Zones of Nuratopia
Act I
Lyrics for Act I (The Libretto)
Overture
Black space with stars. Planet approaches. Polyxena’s ship crash lands.
Prolog
Asleep so peaceful an angelic face
Will the girl drift quietly forever in space
Navigation systems failed so the target is not known
A random trajectory will she ever find home
Her dream state alive voices in her head
A spirit from the future spins a mystical thread
​
Forces of gravity have guided the yacht
To an uncharted planet in its web she is caught
​
Through the air the ship falls so fast
Leaving the emptiness of the universe so vast
A land with an atmosphere welcomes our friend
Will she start a new life or is this the end
The end of her life - mysterious spell
Or a terrible challenge only time will tell
Our singer from space
has arrived
On Nura - topia​
The Crash Landing
Thalamax
What was the sound? Another ship lands today
circuits engage – a rescue response
ship is damaged – it is crushed - signals say
Organic on board – perhaps I can help
Human in form and the gender is female
46 chromes – she’s hurt but not dead
Lies in deep sleep – she is cool, sedated
Controls are alive – and they talk ether web
I plug in some wires - send some commands - the ship to revive
pull her back from the brink - save her young life – to make her alive
The pump in her chest - it's starting to race - it’s pounding and loud
The lungs filling up - with cool oxygen - just like two clouds
Busier short instrumental break here.
Polyxena
Why? !!!!
Do I have this incredible pain?
Why does it feel like there are screws in my brain?
Why is my ship a clump of twisted steel?
Why am I alone?
And who – what are you?
Thalamax
I'm a machine - with wires and resistors
programs, equations – quite expensive
don’t have a mind - my head is full of transistors
robotic rules - switched on - extensive
Different guitar patch here.
Polyxena
I’m alone on this planet – I don’t have a friend
A robot is not my first choice – but you’ll do.
My head is on fire – I’m going to faint
My vision is going to black – I’m so blue.
Polyxena faints, Thalamax catches her and lays her down.
Thalamax
She’s fainting – not strong – she'is in so much pain - she has so much stress
I’ll watch her for now – her mind is not well – her body needs rest.
Polyxena
My vision is blurry – my thoughts are unclear
As i drift into sleep – from the mist you appear
Your image is ghostly – I'm too weak to defend
But you seem so familiar – a peaceful old friend
Polyxena enters dream state. Her dream spirit Andromeda appears.
​
Andromeda:
I've been with you always – please don’t be afraid
I offer my words and my love I will send
Deep like the roots of a tree in your mind
So listen to my words - the truth there you'll find
You need some allies
Put your mission on track.
Awake and walk eastward
To the pyramid - mountain of black.
I’m fading … I'm fading … as you wake, lose my form.
But I will come back – I will keep you from harm.
I will come back – I will keep you from harm.
Andromeda fades out of the scene. Polyxena wakes up - sits up.
Polyxena
I do not believe that was real – have no faith
I am alone - should I trust in a wraith?
She faded from view – she was there in my dream
She gave a command - what does this all mean?
The robot is probing and poking her. Polyxena stands up.
Polyxena
It seems like a thousand years ago
I stood with a group - we were friends.
We sang and this was part of a ritual
Then the concert was done - was the end.
And I had – a lover – we were mated - to wed
But he made a grave error – and now – he is … dead
​
I had a dream and the dream had a ghost
The ghost gave instructions to run to the Pyramid Mountain.
Thalamax and Polyxena set out to the Pyramid Mountain.
​
Sargon Joins the Project
Poly and Thalamax come upon Sargon cooking lunch. There they find a camp where Sargon is roasting some beast on a stick. He is happy to see them. The beast he is cooking is an indigenous life form called a shroat (looks like a Centaur).
Sargon
Black, black charcoal, overcooked it again
This freshly killed shroat – its bitter not sweet
These things are hard to find – even harder to catch.
If you overcook shroat meat … its toxic to eat.
Polyxena
Hello there – I ‘m sorry – your dinner is spoiled
But look – here I am – your blind date for the eve
I know you are hungry – my name is Poly
And this is my robot – he’s called Thalamax.
Sargon stands and then realizes he has company. Frowns at the robot but smiles at the girl.
