Posted on September 20, 2025September 21, 2025The Mind Controller (continued . . .) Keren continued the account of Janno’s accident. “Janno never had a chance. he smashed straight into the other fellow.” “By a near- miracle, he escaped with his life. An ambulance was quickly on the scene.” “Janno was rushed back to the hospital.” His condition calls for an immediate blood transfusion. Keren finished his story and added a comment which brought a gleam of interest to the wise old eyes of his companion. As we all know, Janno made a good, quick recovery. But here’s the interesting part . . . The physician who attended him at the scene of the accident was the same fellow who attended Roffa. His name—Torga ! An immediate call to the hospital brought a negative reply. The physician Torga has been missing for several days. Get on to the police ! Tell them to find Torga ! A description of the missing physician was flashed to all corners of the sprawling Trigan Empire. . . . Height seventeen thrumms, weight one hundred and three sarnas. Fresh complexion. No special distinguishing features. Meanwhile, back on the dread isle of Despair, in the grim prison-fortress that crowned its craggy heights . . . Janno and Roffa both heard the secret voice in their inner ears. You will now commence the next part of the master plan ! Obedient to the strange power that ruled their lives, the two unlocked the cell and left it—like guard and convict. In this manner, they reached the courtyard without meeting anyone. The black tower ! inside that tower is the object of all our efforts ! And here’s how we get into the tower. Listen . . . Some time later, Janno stepped out of the shadows and was challenged. Halt ! Who approaches ? Then Roffa leapt from above like a bird of prey. Uuuuuuh ! Unlocking the massive door of the black tower, the two comrades entered. And Janno addressed the prisoner who stood within. We have come to rescue you ! This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 714 on 20 September 1975.
Posted on September 13, 2025September 21, 2025The Mind Controller (continued . . .) The howl of a siren and the cries of the guards echoed over the grim battlements of the Isle of Despair. Alarm, alarm ! Prisoner escaped ! Janno’s victim was carried still half-senseless from the cell where he had been locked by the missing prisoner. How did you allow the animal to overpower you and take your uniform and weapons ? He tricked me by seeming to be ill, sir. Then he attacked me. By the time Roffa was being landed from the transport, the hue and cry had reached the shore of the isle. What’s happened ? What’s the panic ? Prisoner escaped. It’s Janno and he’s armed ! Here’s the headpiece that Janno was wearing. He must have set off to swim for the mainland ! Then he’s done for—finished ! Look out there ! No one swims to the mainland. Our friends out there see to that. Roffa was thrown into a cell. Moments after the door had been bolted, a familiar voice made Roffa turn. Janno ! Hello, Roffa. Nice to see you. Still clad in the guard’s uniform and carrying weapons, was “the escaped prisoner” ! They all think that you perished trying to swim for the mainland. That’s what I wanted them to think ! But I’m free ! We’re both free ! Free to move around the prison at will. Free, with the aid of these keys, to obey the voice that speaks in our inner ears ! Ever since Roffa’s trial, the great scientist Peric had been examining the data connected with the two convicted air fleet pilots. He had the assistance of their comrade, Keren. I’ve found something, Peric, a rather strange link that I think we’ve overlooked. What is it, lad ? “About six lunar months ago,” said Keren, “Janno was driving his sports auto along the Trigan City by-pass, in his usual reckless manner . . .” “Suddenly . . . disaster ahead ! . . .” Look out ! This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 713 on 13 September 1975.
Posted on September 6, 2025September 21, 2025The Mind Controller (continued . . .) One of the conspirators fought like a wild animal to evade capture by the Trigan police but his companion surrendered meekly. Our information was correct. This fellow’s a military attache at the Caton Embassy. And this is Roffa, of the Air Fleet ! Roffa was tried by the High Court on a charge of treason. Does the defendant offer any evidence on his behalf ? No, Excellency. He pleads guilty to attempting to sell the plans to an agent of a foreign power and throws himself on the mercy of the court. The mercy of the High Court was non-existent. There is only one fitting sentence to pass upon a traitor to the Empire . . . Solitary confinement for life on the Isle of Despair ! Of all those who sat in court that day, the most puzzled and thoughtful was the great scientist Peric. As he observed to the Emperor Trigo later . . . I am convinced, Imperial Majesty, that there is more to it than meets the eye. Why should two of the brightest young pilots of the Air Fleet, both of them friends, suddenly turn to robbery and treason ? So what is your explanation ? Ah, there I am baffled, Imperial Majesty. Though I can put my finger on the mystery, I cannot explain it . . . But I am working on it ! On a day of threatened storm and lowering sky, the convicted Roffa was transported to the Isle of Despair. High above, a lone craft followed the progress of Roffa’s grim journey. Roffa ! Do you hear me, Roffa ? When you reach the Isle, you will immediately be put into solitary confine- ment. But you will not be alone for long . . . The voice was heard only by Roffa. . . . you will soon be joined by Janno ! Do you understand ? Yes, I understand. The fool’s talking to himself already ! At that moment, within the grim fortress-prison, a harsh-faced guard had just entered Janno’s cell. Here’s your supper, animal ! Hey ! Are you ill, or . . . The guard bent over the prostrate figure which immediately bounded into action. Uuuuugh ! Shortly after, Janno left his cell, disguised. The same mysterious voice he had heard before, spoke in his inner ear. Well done, Janno. Now you will proceed with the second part of the master plan. This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 712 on 6 September 1975.
