hose tails have been docked, could be a legal
bombshell if they ever left Flora."

Kennon was jolted. He had been thinking of mental mutilation and
Alexander had been talking physical. Naturally they would be dangerous
property. Anyone attempting to sell a docked Lani would probably be
thrown in Detention and charged with slave trading.

"Did you ever figure the cost of taking a legal action through our court
system?" Alexander asked. "Even the small ones set you back four or five
thousand, and a first-class action like a Humanity Trial could cost
over a million. Grandfather found that out. Sure, there are differences
between Lani and humans, but a smart lawyer can make them seem trivial
until the final test and that would drag on for nearly two years until
all the requirements were satisfied--and by that time the unfavorable
publicity would drop sales to zero. The Family would be on my neck for
lost dividends, and I'd lose much of the control I hold over them.

"Sure, it's possible that prehensile tails could be produced by
mutation, but so far as we know it hasn't happened in human history. As
a result, the tail serves as a trade-mark--something that can be easily
recognized by anyone. So we sell them intact." Alexander crossed his
legs and settled back in his chair. "Shocks you, doesn't it?"

Kennon nodded. "Yes," he admitted. "It does."

"I know. You can't help it. Most of our new employees think the Lani are
human--at first. They learn better, but adjustment is always a strain.
They keep confusing external appearances with the true article. But
remember this--Lani are not human. They're animals. And on this island
they're treated as what they are--no more, no less. They are a part
of our economics and are bred, fed, and managed according to sound
livestock principles. Despite some of the things you may see here in
Alexandria, don't forget that. You are a veterinarian. Your job is to
handle disease problems in animals. Lani are animals. Therefore you will
be doing your job. I was disappointed in your reaction when you first
saw them, but I suppose it was natural. At any rate this should clear
the air."

"It does--intellectually," Kennon admitted. "But the physical
resemblance is so close that it is difficult to accept."

Alexander smiled. "Don't worry. You'll accept it in time. Now I think
it's time that you met the Family."

CHAPTER V

The main salon was crowded. The huge room, glittering with mirrors