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This isn't so much a fic, as much as a WIP of the script for a musical I'm writing. All the songs are by Rush, and the story is based on their 2112 suite.

 

2112

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A Science Fiction Musical by Alex G. Denby

Music by Neil Peart, Alex Lifeson, and Geddy Lee

 

 

Italics indicate sung dialogue, plain text indicates spoken dialogue. Bold underline indicates location, plain underline indicates song. All characters’ names are placeholders, and the names used will be chosen by their respective actors. Though The Protagonist is referred to as male, the character can be male or female.

 

Starscape

2112 Overture

(Project images of starfields during The Protagonist’s speech)

The Protagonist (offstage): I lie awake, staring out at the bleakness of Megadon. City and sky become one, merging into a single plane, a vast sea of unbroken grey. The Twin Moons, just two pale orbs as they trace their way across the steely sky. I used to think I had a pretty good life here, just plugging into my machine for the day, then watching Templevision or reading a Temple Paper in the evening.

 

My friend Jon always said it was nicer here than under the atmospheric domes of the Outer Planets. We have peace since 2062, when the surviving planets were banded together under the Red Star of the Solar Federation. The less fortunate gave us a few new moons.

 

I believed what I was told, I thought it was a good life, I thought I was happy. Then I found something that changed it all…

 

(during the Overture, project images of war in space, and on other planets, gradually showing more victories by one side, then project the Red Star of the Solar federation before fading into darkness)

 

(Father Brown, Father Pratt, and Father Lee enter, lights come back on)

 

Father Brown, Father Pratt, and Father Lee: And the meek shall inherit the Earth.

 

The Temples of Syrinx

 

Father Brown:

We’ve taken care of everything

The words you read

The songs you sing

The pictures that give pleasure

To your eye

 

Father Pratt:

It’s one for all and all for one

We work together

Common sons

Never need to wonder

How or why

 

 

Father Brown, Father Pratt, and Father Lee:

We are the priests

Of the Temples of Syrinx

Our great computers

Fill the hallowed halls

 

We are the priests

Of the Temples of Syrinx

All the gifts of life

Are held within our walls

 

Father Lee:

Look around this world we’ve made

Equality

Our stock in trade

Come and join the Brotherhood

Of Man

 

Father Brown, Father Pratt, Father Lee:

What a nice contented world

Let the banners

Be unfurled

Hold the Red Star proudly

High in hand

We are the priests

Of the Temples of Syrinx

Our great computers

Fill the hallowed halls

 

We are the priests

Of the Temples of Syrinx

All the gifts of life

Are held within our walls

 

(lights fade)

Waterfall

 

Jon: I don’t know how you managed to talk me into coming out here with you. One of these times, we’re going to get caught.

 

The Protagonist: You worry too much. (pauses, then points) I think I see something over there. (runs over to the other side of the stage, and pulls out a guitar. Confused, he begins to pluck the strings)

 

 

Discovery

The Protagonist:

What can this strange device be?

When I touch it, it gives forth a sound

It’s got wires that vibrate, and give music

What can this thing be, that I’ve found?

 

Jon:

See how it sings like a sad heart

And joyously screams out its pain

Chords that build high like a mountain

Or notes that fall gently, like rain

 

The Protagonist:

I can’t wait to share this new wonder

The people will all see its light

Let them all make their own music

The priests praise my name on this light

 

The Streets of Megadon

Jon: Do you really think the priests are going to take kindly to your little find?

 

The Protagonist: I don’t see why they wouldn’t. I don’t think it would undermine their work.

 

The Temple

 

Presentation

The Protagonist:

I know it’s most unusual

To come before you so

But I’ve found an ancient miracle

I thought that you should know

 

Listen to my music

And hear what it can do

There’s something here as strong as life

I know that it will reach you

 

Father Brown:

Yes we know

It’s nothing new

It’s just a waste of time

We have no need for ancient ways

Our world is doing fine

 

Another toy

That helped destroy

The Elder Race of Man

Forget about your silly whim

It doesn’t fit the plan

 

The Protagonist:

I can’t believe you’re saying

These things just can’t be true

Our world could use this beauty

Just think what we might do

 

Listen to my music

And hear what it can do

There’s something here as strong as life

I know that it will reach you

 

Father Pratt:

Don’t annoy us further

We have our work to do

Just think about the average

What use have they for you?

 

Another toy

That helped destroy

The Elder Race of Man

Forget about your silly whim

It doesn’t fit the plan

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A bit of a shorter update, but here it is:

 

The Streets of Megadon

(Jon and Lora are waiting outside for The Protagonist, while other citizens are walking in the background. The Protagonist enters stage right, guitar in hand, clearly looking upset)

 

The Protagonist: You were right, Jon. They were not impressed.

 

Lora: At least you still have it, which is surprising. I thought they'd incinerate it or something.

