This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 693 on 26 April 1975.
The Man from the Future (continued . . .)
Toth Zandu was taking a sumptuous meal in his luxury villa, when there was a rude interruption. This should all be mine, this villa, the very clothes you wear—everything! You! It was he from whom Toth Zandu had quite fairly bought the fateful Lottery ticket that had won the fortune. You cheated me! I demand my rights! You have no rights, fool. Help! A madman is trying to slay the master! The intruder was seized and dragged away. I’ll have my revenge! Throw this animal out! If he shows his face again, give him a good beating! How nice to know that one is safe from that fellow’s mad jealousy. And now, it’s time for me to visit and astonish—the Imperial War Council! The empire being in a state of war with Cato, but no shots having yet been fired, Trigan’s leaders were planning their first move . . . when . . . A certain Toth Zandu begs a hearing, General. He says he has inside information of an imminent enemy attack! Then bring him in. Well, fellow, what’s this information, and where did you get it from? I will not reveal the source of my information, but you will ignore it at your peril. Tonight, at sundown, a large force of Caton bombing craft will attack Trigan Bay bridge, here. However, thanks to my information, you will have a large force of fighting craft in wait for them and the Caton force will be entirely destroyed! You think we would move a large force of fighting craft at your instructions? I know you will! You know? How do you know?It was at that moment that the Emperor Trigo entered the council room. What’s all the excitement, General? This madman, Imperial Majesty, is babbling about a Caton attack. We are just going to have him thrown out. The Trigan Bay bridge, vital link between the capital and the sprawling frontiers of the wide empire. It was sunset. They came in low over the water—A FORCE OF SPEEDY CATON BOMBING CRAFT. Anti-air batteries on the bridge went into action immediately. Open rapid fire! Then the first projectiles began to fall.
This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 692 on 19 April 1975.
The Heat Controller
On the third hour of the twenty-fifth day of the year of Hoth, people in the streets of Trigan City began suddenly to act in a most remarkable manner. Aaaaah! The cold! The icy cold! What’s happening to us? Within instants, ice was forming everywhere. Get under cover, before we all freeze to death! Help me with this old man before he perishes. Down in the harbour, the sudden and fantastic fall in temperature froze the sea. Ships were crushed in the grip of the mountainous ice formations. The Trigan Bay bridge, weighed down by the sudden addition of the ice mass, sagged and broke . . . . . . with disastrous results! At noonday, the temperature rocketed back to normal and the streets of the city ran deeply with melted ice. It’s unbelievable! Fantastic!The Emperor Trigo summoned an Imperial Council meeting, to discuss the strange disaster. Peric, Elekton’s top scientist, gave his opinion. It is my theory that the phenomenon of the falling temperature had no natural cause. Are you suggesting, Peric, that it was caused deliberately? I am, Majesty! I believe that a person or persons unknown have discovered a means to control the magnetic field of this planet, and consequently control the weather and climate. I do not have to remind you that such total command over life on Elekton makes this person or persons virtual dictators. I am convinced, however, that the source of this magnetic power can be detected from the air. So I have devised a piece of equipment which can be carried in an ordinary air craft. The great silence was interrupted by Janno, the Emperor’s nephew. I’ll do it! I’ll fly the detector craft! I half guessed that my young friend would volunteer! Two days later, Janno took off in his specially-equipped air craft. His task, to circumnavigate the planet at zero height, searching for the source of the sinister power. That same day, totally without warning . . . it happened! Aaaaah! The heat, the heat! I must have water! All the continent of Victris lay under a searing heat wave! The temperature rose to dizzy heights. In the great square of Trigan City, people staggered to the fountains, trying to slake their thirsts in the overheated waters. We are all going to die! No one can live through this heat!
This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 682 on 8 February 1975.
