“The more observant amongst you,” begins Eloise, “may have noticed that our tour began at 69 and is ending at 96. Please lower your hand, Jinge, I will not be taking questions on this point!
“What is left? The 900s: history and geography – where we have come from and where we are going. 930 gives us the history of the ancient world, followed by the histories of Europe and Asia at 940 and 960 respectively. In a most ahistorical lack of self-awareness, the history of Africa follows at 960, and only then the Americas.
“In the final section, the 990s, we are treated to the history of other areas: pacific islands, the arctic poles and of course Australia.
”And here at 999, the final conceivable point in our library, we find the history of extraterrestrial worlds. We have travelled from the systematisation of data and books beginning att 000-099, through the mind, beliefs, societies, technologies and arts of humanity, to finally find ourselves here on the brink of a leap into the unknown.”
The tour is momentarily silent.
Eloise raises her pampas grass. “Latecomers and stragglers please follow me across this blasted wreckage to the library counter and the beginning of the next tour!”
Begin again (goto 69)