01x04 - Hail Beltane
Posted: 02/01/23 11:11
Previously on Motherland:
Alder: Witchfather.
Witchfather: General Alder.
Witchfather: It's good to be home.
Witchfather: Men!
Anacostia: There's going to be a lot of energy around here for the next few days, all the way through Beltane.
Tansey: Where you're encouraged to mingle with your male counterparts.
Tally: Oh! [LAUGHS] Sorry!
Tally: Hi, I'm Tally, complete virgin and hot for any part of you that's available.
Tansey: Beltane is all about the pleasure of connection.
Anacostia: Take the energy, it will make you better, stronger.
Tansey: We steel ourselves for the fight to come.
Alder: The Spree are escalating.
Porter: I'm Porter. Saw you two together. She hasn't told you anything, has she?
Raelle: Your ex is here.
Scylle: I'm filled with an unbearable sadness.
Raelle: Oh, my God! Oh, my God!
---
Raelle Collar (screaming): Somebody help! Please!
[OVERLAPPING WHISPERING]
Porter Tippet: I want the truth!
[GRUNTING, SCREAMING]
Anacostia Quartermaine: You could have died.
Raelle: I couldn't stop myself. I'm sorry.
Anacostia: We are all incredibly proud of you. That kind of bravery can't be taught.
Raelle: I keep having these visions. Fragments. And they feel like memories, but they're not mine.
Anacostia: You took on a lot. The visions will fade eventually.
Raelle: No, it's not just the visions. I can, I can feel his feelings. He was afraid. I don't think he wanted to die.
---
Opening credits
---
Anacostia: General Bellweather, I agree, Collar's visions deserve further investigation, but we do not have any evidence that Porter's death had anything to do with the Spree. You are making a giant leap.
Petra Bellweather: You have to cancel Beltane.
Petra: If there's been an infiltration, the base is at risk. If the Spree are here, we are in grave danger.
Sarah Alder: Witches all over the world respect what Beltane means to us. Even with our boldest enemies in foreign parts, there has always been a cease fire during the holiday. Beltane is sacred.
Anacostia: Couldn't agree more.
Petra: Of course, Sarah. I trust you to make the right choice.
Alder: Is there anything else?
Petra: There is one more thing. At the attack site, we've found some kind of residue on mirrors. We believe that is how the Spree might be communicating with each other.
Anacostia: I am personally overseeing the security during the holiday. If the general's information is correct, we can do a sweep of all the rooms while Beltane is going on and see if we find anything.
Alder: Excellent. Find Izadora. Tell her I want to wake Porter. If this wasn't a su1c1de, we need to know. Beltane is the only time we have for that kind of work.
---
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Female Cadet 1: Told you he was creepy. He was such a loner.
Witchfather: Porter Tippet was a rare kind of cadet and his life was cut too short. We lost an extraordinary man who served this country. In honor of Porter, flags across the base will fly at half mast.
[FEET STOMPING]
Alder: Witches. Things have been difficult. With the Spree att*cks and now this. We have pushed your bodies and your minds harder in preparation for anything we must face ahead. Your unit's attendance at Beltane is mandatory. However you wish to participate will be honored. It is exactly what the military needs right now. It will make us unstoppable. Now, get to work.
[STOMPING]
Female Cadet 2: I heard she almost died while trying to save him.
Female Cadet 1: Because she ran outside of canon like a reckless maniac.
Abigail Bellweather: Raelle did not go outside of canon. She's naturally gifted, so don't let me hear her name out of your dirty, fetid mouths again. Got it?
Abigail: What?
Tally Craven: Nothing.
---
Scylla Ramshorn: You're okay.
Scylla: Tell me you're okay.
Raelle: Um, I don't know. I just, I have a lot of questions.
Scylla: Like what?
Raelle: Did you know that he was depressed?
Scylla: I haven't seen him for years. I didn't know him anymore.
Raelle: I don't know, I can't help thinking it was us.
Scylla: Stop, Raelle. There was always something off with him.
Raelle: Did you see him last night?
Scylla: What? Did he say something to you?
Raelle: He, uh, he tried. But he couldn't. His his eyes and his mouth--
Scylla: Look at me. Porter was disturbed. He was angry. That's why I left him. I mean, he k*lled himself. You tried to save him, that was your first instinct. That's who you are. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Let's put him behind us.
---
Tally: No. What was I thinking? Help me!
Abigail: You're trying too hard. Relax.
Tally: It's from Gerit.
Tally: He. He drew his..
Abigail: There's no way he's that big.
Tally: Abigail, it's private!
Tally: What you did...
Raelle: --was nothing.
Abigail: You good?
Raelle: Yeah, I'm good. So that's still happening? Just hope we don't have to dance around a pole with ribbons and sing "We all Come From the Goddess."
Abigail: You say that because you don't understand the military.
