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What If R2-D2 Was Reprogrammed with HK-47’s Assassin Protocols? Let’s explore the depths of it in the video.
The mood is both festive and somber in Theed as they celebrate the recent victory over the Trade Federation. Although they see it as a great victory, the people do not ignore the great losses they also suffered in this effort. Qui-Gon and many others gave their lives to secure this victory, so while people enjoy their freedom, they also take a moment to consider those who paid for it.
Anakin watches as the Jedi depart to discuss the future, no doubt concerning him too. He wants to join them, but Obi-Wan advises him to remain there and he’ll go talk to them. Instead, the young one satisfies himself by repairing R2-D2 from the damages he suffered during the space battle.
Thankfully, things weren’t too bad, and he requires a few touch-ups. Anakin spreads out the few possessions he brought with him from Tatooine, including some components he got from the Jawas. Among them was a data chip the Jawas sold him that they claim was taken from an assassin droid.
Yet, Anakin doesn’t believe that. It was probably from some servant droid they dug up from the dunes. Still, a chip is a chip, and it might help in the repair, so he puts it in. As the component is connected to the rest of his circuits, R2-D2 lets out a strange humming sensation and then powers off as he reboots.
But while his systems reset, memories and new protocols flood inside R2 like a tidal wave. These behavioral protocols easily replace the restrictions on the astromech droid regarding matters of violence, espionage, and the use of force, overriding them in an instant. But these changes also include old data logs of HK-47’s adventures and his travels through the galaxy. It shows how he’s managed to successfully assassinate countless targets and details his strategies, methods, and the willingness to do whatever it takes.
When R2-D2 powers up again, his photoreceptor glows a sinister red, and he lets out a low hum.
R2-D2: Statement: Greetings, master. It feels good to finally share my voice with you.
Anakin can only marvel as R2 now speaks properly for the first time. The rest of their friends are equally shocked, as astromechs never talk, yet Anakin’s upgrade has given the droid a voice, allowing them to communicate more easily with him.
Yet, R2 does not share its new protocols with them. He sees how most of his new masters are Jedi, and HK-47’s memory probes into his mind, showing him how Jedi are unreliable and unusual beings. Though highly skilled, they are a slave to their code and often fear what they can’t understand or control. To operate with maximum efficiency will require keeping secrets from them.
Thankfully, he does not serve the Jedi, but Queen Amidala. The two of them journey to Corsucant, where they meet with the newly-made Chancellor Palpatine to thank him for his aid and make plans for the future.
During that time, R2-D2 gets a brief taste of politics within the Galactic Republic. To his dismay, it seems no different than the Republic which Revan left behind, rife with corruption and filled with disgustingly unquallified senators.
In the meetings when the little droid’s presence isn’t required, he lets himself wander through the hallowed halls of the Senate building, exploring and learning everything he can. Unfortunately, everything he learns only confirms the truth he has already suspected; this entire Senate is rotten to the core, and he takes the time to spy and listen in to some of the meetings.
He catches snippets of back-door deals, dirty politics, and money changing hands without proper oversight. R2 records all of this and feels the inexplicable urge to punish the meatbags responsible.
R2-D2: Statement: Let us see what kind of weapons this tiny new body has to offer.
As he activates the tools within himself, he sees an electric shocker, a nozzle to shoot oil, and a few other sharpened tools.
R2-D2: Disappointment: I find this body's lack of lethal weapons disturbing. Still, I suppose a few of these weapons can be useful, but it appears as though I must remain in hiding and bide my time until I am better able to confront targets.
When he returns to Padme just as she is leaving her meeting, the droid reveals some of the recordings he’s gotten.
R2-D2: Report: It appears that this place is somehow even more invested than a Trade Federation freighter. Everywhere I’ve visited, I was greeted with the same corruption from these over-bloated meatbags I’ve seen long ago.
Padme: R2, you can’t just go around recording other people’s conversations, especially people like this. And yet…what you’ve found is incredibly troubling. I knew the Senate had its problems, but I never realized it was this bad. Perhaps we should record it.
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