Of Holograms and the Heart

A Three-Act Play

Role: Carasoh Cloudsong
Costume: A trill who is constantly in motion, this expressive musician is almost always toying with a pen, drumming his fingers against a tabletop, or pacing back and forth as he works and talks. Tousled by his brisk movements, his tawny golden head feathers always appear somewhat wind-blown, framing a fine-boned, high-cheekboned face with keen grey eyes and slender, refined lips. An elegant two-piece suit of ecru and persimmon silk shows off his tall, long-limbed form and expansive saffron-hued wings to advantage. He tends to communicate as much with his hands as with his resonant, musical voice, frequently making graceful and elaborate gestures to punctuate his statements.

Role: Sa'kaxi Odathe
Costume: This researcher is a trim lucidian of small, unimposing stature, with a body composed of lustrous, opaque malachite-green crystal. Long strands of brighter green crystal flow from the top of her head to her shoulders in place of hair, accentuating her placid turquoise eyes. Her small face is a perfect oval, with features as delicate and smooth as though sculpted from glass. She is clad in a practical blue-green lab coat that matches her eyes and disguises her fragile, angular figure with its crisp, utilitarian design. Smiles seldom disturb the smooth tranquillity of her features, but when they do, they illuminate her entire face with an unexpected radiance.
======================================

Act One

[Scene: Laboratory
The gemstone stations of this laboratory show signs of regular use, with several light scratches and streaks marring the high work-tables piled high with papers and scrolls. Blinking instrument panels covered with knobs and buttons line the walls, occasionally emitting quiet beeping or humming noises. An enormous crystal sheet stands in the centre of the laboratory, surrounded by metal-and-crystal projectors and lights pointed toward it at precise angles and distances. Depicted upon the crystal sheet is an incomplete holographic image of a trill figure.

Prop: Hologram
An incomplete hologram of a trill figure is displayed upon a smooth, translucent crystal sheet. Remarkably convincing, the shimmering hologram looks almost entirely three-dimensional and tangible, but for a few sections that intermittently flicker or dissolve into black, fuzzy patches. However, the trill's smooth face and winged figure still lack definition and detail for the moment.]

The curtains rise and bright white light floods the stage, revealing an orderly, if well-used laboratory filled with blinking instrument panels and work-tables piled with stacks of papers. An enormous crystal sheet dominates the centre of the laboratory, bearing an unfinished hologram depicting a winged male trill.

The door to the laboratory swings open, and immediately two voices -- one masculine and agitated, the other feminine, calm, and moderate -- fill the air.

Carasoh Cloudsong storms inside the laboratory, rumpling his head feathers and gesturing sharply, evidently in the middle of a long diatribe.

Sa'kaxi Odathe follows behind the trill musician, closing the laboratory door and discreetly tucking papers that have been knocked awry by his passage.

CARASOH: (emphatically) ...and that is why I shall never, ever commit the folly of falling in love ever again!

SA'KAXI: (dryly) I am sure I have heard all this before, Carasoh. Specifically after the Symphonist soprano, Alleah Fairquillion, declined your marriage proposal and right before your recent courtship of that young sculptress, Nilesah Moonflight. A courtship which, I surmise, has not gone favourably.

CARASOH: (nodding disconsolately) Correct as usual, Sa'kaxi. She broke it off just today and even returned all the gifts I gave her: the jewellery, the love letters, the flowers. She told me I was too emotional for her!

CARASOH: Can you imagine? An artist, telling ME that I'm too emotional? How absurd!

SA'KAXI: (levelly) You ARE too emotional, Carasoh. You fall in love sincerely, but too swiftly and too fiercely. You throw yourself into courting these women with such intensity that you end up overwhelming them. Such an approach may serve you well on the battlefield, but not in matters of the heart.

Carasoh Cloudsong opens his mouth to respond, but then pauses and appears to reconsider.

CARASOH: By the gods, now that you say it, it seems so clear. :?.

CARASOH: Why couldn't even one of those women express themselves as directly and concisely as you do, instead of mincing words and fluttering about? If they'd said something half as intelligent as that, I wouldn't feel nearly so frustrated afterward.