Sargon
I’ve lived here for years
On this lonely strange planet
Dreaming of escape but hiding in fear
No one to talk to – hoping for transit
Need to escape – to get out of here.
Hoping for transit
Off this strange little world
The place of my birth is called Colony 5
The fifth large moon had a base – we lived there
My father was a farmer growing plants and bovines
My mother was a micro-code engineer
We had no money
On that rocky little world
Polyxena
You had no money on that rocky little world.
Sargon
My parents worked hard – they had jobs on the side
They put money away for my school in a stash.
Flight school - I got in – first time I applied
Tuition was high – and it burned all their cash
The Space Navy College – I wanted to fly.
Polyxena
The Space Navy College – you wanted to fly.
Sargon
Fly hard and fly fast I became quite an ace
I can fight like a matador in a pen with a bull
Then move out with my ship and leave not a trace
Just the broken remains of defeated space soldiers
And then came the mission –it would be my last
Capture some pirates – revenge for the pillage
I flew the mission - but I damaged my craft
I crash landed here – no rescue – no village
Polyxena
You crash landed here – no rescue – no village
Sargon
And so I have been on this strange little world
I've met a few humans – not many you see
The few I did meet were not well – disabled
Bodies were broken – they died very fast
I did meet a man just a few years ago
He was beaten and sick – the poor guy was not well
But he gave me a story – he told me a tale
The planet had zones - and each zone has a spell
Polyxena
You met a poor man a few years ago.
And he told you stories about this strange world
The planet has zones – and each zone has a spell?
Sargon
The planet has zones and each zone has a field.
They stretch to the East to the Sun as it shines
One cannot walk – there are walls - psycho-shield
The barriers are dangerous – they're not benign
The barriers are neuro-bleach – a strong soap
The barriers scrub – and erase memories
Memories are gone – the thoughts of the past.
Producing amnesia – removing your soul
Barriers will bend and distort and erase
Polyxena
The barriers erase the memories of our past
So how can we cross – and get away from this crash
Are we cursed to stay in this primitive place
Live as hunters – not the tribal-tech-jammers of space
Sargon
You were a tribal-tech-jammer – what’s that?
Thalamax
Erasure only affects your organic brains
I do not have neurons - I cannot feel pain
If you turn me off and the barrier is crossed
Mem'ry is safe - No data is lost -
Sargon
The man – he was broken – he could not be saved
He gave few details – just fragments and clips.
The zones are all different – just like rolling the dice
With beauty and freedom and pleasure – sounds nice
Some zones are warlike – with battles and blood
With fighting and skirmish and fire from above
Polyxena
With fighting and skirmish and fire from above
That sounds very dreadful – I have seen enough blood.
My boyfriend – my lover – I’ve seen enough blood.
Thalamax:
These stories are right – I think that they are
Zonus Centralis – there we must go
To see the King of Machines – a journey quite far
The King’s name is Brainstem – a computer I know
The state of this planet means Brainstem’s not well
Infected by malware – he is broken not dead
The system malfunctions – and creates all the zones
A once peaceful Eden – now a horror instead
Polyxena:
We need to be bold and to journey East
To find this great Brainstem - electronic beast
Find answers, find freedom, our path to the sky
Return to my Harmonaut roots – we must try
I want to go home – settle down – have a child.
Thalamax:
She wants to go home – settle down – have a child.
Poly:
We’ll journey to the East, we need to be bold
To find this great Brainstem – he must be quite old
Polyxena
This is the plan – the plan for our group.
First, we will turn GI Cyber Joe off.
Then I will sew this map to my coat.
I hope and I pray I can read it and follow
I hope and I pray I can read it and follow
Sargon
Read the map and follow
Thalamax
Did you just call me GI Cyber Joe?
Polyxena
Good night Thalamax.
​
She switches him off and they roll him through the barrier.
Run – now we run through the barrier – go!
I hope I am not going to erase my life in a second.
They both run full speed across the barrier.​
Zone of Confusion 1
All three have crossed the first barrier and are in the Zone of Confusion. The robot is off. The short term memories are erased due to the Barrier. The three are separated.
