S.W.A.T. (book 2 of the hexology in seven parts)

The Dante four dropped below the clouds and out of view of Venus obiter. “Good luck you guys and don’t be late back,” Marion Keers called out to the command module crew. There was a crackling, and Valerie Squires mission commander radioed back. “Cheers, pressure at thirty bar and rising.”

Marion turned to Simone Kepler. “How’s the radar, we still got them on screen?” “All O.K.” came the terse reply, as Simone stared intently at her screen. She was showing the pressure that all of the crew were feeling; after all, you didn’t just land on Venus without a lot of cautious steps.

The Lander had been designed to withstand the hell like surface of Venus, and tested to destruction in a special chamber on Earth. It not only been subjected to the intense pressure and heat found within the planet’s atmosphere, but also its corrosive rain.

They knew it would never survive for long, but that wasn’t the point. The mission was essentially a public relations exercise by the European Space Agency, to show they could achieve something great; just like the sky lifts, or the exploration fleet.

They only wanted enough time on the second planet to say, “We set foot on that world.” There would be no flag to commemorate the achievement. It would melt just the same as the spacecraft, if it failed to return to orbit.

So the ground crew would all be filmed using two cameras; one in the airlock, and the other being a hand held device. Not that there would be much scenery to film, just the bare rock on the ground beneath their feet as they moved around in the safety of their sealed studio. It was a compromise that needed to be made.

If they had been run of the planet in just their bear spacesuits, the astronauts would never survive the similar pressures they might experience at a kilometer down, in the deep of Earth’s oceans.

To achieve this miracle of science, the base of the rocket was essentially a dome, which could be sealed tight to the Venusian surface. Then the ship could micro terror-form its interior for a brief time, and the ground crew could walk on the surface of the planet.

They would have little time before even this advanced engineering succumbed to Venuses’ crushing atmosphere. So with an atmosphere brought with them from Earth, two intrepid astronauts would jump through the metaphorical hoops the E.S.A. had arranged for the P.R. coup; as they carried out simple tasks, like taking samples difficult to obtain in any other way.

The hull creaked under the excessive bars torturing the Melomite shell, and Colonel Squires checked the essential readings. “You two ready for the show?” she asked over the intercom. “Ready as we’ll ever be” came the reply from Frank Higgsworth, as he squeezed his wife Betty’s hand. “Well it’s in the hands of the gods now.”

Colonel Squires turned to watch her co pilot Debby Neilix; she was busy adjusting their decent rate, so Valerie could hit their target just right. The fever pitch of noise rose to a crescendo as the vibrations shook them to their teeth. Then with a thud that pushed them down into their seats, they landed on the Venusian surface.

The plasma bond started up automatically, to create the temporary bond that would seal in this little bit of Venus, and claim it for Earth. Next cool air was circulated through the dome, until detectors gave readings in the safe zone, and only then would the airlock to the Higgsworth’s chamber unlock.

They could finally proceed out on to the surface of Venus; but while the dome was being prepped Frank and Betty had not been idle. They had been giving the airlock camera an exclusive interview, direct from the surface of Venus.

“And now as you can see the airlock is ready for us to pass through, and actually step on Venusian soil. It may be a giant step for Mankind, but I think it should be a small step for a woman” explained Frank, and contrary to the mission director’s orders he turned to his wife as the door slid open.

“Ladies first dear, if you could be so kind.” Smiling to the lens Betty crossed over the threshold, holding the hand held camera. It would give the people of Earth a view of the newest world Mankind had visited. Meanwhile the airlock camera gave a good view of both their backs, as Frank followed his wife out.

Frank explained to the camera that they had no more than thirty minutes to take samples. “As the only thing that protects us from the harsh environment of the planet are mere meters of the ship’s hull. As you can see we’re wearing only light uniforms, for ease of movement.”

“This looks like an interesting rock,” Betty drew Frank’s attention to the formation across on the other side of the dome. This would make great shots when edited together with the air lock camera for the broadcast home thought Betty; but that would have to wait for when they were safely back up in orbit, and in radio contact with Earth.

Moving closer she had found a low slab, which for some reason had risen up from the surface. “It’s as if the pressure has been holding it down. See its still rising.” Frank put his hand to his ear. “Are you getting all of this Valerie?” but for some reason the commander didn’t respond. Frank only hoped she too was zooming in on the strange slab.

Then a Claxton began to ring and Frank’s training cut in, as he grabbed his wife’s arm; he sprang towards the airlock, but with a jerk her hand was torn lose from his as she tripped on a rock.

Inside the command module Valerie saw the drama unfold, as if it was in slow motion. Frank turned back to help his wife, but her expression told it all. For what Frank didn’t see was that the airlock door had started to close too soon.

It was the automatic response to the seal unexpectedly failing; they never had a chance. Valerie’s eyes were drawn to Betty’s pained expression, as she realized they were not going to make it to the hatch before it sealed shut. Betty and Frank would be doomed to the fiery hell of Venus’ surface.

There was nothing Valerie could do. Safety protocols could not be overridden. Turning to Neilix, she gave the order to lift off. Even Debby couldn’t believe it, as she started the sequence to launch. It was their worst nightmare come true; then the gee-force of lift off cut in, and they were thankfully oblivious of the fate Frank and Betty had been left to.

All too soon full consciousness returned, and with it the irrational guilt Valery felt for leaving the two behind. She knew they’d had no choice; to stay would have only brought her and Debby’s deaths too. But still the final look in Betty’s eyes kept playing over and over in Valerie’s tortured mind.

