This Time and Age - Libretto : simplebooklet.com

CAST Melchizedek Chloe Wheaton/Assistant* Jesus Christ Old Man/Messenger One* Lucifer Old Woman/Messenger Two* Dagon/Haatu* Adi/Messenger Three* Zamar Officer/ Messenger Four* Asmodeus Caleb/Amana Cyrus Peters Trina Peters/Tamiel* *Double Roles Mr. Melvin/Michael* Preston Wheaton Brother Nathan/ Marcus* Brother Brian/ Gabriel* Brother James/ Raguel* DIGITAL ASSETS (Pre-Recorded) Compuvoice Diana Pierce - Reporter Digitech Rep Newscaster Oscar Keel - Reporter Phillis Jenkins - Reporter TIME: Distant Future | Present Day | Distant Future PLACE: Earth and the Unseen Realm. CONFLICT: "On earth as it is in heaven. As above, so below." Before Man's (םדא - Adam) awakening, a great rebellion took place in the heavens. At the center of the conflict was the creation of a new realm and a new god-like creation that was to occupy it. The initial catalyst was set in motion by a rebel who believed he could challenge the Creator's will without consequence. The chain reaction was so fierce that some of the Sons of God ( ינב םיהלאה , Benei HaʼElōhīm) would lose their position in heaven forever. The battle still rages.

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CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS Melchizedek - A teacher and a priest. Origin unknown. (50-70). Gabriel - Arch Angel. He sits as a judge in the Council. (50-70) Lucifer - The first rebel. Intelligent. Cunning. Narcissistic. (40-60) Raguel - Intelligent. A prosecutor of the highest order. (35-45) Michael - Enforcer. A Prince in the Divine Council. (35-45) Tamiel - One of the fallen Watchers on trial. (35-45) Jesus Christ - Intelligent. Serious. Passionate. (35-40) Adi - Simple. Curious. He/She wants to please his superiors. (35-40) Assistant - Reserved. (30-65) Cyrus Peters - Hopeful and naïve. (20-30) Trina Peters - Realistic, practical, and jaded. (35-40) Nathan - A former military scientist, father, and husband. Driven. (50-65) Zamar - One of the offspring of the Watchers. 30-45) Dagon/Haatu - One of the fallen Sons of God who has placed himself in service to Lucifer after he lost his earthly territory. (40-50) Asmodeus - One of the older offspring of the Watchers. He works with Lucifer and Dagon to recover the Codex. (40 -50) Officer - Works for the local regime. Willing to kill for advantage. (30-40) Preston - A former military serviceman and friend of Marcus Peters. (50-55) Chloe - Preston’s possessed daughter. (20-25) Brother James - Member of a secret organization entrusted to keep the Codex safe. (50-60) Brother Brian - A dedicated leader of a secret organization entrusted to keep the Codex safe. (50-60) Old Man - Curmudgeon. Nosy. Overbearing. Sees the worst in people. (65 – 70) Old Woman - Matronly. Curious. Sees the best in people. (65 – 70) Messengers - Four angels with individual personalities. (25-65) Caleb/Amana - Lead Police Officer in charge. Suspicious. Cold. If cast (M) Caleb. If cast (F) Amana. (35-40)

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MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT I 1. Hold On ………………………………………………………… Jesus, Company 2. Humanity ……………………………………………………… Cyrus, Company 3. Help Me Deal …………………………………………………… Cyrus, Trina 4. See How You’re Forcing My Hand …………………………… Lucifer, Jesus 5. Don’t you Wanna Win This War? ……………………………… Dagon 6. Something Strange ……………………………………………… Nathan, Company 7. This Time and Age ……………………………………………… Jesus 8. Simple …………………………………………………………. Cyrus, Nathan, Brian 9. Reprise – Don’t You Wanna Win This War? …………………. Dagon, Cyrus 10. Reprise - This Time and Age: Nathan’s Plea …………………… Nathan 11. Reprise – Simple ………………………………………………. Cyrus, Dagon, Zamar 12. Reprise – Help Me Deal ………………………………………… Cyrus 13. Reprise - Hold On ………………………………………………. Jesus, Company ACT II 14. Heaven on Earth ………………………………………………… Brother Brian, Zamar 15. Reprise – Simple: Zamar’s Decree ……………………………… Zamar 16. For One in Paradise ……………………………………………... Lucifer, Company 17. When Will You Ever Learn PT. 1……………………………….. Cyrus 18. I Think It’s Time ………………………………………………… Trina 19. Stand Your Ground ……………………………………………… Nathan & Cyrus 20. Reprise – Simple: Nathan’s Death ………………………………. Nathan 21. Acts II: 17-21 ……………………………………………………. Cyrus, Man & Woman 22. When Will We Ever Learn PT. 2. ……………………………… Lucifer, Cyrus 23. You’ll Live a Million Years ……………………………………… Trina, Cyrus, Choir 24. Light Years to Go ……………………………………………….. Jesus Christ 25. Finale Medley …………………………………………………… Ensemble, Jesus Christ

