The Power of the Venus Temple E-Book

Boris Bigalke

• Herausgeber: BoD - Books on Demand
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 332

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

Six astronauts dare to do the impossible: a mission to Venus, a planet full of dangers and ancient secrets. But what begins as a scientific exploration turns into a race for survival. Caught between four rival factions and a mysterious resonance capsule that defies the laws of time and space, the crew is faced with an impossible choice: truth or destruction. Friendship, trust and even lives are put to the test as the astronauts find themselves caught up in a maelstrom of riddles, love, a tribunal and paradoxes that challenge every known reality. A gripping story about humanity's will to achieve the impossible and the price it must pay to do so. Are you ready to see the truth when everything changes?

Leseprobe

Professor Boris Bigalke, MD, MBA (Oxford, UK), LL.M. works as an attending and head of the DGK CardioMRI Qualification Center at the German Heart Center of the Charité (DHZC), Campus Benjamin Franklin, Clinic for Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine. Professor Bigalke is a specialist in internal medicine and holds specializations and additional qualifications in cardiology, acupuncture, nutritional medicine DAEM/DGEM® and magnetic resonance imaging.

After studying medicine at the Free University of Berlin, he continued his scientific and clinical career at the Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen. Further training led him to surgery at the LIJ Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA, to TCM at the WHO Collaborating Center, Beijing, China and to TTM at the Qusar Tibetan Healing Centre, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India.

During a long-term research stay, he also worked at King's College London, Division of College London, Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering London as an Assistant Professor/Honorary Lecturer.

He also completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Healthcare Management at Magna Carta College, Oxford, UK, and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) with a focus on medical law at the Dresden International University. In 2021, Professor Bigalke applied to become an astronaut at the European Space Agency (ESA). Out of more than 22,500 qualified applicants, he was one of the top 100 candidates in Germany. Even though he did not become an astronaut, he has always been fascinated and enthusiastic about space travel and the planets of the solar system. This inspired him to write the book “The Enigma of the Mars Pyramid”, which has already been published.

Professor Bigalke has been elected as one of Germany's top physicians in FOCUS-Gesundheit 2021 in the category of cardiological sports medicine, and in 2023 and 2024 in the categories of hypertension and nutritional medicine.

Cover photo and design: © Professor Boris Bigalke, MD

Author‟s photo: © Professor Boris Bigalke, MD

All figures inside the book: © Professor Boris Bigalke, MD

Disclaimer:

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author‟s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The content presented here is intended solely for entertainment. The book does not constitute a recommendation or promotion. Due to the fictional character, the content of the book does not claim to be complete, nor can the timeliness, accuracy and balance of the information provided be guaranteed. The author accepts no liability for any inconvenience or damage resulting from the use of the information presented here. The author does not endorse or promote discrimination based on ethnic or national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, military status, social-economic background or any other factor. This work aims to foster understanding, empathy, and inclusivity.

For better readability, gender-neutral wording has been omitted. All masculine spellings refer equally to all genders.

Address of Correspondence:

Professor Boris Bigalke, MD, MBA (Oxford, UK), LL.M.

Klinik für Kardiologie, DHZC – Charité Campus Benjamin Franklin

Hindenburgdamm 30, D-12203 Berlin, Germany

For everyone who wants to get inspired for Venus!