The intercom crackled, and with a jolt she was drawn back to the now. “You’re ahead of schedule. Is there a problem Dante four?” Marion’s voice cut in to Valerie’s thoughts like a dose of reality; cutting through the unreal nightmare she was stuck in like a dose of cold water.

She turned to Debby, who looked like she ridden the same emotional roller coaster she had, and was now bordering on tears herself. But Valery was the commander; she had to hold it together. “Orbiter one, we’ve lost the ground crew.”

Like a punch to the stomach, the silent response hit her with all the force of a freight train; before the shocked Marion finally asked, “can you repeat that last message?” It took all of Valerie’s force of will to say it once again; for now the import of her statement sat staring at her, as she replayed Betty’s last pained look of desperation.

“They’re dead, we couldn’t do a thing” she almost spat the words out like bile in her mouth, as if the facts could be drawn like poison; then thankfully Debbie took over the controls and the Dante four rose to dock with the orbiter, while Valerie strained to keep herself together.

The air lock door opened, and a very subdued Valery and Debby floated in to be met by Marion and Simone. They shared the pained expression of loss; and then all four remaining members of the mission floated in for a group hug.

The silent moment broke the spell they had fallen under, and when they parted again the questions began. Valery took the orbiter crew through the events; the seals had failed far too early, and then safety protocols had kicked in. “It must have been a catastrophic failure for the door to close so quickly” Marion concluded.

Then with a nod towards Simone she added, “We must prepare the transmission to Earth. They have to know.” Valley looked up, it was true Earth would be waiting for the results of this monumental day. But it was supposed to be a triumph of mankind’s achievements, not this. The guilty feeling that had almost subsided in Valery; reared its ugly head once more.

She imagined the endless questions she would have to face both now and back home, for the rest of her life. She drew herself in; both in a ball and in her mind as she remembered Betty’s last pained stare. They wouldn’t have a rest of their lives, for they were dead; their tortured forms would be long disintegrated, on the harsh ground where Mankind was not supposed to tread.

Marion took control and guided Valery to her bunk; “We’ll sleep on this before reporting in.” But in her mind Marion was running through the checks she must do, and the footage she must see with her own eyes; as if it all could not sink in until that final nail of truth was hammered home.

Betty stared at the camera lens, as a plethora of facts crowded her mind. The door was closing, and she knew that only meant one thing; a catastrophic failure of the seals had occurred. They had moments to live before Venus’s death like grip would tear their lives away.

Frank was coming back, if he hadn’t turned to save her, if she hadn’t fallen, might he may have made it to the airlock? Then she saw the slab, the one that had started to rise up; there was a hole under it. Like a drowning woman she grasped at this final straw; and grasping Frank’s hand once more, she slid down this insane hole, pulling her husband behind; just moments before the wave of heat hit them, and they both passed out.

When she awoke, Betty’s first thought was that Frank had rolled on top of her in bed; and then the nightmare of the mission flooded back. Was she dead? She had to be dead; but the pain in her legs felt all too real for her to be dead. She instinctively pushed Frank’s torso off them and he groaned; so he was alive too. But how could they have survived? It was crazy.

Betty wiped her eyes, but with a sinking feeling she realized all was black; had she gone blind? Then her hand touched a familiar object, the hand held camera. She grabbed at it, and Frank groaned again; it had been on a strap attached to his wrist she remembered.

She could hardly help either Frank or herself, without some light; so tugging at the strap she managed to bring the camera up to her eyes. Then feeling for the button she switched it on. There was a faint glow from the indicator light on the device; not enough to illuminate anything, but that light kindled a flame in Betty’s heart. She was not blind.

She rolled over to find Frank again. Mainly by touch, but also just faintly by the indicator light, which gave an outline to the darkness. He moaned when she felt his cheek, and she cursed at being able do nothing in this oppressive darkness.

She decided the only thing to do was to explore this unknown pocket of life, that she knew shouldn’t exist. Reaching out Bettye felt a smooth wall; and so getting unsteadily to her feet she followed it round.

They were in some sort of shaft that she estimated to be about eight feet across, just too far to reach. She trod carefully, shuffling her feet so she didn’t tread on her husband; but search as she might there didn’t seem to be an exit. They had only survived by some insane chance from the sudden death Venus had offered; merely to slowly starve in this oubliette on a distant world.

Betty sank to the floor once more as her tears fell; then the thought hit her “I can’t be losing precious water”; she almost laughed at the ridiculousness of it all. She would lie next to her love and they could die arm in arm, forever entombed.

But as she lay down to feel for the one she would die with, a hard object jarred against the side of her palm. She devoured the shape with her fingers, intent on discovering this new chance at hope. It was some sort of wheel fixed to the floor; and she tried to turn it. But like a taunt towards her, it refused to budge. Then an inspiration took her. Betty tried it clockwise; as if this alien thought fitted the alien world they had invaded.

The wheel moved, and desperately Betty turned it until it would go no more. Then she pulled until she felt her arms would come out of their sockets, yet still it would not budge. Panting she worked her way out and found an edge. It was two foot across, and yes there was a hinge.

With renewed vigor she pictured the hatch in her mind, and stood to get a better purchase on it. The hatch moved just an inch, and faint light filled the chamber. But it was too much, and she dropped it shut once more. She looked to where she thought Frank was; she had to rouse him. Feeling her way once more towards Frank’s recumbent form in the pitch black, Betty sort out her love; not this time to die in his arms, but for his help to live.