Sargon
There once was a man from the river
Who could catch a big fish with a shiver
Each fish that he took
Instead of a hook
He shot them with arrows from his quiver
He finds Thalamax but does not recognize him.
There once was a man with a great ship
Left port with his crew on a big trip
He hunted a whale
With a thousand pound tail
Wrecked his boat and gave him the slip
He fades out and leaves the scene.
Polyxena
I feel my hands – but I can’t feel my head.
My thoughts are a jumble – making words is a chore
I have no past, no future, no home.
My legs are stiff – terrified to the bone.
Run from this place – but to where – and for what
I do not know my name – cannot recall the plot
The process of thinking it’s not very deep.
My vision is a blur – I am tired I must sleep.
Polyxena lies down and sleeps. In her dream-state Andromeda tries to speak to her. Andro entry sound is not correct.
Andromeda
The world is waiting for you warrior princess.
You were once a child but not now.
Your friends are in need – in trouble - Polyxena
Wake up – read your coat – that’s the plan.
A loud sound wakes Poly up. Humanoids have found the robot and are trying to take it apart. She remembers Andromeda and looks at her jacket, finds the instructions (which are in picture form and in words).
Junkman
Junkman is trying to tear Thalamax apart.
Pounding, ripping, dissect with my tools
Rusting piece of junk that I have found
I can trade these parts for food and fuel
Sell wires and RAM – metal by the pound
Polyxena
I hear these sounds – nothing makes sense
I understand fear – I’m nervous and tense.
I feel my pulse – my heart skips a beat
So hard to breathe – I am sick from the heat
Junkman
Continues to pound on Thalamax with tools.
Junkyard salvage – circuit boards and more
Tearing, breaking – ripping to the core
Alchemy – make money from the sale
Copper cables – buy me keg of ale
Polyxena
I feel my hands – but I can’t feel my head.
My thoughts are a jumble – making words is a chore
Wait – I remember that ghost in my dream.
She told to me to read from my coat – what’s that mean?
She reads her coat and then recalls the plan.
Hey you! get away – from my robot – he’s asleep
I can turn him on if I toggle this switch
Don't make me strike you - I can be a witch
He'll clear the confusion – it is so very deep
Junkman runs away before Poly canes him. She turns Thalamax on. The robot boots up slowly and when fully awake, tells Polyxena who she is and her immediate mission (to first find Sargon).
Thalamax
lost none of my memories – and now we can go
On with this mission – impossible dream
We must find Sargon – he's here in this zone.
We need him now on this team.
They run through the scene and find Sargon. Sargon is still confused and singing limericks. They tell Sargon who he is and the mission.
Zone of Confusion 2
Sargon
There once was a beautiful girl
Golden hair twisted in fine curls that was
Along came a suitor
Who tried to pursue her
She said I’m a diamond not a
His lovely limerick is interrupted by Polyxena.
Polyxena
Sargon you need to pull your mind into gear
There’s a mission my friend - we need you here
We need you to pull your mind from the maze
To clear out the smoke – return from the haze.
Sargon
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears;
I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.
The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interred with their bones;
Thalamax tasers Sargon.
Hey! What was that – a terrible sting?
Who would do such a thing?
Are you to strike me with such a violent blow
It felt like a bolt of crude lightning
Polyxena
Sargon do you realize that we are your kind
The Zone of Confusion – has mixed up your mind
It alters the waves and the paths of your brain
The Zone works like a drug – it does dull the pain
The group plans the next step. They all agree that the Z/C is not any fun. The plan: Sargon and the robot will move across first. Poly will give them 24 hours so that they can find each other and regroup. They cross.
Sargon
The smoke and the haze that has tortured my sight
Mixed neurotransmitters - a sorcerer's brew
I’m crying inside for some clarity some light
I am done with this zone – let me out – let me through
Polyxena
To the next zone – whatever that is
Continue our mission – our quest – to our goal
Sargon, Polyxena, Thalamax
Zone of Confusion - Let me escape
Zone of Confusion – It’s way too sedate
We have – a mission – freedom we seek
The center – the point – where our answers are found
Sargon
I have a variation of the plan
Robot and I will cross barrier first.