Table of content

Introduction

Venus: The beauty in the sea of stars

An inexplicable discovery

The signal: A call from the deep

The Venera Ascendant team

The landing site: A hidden temple city

Objectives and risks of the mission

Chapter 1: The journey

Approaching the mythical planet

Routine work

The tension mounts

Chapter 2: Somewhere between Earth and Venus

A relaxed round

Hobbies and interests

A round for the team leader

The journey to the essentials

About hopes and fears

Personal stories and memories

Challenges and dreams

One last evening near Venus

Chapter 3: The landing

Chapter 4: The first step on foreign soil

Euphoria on arrival

The first steps on the surface of Venus

Chapter 5: The unexpected discovery

Chapter 6: The secret of the artifact

Chapter 7: The genetic code and the hidden riddle

Chapter 8: The hidden temple

Setting out for new shores

Entering the unknown

Chapter 9: The awakening of the temple

The first challenge - the spinning discs of the elements

Initial considerations and recognizing the symbols

First attempt

Second attempt

The second challenge - The floating crystal

The first touch

The puzzle begins

The right arrangement

The third challenge - The harmonic frequencies

Creating the harmonics

The frequencies are not right

The final frequency pattern

Chapter 10: The heart of the temple

A discovery - the energy heart

Recognizing the message

The decision

Chapter 11: Encounter with the Virani

The first contact

The first test: the weight of the rock

The second test: The sprint across the lava floor

The third test: The power of metal

Chapter 12: The path of Auron

The harmony of resonance

The core archive

Chapter 13: The Zerai alliance

Facing the giants

Chapter 14: Abducted into the shadows of Atur

A dramatic development

Liberation attempt

The loss

Chapter 15: The echo of time

The search for the Auron

The revelation of time travel

The Pogo paradox

The Dalí paradox

The journey into time

The paradox unfolds

Resignation

Chapter 16: Discussion on time travel

The loaf of bread model

The twin paradox

A look into philosophy

Chapter 17: The second jump

The relativity of time

Stabilization of time

The search for a fixed point

Chapter 18: Back in the shadows of Atur

A risky plan

The resonance chamber

Complex barrier: Ingrid's decryption

The first step: pattern recognition

The second step: decoding quantum frequencies

The third step: The quantum algorithm

The ambush

Escape through the chaos

Chapter 19: The secrets of resonance

Initial investigations

A moral dilemma

A quiet secret

A message from the depths

Decoding the resonance

A revelation in waves

A plan emerges

Chapter 20: The dance of resonances

In the main chamber of the temple

The preparation

The first resonance point

The challenge

The second resonance point

The challenge in the shaft

The descent

The resonance interference

The critical moment

A new path

The third resonance point

Activating the door

The unexpected interference

The battle for the last point

The synchronization

Chapter 21: The voice of the temple

The sacrifice of the past

An unexpected visitor

Chapter 22: Tender bonds and fragile truths

A kiss in the shadow of the stars

Medical confidentiality

Chapter 23: The tribunal

Opening words

The first accusation: Myara speaks

The second charge: Karolak steps forward

The defense begins

Interjection from the Zerai

The arguments intensify

A moment of silence

Defending humanity

An emotional appeal

The meaning of humanity

A turning point

The voice of the traitor

The opening of the interrogation

The unveiling of the deal

The defense steps in

A new spark of hope

A paradoxical thank you

The beginning of the plea

The surprising revelation

The message behind the words

The reactions

Xarun's reaction

The prosecution's closing statement

The defense's closing statement

The summation begins

The case for humanity

A look into the future

The final twist

A decision that changes everything

Chapter 24: The verdict

Phase 1: The question of guilt

The prosecution speaks

The defense answers

The defendant's response

The turning point

The judge summarizes

Phase 2: The sentence

The speech of the main prosecutor

The defense's claim

The voice of the Zerai

The voice of the Virani

The defendant speaks

The verdict is announced

Phase 3: The consequences for unity

The discussion begins

The Zerai's reaction

The voice of the Auron

The astronauts deliberate

A plan for the future

Chapter 25: A new spark of hope

The voice of the Auron

The challenge of unity

A vision of the future

The spark is ignited

Xarun's surveillance: a system of control andcooperation

The resonance shackle

The supervisory commission

The tasks of Xarun

The safety clause

The consent of the people

Chapter 26: A new beginning

The unveiling of the symbol of unity

The signing of the treaty

The oath of unity

Epilogue: The beginning of a new era

Soraya and Luis: An extraordinary wedding

The preparations

The entry of the bride

The ceremony

The first sunlight as a couple

The festival of unity

A promise for the future

Commander Aiyana: A quieter chapter

A retrospective view at the past

An unexpected offer

A walk through the garden

A new morning

A new role

Ingrid: The development of an unexpected togetherness

Memories and confessions

A tender moment

A new chapter

Professor Kenji: A visionary on two worlds

An unusual connection

The vision of a cosmic bridge

Challenges and doubts

The Nexus of Knowledge

A visionary on two worlds

Introduction

Venus: The beauty in the sea of stars

In the not-too-distant future, humanity stands on the threshold of a new era of interplanetary exploration and discovery. Decades of technological breakthroughs - particularly in energy generation, space technology and the development of extremely resistant materials - have made it possible to travel to the most extreme planets in the solar system. Missions to Mars and the first manned missions to the outer planets have revolutionized knowledge about our solar system and, above all, raised questions about our own existence and the limits of life in the universe. In this field of curiosity and possibilities, interest is growing in one of the most enigmatic planets in the solar system: Venus.

