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]

With all due respect Ms. Osborne, I am the most qualified for this position as I have centuries worth of experience. I will be able to care for this library with greater skill and efficiency than any mortal. As I do not require any of the resources of this village, I believe that a few simple rules to protect this knowledge from the wrong hands is a small price to pay for my services.

The knowledge is still available, but I am guarding it more closely. Until everyone has proven themselves truth worthy, which is unlikely, the rules shall remain.

[silversnowfall]

A library does not exist to stand as your personal treasure hoard, nor is it a fortress to be guarded. Perhaps this will stand as new knowledge for you: libraries are for the sharing of that knowledge, between all parties, regardless of professed or silent intent.

"Services" forced upon people in this manner, without permission or consent or discussion, constitutes the beginnings of tyranny. We have enough of that outside the barrier walls, not to mention within them; you are as much a prisoner as the rest of us, and the last thing we need is to divert our attentions to one of us pretending at airs of superiority. You speak of trustworthiness, and you are not ingratiating yourself to us - to those whose support you will one day require, regardless of your preconceived notions - by barring us from the right and the privilege of literary pursuit.

[Never mind how he knows her name without hearing it from her.]

[knowitowl]

This is not up for debate. You can thank the misdeeds of your own species for my rules.

Good day.

[silversnowfall]

No, it's not up for debate. We refuse your rules. You can thank the disastrous representation you've given us of your species.

[knowitowl]

Your threats will do you no good. I will protect this knowledge with all my power.

[silversnowfall]

[Unlike this wordy owl, when Nephry says the matter is closed, it's closed.

She also thinks Loki is more formidable than any angry bird, large though it may be.

And she'll keep her books for as long as she pleases - the library is her new part-time job, after all. She looks forward to work the next day.]

[knowitowl]

[That works for him. Wan Shi Tong enjoys having the last word.]