Sa'kaxi Odathe averts her face as a flush of rosy quartz momentarily floods her cheeks, a gesture that goes unnoticed by Carasoh.

CARASOH: (with a dismissive wave of his hand) But, as I said, I'm done with love, and that's the end of the matter. Let's not discuss this any further.

CARASOH: (looking around the laboratory) How goes your research, Sa'kaxi? Weren't you working on something to do with light?

SA'KAXI: Indeed, I am working on the use of special lights to project three-dimensional holographic images. Come and see.

Sa'kaxi Odathe strides past the trill musician toward an instrument panel on the far wall and begins pushing a brief sequence of buttons. In response, the lights arranged around the crystal sheet gradually flicker to life.

As the carefully positioned lights shine upon the crystal sheet in full, the three-dimensional representation of a winged trill figure springs into being. Though faceless and imperfect, the trill figure appears otherwise remarkably solid and substantial.

Carasoh Cloudsong jumps backward in surprise, startled by the holographic trill's sudden appearance, and lets out a long, admiring whistle.

CARASOH: (circling around the hologram to view it from all sides) Clouds above! It looks just like a person." Pausing, he amends his words and adds, "Well, perhaps a statue of a person, or a mannequin. Still, it looks so real, I feel as though I could just reach out...

Carasoh Cloudsong extends his hand toward the hologram. His fingers pass right through the illusory trill's arm, creating a disconcerting sight.

SA'KAXI: (with a smile that lights up her entire face) No, you cannot touch it, though I am pleased you find it realistic enough to try.

SA'KAXI: (the subtle, crystalline tinkle of a laugh slipping into her voice) I will be adding details to the facial and body structure soon. Perhaps even movement. It is all a matter of programming the correct parameters into the holograph-emitting array.

CARASOH: Knowing you, it'll be impossible to tell the hologram from reality by the time you're done! Do you have a model in mind for this fellow, may I ask?

Sa'kaxi Odathe involuntarily glances over at the trill musician, her cheeks growing rosy again.

SA'KAXI: I shall use the handsomest trill I can find, of course! It is only logical.

SA'KAXI: (with a shooing motion to Carasoh) Now, please, I should continue with refining my holographic technology further, before I can present it to the Institute." A hint of humour enters her voice as she adds, "And I would rather not have all your strong emotions distracting me from my work."

CARASOH: All right, all right, I'll take my emotional self elsewhere and leave you to earn your doctorate with your brilliant hologram research. Fair winds and bright skies to you, dear Sa'kaxi.

Carasoh Cloudsong obediently hastens through the door, giving a friendly wave before he turns and strides away.

Sa'kaxi Odathe follows Carasoh to the laboratory door, lingering at the threshold behind him.

Sa'kaxi Odathe glances briefly toward the hologram before turning to watch the trill's retreating back.

Sa'kaxi Odathe closes the laboratory door with a soft click. The lights in the laboratory go dim around her, leaving only darkness upon the stage.
======================================

Act Two

[Scene: Laboratory

Prop: Hologram
Depicted upon the smooth crystal sheet, this hologram of a male trill figure is now not only remarkably solid and lifelike in appearance, but also more defined and recognisable. Colours and details have been added to the holographic trill Its magnificent wings are now a deep, golden-yellow, as are its head feathers, while its eyes are an icy blue-grey hue. However, his features remain somewhat blurry, and his clothing are mere suggestions of billowing, sweeping lines for now.]

BACKSTAGE EFFECT CREATE acttwo1 15 Bright lights flicker on again across the stage, revealing the scene of Researcher Sa'kaxi Odathe's laboratory. In the centre of the room, the hologram of the male trill figure has become more detailed, with suggestions of golden feathers and flowing robes, though the face still remains an empty blank.

Sa'kaxi Odathe stands behind the table directly across from the hologram, adjusting knobs and controls for the array of lights. As she raises her eyes to the holographic trill, her body throbs a pensive emerald.

The blurry facial features of the hologram ripple and change in response to Sa'kaxi's programmed commands, resolving into a more distinct structure. A classic, straight nose, high cheekbones, and a square jaw emerge from the blank face, handsome despite their lack of expression or animation.

