[ WP ] A Derelict Spacecraft Turns out to be a Library

Books. Nothing but goddamn crumbling books. 
 
 No knew how long that rusting *Mule* dropship had been lying there in that narrow canyon. Most of its paint had been long stripped away by the scouring desert winds and unrelenting sun but the faded markings still bore evidence of it being a Star League Defense Force vessel. The elongated Cameron star could just be made out, along with the dropship's name: *Lady Catherine. * 
 
 It was its SLDF past that brought Captain Nathan Deshler and his Light Lancers to this forsaken portion of the planet Antipolo. While it was unlikely another Helm Memory Core would ever be discovered, the chance at uncovering Star League-era equipment or information was too good to pass up. So Deshler took a mixed lance of'Mechs and infantry to secure the site their scouts uncovered, working in absolute secrecy lest any treasure hunters race to claim the dig first. And it was all for naught. 
 
 There was nothing of value remaining in the wreckage, scavengers centuries prior having looted it of the best bits. Its weapons had been stripped from its hull, its expensive machinery taken along with delicate electronics. Only the hull and GE 2080 Fusion Drive were still intact, and the latter was worthless after three hundred years in the godforsaken desert. The only things left were decayed rations, broken firefighting kit and tens of thousands of crumbling hard cover books. 
 
 Maybe one in ten were still legible, their pages stuck together six or seven at a time. Moisture and sun had ruined the rest, turning them into dust and ragged pieces. A few rodents made their nests in the soft duff, their squeaks indignant at having their home disturbed. Deshler bent down and picked up a book, brushing three hundred years worth of dust and sand off its cover. A cheery looking family holding baskets full of vegetables stood in sepia tones underneath the words: 
 
 *Home Gardening for Amateurs. * 
 
 Great. 
 
 Captain Deshler tossed the book aside, the slim hardcover landing in the deep sand with a thump. Lieutenant James Morgan, leader of the Light Lancer's infantry detachment made a noise of disquiet. 
 
 `` Nothing but kindling... You want us to mark it for the Planetary Militia, let them know there's nothing here?'' 
 
 Deshler reached for the canteen at his belt and unscrewed it, taking a deep swig of the lukewarm water. `` Nah, let them have as much fun as us figuring out there's nothing worthwhile here. There's nothing left but ghosts.''
