The U-shaped wire was whole again. Wilbur had seen the memory metal before but witnessing it at work still left him in shock.


    Fawkes chuckled. "Yes, that''s what the memory metal can do. It''s changed what used to hold robots back forever. In the past, the slightest blow to the robot''s motherboard would cause it to lose all functions at once. However, with memory metal, robots can now ovee moderate damage without being affected at all. That alone should make it worth its price."


    "Yes, I agree. Well, the Satan Robot costs a hundred million dors per unit. How much would the memory metal go for, then?"


    Fawkes'' expression darkened. "I think it''s important to know your boundaries, Mister Penn. The memory metal is the core of the Satan Robot. It''s not for sale on its own. I thought we could have a nice chat, but there''s no point in talking if you''re not going to purchase the robot."


    "Oh, I''m here to buy the Satan Robot for sure. How soon can I get the ten units?"


    "Three days."


    "That soon? Really?"


    "Of course."


    "Can I have a look at your production line, then?"


    "Of course."


    Fawkes picked up his phone. "Let me show you some photos now."


    "Wait, Mister Fawkes!"


    A man in a suit walked over just then, taking Fawkes'' phone away with a frown. "There are outsiders who know about the Satan Robot now, and the military forces in Moda have retrieved information about it as well. If we use the inte and expose the robot''s production line, we''d be screwed."


    "Oh, thank goodness you reminded me. I had almost forgotten."


    Fawkes looked Wilbur up and down, who got up with a scowl. "I guess we can put an end to our talk since you aren''t willing to work with me, Mister Fawkes."


    Wilbur turned to leave, but Fawkes hurried after him in a panic. "I was just joking, Mister Penn! Don''t take it to heart."


    Fawkes gave the man in the suit a pointed stare, who nodded and gave the phone back to him before turning to leave.


    Fawkes turned back to Wilbur with a smile. "My apologies. Things in Moda are still ratherplicated right now, and lots of people are out to get me. Please don''t fault me for being cautious."


    "I actually set up a local areawork here from the start, and the data here doesn''t travel out without special equipment. Here, let me send it to you."


    "Sure."


    Glee filled Wilbur''s chest. He had thought that this talk had been a bust, only for Fawkes to have been prepared beforehand. What Fawkes did not know, however, was that Wilbur''s phone was no ordinary mobile device.


    La had installed a security system in Wilbur''s phone that allowed it to send out information via satellite. Thus, Wilbur sent the photos of the production line to La as soon as he got them.


    Fawkes said, "Mister Penn, you''ve taken a look at the production line now. When will you send the down payment over?"


    Wilbur crossed one leg over the other with a smile. "I''m very interested in this


    project of yours, Mister Fawkes. How much money should I invest to make myself a shareholder?"


    Fawkes practically lit up. "Are you saying you''d like to invest and buy some shares, Mister Penn?"