Phase 1: Singularity

[I. The Blackboard]

Phase 1: The Singularity (Part I)

-8:49 this morning-

The dew of morning still glistens on the salt grass
That grows along the foundation of the old lighthouse
It isn't in active service anymore
But has been renovated to serve as a private dwelling

High in the tower inside
A young man is slumped on the floor in the corner of the room
Apparently in some kind of trance
Somebody has put a blanked over him

He is deadly pale, but the steady
Almost imperceptible rise and fall of his chest
Shows that he still clings to life
Standing next to him are a young woman and an older man
Both are obviously shocked and distressed

Their frequent glances toward the door
Give the impression that they're waiting
For someone who is yet to arrive

On the wall next to them is a blackboard
Covered with impenetrable mathematical equations
The older man is holding a crumpled piece of paper
It appears to be a note scribbled in haste by an unsteady hand
What follows here is the story of what happened...

Teacher:
Will we ever understand
This complex genius
This visionary thinker?

Will we ever get
This close again?
Uniting the forces
Of our universe?

Girl:
Will we ever understand
His isolation
Or his sense of wonder?

We will never get
This close again?
It's been too long
I think he's gone

[II. The Theory of Everything Part 1]

Phase 1: The Singularity (Part II)

-11 years earlier-

The Father, a brilliant scientist
Has devoted his life to finding the Theory of Everything
The equation that will fully explain
And unite all physical forces of the universe

He's obsessively working day and night
Unaware that his wife and introverted son
Need far more attention that he has been giving them

The Mother has always supported her husband's scientific pursuits
But the strain of dealing with their asocial child's special needs
Has worn her down to the point of desperation

Father:
I'm so close to the answer!
A dazzling symphony
Of cosmic strings

I feel the pulse
Vibrating just out of reach
The music of space!

One single master equation
Unification of the great and small

I hear the notes
But the arrangement is wrong
I'm starting to doubt
But I can't give up now, I'm so near

Mother:
Can't you see
That I need you out here
And what about our boy?

I think he's got
Something to give
What secrets lie
Beyond these hollow eyes?

Father:
I'm sorry
You feel neglected
But it's clear
That you don't understand!

I'm aware
And I want to be there
I just need some more time
For the answer is blindingly near

Mother:
Are you trying to drive us away
Just when we need you most?

You might find
He's got something to give
What secrets lie
Beyond these eyes?

[III. Patterns]

(Instrumental)
Phase 1: The Singularity (Part III)

The son is so withdrawn because his mind is overwhelmed
By analyzing the chaotic stimuli of the world around him
And the mathematical patterns he sees in everything, even in nature

His brain seems to operate on a completely different level than other people's
There is something very special about him, indeed

[IV. The Prodigy's World]

Phase 1: The Singularity (Part IV)

The Mother is determined to connect with the Prodigy
But he is completely unresponsive
He is simply incapable of relating to her emotionally
Even though on some level he wants to

Mother:
Talk to me!

Prodigy:
I know you're there
But I won't see you
I hear your voice
But it can't reach me

Mother:
Let me in!

Prodigy:
It all seems so trivial
In the scheme of things

Mother:
Talk to me!

Prodigy:
I feel your touch
But it can't move me
I hear your words
But they confuse me

Mother:
Let me in!

Prodigy:
It all comes to nothing
In the scheme of things

Patterns emerge
In nature's dance
Numbers are born
In the wheel of chance

Why do I see this?
What does it mean to me?

A grand design
In all its majesty
Vibrating strings
Quantum gravity

Why was I chosen?
What does it mean to me?
Tell me why!

[V. The Teacher's Discovery]

Phase 1: The Singularity (Part V)

-7 years ago-

As the students work on a test in science class
A gust of wind from the open window
Blows a paper full of math equations off the Teacher's desk
Unnoticed by the teacher, it lands at the Prodigy's feet

Already having finished the test, he picks up the paper
His face lights up as he begins writing

Teacher:
I can't believe
This can't be true
How could you know?

I've tried to solve this
For as long as I recall

This is your work?
Be honest now
How did you do it?

I'm not angry, boy!
But I really need to know

Prodigy:
I'm sorry, sir
I can't explain
It's the way
I've always been

You see
The numbers just appear
Before my eyes

Rival:
Don't believe him, no!
He is envious!
I've felt it from the start

In every class
I've always been the genius
And he just wants to be like me

Don't let him deceive you
He's nothing but a fake
A sad pretender
Trying to take my place

Don't let him deceive you
He's nothing but a fake
A sad pretender
A total waste of space

[VI. Love and Envy]

Phase 1: The Singularity (Part VI)

Why is the Rival constantly bullying the Prodigy?
And why is the Girl compelled to protect him?

Girl:
Why do you torment him
Are you jealous?
There must be a reason
You're so cruel

What have you got against him
Does he scare you?
What did he ever do to you?

Rival:
Oh no, I can't believe
You're falling for this loser
Oh no, I thought you knew
That I am so much cooler!

Girl:
Why do you despise him
Are you frightened?
Are you being driven
By your pride?

I think you feel threatened
By his brilliance
But still you admire him
Deep inside

Rival:
Oh no, I can't believe
You're falling for this loser
Oh no, I thought you knew
That I am so much cooler!

Oh no, I always thought
That we should be together
Oh no, I really think
That you can do so much better

[VII. Progressive Waves]

(Instrumental)
Phase 1: The Singularity (Part VII)

[VIII. The Gift]

Phase 1: The Singularity (Part VIII)

The Teacher visits the Father
Bringing him surprising news about his son

Teacher:
I’m glad you could meet me
I’m here about your son
I’ve never seen a mind like his
Especially so young

He’s got a gift for numbers
Never known before
An outstanding genius
Who shouldn’t be ignored

Father:
You must be mistaken
He’s useless and he’s weak
I see no sign of genius
The boy can hardly speak

He just sits there lifeless
For hours at a time
No expression on his face
His eyes staring into space!

Teacher:
How can you
Be so heartless?
There must be so much more
That we can do

Father:
Who are you to judge me?
You don’t even know
What we’ve been through!

Teacher:
Just give him more attention
You’ll see there’s more to him
Than meets the eye

Father:
Fine, I’ll try to help the child
Better not be wasting my time!

[IX. The Eleventh Dimension]

(Instrumental)
Phase 1: The Singularity (Part IX)

[X. Inertia]

Phase 1: The Singularity (Part X)

-5 years ago-

The Prodigy wants to improve his relationship with his Father
But doesn't know how to reach out

Prodigy:
Are you trying to drive me away
Just when I need you most?
I think I’ve got something to give
I just don’t know how...

[XI. The Theory of Everything Part 2]

Phase 1: The Singularity (Part XI)

The Mother and the Father agree to enlist
An outside expert to help with their son
But their motivations to do so couldn't be more different

Mother:
We need to take him to therapy
Help him function in society

Father:
It's worth a try, who knows...
He could help me complete
The Theory Of Everything

Mother & Father:
A future to build
A role to fulfill
Something to give
A reason to live