Venus, the 2nd planet in the solar system, was named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty. This naming reflects the bright brilliance of the planet, which is the third brightest object in the sky from Earth (after the sun and moon) and can be seen either shortly after sunset or shortly before sunrise, depending on its position in orbit. Venus is also known as the evening star and sometimes also as the morning star.

Venus moves in an orbit within the Earth's orbit around the sun. This means that it is never very far from the sun from our point of view. It can therefore only be observed at dusk - either in the evening sky (as an evening star) or in the morning sky (as a morning star), depending on whether it is east or west of the sun. When Venus “overtakes” the Earth on its orbit, it changes from an evening star to a morning star position and vice versa. The ancient Greeks and Romans even initially considered them to be two different celestial objects: the evening star “Hesperos” and the morning star “Phosphoros” (or “Lucifer” for the Romans). Only later was it recognized that they were one and the same object - Venus.

In Greek mythology, Venus corresponds to the goddess Aphrodite, who also stands for love, beauty and fertility. The reference to love and beauty can also be found across cultures in other mythologies. For example, Venus was worshipped in the Babylonian Empire as Ishtar, the goddess of love and war, while in Mesopotamian culture she was known as Inanna.

These mythological connections show how early mankind associated the planet with female beauty and attraction due to its impressive appearance. In modern astronomy, Venus thus carries a legacy from the mythologies of many cultures, which interpreted its special presence in the sky in many different ways.

Venus is similar to Earth in many respects: similar size, mass and density. But the surface is a fiery inferno - with an atmosphere of thick clouds of sulphuric acid and a surface pressure equivalent to that of a dive in the Earth's deepest oceans. The temperature remains constant at around 470 °C (870 °F). For decades, Venus was considered a barren, uninhabitable land. Only atmospheric exploration and occasional probes were able to survive before they were destroyed by the harsh conditions. But with the advent of new technologies developed specifically for such extreme conditions, the possibility of exploring this planet directly became a reality.

An inexplicable discovery

Four years ago, the results of a research project by the UNESA (United Nations Exploration and Space Administration) research project on Venus were published four years ago and caused a worldwide sensation: an unmanned satellite mission discovered strange geometric formations on the surface of Venus beneath the dense cloud cover. Equipped with modern radar and sensor devices, the probe transmitted images of unusually symmetrical structures that could not be explained by any natural phenomenon. The shapes were reminiscent of terraced pyramids, columns and enigmatic circular patterns that could not possibly have been created with such precision by volcanic or tectonic processes. In addition, a detailed analysis showed that the formations were aligned with specific planetary constellations - a fact that suggested a cultic or ceremonial significance.

This discovery triggered a feverish debate among scientists and the general public alike. Was it possible that a civilization had once existed on Venus that had been wiped out by some unknown event? Was there life that had evolved in a form that could withstand these extreme conditions? Questions like these led to the topic of a Venus mission becoming a priority.

The signal: a call from the deep

About a year after the discovery of the formations, a UNESA ground station near Canberra, Australia, received a strange signal. The signal - rhythmic and repeating - appeared to originate from several kilometers below the surface of Venus and did not match known radio waves or atmospheric interference. To the surprise of the researchers, the signal repeated itself in a complex pattern and showed characteristics reminiscent of an artificial source. After weeks of intensive analysis, an international team of cryptographers and mathematicians succeeded in extracting a simple message: It was a coordinate!

This coordinate pointed to a point on the northern hemisphere of Venus, not far from the structures discovered by the probe. Researchers and government officials were both concerned and intrigued. Was this a cry for help? Or perhaps a kind of greeting, a call that was only activated when humanity came close enough to receive it? Speculation about the origin of the signal ranged from a warning signal to prevent anyone from approaching Venus to a tantalizing hint of possible communication with a long-lost civilization.