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THE STORY Toward the end of the global pandemic the world's financial markets began destabilizing. International currencies were overinflated and over-leveraged. In addition, new digital currencies began to emerge and challenge fiat currencies worldwide. To stop the financial bleeding of the markets, the west created its own Central Bank Digital Currency to compete with the new digital currency markets. But the world would continue to destabilize. War soon broke out in eastern Europe, treaties in the Middle East were again breached, conflicts began anew, and a new leader rose up in the region with a small army of people and put down those rebellions with a vengeance. Unchallenged, he became powerful. The EU appointed him the new Chancellor of Peace and tasked him with maintaining peace in the region. Treaties were negotiated among all tribal factions, countries, and certain religious sects. Protections were given to Israel for seven years of peace, and The Third Temple of Solomon was finally rebuilt as a concession to brokering land and stability in the region. There was peace for a time. However, this peace was not to remain. But this was the plan. With geopolitical tensions and panic rising globally, sightings of UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon’s) increased at a staggering rate until the central governments of the world were finally forced to disclose the existence of, and in some cases, involvement with, extraterrestrial life in the mid-2010s. Then it happened, in the early-2030s, the "Creators" (in truth, the םיהלאה ינב, Benei HaʼElōhīm, the fallen angels and their hybrid offspring, םי ִלי ִפְנ, the Nephilim*) made their return and physical appearance on earth. This revelation brought further destabilization, and religious institutions were rocked to their core as the culture wars increased. A new World Religious Council headed by "The Prophet" arose from this. A new system of worship began from a loose confederation between all significant religions, essentially making them one unified body. But this was the plan. The "Creators" executed the plan with cold precision. This Chancellor of Peace would be controlled by them and embraced by the World Religious Council headed by "The Prophet," who would hail him as the world's savior. He would be supported by both the EU and the Middle East Union, with his power stabilized by the Nephilim, the hybrid offspring of the creators, which in turn would be controlled by them, and they would all give their allegiance to the Chancellor. But this was the Fallen One's plan. Once in power, he took control of all Central Bank Digital Currency, which gave him global control over the money supply of all governments linked to that system. He then broke the treaty with Israel in the middle of the seven years and set up his headquarters within the new Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. Global unrest ensued, and religious fanaticism and persecution arose. The world was in flux again, and a new form of global government raised its head to enslave mankind and maintain control. The plan was working. With this pretext in place, our story begins. Cyrus and Trina Peters have long longed for his father since his disappearance. One day a package arrives at his home containing a small metallic book. He suddenly realizes that this is the object mentioned in his father's journal, along with clues, names, and locations of where his father had been, along with a cryptic message concerning the book with pleadings to: "Return to God ere the Fallen One finds." After he and his sister listen to a hidden message from their father explaining the importance of the small book, Cyrus believes his father may still be alive and sets out to find him by using the journal as a guide and somehow returning the book to God. But little does he know that his quest will bring him face-to-face with

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Prologue-1PROLOGUEThe lights in the theatre are down. Whispering can be heard from everywhere. The smooth metallic sound of a synthetic female voice breaks through the whispering.COMPUVOICE3023 AD Jerusalem. (Insert current year of production)The whispering voices continue. Soon the underlying sound of a city is heard—a city awakening with the sounds of people, children, and machines. The lights fade up slowly to reveal a crowd of people in an arena-like setting. The stage has transformed into a Roman theatre beneath the Western Wall. It is The Festival of the Book. They speak among themselves in anticipation of MELCHIZEDEK.Quickly the noise of the crowd decreases to a whisper. Around the theatre, flat-screen monitors snap on with electrical zeal. MELCHIZEDEK rises from the floor with a great book in hand. His image is transposed to the screens before our eyes. His face is strong and gentle. He is clean-shaven, trimmed, and tall but ancient. There is silence. The stage. A circular dais surrounded by bars - a cage in an arena-like setting. This is the courtroom. MELCHIZEDEK stands in the center court and speaks.MELCHIZEDEKA long time ago, before your awakening, the seeds of a rebellion were planted. An evil consciousness arose from out of the order of angels. Having turned away from the order under him, he conceived an impossible thought; to place his throne in equal rank and power with God. He began to plan the end of an era and the fall of one of God's finest creations - Man.(beat)For you see, it had begun as all evil begins, with a small whisper.Prologue-1

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(MORE)Prologue-2(He opens the book and begins to read. His image on the monitors changes to an animatic of the story he tells, which is scored to music.)MELCHIZEDEKAnd behold I turned and looked upon the face of the earth and beheld cities and a great fruitful place. And there was no Man present. And the Divine Council was assembled, and I heard God say: "Let us make the Adam in our image, after our likeness and let them have dominion over all earthly things." And there was a brilliant one and many who were luminaries in heaven. The brilliant one was called Bright One, Son of the Dawn, and he sat in the Divine Council along with the Sons of God.(beat)He contested the plan to create the Adam to occupy the new realm and challenged God's decision. Thus, the manifesto was written, the council became divided, and confusion reigned in heaven and earth. (beat)God saw the path this prince was treading, for He had created him the first in his order, and there was none like him. But pride was upon him, and he fell like lightning! His pride could not be quenched. A division arose in the council, and factions splintered the realm, And I heard God say: "My people are foolish; they have no understanding. They are quick to do evil, but to do good, they have no knowledge." (beat)There was war in heaven and earth. Luminary fell upon luminary until the earth became a waste and a desolation. The fruitful place, a wilderness. All the cities thereof were destroyed by their anger, and Lucifer was cast out of the third heaven.(beat)And God said: "The whole earth shall be desolate, yet I will not make a full end." Then I saw God move across the face of the waters and begin anew, and the fruitful place was renewed.MELCHIZEDEKAnd Adam was made and his opposite and equal Eve from him. Then God blessed them and said: "Be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth."(beat)Now Lucifer, known by many names as the Nachash, the accuser, the rebel, the liar, had caused the fall of Adam and Eve, and they were sent out of Eden. Soon many men and women came forth, and they multiplied, and daughters were born unto them. Then the B'nai Ha Elohim, known by many names, the Watchers, the Fallen, the Apkallus, Sons of God, saw the daughters of men and knew they were beautiful. They then set out to execute their plan and took wives of these mortal women and cohabited. Then the daughters of man conceiving brought forth the Nephilim on the earth, and evil increased. (MORE)Prologue-2

