Phule Me Twice by Robert Asprin & Peter J. Heck

“I don’t know about that,” said Raphael. “I was once in a group the android came up to, and somebody started a discussion of the gravball playoffs. I swear, that droid could talk about the sports and weather better than I could! I doubt anybody could have figured out they weren’t interacting with a real person.”

“Only danger would be if somebody in the group knew the real Phule and spotted the android-or the actor-talking about something Phule didn’t know or care about,” said Doc. “But with the right direction, even that wouldn’t be a problem. Just order the actor to break off the conversation before there’s any chance of getting in over his head. We can handle it, believe me.”

“OK,” said Tully decisively. “We let Doc pick a couple of doubles, coach them to play Phule, and turn them loose as soon as they’re ready. We’re trusting you on this one, Doc.”

“I won’t let you down,” said Doc. “But this only solves half the problem, y’know.”

“Do I ever,” said Tully. “Somebody out there’s got the android, and it’s not going to be very long before they figure out what they’ve got and what it means. And then we’re going to be a target again.”

“I hope not. People could get hurt,” said Rex. “We need to notify the captain as soon as possible. I’m not anxious to put my actors in the way of that kind of danger. Besides, he’s the majority stockholder. We can’t deal with a situation of this importance without his input.”

“Second the motion, and call the question,” said Doc. “I don’t think we can afford to delay even a moment.”