- Welcome to Fort Salem. Some of you will place at War College. Others will join the front lines. The Spree are ruthless. - This was your mama's. Wear it in combat, keep you safe. - I think my mom was tired when she died. - Did you touch that? - Is it dangerous? - It's just better if it's left alone. Let's just say it's part of a mushroom. - I'm Adil. - He's cute. - Can I eat my breakfast before you start planning my wedding? Awfully nice to meet your girlfriend, Raelle. - No matter what happens, I'm with you. - I saw a balloon. I think Scylla is Spree. - How'd you get out? - Anacostia helped me. - What if we can send her back to them to be our eyes? - You were supposed to bring me my daughter. - Our ancient enemy has returned! This is the Camarilla! - She's dying! - Take me! - Thank you, daughter. - You gotta break the link or I'm gonna take you with me. - Not gonna happen, Collar! - SCREAMS: No! (DRAMATIC MUSIC) - # Oh, Lord, my God. # When I, in awesome wonder, # consider all # the works thy hands hath made, # I see the stars. # I hear the rolling thunder. - Mom. - (SINGING ECHOES) - # The universe displayed. # Then sings my soul, # my saviour, God, to thee, # how great thou art. # How great thou art. # Then sings my soul, # my saviour, God, to thee, # how great thou art. # How great # thou art. # (INDISTINCT CHATTER) (OMINOUS MUSIC) Captions by Able. Captions were made with support from NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2021 (SOFT, EERIE MUSIC) - You're OK. - (SOBS) (SOLEMN MUSIC) - I keep thinking... why not us? - How is it? - It's unlike anything I have... I should... - I can't sleep. - Come here. Come here. That's because we're in the sky, where the majestic winds reside. Here. - She gave me this. One of the ones we left behind. Is that why she died? - No. - It's hard to sleep on these things. My mother used to sing a song when I couldn't sleep, a song older than time. (VOCALISES SOFTLY) (SINGING VOICES ECHO) - Why didn't you tell me you were her mom? - I couldn't risk it. - How could you send me in blind?! You burned me with the Army for a personal mission. And then you sent that charming agent to choke me into compliance. And when I don't deliver Raelle, you send in the troops to attack a wedding. - That, my dear, was not us. - What kind of strategy is that, exactly? - You are not hearing me. The attack on the Bellweather wedding had nothing to do with the Spree. There is something else I need to show you. Please. (SOFT, TENSE MUSIC) (DISTORTED, UNSETTLING MUSIC) - MAN ECHOES: We're closed for a private party. (LIGHTER CLICKS) (MUSIC CONTINUES) - WOMAN: To Grace, who just brought in 61 new agents. - You honour us all. - We are the Spree. (GLASS SHATTERS) (DRAMATIC MUSIC) - (GASPS) - They got half our leadership in one strike. - Who are they? - The ancient enemy has returned. - The Camarilla. - I want you to join me in hunting them. Our mission is not about the Army anymore, at least for me. - And why would I do anything for you? - Because you are a witch. And these people intend to end us all, Army and Spree. - I'm sorry. - You're more than that. You're reckless and vain and out of control. (ALL HISS) Hiss all you want. You took my girl from me. Do you have any idea what this means for my family? Abigail is the last viable` - It was Abigail's choice to come and a brave one at that. (THUNDER RUMBLES) - I marked you with this, Sarah. (SOLEMN MUSIC) - Oh. I'm so sorry. - Me too. - What say the Rangers and the Tarim? - Nothing conclusive. - The blast radius continues to warp climate in ways that are visible to us. What is most curious is that, while diminishing, the blast zone is noticeably on the move. - General Bellweather, you must take the time you need` - Soldier first, mother second. Right? I just received intelligence that the Spree was attacked a week ago in Belgium, just before the soccer stadium. At least six major operatives were taken down by weaponised plagues. - The same plague that took our Biddy. - And almost killed Khalida. - The Tarim were a lure... to get me out in the open. They dressed that poor woman like my sister, burned my soldiers before my eyes, like the old days. - The Camarilla. - I should've believed you. I was blinded by my own trauma. They found some way not just to dampen our work but proximate it in a crude but effective way. - How? - The vocal chords. The Camarilla took their voices and contrived some way to use the necrotised tissue. - They wanted it to look like the Spree so they could bide their time. - And harvest our voices to use them against us. - Excuse me, Generals. I believe you'll want to see this. - ...is a day Vice President Silver and his family will not soon forget, a day his daughter, Penelope, found out that she has a very special gift. (PENELOPE SINGS) - Imagine not knowing what you are. - Just like those last Bellweathers