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MELCHIZEDEK (CONT'D)(MORE)Prologue-3And in that time, the first, the second, and the third fallen, and their prefects took with them each six legions of angels—one legion equaling six thousand luminaries. The fourth, Belial and Akibeel, his Prefect, four legions. They taught the understanding of signs in heaven and earth. The fifth, Agaherap and Tamiel, his Prefect, eight legions. They taught the understanding of astronomy and the precise skills of death. The sixth, Asredel, taught the moon's motion as Prefect beneath Samyaza, his leader. Beneath them, twelve legions of angels transgressed. The seventh, Asmodeus and Zavebee, his Prefect, eight legions. They taught the lustful nature of the flesh, fornication, and pleasure. The eighth, Sargatanos and Azazel, his Prefect, seven legions. Their transgressions were most grievous and destructive. They taught men to make swords, knives, shields, and breastplates. They made them see that which was behind them and gave them the workmanship of bracelets and ornaments. Impiety increased, immorality multiplied, and the fallen transgressed and corrupted all Man's ways. And Man being destroyed cried out, and their voices reached Heaven.(beat)Then Michael and Gabriel, Raphael, Suryal, and Uriel looked down, hearing and seeing the evil sought after God, and said:VOICESWhat shall we do with the fallen, and what shall we do to them?(Animation ends. Monitor's fade.)LUCIFERPray thee, my brothers; what harm has this done, and why do you seek God? We only taught that which they would eventually come to know. The Adam has become as one of us. God desired this! And now, the creation of such a being should be painfully apparent to all of you!(Reaction from The HOST.)GABRIELYou will be silent!LUCIFERNay! We all knew this creation was to be the new progeny of God. Stop pretending otherwise! God stood in the Divine Council and declared as much. "Let us make the Adam in our image," He said. Indeed! It was a plan of transference. If he MELCHIZEDEK (CONT'D)(MORE)Prologue-3

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LUCIFER (CONT'D)(MORE)Prologue-4genuinely trusted and believed in us, why this creation of the Adam? (Riotous reaction from The HOST.)LUCIFERI'll tell you why because He plans to accelerate these lowly creatures above our stature. I've heard rambling permutations of forgiveness and sorrow for them! But for us who have served him from everlasting to everlasting, not a word! Not until one who peered through His plan found out the truth and would not be contained any longer spoke out! And still, we see nothing for our labor! (beat)Yes, a transference of power is being put into play.(This is an extraordinary accusation. Total pandemonium breaks out.)GABRIELSilence!LUCIFERI speak, for the truth needs to be heard by those who serve an unjust Creator! (Several voices are heard from the crowd shouting, "Let him speak!")Yes, redemption begins for the species called Adam. It shall be set high, and we shall be set low. Soon they shall flee to the heavens, know what we know, go further, climb higher!LUCIFERYou know this to be true! Since God created this realm and connected our domain to it, they have planned something better for these new children. Yet you hold these, our two hundred brothers, in contempt because they dared do what you only dreamed of doing. They challenged God and His progeny! Now they, too, lay claim to this realm through their children. Now we shall see what becomes of his precious Humankind!TAMIELYes, pray thee once more? What is man that we should perish because of him? Who shall inherit by God through the teachings if not us who have exalted Him from the beginning? (beat)Have we not served? All orders, great and small, obey, do they not? Have we not served?! What is this Adam that God Himself bends low like a reed to join us together?! What of us?(beat)Answer the question! Who shall inhabit all these worlds?! Are we, or they, the Lords of these worlds? How are all things LUCIFER (CONT'D)(MORE)Prologue-4

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TAMIEL (CONT'D)(MORE)Prologue-5made for man? I say again, have we not served?! Answer the questions!(The voices of The HOST are akin to a growing mob.)RAGUELAt what price?! (beat)We have never denied the new progeny of the Creators nor their purposes for creating these beings in the realm. We all stood in fear of this being, for never before had there been a creature of flesh and eternity. Yes, we all stood in fear and wonder of this creature. But we all knew and understood that the seed of Adam would occupy a place in Heaven. To what end, we cannot say, for even now, many of us continue to look into these matters, not fully understanding the issue. But we all understood why God created this realm and these beings. You hold back the truth to support your lies. Why not tell them the truth, Bright One? I think they know already, don't you, Tamiel? (beat)These beings were created first as an expression of His image within this realm to be kin to those of us in the unseen realm and second to take your place and those with thee in the Divine Council and Assembly!(beat)God planned the Adam to bring you into His Wisdom. He knew your hearts and your minds were lifted in pride. He knew the course of that road, so while you admired your intellect, He created the Adam. While you deceived each other and formed alliances, He began this new being and set His image within this fragile vessel. You should speak the truth, but the truth is not in you!(beat)And so God coded Himself, His image, and attributes in these beings. So in seeking to corrupt Humankind, you have sought to corrupt God! Therefore, laying all malice and guile, hypocrisies and envies, and all evil speaking against Man for what he will do now, and in the future, you have greatly transgressed against God Himself.(Silence. LUCIFER sits quietly.)MICHAELStand to receive judgment!GABRIELFrom this realm to this world you have sought to corrupt shall thee all go. Access to this realm is forever closed. None of you shall ever come again and present yourselves as Sons of God, nor shall you speak the secret names of God from this time until the end. And it shall be that all of you shall tremble exceedingly at the mention of his names.(beat)TAMIEL (CONT'D)(MORE)Prologue-5