Raelle: Oh, Abigail, you know I love the military.
Abigail: Beltane is how we beat our enemies. How our base heals. How our unit gets stronger.
Raelle: Oh, my God, spare me, it's not my kind of party.
Tally: But you'll be there, right? So the rest of us can partake? Please.
Abigail: Listen.
Raelle: I heard you.
Abigail: No. Look. We're proud of you.
Raelle: Thanks. But, um, if my survival depends on Tally getting laid...she needs a different dress.
Abigail: [laughs] It's true.
---
Izadora: Due to the holiday, we have a very rare opportunity tonight, an assignment few are privileged to experience.
Izadora: Once the body is prepared, we will wait until the precise hour when Beltane's energy is most concentrated. The combination of all that energy, in conjunction with the precise Seed Sounds, will allow us to open a death current. This death current will allow us to communicate with this young man and discover the last things he saw and heard. Now, we need to keep the body cold until the evening. Who is good with Wind Chill?
---
Alder: You have updates for me?
Petra: I was actually hoping to talk to you about something else.
Alder: Whiskey.
Alder: It is the one thing the civilians got right.
Petra: Tell me about the Tarim Cell. The one they discovered in Asia.
Alder: How do you know about that? It's classified information.
Petra: Sarah, I'm your Head of Intelligence. I have friends at The Hague too.
Biddies: [clicking tongues]
Alder: Of course. I appreciate that. I just want you to focus on the Spree for now.
---
Tally: I'm just saying, it's a lot of boob.
Raelle: You don't have boobs like that forever.
Tally: General Bellweather. Tally Craven, Abigail's roommate. It's an honor to meet you.
Abigail: Mom, what business brings you to base?
Petra: Like most things--
Abigail: It's classified.
Raelle: I think you knew my mother, Willa. Willa Collar.
Tally: We're gonna be late for training if we don't go now.
Abigail: I'll catch up.
Petra: And her attitude's because?
Abigail: She thinks you're the reason her mother's dead.
Petra: She wouldn't be the first.
Abigail: She almost saved someone's life last night.
Petra: I hope that improved your rankings because they're not where they should be, but I guess you're not completely to blame.
Abigail: We're almost where we need to be.
Petra: When you're w*r meat on the front lines, "almost" doesn't count. Look at me. This isn't a game. People die every day. You understand me?
Abigail: Yes.
Petra: Good. And one more thing. Your cousin's wedding.
Abigail: I'll help Charvel as much as I can.
Petra: Bring the unit.
Abigail: What? You don't know them, they could embarrass us.
Petra: Then get them in line. The Dean of w*r College is going to be there and this is your chance to prove to her that you're a leader. That's what you're becoming, aren't you?
---
Witchfather: Once you're issued your Scourge, it must be carried at your side
at all times and kept in pristine condition. The quality of these weapons, especially once they are activated, can make all the difference on the b*ttlefield.
Abigail: Thank you, boys.
Tally: It's beautiful. You guys made these?
Berit: Yeah. You'll think of me? When you use it?
Anacostia: All right, ladies. Get ready to put those Scourges to use. Fall in! Let's go!
Abigail: Wait until after Beltane. That's when they really get their power.
Scylla (echoing): Porter, what the hell?
Porter (echoing): I need to talk to you.
Raelle: I need some air.
Tally: You okay?
Libba Swythe: Mm. Step back, ladies. Bellweathers have been known to have the hand-eye coordination of a newborn calf.
Libba: You're not even trying to get into w*r College anymore, are you?
---
Raelle: Scylla!
Porter (echoing): I need to talk to you.
Porter (echoing): Scylla?
Porter (echoing): I want the truth. 'cause the things you used to say, that's the kind of person who ends up filling a balloon with hate.
Scylla (echoing): That's not who I am.
---
[MUSIC PLAYS IN BACKGROUND]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Tally: You're late, as usual.
Raelle: I know, I know.
Tally: I'm just glad you're feeling better. Also, damn, you look hot.
Abigail: I was prepared to glamour you guys, but I guess we don't need it.
Tally: Excuse me.
Abigail: I can see it on your face. Whatever else is on your mind, let it go and get in the game. Do it for Tally.
Raelle: I'm here, aren't I?
Abigail: Hi, boys.
---
Tally: Can I borrow you for a second?
Berryessa Tansey: There's always one, every year. Let me guess. There's someone in particular you want?
Tally: You're very good at your job. What do I do?
Tansey: You have to trust the dance. It knows your pleasure and your heart.
Tally: But what if it doesn't?
Tansey: Then it wasn't meant to be. I promise. It'll work out the way it's supposed to.
---
Abigail: Tally, you okay?
Tally: I need to talk to you right now.
Abigail: I'll be back.
Abigail: You wanted my advice?
Tally: What?
