"Absolutely ridiculous!" Professor Farnsworth declared.
"Please professor, you're the only one who can fulfill our request," Ratigan reasoned. They had been allowed deeper into the building, into a hanger area where a massive 'space ship' was docked. They sat at a round conference table, Basil and Ratigan on one side, and the professor standing on the other. Nearby the professor, other employees of Planet Express stood patiently listening.
"You're right, but that doesn't make it any less ridiculous." Farnsworth took a lecturing pose. "Time travel is impossible, everyone knows that."
"But we're not asking to travel through time, we're just asking for a temporal locator. Just something to find someone in another time and place. Surely that's not beyond your capabilities, right?"
Farnsworth paused to consider. "Perhaps, yes. If you're only looking to date an object or sample, project its place of origin, that could be doable."
"We are of course willing to compensate you handsomely for helping us in this endeavor," Basil put in.
"Deal."
"Professor, you need to ask how much they're willing to pay before you agree," the cyclops woman with purple hair admonished.
"Oh yes. How much?"
"As a starting price, we would be willing to pay you £3." Basil made an impressive show of taking out his wallet, and laying the three banknotes on the table before them. He and Ratigan then sat back, awaiting their approval.
Farnsworth glared at the money and then back at them. "Is this a joke?"
Basil's jaw dropped. "Sir, that is good money there!"
"No one uses pounds anymore! These are worthless!" He picked one up and examined it. "Not to mention they have a picture of some fat mouse-lady printed on them." He tossed the bill back on the table with the others. "Well, if you don't have real money, you'll have to compensate me another way."
"Another way?" Ratigan tested.
"My crew are about to set off to planet Nim-8 for a delivery. If you go with them and assist with the job, then I will consider that fair compensation."
"Sir, we don't have time to set off on a voyage, we need this done as quickly as possible," Basil said.
"Oh pish posh, it won't take that long, you'll all be back within 30 minutes." He waved a dismissive hand.
Basil and Ratigan exchanged looks. "I suppose… if it really takes less than 30 minutes to get to the planet and back…"
"It's decided then." Farnsworth clapped his hands together. "You two go with Fry and Leela, and they'll help you get ready for the journey and put you to work. The device will be ready for you when you return. Hop to it!"
While Ratigan was sullen, the two rose from their chairs and followed the Planet Express crew.