Testimony of Librarian Ania DemBefore the Commission on Knowledge and LoyaltyInterim Report
Repeatedly, the librarian parries the commission’s questions with her own. The tradition of academic discourse has its place, but in this, perhaps the Pressmen had it right. One story must emerge in order for there to be unity.
* * *
Commissioner Andol: Librarian Dem, your questions regarding the commission’s authority in matters of history have distracted from your own baseless assertions about destroying a machine that endangered the Six Kingdoms, and your claims to have traveled in time. Without proof.
Librarian Dem: What would you undo if you could, Commissioner?
The librarian removes her dark glasses. Interrogates the commissioners with her eyes.
Librarian Dem: What will the record show once this business is done? And how will time remember you?
* * *
As a side note, for posterity, Commissioner Andol later mentioned that, despite speaking with her many times as her dean, he never noticed the peculiarity of Librarian Dem’s eyes before. They are the colors of opals.
* * *
Librarian Dem: The past might be hidden or erased. Those who do the most to set things straight may not always be recalled. But they will have happened. They will have mattered. Time does not forget.
(Another side note: I confess again that I sputter at her audacity.)
Commissioner Andol: The record this commission crafts of events will be the standard for historians for the ages. It is important we get it right. Where are your loyalties?
Librarian Dem (taking another sip of water): Commissioner Andol, they are where they’ve always been. In the library.
* * *
Commissioner’s addendum: There remain too many open questions regarding the librarian’s testimony and her involvement in recent events. Until she and her companions can be compelled to provide more details of their activities for posterity, we will not include them in the official record.