“Yeah, I guess we can get replacement value, whatever that is,” said Ernie. He looked once more at the replica of Phule sitting, with an expression of seeming unconcern, cross-legged in a chair by the window. It might have been waiting for a dinner date.
Or, more likely, looking for a chance to escape. But the two kidnappers weren’t betting that their captive would remain docile. The robot’s left leg was shackled to the heavy chair, and even with its superhuman strength, it wouldn’t make much progress dragging such an awkward impediment. Still, if it managed to escape the building, it was a good bet that it would find its way back to the Fat Chance, and that shortly thereafter, the two botnappers would be in the hands of unsympathetic security guards, learning firsthand about the penal system of Lorelei Station.
“One thing hasn’t changed,” said Lola. “We have to get off-station with this thing as quick as we can. The heat’s going to be turned way up. We’ve still got a chance to turn a profit. The bot’s worth something. Let’s get someplace where we can cash it in.”
Ernie looked her in the eye for a long moment, then shrugged. “OK, you’re running the game,” he said. “But first things first. What do we do to keep the Fat Chance security from beating down our door?”
She stood and moved quickly to the computer terminal she’d signed off from only a few minutes before. “Like I said, we have to get off-station-and take the bot with us-pronto. Tell you what; you go to the public ‘puters in the lobby and do some research on the going price of these robots. Meanwhile, I’ll see if I can get us a berth on something headed out-and right now, I’m not particular about destinations. Don’t take too long, OK? ‘Cause I’m grabbing the first thing I can find, even if we have to leave without our luggage to make it. Got it?”