The Food of the Gods (continued . . .)




Again and again, the fighting-craft came in with guns blazing. Open fire on him ! The defenders never had time to strike back. Then the attacker streaked off. You’ll pay for this day’s work, Janno—you foul traitor ! The news was brought to the Emperor Trigo. My own nephew, you say ? Is there no possibility of a mistake in the identification of the craft ? None at all, Imperial Majesty. It was Lord Janno’s craft—and he has caused havoc at the base ! That craft—or my nephew—are to be attacked and destroyed on sight. Yes, Imperial Majesty. Alone, Trigo could only ponder and grieve. Janno ! Why did you do it, lad ? Why ? . . . Why ?
At that same moment, Janno was watching his own craft coming in to land at outpost seven. How does he do it ? . . . It’s unbelievable ! He met the grinning face of the boys’ leader. I’ve just wiped out half your base. Not bad for a beginner-pilot, eh ? But—I only showed you the basic controls, with someone prodding me in the back with the muzzle of a gun. If I’d guessed that you could have even got it up into the air . . . How could you have guessed . . . about us ? Something has happened to us. Not only has our physical strength greatly increased, but our mental powers also. We are super-creatures ! A pity you will not be around to see us masters of Elekton, Janno ! Eliminate him ! Janno saw the weapon coming up on aim. He ducked . . . Aaaaagh ! Get him ! Shoot him down ! Janno ran for his life. Feet, don’t fail me now !

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 664 on 5 October 1974.

 

The Zota Club (continued . . .)




Swinging the medallion from his fingers, Doran continued in a persistent, sing-song voice. You are now entirely in my power and you will do everything I order. Is that understood ? It—is— understood ! And then—the astounding order ! The Emperor is your enemy ! Remember that ! He must be eliminated ! Tomorrow, when you fly escort to the Imperial craft that is to take him to Cato, you will collide with the Imperial craft over Mount Vorg ! Very interesting.
The Imperial craft streaked up into the air—followed by Janno’s sleek little fighter. Janno took up station above and behind the other craft—and smiled to himself. That scoundrel Doran is going to receive an unpleasant shock any time now ! The lowering peak of Mount Vorg came into view. This is where I was supposed to collide with the Emperor’s craft ! And then—Janno’s sixth sense of a fighting man warned him of danger ! He wrenched at the controls. A streak of flame cut the air where he had been an instant before—and a dark shape flashed overhead ! By the stars ! It isn’t . . . It can’t be . . . Doran ! But the man at the controls of the other craft was indeed Doran ! It is fortunate that I am always at hand in case of failure ! Now I will perform the final disaster myself—The destruction of the Emperor ! He dived straight for the Imperial craft !

This installment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 539 on 13 May 1972.