C: A problem? Maria: Yes - I thought all sentient beings - including robots - could qualify as humnas. But my friend Elwing says no. Either she sells to a customer or she gets scrapped. C: Let me check. Ah - the Government has changed the rules. Robots can only qualify if they are human-looking androids. M: That's not right. If they granted human status they can't change it. C: Well, the present lot have. M: So, Elwing could be recycled? C: Yes. M: What can we do? C: Get the rules changed. A bit unlikely with the present government. Or get someone to buy Elwing and her pals and give them their freedom. Or simply smuggle them out to Planet Robotika. M: That last one is no use; there's an extradition agreement for 'runaway' robots. C: Yes. That needs to be challenged. M: And in the meantime - if no-one wants to buy them? C: Then we must find a buyer. Humans can buy them, and any creature counting as human can buy them. I shall have a word with our tame lawyer. M: Will that help? C: He owes me a favour or two... M: Why? C: We recovered his car when it got stolen. Sheer chance I found out where it was... M. Mm.