He lay on his back and Betty put her ear to his face. The ragged breathing told of the abuse he had suffered. He should have been allowed to rest, but their plight was desperate, so she shook him. Then with a snort Frank finally rose up from the stupor he had been in. When he realized they were still alive, he clasped Betty to his chest and just cried.

Betty haltingly explained what she had found out. “Lets get it open then” he croaked, as they shuffled to the wheel and tugged. Immediately the chamber was bathed in light and Betty gasped; for she had just seen Frank’s face half burnt by Venus, like a slap before they had miraculously escaped. Looking up they saw the shaft disappear in to the darkness above.

Then they looked down. There were steps disappearing off in to the distance, lit by a faint glow in the walls. Betty looked at Frank, “Do you feel up to exploring?” she asked. He smiled “I’m not losing you again, lets go.” Then carefully closing the hatch behind them, the two refugees from the harsh environment above descended in to the depths below.

The stairs seemed to go on forever, and they had to stop time after time. Until weary from the decent Frank had to admit defeat. “I can’t go on without some water dear,” he moaned. Then he sank down on to the steps in a dejected heap.

But Betty had been thinking as they had descended, “Why was there breathable air down here? It didn’t fit in with the surface, but then who had built all this, and why? Had run away green house effects forced them down? And who or what would they find when they finally got to the bottom of these steps?” She couldn’t leave Frank, she just had to get him going, or they would die on these steps never knowing what secrets Venus was hiding.

“Get up” she shouted, hating herself for the pain she was causing Frank; but she knew in her heart that they must try to go on. Mutely Frank stumbled behind her, bracing himself on the wall, as his breath grew more drawn out. “Can you smell it?” he asked in a daze; and breathing deeply Betty too felt the damp air in her nostrils, as she almost choked with joy. With a final turn the stairs ended, and before them lay a pool; it was as if their silent prayers had been answered. “What if it’s not water?” Betty spoke her sudden fear.

“Well if it’s not, I’ll soon find out,” said Frank plunging his head in the cool liquid, and he came up beaming. “It feels so good, I feel like I’m alive again. Here try some,” and he slid over for Betty to get a drink. Moved by blind faith in her husband, and the fact that it was either drink or die, Betty saw no other choice, and she drank here fill too. Then weary from their exertions, and the horror of the experience above, they just lay there and slept.

When Frank awoke he was alone. He spent moments desperately looking around, until Betty broke through the surface of the water as she laughed in renewed joy. “Come in, the water’s lovely,” so with a grin, Frank dove in too. The water seemed to be of a pleasant temperature, and they splashed about enjoying this brief respite from their problems.

Finally hunger brought them back to the dire consequences of their situation. “How are your burns?” Betty examined Frank’s face. “It feels fine” Frank assured her; they did seem a lot better after the cool water had done its work. “But we won’t get out of this, if we don’t find something to eat,” he continued in a more serious tone. Betty turned a pained face away; it was too much to expect that bounty could be found too. But steeling herself she stood, “Let’s go and have a look.”

They set off invigorated from the swim, but still weary of heart, and empty of belly. There was a thin ledge that ran away in to the distance, round what turned out to be a large underground lake. Finally tired from their exertions, Betty lay down in Frank’s arms as they slept fitfully, their bellies having ceased to complain. They now just gave a dull ache, a reminder of the fate that must befall them.

Betty awoke nuzzling in to Frank’s chest, and looking up she discerned a far off look in his eyes, as if he was gazing at a distant star. “Do you think this is it dear?” Frank’s reply held conviction enough to rouse Betty from her stupor. “No dear, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Startled by his absurd statement, she looked up to see him raise a finger and point. She followed the line he had aimed at, and indeed way off in the distance where the cave disappeared in to shadow there was a tiny pinpoint of light, guiding them like a star. Shakily Frank helped her up, and clutching one another as much for reassurance as support, they staggered towards that far off ray of hope.

The light pouring in to the cave mouth almost blinded them; and turning back Betty could no longer make out the faint glow from the walls, but eventually their eyes grew accustomed to this new level of brightness, and they stumbled forward. Although they were still unable to look up, at what seemed like an even glow spread out above their heads.

But what really left them gawping, was what seemed to be a lush forest stretching out in a valley before them. Betty took a step on to the grass slope and almost stumbled, as tree roots seemed to crisscross the surface forming little loops in the grass. After that they both moved more cautiously.

Strange noises called out across the valley, like the distorted sound of a sea gull; and Frank swore he saw a movement in the undergrowth, when he turned at the sound of a rustle. But they eventually they stumbled in to a grove festooned with bushes, from which hung bright red bulbous fruit.

Betty reached out to pick one, but Frank put his hand on her wrist. “It might be poisonous.” She turned her weary eyes up to him. “I’m not starving to death worrying over if a fruit is poisonous or not,” and she bit in to the ripe morsel.

The look of ecstasy that came over her face soon had them both eating their fill; until finally satisfied, they sat wiping the red stains off each other’s lips, and burping appreciably. “Do you think we’ve died, I mean and gone to heaven?” Betty speculated. “No, there are stranger things to find in the universe, without turning to mysticism” Frank reassured her, and they lay down drowsy from the day’s exploration.

When they awoke they ate again, then gathered a good stock of the red fruit; stuffing every pocket in case they couldn’t find more food. Then before they set off Frank suggested that they should keep a diary as he held up the camera; and so Betty introduced the potential viewers of their records to this new world.

“Up there is a cave, and past the lake inside it, which stretches its length is a stair case leading up to the surface. You have to go through a hatch in the ceiling before the surface chamber is accessible. After that you’ll need a long ladder, and some heavy-duty space suits to withstand the searing heat and crushing pressure of the surface.”

