01x04 - Hail Beltane

[bunniefuu]

[WOMAN] Previously on Motherland:

- Witchfather.

- General Alder.

It's good to be home.

Men!

[ANACOSTIA] There's going to be

a lot of energy around here

for the next few days,

all the way through Beltane.

Where you're encouraged to

mingle with your

male counterparts.

Oh! [LAUGHS] Sorry!

Hi, I'm Tally, complete virgin

and hot for any part of

you that's available.

[ANACOSTIA] Beltane is all about

the pleasure of connection.

Take the energy, it will

make you better, stronger.

[ALDER] We steal ourselves

for the fight to come.

The Spree are escalating.

I'm Porter. Saw you two together.

She hasn't told you

anything, has she?



[RAELLE] Your ex is here.

I'm filled with an

unbearable sadness.

Oh, my God! Oh, my God!

Stay with me, please.

[ECHOING] Somebody help!

Somebody help! Please!

[OVERLAPPING WHISPERING]

- [PORTER] I want the truth!

- [GRUNTING, SCREAMING]

You could have d*ed.

[RAELLE] I couldn't stop myself.

I'm sorry.

We are all

incredibly proud of you.

That kind of bravery

can't be taught.

I keep having these visions.

Fragments. And they feel

like memories,

but they're not mine.

You took on a lot.

The visions will fade eventually.

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.

[THEME MUSIC PLAYS]

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.

You have to cancel Beltane.

If there's been an infiltration,

the base is at risk.

If the Spree are here,

we are in grave danger.

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.

- Couldn't agree more.

Of course, Sarah. I trust you

to make the right choice.

Is there anything else?



There is one more thing.

At the att*ck site, we've found

some kind of residue on mirrors.

We believe

that is how the Spree might be

communicating with each other.

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.

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]

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]

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 m*llitary needs right now.

It will make us unstoppable.

Now, get to work.

[STOMPING]

I heard she almost d*ed

while trying to save him.

Because she ran outside of

canon like a reckless maniac.

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?



- What?



- Nothing.

You're okay.

Tell me you're okay.

Um, I don't know.

I just, I have a lot of questions.

Like what?



Did you know

that he was depressed?



I haven't seen him for years.

I didn't know him anymore.

I don't know, I can't help

thinking it was us.

Stop, Raelle.

There was always

something off with him.

Did you see him last night?



What?



Did he say something to you?



He, uh, he tried. But he couldn't.

His his eyes and his mouth

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.

No. What was I thinking?



- Help me!

- You're trying too hard.

Relax.

It's from Gerit.

He he drew his

There's no way he's that big.

Abigail, it's private!

- What you did

- Was nothing.

- You good?



- 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."

You say that because you

don't understand the m*llitary.

Oh, Abigail, you know

I love the m*llitary.

Beltane is how

we b*at our enemies.

How our base heals.

How our unit gets stronger.

Oh, my God, spare me,

it's not my kind of party.

But you'll be there, right?



So the rest of us can partake?



Please.

- [ABIGAIL] Listen.

- I heard you.

No. Look.

We're proud of you.

Thanks.

But, um, if my survival depends

on Tally getting laid

she needs a different dress.

[ABIGAIL LAUGHS]

- It's true.

- [LAUGHTER]

Due to the holiday, we have

a very rare opportunity tonight,

an assignment few are privileged

to experience.

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?



You have updates for me?



I was actually hoping to talk

to you about something else.

Whiskey.

It is the one thing

the civilians got right.

Tell me about the Tarim Cell.

The one they discovered in Asia.

How do you know about that?



It's classified information.

Sarah, I'm your Head of Intelligence.

I have friends at The Hague too.

- [WOMEN CLICKING TONGUES]

- Of course.

I appreciate that.

I just want you to focus

on the Spree for now.

I'm just saying,

it's a lot of boob.

You don't have boobs

like that forever.

General Bellweather. Tally

Craven, Abigail's roommate.

It's an honor to meet you.

Mom, what business

brings you to base?



- Like most things

- It's classified.

I think you knew my mother,

Willa. Willa Collar.

We're gonna be late for training

if we don't go now.

I'll catch up.

