Chapter 7.4

- "I'll go to Dzik," I said, sighing.

- "And the guys...?"

- "Losers," I interrupted. "They can't properly raid the fridge, so they're better off staying away from there."

- "Where to?"

- "Wherever Master Lairi says," I chuckled.

- "And if they can?"

- "Doubtful. But if they can, then they'll have a serious conversation with me," I replied, slightly threateningly. "You have to pay for everything. Even for luck."

At Dzik's hangar, as always, there was a buzz of activity. Someone was drilling, others were tinkering with some machinery. Conversations, arguments, and shouts filled the air.

- "Stop, you scoundrel! I said stop!"

A two-meter droid with the call sign BBR-4 was zooming around the hangar, trying to escape from a small Paratus. Meanwhile, BBR-3 stood in place, holding something that resembled an engine from a speeder in its manipulators.

- "Help me, kind Jedi!" the droid refused to stop, circling around the hangar. "Save me from him!"

- "Stop, you piece of junk! I'll..."

- "Save me..."

- "...shove a vocabulator up your rear."

- "...they're assaulting me."

- "A-A-A-A!"

Poor Paratus, he was about to foam at the mouth. I wonder why he doesn't just give him a command?

- "Hello, Dzik," I approached the mustachioed man. "Have they been running around here for long?" I gestured behind me.

- "Hello. About ten minutes now," he replied without looking up from something on his desk. "By the way," he slid a small box toward me, "here's your processor."

- "Oh, cool!" I took it in my hands. "Finally, I'll have something to occupy myself with."

- "Did you win yesterday?" the man asked, still fiddling with... something round.

- "What's this?" I asked curiously.

- "This?" the man looked at me. "Well, Rein, remember this. It's a limiter for the AM356 light engine, fraction two. There are only four of them in the engine. By tinkering with them, you can significantly increase the speed of a ship in hyperspace."

- "Wow, cool."

- "And it's complicated," Dzik returned to his task. "So don't bother me, kiddo. I'm busy today."

- "Okay," I shrugged. The processor was delivered, so I have something to do. "By the way, I lost. I got eliminated in the first round."

- "And why's that?" the man got distracted again.

- "I ran into this year's top contender."

- "Think about the positives. You wouldn't have won this year anyway."

- "That's true, but still... ah, never mind."

First, I transferred the existing matrix onto a new carrier and inserted the stone into the tester. Error. Well, it would have been strange if it had worked differently. So, let's start over from the basics. From loyalty. But first, I need to wipe everything clean. Fortunately, I have a copy.

By the time I had to leave, the loyalty block was programmed. I didn't bother much and used the one from the R-series droids as a base, only changing the loyalty from the owner to loyalty to me. Although, let me clarify. Droids usually have two types of settings - internal and external, so to speak. The one that's hardcoded into the processor, and the actual software. The R-series has absolute obedience as its default setting, and the matrix indicates to whom specifically. As you may have guessed, I initially set them to have only one owner, and in the "external" part of the matrix, I included a standard obedience block. Not to "duplicate loyalty," but simply because I'm wary of making changes there. After all, professionals worked on it. Essentially, I don't intend to engage in actual programming; I will continue to assemble these "blocks." I have many droid matrices, so I'll come up with something. The main thing is not to get confused and not to create a firefighter droid in a trainer's body.

After taking a final look at what I had accomplished, I decided to try, later of course, as there's no time now, to insert the standard firmware into the "internal" part of the matrix. I didn't have a specific goal; I was just curious to see what would happen. Setting it to obey me personally, plus... Maybe just modify the default setting? Clarify right there, to whom exactly it should be obedient among the sentient beings. While the processor is still in the testing panel, I can tweak anything, as long as I thoroughly check everything later. Because once the matrix is installed on the processor, it won't be possible to modify the "internal" firmware anymore.

Well, that's all for tomorrow. Right now, I have to rush to Drellig's lesson.

***

Sitting across from the hologram of the Guardian of the Great Holocron, I awaited his response. It's far from certain that this conspirator would reveal anything comprehensible, and there wasn't even a specific question asked, but his contemplation instilled a certain optimism.

