ASSIGNMENT ON VENUS
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.
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.