Abigail: Less is more. There are other men. This is your time to explore and grow and taste all the things you haven't had before.
Tally: It's so easy for you.
Abigail: It hasn't always been.
Tally: I don't believe you.
Abigail: You're right. I'm lying. I was just trying to make you feel better. Remember, you never really lose a guy. Just your turn. Come on.
---
Byron: Hello there. "Sell when you can. You are not for all markets."
Raelle: Sorry, what?
Byron: Shakespeare.
Raelle: Sorry, can you not sense my "I'm not interested in guys" vibes?
Byron: Oh, I sensed it. You can't sense my "I'm not interested in girls" vibes?
Raelle: Okay, fair game.
Byron: I've been looking all over the place for you. To Raelle Collar.
Raelle: How did you know my name?
Byron: You tried to save my friend. Porter. Thank you for that.
Raelle: I'm so sorry
Byron: No. None of that. Now. The faster you drink this down, the faster this becomes a party.
Byron: I just can't wrap my mind around it. He wasn't depressed. He'd been looking forward to Beltane all week. The guy I knew would never have k*lled himself. But, maybe we never really know other people.
Raelle: Hey, um, sorry if this is weird, but have you ever heard of Scylla?
Byron: He said he knew her from back in the day.I think he said he was gonna see her that night.
Raelle: Thank you for this. I have to sorry. Will you excuse me?
Byron: Yeah.
---
Cleo: Another drink?
Scylla: No thanks, I'm good. I'll meet you.
Raelle: Can we talk for a second?
Scylla: I have to do something right now. Can we do this later?
Raelle: It can't wait.
Scylla: I have something really important. I--
Raelle: Scylla, it's about Porter.
Raelle: So people are saying he wasn't suicidal. These are people who knew him really, really well. So I'm having these visions, and they're his visions, they're his memories. And I saw you in them. You were there. Scyl, I need you to explain what's happening. Because I cannot make sense of this. Did you see him that night? Scyl, tell me the truth.
Scylla: What if I did? What are you implying? That I did something to him? Is that the kind of person you think I am?
Raelle: No, that's that's not what I meant.
Scylla: Seriously?
Raelle: I'm just, I'm confused. It's not adding up.
Scylla: Do you care about me?
Raelle: Yes. Yes! You know--
Scylla: Listen, I need you to trust me. Stop asking these questions. Please, just don't go down this road. I'm sorry, I have to go.
Raelle: Scyl, I--
---
Tansey: The Reel is not just a dance, it is a divine ritual that knows you. It knows what you want. It knows things about you some of you haven't even figured out yet.
Tally: Where is she?
Abigail: Don't look at me.
Tansey: Tonight is about pleasure. And pleasure you will have. Whatever that may mean to you. When the music begins, let go and let the Reel guide you. And when it ends, know that you can trust it.
Tally: I'm gonna k*ll Raelle.
Abigail: You're not getting a fight out of me.
Tally: Thank you.
Abigail: I told you I was coming.
Tally: Let's do this!
[MUSIC PLAYS]
These eyes straight ahead ♪
No future blood instead ♪
Only one way to go ♪
Moving on up Moving on up ♪
Falling, keep chasing
Fire, never give up ♪
Never give up
Gonna keep climbing higher ♪
Lines drawn in the sand ♪
History in our hands ♪
Pushing past the edge ♪
Our name you won't forget ♪
Only one way to go ♪
Moving on up Moving on up ♪
Gonna keep chasing fire ♪
Never give up Never give up ♪
Higher and higher ♪
Higher and higher ♪
---
[INDISTINCT WHISPERING]
[BIRD CHIRPING]
Necro Teacher: Time to start. Pleased you made it back on time.
---
Tally: Maybe the Reel does know what it's doing.
Gerit: I don't need the Reel to tell me how I feel.
Gerit: I know that rhymes.
---
Abigail: Enough, enough. Now, you two.
Abigail: Back to me.
---
Byron: We get it! You're having sex!
[LAUGHS]
[WOMEN MOANING IN DISTANCE]
Byron: You okay?
Raelle: Yeah. Just have a lot on my mind. It's not helping my headache. I hope Tally's getting what she wants tonight. She has not stopped talking about Gerit.
Byron: Don't tell me. He sent her something via bird.
Raelle: Yeah. A flower ring. How did you know?
Byron: We have this thing called the Codices. It's basically a how-to witch sex and romance guide.
Raelle: [LAUGHS] Stop!
Byron: Don't tell her, but I bet he sent her a picture of his--
Raelle: Yeah!
Byron: It's a generic drawing from the book, by the way.
Raelle: Stop. Oh, my God. Serious?
Byron: Yeah.
Raelle: [SIGHS] For the record, this is why I'm into girls. [LAUGHS]
Byron: If you ever decide to replenish the troops, I'd be happy to do it with you. I bet our kids would be so cute.