You will wait for here for one single day
We will prepare for you – make the way safe
Sargon and Thalamax
Safe for you – when your cross – safe for you when you cross – when you cross
Thalamax
Safe for you when you cross
Polyxena
What are you saying? We can’t separate.
Like a creature feature –teenage girl all alone.
Alone with a vampire – cold evil incarnate
A killer or ghost – rip her flesh from her bones
​
Maybe I'm confused – not making sense
Because of this region, because of this Zone
You're a computer – your circuits intense
I will wait here … I will wait here… alone.
Sargon
The end of the mind and its spark – it’s a shock
Losing my life – then a resurrection
​
Hard to prepare for the empty black sky
Dare I plead with Great Spirit – before the erase
Like plunging head first - ice cold mountain stream
The shock is a nightmare - no friendly dream
Sargon and Polyxena turn off and then push Thalamax into the barrier. They embrace and then he runs across. She is left alone.
Zone Of Confusion 3
A trio of the Preliving Seductroids moves thought the vicinity. Poly is able to remain hidden inside a crude hut. She feels the icy wind of their presence, feels the intense fear and cruelty in their ghostly shapes. The trio picks a hapless humanoid, sing their siren song, trap the humanoid in a trance, fall on the person, and drain him of all memory/thought content leaving a dry dead shell. They become more potent and fly away.
Seductroids
Hunger for the neurochemical flow
Axons and pathways of the brain of our prey
Feed on the particles that make up the soul
Victims are unprotected unaware are they
Vabriez stands along and the ds surround him like a pack of wolves.
Seductroids
Don’t be afraid
Vabriez
I feel very calm now
Seductroids
Reach for my hand.
Vabriez
I feel like I’ve known you
Seductroids
We've been in your dreams
Vabriez
Do you come here often?
Seductroids
Desperate for love
Vabriez
I'm haunted by your song.
Seductroids
We sing for you.
Vabriez
Your voice is hypnotic.
​
Seductroids
Curves for your eyes
Vabriez
I cannot look away
Seductroids
What are you feeling?
Vabriez
submit to your will
Seductroids
We have what you want
Vabriez
I want to be held
The seductroids encircle the man. He is afraid but is beyond escape.
Seductroids
I want you.
Vabriez
Hands reaching to my soul
Seductroids
We love you.
Vabriez
You have the control
Seductroids
Seduce you.
Vabriez
I've lost all of my strength
Seductroids
Consume you.
Vabriez
Take me I'm yours.
Vabriez drops and goes unconscious. The Seductroids cover him and touch him with their hands and feed on his spirit energy. Then they move quickly into the shadows. He is no longer alive. Death by ecstasy.
Polyxena has watched this and is stunned and shocked. Strings louder here, punchy guitar.
Polyxena
Oh infinite Spirit – please save me please help me
Protect me from those fallen angels of lies
I cannot believe I did not try to help him.
But their song – their spell – had me paralyzed.
​
I have to get out of this zone – it’s a curse
The mental distortion was bad – this is worse.
If beautiful sirens can seduce one of us
Our project is doomed – we may not escape
I have to remember this poisonous threat
I’ll draw a mnemonic into my warm coat
Three skulls will remind me – will warn me –
Of Se – duc – troids.
Polyxena draws three skulls on her coat. She hears a distant sound and is startled. She then moves to the barrier and prepares to cross. Polyxena runs through the barrier. One of the Seductroids returns to the scene.
Seductroid 1
I can sense another spirit - a soul
She is trapped in her flesh – she's alive
not like the dullards who inhabit this zone.
She would be a feast for my sisters
and me.
She disappears.
​The Council Chair Has Died
In another place, there is a meeting of the council of Harmonautics. They discuss the recent disappearance (or death) of the Council Chairwoman, Truxina Tritonika. The Chair has a formal royal title, Xarina. Without a Chair, the management of Harmonauts and the assignment of Harmonauts to new underdiscovered worlds is in jeopardy. The Harmonauts have the duty to visit new worlds for new story/songs and to spread the religion. The Great Tome of Harmonautics is opened to much fanfare to read the requirements of the next Chair. The Book is written with invisible ink that can only be made visible by a certain wavelength of light that is not known. This wavelength is discovered in a later scene. Once this is done, the search can begin for the new Chair. Bigger drumbeat chords.
