The time is nigh, my dearest friends
(Dr. Nadir Shahid approaches Designer Sonia Crowsworth, who is lying in the flower field by the lake.)
Dr. Shahid: Crowsworth.
Desigr. Crowsworth: Oh! Hello there Nadir. Care to join me?
(Crowsworth pats the spot besides her. Three seconds of silence passes.)
Dr. Shahid: …Alright.
(Dr. Shahid sits down slowly.)
Desigr. Crowsworth: So how's your son? Still planning to go to his dream college?
Dr. Shahid: Planning no more, he got his letter of acceptance just last week. Been negotiating with me for a new car, the little rascal.
Desigr. Crowsworth: I'd say he deserves it, ya dingus! And give him my congratulations.
(Sounds of hundreds of wings flapping echo above head.)
Dr. Shahid: What about you Crowsworth? Anything exciting recently?
Desigr. Crowsworth: Jackie wanted to go for a walk this morning! It's like my baby got new springs in her steps again. I'll let you play with her sometimes!
Dr. Shahid: I'm afraid your Bullmastiff might crush me, but thanks for the offer.
(The flowers briefly become violet.)
One day, I hope to see you again
(Various Foundation researchers and D-Classes engages in social interactions, consuming an assortment of foods and drinks.)
(A researcher fumbles a large bottle, accidentally spraying surrounding personnel with soda.)
(Everyone laughs.)
(A vase of orchids is set on the counter.)
For those who sleep in graves of the dark
Crowsworth: -nce, I'm glad I finished all my work ahead of time.
Shahid: You, being productive? Am I hearing this right? What's the world coming to?
Crowsworth: Shut up, Nadir.
(Crowsworth punches Shahid in the arm.)
Crowsworth: I just… thought it felt right - completing them, ya know?
(A brief moment of silence lapses.)
Shahid: …I know.
(The weight of a million things left unsaid dissipates.)
(The sky turns lavender, then darkens.)
Promises of reprieve shall let you be
O5-1: One last drink for the night, gentlemen?
(O5-1 raises his champagne glass. The rest follows.)
(The light grows strong. The shadow grows long.)
(Strong scents of hyacinth registered.)
To those who can accept the light
Sonia: …What's left for us, Nadir?
(Nadir ponders. He picks a purple lily and gives it to Sonia.)
Nadir: All the time in the world.
(Sonia accepts it, and nods.)
(The stars' brightness increases sharply for 45 seconds.)
(Then they go out.)
Smile, you're going to be free
(In unity, we speak.)
Site-19 Personnel: We secured.
O5 Council: We contained.
Sonia & Nadir: We protected.
O death, may you be the key
(And now, we rest.)
(For the world has its eye on us.)
