The Handicapped

"The Handicapped" is a science fiction short story by Larry Niven, originally published in the December 1967 issue of Galaxy Science Fiction as "Handicap". Set in the Known Space universe, the story introduces the Grogs, the sessile but sentient inhabitants of the planet Down.

First publication
Cover art by Gray Morrow

Plot

Mr Garvey arrives at the planet Down, having heard about the natives called Grogs. Garvey Limited, a company owned by his father, makes artificial limbs and other tools for the "Handicapped" species; sentient beings that evolved minds but with nothing that would serve as hands, like dolphins. A local reluctantly agrees to show him a living Grog in the desert, but the Grog turns out to be a disappointment. It is sessile enough, being a furry cone living anchored to a rock, but it seems utterly void of sentience. The latter observation is later confirmed by a local exobiologist.

The next morning, Garvey has a revelation. Somehow he knows the Grogs are sentient, without knowing why he knows. He returns to the desert and finds another Grog that begins to communicate with Garvey telepathically. It turns out the Grogs are indeed sentient beings with strong telepathic abilities, but for fear of being perceived as a threat for this very reason, they have concealed this until now. But having read Garvey's mind, and seeing that he can help them break their isolation, they are willing to take their chances. They reveal to Garvey their greatest secret: they are the descendents of the Slavers, a race that ruled over the galaxy a billion years ago and were eradicated in a massive war. While they maintain that they are benevolent, Garvey remains doubtful.

gollark: It's actually really simple.
gollark: Maybe tomorrow.
gollark: It only replicates in one direction and causes much lag.
gollark: It's very easy with the recursive blueprints mod.
gollark: I built a factorio self-replicator!
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