Fisher Tiger Wanted to Find His Place in the Federation

The middle-aged man set down his newspaper, gave a hearty laugh, and explained:

"Once you enter Federation territory, the slave trade is absolutely forbidden. If someone owned slaves before joining the Federation, the Federation won't hold it against them.

"But if they capture or sell slaves after joining, the consequences are severe. At best, they'll be expelled. At worst, they'll be shot. No exceptions."

Pedro listened closely. After a moment's thought, he asked a crucial question:

"Would nobles who are used to having slaves accept such strict terms? Without slaves, who would do their work?"

The middle-aged man smiled and continued:

"Why wouldn't they? They know a good deal when they see one. If they need workers, they can buy robots from the Eternal Financial Group's Simulated Robots stores.

"Those robots were developed by Dr. Judge and Dr. Vegapunk together. I hear they look almost exactly like real people. They don't need food or sleep, and you don't even have to pay them wages. They're far more useful than slaves.

"They do have one drawback, though: they run on electricity. They can't be put into widespread use until power lines reach the entire Federation."

Pedro, Beckmus, and Jebao all looked stunned.

Jebao's round red eyes widened. Even his upright bear ears drooped in shock as he stammered:

"R-robots? Just like real people? How is that possible?"

Beckmus's mouth fell open, and the mane atop his head trembled.

"They don't need rest? Then they can work forever? That's incredible!"

Pedro was even more shaken. His thoughts churned, refusing to settle.

Throughout his travels, he had heard too many accounts of his people being captured and sold at auction. He had survived countless pursuits by slave hunters himself. He had long since despaired of a world that treated the Mink Tribe as