 

The Protagonist: Now I understand your disdain for the priests, Jon.

 

Jon: I realized long ago that this world isn’t bliss, it’s intellectual stagnation. (He takes the guitar, and begins to play it.)

 

 

Far Cry

 

Jon:

Pariah dogs and wandering madmen

Barking at strangers and speaking in tongues

The ebb and flow of tidal fortune

Electrical changes are charging up the dawn

 

It’s a far cry from the world we thought we’d inherit

It’s a far cry from the way we thought we’d share it

You can almost feel the current flowing

You can almost see the circuits blowing

The Protagonist:

One day I feel I’m on top of the world

And the next, it’s falling in on me

I can get back on, I can get back on

 

One day I feel I’m ahead of the wheel

And the next, it’s rolling over me

I can get back on, I can get back on

 

Lora:

Whirlwind life of faith and betrayal

Rise in anger, fall back and repeat

Slow degrees on your dark horizon

Full moon rising lays ever at your feet

 

It’s a far cry from the world we thought we’d inherit

It’s a far cry from the way we thought we’d share it

You can almost feel the current flowing

You can almost see the circuits blowing!

The Protagonist:

One day I feel I’m on top of the world

And the next, it’s falling in on me

I can get back on, I can get back on

 

One day I feel I’m ahead of the wheel

And the next, it’s rolling over me

I can get back on, I can get back on

All three, plus crowd:

It’s a far cry from the world we thought we’d inherit

It’s a far cry from the way we thought we’d share it

You can almost feel the circle growing

You can almost feel the planets glowing

Jon:

One day I feel I’m on top of the world

And the next, it’s falling in on me

I can get back on, I can get back on

 

Lora:

One day I feel I’m ahead of the wheel

And the next, it’s rolling over me

I can get back on, I can get back on

 

The Protagonist:

One day I fly through a crack in the sky

And the next, it’s falling in on me

I can get back on, I can get back on

All three:

I can get back on, I can get back on

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Musicals like Across the Universe and Mamma Mia, my past experience singing and acting in musicals, and my being a big fan of Rush. Now, without further ado, here's more:

 

The Protagonist’s Home

 

Oracle: The Dream

The Protagonist:

I wandered home through silent streets

And fell into a fitful sleep

Escape to realms beyond the night

Dream – can’t you show me the light?

(remove props, project images of the Elder Race of Man)

 

I stand atop a spiral stair

An oracle confronts me there

He leads me on, light years away

Through astral nights, galactic days

 

I see the work of gifted hands

Grace this strange and wondrous land

I see the hand of man arise

With hungry mind and open eyes

 

They left our planets long ago

The Elder Race still learn and grow

Their power grows with purpse strong

To claim the home, where they belong

 

 

Home to tear the Temple down

Home to change-

(cease projections, return props to stage)

 

Soliloquy

The Protagonist:

The sleep is still in my eyes

The dream is still in my head

I heave a sigh, and sadly smile

And lie awhile in bed

 

I wish that it might come to pass

Not fade like all my dreams

Just think of what my life might be

In a world like I have seen

(lights fade)

The Protagonist:

It was at that moment I realized what humanity was capable of, what I was capable of. I decided, that with the help of Jon and Lora, I would bring about much-needed change to this cold and empty world. I didn’t how I would do, but I knew I had to find a way.

 

The Streets of Megadon

 

The Protagonist: I’ve seen what we’re capable of. Overthrowing the Priests seems like the only option now. I simply cannot let them continue to squander our potential.

 

Lora: I’m with you, all the way, through thick and thin. I want change just as much as you do.

 

Jon: This is a bad idea, but doing nothing is an even worse idea. Even if we fail, it’s better than living under their rule.

 

(a crowd of people approaches them. A man named David steps forward)

 

Something for Nothing

 

David: What the hell are the three of you thinking? Rebellion? Overthrowing the Priests? You have nothing to gain.

 

The Protagonist: We have everything to gain.

 

David: We need them! We would lose our way if not for the Priests!

 

The Protagonist: Then find it.

Waiting for the winds of change

To sweep the clouds away

Waiting for the rainbow’s end

To cast its gold your way

Countless ways

You pass the days

 

Waiting for someone to call

And turn your world around

Looking for an answer

To the questions you have found

Looking for

An open door

 

You don’t get something for nothing

You can’t have freedom for free

You won’t get wise

With the sleep still in your eyes

No matter what your dreams might be

 

What you own is your own kingdom

What you do is your own glory

What you love is your own power

What you live is your own story

In your head is the answer

Let it guide you along

Let your heart be the anchor

And the beat of your own song

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Hmm. You know, I am vaguely familiar with the theme of high priests who rule and/or the sterile "perfect life". Unless I'm missing something... :raise: This is along those lines but different: the very first I've ever seen of inspiration by way of musical lyrics.

