Print It Anyway
BENJAMIN
What do you mean
“He saw something move?”

ROSE
We wouldn't say
Not right away

SAMUEL
Only next week
We'll give them a peek

BENJAMIN
I don’t understand
This isn’t really an excerpt
From the journal of Herschel

SAMUEL
Obviously

ROSE
But he’s in another hemisphere
I don’t think he cares what is written here
SAMUEL
She's a big fan

ROSE
Of his mind

SAMUEL
… Okay

BENJAMIN
I don’t understand
If this is truly a story of fiction…

ROSE, SAMUEL
Why use a name that is so recognizable?

BENJAMIN
Yes!
Why don’t you make up a new
Astronomer that is less identifiable?

ROSE, SAMUEL
That's the best part

ROSE
When they see his name
SAMUEL
At the top of the page

ROSE
It will give the story weight

SAMUEL
It will become all the rage
And give the New York Sun some readability

ROSE
And, ostensibly, credibility

BENJAMIN
People could believe it

SAMUEL
Yes!

ROSE
They'll be glued to every line of text

BENJAMIN
People would believe it

ROSE
Yes!
SAMUEL
They'll be dying to see what happens next
Just like you

ROSE
Banging down the door
To see part two

BENJAMIN
I'm intrigued
But Samuel, you were sacked
Even if I wanted to, I can’t act

SAMUEL
1 suppose that’s that

ROSE
Print it anyway

BENJAMIN, SAMUEL
What?

ROSE
You're the editor, print it anyway

BENJAMIN
Are you mad?

ROSE
Tonight, it's only you and the printing press
Sneak it in, it’s for the best
You can be the catalyst
Print it and we'll do the rest

SAMUEL
Rose might be onto something

ROSE
Can't you see it
‘The Sun will be on top
Move over, New York Sentinel
It’s your turn to flop
The notebook that you're holding
Has part one of our story
Print it word for word, name it

ROSE, SAMUEL
“Great Astronomical Discoveries”

NARRATOR
Benjamin's eyes opened wide
The story that they told made him think
Benjamin sat terrified
The story that he holds
What if someone were to put it in ink?

ROSE
Print it anyway

BENJAMIN
It’s sensational

SAMUEL
Sensation often thrills

ROSE
Print it anyway

BENJAMIN
This is crazy

ROSE, SAMUEL
But crazy pays the bills

BENJAMIN
Rose...

ROSE
Ben

SAMUEL
Guys!

BENJAMIN
It's a lie

SAMUEL
That's true

ROSE
Who cares?

BENJAMIN
I do
You two have the paper stand
‘Me, I have no back-up plan
Can't you see it
My career will end
I won't ever show my face again

NARRATOR
He looked up at the sky
And saw the moon

ROSE
Benjamin, leave if you want
But tell me, what does the Sun have to lose?

SAMUEL
The Sun could shutter any day
And everybody knows it

BENJAMIN
That's got Thomas scared as hell
Even if he doesn't show it

SAMUEL
This could be a turning point
And even if we blow it
Things will never be the same
Would you not rather go out in a flame?

BENJAMIN
I have to run, someone has to run
The printing press for the New York Sun

NARRATOR
Benjamin turned and left behind
The Stratford Family Paper Stand

SAMUEL
Why are you smiling, Rose?

ROSE
Benjamin left with our notebook in his hand