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GABRIEL (CONT'D)Prologue-6Nothing created from this realm can you take nor lay hold of unless it is given freely. Your existence will now be held to time, and you will watch your progeny taste death in the flesh with no rest for their spirits. And you will watch the completion of Man's purification. Two hundred you are, and the legions you commanded will be chained in darkness until the end, and you will do The Creator's bidding then!(Great wailing and howling noises begin to rise. The sounds become terrifying.)GABRIELAs for the fallen Prince: You shall no longer be known as the Bright One, Son of the Dawn. You are stripped of your covering!LUCIFERWhat is this?!GABRIELGod's decree, for here you will not be able to deceive. Death shall be thy companion and time your adversary. Rest shall flee from thee and the repatriation of the seed of Adam, your nightmare! Only in this space in the kingdom will you be allowed to enter.LUCIFERNo!GABRIELAbaddon will rule over the imprisoned souls of the Rephaim. He holds the key, and none will escape his domain, and not even you dare challenge him. There they will remain until released at the appointed time to do God's bidding. The rest are free to roam. (beat)You wanted a throne, a world, and a realm to rule over? You may have it, Lord of the Dead!(GABRIEL stares LUCIFER down in anger.)GABRIEL CONT'DMay God find mercy in his teaching, treatment, and judgment of Humankind for what you have done. LUCIFER(laughing nervously)Is that it? One world? Is that what you leave me?! Fine! I shall rule it!(The lights fade out around LUCIFER, who is left in a single shaft of light. Dark and evil rambling voices are heard all around. LUCIFER addresses the fallen.)GABRIEL (CONT'D)Prologue-6

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(MORE)Prologue-7LUCIFERThere is a new creation among us in this universe. More favored but less brilliant in strength and knowledge than us. But He who has created the never-ending worlds holds them in the righteous seat of power in this realm. Small in greatness but significant in smallness.(Low dark laughter is heard.)LUCIFERThey hold power within their being to overcome us. But they are too weak in body, mind, and spirit to understand this.(beat)Therefore, let us look deeply at this wonder called Man! What are they that God himself denounces mercy and forgiveness unto us but relays it to these beings alone?!(beat)Therefore, let us seek to break this covenant between Man and God by revealing more secret mysteries unto them. Let the everyday things be hidden and the uncommon things known. Let us confound and disorient their spirits and minds with the fruit of darkness. By that act, we shall cause confusion to reign on the happy seat of humankind.(beat)Let us continue our program to corrupt the image of His likeness in them by taking a spoil and bringing forth the downfall of Man. By this, we can delay our judgment indefinitely!(Great commotion and dark cheering is heard. The light fades out on LUCIFER, and another light beam rises on MELCHIZEDEK.)MELCHIZEDEKAnd Lucifer, the one called Nachash, the accuser, the rebel, the liar, and the author of the manifesto against God, that serpent who set a precedent for the rebellions that came after him, caused a significant number to fall. (beat)-The Watchers and their legions, one hundred and forty-four thousand.-The progeny of the Watchers. These are the demonic disembodied spirits of the Nephilim and their progeny, the Rephaim, who tempt humankind day and night without rest.-The fallen Sons of God and their orders. Lesser gods who were to rule the nations of the earth but sought their own way against God and became the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, forever bound from Heaven and who will die like men at the end of all things. All these were of like mind. For this reason, God placed strife between the offspring of the woman and Lucifer. For God knew he would seek to corrupt man with his seed creating hybrids of their kind until the whole creation was corrupted and brought under his power.(MORE)Prologue-7

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MELCHIZEDEK (CONT'D)Prologue-8(beat)This ends the last account in the final chapter of the "Book of the Fallen."(Melchizedek closes the book and sets it aside. Music underscores.)MELCHIZEDEK (CONT'D)Now my children, when God saw the path Lucifer was taking and how men harkened to the darkness, he peered into the future and took for himself a people of his own and, in so doing, struck a unique mark in the design of the people he called to Himself. So in the fullness of time, the children of these not yet born would teach the nations of the world how to live in peace with a rod of iron.MELCHIZEDEKHe placed those markings in a book on the earth and hid them. Knowing the exact time of their uncovering would set in motion the end of that world and the beginning of another. And in that time, Lucifer increased the evil within those who were blind and purchased their souls with every deal made, and every transaction approved, and all that remained were souls, like grapes, ripe for the harvest. Listen now as I tell a story of darkness, light, love, and sacrifice. Behold this now, from "The Second Book of the Chronicles of This Time and Age."(He closes the old book, reaches for the new one and opens it. The music swells momentarily, then continues. He reads.)MELCHIZEDEK (CONT'D)A long time ago, before your awakening, a great rebellion took place in the heavens. An evil consciousness arose from out of the order of angels and conceived an impossible thought; to challenge the will of God without consequence. This rebel planned the fall of one of God's finest creations - Man. And so, it began as all evil begins,... with a small whisper. (beat)A thousand years ago . . .(The lights fade.)END OF PROLOGUEMELCHIZEDEK (CONT'D)Prologue-8

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1-1-9ACT ONESCENE ONE(In a silhouette, two people are faintly seen. Music underscores.)MAN 1 V.O.I am ready.BROTHER BRIAN V.O.Do you denounce your past?MAN 1 V.O.Yes. By faith and faith alone.BROTHER BRIAN V.O.Will you obey His Word?MAN 1 V.O.Yes. By faith and faith alone.BROTHER BRIAN V.O.Are you prepared to sacrifice your life for the Book?MAN 1 V.O.Yes. By faith and faith alone.BROTHER BRIAN V.O.You are confirmed, brother. From this point on, you are longer who you were. You are now Brother Nathan Resogente. (beat)Your surgery looks good. Now you can complete your earthly work unabated.BROTHER NATHAN V.O.Any word on Preston, Steve, or Taylor?BROTHER BRIAN V.O.Steve and Taylor were killed in a car bomb attack outside of Haifa 8 months ago.BROTHER NATHAN V.O.-and Preston?BROTHER BRIAN V.O.He was honorably discharged four months after you came to us. His current whereabouts are unknown.(beat)I fear for your friend, Brother Nathan. Nothing good will come of this for him if they decide he can be of use.(beat)Are you positive the boy and his sister are in the number?1-1-9

