The Trigan Empire

In a very short time, the unconscious assistant was discovered, and the guards were alerted about the Imperial Archives building . . .

Alarm! Alarm! Intruders in the precincts! Shoot on sight!

. . . But it was already too late!

Some distance away, a trickle of water . . .

Became . . .

Vella!

Crime made easy! Ha, ha!

Back at his apartment, Vella was greeted by his accomplice.

Well, I see from your expression that the operation was successful. What did you find?

A diplomatic secret, my friend—a secret so hot that our esteemed Emperor will give his private fortune to keep me from shouting it from the rooftops!

It concerns Daveli, the country with which our empire has a long-standing pact of friendship. What would the King of Daveli say if he knew that we have a secret long-range missile battery aimed at his country—all ready to fire if his people showed any signs of unfriendliness towards the precious Trigan Empire?

That same day, a message found its way to the Emperor.

By all the stars! Oh no—not this!

What . . . what is it, Imperial Majesty?

An emergency meeting of the Imperial Council was called.

Gentlemen, there is no need to go into our reasons for the secret missile battery. Sufficient to say that, if Daveli hears about it, our valuable friendship is at an end.

Then what does your Imperial Majesty propose to do?

My mysterious correspondent advises me to get together two million zersts in small currency, and be ready to deliver it to him, to buy his silence . . .

. . . I intend to accept his advice!

A few days later, Janno was urgently summoned to the palace.

You require me for a dangerous operation, Uncle? I am only too ready.

I knew I could rely on you, Janno.

For reasons I cannot reveal to you, I must fly to the heart of the Vorg wilderness and deposit a large sum of money. I am supposed to travel alone—but you will be a secret passenger!























Later that day, they were hovering over the deserted wilderness.

Are we there, Uncle?

Yes, Janno, we’re right above the spot now. As soon as I land, you take cover behind the rocks.

No one in sight. You know what you have to do. Good luck.

Soon, his uncle’s craft was vanishing towards the horizon, and Janno settled down for a vigil over the sack of money.

Whoever comes to pick up that money is going to get a nasty shock.

Suddenly, to his astonishment, the water hole overflowed—and began to trickle towards him!

By all the stars—how very strange!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 556 on 9 September 1972.

Early morning passers-by in the main square of Trigan City were shocked to receive the news.

Four Daveli guardsmen were dashed to unconsciousness, and the priceless regalia was removed from the Imperial Palace! Enquiries are continuing . . .

Senior police officers were assisted by the splendid mind of Peric, Elekton’s top scientist. The Daveli guardsmen were questioned.

We remember nothing  . . . only the thunderbolt that came out of the night.

I confess that I am completely baffled.

Peric left the Palace with his young friend Janno.

How is your comrade Vella after his lucky escape?

It was not luck that saved him, Peric. It was a miracle!

Let me tell you, Janno, that that there are no such things as miracles. Every phenomenon has a logical scientific explanation . . .

 . . . even thunderbolts that come out of the night!

Meanwhile, back in his apartment, Vella was displaying his loot to his accomplice.

They’re priceless right enough—but that also means that no one will buy them, since they’ll be instantly recognisable.

Quite so. But I shall break them up—thus—and make what money I can with the bits and pieces.

Yes, there’s no doubt about it your old game of selling secrets to Trigan’s enemies is a better racket than jewel-robbery. Secrets never lose their value.

Exactly! And with your advantage, the Empire’s secrets are yours for the asking!

The recently-completed Imperial Archives building was a bomb-proof fortress surrounded by a moat, which was constantly patrolled by gunboats.























No one saw a trickle of water pour itself silently into the moat . . .

 . . . And rise at the far side, towards a narrow ventilator grille.

In the deepest fastness of the building, the chief archivist was addressing his assistant.

This memorandum contains a diplomatic secret so delicate that, in the wrong hands, it could plunge the Empire into disAster! It is to be destroyed! Do it!

Yes, sir.

Moments later, when the assistant was alone . . .

By all the stars! Is that rainwater, leaking in through the airconditioner?

The water spread swiftly . . . touched his feet . . . and . . .

Eeeaaaaaaghh!

Vella reconstituted himself from his equal volume of water, and picked up the fateful memorandum.

Well, well, well!—Who’d have believed it? This is a stroke of luck!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 555 on 2 September 1972.