In The Shadow Of The Tower

Chapter 3: The Bazaar

The colonization of planet Venus was only just past its one-hundredth anniversary. This fact is truly astounding because it was only two hundred years ago that the planet was a blazing, hot, led melting mess. But the science of terraforming advanced so much, that the possibility of creating a brand-new world, became commercially viable.

And so began the Venus project. It started out as a privately owned venture plan, but soon became a big corporation fiasco. Thousands of investment houses poured money into a project that had got out of hand; as special interest group, after special interest group, fought for control. So as the reasons for beginning the project became more and more obscure so did the original investers, who soon became harder to find.

And, so, the world wide league of international governments was formed. Environmentally motivated, they were mostly ineffective at getting things under control, and pretty much made development of the project so much more complex. But by a miracle of fate, and by the actions of an organizational genius, the project was successfuly completed. However, because of the actions of a very few, the whole affair still lingers on: But by another name.

So now the planet has three large oceans, two massive continents, with no polar ice caps. Venus lack of polar ice is not by design. While terraforming the world, the scientists discovered that the planet simply didn't need them. The abundance of life that now covers the world is proof of that fact. Indeed, the growth rate this year is expected to exceed all expectations. So to keep nature in check, the committee on animal conservation, elected that the social elite be selected to keep the numbers down.

On the continent of Columbia, there is an extensive savanna where one can find the well-to-do and adventurous. Hunting and exploring the large, dusty, and grassy plane, they serve the environment by keeping the animal population from famine and desease. But nobody is really there for environmental reasons. What their there for, is to have a good time.

It's on this dusty and dirty plain is where James and Laura have been adventuring for hours. On their way back from the savanna, Laura asked James if they could visit the city's marketplace. They had been traveling mostly on the back of a hover truck and were returning to town when Laura caught sight of the beautiful Venusian sunset. The markets in this part of the world were well known for their variety of goods and spices, and the sunsets from the marketplace were considered to be the most lovely.

"If you wouldn't mind, I'd really love to see the gardens of Cavazos. I hear the weather is always nice, and I've heard that the setting sun is something to see." Said Laura McNeely.

"Then we'll head out directly. I owe you that much after dragging you around all day over the country." Said James Newman.

"You don't owe me anything. I had a travel channel on the web a few years back and forgot how much I enjoy exploring."

"You had a travel channel? I didn't know that."

"Yes. I was poor, and the channel was a good way to pay the bills. I hope the Bazaars are as beautiful as the Savannah. I've wanted to see the market all my life." Said, Laura.

"Then we'll go. And death to anyone who might try and stop us!"

"James!" Said, Laura.

"It's just a saying. I'm sorry if I have offended you."

At the hotel, they freshen up and head back out. They smiled as they walked down the long white marble staircase to the loby.
James is dressed in dark pants, a white shirt, and a black sports coat. Laura is in a black and white polka-dot sun dress, with clogs.

In the lobby, a valet tosses James his walking stick and hands Laura a christal-colored shawl. From the large entryway of the hotel, they begin walking and fade into the darkness of the night. About a half mile away are the streets of the bizarre.