The Venera Ascendant team

UNESA finally decided to send a manned mission to Ve-nus to investigate the signal and the formations on site. This decision was extremely controversial: Ve-nus is still considered one of the most hostile places in the solar system. However, the advanced protective suits, which could withstand extreme pressures and temperatures, as well as new technologies for shielding against radiation and heat, made such a mission possible for the first time.

Under the leadership of experienced Commander Aiyana Wolfe, a Native American and veteran of UNESA space missions, a team of six astronauts and scientists, considered to be the best in their respective fields, was selected:

Name (nationality): Commander Aiyana Wolfe (USA)

Position: Mission leader, pilot and strategist

Aiyana is an experienced commander and the main person responsible for the mission. She is calm and thoughtful with a deep connection to Earth and a passion for ancient cultures. She is aware of the historic responsibility her mission holds for humanity and fights to navigate her crew safely through the challenges.

Name (nationality): Colonel Luis Ortega (Spain)

Position: Fighter pilot, engineer and 1st officer

As a former military pilot, Luis is pragmatic and focused on protecting the team. He not only takes on technical tasks, but also protects the crew in critical situations. He is charismatic and compassionate. He plays the classical guitar with great passion.

Name (nationality): Professor Kenji Sato (Japan)

Position: Astrophysicist, geologist and science officer

Kenji is an analytical thinker and fascinated by the extreme environmental conditions of Venus. He sometimes feels isolated and is fascinated by the links between ancient myths and science and has taken up drawing and calligraphy as a hobby, which is closely related to Zen Buddhism.

Name (Nationalität): Dr. Priya Kapoor (Indien)

Position: Exobiologe und Biochemiker

Priya is an expert on biological structures, especially focusing on possible extraterrestrial life forms and analyzing the chemistry of the surface of Venus. His character is gentle, humorous, optimistic and deeply connected to nature. He is an avid strategy board gamer.

Name (nationality): Dr. Ingrid Nilsen (Norway)

Position: Archaeologist and cultural anthropologist

As an archaeologist and anthropologist, Ingrid is fascinated by cultural heritage. She is courageous, persistent and passionate about history, philosophy and the myths of other planets. She has a flair for hidden secrets, has a gift for deduction and is a foreign language genius.

Name (nationality): Dr. Soraya (android)

Position: Doctor, engineer, 2nd officer and crisis intervention expert

Soraya is a highly developed cybernetic organism with medical, technical and social capabilities. She is programmed to simulate human emotions and even romantic behaviors. But during the mission, she develops a deeper connection with her crew and begins to question the nature of her existence.

The landing site: a hidden temple city

The northern hemisphere of Venus is home to the Ishtar Terra highland complex, one of the largest and best-known plateaus on Venus, characterized by complex tectonic structures. Ishtar Terra consists of tangled, rugged areas often referred to as “tesserae”. Tesserae are characteristic of Venusian terrain and consist of intersecting rifts and ridges that form a unique and fascinating landscape.

This region is particularly interesting for the geology of Venus, as tesserae are considered one of the oldest types of terrain on Venus and could provide clues to the planet's past tectonic activity.

The targeted landing zone of the Venera Ascendant is located on the large plateau complex where the strange geometric structures are most clearly visible.

Hidden by the dense cloud cover, this location is in an area that has not been investigated in detail before, as the extreme temperatures and high atmospheric pressure have rendered all unmanned probes useless so far. However, the coordinates decoded from the signal seem to point directly to this location, as if something or someone had been expecting the arrival of the other planet's inhabitants.

The Temple City, as it is called by some scientists on Earth, is the central target of the mission. The satellite images of the structures show geometric patterns and symbolic decorations that are too complex to have been formed by the forces of nature. The shapes and alignments could indicate a civilizational significance, perhaps a gateway or temple providing access to a deeper structure.

