Gloom And Wind

"The Big Rain."

Attacking the capital city:

"Hollister led the way into curtaining gloom." (VIII, p. 271)

The curtaining gloom is the unknown future, of course. We do not know either how this attack will pan out or what the longer term future of Earth and Venus will be. As Hollister leads into the gloom:

"The wind hooted and clawed at him." (ibid.)

Of course it does! Wind always acts appropriately and, in a battle, it claws like the enemy. There will be time for soft winds after the victory but that time is not yet. Looking ahead, we find on the second last page:

"...the yell of Venus' wind came to him." (p. 279)

- but also:

"The wind was at their backs, helping them for once." (ibid.)

Victory approaches.