Raelle: [LAUGHS] Uh, I have a question. Have you ever been in love?
Byron: At least once a week.
Raelle: [LAUGHS] I'm serious. What would you do if you were so in love with someone, and maybe they'd done something wrong? Something unforgivable.
Byron: We all have our fatal flaws, don't we? I know I do.
Byron: But honestly, I guess you'd have to decide if that person is worth it, and then fight for them. That's all you can do.
Byron: Quick!
Raelle: [LAUGHS]
[BOTH PLAYFULLY MOANING] Oh, my God! Oh, yeah!
---
Anacostia: Check every mirror for residue.
---
Izadora: Let's open the death current using Seed 46, the sacred Seed of Anamnesis, and Seed 59, the Seed of Restoration.
Izadora: The window is closing.
---
Izadora: Did you k*ll yourself?
Porter (wheezing): Yes.
Izadora: Who was the last person you saw?
Porter (wheezing): Witchfather.
Izadora: Did your death have anything to do with the Spree?
Porter (wheezing): No.
Izadora: Why did you do it?
Porter (wheezing): I was filled with an unbearable sadness.
[WHEEZING]
Izadora: The window is closed.
[WHEEZING, GROANING]
[CHIRPING]
---
Tally: Do you like my hair like this?
Abigail: I'm ignoring you.
Tally: Rae, what do you think?
Raelle: Sorry, I can't really tell. I'm too blinded by that shiny mark on your neck.
Tally: Oh! Oh, no! Is it, is it visible?
Abigail: Do you see what you've done? Don't feed the "I finally had sex" monster.
Tally: Hey, how's your head? Feeling any better?
Raelle: Actually, I didn't even notice. It's gone. Completely.
Tally: Beltane.
Abigail: Beltane.
Abigail: My cousin's getting married next week. You wanna come with me?
Tally: I love a wedding. Can Gerit come?
Abigail: Tally, no! I'm the guest and you're my plus ones. Well, twos.
Raelle: Fine. But I'm not wearing pink. Or whatever it is you High Atlantics wear.
Abigail: We wear our uniforms, as a unit.
Raelle: Don't.
Abigail: I didn't say shit.
---
Scylla: I'm sorry, I...I want to tell you the truth. I did see Porter that night. He wanted to get back together, and I didn't. And I want to tell you some other truths.
Raelle: Wait.
Scylla: Just...Don't say anything. I need to get this out of me before I freak out and shut down and run away. I like you, okay? I have feelings for you, and they're not something I'm used to having, not something I'm used to dealing with. I'm a Dodger, which means no attachments. Because things go away, we go away. I haven't learned to get past this, but I'm trying. I don't know if I'm ever...
Raelle: I'm in this with you, and we're gonna figure it out together, okay? Whoever you are, whoever you were, I'm in. No matter what happens, no matter what anybody else thinks, I'm with you.
---
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Byron: Here.
Raelle: What's this?
Byron: Only one way to find out.
Raelle: [LAUGHS] You didn't! Is this the Codices?
Byron: Yeah.
Byron: Now you'll know all our tricks. I'm gonna miss you.
Witchfather: Raelle. Before we leave, there's something I wanted to give you.
Raelle: What's this?
Witchfather: It's the Scourge Porter made. It's clear no other witch deserves it more than you.
Witchfather: I can't think of any other way that would best honor his memory.
Raelle: Thank you.
---
Witchfather: [SIGHS] You made the right call.
Alder: I know. Who are we without our customs? Our way of life? If we can't take the risk of being who we are, we've already lost. Beltane matters. And see, no att*cks.
Witchfather: For now, Sarah.
---
Anacostia: All right, ladies. You have ten minutes to get to the rough room for training.
Anacostia: Actually, make that five. Let's go!
Clive Garland: So where's Abigail?
---
Libba: The homunculus has returned. Here to practice lassoing for the life of a cowhand? The stink would suit you.
Abigail: Do us all a favor and take up as a mannequin. I mean, what else could a Swythe hope to achieve?
Libba: Blood and glory on the b*ttlefield? And given your unit's numbers, Bellweather to clean up after us.
Abigail: Delusions will get you nowhere, Libwit. Let's let the Scourge do the talking.
Libba: You didn't see your boys off?
Abigail: I already got what I needed.
Libba: Same.
Tally: Uh, something tells me you're gonna do better than me today.
Abigail: What are you talking about? A win for me is a win for you. We're a unit, remember?
Abigail: Sure you know how to use that?
Tally: I guess she does know how to use it.
---
Scylla: Thought you had training. This is a pleasant surprise.
Mikaela: You're supposed to be luring her to us, not to you. You already made one mistake we had to clean up. We won't put up with another. Porter. Who do you think cleaned that up? The wedding the Bellweathers are throwing, get yourself invited.