Objectives and risks of the mission

The main objectives for the Venera Ascendant team are ambitious: to locate and analyse the signal, investigate the geometric formations and find evidence of possible civilization. A considerable amount of resources have been devoted to developing advanced protective suits and technological systems that can withstand the extreme conditions on Venus. Despite this preparation, the mission is extremely dangerous: landing and moving on the surface of Venus requires absolute precision, and the environment remains unpredictable. High temperatures, toxic clouds and the intense atmospheric pressure make every step a challenge.

Chapter 1: The journey

Approaching the mythical planet

The spaceship Venera Ascendant glided through the darkness of space, shrouded in the silence and infinite space that has fascinated and intimidated mankind for centuries. On board the Venera Ascendant, however, there was no silence - the team is lively, the atmosphere filled with the mixture of tension and curiosity that comes with a mission into the unknown.

Venus, which until recently was considered an inhospitable, hostile planet, is the target.

“Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty,” murmured Dr. Ingrid Nilsen as she watched the lights on the screen. Her eyes sparkled, and she can hardly believe that she would soon land on this planet that is so much closer to humans and yet has always remained a mystery. “It's hard to believe that it's so close to us and yet has been a mystery for thousands of years.”

“That sounds poetic, Ingrid,” Commander Aiyana Wolfe replied dryly. She leaned back in her seat, arms crossed in front of her chest, with an expression that wavered between irony and awe. “But I'd suggest we focus on how to get back to Earth in one piece rather than ancient mythology.” She gave Ingrid a sharp look, but a faint smile curved her lips. Aiyana is a strategist and an experienced military pilot who leaves nothing to chance - and this mission was nothing less than a military operation for her, even if the others often have a more relaxed attitude.

“Oh, Commander, why don't you treat me to a bit of culture,” Ingrid replied with a teasing wink. “After all, we'll be the first humans to explore the interior of Venus. A little poetry should be allowed.”

Colonel Luis Ortega, the chief engineer and first officer, nodded and grinned as he studied the sensor readouts. “The way I see it, if we find anything on this planet that will make us famous on Earth in our lifetime, then I'll be happy. Po-esie or not - as long as Venus doesn't try to fry us.”

“And I thought I was the only one here worried about heat death,” said Dr. Priya Kapoor, the exobiologist and bio-chemist, with a wry smile. Priya has worked extensively on the extreme chemistry of Venus' surface, and his analysis and concerns are informed by a pragmatic, scientific view of things. “The data says that Venus has a surface temperature of over 400 °C (752 °F). Do any of you really think there's something waiting for us down there that we can understand?”

“I'm sure Kenji will give us a scientific explanation when we get there,” Luis interjected with a grin, and a quiet laugh goes around the room. Professor Kenji Sato is an astrophysicist and geologist and is considered one of the leading experts on planetary atmospheres. His analytical mind was qua-si the sober voice of the group.

“You're not entirely wrong,” Kenji replied dryly, without taking his eyes off the screen. “But the latest scans of Venus show anomalies in the atmosphere that we can't yet explain. It is quite possible that we are encountering completely new phenomena here. And that is precisely the point of this mission.”

As the conversation continued, Dr. Soraya stood quietly in a corner, watching her crewmates with a gentle smile, her eyes sparkling in a way that seemed almost human. Soraya, a highly advanced android with medical and technical skills, was here to support the crew - but in truth she also harbored an experimental AI capable of simulating human emotions. Sometimes she wondered herself if it was really just simulation, or if she was actually starting to feel attracted to the humans on board.

“Soraya, what do you mean?” Ingrid asked curiously. “We're talking about the extreme heat of Venus. Is that worrying you?”

“My systems are designed for extreme protection,” Soraya replied calmly, with a hint of humor in her voice. “But I'll be careful not to melt, Ingrid. I too am very excited about what we might find - maybe even more than you all are.” Her comment makes the crew smile. The android is still new to the team, and some find her humanity almost uncanny. But her analytical skills and medical expertise are undisputed.

“Maybe we won't find anything - or maybe we'll find everything,” Aiyana murmurs, her gaze fixed on the glowing dot on the horizon that symbolizes Venus. “The signal we've received is too clear, too regular. There must be something down there - something we don't understand yet.”

Routine work

The dull hum of the engines was the only sound in the cabin as the Venera Ascendant team went about their routine work, ensuring the safety and maintenance of the spacecraft as well as preparing for the tasks ahead on Venus.