 

I've encountered it previously:

 

One story called The Giver... No high priests but in a similar tone it was about government rule the world over by mass consensus achieving "sameness" amongst the world's population. The giver breathes colors, spectrum, and ultimately realism of life back into the world that had consented to sameness like this story. It started with being a misfit.

 

Another: Star Trek classic episode where Kirk saves Spock from becoming a regulator motor called "control"--not that I'm much a trekkie...meh. Basically it is a Utopia planet, and after Captain intervenes to save Spock from becoming the "control" of that planet's engine to run its society, the planet is forced to once again live under the full spectrum of life, instead of a painless and challengeless insipid existence.

 

Odyssey:Legend of Nemesis, Island "Culn", where there is a band of elite priests overseeing a population of mass majority of invalids, simpletons, etc. to mine and work for them. They have their daily sacrifices into thier revered "eternal flame" and "guide" them with their religion. The ones of higher self awareness who see what is going on don't really like it. You the player must choose wisely how you're going to breathe life back into the island (if you do at all), though be warned it's tricky and it has a major cost either way. But in essence, you are eliminating the priests in some way. Which way is "best" depends on your point of view.

 

MegaMan Legends series...Basically "Ancient Systems", as you discover are controlling and overseeing the world's population regrowth. Earth is mostly covered in water. You eventually get to the heart of it to find out why things are the way they are. Earth's activity has been regulated to ensure "perfect living" in the wake of ancient disaster from the previous race of mankind. I won't spoil it, but the gist is the "perfect life" is not as rich as the rediscovered "full spectrum" life. Alas, you MegaMan Trigger/Volnutt are the one to bring it.

 

Keep going! Although I (think I) have the premise down, this looks to be a different story in its own rite!

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(most of the group then joins The Protagonist, Jon, and Lora. David and a few others, however, remain)

 

David: Perhaps you’re right, but we’ll see. (leaves)

 

The Protagonist (prerecorded narration): Seeing those people join us made me understand how we could change things. Just as I had been inspired by the guitar, so were they. And I understood what it was that made the Priests reject it. It was fear. They knew all along that if people realized their potential, they wouldn’t be needed anymore.

 

Lora: This may not be so hard after all.

 

Jon: We’ve still got a long way ahead of us.

 

 

One Little Victory

 

Jon:

A certain measure of innocence

Willing to appear naïve

A certain degree of imagination

A measure of make-believe

 

A certain degree of surrender

To the forces of light and heat

A shot of satisfaction

In a willingness to risk defeat

 

The Protagonist:

Celebrate the moment

As it turns into one more

Another chance at victory

Another chance to score

 

Lora:

The measure of the moment

Is a difference of degree

Just one little victory

A spirit breaking free

One little victory

The greatest act can be

One little victory

Jon:

A certain measure of righteousness

A certain amount of force

A certain degree of determination

Daring on a different course

 

A certain amount of resistance

To the forces of light and love

A certain measure tolerance

A willingness to rise above

All Three:

One little victory

One little victory

One little victory

One little victory

 

The Protagonist:

Celebrate the moment

As it turns into one more

Another chance at victory

Another chance to score

Lora:

The measure of the moment

Is a difference of degree

Just one little victory

A spirit breaking free

The greatest act can be

One little victory

The greatest act can be

One little victory

All three:

One little victory

One little victory

One little victory

One little victory

 

Just one little victory

Just one little victory

One little victory

One little victory

 

The Temple

 

Father Pratt: We should have killed that citizen, or at least destroyed the instrument he was carrying.

 

Father Lee: Rejecting his proposal seemed enough at the time.

 

Father Brown: And now we begin to see the repercussions of our mistake. (The Starman is projected in gold in the background) This … perversion of the Red Star has been appearing all across the city, along with the word “Earthshine”

 

Father Lee: Most likely rebels.

 

(David enters the Temple, and bows before the Priests)

 

David: You wished to see me, your Holiness?

 

Father Pratt: Yes. We want you find this Earthshine movement, infiltrate it, tell us everything, and sabotage it.

 

David: Anything for the Solar Federation. I shall not fail you.

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Waterfall

(the members of Earthshine have gathered at the Waterfall, and Jon, Lora, and the Protagonist are addressing them)

The Protagonist: The reasons I chose this place are twofold; it is too far outside the Wire for the Priests to find, and it is where I found the guitar, my inspiration.

 

Jon: This may not be much, but we can change that, all of us.

 

Lora: The Priests may have control, but we have two things they can never take from us: our hope, and our individuality!

