The Trigan Empire

The blow that the strange creature had received from Janno’s fist left him in no condition for fight or flight.

We’ll present our prize to the Emperor himself.

Uuuuh. Uuuuhh.

The prisoner had all but recovered when he was brought before Trigo.

You are a party to a conspiracy that has brought my capital city to near-ruin and my empire to the brink of collapse. Do you understand what I am saying?

The alien creature replied in the  common tongue of the planet Elekton.

I understand. But I am saying nothing. You will learn nothing from me. I will not speak again

The alien’s stubbornness left the Trigans with only blind theories about his origins. The scientist Peric’s theory sounded the most convincing.

This city that you founded, Sire, is only one of many that have been built—and destroyed—on this site. It’s likely that Janno’s prisoner is a descendant of one of the surviving members of some long-gone holocaust.

Then where have he and his companions been living all this while?

For answer, Peric held up a transparent strip.

This may tell us. It was found on the ground near to where Janno overpowered the alien. It is an eyepiece—through which, I am convinced, these aliens are able to see in the green fog!

Every gaze was turned to Janno.

Nephew, it seems to me that you are going to be called upon to brave the fog once more.

I’m game, Uncle Trigo!

Another lunar month went by. And Elekton’s noblest city crumbled beneath the weight of the eerie fungus that was choking its very life away.























Janno was on the alert day and night. The next sinister visitation of the rolling green fog came shortly after midday.

Here it comes, Janno!

Put on your eyepiece, and good luck, son!

Janno peered out at the murk through the transparent screen.

I . . . I can see . . . them!

They came from out of the sewers and the water-courses, from holes in the ground and from long-forgotten cellars. An uncountable host of the alien creatures, moving barefoot and silent through the fungus-hung city.

Labouring by hand, they cut down the masses of green fungus and carried it away on their backs.

It’s just as Peric said. They’re gathering the foul stuff!

And then, the young Trigan’s world fell apart in a blinding flash of agony.  

Uuuuuugh!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 736 on 21 February 1976.

Guided by his questioner, Uruz told of all that he had heard and sensed during the periods of green fog.

And you say these alien beings walk the streets?

In their thousands. And all of them . . . working.

Working at what, may I ask?

Collecting the green fungus!

Afterwards, the great scientist Peric gave his opinion to the Emperor.

Uruz’s evidence tallies with the facts. I tell you that when the fungus has grown to maturity again, the green fog will come back and the fungus will be gathered once more.

This green fungus has turned Elekton’s mightiest city into a shambles and reduced the empire to chaos! It can’t be allowed to continue! Who are these alien beings?

To find out, Imperial Majesty, we must capture one of them! And, with your permission, I have a plan. . .

Later, Uruz was summoned to Trigo’s study.

I think you know Lord Janno?

Of course. Doesn’t he drop a coin into my hat every time he passes my pitch in the Great Square?

From now on, Uruz, you will not leave Janno’s side, day or night. Do you understand?

Companion to a member of the Imperial Family! My, I have come up in the world—and me a poor blind beggar!

In the lunar month that followed, Janno had a constant companion.

Many’s the time I’ve heard you screeching past, and folks have said, “there goes Lord Janno trying to break his neck again”. But I never thought I’d be in here with you.

Oh, shut up or belt up — one thing or the other!























As Peric had predicted, the fungus multiplied until it had become almost a familiar sight.

You certainly know how to enjoy life, Uruz.

It’s bad enough being blind and poor, sir. There’s no point in being miserable as well. Mind you, this is a great improvement on begging for coins in the Great Square!

One fateful morning—it came!

The green fog! It’s here again, Uruz!

Remember! Don’t stray from my side! Tell me everything you sense or hear. And let me know as soon as one of those alien beings comes within reach.

You can rely on me, sir.

Slowly, inexorably, the almost abandoned city, heart of the Trigan empire, was swallowed up.

The long day crept slowly past. Janno waited, every nerve stretched to snapping point. And then—it happened!

One of them’s close to you!

Yes! I’ve got him!

Aaaaaaaeehh!

When the fog cleared away, Janno and Uruz stepped out of their hiding place, and Janno looked down at his victim.

By all the stars!

This instalment was originally published in Look and Learn issue no. 735 on 14 February 1976.