2112

"My friend Jon always said it was nicer here than under the atmospheric domes of the Outer Planets. We have had 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..."





I. Overture 



And the meek shall inherit the earth...





II. Temples of Syrinx 



... "The massive grey walls of the Temples rise from the heart of every Federation city. I have always been awed by them, to think that every single facet of every life is regulated and directed from within! Our books, our music, our work and play are all looked after by the benevolent wisdom of the priests..."





We've taken care of everything

The words you hear, the songs you sing

The pictures that give pleasure to your eyes.

It's one for all and all for one

Never need to wonder how or why.





We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx

We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx

All the gifts of life are held within our walls.





Look around at this world we've made

Equality our stock in trade

Oh, 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

We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx

All the gifts of life are held within our walls.





III. Discovery





... "Behind my beloved waterfall, in the little room that was hidden beneath the cave, I found it. I brushed away the dust of the years, and picked it up, holding it reverently in my hands. I had no idea what it might be, but it was beautiful" ...





... "I learned to lay my fingers across the wires, and to turn the keys to make them sound differently. As I struck the wires with my other hand, I produced my first harmonious sounds, and soon my own music! How different it could be from the music of the Temples! I can't wait to tell the priests about it! ..."





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 found?





See how it sings like a sad heart

And joyously screams out its pain

Sounds that build high like a mountain

Or notes that fall gently like rain.





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 night.





IV. Presentation 



... "In the sudden silence as I finished playing, I looked up to a circle of grim, expressionless faces. Father Brown rose to his feet, and his somnolent voice echoed throughout the silent Temple Hall." ...





... "Instead of the grateful joy that I expected, they were words of quiet rejection! Instead of praise, sullen dismissal. I watched in shock and horror as Father Brown ground my precious instrument to splinters beneath his feet..."





I know it's most unusual

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.





Yes, we know, it's nothing new

It's just a waste of time

We have no need for ancient ways

The world is doing fine

Another toy will help destroy

The elder race of man

Forget about your silly whim

It doesn't fit the plan.





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.





Don't annoy us further!

We have our work to do.

Just think about the average

What use have they for you?

Another toy will help destroy

The elder race of man

Forget about your silly whim

It doesn't fit the Plan!





V. Oracle: The Dream





... "I guess it was a dream, but even now it all seems so vivid to me. Clearly yet I see the beckoning hand of the oracle as he stood at the summit of the staircase" ...









I wandered home though the silent streets

And fell into a fitful sleep

Escape to realms beyond the night

Dream can't you show me the light?





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 works of gifted hands

That grace this strange and wondrous land

I see the hand of man arise

With hungry mind and open eyes





They left the planet long ago

The elder race still learn and grow

Their power grows with purpose strong

To claim the home where they belong

Home to tear the Temples down...

Home to change!





VI. Soliloquy









The sleep is still in my eyes

The dream is still in my head

I heave a sigh and sadly smile

And lie a while in bed

Not fade like all my dreams...





Just think of what my life might be

In a world like I have seen!

I don't think I can carry on

Carry on this cold and empty life





My spirits are low in the depths of despair

My lifeblood...

...spills over...





VII. The Grand Finale

Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation

Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation

Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation

We have assumed control.

We have assumed control.

We have assumed control.