Councilman Zzan Alphox
I have gathered you here with some urgency
To announce that our Chair, Tritonika -- Is deceased
Our beloved Xarina's not been well lately
Her Suff'ring has ended, her spirit is released.
Councilwoman Veralina Jushak
This untimely passing – as one, we have cried
Leaves us with no one – no powerful head
To direct the Harmonauts to star systems wide
To gather fine stories – without her we’re aimless instead.
our Chair, Tritonika, gone – what a shock!
The Harmonauts will drift – their melodies plain
No longer will they give grand concerts that rock
No spiritual fire – no gentle wind – and no soul train
Zzan Alphox
There is a void that her death has created
too soon to panic my friends – we must remain calm
After the funeral and she is cremated
When the ashes are cooled, we rest until dawn
Veralina Jushak
You will be searching – you'll look to the stars
A new Chair appointed – to guide us - to stand
You will find a Leader – who plays the syntar
Woodwinds or brass or piano – lead this great band
Zzan Alphox
There is a book that is locked in a vault.
The book has the answers – it will lead a new charge.
The great book will comfort – put fear to a halt
The great book will guide - in our hunt for Xarina.
All Council Members
great book is hidden - locked in a vault
great book will comfort – put fear to a halt.
Search for
Xarina
​
Zone of Eros
The group (Thalamax, Sargon) have moved into the next Zone. They did not know which zone they will enter (they don’t have that much information). The climate is warm here, soft mood music plays. There are couples and triples moving sinuously in ritual dances in the scene. The robot is of course in OFF and lying quietly near a strange tree.
Chorus
Calming warm winds that carry a sound
Sound that is almost too quiet to hear
Sound of the invisible net - we are bound
We touch – and sway as lovers – as friends.
Sargon is fully aware but has no memory of his place or duty. He moves to a fire where a large fish-like creature is being turned slowly over glowing radioactive rocks. A girl beckons to him and offers him some fish-flesh; he takes it. She gives him drink and he becomes light-headed. She pulls him into her group and trance dance with haunting chorus occurs. He is overtaken with the dance and as night falls, he joins the girl in her hut.
Sargon
My dear you are such an excellent chef
This fish-flesh is tender – melts away on my tongue
Sensualita
I have been taught that the way to a man
Is to nourish his body – to steady his stance
So let me give you this potion – this drink
As the heat builds – our rhythm enhanced
Chorus
Calming warm winds that carry a sound
Sound that is almost too quiet to hear
Sound of the invisible net - we are bound
We touch – and sway as lovers – as friends.
The Zone of Eros
Sargon
Your potion is strong – it’s relaxing my nerves
But its chemicals are confusing my thoughts – have to say
But you are a goddess – a sculpture of curves
Would you show me your dance, can you teach me ballet?
Sensualita
On my warm shoulders - place your strong hands
follow my lead – ancient rhythms control
The energy points of the spine (called chakra)
A mineral spring - Feel the universe flow
Sargon and Sensualita dance.
Chorus
Calming warm winds that carry a sound
Sound that is almost too quiet to hear
Sound of the invisible net - we are bound
We touch – and sway as lovers – as friends.
The Zone of Eros
The Zone of Eros
​
Sargon and Sensualita swirl off stage (into their love nest).
Polyxena moves through the area and misses the robot. The position of the robot across the barrier field is not correct. She is alone and does not know that she is in a group at all. [instrumental romantic 16 bars]
Polyxena
Now why was I worried – why was I stressed?
My head feels quite light … my body’s in the mood
I’m single – and lonely – there is warmth in my breast
My mind is on fire – my thoughts seem so lewd
Yet I am tired – so tired – so sleepy – I must rest
The sensual movements and smooth music cause her to become drowsy and she drifts into sleep near a gentle stream of flowing water. Again, her dream spirit comes to her. The spirit instructs her: She must find the man with golden hair before he becomes a parent.
Andromeda
Hello I am back glad to have some air time
When you are awake I am gone – disappear
I get to be live – to move free in your dreams
A strange occupation – how did I get here?