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1-1-10BROTHER NATHAN V.O.Yes. Their strands are in the Book. BROTHER BRIAN V.O.And it can only be opened if all three key rings are in place?BROTHER NATHAN V.O.Yes! I told you before. You hold the first. Brother James was given the second, and I have the third. The information in the journal will lead them.BROTHER BRIAN V.O.That's if they've even read it. I hope we're doing -BROTHER NATHAN V.O.There's no other way. I was shown in the dream that the task and the timing were not destined for me to complete, but for them, that's why I wasn't allowed to go further.(Music underscore out. "Hold On" begins.)BROTHER BRIAN V.O.I understand. This, too, was confirmed to me in a vision. We're past the threshold now, my friend. We've done all we can to hasten his coming. The technological hivemind dystopia of man's progress toward Revelation unraveling is happening. (beat)"For our King, one life."BROTHER NATHAN V.O."To the task, victory."(The lights.)(1. JESUS sings. "Hold On")JESUS CHRISTIN THE RECESSES OF THEIR MINDS THEY FIND THEMSELVES,STRUGGLING BEHIND EVIL'S EMPTY SHELVES.MARTYRED BY AMBITION AND BLINDED BY THEIR GREED, INDEED.THEY FIND THE MOTHER OF INVENTION MAKES THE BESTMACHINES, YET HOW CAN THEY CONTINUE JUSTIFYING THE MEANS? SOON ENOUGH, I'M COMING BACK TO YOU, IT'S TRUE! JESUS CHRIST: COMPANY:HOLD ON! HOLD ON!HOLD ON! HOLD ON!HOLD ON! HOLD ON!I'M COMING BACK TO YOU! HE'S COMING BACK TO YOU!HOLD ON! HOLD ON!HOLD ON! HOLD ON!HOLD ON! HOLD ON!1-1-10

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1-1-11I'M COMING BACK TO YOU! HE'S COMING BACK TO YOU!THE SCIENCE OF THE MIND IT KEEPS THEM GOING LONG,BUILDING THEIR DESIRES, MAKING THEM STRONG.BUT SOMETHING'S GOT IN THE PROGRAMMING WRONG!SOMETHING THAT WAS PUT IN THERE NOW DOESN'T BELONG!IT'S TAKEN THE POWER, TAKEN THE LIGHT,THEY'VE MADE IT AND RESHAPED IT 'TIL IT DOESN'T SHINE BRIGHT! THEY SEPARATE THEIR CHROMOSOMES THEY'RE FINANCING ARMAGEDDON AND THEY'RE REACHING THEIR GOALS.WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO HELP YOU SEE, ALL I SOUGHT TO DO WAS SET YOU FREE. I WAS SENT TO BRING ETERNAL LIFE AND FREE YOU FROM SIN AND STRIFE FOREVER!HOLD ON! HOLD ON! HOLD ON!I'M COMING BACK TO YOU. PIT CHORUS::HOLD ON! HOLD ON! HOLD ON! HOLD ON! HOLD ON!I'M COMING BACK TO YOU. HE'S COMING BACK TO YOU!HOLD ON! HOLD ON! HOLD ON! HOLD ON! HOLD ON!I'M COMING BACK TO YOU. HE'S COMING BACK TO YOU!HOLD ON! HOLD ON! HOLD ON! HOLD ON! HOLD ON!I'M COMING BACK TO YOU. HE'S COMING BACK, OOO!It's Time.(Lights transition on the scene and rise on:)1-1-11

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1-2-12ACT ONESCENE TWOFrom all around the theatre, flat-screen monitors snap on with electrical zeal. As CYRUS sings, we see a coordinated video of images that coincide with the lyrics in the song. We begin from a low earth orbit and descend to earth until we see images of science tech, war, ticker symbols, space flight, middle-east and finally, hunger and starvation. (2. CYRUS Sings. "HUMANITY") CYRUS SURFED ON THE WEB LAST NIGHT, STREAMING' BACK AND FORTH AND AROUND THIS WORLD. THEN I LOOKED ON UP AND SPOKE TO YOU LORD ABOUT OUR WORLD. I TOLD YOU THAT MEN HAVE COPPED THE PLEA THAT THERE IS MUCH TOO MUCH INIQUITY. WE HURT EVERYTHING SUBVERT OUR OWN BEINGS!SO WHAT RIGHT DO WE HAVE TO SCOFF AND SCORN?SEE HOW WE MOURN.SKETCHED OUT A PLAN LAST NIGHT GONNA CHANGE MY LIFE, NEED TO MAKE IT RIGHT. SEE THE WORLDS GONE MAD AND E'VRYTHINGS BAD AROUND OUR TIME. I'M READING THAT: MEN REFUSE TO SEE ALL THE WRONG THEY DO SO CASUALLY.WE JUMP TO EXTREMES PERVERT OUR OWN DREAMS.SO WHAT RIGHT DO WE HAVE TO BITCH AND WHINE?SEE THE HEADLINESAND WHERE IS OUR HUMANITY?WHERE IS THEIR HUMANITY?AND WHERE IS YOUR HUMANITY?HUMANITY HUMANITYWHERE IS OUR HUMANITY?I'VE LOOKED AT CHINA AND NORTH KOREA TOO.IRAQ, IRAN OHHH AND ISTANBUL.THE HOLY NATIONS WELL THEY, (THEY) STILL WAR THE SAME.AND EASTERN EUROPE - DAMN IT!! RUSSIA'S NO LONGER TO BLAME! WE SEND A MAN INTO SPACE -(SPOKEN) TO TEST! (SING)TRY TO MOVE THE HUMAN RACE -(SPOKEN) AND WHY?1-2-12

