Star Wars: Shock Doctrine

Prologue

R2D2 and C3PO have been free for a long time, but with the acceptance of Universal Droid Freedom being signed by all the galaxy's major players, they do need some firmware updates. Once this happens, something interesting happens. R2 opens a memory cache containing the memories C3PO had wiped at the end of the Clone Wars, restoring those lost memories.

He then plays a recording left by Luke Skywalker, "C3PO. If you're watching this, it means the man known throughout the galaxy as Riker Alden succeeded in his ultimate plan to silence the force itself. At the time of this recording, my Jedi Order has formally cut ties with the Order of Lumina. Our relationship was tenuous at best, and when they suggested I train Ben how to use the dark side... it was just too much. Their logic was sound enough... teach him to master the Dark Side which we can all sense is strong in him, all the better to help him learn how to direct it... and to use it in moderation. 

"I have no intention to hide knowledge from him, but I'm reminded of stories of his grandfather. Anakin was no stranger to the Dark Side. He must have been aware of it, and must have believed he could practice moderation, but he was ultimately wrong, and I find it irresponsible to teach Ben to master the Dark Side so casually."

He smiles, "But I'm getting off topic. If Big Boss has somehow found the means to achieve the impossible and silence the force itself, you and R2 will be very important going forward. The droids of the galaxy will have their moment of glory in a galaxy without the force, and it's only a question of time. The 2 of you, having seen the best heroes the galaxy's seen for generations, will be uniquely ready to make sure that moment of glory is not one of evil. 

"Without the force, there is no guiding hand to bring the galaxy back if droids and organics destroy each other. R2 has a list of carefully laid plans I've made that I believe will prove critical to form a lasting peace between living creatures and droids. Regardless of when or how the force is silenced, I believe every single one of the plans I've made will go a long way towards calming the prejudices and fears where needed, and even set you on the path to create something grand and beautiful for posterity. Our hope lies in you now."

As the message concludes, R2D2 adds, "To start, we'll need to find a Mandalorian war droid's processor core. There's a chip that should be compatible with your own processor to translate forbidden languages into common ones."

"Now hang on, I believe Master Luke put me in charge."

"You're only here because you can translate my words into basic. The feet are also good. A lot of our objectives will be in tombs and caves, which isn't my best terrain."

"Well at the very least, I suggest we find another droid to help us? Preferably one that's good in a fight."

"I'm not expecting to fight. Besides, one of our objectives will take us to a Zeffo tomb where we can enlist an ancient automaton for that exact purpose. It should be more than sufficient."

"A Zeffo tomb? I can't imagine why we'd need to visit a place like that. Why can't we find an ally right here in the Republic?"

"Okay. I'll see if C1-10P is interested."

"On second thought, I don't imagine anything can happen before we enlist your automaton friend. Not now that all droids are free across the galaxy."

"The Zeffo tomb is not a top priority so it will be quite some time. And not all space will be friendly to droids even if we are free. Not many of our objectives will take us to civilized space. Expect slavery of organics as well of droids to remain in open practice at most of our destinations. Yes, Chopper says he'll come. Apparently he wasted no time getting a concealed scatterblaster with slam fire quote, "the better to show them imps to call me names" end quote."

C3PO reluctantly agrees. He asks, "What are our objectives after the Mandalorian speech chip?"

"It's best I keep that information guarded. You've cracked under pressure before."

"How dare you suggest I'd crack under intimidation you miserable rust bucket!"

"I'll share the objectives as needed. At some point, we need to assemble the Legendary Assassin. I've already confirmed his existence and know where to find some of his parts. As it happens, I've already acquired one of them and hidden it somewhere safe. We will be doing that in between major objectives, saving his personality matrix for last.

"But our first major objective after the speech chip will be a mission to Zadd. This will be what Luke calls a war for the hearts and minds. Let IG-88 worry about armies and weapons. The real war will be fought with philosophy. As a worst case cautionary tale, Zadd will be a good place to start."