Trapped on Venus (16 page)

 
They didn’t even
attempt to say anything for at least twenty-five seconds while the engines
pushed them powerfully into space above the clouds of Venus. Then the engines
reached the limit of the fuel in their main thrusters and shut off completely.

 
“Now, we’re just going
to drift, Marty, unless Grayson can catch up to us,” Scott said with only a
hope of a miracle to sustain him. Ten, twelve, fifteen seconds passed before
that miracle happened.

 
“Venus Twelve... I’ve
got you on radar,” came Grayson’s voice as he spotted them where they were.
“Are you guys alright?” he asked.

 
Marty and Scott looked
at each other with relief written all over their faces. “We are now, Grayson.
Can you reach us on this pass?”

 
“Roger, Scott. If you
guys can turn the ship to starboard about eighteen degrees and slow your drift,
I’ll pick you up like a stork catching a baby.”

 
“We’ve still got
thruster mobility, Venus Orbiter. You tell us when, and we can make whatever
adjustments you require. Just don’t miss us. We haven’t got enough power or
oxygen left to wait around for you to make another orbit.”

 
“Roger that,” Grayson
acknowledged. “I won’t miss you guys. After all, Marty owes me money for that
Superbowl game.”

 
“You mean my team
lost?” Marty moaned.

 
“Not only did they
lose,” Grayson continued, “they signed a deal to move to another city!”

 
“That’s just great,”
Marty responded. “And to think I got season tickets for next year!”

The End.

 
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About the book and the author
:

 
Mr. Conrad considers this one of his most imaginative
books. In it he creates a world that is totally fiction but is built upon the
known science about Venus. With the possibility of a planet literally teeming
with life – but under the sun-baked crust of Venus – he conjectures how two
American astronauts might react to the totally alien world they have suddenly
uncovered when they realize their very limited ability to respond to it.

 
It was at first the idea of not being able to
communicate with the alien creatures that was the core of the story; that is,
not being able to communicate with them when their very lives were at stake!
But the potential for a completely unique and foreboding world soon ignited
other possibilities for Mr. Conrad which would continue to perplex and
challenge our human approach to dealing with it. The astonishment experienced
by the astronauts, restrained by the cautions and even the fear they knew they
must respect, infuse this story with the same kind of joyful apprehension one
might feel as they rise to the crest of a roller coaster ride while asking
themselves if they really want to go the rest of the way? In this case they do,
so you’d better hang on because it’s one fast-paced ride!

 
An avid reader who says he enjoys rewriting
more than actually writing, Mr. Conrad has published three other books and has
written academic articles, opinion pieces, and many social commentaries about
subjects of a diverse nature. He is especially fond of children’s literature and
has always sought to mix a little humor with a lot of substance to make some
strong and persuasive points in his writing.

Books by Carl Conrad
:

1)
Subtuberania
– a children’s fantasy novel, 167 pgs/illustrated;
publisher: Xlibris.

Five
young children have an adventure in a fantasy world as they meet some amazing
characters and find their way home; fun and imaginative with 23 full-page
illustrations.

2)
Ted
Conrad: Through It All
; a biography, 148 pgs/photos;
publisher: WestBow Press.

A
professional singer, coach, businessman, and a man of faith who never lets
adversity keep him from contributing; an inspiring story spanning eight
decades.

3)
Trapped On Venus
; science fiction novel; 145 pgs.; publisher:
Schlimmer Publishing.

Two
American astronauts encounter creatures on Venus who perplex, astound, and
endanger them; a spectacular space adventure!

4)
Cave Of The Jade Monkey
; action/adventure novel; 132 pgs.;
publisher:

 An
American bush pilot finds treasure, supernatural power, and alien creatures

after
crashing in the Indonesian jungle; a continuously-intriguing adventure.