Frank panned round to the forest, as Betty described an ark to keep in shot. “But down here is the hidden world beneath Venus’ surface. There has been speculation about the core of Venus being solid, due to its weak magnetic field. And I think this proves the center of the planet consists of a series of catacombs; probably like this, and this footage proves it definitely sustain life.”

“The rock above must not only protect this environment from the Sun’s harsh radiation, but also coverts the intense heat of the surface in to a light source; it’s a sort of hydroponic garden, deep below the surface. So now we intend to explore this new world, in the hope some day other Humans can find their way down here.”

Frank put the camera down, “Some chance of that dear” he laughed cocking his head to one side; but all he got was a rye grin. “Well all the best adventure novels started like that,” laughed Betty. “Besides I couldn’t very well go saying I feel like Eve in the Garden of Eden. Are you coming Adam?” she chuckled waving her hips provocatively as she glanced over her shoulder. Frank just grinned and followed after.

The forest seemed to be thinning out, and they stopped for a rest and to eat. “What time is it dear? My watch’s been broken since we fell down that pit.” Asked Betty. Frank looked down, “well I’ll be blown; it’s Wednesday.” Betty started with surprise, “but that means we’ve been down here three days, do you think it ever goes dark?”

Frank shielded his eyes to look up. “I suppose it never would, with just the light from the rock constantly shining down. But by my watch it’s about nine in the evening; we had better start pacing ourselves by my watch, or we’ll end up tiring ourselves out.” And with that they settled down for the night, for want of a better word.

Frank woke with a start; and rousing Betty he motioned her to keep silent, while they crawled through the undergrowth. There was a strange noise coming from up ahead. It was a sort of droning chant; and peeking through a bush, Betty had to stifle a gasp of shock. For not twenty feet from where she crawled, stood a humanoid figure with it’s back to them.

It seemed to be directing others of its kind in some sort of agricultural activity. They toiled on what obviously some sort of cultivated field. Betty cautiously pulled her head back, and whispered to her husband “Venusians, there’s one in the eye for Burroughs.” Frank missed the reference, but motioned her to move back away from the open; least this new find of theirs proved dangerous. Nature was one thing; but who knew what these sentient beings were capable of?

They found a safe spot to observe these farm laborers and their overseer; then over the course of several hours Frank and Betty compared notes, on the apparent demeanor of these beings from another world. Physically they were remarkably similar to Humans, except for the eyes; they had an insect like look to them, with a compound structure.

It was hard to tell from a distance, but as Betty had remembered the zoom function on the camera, they got some good shots of these beings in action; and they even saw them speak. Although from their attempts to read the Venusian’s lips, neither astronaut could recognize the language.

Finally all the work seemed to be done, and about eight hours had passed by Frank’s watch; then and the work gang headed off over the near by horizon. Betty and Frank had agreed over the day that these beings showed no sign of aggression, and that it would be safe to follow at a distance at least; so they could find out some more about this new civilization.

It didn’t take long for the couple to lose their quarry, but they knew what direction they had disappeared in; so moving from one piece of cover to the next they finally found the object of their search.

“Look huts,” Frank pointed as he strode forward with determination; but a soft hand on his shoulder checked his progress. “Let them come to us it shows less aggression, and we don’t want to get off on the wrong foot. After all, we may have to spend the rest of our days here,” Betty advised him. So hand in hand Frank and Betty advanced slowly, and stood where these natives of a foreign land could see them.

The first was a female hanging out her washing; she just looked up from her line and noticed the strangers. Smiling She started to speak; but then she noticed their eyes, and giving a start she rushed inside. Soon a group of about ten men emerged from various huts and advanced on the two. They didn’t seem openly hostile, but they did approach Frank and Betty with caution; as if they might carry some menace with them.

One at the front called out in a tongue wholly alien to the two Earthlings, and when neither of the two showed any comprehension of the phrase, the leader barked an order; and rough hands grabbed the pair.

Betty turned to Frank with an expression of fear, and he tried to reassure her as they were frog marched to a stout looking hut. “Don’t resist love. We can’t escape now, and I don’t think we should show any signs of aggression.” The door banged shut behind the two, and they clung to each other for comfort in the semi darkness of their cell.

Hours passed, but at intervals they were given food. It consisted of an oat like paste that they ate with some unleavened bread. “I’m scared, what do you think they’re going to do to us?” Betty confided over the remains of their meal. Frank considered the situation as he popped the last piece of bread in his mouth.

“Well they haven’t actually harmed us, but they obviously have a sever distrust of strangers. Perhaps they are trying to decide what to do with us. Or they could be asking some higher authority, like a government in a capital. Either way we are better off than we were on the surface.” Betty could see the sense in this, and so content only to be safe for the moment, they lay down to sleep.

But Frank had fitful dreams, and Betty had to keep holding him while he tossed and turned muttering about the klaxons. Finally exhausted she too dropped in to a deep slumber, and they both awoke aching as their cell had only the bare floor to lie on.

There was a rattling at the door and they had to shield their eyes, as light once more poured in on them. They could just make out an outline of a figure, as firm hands grabbed them, and they were drawn outside. This new man seemed to be dressed in cloth cut from a finer yarn; but he spoke in the same unintelligible language the others had.

When Betty and Frank failed to respond to his words, he turned to the first man who had spoken to them. Frank supposed he was the headman in the village; and although unable to understand the words, the two Earthlings gathered this new man held great authority over the other.

