There was an episode of Red Dwarf where one character burnt the last copy of Shakespeare in the UNIVERSE that belonged to his friend in order to keep from freezing to death. That was a painful scene to watch. I hate to see any book mistreated (even those silly little dime store novel types) and an original manuscript would be even more heart wrenching. But, painful as that was, Shepherd's remark about 'seeing potential somewher else' coupled with his earlier mental comparison of 'valuable knowlegde' and his fond 'brain as big as a planet' really drive home the point. The fact that Shepherd decides to learn a little of the meaning of those strange, mysterious, beautiful symbols is truly touching. Thank you so much.

Fantastically written _

I really enjoyed reading this story, loved how John sacrificed the books for Rodney, and how oblivious he was about it all. Nice writing.

Although it caused me nearly physical pain to read about burning those books (seriously, I'm with McKay on this one, some things go just too far) I looooved this story!

Too bad he couldn't take a rock and scratch the hopeful pages into the ground/walls.

It is so sad to watch Rodney struggle to protect what could be vitally important information while John watches his friend slowly losing his fight against the illness.

All through it you just know what John will value more in the end, it just won't be easy for him to do it.

/very/ effective. Especially chapter two when Rodney was really begining to...well...die, I suppose. Actually made my heart clench slightly. Very effective.

Also, the explination of those coughs which you can't stop cause you need to cough, but which are just completely useless cause you don't have the energy anymore and your chest hurts so much... I know exactly what you meant atthat, and it was written well.

Thanks for posting

Kai x

I loved it!

Poor Rodney! He always gets the short end of the stick in your stories :O

Not only did he nearly die, but he lost his precious books...

Excellent story (as usual!)

No! Don't burn the rosseta stone! It's an imaginary book in an imaginary universe and still this hurts me.

I loved reading the story. Interesting point when Rodney couldn't speak.. LOL Excellent!

Lots of stars!

*applauds enthusiastically*

Incredible story. I absolutely loved it!

So far, so good. This story is really drawing me in.

Good Lord, I think I might hurt for that loss as much as Rodney does. But I really really like your conclusion, especially the learning (for future eventualities) and John's statement about "potential" that Rodney didn't "entirely" understand.

Because, yeah. Brain as big as a planet. I'll come to him.

God, what a faith ...

Great story. Thank you.

"You saw potential in those books. I see it someplace else."

*points* My heart did a little flutter right there. That has got to be one of the sweetest things anyone could say to Rodney and of course he didn't get it. 3