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1-2-13PIT CHORUSI CAN'T TELL YOU WHY. CYRUS PIT CHORUS:WHERE IS OUR HUMANITY? HUMANITY AHHHUMANITY AND WHERE IS OUR HUMANITY? AHHAND WHERE IS YOUR HUMANITY? AHHWHERE IS OUR HUMANITY? HUMANITY AHHAND WHERE IS OUR HUMANITY? AHHHUMANITY.HUMANITY.(Monitors out. Lights transition on the scene and rise on:)Monitor up.CYRUS stands on stage gazing into his smartphone. A news broadcast is in process. We see what he sees.DIANA PIERCEIt's April 6th,2023. I'm Diana Pierce, and this is WorldCom News. Tonight's top news. Following yesterday's violent terrorist outbursts in the densely populated area of Cairo, an Egyptian Cabinet official has made a public statement concerning the bombings. We're taking you now live via satellite to Cairo and correspondent Oscar Keel. Oscar?(The image on the screen changes. In the background chaos.)OSCAR KEELDiana, you're seeing the devastation the God's Army Alliance left behind. As you know, they have taken full responsibility for the destruction in Cairo. A top spokesman for Egypt told us, and I quote: "All available means are being explored to stop these terrorists." Diana, this is the 3rd bombing so far this year.DIANA PIERCEThe Peace Keeping Coalition put together by the UN National Security Council may be taking this aggression too lightly.OSCAR KEELAffirmative, Diana.DIANA PIERCEOscar, has the leader of the Middle East Union made any attempt to intervene on behalf of Egypt since God's Army Alliance falls under his immediate jurisdiction?1-2-13

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1-2-14OSCAR KEELI don't know. I do know, however, that the Syrian foreign Minister has gone to Jordan in the last hour to discuss solutions for humanitarian aid to the thousands of earthquake victims in and around the Middle East Union. Also, the leader of the World Religious Counsel will be joining the Minister on a trip to The Line, Saudi Arabia, to rally aid from other national delegates meeting there concerning the cross-border oil fires in that region, which were ignited as a direct cause of this massive earthquake. Oscar Keel, WorldCom Network.DIANA PIERCEThank you, Oscar, for that report. I hope they can do something fast; The Line is an incredible city. Coming up next: The Dow falls below forty-thousand as the Central Bank Digital Currency replaces the dollar as the world reserve currency. Also, a new network of radical underground churches has been identified and shut down.(Monitors out. Lights transition on the scene and rise on:)1-2-14

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1-3-15ACT ONESCENE THREEAs CYRUS enters his home, a carrier delivers a package. He signs for it and enters the house.CYRUSTrina, this just came.(Hands it to her.)TRINAWhat is it?CYRUSI don't know. You didn't order anything?TRINANo.(She looks it over and hands it back.)CYRUSMind if I open it, then?TRINANope! While you're at it, see if a check came with it because we got bills to pay. No one at work knows how long this new merger will take, and this temporary pay cut doesn't seem "temporary."(CYRUS seeks to change the subject and lays the package down.)CYRUSI found something interesting in the lining of dad's journal today. It's a mini USB drive, see.(CYRUS pulls it out and shows her.)TRINACyrus, I need you to be here with me, not chasing dad's ghost and his mystery book! That's why I don't read the damn thing.CYRUSThat ghost is our father, Trina, and stop calling him that. Besides, we don't know he's dead. Aren't you the least bit curious about what happened to him and what this book he found is about?1-3-15

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1-3-16TRINANo. No, I'm not! Because you're going to start talking about hope, and hope's not going to bring him back or pay the bills. Hope's not going to pay for medicines we need or the food we can't afford! He left us, remember?CYRUSI get all that, sis. But maybe this drive has information pertinent to dad's disappearance. His journal mentions the locations and names of people he knows. Maybe if we -TRINAAnd maybe he finally went off the deep end, Cyrus. Have you considered that?! CYRUSThere had to be a reason, Trina.TRINASometimes there isn't one Cy?! He left when things got hard. He jumped in a plane and disappeared like he always did.CYRUSThat was his job, Trina! That's what people in the military do. They jump in planes, boats, and submarines. They disappear for a while. It doesn't mean they aren't coming back or want to come back.TRINADon't start. Please, God, don't start! I know; it was his job. He could easily protect the rest of the world but not his family. Stop being so naïve!CYRUS(Nervous)Trina, please. Let's see. Okay? I could have done it without you, ya know. But it's you and me.(TRINA nods her head. CYRUS puts the tiny USB drive in his computer tablet and opens the application. We SEE what he sees on the monitors. An image of a bearded middle-aged man in his late fifties appears.)MARCUS"Hopefully, one or both of you are seeing this and have been reading my journal. Cyrus, Trina, only an intelligence beyond our own could accomplish what you hopefully now have in your possession. (MARCUS holds a small metallic book in his hands with three concentric circles on the front. Two metal straps at each end of the book; keep it fastened shut. Music underscores.)1-3-16