Earlier today, I once again witnessed one of the Padawans, who frequently train in the common halls alongside the younglings, bragging. Well, as much as a Jedi can boast. In my case, the Padawans shared their experiences with their younger brethren, trying to pass on their wisdom. Today's apprentice, attempting to downplay his importance as much as possible, recounted how he and his teacher searched for the killer of a senator's relative. Since he had a gift for storytelling, it was interesting to listen to him. However, one thing puzzled me - a Jedi investigating a murder on the senator's home planet, a developed planet with billions of inhabitants... Can someone explain to me if they don't have a police force? Or what it's called there? Billions of law-abiding sentient beings whose crimes are investigated by others because they don't have their own police force. Is that how it works? Well, forget about the police. What about the Judicial Corps? Why should Jedi be the ones handling these matters? Doesn't the Order have other tasks? Have all the pirates been eradicated, and smugglers... although that's a whole different story? Are diplomats not needed anywhere at all? Recently, a youngling told a story about how he and his teacher traveled across a planet on the verge of war between two races. Countless negotiations, seven assassination attempts on them personally, one terrorist base destroyed, but they managed to prevent a war that would have claimed the lives of tens of thousands, if not millions. And here? They were investigating the murder of some wealthy individual. Who perhaps deserved death. In any case, the murderer turned out to be a commoner whose girlfriend recently died. Suspicious, to say the least. Officially, he was simply declared insane. What a mind-blowing motive!

And this particular Padawan is not the only one. Throughout all this time that I've been listening to these stories, it seems that at least a third of the Jedi missions... let's say, could have been handled by others. The Judicial Corps, planetary law enforcement agencies, or even the Senate Guard, for that matter. For heaven's sake, can someone explain to me why a Jedi and their Padawan should fly at the request of the ruler of one of the Republic planets to train their political aides in some backwater academy?! Two months! During which they could have provided real assistance to those in need. Capture a pirate, for example. Damn it, even investigate a murder! How is this possible? Where is the Council's oversight?

And now, I sat in a comfortable chair, waiting for the Keeper to respond, hoping for an explanation. Does the history of the entire Order hold the answers I seek?

- The history of the Order's relationship with the Republic spans over a millennium, - the Keeper finally spoke. - In order to answer your question, I need to understand what you mean by "such."

- The Order carries out the Senate's orders. Often senseless ones. Or rather... not senseless, but... unnecessary. Not the ones Jedi should be executing.

- You are mistaken. The Order does not carry out orders. Thankfully, no one can give us orders.

- That's even worse. If it's not orders, then it means the Order itself... is being swayed by the Senate.

- It's difficult for me to answer that question, youngling. I simply don't have statistical data on the Order's assignments. From an outsider's perspective, it does indeed seem unseemly, but, for example, training Jedi children has always been a priority. So, sending a knight to another academy doesn't seem out of the ordinary.

- And what about assisting in a murder investigation?

- I repeat, I don't know the underlying details of specific cases. Most likely, the Council had a knight available, so they sent him.

- There are thousands, millions of tasks in the galaxy...

- Tasks that we will never have enough Jedi for, - the Guardian interrupted me. - But that's precisely what the Order should be doing. Throughout different millennia, depending on the situation, different objectives have been emphasized. Understanding the universe, the Force, safeguarding peace and justice, maintaining balance, protecting against the darkness, defending the Republic. If we delve far back into history, the Republic itself was created as a response to the threat of the Hutt Empire.

- So, we did create the Republic after all?

- M-m-m... not exactly. We initiated the creation of the Republic. We traveled extensively, negotiating with various states, bringing them together. We became the connecting link and the guarantor. However, the actual establishment, the development of laws, the organization of various services, and so on, lie in the hands of planetary and sector rulers.

- So, a guarantor, - I muttered softly. - And now this guarantor has been reduced to a mere lapdog of the Senate.

- I highly doubt that, - the hologram smirked. - Although I won't argue that it's exactly what the Senate has been attempting for a thousand years.

- Then why...

- We are diplomats, after all, - the Guardian interrupted me again. - Sometimes we have to make concessions.

- Concessions, - I grimaced.

