Act III Scene I

ACT III SCENE I - THE EMPRESS' JOURNEY (A darkened palace set with a new throne. The Empress paces in front of it.) Empress Zhou: Am I a good ruler, Admiral? Guard 1: Yes, your highness. I will follow you anywhere. (The Empress stops in her tracks and looks up.) Empress Zhou: And yet I am unable to return my people to their home. To even leave the shores of this very island. Guard 2: You have built us a new home Empress. Your people thrive! Empress Zhou: Is this a home? This place belongs to the past. It is a place of ghosts and ruins and mysteries. There is no future here. Only an unending present and the whispers of a bygone era. Guard 1: I still hope, Empress. After all these years, I still believe it is you who will guide us back to our homeland. Empress Zhou: Then I will be strong. In recognition of your steadfastness. (Lights out.)