we are in business! Listen . . . Much later . . . It is agreed! You will feed the green liquid to Trigo. When we have proof that it has taken effect, we will act and you will be rewarded! I will give it to him tomorrow night—at the Imperial reception! Mallo worked till dawn to prepare more of the strange green fluid. Which way will this work, I wonder? The following evening, Mallo presented himself, by invitation, at a splendid Gathering in the Imperial Palace. There’s Trigo. I slip the stuff into his goblet while he isn’t looking, then stand by for quick results! ’Tis as easy as lying! I do not foresee any immediate trouble from Cato, gentlemen. Drink it down! Drink it!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 651 on 6 July 1974.