Sa'kaxi Odathe returns to the array of lights before the screen and turns a few knobs very slightly, fine-tuning the facial features for several minutes with exacting care and delicacy.

SA'KAXI: (murmuring aloud) Yes, yes, perfect! That is just the shade of gold I want for his feathers.

Sa'kaxi Odathe nods to herself in satisfaction. With a swish of her lab coat, she turns around to the instrument panel on the wall and begins dialing rapidly, the beeping buttons creating almost a short melody.

SA'KAXI: (growing more absorbed) However, the nose should be finer-boned and the lips thinner. But turned up at the corners, as though just about to break into a smile...

The sudden loud click of the laboratory door opening cuts short her monologue in mid-sentence and causes her to whirl around, looking vexed.

Carasoh Cloudsong strolls into the laboratory, whistling a lilting melody. He turns immediately toward the lucidian researcher and beams as he holds out a steel mesh basket in her direction.

CARASOH: I know I'm interrupting, Sa'kaxi, but I brought you some lunch, seeing as your fellow researchers said you haven't left your lab for almost two days." Rolling his eyes in mock-exasperation, he adds, "I just knew you'd be working yourself to death! Whenever you get immersed in your research, you practically forget to eat, drink, or sleep.

SA'KAXI: (recovering from her surprise) I...shall take that under advisement, Carasoh. Now, what sort of lunch have you brought me?

Carasoh Cloudsong takes a covered dish of Clarramore fruit salad from the basket and hands it to the lucidian researcher, causing her face to glow with pleasure.

Sa'kaxi Odathe nibbles ravenously on sliced powderfruits and silverskin apples, only looking up with consternation when Carasoh ambles over to the holographic trill.

CARASOH: (staring closely at the hologram) Marvellous! Sa'kaxi, you're a genius. It's hard to believe he's just made of light.

CARASOH: (with a soft chuckle) He looks a little like me, actually.

Sa'kaxi Odathe 's head snaps up at the remark, her crystalline eyes wide.

Sa'kaxi Odathe impulsively reaches toward the instrument panel and whirls a dial, causing the hologram to become unrecognisably blurry and indistinct.

Carasoh Cloudsong draws back suddenly from the hologram with an astonished expression.

CARASOH: (perplexed) Why, it's gone! What happened? Did I do that?

SA'KAXI: (adopting a tone of indignation) Carasoh! That took me hours to perfect!

Carasoh Cloudsong sheepishly turns away from the hologram. "In that case, I had better go before I ruin any of your hard work!" he exclaims. "I brought you some tea in that basket too. Your favourite, the orange blossom white tea." With that, he waves a quick goodbye and makes his way out of the laboratory.

Sa'kaxi Odathe hurries after the trill musician and shuts the door emphatically closed behind him. Exhaling a long sigh of mingled relief and dejection, she leans her head briefly against the doorjamb.

SA'KAXI: How was he able to tell already? I thought perhaps he would not be able to see the resemblance yet, not when the hologram remains unfinished.

Sa'kaxi Odathe lifts her head and rubs her chin thoughtfully, causing a sound like two pebbles clicking against each other.

SA'KAXI: (with a small laugh) Of course, he might merely guess that I modeled my hologram after him because I have grown familiar with his face and person.

SA'KAXI: (reassuring herself further) After all, we see each other every day and speak together for hours at a time. It would indeed be logical to choose a subject so well-known to me for creating a truly lifelike, believable hologram.

Sa'kaxi Odathe pauses, her skin giving off a thoughtful, hazy glow.

SA'KAXI: Perhaps I should have just requested his permission in the first place. Then I could have had an excuse to spend more time in his company. But then I might have betrayed that I care for him...

Sa'kaxi Odathe 's entire body shudders with the force of her emotions, the colour of her crystal dimming into a desolate green so dark it appears almost black.

SA'KAXI: I dare not risk that. I must tell him in the strongest terms not to enter my laboratory without my permission, not until I am ready to present the hologram to Senior Researcher Arthar'rt. If he sees the hologram again and realises my feelings...

SA'KAXI: If he knew that I found him the handsomest, most generous artist I have ever met, or that I had come to love him...

