War-Gods of the Void
By HENRY KUTTNER
Jerry Vanning trailed the fugitive Callahan
into the swampy wastes of Venus, Hell-Kingdom
of the fabled War-Gods. He reached his goal—walking
with the robot-strides of a North-fever slave.
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Planet Stories Fall 42.
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
I
Earth Consul, Goodenow, tossed a packet of microfilms to Vanning, and said, "You're crazy. The man you're after isn't here. Only damn fools ever come to Venus—and don't ask me why I'm here. You're crazy to think you'll find a fugitive hiding on this planet."
Jerry Vanning, earth state investigator, moved his stocky body uneasily. He had a headache. He had had it ever since the precarious landing through the tremendous wind-maelstroms of the pea-soup Venusian atmosphere. With an effort he focused his vision on the micro-projector Goodenow handed him, and turned the tiny key. Inside the box, a face sprang into view. He sighed and slid another of the passport-films into place. He had never seen the man before.
"Routine check-up," he said patiently. "I got a tip Callahan was heading here, and we can't afford to take chances."