The Handicapped

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.

They would like an animal with something like hands that they can control, plus access to human libraries and guest lecturers who would not object to having their minds read.

They offer to use their powers to herd livestock, guard Down against invasion, perform police work, and monitor zoo animals.

They deny any knowledge of the Slavers and claim that working together the Grogs cannot reach more than halfway across the planet with their minds, so they are no threat to humans.

But just in case, an old Bussard ramjet ship is placed in orbit that can be used to cause the local sun to emit deadly radiation.