"The New Rebellion (Kristine Rusch)" - читать интересную книгу автора (Rusch Kristine Kathryn)

"All right, then. You knew they were doing something to Master Luke's X-
wing, and you said you were going to investigate. But you told me. That's like
an invitation." R2 speeded up, chirruping and twittering as he glided forward
on the filthy floor.
"I will not stay behind," 3PO said. "Over the years, you've gotten us
into too much trouble going off on your own like this. Besides, as I told you
upstairs, Master Luke's X-wing has been scheduled for upgrade for more than a
year." R2 blatted again. His head swiveled as he investigated a portal in the
wall. Apparently it was not the one he wanted.
3PO didn't even look at the portal as they passed. "I think it's arrogant
of you to believe that Master Luke will tell you all of his business." R2
bleeped loudly.
"All of his business concerning the X-wing, then. It's not as if you own
the machine. You're a droid." R2 warbled.
"Really, R2. Another astromech droid could run the X-wing," 3PO said.
"It's not as if you're that special." R2 gave 3PO a raspberry.
"Maybe they should have wiped your memory. Your so-called exploits went
to your head after the Battle of Endor. I don't know why I continue to put up
with you." 3PO's patter stopped when they reached the closed maintenance-
hangar doors. "How odd. Doors in the maintenance area are supposed to remain
open at all times." R2 didn't respond. Instead a compartment opened on his
side, and a thin metal service arm extended. He jacked into the door panel,
and beeped softly to himself.
3PO peered through the small square transparisteels. Ships and parts were
scattered all over the floor. Droids worked carefully, supervised by
Kloperians. Kloperians were short, squat gray creatures, with a series of
tentacled limbs running along their sides like filaments. They had hands at
the ends of many of the limbs. Their necks could extend as well. Their
physical makeup and their talents around all things mechanical made them among
the best mechanics and engineers in the Republic.
R2 bleeped.
3PO turned away from the transparisteel. "Of course it's a routine
maintenance order," 3PO said. "I don't understand why you're so surprised. All
of the X-wings have been upgraded in the last few months." R2 bleebled some
more.
"I'm sure Master Luke did know of it," 3PO said. "I'm sure they notified
him. Really, R2. You get upset about the strangest things." R2 whistled
repeatedly and rocked on his two wheels.
"I will not ask Master Luke down here," 3PO said. "We don't even know
what they're going to do to the X-wing." R2 whistled louder, a piercing shriek
that echoed in the enclosed space.
"R2!" The clank of his rocking treads added to the shrillness.
"Yes, I understand that you have a bad feeling about this," 3PO said.
"But Master Luke didn't, and he is the expert on feelings." At that moment,
the maintenance doors opened. A Kloperian stood behind them, six of its
tentacles crossed over its squishy chest. "You want to explain to me why
you're illegally jacked into our computer system?" it asked.
R2 removed his jack and pulled his service arm inside its case. "We meant
nothing," 3PO said. "Our master had sent us here to check on his ship. We
couldn't get in and my counterpart here was trying to open the door." "That's