knowitowl | Chapter One - The Library Dictator [Video]

[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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

We shouldn't have to bend to his will just because he won't change his mind. If he won't listen, then we just have to circumvent him.

Don't you feel at all unhappy that he's taken over like a dictator?

[Unhappy, over something so easily solved? He doesn't do unhappy, anyway. Unless it's very serious.]

No. Others have decided he is wrong and must be stopped. I prefer to continue to find a way out of this place.

When it is necessary to use library materials, I will simply copy the information and leave the books to him.

[He throws his hands up and then goes over to his stack of books already taken from the library days before the owl appeared. Picking them up, he goes to a metal safe he has stored behind a couch.]

If he allows you to leave with the copies. Have you asked him that?

He does not need to. Memory will be enough.

[Because he doesn't forget a thing.]

I still don't like having to barter for what should be free.

Your kind do it consistently.

My kind? What do you mean by that?

Humans. Natural humans.

[Tech-free humans.]

No, no, I meant we consistently barter for what was free?

Food, water, shelter, medical care and all the other necessities. What 'should' be free.

Yes, I concede that, but those are tangible necessities.

Knowledge, however, is an intangible asset, one that cannot and should not be measured in the way that owl is demanding. Keeping knowledge from those who require it all because he finds their offering without value? That is entirely dependent on his system of values and not on any actual measurement system.

Has he refused anyone who teaches him something new?

Well-- [No.

Actually, no, he hasn't, but- Walter frowned and looked at the journal.

He hadn't refused anyone yet. Except Walter.]

But he refuses people based on his tastes and inclinations; and seems to think he is the only one capable of judging character and now is the only one to allow people to use the library as if it were his personal collection. It's public property, September. You can't just take that away without some of us putting up a fight.

What is it you plan to do?

[He disapproves, as much as he can. Their focus has to be on getting home.]

I don't know. I...

Not yet. I need time to think.

[He pushes the journal away. He needs music and time, that always works for him. He wanders off to set up the record player, selecting an orchestral symphony to put under the needle. When the music starts, he sits down in one of the chairs nearby, closing his eyes as he thinks.]

[He joins Walter in a few moments, writing in his personal notebook, not looking up at his... friend?]

Would you rather go home?

[He opens his eyes, dropping his chin to look at September with a frown.]

Of course I would, but I can't just leave these people here under that owl's reign.

They will care for themselves.

That is where you and I differ, my friend. I can't not interfere.

If you must.

[No, he doesn't understand--but that's Walter, incomprehensible.]

I do.

[He leans his head back against the chair and closes his eyes as the music starts to swell.]

So now I must think...

[Silence in the room, nothing but Walter and the music. He can wait for hours.]

Chapter One - The Library Dictator [Video]

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