It was not long before the two men had come to an agreement, and soon Frank and Betty were being marched off with this new man and his entourage; of what the two astronauts supposed were warriors; although none of them carried weapons.

They had to stop to sleep quite a few times on the journey, and Betty speculated on the significance of this. “They must have some way of communicating over long distances, or we would have been waiting in that hut longer than we did.”

The country seemed mainly cultivated; but off in the distance Frank pointed out what looked like a large settlement, “We must be headed there.” The style seemed to be low buildings with flat roofs, but in the center of all the structures stood a tall building. Although ancient in appearance, it seemed to be constructed to a higher level of technology than the surrounding structures. Like seeing a skyscraper in a country village; it jarred against its neighbors.

The buildings seemed to just to begin with no discernable boundary, and Frank and Betty soon got lost in the maze of streets they were led through. Finally they were led in to a courtyard, where the important man and the guards left them, shutting the doors with an ominous click of the lock.

Frank gazed about looking for their next guide in this strange world, hoping that Perhaps they could finally make some headway with communication. But Betty could not tear her eyes off the tower, which stood in plain site for where they stood. “Don’t you think we should get in there, I feel it is strangely calling to me.” She suddenly looked confused, “Now why do you think I said that?”

Just as puzzled by Betty’s statement, Frank took refuge in a mural that ran along one of the walls; it was like the Bayeux tapestry, but with space age weapons. When they had finally traced this supposedly pictorial history to the far end, it depicted great machines on the surface of a war torn world, while figures crouched in caves far below. Then a new stranger greeted the two.

His compound eyes were of a rich green hue, giving him the appearance of wearing emerald spectacles. His cloths too seemed to be cut from a finer cloth than Betty and Frank had seen before on this world. “Po kata tri bo?” He enquired, and it was hard to tell whom he was addressing, due to his compound eyes.

Frank tried to mime them coming from above, which seemed not only to perturb the stranger, but also left him looking quite mystified. Then Betty held out her hands palm up, and with a smile this official took them both in his and shook them; before he repeated the action with Frank, who was keen to emulate there one and only form of conversing. “That was a stroke of luck”, Frank whispered to Betty. “It was more of an instinct,” Betty explained glancing at the tower.

The stranger beckoned them to follow him, as he led them through yet more narrow streets; it seemed now he was now satisfied of their true intent, and that they merely needed directing to the destination he had in mind for them.

Frank and Betty passed shops selling all manner of strange foodstuffs displayed like any Earth market, interspersed between various shops displaying goods that would not be out of place in some Eastern bazar.

Looking up, Frank noticed they were always heading towards the huge edifice, which stood like a monolith in the center of the city. Then finally the tiny back streets gave way to an open space that surrounded the huge tower; it was an imposing sight from this close.

The base of the tower was made up of huge carved rocks, with just one enormous set of double doors, and as the trio approached they swung in revealing a dark chamber beyond.

As soon as they had crossed the thresh hold the doors swung shut again; but looking back Frank could discern no one pushing them, and the final sliver of light disappeared with any chance of their retreating.

Then Frank and Betty were bathed in light from some unseen source; they also noticed their guide had mysteriously disappeared too. But like a new guide the illumination seemed to draw them on to a staircase, leading up in to the shadows.

Clutching each other for the shared illusion of control, the pair ascended the steps until they entered a chamber that was bathed in purple light. There were a number of columns of white light dispersed through the space, and reaching out Frank placed his hand in to a column. He instantly got a garbled vision in his mind of the mural they had seen in the courtyard.

He flinched, and pulling his hand back he turned to Betty; then he spoke to her in a strange tone, as if he was trying to remember something he was still learning. “I think I know what happened to Venus. There was a terrible war with a race from a distant star. I’m not sure how it started, but near the end the Venusians managed to destroy the enemy invaders. But they knew one day others would come, and in greater numbers. So they took to the vast cave system under the planet’s surface. The core of this planet is solid, that’s why it has such a weak magnetic field. And the luminescence on the roof of the caverns was all they needed to create a fully formed biosphere, down here out of sight. And then they built terror-forming machines, but designed to speed up the green house effect on the surface. Effectively making the world we know today. They cut themselves off from the universe, so they could live in peace. These columns must be some kind of learning aids”

They took it in turns to plunge their hands in to different columns, and soon had a reasonable knowledge of the history of this world; along with such inventions as the field generator, which Betty had experienced in the courtyard. It bathed the whole planet in a calming wave, which kept a feeling of harmony; least the inhabitants start a war or break the status quo; for that would never do on a world where no escape was possible.

Finally both Frank and Betty plunged their hands in to one column; and although there seemed to be no information imparted to them, they both knew some wealth of knowledge had passed in to their minds. “Welcome strangers”, a woman’s voice called out from the shadows at the edge of the room.

A lithe figure clad in glittering gold moved in to the light, and Frank squeezed Betty’s hand in reassurance. “Now you have been given the knowledge of our people, you must give me your tale of how you came to our world.” Her eyes flashed with a silver hue as her purple hair waved gently as if in a breeze.

Frank started, but stepping forward Betty addressed their host. “We come from the third planet out from the sun; the war which you fought had never been known to our people, and as far as our world is concerned yours is a dead and inhospitable rock. The Human race is only concerned with planets we can live on; and your secret is safe with us if you wish to keep it. Can we go home now please?”

The woman looked sad as she chose her words with care, “If you leave then our world would be known beyond its borders. I know you are true to your word and would not speak of us if you could; but think, how would you explain your surviving the harsh world above without revealing ours below? You are free to roam our world at will, but you can never return to your people.”