Earthshine

 

Lora:

On certain nights

When the angles are right

And the moon is

A slender crescent

 

Jon:

It's circle shows

In a ghostly glow

Of earthly luminescence

 

The Protagonist:

Earthshine

A beacon in the night

I can raise my eyes

To earthshine

 

Crowd:

Earthshine

A jewel out of reach

Form a dream to rise

To earthshine

 

Jon:

Floating high

In the evening sky

I see my

Faint reflection

 

Lora:

Pale facsimile

Like what others see

When they look

In my direction

 

The Protagonist:

Earthshine

A beacon in the night

I can raise my eyes

To earthshine

 

Crowd:

Earthshine

Stretching out your hand

Full of starlit diamonds

Earthshine

 

Lora: (looking right at the Protagonist)

Reflected light

To another's sight

And the moon

Tells a lover's story

 

Jon: (Also looking at the Protagonist)

My borrowed face

And my third-hand grace

Only reflect your glory

 

The Protagonist: (clearly aware of the looks from both Jon and Lora)

Earthshine

Stretching out your hand

I can raise my eyes

To earthshine

 

All three:

Earthshine

You're still out of reach

Form a dream to rise

To earthshine

 

All three, plus crowd:

Form a dream to rise

To earthshine

 

(The group leaves, including Lora, leaving just Jon and the Protagonist on stage)

 

Jon: I’m sorry I doubted you before.

 

The Protagonist: To be fair, I had no idea it would turn out like this.

 

Closer to the Heart

Jon: You’ve helped these people see their own potential, but I think they still see you as their leader.

And the men who hold high places

Must be the ones to start

To mould a new reality

Closer to the heart

 

The blacksmith and the artist

Reflect it in their art

Forge their creativity

Closer to the heart

 

Philosophers and ploughmen

Each must know his part

To sow a new mentality

Closer to the heart

 

You can be the captain

I will draw the chart

Sailing into destiny

Closer to the heart

(they kiss, Jon leaves, and Lora returns to the stage)

 

Lora: I always knew he was more than just your friend.

 

The Protagonist: Lora, he…

 

Lora: I think I know how he feels about you, because I feel that way too

 

Tears

Lora:

All of the seasons

And all of the days

All of the reasons

Why Ive felt this way

So long

So long

 

Then lost in that feeling

I looked in your eyes

I noticed emotion

And that you had cried

For me

I can see

 

What would touch me deeper

Tears that fall from eyes

That only cry?

Would it touch you deeper

Than tears that fall from eyes

That know why?

 

A lifetime of questions

Tears on your cheek

I tasted the answers

And my body was weak

For you

The truth

 

(Lora kisses the Protagonist, and he kisses back)

 

The Protagonist: Your feelings are not unrequited, but know I have feelings for Jon as well. I don’t know what will happen between us.

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Again, BRAVA!!! I think the best line out of all the songs was, "My borrowed face and my third-hand grace only reflect your glory." Three words, man: Stroke. Of. Genius. I think that's what many a follower comes to believe, before the "glorious one" assists him/her in realizing the light that shines within. I know I've certainly felt like that around some people. The tension--and romance--between the three characters is also very well done!

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And here's the last scene in Act I:

 

The Temple

 

(the Priests are gathered in the hall, and awaiting contact from David)

 

Father Brown: Report, David.

 

David: (offstage, possibly prerecorded, and edited to include minor static). It’s just as you feared, Father Brown. Earthshine seems to be a rebel movement, and they’re organizing. Fast.

 

Father Brown: I see. Do you think they are a serious threat?

 

David: Yes, my lord. They oppose you not simply with weapons, but with ideas.

 

Father Brown: Then you must eliminate their leader as soon as possible.

 

David: I will do what I can.

 

Father Pratt: Do you think that it will be enough?

 

Father Brown: No, Father Pratt, but there is little else that can be done. We cannot find them, and they grow in strength every day.

 

Distant Early Warning

Father Brown:

An ill wind comes arising

Across the cities of the plain

There's no swimming in the heavy water

No singing in the acid rain

Red alert

Red alert

(remove props and backdrop, all exit, transition to starscape)

 

Starscape

(three spotlights turn on, revealing The Protagonist at centre stage, Lora at stage left, and Jon at stage right. Project starfields in the background)

The Protagonist:

It's so hard to stay together

Passing through revolving doors

We need someone to talk to

And someone to sweep the floors

Incomplete

Incomplete

 

(addressing Jon)

The world weighs on my shoulders

But what am I to do?

You sometimes drive me crazy

But I worry about you

 

Jon:

I know it makes no difference

To what you're going through

But I see the tip of the iceberg

And I worry about you...

 

The Protagonist:

Cruising under your radar

Watching from satellites

Take a page from the red book

Keep them in your sights

Red alert

Red alert

 

Left and rights of passage

Black and whites of youth

Who can face the knowledge

That the truth is not the truth?

Obsolete

Absolute

 

(addressing Lora)

The world weighs on my shoulders

But what am I to do?