who were attacked when they got Charvel. - Silver's daughter will need to be tested. - Goddess knows how many more are out there. - We need to find them. - Agreed. We need to get to them before the Camarilla does. - Quite the blast radius. Gotta be at least 10 miles, shitbird. - You know, if you keep calling me shitbird every two seconds, it's not gonna be special anymore. And I really want it to be special. - Shut up. - (BOTH CHUCKLE) - I think the outpost is 60 miles past that ridge. (FLIES BUZZ) (OMINOUS MUSIC) Sun's going down. We should keep moving. - We did this. We have to show this to someone as soon as we get back. - You're assuming we're getting back. - They must have Rangers looking for us. - Not if they think we're dead. - We have an obligation to show Alder. - And then what? We spend the rest of our lives in a lab? I don't want that, Abs. No way. - I don't think you're appreciating how big this could be. We could be canon, Rae. - Canon, huh? Sounds impressive. - See? What did I tell ya? I'm Abigail Bellweather, Private First Class. This is Raelle Collar. - Stand down, soldier. We'll see who you are and whose faces you might be wearing. Until we do, you ladies are in custody. What happened here? - We found him like that. - Follow us. - Sit down. - Have I done something wrong? - Not at all. What you've done for me, the sacrifice you've made, can never be repaid. I am so grateful. - ALL: We are so grateful. - You're welcome. - Becoming a Biddy is something people usually have years to prepare for, years of training and careful evaluation to identify traits. - I can catch up. (SOFT, SOLEMN MUSIC) - Tally. I would like to offer you something very rare ` an opportunity to resume your life as it was. - I made a decision, and I stand by it. This is my way to serve. - It's not an order. It's an offer. I want you to think about it carefully. This process is not without serious risks. But you're strong. I've seen that first hand. (KNOCK AT DOOR) - General. (INDISTINCT WHISPERING) - (GASPS) (SOBS) They're... alive. - Abigail and Raelle are about to board transport home. - They're alive. Yes. My answer is yes. Thank you. Thank you so much. - I'm saying something about what we did, even if you don't. It's the right thing to do. - Thank you. Don't Bellweather me. You don't get to decide what's the right thing to do. Abigail, why should we trust Alder with this? - Do you trust me? Because I basically just followed you into death, sis. Lieutenant, we have something we'd like to discuss` - You two must have been up to some really wild stuff. I've just been ordered not to debrief you. Off you go. Goddess help you. - Vice President Lanton Silver. - How's your daughter? - The picture of bravery and composure, as per usual. - Hm. - Unlike me, on the other hand. (CHUCKLES) So, I need you to explain to me one more time, what is this matriline? - Our men are born with the work in them, just like their sisters, and some of them are quite powerful. But they don't pass it to their offspring. So our government tracks witchhood along the maternal line ` the matriline. - So you're saying that my wife was, um, one of you? But she didn't know it. She definitely didn't melt any windows. So how exactly does that work? - There are many reasons why people lose touch with their histories. Some choose to hide from their duty. Your wife probably had some inkling that she was one of... us. - Well, unfortunately, we can't ask her. - I'm sorry for your loss, but we won't know for sure until we test Penelope. All of this is a bit premature. - I'm sure you understand how delicate this is, considering who I am. - You've already met Sergeant Quartermain. She helps new conscripts. - It's probably best just to get to the point. I'm concerned that Penelope will become a target. - We appreciate your concerns. But if we do find the work in Penelope, she must deliver herself bodily to Fort Salem for training in the military arts. It's the law of the land. - No exceptions. - So you're asking me to give you my daughter ` and my daughter's daughters, in perpetuity? - As our kind have done for centuries to keep this country safe. - And you can keep Penelope safe? Can you truly guarantee her safety? - Don't worry, Mr Vice President. We take care of our own. (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (SOFT MUSIC) - Oh! - I'm sorry` - Don't. I am so very proud of what you did. It was a classic Bellweather move ` against the odds, in the face of oblivion, full of grit and the kind of sisterhood this army was built on. You may be the greatest Bellweather yet, my daughter. - Is there any chance we could see Tally? - Oh! Uh, come along. That's where I'm taking you. We don't have much time. I won't take this second chance for granted. I love you, daughter. - I love you too, Mom. (ALL SING EERIE TUNE) (DOOR OPENS) (HIGH TONE HUMS) (DRAMATIC