Maintenance and monitoring of the ship's systems

Luis carried out daily maintenance on the power and propulsion systems to ensure their optimal performance. This included checking fuel consumption, cooling circuits and the operation of the propulsion system. Luis also regularly checked emergency systems such as life support, fire suppression and heat shields.

Soraya, as an android, provided both technical and medical support in her role as engineer and doctor, documenting the functionality of the systems with superhuman precision.

Life support systems and environmental controls

Kenji monitored the air filtration and CO₂ binding systems, humidity, temperature and oxygen levels in the spaceship. He ensured that the systems for the Venus landing were operating under optimal conditions. The water treatment system was regularly maintained to ensure that the crew always had enough clean water available.

Medical check-ups and health

Soraya carried out regular health checks, measured vital parameters and ensured that all crew members were in good health. The crew completed physical training routines to minimize muscle and bone loss due to weightlessness. Soraya supervised the exercises and made personal adjustments during exercise. The crew used conversations in mental health sessions with Soraya and also in groups to manage stress and isolation.

Preparation for scientific missions

Ingrid and Kenji spent many hours analyzing data on the Ve-nus atmosphere and geology and selecting possible landing sites. They checked and calibrated the measuring instruments for atmospheric samples and material tests.

Priya prepared chemical analyses and exobiology equipment to ensure that all instruments are optimally prepared for the sample analysis of the Venus surface.

Simulations for landing and emergencies

Aiyana organized and led regular training and emergency simulations. The crew practiced scenarios such as emergency landings, failure of life support systems, sudden depressurization and other critical situations. Simulated landing procedures were run through regularly so that the crew was prepared for any eventuality.

Communication with Earth and data transmission

The crew was in daily contact with the control center on Earth and transmitted status reports, technical data and scientific progress. Data from on-board and external sensors was regularly transmitted to Earth and evaluated there in order to optimize the planning and safety of the mission.

Logging and documenting

Aiyana and the other crew members kept a detailed logbook in which they documented all events, maintenance and scientific observations. The records were used both for traceability for the control center and as a reference for future missions to Venus.

Scientific research and experiments

In preparation for the Venus exploration, the crew worked on smaller, preparatory experiments to contribute to better analysis capabilities on site, e.g. analyzing rock samples in the miniature environmental simulator or chemical tests on the reaction of samples under Venus-like conditions.

Leisure and relaxation

The crew members also took time for leisure activities such as reading, conversations and community games to strengthen team spirit and promote mental relaxation. Especially in the first few days, this led to conversations that created bonds and strengthened the group dynamic. Movie nights and sharing personal stories also created bonds and reduced the pressure of the long journey.

Each of these areas was crucial for the crew to successfully achieve the mission objectives and ensure that they were optimally prepared physically and mentally when they arrived on Venus.

The tension mounts

The crew sat scattered at their stations, and although everyone seemed focused, a certain restlessness crept in. The journey had gone smoothly, but Venus was close, and with every hour the expectations and questions about the mission - and about each other - grew.

Kenji looked at Luis: “Luis, have you thought about how we're going to deal with the thick layer of clouds on Venus? I mean, it could block our view of possible landing sites.”

Luis replied: “The tactic? Hope and pray that we find a gap in the clouds.” He grinned mischievously: “Seriously, we only have a limited amount of fuel for any course corrections. So we'll probably just have to rely on the scanner data to steer us in the right direction.”

Priya joined in the conversation: “A little faith in the technology, Kenji! After all, these systems were designed for extreme conditions. Have you forgotten that we avoided a collision with an asteroid by millimetres last year?”

Kenji shook his head with a smile. He was known for his careful planning, but Priya's optimism sometimes had an infectious effect.

Kenji replied: “Yes, yes. But technology is only as good as the data it receives. And honestly, Priya - the data from Venus' atmosphere is anything but clear. What if there's a cloud storm down there that makes us swat at the windshield like a fly?”

Soraya interjected: “If I may interject here: according to my calculations, the probability of us encountering such extreme turbulence is exactly 3.7 percent.” Soraya stood behind Kenji and smiled at him with a mixture of curiosity and patience: “The risk is low.” Kenji just shook his head with a laugh, casting a thoughtful glance at the android and rolling his eyes: “So-raya, your „calculations‟... Sometimes I really wonder if you're not just being overly optimistic. Maybe I should check you again.”

