The Specimen

"Where'd you get that wound?"

"A little mix-up at the zoo. Let's get outta here."

"Does it have to do with why we've still got this alien on board?"

"Here, listen. Computer, play conversation from the beginning."

_____

"You'll find that all the papers are in order. Do you mind if I have a look around. It's been 18 months since I was last here?"

"Mr. Jeffords, facility inspections are no longer mandated in the transfer protocol at this station."

"I don't care about your protocol. I always check the living environment for the animals I bring. That's my protocol, Mr.—"

"Eason. Dr. Eason. Behavioural neuroscientist."

"Well then Dr. Eason, the contract that I have with this station permits me to inspect the conditions of the zoo."

"I'm afraid that cannot be arranged, sir."

Pause Play

"On cue, two hulking hominids, indigenous to this planet, entered the office, armed with military-grade blasters, expressionless as antiquated 21^st century androids."

Resume Play

"Well, then Dr. Eason, with all due respect to your colleagues here, I think that we've reached an impasse. Unless I can check out the facilities here, I will not be off-loading my cargo."

"That beast is the property of this station—your Interstellar account has been credited as of this morning. Security is here purely as a formality to ensure that the transfer takes place smoothly and peaceably."

"And that transaction can be reversed. I know because I've done it before. You must know my reputation. I, however, know nothing about you. What happened to the previous zookeeper?"

"That would be irrelevant. What is pertinent is that all shippers' contracts with the previous stationmaster have been superseded, all shippers have been notified and given their assent to the revised terms—except for you, Mr. Jeffords."

"Well, I didn't receive your communication, and if I had, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now, because I would be in a different quadrant delivering my cargo to a reputable zoo."

"If that's your last word, sir. Security, please detain Mr. Jeffords until the beast can be transported safely to our facility."

_____

"That's when I fired my blaster. I always have it set to stun, but those guys were quicker and one of them got off a shot that hit me in the shoulder. Theirs weren't set to stun—low intensity but not—"

"You did what. What the hell were you thinking?"

"What I was thinking is that this guy was no zookeeper and this was no zoo. This was an animal testing laboratory and he was the guy in charge. I've heard about these people and what they do to get their research stipends and get the their papers published."

"So, you grew a conscience down there? Who do you think we are and what do you think we're doing? We're animal escorts. We take exotic and dangerous animals from their native habitats on planets across our galaxy and sell them to zoos. And what do you think zoos do with them? Treat them like pets? Don't be naive. You're too old for that. It doesn't suit you."

"But I do it—have always done it—differently. I've turned down a lot of money whenever I thought something smelled funny. And this didn't just smell funny. It stank!"

"Damn! Now we're stuck with this ... this unnameable creature and no buyers. Who do you think's gonna pay a premium price for an animal that's not even been recorded with the Galactic Zoological Society? The old zookeeper here had always been a risk-taker and had agreed to the transaction, and then you have his replacement make the same offer. There aren't two others in the galaxy who'd be willing to take a chance on a new species. That reminds me, it's your turn to feed it."

"I told you yesterday that we are running low on food. What do I feed it?"

"Just now thought of that, did you? Well, we know this creature is on a strict carnivore's diet—no substitutions. And we've been through a barnyard full of animals—and by the way, what's it feel like for you when you feed live animals to this monster that's all tooth and claw?"