As Betty stood aghast at the finality of her pronouncement, the woman disappeared in to the shadows before either of them could recover from this judgement on their bid to get home. As if suddenly prompted into action Frank rushed forward, but if there ever was a door he could not find it now; it was as if she never had been there.

“I can help you find a home” came a familiar tone, and they turned to see their previous guide, who was now able to converse with them freely. Then a thought struck Betty, “They’re not talking English, we’re fluent in Venusian.” At the same time Frank realized that his wife, although conversing in an intelligible way to him, was pronouncing the strange syllables that all these aliens used. Turning once more to their guide, Frank finally had to admit defeat, “lead on friend.”

Their guide led them back out in to the maze of alleys, which was now bustling with vendors; Betty got the feeling they had all been hiding until told that the strangers were harmless. The man showed them to a vacant dwelling and bid them enter. “You will find all you need here, and should you require more just ask. We all live according to our needs. Then when you find your role in our society, I’m sure you will find your lives here will be happy ones.”

He turned to go and Betty tried to thank him, but for some reason she could not come up with the words. It was as if the language didn’t have any way to express gratitude.

Left for the moment they explored their new home; the front room consisted of a kitchen of sorts. It was basic, but it did have an oven and a hob powered by some source they couldn’t for the present discern. There was a sink set up, but no refrigerator; “It looks like we’ll have to go shopping every day,” Frank observed. In the back seemed to be a simple workshop, which they assumed was for fulfilling their role in society at whatever they found to do. Upstairs were a bedroom and bathroom adequate for two.

As they had been told by their guide to go out and ask for things, the two soon went exploring the streets, and found out all they needed to know about Venusian daily life; what to eat, and how to prepare it. It seemed that there was no need for money, as each took only what they needed; and by the time they grew tired, they had returned to their appointed dwelling. Laden down with enough food for now they prepared a meal together; then shutting the blinds to block out the constant light, they slept.

Once more as Betty lay there dozing Frank tossed and turned in his sleep; then he sat bolt upright and turned to Betty, “We’ve got to get out of here. And it has to be soon or we’ll be here forever.” Although the pull of this seemingly idyllic lifestyle was tempting, Betty knew in her heart he was right. They had to get back to Earth some how.

Over the next few days they explored the various shops, and procured numerous objects; for although the society as a whole didn’t use electrical devices, Frank and Betty’s engineering background as astronauts stood them in good stead to cannibalize what this world did provide.

They drew on the knowledge gleamed from the light column room to construct a device that could utilize the good feeling wave transmitter, and send its signal back up in to space; and the beauty of it was that they could transmit the signal from their own dwelling.

“We just need one more bit of kit,” Frank laughed as he got out their trusty video camera and set it up on the end of the bed. Then he sat with Betty at the other end, and began to fill up the rest of the camera’s memory. “This is Frank Higgsworth.” “And his wife Betty,” added his partner. “We are both alive and well, but we need picking up,” continued Frank. “If you can return to the exact spot the Dante four landed on exactly one year from when we first landed.” “And bring a hundred foot of rope,” his wife concluded.

The red light flashed on the front of the camera to show the memory was full; then they set up the collection of parts skillfully crafted between them in to a transmitter that was powered it off the oven. They had managed to finally disassemble and utilizes it power source, which seemed to collect heat from the air around it, and concentrate it. The video ran through from their first shots on the surface to the final message they had recorded on the bed, and then it started all over again.

After the forth run through, there was a knock at the door. “No point hiding it,” Frank told a suddenly panicked Betty; and they opened the door to see who had come. It was their guide, and he looked very worried. “I’ve been told to fetch you now,” he explained and he turned to go; so shrugging their shoulders Betty and Frank traipsed after him; after all where else could they go.

This trip to the tower didn’t start with a lesson by the columns; for as soon as the guide had left them Frank and Betty were confronted by the woman in gold. She had tears in her eyes and looked as if she had been through terrible anguish. Betty almost felt regret at their actions, but then she thought of her longing for home and stiffened her resolve. “What did you tell your people about our world?” their interrogator demanded.

Betty felt a nudge from Frank, as she realized that although they had been taught the Venusian tongue; their captors had never bothered to learn English. “We told them that we were alive and happy and not to worry about us,” Betty could feel her cheeks glowing. Then Frank added, “If our kind cannot recover their dead they keep looking for them, or any part of them left; we only wanted to stop a useless search.”

Their interrogator stared at both in turn, trying to weigh up what they had said. Then as if pronouncing a sentence she began, “You may have deceived us, we are not used to lies; but if what you say is true then you will no longer need the equipment you brought with you and the device you made. It will be removed for study.”

She paused as if receiving orders, or considering the case more. “Further more to prevent any further communications beyond our world, you will be confined to a larger house; and your guide Garlax, will be tasked to provide you with the necessities of your existence. He should have kept a better watch on you it seems.” And then she was gone as before. The two turned and Garlax stood before them; he was looking as if he had been brought to task too. “You are to follow me,” he said as he strode off.

They were led to the building with the courtyard that they were first left in when they entered the city; and Betty noted it looked more like a secure dwelling than the other buildings they had seen. “This must be the closest thing they have to a jail here,” she confided to Frank.

After Garlax made sure they were acquainted with the new domestic arrangements, he left them to settle in. “I will be back in four Neeps with food, but there is some to keep you from hunger in the cupboard.” A Neep was roughly equivalent to an hour and a half as far as Frank and Betty had managed to work out.