MUSIC) - (GASPS) (GASPS) (ALL SING SOFTLY) - (EXHALES HEAVILY) (SINGING CONTINUES) - Are you real? - (CHUCKLES) Hi. - Hi! (ALL LAUGH) - Tally. - What happened?! - We wanna ask you that. You're... You're you. - (LAUGHS) - She... let me out. - Did you mess up? - She promised it wasn't that, and I am trying to believe her. I guess you train for years to be a Biddy. - Could you hear her thoughts? - Sort of. Surface stuff. Like, directives I could hear loud and clear. Not so much memories. And I could hear the Biddies too. - (CHUCKLES) - It was like being in a car with the same people on a road trip that never ends. No privacy, like, ever! - OK, so, does she really not eat? - No. Not a morsel. Loves her wine. Why are we talking about wine? - (ALL LAUGH) You guys are alive! That explosion, that was you two, right? How did you do that? - Uh, we don't know, exactly, but, um, it was definitely us. - It was so big. You guys are a bomb. - (ALL LAUGH) - Yeah, but, uh, Rae doesn't think we should tell Alder what we can do. - Well, we just` We don't even know what it is yet, you know, or if we can do it again, so don't you think we should wait? I mean, also, Alder's Alder. Let's not forget` - Meaning? - Wow, a little defensive. - I know she's complicated, but I believe in her. - Look, complicated or not, she's the head of the Armed Forces. Who else are we gonna show what we can do? - Uh, how 'bout no one? - Those people who ambushed us are the same people that killed Charvel. - How do you know that? - They had the same tech. This sonic shit that blocks vocal work. This thing we can do... can help us fight them. - I thought you were dead. - We thought you were old. - (ALL LAUGH) - You're tired. When you're recovered, we should continue to search for home. - Why not here? - You know how I feel about this place. - After everything Alder's done for us, for our people and what's left? Why is this the worst place? - Is this because Abigail's back? - Perhaps. It's more about not wanting to run anymore. (SIGHS) - We should at least consider our options. - You're right. Again. Come on. - So, the Camarilla agent stabs you, and then you link with her. - Yes, ma'am. But Raelle was too messed up to move. I was just keeping her alive at that point. - I told her to break the link with me or else I would pull her into death. - And you maintained the link? - Correct. There was another Camarilla` - Was this the person who stabbed Raelle? - No, I don't think so. - It's very important that we get the details right. - We could definitely do that. We could break everything down to powder and put it in neat little piles. Or we could cut to the chase. - (SIGHS) The blast was us. - We don't know how, but this force protects us when we're threatened. While we don't understand this work yet, we will master it. - Let's continue to break this down... to powder. - Yes, ma'am. - How many did they get? - Six. Women I've known for years. Bright, brilliant, dangerous women gone, like that. The leadership that remains is none too happy with what I did next. After Brussels, I was put in charge of the attack on the soccer stadium. You don't know any of this? - No. Well... Thanks to your mission, I was locked up. - I switched it up. I traded catastrophe for information. I warned all witches everywhere that the Camarilla is back. I hope they heard me. (OMINOUS MUSIC) - That's a fetch. - We're on the move. She's been tracked. - (VOCALISES ANGRILY) - Is there anything else you soldiers want to share? - That's all we can remember. - Good. I want you to train them to wield this new gift ` immediately. Dismissed. - Actually, I had a few questions. - For example? - I wanna know who those people were. The Camarilla. And I wanna know how they're connected to Charvel's death, because I know that they are. - Abigail, I'm going to order you to stand down on this. - They attacked my family. They almost killed me. I wanna fight these people with everything that I have. - You need to let more experienced soldiers handle this. - How can I stand down? - By putting that passion into your training, cadet. Master this new weapon as promised. Then we can talk about the Camarilla. That's an order. (SOLEMN MUSIC) (SOFT MUSIC) - I really missed you. - Me too. I thought you were dead. I'm so happy to see you. I don't think I've ever been this happy. - I know. Me too. - I have something for you. - Thank you so much. This was my mom's. - I know. And I know you saved that boy, just like you saved me. Can you save my brother too? - (CHUCKLES) He looks pretty happy to me. - He's changing. He's seen too much suffering. This is not his place. - EDWIN: So, was it exciting? - Um... it was pretty routine. - Ah, classified, huh? Over my clearance? I get it. Well, I am so glad you're back. When am I gonna see you? - You know, um, I don't even know what our situation is yet, so I