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
http://www.lucasforums.com/picture.php?albumid=501&pictureid=4919)
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
Wow! Having been an avid fan of Orwell's 1984 for years, this was honestly quite chilling. It makes me wonder if the High Priests are going to torture our guitar-toting protagonist in the name of "love". You had me hooked! Brilliant!!!
Well, that's literally all I've written so far, so the next part could be a while, but rest assured, after this, it starts to deviate from the plot of original 2112 suite a bit more.
Very nice. :) I'm usually not crazy about stories where religion is the 'Evil' in the world, so I'll have to read the next chapter before giving my opinion. :)
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
Personally, I thought it sounded pretty cool, definitely an interesting read. What gave you the inspiration to rewrite the original?
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
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!
(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.
Keep it up! :) I am really enjoying this, and you're inspiring me to write my own musical! (I don't know if I'm going to write it, though--you just made the germ of an idea pop in my head.) :P
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.
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!
Excellent work, Alkonium! Sorry I haven't posted a response here as of yet:( Anyways, I really like the format of writing that you are using to write this fic, the music you're writing is showcased very well by this:D Post the next part soon!
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.
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!
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.
On a final note before Act II: This beats HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL(S) BY...
A !##$$#ING 1,000 MILES!!!!
(Sorry...Disney just flushed itself down the toilet. You? Far from it, my man!)
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.
UH to the OH!!! *giggle* I'm reminded a bit of Darth Vader et al. by the Priests & David.
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!
(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...
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.)
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!
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…
(Lights fade, but scene does not change. When lights come back on, the rebels are preparing for battle. The Protagonist, Jon, Lora, David, Lerxst, and Dirk are on one side of the stage, the other rebels on are on the other.)
The Protagonist: This is it. This is what we have been preparing for. If we succeed today, we will be free from the oppression of the Solar Federation. If we fail, then everything humanity is capable of will be lost forever.
Jon: We are not alone in this fight. Just as we are preparing to attack the Temple in Megadon, others like us are preparing to attack the Temples in every Solar Federation city in the galaxy.
Lora: The risks are great, but we can overcome them and win this fight.
Force Ten
Lerxst:
Tough times demand tough talk
Demand tough hearts demand tough songs
Dirk:
Tough times demand tough talk
Demand tough hearts demand tough songs
Demand --
The Protagonist:
We can rise and fall like empires
Flow in and out like the tide
Be vain and smart, humble and dumb
We can hit and miss like pride
Just like pride
Lora:
We can circle around like hurricanes
Dance and dream like lovers
Attack the day like birds of prey
Or scavengers under cover
Under cover
The Protagonist:
Look in --
To the eye of the storm
Look out --
For the force without form
Look around --
At the sight and the sound
Look in look out look around --
David:
Tough times demand tough talk
Demand tough hearts demand tough songs
Demand--
The Protagonist:
We can move with savage grace
To the rhythms of the night
Cool and remote like dancing girls
In the heat of the beat and the lights
And the lights
Jon:
We can wear the rose of romance
An air of joie de vivre
Too-tender hearts upon our sleeves
Or skin as thick as thieves
Thick as thieves
The Protagonist:
Look in --
To the eye of the storm
Look out --
For the force without form
Look around --
At the sight and the sound
Look in look out look around --
Rebels: (at the same time as previous two lines)
Rising falling at force ten
We twist the world and ride the wind
The Protagonist:
Tough times demand tough talk
Demand tough hearts demand tough songs
Demand--
All:
Look in --
To the eye of the storm
Look out --
For the force without form
Look around --
At the sight and the sound
Look in --
Look the storm in the eye
Look out --
To the sea and the sky
Look around --
At the sight and the sound
Look in look out look around –
Tough times demand tough hearts
Tough times demand tough talk
*cheer!* However this battle goes, it's sure to be spectacular!
Ok, here's the last part:
The Temple
Grand Finale
(The Protagonist, Jon, and Lora have entered the Temple, while the other rebels fight outside)
Father Brown: I should have killed you when I had the chance. I suppose it was fate that you survived.
The Protagonist: Just the weight of circumstances.
Father Pratt: Do you think that this little insurrection of your makes any difference? We control the entire galaxy.
The Protagonist: And across the entire galaxy, we fight you. Even if you defeat us, our ideals will live on, and eventually, we will free the galaxy from you. You cannot win.
The Streets of Megadon
(The song continues, the Rebels are gathered on one side of the stage, Warrior Priests on the other)
Warrior Priests: FOR SYRINX!
Rebels: EARTHSHINE!
(The two groups charge at each other, swords drawn. When they meet, fade lights and clear the stage.)
(The Protagonist, Jon, and Lora are offstage, the following lines are given through the speakers)
Jon: Attention all planets of the Solar Federation.
Lora: Attention all planets of the Solar Federation.
The Protagonist: Attention all planets of the Solar Federation.
Jon: We have assumed control.
Lora: We have assumed control.
The Protagonist: We have assumed control.
(Project the Starman over the stage)
CURTAIN
(During bows, play Limelight or The Spirit of Radio)
BOWS
Row 1: Jon, The Protagonist and Lora
Row 2: Father Brown, Father Pratt, and Father Lee
Row 3: Lerxst, Dirk, and David
Row 4: Earthshine Rebels/Citizens/Prisoners
Row 5: Warrior Priests/Prison Guards
*cheer* WOW!!! This has been the most completely awesome drama I've seen in the CEC since...well...??? Major bravo, and I hope you'll write a sequel soon. *hint hint*!
Sorry, I'm not going to do a sequel. There's not much else I can go on, and good musicals don't generally have sequels. Before anyone mentions High School Musical, I said good musicals.
Edit: However, if I ever get this friend of mine who's a better writer to do some editing, I'll posted the revised version, and if I ever get a stage production made, I'll post it on youtube.