Mikaela: And Scylla, don't mess this one up.
Alder: Witchfather.
Witchfather: General Alder.
Witchfather: It's good to be home.
Witchfather: Men!
Anacostia: There's going to be a lot of energy around here for the next few days, all the way through Beltane.
Tansey: Where you're encouraged to mingle with your male counterparts.
Tally: Oh! [LAUGHS] Sorry!
Tally: Hi, I'm Tally, complete virgin and hot for any part of you that's available.
Tansey: Beltane is all about the pleasure of connection.
Anacostia: Take the energy, it will make you better, stronger.
Tansey: We steel ourselves for the fight to come.
Alder: The Spree are escalating.
Porter: I'm Porter. Saw you two together. She hasn't told you anything, has she?
Raelle: Your ex is here.
Scylle: I'm filled with an unbearable sadness.
Raelle: Oh, my God! Oh, my God!
---
Raelle Collar (screaming): Somebody help! Please!
[OVERLAPPING WHISPERING]
Porter Tippet: I want the truth!
[GRUNTING, SCREAMING]
Anacostia Quartermaine: You could have died.
Raelle: I couldn't stop myself. I'm sorry.
Anacostia: We are all incredibly proud of you. That kind of bravery can't be taught.
Raelle: I keep having these visions. Fragments. And they feel like memories, but they're not mine.
Anacostia: You took on a lot. The visions will fade eventually.
Raelle: No, it's not just the visions. I can, I can feel his feelings. He was afraid. I don't think he wanted to die.
---
Opening credits
---
Anacostia: General Bellweather, I agree, Collar's visions deserve further investigation, but we do not have any evidence that Porter's death had anything to do with the Spree. You are making a giant leap.
Petra Bellweather: You have to cancel Beltane.
Petra: If there's been an infiltration, the base is at risk. If the Spree are here, we are in grave danger.
Sarah Alder: Witches all over the world respect what Beltane means to us. Even with our boldest enemies in foreign parts, there has always been a cease fire during the holiday. Beltane is sacred.
Anacostia: Couldn't agree more.
Petra: Of course, Sarah. I trust you to make the right choice.
Alder: Is there anything else?
Petra: There is one more thing. At the attack site, we've found some kind of residue on mirrors. We believe that is how the Spree might be communicating with each other.
Anacostia: I am personally overseeing the security during the holiday. If the general's information is correct, we can do a sweep of all the rooms while Beltane is going on and see if we find anything.
Alder: Excellent. Find Izadora. Tell her I want to wake Porter. If this wasn't a su1c1de, we need to know. Beltane is the only time we have for that kind of work.
---
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Female Cadet 1: Told you he was creepy. He was such a loner.
Witchfather: Porter Tippet was a rare kind of cadet and his life was cut too short. We lost an extraordinary man who served this country. In honor of Porter, flags across the base will fly at half mast.
[FEET STOMPING]
Alder: Witches. Things have been difficult. With the Spree att*cks and now this. We have pushed your bodies and your minds harder in preparation for anything we must face ahead. Your unit's attendance at Beltane is mandatory. However you wish to participate will be honored. It is exactly what the military needs right now. It will make us unstoppable. Now, get to work.
[STOMPING]
Female Cadet 2: I heard she almost died while trying to save him.
Female Cadet 1: Because she ran outside of canon like a reckless maniac.
Abigail Bellweather: Raelle did not go outside of canon. She's naturally gifted, so don't let me hear her name out of your dirty, fetid mouths again. Got it?
Abigail: What?
Tally Craven: Nothing.
---
Scylla Ramshorn: You're okay.
Scylla: Tell me you're okay.
Raelle: Um, I don't know. I just, I have a lot of questions.
Scylla: Like what?
Raelle: Did you know that he was depressed?
Scylla: I haven't seen him for years. I didn't know him anymore.
Raelle: I don't know, I can't help thinking it was us.
Scylla: Stop, Raelle. There was always something off with him.
Raelle: Did you see him last night?
Scylla: What? Did he say something to you?
Raelle: He, uh, he tried. But he couldn't. His his eyes and his mouth--
Scylla: Look at me. Porter was disturbed. He was angry. That's why I left him. I mean, he k*lled himself. You tried to save him, that was your first instinct. That's who you are. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Let's put him behind us.
---
Tally: No. What was I thinking? Help me!
Abigail: You're trying too hard. Relax.
Tally: It's from Gerit.
Tally: He. He drew his..
Abigail: There's no way he's that big.
Tally: Abigail, it's private!
Tally: What you did...
Raelle: --was nothing.
Abigail: You good?
Raelle: Yeah, I'm good. So that's still happening? Just hope we don't have to dance around a pole with ribbons and sing "We all Come From the Goddess."
Abigail: You say that because you don't understand the military.
Raelle: Oh, Abigail, you know I love the military.
