midnight
`` I guess you 're right . Put the plan into effect immediately . It 's the only thing we can do . '' At exactly midnight every teleceiver on Venus was suddenly blacked out for a moment and then came into focus again to reveal the grim features of Commander Walters . In homes , restaurants , theaters , arriving and departing space liners , in every public and private gathering place , the citizens of Venus heard the announcement . `` As commander in chief of the Solar Guard , I hereby place the entire planet of Venus under martial law . All public laws are suspended until further notice .