The Star Beast by Robert A. Heinlein - The Heinlein Prize

CHAPTER TWELVE:
Mr. Kiku is very happy. The Hroshii might even open up diplomatic relations
with Earth!
He still wonders over how anybody could have expected them to know Lummox
belonged to the Hroshii! She is so much bigger, with no hands at first, and still a baby!
Greenberg and Ftaeml show up: there is a problem. Lummox doesn’t want to
leave. She wants her pet: John Thomas. (There is a sexual joke worked into this novel
for young boys, largely as a jab at his editor, Alice Dalgliesh, whom Heinlein had come
to resent for her interference in his writing, and her often infuriating habit of not
protecting his interests against public complaint. Lummox says she has been raising John
Thomases for a long time, and has no plans to stop. John Thomas is British slang for a
penis….)
else.
John Thomas has been sent home. Lummox has demanded he be delivered…or
Lummox is a princess, the Hroshia. She must be obeyed – but the commander
also has orders to bring her home. He is trapped.
Mr. Kiku tells Dr. Ftaeml, to tell them, essentially, to go to hell. He absolutely
refuses to be bullied; better to be dead than bend the knee to anybody. Then he adds:
before delivering that message, talk to the Hroshia Lummox, and explain to her that her
captain seems to be about to kill her John Thomas. Kiku sends Greenberg to get John
Thomas and his mother.
The Secretary comes in, and tells Mr. Kiku that Mrs. Murgatroyd is coming – the
creator of Pidgie Widgie! Mr. Kiku is lost. She is a very popular children’s show host,
and the Secretary expects Mr. Kiku to kiss up to her. Mr. Kiku absolutely refuses. She is
the one who is behind the Friends of Lummox. When the Secretary states his intention to
discipline Greenberg, Mr. Kiku tenders his resignation. The Secretary backs off, more or
less. Mr. Kiku backs off, more or less.
Mr. Kiku explains about what is going on with the Hroshii. Kiku again outthinks
him and outmaneuvers him. He then explains his solution. He intends to ask if John
Thomas wants to go…and gain the friendship of the Hroshii for the human race. If he
doesn’t want to go, Mr. Kiku is prepared to die in defiance.