And her attitude's because?



She thinks you're

the reason her mother's dead.

She wouldn't be the first.

She almost saved

someone's life last night.

I hope that improved your

rankings because they're

not where they should be,

but I guess you're not

completely to blame.

We're almost where we need to be.

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?



- Yes.

- Good.

And one more thing.

Your cousin's wedding.

- I'll help Charvel as much as I can.

- Bring the unit.

What?

You don't know them,

they could embarrass us.

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.

Thank you, boys.

It's beautiful.

You guys made these?



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!

Wait until after Beltane.

That's when they

really get their power.

- [SCYLLA] Porter, what the hell?



- I need to talk to you.

- I need some air.

- You okay?



Mm. Step back, ladies.

Bellweathers have been known

to have the hand-eye

coordination of a newborn calf.

You're not even trying to get

into w*r College anymore, are you?



Scylla!

[PORTER] I need to talk to you.

[PORTER] Scylla?



[PORTER] I want the truth.

The things you used to say,

that's the kind of person

who ends up filling

a balloon with hate.

[SCYLLA] That's not who I am.

- [MUSIC PLAYS IN BACKGROUND]

- [INDISTINCT CHATTER]

- You're late, as usual.

- I know, I know.

I'm just glad you're

feeling better.

Also, damn, you look hot.

I was prepared to glamour you guys,

but I guess we don't need it.

Excuse me.

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.

I'm here, aren't I?



Hi, boys.

Can I borrow you for a second?



There's always one, every year.

Let me guess. There's someone

in particular you want?



You're very good at your job.

What do I do?



You have to trust the dance.

It knows your pleasure

and your heart.

But what if it doesn't?



Then it wasn't meant to be.

I promise.

It'll work out

the way it's supposed to.

[LAUGHS]

- Tally, you okay?



- I need to talk to you right now.

I'll be back.

- You wanted my advice?



- What?



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.

- It's so easy for you.

- It hasn't always been.

I don't believe you.

- You're right. I'm lying.

- [LAUGHS]

I was just trying

to make you feel better.

Remember, you never

really lose a guy.

Just your turn.

Come on.

Hello there. "Sell when you can.

You are not for all markets."

- Sorry, what?



- Shakespeare.

Sorry, can you not sense my "I'm

not interested in guys" vibes?



Oh, I sensed it.

You can't sense my "I'm not

interested in girls" vibes?



Okay, fair game.

I've been looking

all over the place for you.

- To Raelle Collar.

- How did you know my name?



You tried to save my friend.

Porter. Thank you for that.

- I'm so sorry

- No. None of that.

Now

The faster you drink this down,

the faster this becomes a party.

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.

Hey, um, sorry if this is weird,

but have you ever heard of Scylla?



He said he knew her

from back in the day.

I think he said he was gonna

see her that night.

Thank you for this.

I have to sorry.

- Will you excuse me?



- Yeah.

- Another drink?



- No thanks, I'm good. I'll meet you.

- Can we talk for a second?



- I have to do something right now.

- Can we do this later?



- It can't wait.

I have something really important. I

Scylla, it's about Porter.

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.

What if I did?



What are you implying?



That I did something to him?



Is that the kind of

person you think I am?



- No, that's that's not what I meant.

- Seriously?



I'm just, I'm confused.

It's not adding up.

- Do you care about me?



- Yes. Yes! You know

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.

- Scyl, I

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.

- [WHISPERING] Where is she?



- Don't look at me.

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.

- I'm gonna k*ll Raelle.

- You're not getting a fight out of me.

- Thank you.

- I told you I was coming.

- [ALL CHATTERING, LAUGHING]

- 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 ♪

[LAUGHING]

[INDISTINCT WHISPERING]

[WHISPERING CONTINUES]

[WHISPERING CONTINUES]

[BIRD CHIRPING]

[WOMAN] Time to start.

Pleased you made it back on time.

[BIRD CHIRPING]

[TALLY] Maybe the Reel does know

what it's doing.

I don't need the Reel

to tell me how I feel.

- I know that rhymes.

- [LAUGHS]

Enough, enough.

Now, you two.

