Chapter One - The Library Dictator [Video]

[knowitowl]

[Now that things seem to have gone back to relative normalcy here in the land of Luceti, Wan Shi Tong decides that it is time to introduce himself to the community. Thus there will be a video feed of a very tall owl as he stands over his journal.]

Greetings citizens of Luceti, I am Wan Shi Tong, he who knows ten thousand things.

Due to my abduction from my own world and library, I have commandeered the one within this village. I will be the sole authority of the collection from this point on, and as such, there are a few new rules.

First of all, anyone who wishes to use the library must first offer new knowledge to add to the collection.

Secondly, none of the material within can be used for malicious intent. There is no exception to this. I do not care how noble your cause may be, whether it is against each other or our captors here.

Finally, I will no longer allow any materials to be removed from the building.

If these rules are not followed, there will be consequences.

Also, in regards to the last rule, all outstanding books and media must be returned for inventory. If you do not comply, I will send my assistants to retrieve them.

That is all.

[And with that the feed will end.]

Comments

[knowitowl]

They will matter as long people like you choose to abuse it.

[notyourutopian]

[She just smirks.]

And how, precisely, is borrowing books from the library abusing it when that is what libraries are for?

[knowitowl]

As long as there is information capable of misuse and those wishing to misuse it, I will not allow it.

[notyourutopian]

That's ridiculous.

Anything can be misused, I've seen people fight with brooms and vacuum cleaners and cans of beans. Are you going to start regulating those too?

[knowitowl]

Human nature will never change. That is why I do not trust them. I have seen the misuse of knowledge far too often. There was a time when I wished to help humans better themselves with knowledge. However I have come to regret that decision.

[notyourutopian]

But this isn't yours. It doesn't matter if you feel guilty about something you did wrong before. The library does not belong to you. Or anyone.

[knowitowl]

You are not convincing. I will still protect it.

[deathsdoctor]

I'm afraid that is an unreasonable request. These books are used by my staff and I for the treatment of the people here. Returning them could and does put lives in danger. As you say you won't allow misuse of knowledge, I won't allow that.

[Because like hell he's parting with any of the literature on the Apocalypse virus. Not with Gai's life on the line.]

So we have a problem either way. Is there no arrangement we could come to that would allow them to stay?

[knowitowl]

Hm, you make a valid point. I am taking exceptions into consideration. I will agree to allow them to stay if you will allow me to read and catalogue them.

[deathsdoctor]

That is more than fair. I agree. I will make them available to you at your leisure.

[... this is unbelievably reasonable. Alright. He will also return the cookbooks he's personally been using as a sign of good faith as long as he can secure this.]

Just one further matter. I offer the knowledge the medical community has gathered regarding the effects this world brings, such as the wings, and any further knowledge gathered in exchange for access to further material should a future situation require their use. As long as they are returned when the situation is solved and they are not needed, would such an arrangement be satisfactory?

If you are concerned about the material in question being abused, I would suggest supervision of their use of some kind? [Not something he likes to offer but in the interests of everyone...] That way the needs of all parties are satisfied.

[knowitowl]

[It helps that a couple other people softened him up a bit first. But yes, he is usually reasonable when approached reasonably.]

Very good, I will send my Knowledge Seeker.

[He will be periodically visited by a fox who will take a book and when done with it will be returned and another taken. That will continue until Wan Shi Tong has read and added them to inventory.]

That is also an acceptable arrangement.

[foundafamily]

Just 'cause it's there doesn't mean you should go pokin' your nose into it!

[So, yes, they agree that it should be protected.]

[endgames]

Avatar Aang?

[deathsdoctor]

Excellent. I thank you.

[For both agreements. This takes care of both present and potential future situations with a minimun of aggravation for everyone.

Though having a fox coming to collect the books will be an interesting experience.]

I will have the materials ready for your assistant, then.

[Books and acquired knowledge both.]

[Voice]

[medicalpunch]

On just what basis are you claiming authority over the library? The resources here are for everyone's use.

Re: [Voice]

[knowitowl]

I have no interest in repeating myself yet again. Refer to previous conversations for my reasoning.

[knowitowl]

That is correct.

[knowitowl]

As many are so fond of pointing out, it is a public library and all information has been free to everyone. However you seem to agree with my reasoning. If you so wish I can personally safeguard any material you deem potentially harmful.

[foundafamily]

What makes you think I'd trust you? You might as well burn the whole place down if you really wanna protect everything.

voice;

[breezing]

I don't think you get how libraries work, and I'm not turning my books in yet. They're not DUE yet, and I need them for homework, duh.

[knowitowl]

I have kept a library for centuries. I am fully aware how they work and how they can be abused as your grandfather has proven. You may complete your homework within the library.

[breezing]

No way! I like doing it at home. Talk to Sifu Raine, she's not gonna let you have our school books or stop us doing our homework. That's just stupid.

[ she's 99% sure grandpa and katara and the other benders in the house can handle any assistants thrown their way. ]

[knowitowl]

Indeed. That will never change. I was far too naive.

[windandrain]

Gods and spirits aren't that much different though.

[She gestures around her, everywhere.]

You've set yourself up for quite a conflict, trying to exert authority over this place. How do you plan to keep your rules enforced, when there are people who can move through walls or become invisible at will? Will you stamp your feet and attack?

[knowitowl]

That will prove difficult. However if they are that insistent on it I suppose they will have to reap the consequences of their own foolish decisions. Still, I will do what I must.