"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 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   We work together, common sons   Never need to wonder how or why.         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.         Look around at this world we've made   Equality our stock in trade   Come and join the Brotherhood of Man   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   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.         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   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.         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 see still the incredible beauty of the sculptured cities and the pure spirit of man revealed in the lives and works of this world. I was overwhelmed by both wonder and understanding as I saw a completely different way to life, a way that had been crushed by the Federation long ago. I saw now how meaningless life had become with the loss of all these things ..."         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         ... "I have not left this cave for days now, it has become my last refuge in my total despair. I have only the music of the waterfall to comfort me now. I can no longer live under the control of the Federation, but there is no other place to go. My last hope is that with my death I may pass into the world of my dream, and know peace at last."         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   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!   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.