Poul Anderson imagines many planetary environments, ranging from very hospitable to very inhospitable. On this version of Venus, the wind is sometimes strong enough to cause rock storms, i.e., "...gale-borne gravel..." (p. 179) can tear open an airsuit, causing instant death. Surely the terraforming process could be automated so that men would not have to work in such conditions? Both Hollister and the reader ask: Why do they stay there when return to Earth, where they would find well-paid employment among the many reclamation projects, has become an option? This question becomes urgent. The Venusian government is dictatorial and propagandistic but has not as yet prohibited emigration to Earth. The men remain and work willingly in hellish conditions.
3 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
For ends and ideals they believe in men will put up with very harsh conditions, including dictatorial gov'ts.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
But it is a whole population that we are talking about! But maybe you remember the story better than I do.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
Maybe, but I would need to reread "The Big Rain" to be sure if I could still stick by what I wrote above.
Ad astra! Sean
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