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> My god… it’s full of spelling errors.

  Alani was going after Extra Credit. Finding the Original Source was always good for that. She traced it from planetoid to planetoid, from reference to reference to sub-reference and finally… in the Dark Rooms where only special lights were allowed… a yellowed and rather small booklet kept in its own rarified atmosphere and handled only through waldoes.

  To show willing, Alani used the special scope to view the myopic scribble of an ancient hand.

  All unaware that Tutor Els was right behind her until the venerable Archivaas spoke.

  "What do you see, Apprentice?"

  "By the Powers… it’s full of errata…"

  "We tell you, do we not, that seeking information from the Original Source is not always as educational as you think it might be."

  "Yes," sighed Alani. "Yes, you do." Moisture gathered in her eyes and she retreated from the scope to wipe the tears on her sleeve before they could drop and spoil something precious. "I see, now. And I especially see why this author switched to digital entry only."

  "That, and hir handwriting is deplorable."

  "I’m sorry I didn’t have new insights for the extra credit."

  "Nonsense! Seeking knowledge of any kind is credit-worthy work. And seeking this lesson out so early in your learning will serve you well."

  "Yes, Tutor Els."

  "And next time you feel tempted, check the notes on the condition of the piece."

  "Yes, Tutor Els."

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