Category: Currency

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The Man from the Future (continued . . .)

















	














Rent by an internal explosion following a fire in the engine room, the great vessel rolled over and was soon plunging to the ocean bed.

Janno was among the survivors.

It’s . . . unbelievable!

News reached Trigan City within moments of the disaster.

Imperial Majesty! A terrible accident!

 . . . The “Trigan Hero” has sunk!

Similarly, the information arrived at Cato, where the war council was in session.

“Trigan Hero” has sunk in the Central Ocean.

The issue was no longer in doubt.

With one blow, Trigo has lost the most powerful weapon in his armoury.

So we will declare war on the Trigan Empire!

The Trigan news media broadcast Cato’s declaration.

 . . . So the empire is at war with the state of Cato. So far, no hostilities have been reported. A state of emergency exists throughout the Imperial possessions.
























	














And now, in a lighter vein . . . the holder of the lucky ticket in the current Imperial Lottery draw. We take you over to the Imperial Lottery headquarters, to see the lucky winner.

Before the envious gaze of millions, the redheaded individual became a multi-millionaire.

Toth Zandu, I have pleasure in presenting you with a bank draft for two million thullars and twenty-five thousand zersts.

I thank you.

One viewer was more than envious, he was FURIOUS!

It’s him! The fellow who bought my ticket off me for five thousand zersts!

And the ticket’s won!

You threw away a fortune, you fool!

How was I to know it was going to win?

Come to think of it, how did he know?

The winner of the Lottery, Toth Zandu, wasted no time in taking advantage of his good fortune. He went to see a luxury villa in the smartest part of the capital.

Apart from the beautiful view, the property has many advantages. Expensive, of course, but . . .

I’ll buy it!

Established in his new residence and surrounded by every luxury that money could buy, Toth Zandu congratulated himself.

An excellent beginning. But only the beginning. One day, not far hence, I shall be exchanging this place for . . . the Imperial Palace!

After all, one who can look into the future as if it was yesterday, has the power to demand—and get—anything!

. . . Anything!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 691 on 12 April 1975.

 
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The Man from the Future

















	














The new Air-Fleet carrier “TRIGAN HERO” was launched by the Emperor, with great ceremony, on the seventeenth day of the year of Zenf.

I name this vessel “Trigan Hero”. May she sail the seas of our planet and bring glory to the empire.

The Emperor’s nephew, Janno, himself a pilot in the Air-Fleet, was flying over the scene of the launching.

There she goes! Be ready to land in formation as soon as she’s in mid-harbour.

Janno and his companions were the first to land on the broad deck of the new carrier.

The “Trigan Hero” was leaving immediately for the Great Central Ocean, where a war with the state of Cato was threatening.

As soon as Cato gets news that we’re at sea, they’ll have second thoughts about making trouble.

Yes, Janno. With what we carry on this ship, we could take on Cato single-handed!

Among the massed crowds watching the departure of the great vessel was an individual with red hair.

A fine ship!

Aye! Makes you feel proud to be a Trigan!

Those about him would have been shocked to have known his thoughts at that moment.

A pity that “Trigan Hero” is going to sink on her first voyage!
























	














The red-headed one had an assignation that day. He met a stranger, by prior arrangement, in the great square of the city.

I recognise you from your description. You’re the fellow who advertised for the Lottery ticket with the special number, aren’t you?

I am. And you have that ticket?

The Trigan Imperial Lottery, in addition to providing useful revenue for the state, paid out one massive prize every quarter-year.

I am satisfied.

This is ticket number seven, three, six, two, zero, zero, nine, four. Are you willing to buy it for five thousand zersts—a ticket that only cost me fifty?

The bargain was made.

I will pay you in cash!

I don’t understand it. You’ve made me an enormous profit, but your chances of winning with that ticket are millions to one!

You can’t go wrong, especially when you know what’s going to happen in the future!

“Trigan Hero” reached the Great Central Ocean the following day. Towards sunset, alarm bells rang throughout the huge vessel. Janno was just about to climb into his air craft.

What’s happened?

Fire!

Fire in the engine room!

The next instant, the newest unit of the Trigan fleet was riven asunder!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 690 on 5 April 1975.