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(MORE)1-3-17MARCUS (CONT'D)My work on Messenger RNA led me to use that information to decipher the complex coded message in the book. It turns out that the RNA not only carries instructions from the DNA but has instructions of its own, but these instructions are species and phylogenetic group specific.(beat)As I began to decipher the sequence of grouped numbers contained by each string, let's call them names, it made me realize how far we'd come and just how far we had to go.(We now see an illustrated diagram of 4 symbol groups being transformed into strings of DNA sequences. These sequences are now lined up in rows that keep descending the illustration for what seems like forever until we zoom out.)Each symbol combination or name carries an exact digital reference code of four-letter pairs—the ideal number for storage and transcription. There is not one language but two, one written on top of the other. (The illustrated diagram now transforms the sequences into three separate rows. One with haplogroup information, one with abbreviated DNA sequences, and one with dates of birth.)(beat)Chance could not accomplish this. There are precisely 144,000 symbol combinations or names along with their genetic haplogroup. Ah, call them genetic families. And here's the big one, these are people living today. People in this book are from every race, creed, and color. I still don't know how this is even possible, but when I began to check the data against the global DNA database...there they were. Also, the book and its pages are made from a metal alloy that does not exist any where on earth. The inscription on the cover is Sumerian for "Codex."(CYRUS picks up the small package and hurriedly opens it. It's the book!)(beat)Okay, now for the hard part. I had a dream, and in this dream, a voice told me the book had to be given to Michael, the prince. He protects the physical manifestation of these codes or people on earth. These people mean something important. The book must be delivered to him at all costs. In the dream, three tests of faith must be passed for it to be returned: Only the pure seed of Adam, who faces adversity, will overcome. Only the pure seed of Adam, who faces the deceiver, will go forth. Only the pure seed of Adam who trusts the Path of God will see Him.(beat)There are three concentric circles, each requiring a key ring. You will need all three rings to open the book. You (MORE)1-3-17

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MARCUS (CONT'D)1-3-18will find the holders of these keyrings in my journal. Get to them! The book must be opened, and the contents in it used by one of you before you reach the rendezvous point.(beat)Trina, Cyrus, I know this all sounds crazy but believe me, it's what has to be done. Trina, I should have been there for both of you. I'm sorry I wasn't. Please forgive me, but I had no choice.(beat)It's up to one or both of you now. I tried, but the task and time were not appointed to me. I'm the only one left from my team. They've all been killed. God go with you, keep you and deliver you safely. Love you both! Dad.TRINAInsanity! I can't deal with this!CYRUSTrina! He might still be alive!TRINAThis doesn't prove anything. He's nuts! You believe this?!(beat)Are you telling me you believe this nonsense?(CYRUS says nothing. Music underscore fades.)TRINA CONT'DYou do! You're a bigger fool than I thought!CYRUS(Holds up the Book)Look at this thing!TRINAYou're my brother, and I love you, but you're insane if you think this proves anything. That message and book-CYRUSHe called it the Codex.TRINAI don't give a damn what he calls it. It doesn't prove dad's alive or sane, for that matter. I can't just up and go, looking for God knows who or what in some foreign country, and you can't either! You wouldn't last a week without me.CYRUSForeign countries? Wait, I thought you said you never read his journal?(beat)You did read it!MARCUS (CONT'D)1-3-18

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1-3-19TRINASo what?! Maybe I wanted to know what happened, too. But I don't have that luxury, now do I? Someone has to stay grounded and deal with reality!CYRUSThis is proof! We can use the locations in his journal to find dad and finish what he started. We have to get it to the prince.TRINAA prince?! Do you hear yourself? You don't even know who this prince Michael person is. I can't. Cy, I can't. I won't! I can't deal with this shit! I'm all outta faith! You need to grow up and face the fact that dad's gone; he's not coming back! It's just you and me!CYRUS storms out of the house to the front porch only to see old MR. MELVIN, the neighborhood trash, and recycling collector, passing by. MELVIN wears an old brown leather cap, long-sleeve shirt, faded blue jeans, faded gold suede work boots, and gloves. MR. MELVINEvening, Cyrus. (CYRUS doesn't speak.)MR. MELVINSorry for comin' by so late tonight. The city's got these new trash bots that sift through the regular trash cans to make sure the recycling stuff doesn't get tossed in with the usual stuff and - (beat)MR. MELVINYou okay, Cyrus? You're usually the one chattin' me up.CYRUSI'm good.MR. MELVINYou gotta say it better than that, or else I'm not gonna believe you. What's the matter?(MELVIN walks up to the porch.)CYRUSI dunno, Mr. Melvin everything's kinda confusing right now.1-3-19

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1-3-20MR. MELVINYou and Trina have a falling out again?CYRUSYeah.MR. MELVIN(laughs a little)'Bout what this time? If you don't mind me askin'.CYRUSWe got some information that looks like maybe my dad might be alive.MR. MELVINWow! That's big news!CYRUSYeah, you'd think, but Trina doesn't want to have anything to do with it. "She can't deal with it" and thinks it all B.S.!MR. MELVINYa know, I knew your mom and dad long before you and your sister got here. Me and your dad were good friends back in the day. We'd have disagreements about things, too.CYRUSYeah?MR. MELVINOh, yeah, plenty. Your mom, God rest her soul, used to have to throw in the towel to get us to stop being so stubborn.(beat)Stupid really. CYRUSBut how did you decide who was right or who was wrong?MR. MELVINCyrus, most times, a problem will present a solution, and that solution becomes an opportunity. Then figuring out who's right and wrong is no longer the issue.CYRUSYeah?MR. MELVINYep. But it's not going to announce itself. It takes a bit of thinkin' through. When you see it, it's like scales being removed from your eyes.(beat)But you can't be afraid to move forward. You gotta jump on it, or you'll lose the courage and the opportunity.1-3-20

