1/2

[There's a soft tone in the background - or in it just in his head? A series of tones. Something that almost sounds like the release of pressure, exhaust, joining with Stephen as he lets out a heavy breath and -

begins to sing]

I've been here, sang this song before
A melody so quiet it was easy to ignore

[He looks up, jaw tightening as he raises his gaze not towards those at the podiums, but the Phantom above]

But even now my mission is the same
What always ends in bloodshed will today go down in flames

[And now- NOW he looks at the others, gripping his podium as strain shows on his face]

History repeating
Break out of the cycle and stop these proceedings
History repeating
We'll do it together, so hear me, I'm pleading-!