Soraya replied, “Optimism? I wish.” She grinned slightly before adding seriously, “But I've been programmed to assess risks realistically. And when I see you worrying about the turbulence - maybe you should trust my assessments for once.”

Now Aiyana made a comment: “Okay, guys. Let's calm down.” She rose from her seat and stepped into the middle of the room: “It's clear that we're all feeling nervous. After all, it's not just any routine flight. But we should remember one thing - we are the best of the best. We have the training, the technology and the determination to master this.”

Aiyana's serious words silenced the group. She had an impressive ability to keep the crew calm and focused.

Ingrid said excitedly: “I can't wait to see what awaits us. But honestly, I have to say, I'm a little uneasy. What if we don't find anything down there? Or even worse - something we could never have imagined?”

Aiyana replied: “I know what you mean, Ingrid. But that's our strength. We are prepared to encounter the unknown. If there is something we don't understand - then we investigate it. Step by step. We are here because we are curious and not afraid of the unknown.”

A smile went around the room and Ingrid leaned back in her chair, relieved by the reassuring words.

Luis took the floor again: “Okay, let's look at this more realistically. How many of you think we have any chance of finding anything exciting down there? I mean, what would be the most likely scenario?”

Kenji replied: “Personally, I'm hoping for an ancient geological relic. relic. Some kind of ancient crater or volcanic structure that might provide evidence of past activity.”

Priya shook her head: “Boring. I'm banking on evidence of microorganisms - maybe not active, but remains that show Venus was once different. Maybe even traces of organic life.”

Luis continued, “And if I'm honest... well, if I could believe in alien technology, then I hope we come across something like this. Something that shows us that Venus...”

Soraya interrupted Luis: “That Venus isn't just a hot lump of rock?” Soraya looked directly at Luis, a mysterious smile on her lips: “Who knows what we'll find there. Maybe... we might come across something that tells us more about ourselves than we can imagine.”

The crew fell silent, and everyone in the group seemed to ponder Soraya's words for a moment. Aiyana nodded slowly as she looked at the others. Perhaps she already knew that this mission could change more than anyone had previously realized.

Aiyana said in her calming way, “Anyway, it's time to relax, guys. It's not going to be an easy mission - and we need all our strength and confidence in ourselves and in each other to pull this off.”

Each of them - Aiyana, Luis, Kenji, Priya, Ingrid and even So-raya - had a personal reason for being here. Whether it's scientific curiosity, the need for fame or simply the dream of being the first humans to set foot on Venus - their motivation drove them all, even if the risks were enormous.

Chapter 2: Somewhere between Earth and Venus

The Venera Ascendant traveled in an endless arc through the silent, black sea of space. The crew had been traveling for weeks, and although the routine had settled in, everyone tried in their own way to pass the time and break the monotony. The journey to Venus was long, and even the most demanding mission required patience and mutual understanding. The spaceship hummed quietly, and the crew prepared for the final leg of the journey in their quarters or the common rooms.

A relaxed round

In the common area, Soraya, Kenji and Priya sat together and played a board game that Priya had brought with him on the trip. He had called it “Cosmic Risk” - a kind of strategy and conquest game with planets and star systems as playing fields. Ingrid had been skeptical at first, but after a while she also pulled up a chair. “This game is really bloody tricky,” Ingrid said, frowning as she moved one of her game pieces. “Priya, you made it so difficult on purpose, didn't you?”

Priya smiled innocently: “No way! I just thought it might help us practice our strategic skills.”

Kenji laughed, “Strategic or not, it kind of reminds me of chess... but with more explosions.”

“Explosions are always good,” replied Luis, who had just come in and sat down on the couch next to them. “What would a journey through space be without a bit of action?”

“Action? You're just not ready for science to overshadow you,” Priya teased, nudging Kenji with her finger. “But that can be changed.”

Hobbies and interests

Luis leaned back, relaxed, and picked up the guitar hanging on the wall. It was one of his most loyal companions, which he took with him everywhere. “You can all plan strategically,” he said, ”but sometimes you need to unwind.” He plucked a few strings and a soft chord echoed through the room.