You sometimes drive me crazy

But I worry about you

 

Lora:

I know it makes no difference

To what you're going through

But I see the tip of the iceberg

And I worry about you

 

The Protagonist: (addressing both)

The world weighs on my shoulders

But what am I to do?

You sometimes drive me crazy

But I worry about you

 

Jon and Lora:

I know it makes no difference

To what you're going through

But I see the tip of the iceberg

And I worry about you

 

All three:

Absalom

Absalom

Absalom

 

INTERMISSION

(play recordings of YYZ, Leave That Thing Alone, and Malignant Narcissism during intermission)

P.S. The next update will include Tom Sawyer.

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A musical fiction? Very novel! I've no experience with musicals at all (aside from watching them), so I can't really comment on the technical parts, but I can comment on the other parts.

 

I really liked it. Although there's not much dialogue between the songs, it's direct, and tells you everything you need to know outside of the songs. I'm not familiar with Rush, but I thought the songs fit very well in the way you've arranged them - they merge seamlessly with the dialogue.

 

It's not too difficult to picture the scenes as you've described them, either. Can't wait to see the next Act!

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Well after the hiatus of unemployment and grad school, I am back if albeit on a limited scale.

 

Overall I find it a very interesting concept. I have never written a musical yet I have played around with various songs from them and actually created a couple comedic things so I commend you on your ability to arrange the lyrics to suit the moment. As to story content, i find it an interesting plot though with no experience with the series Rush I cannot make a fair comparison.

 

On the technical note, I noticed that with the little dialogue there is and the abundance of songs, I makes me wonder if your model is based upon the India/Bollywood style of musicals. I only know of one American made musical that employed that concept and it is a name long forgotten from international comm. If it is based upon Bollywood style I find it very well put together. As someone said before, the lyrics and dialogue seem to flow together.

 

Very good job Alkonium.

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Ok, here's the start of Act Two:

 

Act Two

 

Waterfall Base (Lamneth)

(Some time has passed. Earthshine is now much more organised, the rebels no longer wear the typical grey garb of the Solar Federation, and each is dressed differently. They’re gathered on one side of the stage)

 

Tom Sawyer

Rebels:

A modern-day warrior

Mean mean stride,

Today’s Tom Sawyer

Mean mean pride.

 

(The Protagonist enters from the opposite side of the stage. He appears more confident than before, and is also dressed is his own style)

The Protagonist:

Though my mind is not for rent,

Don’t put me down as arrogant.

My reserve, a quiet defence,

Riding out the day’s events.

The river!

 

(Jon and Lora enter, and stand on opposite sides of the protagonist)

Jon and Lora:

And what you say about his company

Is what you say about society.

Catch the mist, catch the myth

Catch the mystery, catch the drift.

 

All:

The world is, the world is,

Love and life are deep,

Maybe as his eyes are wide.

 

Rebels:

Today’s Tom Sawyer,

He gets high on you,

And the space he invades

He gets by on you.

 

The Protagonist:

No, my mind is not for rent

To any God or government.

Always hopeful, yet discontent,

I know changes aren’t permanent,

But change is!

 

Jon and Lora:

And what you say about his company

Is what you say about society.

Catch the witness, catch the wit,

Catch the spirit, catch the spit.

 

All:

The world is, the world is,

Love and life are deep,

Maybe as his skies are wide.

 

The Protagonist:

Exit the warrior,

Today’s Tom Sawyer,

He gets high on you,

And the energy you trade,

He gets right on to the friction of the day.

 

(The crowd disperses)

 

Lora: We’ve certainly come a long way since you found that guitar.

 

Jon: You’re right. Our numbers have grown tremendously in the past few months, and the Priests have yet to find this place.

 

The Protagonist: We’ve gained so much, and there’s so much more out there.

 

The Temple

 

Father Brown: The information you have provided for us is indispensible.

 

David: Thank you, Father Brown.

 

Father Pratt: Earthshine will not stand a chance against us.

 

Father Lee: However, its leader could escape, and he will be a threat to us, as long as he lives. When you return, kill him personally.

 

David: As you command, Father Lee.

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David gets to redeem himself a little, but things are still going a bit downhill

 

The Streets of Megadon

(Shortly after leaving the Temple, David is having second thoughts about his loyalty to the Priests)

David: He was right all along. Can I really bring myself to kill him?

 

New World Man

 

David:

He's a rebel and a runner

He's a signal turning green

He's a restless young romantic

Wants to run the big machine

 

He's got a problem with his poisons

But you know he'll find a cure

He's cleaning up his systems

To keep his nature pure

 

Learning to match the beat of the Old World Man

Learning to catch the heat of the Third World Man

 

He's got to make his own mistakes

And learn to mend the mess he makes

He's old enough to know what's right

But young enough not to choose it

He's noble enough to win the world

But weak enough to lose it

He's a New World Man...