- You must understand, youngling, that life requires them. Just as it's not sustainable to constantly make concessions. Today, they sent someone to investigate a murder that could have been handled by the local authorities, but tomorrow... There was an incident on Naboo not too long ago, have you heard about it? Probably not, well, never mind. So, by intervening in that situation, the Order didn't warn anyone. And yet, that incident involved many influential beings. And what happened? Nothing. Everyone took it for granted. By yielding in small matters, we gain the opportunity to address more significant challenges.

- In my opinion, the Order shouldn't have taken on the responsibility for the ENTIRE galaxy.

- It's a contentious question, - the Keeper shrugged. - But you're not the first, nor even the hundred thousandth, to raise it. However, the thing is, as you said, the Order has ALREADY, as you put it, taken on the responsibility, and you can't abandon those under your care. We'll have to wait for the Republic to decide on its own to part ways with our services. But... I fear the Order won't survive such a rejection, as we are deeply intertwined with it. If that happens, it would mean something truly terrible.

Hah, like, for example, the Emperor and Order 66.

- And isn't the fact that they're trying to bend us a reason in itself?

- Youngling, youngling, - he shook his head in response. - I understand you've been here for seven years, but when asking such questions, try to read some history first. Both we and they act according to the times. Before the Ruusan Reformation, if you're not aware, the Order actually governed the Republic. And that's despite the fact that the Jedi always distanced themselves from politics. It's just that the situation was such that the Chancellor-elect was the only way out. Right now, everything is calm, and we are already trying to detach ourselves from the Senate. But for thousands of years, youngling, the Order and the Republic have been inseparably linked. Trust me, if another crisis arises, the Order will step in once again. But it's better, of course, to avoid that.

- So, all this mess is normal?

- Young man, stop using such words; they don't become a Jedi, or any cultured being for that matter. - I was even a bit embarrassed. - And yes, strange as it may seem, it's normal. The concerning part is that there have been too many such cases in recent years. But don't worry, the Council, I assure you, is aware of the prevailing trend.

- And they're not doing anything about it?

- Are you sure? - the Guardian raised an eyebrow. - Are you so well-informed about the affairs of the Order? And even if you are, everything has its time, youngling. The Council members aren't pleased with such a situation either. Just remember that it's not the Senate that effectively governs the Republic. Senators are merely representatives of their worlds. Envoys.

Our conversation has veered too far. It's time to wrap it up. But let's bookmark it and return to this discussion someday.

- Thank you for clarifying my question, Keeper. You've put my mind at ease, at least to some extent.

- You're welcome, - he waved his hand. And glancing at the door, he added with a smirk, - For now, at least.

It's also interesting. When there are others in the room besides me, it's very difficult to get anything worthwhile out of the Guardian. He suddenly transforms into a spy in the enemy's camp. Exaggerating, of course.

- What are you afraid of, Keeper? - I asked abruptly, causing him to freeze.

- I was born when balance ruled the galaxy. When balance was the rule of the Jedi. Light and Dark, good and evil, Ashla and Bogan. But I am merely a keeper of knowledge; I cannot go against the politics of the Order.

- Are you trying to acquaint me with the Dark Side or something? - I asked cautiously, subtly transitioning to using "you" instead of formal address.

- No, - the Guardian laughed. - Not at all. Balance, youngling. Neither Light nor Dark.

I should have left and ended this conversation, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.

- It won't be the Jedi Order anymore.

- That's not true. It's just that those who fell into the Darkness turned out to be... too orthodox. And resilient. Time and time again, effectively forcing the Order to take the other side. And proving, mind you—proving, not just showing—that Darkness is bad. So, what's so surprising about the Order fully aligning with the Light and changing its way of life in the process? Answering your question, youngling, I fear nothing. It's just that my methods of training differ significantly from those of modern Jedi. But I'm still part of the Order, and if I'm told to "stop" or "enough," I have no other choice.

- Why... - I swallowed the lump in my throat, - why are you telling me all this?

- O-o-o... - the Keeper drawled. - There are reasons for that. But I think it's time for you to go, youngling. Drop by again sometime.

- Rest assured, - I murmured as a parting remark.

***