[WOMEN MOANING]

Back to me.

We get it! You're having sex!

- [LAUGHS]

- [WOMEN MOANING IN DISTANCE]

- You okay?



- Yeah.

Just have a lot on my mind.

It's not helping my headache.

[CHUCKLES] I hope Tally's

getting what she wants tonight.

She has not stopped

talking about Gerit.

Don't tell me.

- He sent her something via bird.

- Yeah. A flower ring.

How did you know?



We have this thing

called the Codices.

It's basically a how-to

witch sex and romance guide.

- [LAUGHS] Stop!

- Don't tell her,

but I bet he sent her

a picture of his

Yeah!

It's a generic drawing

from the book, by the way.

- Stop. Oh, my God. Serious?



- Yeah.

[SIGHS] For the record, this

is why I'm into girls. [LAUGHS]

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.

[LAUGHS]

Uh, I have a question.

Have you ever been in love?



- At least once a week.

- [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.

We all have our fatal flaws,

don't we?



I know I do.

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.

- Quick!

- [LAUGHS]

- [BOTH PLAYFULLY MOANING]

- Oh, my God!

Oh, yeah!

Check every mirror for residue.

[TONE RINGS OUT]

Let's open the death current

using Seed 46,

the sacred Seed of Anamnesis,

and Seed 59,

the Seed of Restoration.

[VOCALIZING]

[VOCALIZING]

The window is closing.

[PANTING, MOANING]

[CHIRPING]

Did you k*ll yourself?



[WHEEZING] Yes.

Who was the last person you saw?



[RASPING] Witchfather.

Did your death have anything

to do with the Spree?



[RASPING] No.

Why did you do it?



[RASPING] I was filled

with an unbearable sadness.

[WHEEZING]

- The window is closed.

- [WHEEZING]

[WHEEZING, GROANING]

[CHIRPING]

- Do you like my hair like this?



- I'm ignoring you.

- Rae, what do you think?



- Sorry, I can't really tell.

I'm too blinded by that

shiny mark on your neck.

Oh! Oh, no! Is it

is it visible?



Do you see what you've done?



Don't feed the

"I finally had sex" monster.

- [LAUGHING]

- Hey, how's your head?



Feeling any better?



Actually, I didn't

even notice. It's gone.

- Completely.

- Beltane.

- Beltane.

- [CHUCKLES]

My cousin's

getting married next week.

- You wanna come with me?



- I love a wedding.

- Can Gerit come?



- Tally, no!

I'm the guest

and you're my plus ones.

Well, twos.

Fine. But I'm not wearing pink.

Or whatever it is you

High Atlantics wear.

We wear our uniforms, as a unit.

- Don't.

- I didn't say sh*t.

[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.

Wait. 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

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.

- What's this?



Only one way to find out.

[LAUGHS] You didn't!

- Is this the Codices?



- Yeah.

Now you'll know all our tricks.

I'm gonna miss you.

Raelle.

Before we leave, there's

something I wanted to give you.

What's this?



It's the Scourge Porter made.

It's clear no other witch

deserves it more than you.

I can't think of any other way

that would best honor his memory.

Thank you.

[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.

For now, Sarah.

[ANACOSTIA] All right, ladies.

You have ten minutes to get

to the rough room for training.

Actually, make that five.

Let's go!

So where's Abigail?



The homunculus has returned.

Here to practice lassoing

for the life of a cowhand?



The stink would suit you.

Do us all a favor

and take up as a mannequin.

I mean, what else could

a Swythe hope to achieve?



Blood and glory

on the b*ttlefield?



And given your unit's numbers,

Bellweather to clean up after us.

Delusions will

get you nowhere, Libwit.

Let's let the Scourge

do the talking.

- You didn't see your boys off?



- I already got what I needed.

Same.

Uh, something tells me you're

gonna do better than me today.

What are you talking about?



A win for me is a win for you.

We're a unit, remember?



Sure you know how to use that?



I guess she does

know how to use it.

Thought you had training.

This is a pleasant surprise.

[GRUNTS]

[GASPING]

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.

[PANTING]

And Scylla

don't mess this one up.

[THEME MUSIC PLAYS]