guess we could get redeployed soon. - Uh-huh. You sound just like your mom. - You know, um... I thought I lost Mom's charm, but somebody brought it back to me. - Well, I'm not surprised in the least. That old thing will find you anywhere. That's how hard your mom loved you. - Uh, as soon as I know where we're off to, I'll call you, OK? - OK. Hey, hey, uh... whatever happened to that girl you liked? (SOLEMN MUSIC) - We broke up. - Her great loss, I'm afraid. - I love you, Dad. - You too, Rae. Talk soon. - Bye. - # Like water fills the room all around me. # Voices in my head tell me not to lose control. # My fingers turning red. # Don't know how to let it go. # I can feel the pressure. # I can feel it heavy on my skin. # I feel it. # - (SIGHS) (RATTLING) - The earth is restless tonight. - Hi! Hello. - Everything where it should be? - Yes. Thank you. - I hope I'm not disturbing. - No, no, not at all. - I just wanted to see how you're feeling. - I'm OK. I... - What is it? - This is gonna sound strange and definitely inappropriate. - Say what's on your mind. - I've missed you so, so much, like I've never missed anyone in my life, and it's only been, like... a day? Sorry. - This will pass. What you've been through is very destabilising. - Mm. - You may even feel... like you've lost a child. Or a mother. The bond we shared will endure forever in some small way. - I'm OK with that. - I'm afraid you have no choice at this point. - (CHUCKLES) Mm. (TENSE MUSIC) - General. - Let's move on to vocal. (HIGH-PITCHED, WAVERING TONE RINGS) Let the sound fill you. Let it shake your teeth and thicken your blood. Gather it into yourself, and when you are full, sing. (TONE RINGS) - (SINGS LOW TUNE) (CONTINUES SINGING) (TONE RINGS) (SINGING DISTORTS, ECHOES) (CONTINUES SINGING) (DRAMATIC MUSIC) - This young woman is of the blood! - ALL: Goddess protect her! - (BREATHES SHAKILY) - Your call to service should come any moment. - My call to service? - When you say the oath. - I don't know the words. - You'll know what to say. The words are in your blood. Welcome, daughter. (MOMENTOUS MUSIC) - This was the site of a Spree attack six years ago. We need to figure out why these people are gathering. (OMINOUS MUSIC) - It touches my heart to see so many of the same faces every year. And each year, I meet new friends too, more and more people affected by the violence of the Spree. - (MURMURS OF AGREEMENT) More and more people who are disappointed by our army's ambivalence to doing something about them. - (MURMURS OF AGREEMENT) - Like me, more and more of you have lost family to senseless attacks on unarmed citizens, and still, our army does nothing! - (MURMURS OF AGREEMENT) - And how can that be in a free and just world? (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) Well, maybe they don't wanna defeat the Spree. Maybe they can't be trusted to fight against their own! (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) - Hate is a disease. Find patient zero. - I'm in. - So, that earthquake was you guys? - That Tarim earth work is strong. - Alder and I totally felt that. - Oh yeah? You and Alder? - She came to check on me! No big deal. - Mm-hm. - So, how great was it? Did you quake too? (LAUGHS) - I always quake. No, it's more than sex with this one. More than just... chargin' up, you know? It's deep and... feels like destiny or something. - Hmm. Do I need to start planning the handfasting? (CHUCKLES) - That boy loves you. You should've seen him on that plane. Destroyed. - (DOOR OPENS) - Oh God. - Metals! - What did we do now? - What haven't you done? (SOFT MUSIC) - (SCREAMS EXCITEDLY) - (LAUGHS) - Congratulations. You've changed. You've all grown so much, and I am very proud of you. Craven? - Yeah. (LAUGHS) - No cadets deserve this more. (SIGHS) And the best part of it all? Now you're Alder's problem. - Cheers to that. (ALL LAUGH) - (EXHALES HEAVILY) (EERIE MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) (ANIMALS CALL) (FOOTSTEPS RUSH PAST) (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) (WOMAN SCREAMS) - We're surrounded. They're herding us to the swamp. - We're gonna let them do that. I have a little surprise. - How can I help? Hello? (WOMAN SCREAMS) - Show yourselves! (PEOPLE CALL, SHRIEK) (ALL GASP) (HIGH-PITCHED TRILLING) - (SCREAMS) (BIRDS SQUAWK) (PEOPLE SHOUT, BLADES SLICE) (DRAMATIC MUSIC BUILDS) (SCREAMS) - Tally?! Tally?! Tally, what's wrong?! What's wrong? - (CONTINUES SCREAMING) Tally! - (GASPS, PANTS) - What's wrong? - I... I was in the j-jungle. Alder was there. There were... There were these worms. They were... stinging me. - It was a dream. A dream. It was a dream. You're OK. - (PANTS) (UNSETTLING MUSIC) - Go to bed. - (GRUNTS) - Tally! Tally, it wasn't real. It wasn't real. (MUSIC CONTINUES) - Tell me those aren't real. Captions by Able. Captions were made with support from NZ On Air.