Venus

The Ancients must have been much like us for them to have shaped this world as they did. Venus is a jungle paradise, warm and green, with a thick cloud blanket that moderates the rays of the sun. There are no great oceans but many small, shallow seas and many, many rivers spawned by the constant rains. Scattered across this world are open air villas drawn from the rock by the Ancients; curiously no plant ever overgrows theses structures. There are many edible fruits and vegetables that grow wild all across the Venusian landscape. Being so close to the sun, light is ever present even if it is diffused by the clouds. Given the favorable climate, most plants grow at an astonishing rate; a single tanglewood tree can cover acres of land in a few short months.

The Ancients have created a curious atmospheric condition to solve two problems at the same time on Venus. Suspended in an artificial shell that covers the planet except for two holes in either pole are thick clouds of noxious vapors. Apparently these gasses were mixed throughout the atmosphere making the planet unlivable. The Ancients separated the toxins and isolated them in a layer that moderates the temperature and diffuses the harmful rays of the sun. In no case should any ship ever attempt to penetrate this layer; inside are hurricane force winds that will tear apart even the sturdiest of sky galleons.

The people of Venus live carefree lives that few others in the solar system know. Food and shelter are plentiful, though any building not built by the ancients becomes rapidly covered by the jungle. Of all people of the solar system, they have the most leisure time. The common misconception is that the Venusians are indolent, but having lived among them, I can say that is not the case at all. Take for instance the derogatory term for Venusians: "Tree People." Because they do not bother to cut back the tanglewood that covers their homes, people see Venusians as lazy. I must say that even the most industrious Terran would have to throw up their hands in frustration at the tenacious plant life of Venus. Venusians just recognize what is worth their time and what is not.

The one thing Venusians do love though, is sport. Given there are few reasons for real conflict, the Venusians channel many aggressive energies into invented conflict. So a part of their culture is sport, that many times serious family disputes are settled over such things as foot races, ball games and archery contests. Another thing that absorbs them as a culture is beauty. As the climate makes clothing optional, physical flaws that would be hidden on more modest cultures become quite plain on Venus. A lot of time is devoted to the maintenance of ones looks on Venus and it shows. As a race they are tan and athletic with natural good looks resultant from their constant exercise. (One can work up quite a sweat moving from one place to another on Venus as roads are impossible.)

Again, do not be fooled into thinking the Venusians (or any other race for that matter) are stupid. Having to devote less time to making a living, they are quite adept at social skills. Gregarious in the utmost they are the most likely ones to start an activity so long as it is fun. When they set their mind to some project, however, they pursue it vigorously. Remember that they are the second only to Earth in population and many of them have time to develop skills that could be turned to warfare. (Imagine a thousand archers capable of hitting a bulls-eye nine times out of ten at a hundred yards and can see the potential.) If it ever came to an issue like fighting for their homes they would be very formidable indeed.

Wonder: Mirror of Truth

I recommend, from personal experience, that this wonder be avoided at all costs. Looking into the Mirror of Venus, one is confronted with the truth about oneself: your true personality stripped of all lies and self deceptions. That is not nearly as disturbing as it also shows the future as it pertains to yourself and other people. It does not reveal events, just how you will feel about them. You know the what, but not the why. It can show contentment and love as well as misery and loneliness. The mirror itself is housed in a stone temple of human construction. The artifact, or at least that which protrudes above ground, appears to be the corner of a much larger rectangle only a portion of which is visible. The mirror is a polished gold, smooth and almost completely featureless. The only mark on it is a back to back double crescent in the top forward corner. The visible area is roughly 1000 square feet and the ratio of the rectangular parallelogram is one by three by nine, judging by the protruding corner. All attempts to uncover the rest of it were quickly abandoned when workers viewed their reflections and many were unsettled by what they saw.

The temple is kept clear of the vines by acolytes who go all throughout the day in long robes hiding their faces from view. These are people who looked into the mirror, for whatever reason, and decided to not return to their normal lives. They stay and tend the mirror, cutting back the jungle and providing aid to those who are overcome by what they see. The other side of this coin is that the Mirror of Venus can provide true happiness. Imagine the security of a person shown a future filled with love. One who had doubt about a lover can have said doubts removed. To those who can take harsh self evaluation, (and few are those with the mettle stand up to the mirror) it is a tool to enlightenment. Perhaps it is exposure to the mirror that makes Venusians so good at social situations. They must honestly deal with themselves and their feelings.

Appropriate adjective and collective noun: Venusian, Venusians

How was the planet affected during the Fall: The atmosphere probably went wild immediately, temperatures rose, storms erupted and the pressure crushed the life out of those on the surface.

Fate of the people at the time of the Fall: I learned during my second incarnation that a few ships that were in orbit and the people in Venus high port, got to Earth before the air-stones failed but not many.

Name of the Younger Senshi at the time of the Fall: Aphrodite

Fate of the Younger Senshi: Died on the Moon during the Fall of the Silver Millennium.

Moon Cat: Artemis (male) While not the most thoughtful of the Moon Cats, he is well versed in lore, common sense, and proverbs. Has been secretly pursuing Luna for time immorial but has yet to find the nerve to make many plain ovitures. Fate of Moon Cat: Put into suspended animation by Queen Serenity.