When Garlax had gone Betty buried herself in Frank’s chest weeping, “Will we ever get home dear? It looks like they’ve imprisoned us forever.” Frank leaned in close and whispered in Betty’s ear. “Walls have ears, but I think they bought your lie about not wanting to go home; and when I told them about our kind searching for our bodies that clinched it. It’s a good job they didn’t question us separately, or we’d never have got our stories strait.”

He made as to run his finger round her ear to comfort her as he continued, “I don’t think they really know how to deal with crime; what’s the point in stealing if every one of them gives and takes only according to their needs” Betty squeezed him tighter, as if to stop him mid stream. “But how will we ever get to the surface if we can’t even leave this house?” Frank already had the answer to that. “The Earth wouldn’t be able to mount another mission until the time we told them; so we have plenty of time to work out a plan of escape. Let’s just settle in for now, and make them think we’re reformed characters.”

By the time Garlax returned, Frank and Betty had explored the extent of their prison, which all being told was almost palatial in size; they would certainly be incarcerated in style.

Over the months the two astronauts devised an exercise program to keep fit in the confines of their prison; while for his part Garlax was careful to only bring necessary food and items, despite Betty’s constant campaign of requests. “I need to keep busy, or I could die of boredom Garlax”, She would insist several times a day.

As the months wore on he ceased watching the nonsensical activities that kept Frank and Betty busy; but they were in fact training for their escape plan to evade the Venusians, once they were free of the confines of this prison.

They had meticulously recreated their journey, from the top of the steps they first descended right up to the outskirts of the city; so they could retrace their steps back again. Then they trained and trained to complete this desperate journey; timing it so they could arrive at the required date Frank set, and they both hoped had been picked up by some Earthly observer.

They mulled over any delays they might encounter, so they could arrive at their destination with little time to spare; for they didn’t know how long they would be able to withstand a determined siege from the Venusian forces. At least Garlax still seemed at a loss to discover their true intentions; by the way he always stood dumfounded whenever he found them midway in their circuit of the house.

Finally Frank gave the final count down, and Betty began her campaign of gathering supplies for their desperate dash for freedom. She had built up a routine of requests that she would plague Garlax for; and by then he had long since given up considering the items as anything but everyday essentials.

On the day they were to go Betty had requested Garlax to get a particular fruit, which was only available some distance from their dwelling. “You know it’s the only thing to cure these headaches”; Betty had carefully fed this lie to her jailer over the last few months.

The moment they were sure he had gone, Betty gathered the supplies still scattered around the house; least a suspicious Garlax should find the ready-made packs, and suspect an escape was imminent. Meanwhile Frank was busy in a cleverly concealed tunnel behind a now discarded cupboard back.

He was breaking through to an alley, which they could see through the barred window above it. As the final bricks fell down to Frank’s pounding foot he reached back and took the packs off Betty. Then she followed him through the escape route pulling the cupboard door shut behind them, to buy them more precious time.

They made their way through the maze of streets in a direction they hoped would lead them to the edge of the city; the way they came was a sketchy memory at least, as the streets had twisted and turned so often. More than that they could not get direction, for in an unchanging sky east and west had little meaning.

With only a brief time to escape before the alarm would be raised, Frank and Betty ran an uneasy balance between covering the distance quickly; and yet still acting like they were not fleeing for their freedom. That would raise suspicious glances and surely bring on their doom.

With her heart pumping in her throat Betty grabbed Frank’s arm, “Look between those houses.” The countryside was in view; one thing they did have in their favor was that with no forces to attack them here, the Venusians had not built a city wall.

At least now they could move as fast as they wanted; for now any pursuit would be in earnest and aimed only at the fleeing couple. But which way should they go? They couldn’t waste time deciding. Frank spotted a low hill he thought he recognized and off they dashed; ever aware that pursuit could be on the way at any moment.

The path grew more familiar as they hurried on encouraging the couple; and each took turns at looking back for pursuit from the city, but also far ahead in case the mysterious method the Venusians used to communicate over long distances brought other foes to block their path.

Finally exhausted from their exertions and the strain of this constant vigilance, Betty finally had to admit she couldn’t continue with this marathon flight. “I’m just about done in myself,” admitted Frank turning away from the path. “Let’s get some distance from this track, look there’s a clump of bushes a little way off.” They staggered through the rough grass, until reaching the dense clump of foliage; then the two sank exhausted to the ground.

“We’d better try and eat something then get some sleep, I’ll keep first watch,” suggested Frank handing Betty a piece of Venusian bread. It was a rich doughy loaf that contained fruit; it quenched her thirst while filling their stomachs.

After the meal Betty’s eyes drooped shut and she lay breathing shallowly; while Frank lay on his stomach where he could see the track while remaining hidden. A few hours later, exhausted from his extended vigil Frank roused his wife who was now refreshed, so he could finally get some much needed sleep.

“Wake up dear, its time to go,” Betty whispered in Frank’s ear some time later as he snorted awake. They carefully scoured the horizon for any signs of pursuit before moving on, but no one seemed to be following them.

After several days of this they approached the countryside near to the village; and they stopped to decide their next plan of action. With the certainty that word had been sent ahead, they began a path that took a wide arc around the settlement.

As far as they could tell no one seemed to be out scouring the country for them. Had they been allowed to go? Or was there a trap being readied to spring on them at this very moment; but with the village behind them they had now only to find the cave again. They had a target to aim for and little time now to reach it.

