Hunters -- Fiction; Hunting stories; Life on other planets -- Fiction; Man-woman relationships -- Fiction; Science fiction
Behind a long desk below Spencer Gaius Quesnay's box sat five
men--large, tanned, and well provided with noses. A placard identified
the man in the center, who had gray in his hair, as, "Foreman Maximum
Rory J. N. Eijkman." He said, "Criminal Alien Kinlock broke many
Ordinances." He picked up a paper and read from it. "Broke 320 by
refusing to show papers to the shuttle pilot, Ypsilanti. Broke 419 when
attempted to ride the upper deck. Broke 481 by conversing with the
pilot."
The list of my defections grew. My movements had been observed from the
wall by something called scopeplate. Any slight suspicion that I had
flaunted an Ordinance was assumed to be proven fact. Even my use of
the cargo hoist was criminal, and my relationship with Betty Toal was
filled with offenses. I grunted indignantly in the head harness, but no
one listened. Perspiration drained from my body.
After weary minutes, Eijkman read the last of my foul deeds, which
was speaking to Toal in the outer room. Eijkman said, "Because of
many crimes, suggest he be charged with breaking 792, which covers
disrespect to people and customs of Planet Maggie."
An unusual noise came from the spectators. I twisted my head and saw
that they were slapping the palms of their hands together.
Eijkman glanced at the other men behind the desk. He frowned at me
and said, "Were you Maggiese, should recommend that you be reduced
to Farmer. Are reportedly an agent of the creeping monster, Galactic
Government. Were sent to kill the Hog. One alien with nothing but small
weapons cannot kill the Hog. Am always opposed to asking Government
aid. So--"
A man named Maximum Qasim Pierre Macready, according to his sign,
exclaimed, "Foreman, object! If the Hog is not killed, may as well find
another continent or island. If this alien--"
"The case concerns the alien, not the Hog," Eijkman said.
"Think it silly for an entire population to be scared by the Hog!"
cried J. N. Zengo Bartok, a man leaner than the others. "The alien is a
well known hunter. Suppose--"
Eijkman said, "Order!" He glared at me. "Sentencing the alien would
require appeal to foul Galactic Government. Recommend deportation."
I had anticipated being dragged away to a gas chamber, or an electric
chair, or some other savage torture device; but I still did not like
Eijkman's decree.
Eijkman said, "Ordinance 30: Alien tourists shall not stay on Maggie
longer than one week. That is, nine days or 243 hours. Must be above
air by 26:47 Threeday night."
Bartok objected, "Have not passed the decision!"
Eijkman ignored him. "Since no plane will be in space then, time must
be extended."
"Uh--ah, yes, must," said His Perfectness, Spencer Gaius Quesnay, the
Joe Nordo Ideal, as he leaned from his box. "Er, should not force
the--um--alien to leave without a plane."
Bowing to the box, Eijkman told me, "As His Perfectness explains, must
wait here for the Ap-GG-12C. Will return at about 20:50 next Fourday.
Shuttle blasts at 18:00."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account