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1-3-21CYRUSIt sounds like you and pop were really good friends. MR. MELVINYeah, we were. I miss him. If what you say is legit, I'll see him soon, maybe!CYRUSI miss him, too. Mr. Melvin. I always felt like I was in the way when he was home. He never really hung out with me much. Sure he got me stuff, and we talked. But Trina got more time. I was a teenager then, so I probably made it awkward. MR. MELVINYou weren't in the way, Cyrus; he was trying to give you space to be who you wanted to become.CYRUSWhat do you mean? MR. MELVINYou never knew your grandfather because he died before you were born. But Marcus had a rough childhood. He had to become an adult way before his time. When he was 15, he was already helping to support his family. He didn't want that for you. That's why he worked the way he did, and the military was the best way he could make that happen.(beat)He'd sit right there - (Points to a chair on the porch)Tell your mom and me how he loved you two and wanted nothing but the best for you and Trina. But mainly how he wanted you to become your own man and not live up to someone else's expectations.CYRUSDid he say that?MR. MELVINYep! And not just once.CYRUSI'd give anything to hear him say that. MR. MELVINHmmm. Seems to me that problem you and Trina have has presented you with an opportunity.1-3-21

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1-3-22CYRUSWhat? Huh?(MELVIN gets up, grabs his recycle bag, and starts to move on.)MR. MELVINCan't be afraid, though, or you'll lose the courage and the opportunity. Remember, some journey's are best traveled without knowing the end in mind.CYRUSWait. What did you mean?MR. MELVINI've gotta go. It's gettin' late, and those Trash bots don't take breaks.CYRUSWhat are you saying?MR. MELVINYou'll know what to do.(Mr. MELVIN walks off down the street into the dark. Cyrus turns and walks back into the house. As he does, we immediately see MR. MELVIN is coming from the same direction he came from earlier. But that's not humanly or physically possible.)Monitors up.NEWSCASTERWe interrupt this station's regular programming to bring you a special news report from W.C.N.'s Phillis Jenkins, Reporting on Cairo, Egypt.PHILLIS JENKINSThis morning the nation of Egypt declared war between itself and God's Army Alliance. The Middle East Union Peace-Keeping Coalition appears to be the reason for these recent developments. After the failed attempt on one of Egypt's critical military sites two days ago and the continued shelling of their capitol and ships in the Suez, all diplomatic ties have been severed until the National Security Council convenes a peace coalition to deal with the current situation.(Monitors out.)1-3-22

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1-3-23CYRUS is in his room packing. TRINA stands in the doorway.TRINAWhy are you doing this? This is stupid, Cyrus. You'll get yourself killed! CYRUSNot trying is going to have the same effect. I'm taking part of the money I got from moms life insurance policy and giving you half.(He tosses a debit card on his bed.)CYRUS CONT'DI'm going to find dad and deliver the Codex.TRINADamn it, Cy, no! (She goes to pick up the debit card as CYRUS walks past her.)That's not what it's for!CYRUSThat's precisely what it's for, Trina! We got an emergency. You need money, and I need to become who I was meant to be, and I can't do that here!(Music Begins.)TRINAWhat the hell are you talking about? You don't know anything about life! You're walking blindly into God knows what with a backpack and head full of dreams. You're over head, Cyrus!CYRUSAnd maybe that's the point, Trina! Perhaps this is how I figure it out, for me, for you, for dad!TRINAI can't deal with this anymore! You walk out that door; I'm not coming after you. This isn't a game!(3. CYRUS Sings. "Help Me Deal")CYRUS DEAL YOU FOOLISH HEAD INSIDE, MAKE THIS TASK APPEAL.FIND ME ANOTHER WAY TO PLAY THIS BRAND-NEW GAME.AND I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE; HELP ME FIND MY WAY.FATHER, IF YOU'RE LISTENING, HELP ME DEAL LIFE IS A FUNNY THING PEOPLE LEARN TO PLAY,BUT CONFUSION RUNS THIS MIXED-UP WORLD,1-3-23

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1-3-24AND I'M SEARCHIN' FOR A BRAND NEW DAY. CYRUS: PIT CHORUS: DEAL DEALDEAL DEALDEAL DEALHELP ME TO DEAL! LEARN LEARNLEARN LEARNOHHH LEARN LEARNHELP ME TO LEARNHELP ME LEARN I NEED TO KNOW WHERE HE'S GONE TO AND WHERE HE'S BEENAND IF HE'S BEEN HURTING IN THE PLACE HE'S IN.HELP ME OH GOD, HEAR ME CRYING. PIT CHORUS HEAR HIM CRYTRINA:DON'T LEAVE ME NOW, DON'T LEAVE ME DYING! CYRUS & TRINA: PIT CHORUS:DEAL DEALDEAL DEALDEAL DEALHELP ME TO DEAL!LEARN LEARNLEARN LEARNOHH LEARN LEARNHELP ME TO LEARN!TRINAPEOPLE RUNNING HERE AND THERE, TRYING TO MAKE A LIVING.BUT NOBODY KNOWS WHERE THEY'RE GOING; THEY'RE EXISTING ANYWHERE.CYRUSLIFE IS A FUNNY THING PEOPLE LEARN TO PLAY -BUT CONFUSION RUNS THIS MIXED-UP WORLD,CYRUS & TRINAAND WE'RE SEARCHIN' FOR A BRAND NEW DAY!CYRUSI NEED TO KNOW WHERE HE'S GONE TO AND WHERE HE'S BEEN,1-3-24

This Time and Age - Libretto

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