The trouble now was that the land between them and their goal was only tilled fields; where farm workers could be toiling away, all too ready to spot the fugitives. Frank pulled Betty down with a yank and indicated a lone figure on the horizon; and in desperation she scanned the surrounding land for cover. There was nothing but a bare hillock, so they carefully began to make towards it. If only the figure would not look up from his labors, for out here they were just too exposed.

With her heart pounding in Betty’s throat they finally made it to the cover; and they threw themselves down panting. What if now the unseen laborer was at this minute coming to investigate, or even worst going to get help?

Frank poked his head over the brow of the mound. The farmer still seemed intent on his work; so they began to crawl, finding cover as they could until at last the forest was in sight. There seemed to be no one in sight as they dashed the several hundred yards left to the rich dense foliage. They had safe concealment at last, and safe in its confines they rested a while, exhausted from the day’s events.

When Frank and Betty roused from their slumber, a hush seemed to have fallen over the forest; and it felt as if every sound they made would betray their presence. They flinched at the cracking of a twig, or the far off sound of some beast as they made their way through the dense foliage. Suddenly the clearing by the cave mouth came in to view.

Grabbing Frank’s pack Betty yanked him back, as they both saw a group of Venusian farmers gathered at the bottom of the slope. It was sheer Luck that they were too intent on the forest down the slope to notice the astronauts; as the two Earthlings carefully eased back in to the trees.

Then they carefully edged through the foliage to reach a point higher up the hill. Did they only have to creep past these sentinels to get access to the cave? If only there were some night to look forward to they could use its darkness to slip away undetected. But with no hope of that and rested from their efforts in the fields, Frank urged Betty forward; it was now or never.

They had covered half the distance to the cave entrance when a farmer chanced to turn. “The aliens” he cried as he headed up the slope leading the baying pack of pursuers. Frank shoved Betty forward in an effort to get her up the last few feet, and then they were through the cave mouth.

All of a sudden rough hands groped at Betty, and it was only by sheer luck that she managed to duck under the ambusher; Frank hit him on the jaw and the man went reeling. But not before the Venusian managed to grab Frank’s pack as he held tight.

“Go on love I’ll hold them off,” Frank shouted; but Betty had spun on her heels as she tugged at Frank in desperation. With a jerk Frank’s arms came free of the pack, and the man holding him fell back in to the waters with a splash.

The two of them were off along the path in a blind panic; and looking over his shoulder Frank saw some their pursuers had stopped to help the man out of the water, but more were still in pursuit of them. They were still far from safe.

Soon the path grew thin and they had to edge their way along; the Venusians seemed a bit reticent to traverse this new obstacle, perhaps in fear of the lake; but still they persisted intent on catching their quarry. So it was with some gained ground when the two finally stopped at the bottom of the stairs.

“My legs feel wobbly,” Betty panted as she lent against the wall; Frank came to his senses as he realised her plight, “Of course you’ve still got your pack on, give it here.” She looked up in to his eyes asking, “Do we still need it?” and with a firm nod Frank took the bag, “Yes I’ve a final plan, if they get too close.” Then he started up the steps with a firm grip on Betty’s arm.

They had got a fair way up when the ever-persistent clatter of their pursuers grew threateningly loud. Frank turned and urged Betty on up throwing the pack back down the steps; it bounced down spilling it’s contents, which only made the noise reverberate more, but it might just buy them some time. Turning he followed Betty on up, Weary in their efforts; but ever listening out for the Venusians renewed pursuit.

Finally they both stumbled exhausted in to the chamber at the top of the stairs; and although still far off, the sounds told them their pursuers could not be too far behind. Reaching up Frank pushed the hatch in the roof open, and helping Betty through first he pulled his weary frame through the hole.

Just then footsteps stomping up the steps heralded the Venusian farmers, and Betty slammed the hatch shut. “Hold it down, while I turn the wheel”, Betty screamed at Frank; he flung his weight on the now opening hatch.

A man fell with a thud in the chamber below as the door clanged in to place; plunging them in to darkness, as Betty spun the wheel with the last of her strenth. She lay panting while Frank now gripped the locking mechanism from his place on the floor, “How long do you think it will take for them to overpower us?” Betty asked, fully aware of the hopelessness of this last ditch effort to escape.

They both knew the slimness of this one chance at getting home, and straining with the effort to stop those from below from turning the wheel Frank looked in to Betty’s eyes. He could see the fear in her eyes, and wondering where the light to see them was coming from they both looked up. There was a faint light shining from above and through it descended a thin sliver of rope.

Frank almost lost his grip on the wheel in shock. Then a voice rang out from above, “Quick we only have a little time”; it was Colonel Squires. There was a loop on the end of the rope and Betty quickly put it round her waist as she yanked on the cord. Instantly a motor whirred from above and she ascended. With only one to counter the efforts from below the wheel began to turn, as Frank strained to hold on.

Frank’s muscles screamed in agony that seemed like an eternity passing before the cord once more came in to his reach, and with one final effort he let the wheel go; there was a sudden commotion from below as a Venusian fell back down from the sudden release of the wheel’s tension.

In the meantime Frank had deftly placed the loop about his waist and he yanked on the rope. He began to rise just in time to miss the groping hands of his pursuers as they poured through the hatch. “Go back or you will die,” Frank shouted at the upturned eyes that looked like so many jewels, and then he was over the lip.

Valery was busy helping Betty to the air lock, while Marion ripped the cord from Frank; and half dragged him away from the hole. The air lock door slid shut behind them, and then all four astronauts made their way to the take off seats. Forces beyond their control pushed them back in to the chairs, and the rocket soured away from that seemingly dead planet.