You’re now by yourself in the Valley of Love
You may get distracted – in this funhouse of skin
But you have to get back to the mission you chose
Break free from the pheromone - estrogen
When you wake up you must remember my words
You’ve got to move fast, rescue Sargon from the pest
Sensualita has power - she snared his weak mind
And will trap him here – she’s feathered her nest.
You’ll have to stay sharp – don’t be dull – don’t be weak
Seduction is strong – blinded studies have shown
You have to stay cool even cold in this heat
Find your robot, find Sargon – get out of this zone
And one last idea you must learn this spell
This spell will protect you – protect you it will
This is a spell that will protect Polyxena later.
Vo wai sen thar - kor shai rem tranx
Sh’ai rey zo qwen – dey vrex lu tron
​
Zone of Eros 2
Polyxena awakens and she is in a very dark hut with two other people. They dance lovingly. Musical jam here. They dance furiously until they collapse into sleep.
Polyxena
Your hands on my back – the pleasure that heals
How long did I wait for this heat – for this score?
I’m single – unattached – I’m ready to feel
Your skills are fantastic – can we do it once more?
​
Making love has made me sleepy – I must rest
The spirit states that she is on a mission, she needs to wake up and find her team. The mission will fail if she does not continue. A vision is fabricated in her dream and that vision is one of destruction: living things are gone, only bones and fossils and ashes are seen. The great statue of the Harmonauts is shown in the vision as broken and lying in pieces.
Andromeda
Poly my dear you got caught in the zone
Listen to me - I will say this again
I know this is fun – intoxication
You have a mission – you must stay with the plan
If you should fail, there is terrible breach
This place will turn into a wasteland of death
And to other planets your failure will reach
Inhale the cool air – take a deep breath
Oh yes one more thing - A new soul you'll find
Into your heart and your group you must bring
A waif, a lost child, She has magic you’ll need
Resourceful and smart and she’s cute like a puppy
​
Polyxena wakes up. Remembers the spirit’s words. At this point, Poly meets Daphne. Daphne tries to steal from Polyxena (her staff and coat) but Polyxena will have none of that; she wakes up and confronts the girl. Initially very irritated at the child, she talks to her and finds out her background.
Polyxena
Hello little creature of trouble
Did you think that I was a mark?
My coat is warm and protects like a bubble
But you may not have it – it carries a map
A map that I need for my feet where to tread
Why do I need this? Where does it lead?
A map and a mission – assigned to my head
Go away – run away – run from here - la jeune fille
Daphne starts to cry.
Hello little creature – a girl – you’re alone
Fragile and lost I see - please don’t cry
You must be cold - with no food – and no home
My dreams told me you would appear – now – but why
Why in the midst of this dangerous game
Would a tiny girl come to me now
Forces of unnatural power untamed
Are stalking me – I must start toward my goal
Finding that she has no family, she asks her if she wants to leave the planet. The child is ready for some new adventure and joins the team. Poly explains that there is danger all around but Nurotopia may be unstable and she should go with them.
​
Daphne
Who are you? Why would you be kind to me now?
I tried to rip that warm coat don’t you see?
My name is Daphne – I have no one and nothing
I'm cold – so alone – my friend - can you be?
I have lived here In this place – born in the darkness
Lived with a group – they were not very good
Taught me to steal and to fight – stay alive
Grown-ups don't see us – I wish that they would
Old ones spend all of their time in their dances
Spin and they twist and they move in the night
Kids sneak around and survive – we take chances
Living in shadow – we don’t see the light
Don’t know your plans - can you please take me with you
Know a few tricks I can help - really can
Don’t leave me here in this place – I don’t like it
You’re on a journey – a quest – sounds like fun.
Polyxena gives her friends a hug and a light kiss and moves quickly out of the hut into the dim light.
Polyxena
My dear it was quite the adventure
I find you quite pleasant - I must be on my way
She turns her attention back to Daphne.
Daphne you will be my daughter my friend
Together we go now; we’ve got to move - to race
I read the message that’s sewn on my coat
It seems there are others on this mission from space
A soldier and a robot – they may have no meme
We have to find them they're here in this zone.
They may be together or they may be alone
Together we search for them - through this scene
​
Zone of Eros 3
Polyxena and Daphne move through the village and come upon the cliff that is one half of a full rock sphere; there is a hut there and she enters to find Sargon dancing slowly with a young black haired girl.