Sa'kaxi Odathe hesitantly draws close to the hologram and tenderly strokes the side of its face. Her fingertips pass directly through the seeming surface of the trill's smooth skin without any resistance.

Sa'kaxi Odathe heaves a deep sigh, her face softening from its usual tranquillity into an unwonted expression of longing.

SA'KAXI: (addressing the hologram) If you knew, Carasoh, you would have laughed at me. Or worse still, pitied me.

SA'KAXI: For the women that YOU favour, my beloved, are those tall, magnificent trill women who can talk about art and music and poetry with you. Not women like me, so plain and serious.

SA'KAXI: Besides, did you not say earlier that you were done with love forever? Even if you were merely jesting, I am the last person from whom you would wish to hear a profession of love or romance. Logic dictates that you would have refused me out of hand.

Sa'kaxi Odathe covers her face with her hands in a forlorn gesture and turns away.

SA'KAXI: And I could not bear that.

Sa'kaxi Odathe lowers her hands from her face and moves briskly toward the table directly across from it, shining with dials, buttons, knobs, and crystal screens.

SA'KAXI: No, it is better thus. I shall instead give vent to my feelings for Carasoh through my work and devote myself to perfecting this hologram. Perhaps then they shall cease to torment me with impossible, irrational outcomes.

SA'KAXI: (tightly) And, difficult though it will be, I will not allow him inside my laboratory or see him again until my work is done. He cannot find out my secret.

Sa'kaxi Odathe 's crystalline body gives a brief, melancholy throb of deep amber before she regains her composure.

SA'KAXI: Once I present it to the Institute's senior researchers, that will be the end of the matter. I will never speak of it, and Carasoh shall never discover how I feel about him.

Sa'kaxi Odathe glances briefly toward the hologram once more, her face glowing a rosy quartz.

Sa'kaxi Odathe hastily lowers her gaze back to the dials and buttons on the table. Reluctantly, she reaches for them with both hands and begins making minute adjustments to the hologram's parameters and properties.

Sa'kaxi Odathe slowly but surely loses herself in the task of refining the hologram, her crystalline body settling back into its everyday malachite-green hue.

Gradually, the golden wings deepen in hue and become even more defined, with pinions and vanes growing clearer and more distinct. The features sharpen and resolve, subtly adjusting and settling into a faultless, faithful reproduction of the trill musician's face.

Sa'kaxi Odathe murmurs numbers and figures under her breath and pushes a particular succession of buttons, causing a succession of ruby, sapphire, and beryl lights to flash along the panel.

A flush of colour rises in the holographic Carasoh's cheeks and a sparkle brightens his grey eyes, making him look more alive and animated. His previously vacant face softens and his lips gradually curve upward into the beginnings of an utterly natural, charming smile.

Sa'kaxi Odathe smiles fondly back at the hologram, tinged with wistfulness.

SA'KAXI: Aha! I could recognise that smile anywhere. Tomorrow, I will have to work on adding other readily identifiable details that will make the hologram look less like any other trill and more uniquely like Carasoh. But I am pleased that I could at least capture his smile.

Sa'kaxi Odathe leaves the work table and walks toward the hologram, examining the smiling face with a look of pride.

Sa'kaxi Odathe hesitantly leans forward to kiss its seemingly solid, but truly intangible cheek. Her lips touch nothing but empty air.

Sa'kaxi Odathe draws in a deep, sorrowful breath. With one final look at the hologram, she reaches to the side and turns off the projectors and lights. The holographic Carasoh vanishes in an eye-blink, and the stage darkens as she retreats from the laboratory and closes the door behind her.
======================================

Act Three

[Scene: Laboratory

Prop: Hologram
Depicted upon the smooth crystal sheet is a spectacular holographic representation of Carasoh Cloudsong. A vibrant and lively-looking trill, he is tall and well-proportioned, his long-limbed body appearing utterly solid and three-dimensional. His fine-boned face and grey eyes are framed with loose, windswept feathers of deep, tawny gold that match the colour of his powerful wings. He is clad in a sleek two-piece gentleman's suit, his hands gracefully curled at his sides as though ready to finger a violin.]