 

He's a radio receiver

Tuned to factories and farms

He's a writer and arranger

And a young boy bearing arms

 

He's got a problem with his power

With weapons on patrol

He's got to walk a fine line

And keep his self-control

 

Trying to save the day for the Old World Man

Trying to pave the way for the Third World Man

 

He's not concerned with yesterday

He knows constant change is here today

He's noble enough to know what's right

But weak enough not to choose it

He's wise enough to win the world

But fool enough to lose it

He's a New World Man...

 

David: Earthshine’s not the enemy here, the Solar Federation is. I’ve been such a fool.

 

Waterfall Base (Lamneth)

 

(The Protagonist is speaking to Lerxst, one of the rebels, when David enters)

 

The Protagonist: Excellent work. The sooner we can hack into the Temple’s interplanetary communications, the better.

 

Lerxst: I’ll see what we can do. (Leaves)

 

David: I need to speak with you, now.

 

The Protagonist: What is this about, David?

 

David: I need to warn you. The Priests know about this place, and they’re going to attack.

 

The Protagonist: How could they? And how do you know?

 

David: I’ve been spying for them the whole time, but I’ve started to see things from your point of view. They think I’m killing you right now.

 

The Protagonist: I’m not surprised that you’d be the spy, but you’ve made the right choice. You’re no longer their slave. Not everyone can make that choice.

 

Freewill

 

The Protagonist:

There are those who think that life has nothing left to chance

A host of holy horrors to direct our aimless dance

 

A planet of play things

We dance on the strings

Of powers we cannot perceive

'The stars aren't aligned

Or the gods are malign...'

Blame is better to give than receive

 

You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice

If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice

You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill

I will choose a path that's clear

I will choose freewill

 

David:

There are those who think

That they were dealt a losing hand

The cards were stacked against them

They weren't born in Lotusland

 

All preordained

A prisoner in chains

A victim of venomous fate

Kicked in the face

You can't pray for a place

In heaven's unearthly estate

 

You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice

If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice

You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill

I will choose a path that's clear

I will choose freewill

 

David and The Protagonist:

Each of us

A cell of awareness

Imperfect and incomplete

Genetic blends

With uncertain ends

On a fortune hunt that's far too fleet

 

You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice

If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice

You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill

I will choose a path that's clear

I will choose freewill!

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  • 2 weeks later...

(Jon and Lora enter)

 

The Protagonist: We have to begin evacuations. The Priests are coming.

 

David: Can’t we defend ourselves? We’ve got more than enough people to mount a defense.

 

Lora: The Solar Federation controls the entire galaxy, I doubt we could even try to defend ourselves against that kind of power.

 

Jon: She’s right. Our strength was in the element of surprise. If they know about us, then they’ve already won.

 

(an explosion is heard offstage)

 

Jon: Go! I’ll hold them off!

 

The Protagonist: We’re not leaving without you!

 

Jon: You need to get out of here. We’ll meet again. I don’t know how, but I’ll find you.

 

(More explosions are heard, all leave except Jon. Lights fade as Warrior Priests swarm in around Jon.)

 

 

Desert

 

(Following their escape from the Waterfall, Lora has found out about David’s involvement with the Priests, and lashes out at him)

 

Lora: I hope you’re proud of yourself! This is your fault!

 

David: I’m sorry, I am so sorry.

 

Lora: Sorry? We’ve lost everything because of you!

 

The Protagonist: Enough! Making David feel even worse will get us nowhere. We need to come up with a plan.

 

Lora: What are we supposed to do? We’ve lost Jon, and we’ve had no contact from anyone else who escaped.

 

The Protagonist: We can rebuild, and we can fight back. We can’t just rush in though.

 

Bravado

 

The Protagonist:

If we burn our wings

Flying too close to the sun

If the moment of glory

Is over before it's begun

If the dream is won

Though everything is lost

We will pay the price,

But we will not count the cost

 

David:

When the dust has cleared

And victory denied

A summit too lofty

River a little too wide

If we keep our pride

Though paradise is lost

We will pay the price,

But we will not count the cost

 

The Protagonist and Lora (hand in hand):

And if the music stops

There's only the sound of the rain

All the hope and glory

All the sacrifice in vain

[And] if love remains

Though everything is lost

We will pay the price,

But we will not count the cost

 

Starscape

 

Dreamline

The Protagonist: After that, we stayed on the move, avoiding detection by the Priests, but gaining support in every city we came to, and even on a number of the nearby planets. From there, our ideas would spread to the rest of the galaxy. Earthshine had been devastated by the Priests’ attack, but we were returning stronger than ever…

(after that, project a wide variety of different landscape shots)

David:

He’s got a road map of Jupiter

A radar fix on the stars

All along the highway

She’s got a liquid-crystal compass

A picture book of the rivers

Under the Sahara

 

Lora:

We travel in the time of the prophets

On a desert highway straight to the heart of the sun

Like lovers and heroes, and the restless part of everyone

We’re only at home when were on the run

On the run

 

David:

He’s got a star map of Hollywood

A list of cheap motels

All along the freeway

She’s got a sister out in Vegas

The promise of a decent job

Far away from her hometown

 

Lora:

We travel on the road to redemption

A highway out of yesterday -- that tomorrow will bring

Like lovers and heroes, birds in the last days of spring

We’re only at home when were on the wing

On the wing

 

The Protagonist:

When we are young

Wandering the face of the earth

Wondering what our dreams might be worth

Learning that were only immortal --

For a limited time

 

Time is a gypsy caravan

Steals away in the night

To leave you stranded in dreamland

Distance is a long-range filter

Memory a flickering light

Left behind in the heartland

 

Lora:

We travel in the dark of the new moon

A starry highway traced on the map of the sky

Like lovers and heroes, lonely as the eagles cry

Were only at home when were on the fly

On the fly

 

All three:

We travel on the road to adventure

On a desert highway straight to the heart of the sun

Like lovers and heroes, and the restless part of everyone

Were only at home when were on the run

On the run...

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Forest Base (Willowdale)

 

(The Protagonist, Lora and David have arrived at another Earthshine base)

 

Lerxst: It’s good that you’ve arrived. We’ve got good news and bad news.

 

The Protagonist: Let’s hear it.

 

Lerxst: The good news is that our spies have discovered that Jon, along with a good number of others who we lost contact with after the Waterfall attack, are alive. The bad news is that they’re being held at a Solar Federation detention facility known as Red Sector A.

 

David: (with a pained expression on his face) I’ve heard of it. “Death Camp” is a better description of the place.

 

Lora: Then we have to get them out of there as soon as possible.

 

Lerxst: It’s too heavily fortified, we’ll never make it!

 

The Protagonist: We have to try.

 

Mission

 

The Protagonist:

Hold your fire,

Keep it burning bright

Hold the flame 'til the dream ignites

A spirit with a vision is a dream

With a mission

 

David:

I hear their passionate music

Read the words that touch my heart

I gaze at their feverish pictures

The secrets that set them apart

 

Lerxst:

When I feel the powerful visions

Their fire has made alive

I wish I had that instinct

I wish I had that drive

 

Lora:

Spirits fly on dangerous missions

Imaginations on fire

Focused high on soaring ambitions

Consumed in a single desire

 

The Protagonist:

In the grip of a nameless possession

A slave to the drive of obsession

A spirit with a vision is a dream

With a mission.

 

Lerxst:

I watch their images flicker

Bringing light to a lifeless screen

I walk through their beautiful buildings

And I wish I had their dreams

 

The Protagonist:

But dreams don't need to have motion

To keep their spark alive

Obsession has to have action

Pride turns on the drive

 

Lora:

Spirits fly on dangerous missions

Imaginations on fire

Focused high on soaring ambitions

Consumed in a single desire

 

The Protagonist:

In the grip of a nameless possession

A slave to the drive of obsession

A spirit with a vision is a dream

With a mission.

 

All:

It's cold comfort

To the ones without it

To know how they struggled

How they suffered about it

If their lives were exotic and strange

They would likely have gladly exchanged them

For something a little more plain

Maybe something a little more sane

 

The Protagonist:

We each pay a fabulous price

For our visions of paradise

But a spirit with a vision is a dream

With a mission.

 

All:

A spirit with a vision is a dream

 

 

Red Sector A

 

Red Sector A

(Jon and a group of prisoners are fighting off the guards on one side of the stage)

Jon:

All that we can do is just survive

All that we can do to help ourselves is stay alive

 

All that we can do is just survive

All that we can do to help ourselves is stay alive

 

Prisoners:

Ragged lines of ragged grey

Skeletons, they shuffle away

Shouting guards and smoking guns

Will cut down the unlucky ones

 

Jon:

I clutch the wire fence until my fingers bleed

A wound that will not heal

A heart that cannot feel

Hoping that the horror will recede

Hoping that tomorrow we’ll all be freed

 

Sickness to insanity

Prayer to profanity

Days and weeks and months go by

Don’t feel the hunger

Too weak to cry

 

(The Protagonist, Lora, David, and a group of rebels enter from the other side of the stage. For the rest of the song, they fight the guards, gradually winning and making their way across the stage)

Dirk:

I hear the sound of gunfire at the prison gate

Are the liberators here?

Do I hope or do I fear?

For my father and my brother, it’s too late

But I must help my mother stand up straight

 

Jon:

Are we the last ones left alive?

Are we the only human beings to survive?

 

Are we the last ones left alive?

Are we the only human beings to survive?

 

Dirk:

I hear the sound of gunfire at the prison gate

Are the liberators here?

Do I hope or do I fear?

