This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 462 on 21 November 1970.
The Deadly Formula (continued . . .)
The blade of the doublehanded war sword was already descending . . . when the Lokan crumpled up and pitched forward on his face! Uuuuuhhh! And then . . . By all the stars! Look! Daveli warriors! They came charging out of the jungle, weapons flashing through the air . . . the splendid warriors of Daveli, staunch allies of the Trigan Empire! As he scrambled to his feet, Trigo saw the Lokan leader racing for the nearest atmosphere craft. He’s got the formula! Moments later, the craft swept low over the clearing. Trigo vaulted into the second craft. If he gets away with that formula, the planet is doomed! The Lokan had spotted his pursuer, and was in the mood for a fight. As Trigo took his craft up in a swift climb, his quarry came down in a screaming dive, guns blazing!Trigo’s instrument panel dissolved into a mass of scrap metal, and he was instantly enveloped in flames. He’s got me! Through the flames, he saw his enemy ahead of him. Only one thought dinned in Trigo’s brain . . . and he deliberately steered the doomed craft towards his adversary! For the sake of the planet Elekton! They met with shattering force above the tumbling waters of the broad river! Trigo was thrown clear, and the shock of the icy waters instantly revived him. Suddenly he saw the limp form of his enemy floating past . . . and he reached out to grab him. By this time the Daveli warriors had overpowered the Lokans and freed Brag and Janno. They all gathered round as Trigo brought his burden ashore. But what about the formula? Gone! Lost for ever in the rapids! No man will ever set eyes on it again! Later, back in Trigan City, wise old Peric gave the Emperor his assurances. It is of no consequence, Trigo. It will take a long time . . . years perhaps . . . but I can re-work the formula. Trigo was silent for a while before replying. No, old friend! We have learned our lesson. The planet came very close to destruction. From now on, the Trigan Empire will keep the peace of Elekton without the formula!
This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 402 on 27 September 1969.
The Volcano Factory (continued . . .)
Janno closed his eyes and . . . turning . . . he cried out in a sing-song voice . . . I—hear—and—I—obey— The Zolls had not noticed that the young Trigan’s eyes were closed. The purple light was extinguished . . . He is the second surface-man whom we were seeking . . . good! At a harsh order, Janno climbed obediently on to the strange craft, which instantly took off again . . . We will return to the volcano factory with the prisoner. The craft swept over the mid-planetary plain till it reached the towering building which Janno had seen through the Meekers’ telescope. Looking down, he gazed upon the toiling mass of people . . . I must find some way of stopping that fiendish work . . . but if the Zolls realise that my will was not destroyed by the purple light, I’m done for . . . and so is all life on the surface of Elekton! The craft landed near the huge edifice, and Janno dumbly obeyed the order snarled at him. Another prisoner from the surface . . . the last! Good! . . . Join the other slaves, surface-man . . . and work until you’re told to stop! With a sudden shock, Janno saw the Emperor Trigo labouring with the rest. These are all people from the surface . . . slaving to destroy their own loved ones there . . . and, like my uncle they don’t know what they’re doing! Janno took his place beside Trigo and bent his back to the muscle-aching work. Later . . . much later . . . the Zoll overseer called a halt. Now you will rest for food!Scraps of broken meat were thrown at the slaves, who fell upon the rough food like animals. Janno ate . . . and listened to a conversation between two of his captors. When they’ve finished eating they will receive their daily dose of the purple light. When do we start the volcanoes? In a few hours . . . as soon as this wall is completed! Think of it! . . . There are thousands of volcanoes on the surface. In a few hours from now, the ground will open up and swallow whole cities! . . . Then we shall be masters of the entire planet! Jamno waited to hear no more . . . he rose to his feet and poised himself for action . . . This may be my last chance . . . and the last chance for Elekton! . . He leapt! AAAAAAAGH! Pistol in hand, he raced up a towering flight of steps . . . firing as he went! Alarm! Alarm! . . . Slave escaping! Then . . . his way was barred! There he is! Shoot him down!
This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 389 on 28 June 1969.
