The Star Beast by Robert A. Heinlein

Johnnie swallowed. “Yessir.”

“We have remaining the civil matters of damage, Here the criteria are different. The guardian of a minor, or the owner of an animal, is responsible for damage committed by that child or that animal, the law holding that it is better that the owner or guardian suffer than the innocent third party. Except for one point, which I will reserve for the moment, these civil actions fall under that rule. First, let me note that one or more of these issues ask for real, punitive, and exemplary damages. Punitive and exemplary damages are denied; there are no grounds. I believe that we have arrived at real damages in each case and counsels have so stipulated. As to costs, the Department of Spatial Affairs has intervened in the public interest; costs will be borne by the department.”

Betty whispered, “A good thing we homesteaded him. Look at those insurance vultures grin.”

Greenberg went on, “I reserved one point. The question has been raised indirectly that this Lummox may not be an animal. . . and therefore not a chattel but may be a sentient being within the meaning of ‘the Customs of Civilizations’. . . and therefore his own master.” Greenberg hesitated. He was about to add his bit to the “Customs of Civilizations”; he was anxious not to be overruled. “We have long disavowed slavery; no sentient being may be owned. But if Lummox is sentient, what have we? May Lummox be held personally responsible? It would not appear that he has sufficient knowledge of our customs, nor does it appear that he is among us by his own choice. Are the putative owners in fact his guardians and in that way responsible? All these questions turn on this: is Lummox a chattel, or a free being?

“This court expressed its opinion when it ruled that Lummox might not testify. . . at this time. But this court is not equipped to render a final decision, no matter how strongly it may believe that Lummox is an animal.”

“The court will therefore start proceedings on its own motion to determine the status of Lummox. In the meantime the local authorities will take charge of Lummox and will be held responsible both for his safety and for public safety with respect to him.” Greenberg shut up and sat back.

A fly would have had his choice of open mouths. First to recover was the attorney for Western Mutual, Mr. Schneider. “Your honor? Where does that leave us?”

“I don’t know.”

“But. . . see here, your honor, let’s face the facts. Mrs. Stuart hasn’t any property or funds that can be attached; she’s the beneficiary of a trust. Same for the boy. We expected to levy against the beast itself; he will bring a good price in the proper market. Now you have, if you will permit me, upset the apple cart. If one of those scientific. . . hrrumph! . . . persons starts a long series of tests, years long perhaps, or throws doubt on the beast’s status as a chattel. . . well, where should we look for relief? Should we sue the city?”

Lombard was on his feet instantly. “Now, look here, you can’t sue the city! The city is one of the damaged parties. On that theory. . .”

“Order,” Greenberg said sternly. “None of those questions can be answered now. All civil actions will be continued until the status of Lummox is clarified.” He looked at the ceiling. “There is another possibility. It would seem that this creature came to Earth in the Trail Blazer. If my memory of history serves, all specimens brought back by that ship were government property. If Lummox is a chattel, he may nevertheless not be private property. In that event, the source of relief may be a matter of more involved litigation.”

Mr. Schneider looked stunned, Mr. Lombard looked angry, John Thomas looked confused and whispered to Betty, “What’s he trying to say? Lummox belongs to me.

“Ssh. . .” Betty whispered. “I told you we would get out of it. Oh, Mr. Greenberg is a honey lamb!”

“But. . .”

“Hush up! We’re ahead.”

Mr. Ito’s son had kept quiet except when testifying. Now he stood up. “Your honor?”