Polyxena
This place is wild – exciting - darkness and heat
Seductive forces – casual matings – what a treat.
Look - There he is – and what’s this? – He’s made a new friend.
She looks like a tramp – and three’s a crowd – so let me cut in
She cuts in and begins dancing with Sargon.
Sargon
Easy now darling there’s no reason to shove
You and Sensualita can share – do you think?
Your athletic quads – I could fall in love
You seem a bit tense – would you like a strong drink?
They kiss dramatically. Short instrumental here.
Polyxena
Ok that was pleasant but we really just met
Wait - I recognize you - the planet makes me forget
Sargon – you know me we are in a great race
To save Nuratopia – escape back to space
He tries to embrace her and push her into a dance. She slaps him.
Sargon
Now I like the dances, sacral dermatome spin
But I can’t say that pain as recreation I like
So, try not to hit me so hard – it's kind of mean
I think you meant that – You are really not my type.
Polyxena
You're under a spell - of lust I think you'll find
Like a potion this atmosphere has suppressed your logical mind
Parasympathetic - nerves now in control
Procreation is wonderful - we run there - that's the goal
She kisses him hoping that will bring him back.
Sargon
Your lips are delicious. I remember now - don't you know.
We have met before; and I know you’re feeling blue.
Let’s go find the robot and continue this show.
Now tell me - who is this kid; is she on this trip too?
Daphne glares at Sargon. Polyxena explains the kid.
Polyxena
I do not have time for long introductions
This is miss Daphne she’s joined us – don’t know why
Deep and mysterious voice has propelled me
She knows this planet – she might be of some help
She is alone – with no family – and though we
Do have a mission – I still have empathy
She’s a survivor – toughed it out since age three
We will help her now though – she does not need sympathy.
The group find the robot and wakes him up. The robot is surprised that a new member of the band has appeared. He scans Daphne for parasites and records her cortical patterns for later recall if needed. He tells her that he is sorry that she has lost her parents. Daphne is an awkward teenager and does not want to talk about it.
​
Thalamax
Our mission goes on - future is not bright
We have a new friend – she might slow us down
Poor little vagrant - scanned for parasites
Memory meld tells me why the big frown
Daphne
This is my smile you bucket of bolts
Don’t like you probing my head that is rude
I have no trust in those living on volts
Memories are mine please do not intrude
Thalamax
It seems little Daphne is lost - parents gone
She has raised herself – the art of the dodge
Has lived here this long picking pockets for thrills
And she has some intriguing musical skills
Daphne
Won’t miss this zone – it was always quite sad
Thank you. Now stop. Please get out of my head.
Don't love those other kids they were quite bad
Want to be close to you Poly instead
Thalamax
Electromagnetic field in this region
Signals that show metal armor – I read
I do not recall any lost legion
We will be captured - need to make speed
First they turn off Thalamax and push him across the barrier. Then Sargon crosses. Lastly, Daphne and Polyxena move some distance and cross.
Daphne
What do we feel when this crossing occurs?
Will it hurt? Does it burn?
Tell me the truth?
I am afraid – please don’t let me be hurt
I will trust you – I know you’ll protect me
I'm scared. I am scared.
Polyxena
This adventure – does have some risk
You can stay behind with your friends - stay if you want
I am here – I am with you
We will cross as a team - I’ll be in front
Daphne
I want to stay with you – guess I’m OK
It’s just that I’ve never left this sweet zone
This is the only world that I have seen
Will you Oh Poly - will you be my mom?
​
They cross into the next zone. When they are gone the Phalanx including Vitrex rush in and are frustrated that they find no one but the dancing lovers of the Zone of Eros.
Vizious
No one is here General Vitrex
Your spies have given you poor information - that is clear.
Vitrex
They got away – escaped us – I can sense
feeling their presence - their smell in the air
small band and weak they have little defense
Track them and crush them - trap them in a snare
Invaders from space - threaten our world of Zones
They move through the barriers - I know they were here
They have living flesh and skin on their bones
We'll hunt them down - they will cry out with fear
I will find this rebel band.
​END OF ACT I