Feet of Clay

"Feet of Clay" by Robert Hoskins is a science fiction story that looks at what happens when different cultures clash and the problems that arise when people from Earth try to aid alien civilizations without fully understanding them. The main character, Dillon, is a medic working for Extrasol Traders on the planet Kash, where he finds himself in a tricky situation when a priest is unavailable and a medical crisis occurs. Using his knowledge and resources, Dillon helps the local aliens, which leads them to see him as a god. Although he has some success, things get complicated when a local alien dies, ruining his reputation as a miracle worker. This event leads to a conflict between what Dillon is doing and the beliefs of the local priesthood. The situation gets intense, exploring issues like faith, power, and the ethical questions that come up when someone tries to help others in situations they don't really grasp.