Category: Trigan City

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The Masked Raiders

















	














In the fourth lunar month of the year of Yedd, the “Princess of Vorg”, largest ocean-going liner ever, was launched in Trigan City harbour by Salvia, daughter of Elekton’s top scientist.

I name this vessel “Princess of Vorg”! May she voyage the oceans of this planet in safety and tranquillity.

As the massive hull glided down the vast slipway, the Emperor Trigo made a gracious presentation to the girl who had performed the ceremony.

Salvia, I should like you to accept this small memento of the occasion.

Your Imperial Majesty is too kind.

Later that year, all Trigan City turned out to see the “Princess of Vorg” gliding from the harbour on her maiden voyage.

This is the Imperial News Service bringing you, live from Trigan City, this unforgettable spectacle. Passengers aboard the liner on this, her maiden voyage, include his Imperial Majesty, the Lord Janno, Peric and his daughter Salvia . . .

Swiftly, the great liner spanned the ocean, past the forbidding peaks of the untrodden ice continent.

Within the vast hull, safe from the killing winds, the great ballroom resounded to the music of the dance.

Enjoying the voyage, Salvia?

Yes, Janno. And you?

But disaster threatened! The liner’s helmsman was the first to suffer . . .
























	














Suddenly the doors of the ballroom burst open. The music faltered to silence, in obedience to a harsh order.

Quiet!—Stand still!—Any who offer resistance will suffer dearly!—Be prepared to hand over your valuables!

The newcomers moved among the hushed, horrified passengers. A gloved hand reached out and snatched the Emperor’s gift from Salvia’s neck . . .

Oh!

By all the stars!—You’ll not get away with that . . .

Janno paid for his gallant act!

Eeeeeeegh!

In less time than it takes to tell, the small army of intruders stripped the “Princess of Vorg” of all the valuables aboard her. And then, a dark vessel came alongside.

This is piracy!—By all the demons of Daveli, you monsters will pay for tonight’s work!

Silence, Captain, and pay heed!—We are leaving now. Very soon, the “Princess of Vorg” will be no more. If you wish to save your passengers’ lives, get them into the lifeboats!

The liner’s commander was swift to take this piece of grim advice. Later, in the lifeboats, the passengers saw the end of the pride of Trigan!

Adrift in the waste of icy ocean! Salvia clutched the stricken Janno more tightly—and shuddered.

It’s like some dreadful nightmare from which there’s no awakening!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 506 on 25 September 1971.

 
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The Duplication Machine (continued . . .)

















	














It happened in a dark alleyway in a rough quarter of Trigan City. A figure leapt out at a passer-by, and a heavy cudgel was raised for a merciless blow.

But the blow never fell!

Uuuuuh . . .

Hmmmm! What have I caught?—a sneak-thief of the worst and most contemptible type. But he will serve my purpose.

Later, the footpad recovered consciousness.

Aaaaah! Where am I? Don’t hurt me, master. I—I meant no harm, I swear it!

You meant the worst possible harm, you rascal—but I am willing to overlook it.

Robi sneered.

In fact, I will do better than that—I will make you the richest rogue in Trigan City—If you obey me without question!

The following morning, Robi went to Air Fleet Headquarters. As assistant to Elekton’s top scientist, he carried a pass that admitted him to the air strip.

Here comes Janno now. I’ll speak to him when he gets out of his craft. It’s a good idea to be on good terms with a member of the Imperial family.
























	














Janno recognised the young scientist.

Hello! Robi, isn’t it? As you see, my leg is mended, and I’m back on flying duty.

Very glad to see you recovered, Lord Janno. I’ve brought something for you. Something you probably thought you’d lost for ever . . .

My signet ring!

You dropped it the day you visited the laboratory, Lord Janno. I found it when I was sweeping up this morning.

Janno was profuse in his thanks. He would have been surprised to have seen what Robi held in his hand as he walked away.

Everybody’s happy! The stuck-up Lord Janno has his ring back—and I have an exact duplicate of it!

That night, Trigan City suffered the first of many inexplicable thefts. Robi’s henchman stole a collection of gems from the home of a millionaire.

Cry out—and it will be the last sound you ever make!

AAAAH! Take the jewels! Take anything—but don’t hurt me!

He delivered them to the darkened laboratory where Robi waited.

Good! Now wait outside till I call you.  You have one more task to perform before dawn.

With the aid of the strange device he had secretly perfected, the ruthless young scientist duplicated the priceless gems.

Ha! Ha!—Nothing can stop me now—nothing! By the end of the lunar year, I shall be able to buy and sell the Trigan Empire!

There was a surprise in store for his henchman, later.

You ask me to return this loot to where I stole it from!—Master, have you gone mad?

No, my friend. I have not gone mad. I have simply discovered the perfect crime!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 498 on 31 July 1971.