Abigail: Beltane is how we beat our enemies. How our base heals. How our unit gets stronger.
Raelle: Oh, my God, spare me, it's not my kind of party.
Tally: But you'll be there, right? So the rest of us can partake? Please.
Abigail: Listen.
Raelle: I heard you.
Abigail: No. Look. We're proud of you.
Raelle: Thanks. But, um, if my survival depends on Tally getting laid...she needs a different dress.
Abigail: [laughs] It's true.
---
Izadora: Due to the holiday, we have a very rare opportunity tonight, an assignment few are privileged to experience.
Izadora: Once the body is prepared, we will wait until the precise hour when Beltane's energy is most concentrated. The combination of all that energy, in conjunction with the precise Seed Sounds, will allow us to open a death current. This death current will allow us to communicate with this young man and discover the last things he saw and heard. Now, we need to keep the body cold until the evening. Who is good with Wind Chill?
---
Alder: You have updates for me?
Petra: I was actually hoping to talk to you about something else.
Alder: Whiskey.
Alder: It is the one thing the civilians got right.
Petra: Tell me about the Tarim Cell. The one they discovered in Asia.
Alder: How do you know about that? It's classified information.
Petra: Sarah, I'm your Head of Intelligence. I have friends at The Hague too.
Biddies: [clicking tongues]
Alder: Of course. I appreciate that. I just want you to focus on the Spree for now.
---
Tally: I'm just saying, it's a lot of boob.
Raelle: You don't have boobs like that forever.
Tally: General Bellweather. Tally Craven, Abigail's roommate. It's an honor to meet you.
Abigail: Mom, what business brings you to base?
Petra: Like most things--
Abigail: It's classified.
Raelle: I think you knew my mother, Willa. Willa Collar.
Tally: We're gonna be late for training if we don't go now.
Abigail: I'll catch up.
Petra: And her attitude's because?
Abigail: She thinks you're the reason her mother's dead.
Petra: She wouldn't be the first.
Abigail: She almost saved someone's life last night.
Petra: I hope that improved your rankings because they're not where they should be, but I guess you're not completely to blame.
Abigail: We're almost where we need to be.
Petra: When you're w*r meat on the front lines, "almost" doesn't count. Look at me. This isn't a game. People die every day. You understand me?
Abigail: Yes.
Petra: Good. And one more thing. Your cousin's wedding.
Abigail: I'll help Charvel as much as I can.
Petra: Bring the unit.
Abigail: What? You don't know them, they could embarrass us.
Petra: Then get them in line. The Dean of w*r College is going to be there and this is your chance to prove to her that you're a leader. That's what you're becoming, aren't you?
---
Witchfather: Once you're issued your Scourge, it must be carried at your side
at all times and kept in pristine condition. The quality of these weapons, especially once they are activated, can make all the difference on the b*ttlefield.
Abigail: Thank you, boys.
Tally: It's beautiful. You guys made these?
Berit: Yeah. You'll think of me? When you use it?
Anacostia: All right, ladies. Get ready to put those Scourges to use. Fall in! Let's go!
Abigail: Wait until after Beltane. That's when they really get their power.
Scylla (echoing): Porter, what the hell?
Porter (echoing): I need to talk to you.
Raelle: I need some air.
Tally: You okay?
Libba Swythe: Mm. Step back, ladies. Bellweathers have been known to have the hand-eye coordination of a newborn calf.
Libba: You're not even trying to get into w*r College anymore, are you?
---
Raelle: Scylla!
Porter (echoing): I need to talk to you.
Porter (echoing): Scylla?
Porter (echoing): I want the truth. 'cause the things you used to say, that's the kind of person who ends up filling a balloon with hate.
Scylla (echoing): That's not who I am.
---
[MUSIC PLAYS IN BACKGROUND]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Tally: You're late, as usual.
Raelle: I know, I know.
Tally: I'm just glad you're feeling better. Also, damn, you look hot.
Abigail: I was prepared to glamour you guys, but I guess we don't need it.
Tally: Excuse me.
Abigail: I can see it on your face. Whatever else is on your mind, let it go and get in the game. Do it for Tally.
Raelle: I'm here, aren't I?
Abigail: Hi, boys.
---
Tally: Can I borrow you for a second?
Berryessa Tansey: There's always one, every year. Let me guess. There's someone in particular you want?
Tally: You're very good at your job. What do I do?
Tansey: You have to trust the dance. It knows your pleasure and your heart.
Tally: But what if it doesn't?
Tansey: Then it wasn't meant to be. I promise. It'll work out the way it's supposed to.
---
Abigail: Tally, you okay?
Tally: I need to talk to you right now.
Abigail: I'll be back.
Abigail: You wanted my advice?
Tally: What?
Abigail: Less is more. There are other men. This is your time to explore and grow and taste all the things you haven't had before.
