Several humans get together to build a giant library. They're not a part of the Archivaas, they just wanted to build a station full of books. This station does have places for people to read on data readers and such, but it's primarily for those who find it relaxing to sit with an old-fashioned book in their hands and read. -- Anon Guest
They used to call it Tosheroon Station, primarily because the long waits between transports had all sorts of trash and treasure conglomerating into impromptu societies. As one might expect from such a backwater, boredom was a constant threat.
Humans, the hyperactive omnicidal maniacs, do not like being bored. If something is not created for them to do, they will find something to do. This is a threat.
Interestingly, it is Humans who save the rest of the Universe from themselves. In this case, gathering together physical books just for the experience of reading them. All the classics that should be a part of Human education. Shakespeare, Doyle, Asimov, Pratchett, and so on. As well as a perpetually-moving selection of recommended works that those passing through may want to read during their long wait. After all, there is very little else to do.
What's fascinating is the Lonely Works section, where unsung writers leave their offerings in the hopes that someone would love what they have created. After all, every writer wants to be read. It's the brightest part of the station, where the optimistic set up camp in case a transit comes in. Some leave helpful bookmarks indicating the crux of their disinterest.
Everyone who washes up at this station is shocked that it isn't run by the usual lunatics.
"Uh. Excuse me? Where might I find the Archivaas infohub?"
The Station Security Officer, far used to this, said, "This is not an Archivaas station. It's... what you might call an independent lending library."
Gyss blinked in confusion. Taken individually, she knew the meaning of each word, but together? "Independent lending library" was tantamount to nonsense. "Everyone knows that the Archivaas would rather die than let a book leave their premises."
"We're not Archivaas. We started as a bunch of bored Humans running a book club and then we started printing volumes and... yeah. There's some of us learning to enjoy holding a physical book as we wait."
"Physical book" was more nonsense to Gyss. "Those cost Years."
"Only the cellulose ones," said Officer Sim, continuing her slow patrol of the shelves. "These are cheaper to make. Flimsy pages, plastic sheeting for the hardcover. We make everything on station and it's all funded by the habitat rental and kind donations from those who pass through." She leaned closer for a conspiratorial whisper, "We don't even mind if you take a book with you. Especially from the Lonely Works section."
That... almost sounded like sacrilege. "Just. Take somebody's work? For free? They must have spent Months on it. Years, perhaps."
"Voluntary donations are always welcome. And our local authors appreciate feedback. Helps them improve their game."
Gyss wound up staring at the shelves in astonishment. They were everywhere except the food court. Rows upon rows of books. Actual. Physical. Heavy. Books. Certainly, one could read a code on the covers and have a digital copy for a more... mandatory donation, but to hold one? To sit and read a physical thing and not swipe on a datareader screen?
That was an experience.
The shelves were not sorted by any rational system. They were sorted by tropes. Found Family, for example. Requited love but they're idiots, was another that caught Gyss' eye. She picked one at random from a shelf labeled, Underdog wins everything they need, and settled by a virtual fireplace on a comfortable chair.
It should have been like reading one on her datareader. But, as she found out, 'should' is not 'is'. It was in the weight of the book, the turning of the pages, the companionable silence of fellow readers in the same nook. It was the sudden realisation that hours had passed and her joints were threatening to go on strike if she dared move. The cat settled on her limbs flexed its claws as a backup threat.
"Uhm," said Gyss, hoping there was someone to assist. "I'm stuck?"
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / Antonio_Diaz]
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