Short Fiction · Chapter
II explained
Jerry Vanning awakens in the hidden valley of the Swamja, a fish-headed race that has enslaved humans and Venusians for centuries by luring them with the artificial North-Fever.
What happens
Jerry Vanning awakens in the hidden valley of the Swamja, a fish-headed race that has enslaved humans and Venusians for centuries by luring them with the artificial North-Fever. Lysla, a fellow Earth slave, explains the Swamja's history and the hopelessness of rebellion. Vanning meets his new roommate Kenesaw Sanderson and discovers a makeup kit belonging to Don Callahan, a man he has been pursuing across the solar system.
Themes in this chapter
Alien Enslavement and Rebellion
Vanning is enslaved by the Swamja and immediately begins planning a revolution, despite Lysla's warnings of futility.
Survival and Endurance
Vanning survives the North-Fever and the journey to the Swamja city, and must endure the harsh conditions of slavery.
Characters to notice
- Jerry Vanning
Awakens from the North-Fever in the Swamja's city, learns the truth about his enslavement, and discovers Don Callahan's disguise kit.
- Lysla
An Earthwoman enslaved a month earlier, she explains the Swamja's methods and warns Vanning against rebellion.
- Kenesaw Sanderson
Vanning's new roommate, a husky, scar-faced man who cautions him against trying to escape.
- Don Callahan
Not present but his disguise kit is found hidden in the dormitory, indicating he is also a slave in the Swamja city.
- The Swamja
The fish-headed alien race that rules the hidden valley, enslaving victims drawn by the artificial North-Fever.
Key passages
“Rebellion is quite useless. You won’t believe that now, but you’ll understand soon.”
Lysla tells Vanning that fighting back is pointless, though she knows he doesn't accept it yet.
Lysla's warning about the futility of resistance.
“Slavery. Here are your clothes. When you’re dressed, you’ll find a ramp leading down outside the door. I’ll be waiting.”
Lysla informs Vanning that his new life as a slave begins now, and directs him to dress and follow her.
Vanning's induction into slavery.
“The virus is carried by microscopic spores. The Swamja send it out to the upper atmosphere, and the great winds carry it all over Venus.”
Lysla explains that the North-Fever is deliberately spread by the Swamja through airborne spores.
Revelation of the artificial origin of the North-Fever.