diff --git a/scripts/ai/merchant.lua b/scripts/ai/merchant.lua
index db2fe90..c446796 100644
--- a/scripts/ai/merchant.lua
+++ b/scripts/ai/merchant.lua
@@ -44,6 +44,13 @@ end
 -- Runs away.
 function runaway()
   target = ai.targetid()
+	
+	if not ai.exists(target) then
+		ai.pustask()
+		ai.pushtask(0, "hyperspace")
+		return
+	end
+
   dir = ai.face(target, 1)
   ai.accel()
 	if ai.hasturrets() then