The first of the tragic and inexplicable disasters took place on a day like any other day. A pilot of the Trigan Air Fleet took off on a routine training flight. His instructor and flight commander watched him go. Garran is a promising young fighter pilot. Yes, and careful, too. Not like some of the young hot-heads we’ve been getting recently. Suddenly, the craft flipped over—and streaked back towards the air base at zero height. Look out! What does he think—? The blast of disintegrator shells rose above the scream of the craft’s racing engines! Flashing low over the scene of destruction, the craft headed towards a high pylon. Too late, the pilot saw his peril . . . By the time they reached the scene of the crash, it was too late to do anything. Why did he do it—why? We’ll never know—now!The second mystery disaster was brought about by a scientist named Ricco. He worked in the Imperial Science Laboratories. One morning, he brought two highly unstable chemicals into close proximity. . . . Then swiftly walked out of the building. His face was blank. It remained blank and he never so much as looked back—when the Imperial Science Laboratories were riven by a shattering explosion! Three days later, with the disasters still unexplained, the Emperor Trigo was addressing his council on another matter of great gravity. Gentlemen! I do not have to warn you that the misunderstanding between ourselves and Cato could lead to war. I warn you to treat the Caton Ambassadors with great tact and courtesy, so that we can settle our differences! The doors of the council chamber swung open. Imperial Majesty! Excellencies! . . . The noble Ambassadors from Cato! Remember! One unguarded word could lead to war! Escorted by the Emperor’s nephew, Janno, the haughty Caton Ambassadors entered—eager and ready for trouble. They found trouble soon enough! The guardsman on the door brought down his weapon . . . and . . .
This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 535 on 15 April 1972.
