Assignment on Venus
By CARL JACOBI
Simms had the toughest assignment of his
career. He must fight his way through
Venusian intrigue to deliver a sealed
cylinder—a cylinder that held his
dishonorable discharge from the service.
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Planet Stories Fall 1943.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
Simms rested his paddle across the thwart and let the clumsy jagua drift. Ahead, where the indigo swamp growth thinned, an abuttment of white metal projected from the water, its near end forming a wafer-like conning tower.
Half-way Jetty at last! Two grueling weeks through Venus' Blue Mold Swamp were behind him. Even if he knew that this station marked the half way point to his final disgrace and humiliation, he could at least rest here, free from the incredible dangers of the marsh.
He swung the dugout to a landing, wearily stretched cramped legs and headed down the catwalk. Before him the door of the jetty opened and three men appeared in the entrance.
Earthmen!