Fast forward to 1988, Marc is stationed at Jamestown, a US-Commonwealth base on Venus, set against a backdrop of sabertooths and dinosaurs, near the bustling Venusian city of Kartahown. This base is not just a scientific outpost; it's a frontier of American and allied adventurers and scientists, navigating a world as perilous as it is mysterious.

Trouble brews in this alien wilderness. The scientists are baffled by Venus's Earth-like life forms, stirring scientific and political tensions. The EastBloc's nearby base, Cosmograd, adds to the chilly diplomatic climate. Marc's attempts to woo the tough Cynthia Whitlock, a geologist, bring a personal edge to the high-stakes environment.

In a parallel struggle, Teesa of the Cloud Mountain People is locked in a fierce battle with Neanderthal-like beastmen over sacred caves. An EastBloc shuttle crash escalates the conflict, arming the beastmen with modern weaponry.

Jamestown's mission to rescue the EastBloc cosmonauts spirals into a journey of discovery. They face tribal warfare and unearth secrets that could redefine their understanding of science and history. Amidst all this, a hidden enemy lurks on their own airship.

The Sky People offers a gripping mix of alternate history and action-packed adventure, blending interplanetary exploration with terrestrial conflicts, set in a universe where science fiction meets ancient mysteries. This novel is a must-read for fans of high-stakes adventure and intricate alternate realities.