Janno’s craft plummeted into the sea.

A comrade circled over the wreckage for some time—but . . .

I regret to report that Lord Janno has departed to join his ancestors!

That night, at a lonely spot off the coast of Trigan . . .

Is that you?—Do you have the prisoner?

Yes!—I have him!

The duplicate Janno was dragged aboard the Caton undersea warship.

Well—now do you believe me? Is this not indeed Lord Janno the Emperor’s nephew?

By all the stars, so it is!

Then give me my money and let me depart, Admiral! Ten thousand Trigan pieces, as agreed!

You will be paid for your treachery, fellow—but my orders are to take you back to Cato!

A cold finger of terror traced its course down Robi’s spine.

I’m done for! As soon as the Catons announce that they have Janno, the Trigans will issue a statement that it is a lie!

AAAAAH! Then the Catons will torture the truth out of me!























But fate was on Robi’s side. Some time later, Janno’s father, Brag, brought the news to his brother, the Emperor Trigo.

Trigo!—he’s all right! Janno’s all right! He survived the crash after all, and he’s a prisoner-of-war!

Thank the stars! what else do the Catons say?

As you might expect, they’re using Janno to exert pressure on us. They demand an instant cease-fire, pending a conference to discuss peace terms.

Then we will agree! And I will be willing to agree to any reasonable peace terms to save Janno’s life!

Robi was in Caton city when he heard of the Emperor’s reply to the enemy demands. And he thanked his stars.

Fate smiles upon the clever! The Trigans accept the duplicate Janno, which can only mean that the original Janno is missing in battle. Robi, my fine fellow, you are made for life!

The duplicate Janno was brought before the rulers of Cato—a triumvirate of warmongers bent on the destruction of the Trigan Empire.

Greetings, my lord! You will be unhappy to hear that your presence here is shortly going to lead to the utter annihilation of all you hold dear. I will explain . . . 

In accordance with our demands, a cease-fire is in progress throughout the Trigan Empire. Your Air Fleet is grounded and all defence systems are relaxed. Like a sleeping giant, Trigan’s powerful forces lie helpless . . . 

He pointed from the balcony.

Not so in Cato! At dawn tomorrow, our Air Fleet—which you see there being prepared—will take off to blast Trigan City from the face of Elekton! And there will be nothing to oppose it!

Treacherous animal!—UUUUGH!

Convey lord Janno to a dungeon—and see that it is both dark and damp!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 503 on 4 September 1971.