The Food of the Gods (continued . . .)




You can’t go in there! The next instant . . . Aaaaaaaaagggh! The commander of the outpost was still in bed. He was rudely awakened when his door was kicked open. By all the demons of Daveli! Get up . . . or perish where you lie. Later, back at Trigan City Army Headquarters. Outpost seven haven’t reported-in this morning, Sir. Can’t get any reply out of them. Get me Air Fleet operations room . . . emergency! The Emperor’s nephew, Janno, was a duty pilot that fateful morning. Get airborne! Fly to outpost seven! Land and report the situation there! Acknowledged.
It was a short ultra-sonic hop to the clearing in the forest of Vorg where the outpost lay. The place looks perfectly normal from here. He landed and climbed out of his craft—to be immediately surrounded. What are you lads doing here? The outpost is ours. We have—eliminated the garrison. You, however, can be of some use to us. Later that morning, Janno’s fighting-craft came in for touch-down at its base. Here comes Janno. Now we’ll find out why he hasn’t reported-in about the situation at outpost seven. At the last moment, the fighting-craft turned sharply . . . What’s Janno doing? . . . and dived to the attack!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 663 on 28 September 1974.

 

The Secret Assassin (continued . . .)




Janno saw their attacker as it came in low, with Elekton’s dying suns behind it. We’re going to be shot up! A blast of gunfire, as projectiles slammed into their frail craft and kicked up the water all round. Janno’s companion whipped his gun out of its case. Watch this. Nice shooting! We owe you our lives. That is the finest weapon I’ve ever come across. It has saved us many times.
The secret assassin smiled. It will also serve to eliminate the Emperor Trigo and earn me a fortune. He would have been surprised to have known Janno’s thoughts at that moment. May we reach Trigan City in time for me to warn Uncle Trigo that someone is planning to assassinate him tomorrow. A third member of the party—Kittu—had other grave reasons for wanting to reach civilisation. My best friend will be executed unless I’m there tomorrow, to prove his innocence. All through the long night, the makeshift raft was borne on the turbulent waters of the broad river. At dawn, they saw lights and knew that their long voyage was nearly over. It’s a fishing village. They’ll have communications with the Capital. I’ll have air transport here in no time. Janno sent a message to Trigan City which swiftly brought a transport craft of the Air Fleet. You must have plenty of influence, to order up one of those things so smartly. Who are you, anyhow? I never thought to ask. I’m the Emperor’s nephew, Janno. To think I’ve travelled with a close relation of the very person I’ve come here to eliminate. Later, as the craft took off for Trigan City and a date with destiny, the assassin’s keen mind had arrived at a decision. What a stroke of luck. I shall use friend Janno’s influence to get myself close to the Emperor this afternoon . . . for the fatal shot.

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 658 on 24 August 1974.

 

The Secret Assassin




In the translucent depths of the sea off Tharv, a lone hunter was closing with his prey. All at once, the hunter found himself—the hunted! Knocked unconscious by a shock-projectile, the victim was connected to a grab . . . And lifted aboard a waiting sea-craft. Later, when he had recovered consciousness . . . See here, you—whoever you are! Who I am is of no importance to you! I apologise for interrupting your sport, but I have need of your very special services. Who do you want me to kill—and for how much? The Emperor Trigo! For half a million thullars! Cash in advance!
How did you come to know of me? That is immaterial! I know you are the top operator in your—er profession! That you kill silently and without trace! You will fly to Trigan City and assassinate Trigo during the opening of the Imperial Assembly in two days’ time! Fail . . . and you perish! I never fail! In accordance with his instructions, the hired killer boarded a trans-plangtary air-cruiser in Tharv. The air-cruiser was soon skybound. Not many people flying to Trigan City today. Suddenly, over the Daveli jungle—IT HAPPENED! Alarm! Alarm! This is an emergency! All passengers remain seated! We are going to crash-land! The big cruiser tore a path of fire and wreckage through the dense jungle . . . then there was silence. Much later, the assassin clawed his way out. Am I the only survivor?

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 653 on 20 July 1974.