The laboratory's brilliant white lights flood the stage once more, illuminating the familiar scene of Sa'kaxi Odathe's laboratory. In the centre, the hologram of Carasoh Cloudsong has been completed with such realism and perfection that it appears the real trill must be standing there, frozen in a moment of nonchalant repose.

Sa'kaxi Odathe suppresses a yawn as she walks into the laboratory, periodically checking a small silver watch on her wrist.

SA'KAXI: I still cannot believe how quickly the time has gone!

SA'KAXI: (musingly) This very afternoon, Senior Researcher Arthar'rt will be reviewing my research in holographic technology. I can only hope she will be pleased with my progress.

SA'KAXI: (looking over at the hologram). I know I am...proud of what I have wrought.

Sa'kaxi Odathe reaches out her hand to stroke the holographic Carasoh's insubstantial cheek, heaving a long sigh as her fingers encounter nothing but empty air.

Sa'kaxi Odathe withdraws her hand and shakes her head sadly, before letting it hang low.

SA'KAXI: (pressing her hands together in prayer) Lady Isune, goddess of Compassion, I pray You take pity on my contrary heart and bring me peace. Let me find a love that is like my hologram. That is all I ask.

Sparks of prismatic colour dart around the lucidian researcher's conjoined hands, swirling about in a brilliant display before darting away into the distance.

SA'KAXI: (with a soft, wonder-filled gasp) What could this mean?

A sudden whirring sound in an instrument panel breaks the silence in the laboratory, and the lucidian researcher's head immediately swivels attentively toward its source.

SA'KAXI: (worriedly) What is that sound? Oh, please, let it not be the machinery breaking down. Not this day, not when I present the technology this afternoon!

Sa'kaxi Odathe 's body pulsates in erratic shades of emerald and sapphire as she hurries out of the laboratory, muttering about checking behind the instrument panels.

Just as she disappears around the corner, a sharp knock sounds on the door, and the muffled voice of Carasoh Cloudsong penetrates from outside the laboratory.

Carasoh Cloudsong pushes open the door and sticks his head inside, looking inquisitively around the room.

CARASOH: Sa'kaxi? Are you in here? I just wanted to stop by and wish you good luck on your presentation today...

Carasoh Cloudsong frowns deeply when he receives no response. For a moment, he hesitates, but then strides further into the laboratory, his head twisting to and fro in search of the lucidian researcher.

CARASOH: Sa'kaxi? Where are you hiding? I know you said not to bother you while you complete your work, but it's your big day and you still haven't shown a single facet in weeks or let me see how your research was turning out.

CARASOH: (in a softer voice) And I've missed talking with you so much this last month.

Brilliantly coloured sparks of light wink into being in the trill musician's line of sight, dancing and spiralling across the room in the direction of the hologram.

Carasoh Cloudsong lets out an excited gasp and eagerly follows the sparks of light as they lead him toward the centre of the room.

Carasoh Cloudsong catches sight of the hologram and his mouth falls open in amazement as he stares incredulously into the eyes of his holographic, motionless mirror image.

Carasoh Cloudsong hurriedly runs his hands across his face and head feathers in a comical gesture, as though trying to reassure himself of his own authenticity.

CARASOH: THAT'S Sa'kaxi's hologram? By the gods, it's perfect! It looks just like me.

The sparks of prismatic light whirl playfully around the head of the motionless holographic Carasoh and then drift over toward the living, wide-eyed Carasoh, twirling and hovering above his head in similar fashion.

Carasoh Cloudsong 's eyes light up with a mischievous glint as he watches the sparks of light, and a wide, impish grin spreads across his face.

CARASOH: (rubbing his hands together) You know... If I turned all those fancy projectors off and stood perfectly still right here, no one'd be able to tell the difference.

CARASOH: (with a pleased chuckle) What a surprise she'll get, when I jump out and say, 'Good luck this afternoon, Sa'kaxi'!

Carasoh Cloudsong makes his way over to the array of lights and projectors, carefully turning them off one by one.

The holographic Carasoh vanishes from sight, leaving only a blank crystal sheet in the laboratory's centre.

