Category: Maiden Voyages

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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.

 
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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.