Category: Large Explosions

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The Man from the Future (continued . . .)

















	














The shattered remains of the Trigan armoured forces straggled back into the city, bitterly denouncing what they regarded as their betrayal.

What happened?

The accursed Catons were waiting for us! We were shot to pieces!

Someone must have talked!

Trigo was addressing the Imperial War Council.

It was the same with the high-seas fleet. They sailed into an underwater trap!

Nothing will convince me that a betrayal has not taken place.

The Emperor rounded on Toth Zandu.

You claim to be able to see into the future, and have done so on several occasions. Why didn’t you warn us of these disasters?

The other’s smooth reply gave Peric, Trigan’s top scientist, food for thought.

I did not see them coming, Imperial Majesty.

With the greatest respect, sir, nobody’s perfect!

I wonder!

Peric was still thinking when Janno sought him out, later, in his laboratory.

What’s worrying you, Peric?

I’m thinking that the one who betrayed our attacks to the Catons may be . . . Toth Zandu!

Supposing that he can read the future? He would be in a perfect position to sell advance news of victory or defeat. Why, the details of today’s disasters have already been written into the Imperial history, for posterity to read.

Supposing that Toth Zandu went into the future and brought the news back before it had happened?

Then he may already have told the Catons the full details of tomorrow’s surprise air attack!

Exactly!
























	














Peric began to write.

What are you doing now?

I am writing the history of tomorrow. Just as Toth Zandu has already read it in the future! Just as it will happen, unless you do something about it!

What can I do?

You can prove that historians are sometimes wrong. Instead of leading your squadron against the Caton air bases at midday, you will disobey orders and make a surprise attack at dawn!

The main Caton air base. Dawn.

I can hear distant engines, sir. Can it be the Trigans?

The Trigans are not due till midday. Then our air craft will be in the sky and ready for them.

It was the Trigans!

Choose your own targets! Strike! And strike again!

The first assault achieved devastating results.

Long live the Trigan Empire!

The next instant, Janno felt his craft give a death-shudder.

I’ve been hit!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 696 on 17 May 1975.

 
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The Man from the Future (continued . . .)

















	














As the Caton struggled upright, he gave a cry of pain . . . 

Uuuuuh!

 . . . and crumpled at Toth Zandu’s feet.

This gives me a great idea!

Later, when the pilot opened his eyes, Toth Zandu was tending his wounded leg.

So! You have turned the tables while I was unconscious, Trigan animal!

Not so, my friend. Your firearm is tucked into your belt, if you feel you have need of it.

What are you up to?

Simple. I am going to help you to escape back to Cato!

In return, you are going to help me!

That night, Toth Zandu drove his luxury hover-auto through the darkened streets of the capital.

Halt! Don’t you know it’s forbidden to be out after nightfall?

I am Toth Zandu, adviser to the War Council.

His very name already carried great weight.

Your pardon, Excellency! We did not recognise you. Drive on, please.

By the dark sea shore beyond the city, a craft waited.

Come out, friend. You’re safe now.
























	














Yonder fishing boat will land you on the Caton shore tomorrow. And when you reach Cato City . . . 

I give your message to our leaders.

This list contains precise details of three assaults by land, sea and air that the Trigans are planning to make against Cato.

The information will cost your country five million Thullars! A prompt payment will ensure further accurate information.

The first of the three fateful assaults took place when Trigan armoured forces crossed the border into Cato. They were expected, counter-attacked and cut to ribbons.

It was the same story when the Trigan high seas fleet sailed into Caton waters and ran into a trap of underwater craft.

We have them! Fire all underwater projectiles!

The treacherous Toth Zandu received the news with glee.

Success! I am seeing into the future and making a fortune out of history!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 695 on 10 May 1975.

 
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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.