The Merchandise Guide
Annual 1977

The planet they'd picked up on the Main Mission video screen had gradually drawn nearer and nearer. Until Kano's computer had officially an- nounced that it was within range.    "Report. Gravity as Earth's. Atmosphere reveals oxygen in small quantity. Temperature low, vegeta- tion nil!"    They had tried direct radio contact, to no effect, and Koenig had ordered the launch of a close survey Eagle. It was piloted by Alan Carter, with Tony Verdeschi and Helena Russell as supernumeraries.    Now the Eagle had landed on the barren, in- hospitable terrain, and Alan, Tony and Helena had emerged onto the surface, still suited up to make spot checks on the breathable quality of the thin air around them.    It was Alan Carter who caught the sudden flicker of reflected movement in the glass face-shield of his helmet. He spun round, and his yell of warning over the inbuilt communication system brought his com- panions whirling around in alarm!    "Ye gods! Look!"    Staring at them from the lip of a rocky ridge not twenty yards away was a creature - a gigantic thing more than eight feet tall. A terrifying beast with a scaled, reptilian face, its body covered in matted, shaggy hair!    They stood frozen . . . but not for long! The beast shambled down towards them, its enormous feet

scattering rocks and dust, and Tony Verdeschi swung up his stun-gun!    "No! Wait!" Helena's cry came too late - for a blasting lance of energy shot from the gun- barrel to catch the beast low on the left arm! There was a screeching yell that they heard even throught their helmets, and then the massive creature turned

---