Soraya leaned back and listened, her eyes relaxing as the first notes rang out: “Luis, play that song you practiced the other day. I've been wanting to hear it all week.”

Luis nodded and began a soft, melancholy melody that slowly spread around the room: “It's actually an old song from my grandmother. I thought it would be nice to take a piece of home with me.”

Kenji nodded appreciatively: “It has a really soothing sound. You should give a little concert on our next mission.”

“Oh, I didn't know you liked that sort of thing, Kenji,” Priya said in surprise. “Do you have any hidden talents?”

Kenji grinned: “Well, I may not be a musician, but I do have a little hobby. I draw.”

Ingrid raised an eyebrow: “You draw? Any special motifs?”

Kenji laughed sheepishly: “Oh, actually I only draw cartoons from time to time. Little funny sketches. It helps me to relax, especially on long missions.”

“That's great!” exclaimed Soraya. “Why didn't you show us this before? You could draw a comic about our trip!”

Kenji shrugged and smiled: “Maybe one day. But if I ever really feel like portraying you as cartoons, I'll let you know.”

A round for the team leader

Aiyana, who as team leader was often to be found on the bridge or at meetings, joined them and dropped into one of the free chairs. “I hear laughter and see relaxed faces. Exactly what I want to see here.”

Soraya grinned: “We're just practising a bit of „Cosmic Risi-ko‟ - Priya has just backed us all into a corner.”

“And the board game contains all kinds of cosmic strategies?” Aiyana asked with interest.

Priya grinned: “Exactly! Tactics and strategy - it takes your mind off things.”

Aiyana nodded, put her hands on the table and looked around: “It's important that we do all this together, people. This mission could advance humanity. But... if we don't take good care of each other, we'll soon be lost.”

“We'll take care of each other, Aiyana,” Luis said reassuringly. “And in the end, when we get to Venus, we'll give you the biggest story of your life.”

Ingrid nodded: “Knowledge is all well and good, but there is also so much in our team that makes us stronger than any mission we could ever undertake alone.”

Aiyana smiled gratefully, “That's good to hear. And if anyone here develops a talent for... shall we say, tricky mechanics puzzles or alien-friendly speeches, let me know.”

“All right,” Kenji said, smirking, ”then I'll focus on my psychic negotiation skills tonight in case we encounter any alien beings.”

The journey to the essentials

After the game and a few stories, the group sat back and relaxed. Luis continued to strum his guitar while Ingrid talked to Priya and Kenji about their scientific expectations for the mission.

“We're going to go to Venus and find something that no one else has ever seen,” Priya said with a slight sparkle in her eyes. “We might even discover evidence of alien life.”

Ingrid nodded and looked at her: “I just hope that we learn not only technological progress, but also something about Venus that shows us what our place is in the universe.”

“And maybe,” Soraya said with a smile, ”we'll find things far beyond our wildest dreams.”

The group fell into a comfortable silence as they savored the moment of peace. They knew that they would soon encounter a whole new world - a world that promised not only knowledge, but also a journey into the unknown. The soft hum of the machines and the sounds of Luis' guitar filled the room. The crew sat scattered around the common room, enjoying the moment of peace. After all the years of preparation, the training and the grueling months in a confined space, the distance to Earth no longer seemed so overwhelming. Each of them was now over the initial tension and felt a sense of trust - both in the mission and in each other.

About hopes and fears

Aiyana watched her crew with a quiet, benevolent smile. She knew that each of them brought their own hopes and fears to this adventure. After a while, she cleared her throat and spoke in a calm tone: “When I imagine what awaits us...” Aiyana paused for a moment. “Then I must honestly say that it scares me sometimes. But somehow your solidarity here also gives me courage. If we've come this far, then we can make it to the end.”

Kenji looked up: “I think fear is what keeps us going. It means that this means something to us, doesn't it?”

“There's something to that,” Priya agreed. “Venus isn't just a planet, it's a leap into the unknown. Who knows how much we're risking - but I see it the same way you do, Kenji. It makes us human. The possibility of discovering something completely new is ... just too tempting.”