Category: Catons

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The Secret Assassin (continued . . .)

















	














Janno saw their attacker as it came in low, with Elekton’s dying suns behind it.

We’re going to be shot up!

A blast of gunfire, as projectiles slammed into their frail craft and kicked up the water all round.

Janno’s companion whipped his gun out of its case.

Watch this.

Nice shooting! We owe you our lives.

That is the finest weapon I’ve ever come across. It has saved us many times.
























	














The secret assassin smiled.

It will also serve to eliminate the Emperor Trigo and earn me a fortune.

He would have been surprised to have known Janno’s thoughts at that moment.

May we reach Trigan City in time for me to warn Uncle Trigo that someone is planning to assassinate him tomorrow.

A third member of the party—Kittu—had other grave reasons for wanting to reach civilisation.

My best friend will be executed unless I’m there tomorrow, to prove his innocence.

All through the long night, the makeshift raft was borne on the turbulent waters of the broad river. At dawn, they saw lights and knew that their long voyage was nearly over.

It’s a fishing village.

They’ll have communications with the Capital. I’ll have air transport here in no time.

Janno sent a message to Trigan City which swiftly brought a transport craft of the Air Fleet.

You must have plenty of influence, to order up one of those things so smartly.

Who are you, anyhow? I never thought to ask.

I’m the Emperor’s nephew, Janno.

To think I’ve travelled with a close relation of the very person I’ve come here to eliminate.

Later, as the craft took off for Trigan City and a date with destiny, the assassin’s keen mind had arrived at a decision.

What a stroke of luck. I shall use friend Janno’s influence to get myself close to the Emperor this afternoon . . . for the fatal shot.

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 658 on 24 August 1974.

 
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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.

 
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The Zota Club

















	














The first of the tragic and inexplicable disasters took place on a day like any other day. A pilot of the Trigan Air Fleet took off on a routine training flight.

His instructor and flight commander watched him go.

Garran is a promising young fighter pilot.

Yes, and careful, too. Not like some of the young hot-heads we’ve been getting recently.

Suddenly, the craft flipped over—and streaked back towards the air base at zero height.

Look out!

What does he think—?

The blast of disintegrator shells rose above the scream of the craft’s racing engines!

Flashing low over the scene of destruction, the craft headed towards a high pylon. Too late, the pilot saw his peril . . .

By the time they reached the scene of the crash, it was too late to do anything.

Why did he do it—why?

We’ll never know—now!
























	














The second mystery disaster was brought about by a scientist named Ricco. He worked in the Imperial Science Laboratories. One morning, he brought two highly unstable chemicals into close proximity.

. . . Then swiftly walked out of the building.

His face was blank. It remained blank and he never so much as looked back—when the Imperial Science Laboratories were riven by a shattering explosion!

Three days later, with the disasters still unexplained, the Emperor Trigo was addressing his council on another matter of great gravity.

Gentlemen! I do not have to warn you that the misunderstanding between ourselves and Cato could lead to war. I warn you to treat the Caton Ambassadors with great tact and courtesy, so that we can settle our differences!

The doors of the council chamber swung open.

Imperial Majesty! Excellencies! . . . The noble Ambassadors from Cato!

Remember! One unguarded word could lead to war!

Escorted by the Emperor’s nephew, Janno, the haughty Caton Ambassadors entered—eager and ready for trouble.

They found trouble soon enough! The guardsman on the door brought down his weapon . . . and . . .

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 535 on 15 April 1972.