Long after the founding of the Trigan Empire, vast tracts of the planet Elekton, for geographical and political reasons, remained totally unexplored.

In the beginning of the year of Zemm, an eruption of cataclysmic proportions rent the remote mountain range of Zeros, in the continent of Tharv.

A rock wall fell during the eruption, revealing a vast and fertile valley lying within the heart of the range.

News of the development was received in far-off Trigan City, and a public announcement was broadcast in the Great Square.

A race of strange people have been found living in the secret valley since the beginning of time. His Imperial Majesty is appointing a commission to visit these people and convey to them the good-will of the Empire.

In fact, it was the Emperor’s nephew Janno and the top scientist Peric, who were even at that moment being briefed by the Emperor.

I want you to convince these people that we wish only for friendship and that they have nothing to fear from us. Understood?

Yes, Imperial Majesty.

Yes, Uncle.

Always remember, Janno, that you may,  one day, be Emperor of the Trigans. We have no wish to make enemies of these unknown people.

I understand, Uncle.

Janno piloted them both across the planet. Over deserts, mountains and trackless forests. 

Approaching Tharv now . . .























The air space over the Tharv province surrounding the Zeros range was jealously guarded by a treaty that the Tharvs had made with the Empire. The two emissaries were obliged to travel by kreed, under the suspicious eyes of mountain tribesmen.

Will they shoot us?

It has been known! But don’t worry, cannibalism was stamped out last year.

. . . At least, that’s what they say!

Presently, they came safely to the strange valley.

It’s like . . . a miracle!

They were met by the leaders of the people who inhabited the valley.

Sir . . .

Address me as “Enlightened One“ if you would be so kind. I am the present elected leader of the Nobes, and you would seem to be more emissaries from the outside world. We are flattered.

There was a strong attitude of superiority about the leader of the Nobes.

We are aware that, because you have been cut off from us since the beginning of time, there are vast differences between us. But, I assure you, the Nobes are more than willing to help you.

Help us? But . . . how?

We will assist you with our superior technology . . .

Of which that flying machine is a notable example.

One day, with our help, you will be able to construct another of those! 

A few paces distant was the piece of “superior technology”!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 740 on 20 March 1976.

Next morning, the planet’s newspapers screamed—Chorpinal kidnapped—Elekton’s greatest living composer snatched from the liner “Emperor Trigo” while on his way to conduct his newest symphony.

Peric was at the Imperial Palace soon after dawn.

His Imperial Majesty is not to be disturbed!

Stand aside. My business won’t wait!

Trigo was at sword practice.

Imperial Majesty, I tried to . . .

Good morning, Peric. It must be an important matter to bring you here so early.

It is, Sire!

I request that you designate me, by Imperial Proclamation, as Supreme Scientist of Elekton.

Well, by all the stars!

The Emperor was wryly amused.

And you such a modest individual. You are undoubtedly the greatest scientist alive, but do we have to thrust it down the throat of every other scientist on the planet?

It is not for myself I ask it, Majesty, but part of my plan to get to the bottom of these thefts and kidnappings . . .

Is it, indeed!

Yes, Sire. I will explain . . .

Peric’s explanation was so satisfactory to Trigo that a special ceremony took place the same day, to which all the scientists within call were hastily summoned.

Whose idea was this? Meaningless mumbo-jumbo.

Surely not the Emperor’s? And Peric would never have the impudence to suggest it.

Peric, in appreciation of your great works for the cause of scientific progress, I grant you the title of Supreme Scientist of Elekton.























The ceremony over, Peric took himself to his villa in the suburbs, where he relaxed.

And now . . . to wait!

He did not have long to wait. That same evening . . .

The great scientist did not turn a hair when they burst in on him.

Good evening, gentlemen. I’ve been expecting you.

They took him away.

Not far away, in a pleasant valley beyond the city limits, a sumptuous mansion standing in secluded grounds . . .

He was taken into the palatial dwelling and brought before its owner.

We have him, master.

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 728 on 27 December 1975.

The fiendish cunning by which the diadem had been taken was the most sensational aspect of the news story.

Following on an unsuccessful attack upon the temple, one of the thieves posed as the Abbot of Zemf, switched the diadem for a fake and made off with the true jewel!

The Emperor Trigo summoned an extraordinary session of the Imperial Council.

Janno’s kidnapping and the various thefts are clearly the work of one will. But what is the reason behind it all, Peric?

Majesty, it is difficult to say.

The great scientist pondered on his sovereign’s question.

It is simple to guess the motive behind the kidnapping of a member of the Imperial Family. But what connection does that have with the theft of a pile of ancient fossilised bones?

Trigo’s retort was short and brutal.

You will find that connection, Peric! And you will work day and night till you do!

It was night. The great ocean liner “Emperor Trigo” was heading for port with a host of passengers.

Danger lurked nearby.

Prepare to surface and fire a warning projectile.

The first warning of peril came with a thunderclap of sound, followed by a streak of lurid flame.























They’re signalling us to halt, or else they’ll sink us!

Stop the ship!

A party of masked and ruthless raiders soon boarded the ship.

See here, you animals! I protest . . . Aaaaghh!

Silence!

Down into the palatial dining saloon, among the horrified passengers, they marched.

They halted by a mild-looking individual who was eating alone.

Get to your feet! It’s you we’ve come for!

News of the outrage reached Trigan City before dawn. It was immediately passed to Peric, who had spent a sleepless night in his laboratory, puzzling his brain.

What did you say? Repeat the name of the kidnappers’ victim.

A great light dawned in Peric’s mind.

I’ve got it! I’ve found the connection!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 727 on 20 December 1975.