For my father and my brother, it’s too late

But I must help my mother stand up straight

 

(All the guards lie dead or unconscious on the ground)

Jon:

Are we the last ones left alive?

Are we the only human beings to survive?

 

Are we the last ones left alive?

Are we the only human beings to survive?

 

(All Prisoners and Rebels exit stage left. After lights fade, guards exit.)

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  • 2 weeks later...

I can't begin to tell you how awesome these new installments are! :) You are honestly helping me in my great struggle to learn chess. I've been incredibly discouraged lately, but reading these powerful songs of passion has brought a lift to my heart once again! I think the line that broke my heart the most was "I must help my mother stand up straight." WAAAHHHH! Stupid Red Sector A!

 

You've inspired me so much, I've decided to write a song of my own (that, of course, won't be included in your musical, but I want to do it anyway. It's called "Quit", and it features me and the "Dark Side" as singers. Here goes...

 

QUITInspired by Alkonium's "2112", even though this song has no tune

 

Me

This game is so confusing.

What a quandary I'm in,

'Cause I just keep on losing

Even though I want to win.

I can't see where I'm going wrong.

The pieces just don't fit,

And all this leaves me wondering: should I quit?

 

Dark Side

So many times you've failed, my dear,

Your head upon the pike.

Many who suck at basketball

Still want to "be like Mike".

You know your chess is not that great,

So why do you play it?

Give up your foolish glory dreams and quit.

 

Me

If I give up this soon, what have I lost?

Before I stop, I have to count the cost.

The moment I sat at the board,

My heart filled up with fire,

This burning passion, and this fierce desire.

Every time I play, I lose myself

In giving it my all, and setting pride upon the shelf.

You'd think I wouldn't fear to lose by now,

But a tournament is coming up soon anyhow...

 

Dark Side

You can't play.

 

Me

I know it's hard...

 

Dark Side

There's no way.

 

Me

My rating's marred...

 

Dark Side

On GameKnot, have you seen your latest graph?

If you entered the tourney, everyone would laugh!

 

Me

Giving up right now would feel like death,

Like closing my lungs before taking my first breath.

I know that I'll get better, given time,

And with a lot of practice, I will hit my prime,

So, off with you, O Dark Side! You're a git,

Because when it comes to chess, I STILL WON'T QUIT! :)

 

Thanks for writing these installments and waking me out of MY long slumber!

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Ok, so here's the next installment:

 

Forest Base (Willowdale)

(The Protagonist, Lora, and David return with Jon, Dirk, and the other escaped prisoners)

 

Lora: These people have been through a lot; at the very least they’re going to need serious medical attention.

 

Lerxst: I’ll see what we can do. (She leads most of the escaped prisoners offstage, Jon remains, and group-hugs Lora and The Protagonist.)

 

The Protagonist: I thought you had died! I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.

 

Jon: They knew who I was, and they thought that with a little persuasion I could lead them to you. They tried everything, but they failed. Because of that, the past few months had been hell for me. Thank you, both of you for free us. I’m glad that ordeal is over.

 

Time Stand Still

Jon:

I turn my back to the wind

To catch my breath,

Before I start off again

Driven on,

Without a moment to spend

To pass an evening

With a drink and a friend

 

I let my skin get too thin

Id like to pause,

No matter what I pretend

Like some pilgrim --

Who learns to transcend --

Learns to live

As if each step was the end

 

Lora:

Time stand still

 

Jon:

Im not looking back

But I want to look around me now

 

 

Lora:

Time stand still

 

Jon:

See more of the people

And the places that surround me now

 

The Protagonist:

Time stand still

 

Jon:

Freeze this moment

A little bit longer

Make each sensation

A little bit stronger

Experience slips away...

Experience slips away…

Time stand still

 

I turn my face to the sun

Close my eyes,

Let my defences down

All those wounds

That I cant get unwound

 

I let my past go too fast

No time to pause

If I could slow it all down

Like some captain,

Whose ship runs aground

I can wait until the tide

Comes around

 

Lora:

Time stand still

 

Jon:

Im not looking back

But I want to look around me now

 

Lora:

Time stand still

 

Jon:

See more of the people

And the places that surround me now

 

Freeze this moment

A little bit longer

Make each sensation

A little bit stronger

Make each impression

A little bit stronger

Freeze this motion

A little bit longer

 

The Protagonist:

The innocence slips away...

The innocence slips away...

 

Time stand still

Time stand still

 

Jon:

Im not looking back

But I want to look around me now

See more of the people

And the places that surround me now

Time stand still

 

Summers going fast --

Nights growing colder

Children growing up --

Old friends growing older

 

Freeze this moment

A little bit longer

Make each sensation

A little bit stronger

 

The Protagonist, Jon, and Lora:

Experience slips away...

Experience slips away…

The innocence slips away…

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