Several centuries ago, the mighty empire fell apart into several pieces of protectorates squabbling among themselves, the rulers of which were much more concerned about preserving their own power than preserving knowledge. Skilled technicians have become of great value. And at this time, on a distant lost planet, there is still an imperial garrison and a Technical School, where knowledge and skills for repairing any mechanisms, from a starship to an air conditioner, are carefully preserved. True, there is nowhere to apply this knowledge. And one day, one of the Protectorate fleets, dilapidated without repair, finds this base...© antel