Carasoh Cloudsong furtively glances right and left, before easing himself in front of the crystal sheet. With painstaking care, the trill musician arranges his pose to match the hologram's, letting his arms hang loosely at his sides and fixing a faint smile on his face.

Sa'kaxi Odathe bustles back into the laboratory, looking flustered and distracted.

Carasoh Cloudsong 's eyes light up when he sees her, though he manages to keep completely still.

SA'KAXI: (under her breath) ...have no idea what that noise was, but thankfully nothing seems to be the matter. How terrible it would be for something to go wrong on this day, of all days!

SA'KAXI: (looking toward the "hologram") Especially after the months of work I have put into refining my holographic technology. Surely, even the Senior Researcher is certain to be impressed by the level of detail and realism I instilled into my hologram. Why, he almost looks like he's breathing!

Carasoh Cloudsong 's cheek twitches with suppressed laughter. Very slightly, he tenses his legs, preparing to spring into motion and surprise the lucidian researcher.

SA'KAXI: (with a brief, pained laugh) I have put all my love for Carasoh into this hologram, and it is the best work I have ever done.

Carasoh Cloudsong 's lips clamp closed, and his body goes rigid in absolute shock.

SA'KAXI: (glancing down at her watch) It is almost time for the presentation. I almost wish I did not have to turn my work over to Senior Researcher Arthar'rt, but I cannot hold onto it forever.

Sa'kaxi Odathe draws close to the "hologram" and leans forward to kiss his cheek in a gesture of farewell.

Carasoh Cloudsong blinks rapidly when her lips brush against his skin, like a man waking from a dream.

SA'KAXI: (starting back) Why, he's...solid! And warm! But...but how?

CARASOH: (clearing his throat) It's me, Sa'kaxi.

Sa'kaxi Odathe lets out a gasp of disbelief and horror. Reaching forward to pat the trill musician's face and shoulders experimentally, she involuntarily jumps backward when her hands encounter flesh instead of air.

CARASOH: (awkwardly) I, uh, I came in while you were out, and I just thought I'd surprise you, that's all. I wasn't, uh, I wasn't expecting...

CARASOH: (touching his cheek wonderingly) I wasn't expecting...this.

Sa'kaxi Odathe 's body flickers a bleak shade of amethyst. With a humiliated cry, she tries to whirl around and flee.

Carasoh Cloudsong reaches out and grasps her wrist firmly, holding her in place.

CARASOH: (in a gentle tone) Don't run away, Sa'kaxi. Is it true, what you said? You made your hologram like me because you love me?

SA'KAXI: (her voice quiet, yet clearly distressed) It is possible that... that I may have said that

SA'KAXI: (lowering her eyes) But you said you were done with love, and besides, I thought you would only laugh at me if you knew.

Carasoh Cloudsong gazes searchingly at the lucidian researcher's face. Slowly, a brilliant smile dawns across his features.

Sa'kaxi Odathe cannot help but return his smile, her face flushing with roseate hues.

Carasoh Cloudsong impulsively spreads his wings and wraps them around the lucidian researcher in a close, feathered embrace.

CARASOH: (in a soft whisper) When I said I was done with love, I meant that I was done with loving anyone who wasn't you.

CARASOH: I thought you couldn't ever care for someone as flighty and capricious as I am, though. But then I heard what you said...

Carasoh Cloudsong gazes down at the lucidian with unquestionable sincerity and tenderness in his eyes.

Sa'kaxi Odathe returns his gaze, her own crystalline features seemingly turned to rose quartz with
feeling.

CARASOH: I promise I will tell you that I love you every day, if you promise you will show me your love and never put it into a hologram instead.

SA'KAXI: (a radiant smile brightening her face) I promise." They envelop one another in a sweet embrace for some moments before she catches a glimpse of her watch, exclaiming, "Ah!"

SA'KAXI: (looking from Carasoh to the empty crystal screen behind him) I believe I have much to present to the Institute." An impish smile overtakes her features as she adds, "Will you come with me and let them see what love has created?

CARASOH: (smiling back at her) I am ready, my beloved.

Radiant streamers of prismatic light dart above their heads, alive with colour and alight with joy, as the trill and the lucidian leave the laboratory together, hand in hand.

END