Scene 1: The Paralyzing Prophecy

[The Aztec Court in Tenochtitlán. MOCTEZUMA is pacing before his throne. The HIGH PRIEST studies the sacred calendar. ADVISORS wait nervously.]

NARRATOR: The year is 1519. For generations, the Mexica people have built an empire that stretches from sea to sea. But ancient prophecies speak of the return of Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent, in the year One Reed. That year... is now.

MOCTEZUMA: (stopping suddenly) The omens. Tell me again of the omens.

HIGH PRIEST: (gravely) My lord, the temple of Huitzilopochtli caught fire with no cause. A comet streaked across the sky for forty nights. The lake boiled without heat. These are the signs we were taught to fear.

ADVISOR 1: Great Tlatoani, surely these are but natural occurrences. Our armies number in the thousands—

MOCTEZUMA: (sharply) Natural? (turns to face them) My grandfather's grandfather warned of this day. When Quetzalcoatl left our shores, he promised to return in the year One Reed. To reclaim his throne.

MESSENGER: (rushing in, breathless) My lord! Forgive me—news from the coast!

MOCTEZUMA: Speak!

MESSENGER: Floating mountains have appeared on the waters. Men with pale faces and hair like sunlight emerge from them. They ride enormous deer without antlers. They carry sticks that thunder and breathe fire.

[Silence falls over the court. MOCTEZUMA slowly sits on his throne, his face a mask of resignation.]

HIGH PRIEST: (whispering) The prophecy...

MOCTEZUMA: (quietly) We have always known this day would come. The Fifth Sun rises only to set. If these are gods... we must receive them as gods. If they are men... (pause) we will discover it too late.

ADVISOR 2: We could send warriors—

MOCTEZUMA: We will send gold. And jade. And the finest cloth. We will send gifts befitting... whoever they may be. (standing) Prepare the tribute. The fate of our world hangs in the balance of their response.

[MOCTEZUMA walks slowly to the window, looking out at his magnificent city, knowing it may not remain his for long. Lights fade as the NARRATOR speaks.]

NARRATOR: And so Moctezuma, ruler of millions, commander of the greatest army in the Americas, chose paralysis over action. Within two years, Tenochtitlán would fall. The Fifth Sun of Aztec prophecy would set forever. But from its ashes, something new would rise.