Tally: It's so easy for you.
Abigail: It hasn't always been.
Tally: I don't believe you.
Abigail: You're right. I'm lying. I was just trying to make you feel better. Remember, you never really lose a guy. Just your turn. Come on.
---
Byron: Hello there. "Sell when you can. You are not for all markets."
Raelle: Sorry, what?
Byron: Shakespeare.
Raelle: Sorry, can you not sense my "I'm not interested in guys" vibes?
Byron: Oh, I sensed it. You can't sense my "I'm not interested in girls" vibes?
Raelle: Okay, fair game.
Byron: I've been looking all over the place for you. To Raelle Collar.
Raelle: How did you know my name?
Byron: You tried to save my friend. Porter. Thank you for that.
Raelle: I'm so sorry
Byron: No. None of that. Now. The faster you drink this down, the faster this becomes a party.
Byron: I just can't wrap my mind around it. He wasn't depressed. He'd been looking forward to Beltane all week. The guy I knew would never have k*lled himself. But, maybe we never really know other people.
Raelle: Hey, um, sorry if this is weird, but have you ever heard of Scylla?
Byron: He said he knew her from back in the day.I think he said he was gonna see her that night.
Raelle: Thank you for this. I have to sorry. Will you excuse me?
Byron: Yeah.
---
Cleo: Another drink?
Scylla: No thanks, I'm good. I'll meet you.
Raelle: Can we talk for a second?
Scylla: I have to do something right now. Can we do this later?
Raelle: It can't wait.
Scylla: I have something really important. I--
Raelle: Scylla, it's about Porter.
Raelle: So people are saying he wasn't suicidal. These are people who knew him really, really well. So I'm having these visions, and they're his visions, they're his memories. And I saw you in them. You were there. Scyl, I need you to explain what's happening. Because I cannot make sense of this. Did you see him that night? Scyl, tell me the truth.
Scylla: What if I did? What are you implying? That I did something to him? Is that the kind of person you think I am?
Raelle: No, that's that's not what I meant.
Scylla: Seriously?
Raelle: I'm just, I'm confused. It's not adding up.
Scylla: Do you care about me?
Raelle: Yes. Yes! You know--
Scylla: Listen, I need you to trust me. Stop asking these questions. Please, just don't go down this road. I'm sorry, I have to go.
Raelle: Scyl, I--
---
Tansey: The Reel is not just a dance, it is a divine ritual that knows you. It knows what you want. It knows things about you some of you haven't even figured out yet.
Tally: Where is she?
Abigail: Don't look at me.
Tansey: Tonight is about pleasure. And pleasure you will have. Whatever that may mean to you. When the music begins, let go and let the Reel guide you. And when it ends, know that you can trust it.
Tally: I'm gonna k*ll Raelle.
Abigail: You're not getting a fight out of me.
Tally: Thank you.
Abigail: I told you I was coming.
Tally: Let's do this!
[MUSIC PLAYS]
These eyes straight ahead ♪
No future blood instead ♪
Only one way to go ♪
Moving on up Moving on up ♪
Falling, keep chasing
Fire, never give up ♪
Never give up
Gonna keep climbing higher ♪
Lines drawn in the sand ♪
History in our hands ♪
Pushing past the edge ♪
Our name you won't forget ♪
Only one way to go ♪
Moving on up Moving on up ♪
Gonna keep chasing fire ♪
Never give up Never give up ♪
Higher and higher ♪
Higher and higher ♪
---
[INDISTINCT WHISPERING]
[BIRD CHIRPING]
Necro Teacher: Time to start. Pleased you made it back on time.
---
Tally: Maybe the Reel does know what it's doing.
Gerit: I don't need the Reel to tell me how I feel.
Gerit: I know that rhymes.
---
Abigail: Enough, enough. Now, you two.
Abigail: Back to me.
---
Byron: We get it! You're having sex!
[LAUGHS]
[WOMEN MOANING IN DISTANCE]
Byron: You okay?
Raelle: Yeah. Just have a lot on my mind. It's not helping my headache. I hope Tally's getting what she wants tonight. She has not stopped talking about Gerit.
Byron: Don't tell me. He sent her something via bird.
Raelle: Yeah. A flower ring. How did you know?
Byron: We have this thing called the Codices. It's basically a how-to witch sex and romance guide.
Raelle: [LAUGHS] Stop!
Byron: Don't tell her, but I bet he sent her a picture of his--
Raelle: Yeah!
Byron: It's a generic drawing from the book, by the way.
Raelle: Stop. Oh, my God. Serious?
Byron: Yeah.
Raelle: [SIGHS] For the record, this is why I'm into girls. [LAUGHS]
Byron: If you ever decide to replenish the troops, I'd be happy to do it with you. I bet our kids would be so cute.
