“Astounding Science Fiction,” December, 1957. Cover art by Kelly Freas for “Precedent” by Robert Silverberg.
“On the second day of the third week since the Terran mission had arrived on Leeminorr, Lieutenant Blair Pickering committed an outrageous crime. He entered the temple courtyard, ignored the cries of the priests in attendance, proceeded to sit on the steps, draw a foodpack from his uniform pocket, and eat. When he was finished eating, he crumpled his refuse paper and left it where he sat; then, he returned to his vehicle and rode away. . .
“They stood nearly seven feet in height, magnificent humanoid specimens with powerful-looking shoulders and brawny frames. Five of them, five males, in discordantly-colored clothing of anger, savage reds shot through with raging violets and blacks. Their arms and legs were bare, allowing view of the superb muscles. The Leeminorrans had oiled themselves, applying the rancid animal fat that gave sheen and glow to their sleek metallic-blue skins. . .
“You are Colonel Norden?” asked the foremost of the Leeminorrans. His voice was deep and big; it rattled in the cavern of his chest a moment before booming forth into the little room.
“I am,” Norden said.
“I am Ahruntinok, Guardian of the Truth . . . Lieutenant Pickering has committed blasphemy,” the alien said. “The penalty for that is severe. He must be tried in full court and punished for this, or else the temple’s purification will be made much more difficult. . . And you Earthmen have agreed to abide by the laws of Leeminorr while you remain here. Surely you won’t raise any objection to the trial? "
“We’ve bound ourselves by precedent to abide by local law. If a member of this mission has broken the law, we have to let him be tried by Leeminorran courts. . .”
“The aliens went into the ritual farewell-pattern. It took nearly five minutes before they were through flexing muscles, stooping, and praying. Then they turned and left Norden’s office.” [Excerpts from the story]
And the trial is by combat, with a fight to the death! – for eating lunch on the temple steps. Ooh-rah
“Astounding Science Fiction,” December, 1957. Cover art by Kelly Freas for “Precedent” by Robert Silverberg.
“On the second day of the third week since the Terran mission had arrived on Leeminorr, Lieutenant Blair Pickering committed an outrageous crime. He entered the temple courtyard, ignored the cries of the priests in attendance, proceeded to sit on the steps, draw a foodpack from his uniform pocket, and eat. When he was finished eating, he crumpled his refuse paper and left it where he sat; then, he returned to his vehicle and rode away. . .
“They stood nearly seven feet in height, magnificent humanoid specimens with powerful-looking shoulders and brawny frames. Five of them, five males, in discordantly-colored clothing of anger, savage reds shot through with raging violets and blacks. Their arms and legs were bare, allowing view of the superb muscles. The Leeminorrans had oiled themselves, applying the rancid animal fat that gave sheen and glow to their sleek metallic-blue skins. . .
“You are Colonel Norden?” asked the foremost of the Leeminorrans. His voice was deep and big; it rattled in the cavern of his chest a moment before booming forth into the little room.
“I am,” Norden said.
“I am Ahruntinok, Guardian of the Truth . . . Lieutenant Pickering has committed blasphemy,” the alien said. “The penalty for that is severe. He must be tried in full court and punished for this, or else the temple’s purification will be made much more difficult. . . And you Earthmen have agreed to abide by the laws of Leeminorr while you remain here. Surely you won’t raise any objection to the trial? "
“We’ve bound ourselves by precedent to abide by local law. If a member of this mission has broken the law, we have to let him be tried by Leeminorran courts. . .”
“The aliens went into the ritual farewell-pattern. It took nearly five minutes before they were through flexing muscles, stooping, and praying. Then they turned and left Norden’s office.” [Excerpts from the story]
And the trial is by combat, with a fight to the death! – for eating lunch on the temple steps. Ooh-rah