Raelle: [LAUGHS] Uh, I have a question. Have you ever been in love?
Byron: At least once a week.
Raelle: [LAUGHS] I'm serious. What would you do if you were so in love with someone, and maybe they'd done something wrong? Something unforgivable.
Byron: We all have our fatal flaws, don't we? I know I do.
Byron: But honestly, I guess you'd have to decide if that person is worth it, and then fight for them. That's all you can do.
Byron: Quick!
Raelle: [LAUGHS]
[BOTH PLAYFULLY MOANING] Oh, my God! Oh, yeah!
---
Anacostia: Check every mirror for residue.
---
Izadora: Let's open the death current using Seed 46, the sacred Seed of Anamnesis, and Seed 59, the Seed of Restoration.
Izadora: The window is closing.
---
Izadora: Did you k*ll yourself?
Porter (wheezing): Yes.
Izadora: Who was the last person you saw?
Porter (wheezing): Witchfather.
Izadora: Did your death have anything to do with the Spree?
Porter (wheezing): No.
Izadora: Why did you do it?
Porter (wheezing): I was filled with an unbearable sadness.
[WHEEZING]
Izadora: The window is closed.
[WHEEZING, GROANING]
[CHIRPING]
---
Tally: Do you like my hair like this?
Abigail: I'm ignoring you.
Tally: Rae, what do you think?
Raelle: Sorry, I can't really tell. I'm too blinded by that shiny mark on your neck.
Tally: Oh! Oh, no! Is it, is it visible?
Abigail: Do you see what you've done? Don't feed the "I finally had sex" monster.
Tally: Hey, how's your head? Feeling any better?
Raelle: Actually, I didn't even notice. It's gone. Completely.
Tally: Beltane.
Abigail: Beltane.
Abigail: My cousin's getting married next week. You wanna come with me?
Tally: I love a wedding. Can Gerit come?
Abigail: Tally, no! I'm the guest and you're my plus ones. Well, twos.
Raelle: Fine. But I'm not wearing pink. Or whatever it is you High Atlantics wear.
Abigail: We wear our uniforms, as a unit.
Raelle: Don't.
Abigail: I didn't say shit.
---
Scylla: I'm sorry, I...I want to tell you the truth. I did see Porter that night. He wanted to get back together, and I didn't. And I want to tell you some other truths.
Raelle: Wait.
Scylla: Just...Don't say anything. I need to get this out of me before I freak out and shut down and run away. I like you, okay? I have feelings for you, and they're not something I'm used to having, not something I'm used to dealing with. I'm a Dodger, which means no attachments. Because things go away, we go away. I haven't learned to get past this, but I'm trying. I don't know if I'm ever...
Raelle: I'm in this with you, and we're gonna figure it out together, okay? Whoever you are, whoever you were, I'm in. No matter what happens, no matter what anybody else thinks, I'm with you.
---
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Byron: Here.
Raelle: What's this?
Byron: Only one way to find out.
Raelle: [LAUGHS] You didn't! Is this the Codices?
Byron: Yeah.
Byron: Now you'll know all our tricks. I'm gonna miss you.
Witchfather: Raelle. Before we leave, there's something I wanted to give you.
Raelle: What's this?
Witchfather: It's the Scourge Porter made. It's clear no other witch deserves it more than you.
Witchfather: I can't think of any other way that would best honor his memory.
Raelle: Thank you.
---
Witchfather: [SIGHS] You made the right call.
Alder: I know. Who are we without our customs? Our way of life? If we can't take the risk of being who we are, we've already lost. Beltane matters. And see, no att*cks.
Witchfather: For now, Sarah.
---
Anacostia: All right, ladies. You have ten minutes to get to the rough room for training.
Anacostia: Actually, make that five. Let's go!
Clive Garland: So where's Abigail?
---
Libba: The homunculus has returned. Here to practice lassoing for the life of a cowhand? The stink would suit you.
Abigail: Do us all a favor and take up as a mannequin. I mean, what else could a Swythe hope to achieve?
Libba: Blood and glory on the b*ttlefield? And given your unit's numbers, Bellweather to clean up after us.
Abigail: Delusions will get you nowhere, Libwit. Let's let the Scourge do the talking.
Libba: You didn't see your boys off?
Abigail: I already got what I needed.
Libba: Same.
Tally: Uh, something tells me you're gonna do better than me today.
Abigail: What are you talking about? A win for me is a win for you. We're a unit, remember?
Abigail: Sure you know how to use that?
Tally: I guess she does know how to use it.
---
Scylla: Thought you had training. This is a pleasant surprise.
Mikaela: You're supposed to be luring her to us, not to you. You already made one mistake we had to clean up. We won't put up with another. Porter. Who do you think cleaned that up? The wedding the Bellweathers are throwing, get yourself invited.
Mikaela: And Scylla, don't mess this one up.