Motherland (2025) Movie Script
1
Zack!
Boys aren't allowed here!
You know that!
Wyatt, go! Now!
- Come on! Now!
- Come on. Let's go.
Girls-only section!
You know better!
Attention, students and staff.
Please return to your rooms.
Center doors will be closing
imminently.
Good news
for the coming winter.
The Department of Food
and Drink has confirmed
that this year's crops
have come in
and all quotas per capita
have been exceeded.
All over the country,
transportation has begun.
The sustenance workers are
headed back into the cities,
and distribution will be
on schedule this year.
And now for the results
of yesterday's poll question.
Has your overall satisfaction
increased
or remained the same
over the past month?
You voted, and we listened.
The results show a 13% increase
in satisfaction.
Congratulations, Motherland.
If you have a tip
for Motherland News,
we encourage you to call
the number on your screen.
Work placements, promotions,
and changes will take place
at the end
of the summer months.
Motherland is pleased
to report
that She has
greatly streamlined
the operating systems
of every major industry.
I'm Genevieve,
and this has been
your Motherland Nightly News
for Region 8.
As the center nurse,
it is imperative --
imperative --
that I have access
to all of the children's
dorm rooms.
Alice, if --
if it were imperative,
then Toni would have given you
access, okay?
Come on.
Come on.
We -- We all have access
to the rooms
where we're supposed to do
our jobs properly, okay?
And how do you expect me
to do my job prop--
Then -- Then take it up
with Toni.
Oh.
Ms. Cora, can I speak with you?
It's imperative.
Motherland's word of the day.
I have an opening today at 3:00.
Don't be late
or that word is pointless.
Thank you, Ms. Cora.
This is Toni, head
of Children's Center Region 8,
returning your call
regarding numbers.
Uh, I'm always, uh, always eager
to assist the Women's Department
in whatever way I can, sir.
I'm actually very grateful
to have the opportunity.
So I await, uh, details
at your convenience.
Thank you so much.
What have you got for me?
This year's honor roll.
I was expecting --
hoping for one more
on our honor roll this year.
Let's see.
N-- I...
What about this one?
Zinnia. One point shy,
even with today's word.
Really?
Ah -- Oh, yes.
Left pencil shavings
in the grass.
Perhaps you could find
one more point somewhere.
The score is the score.
You passed the test -- again.
Congratulations
on our centennial anniversary,
Motherland.
We are celebrating
a successful 100 years
of Amma Kane's
comprehensive theorem,
which provides for
all her children's needs,
from food to clothing
to shelter.
Our beloved system eliminated
pre-Revolution disparities
caused by marriage
and parenthood.
To mark
this momentous occasion,
there will be special events
at the Children's Center,
where Amma Kane's plan
for each of us begins.
From birth,
the Children's Center raises
and educates each child
until they take the official
pledge of citizenship
in their 20th year.
Our students learn
Amma Kane freed us
from being burdens to others
and bearing burdens
from others,
especially liberating
our young women.
I like being a woman, and I was
always looking forward to it.
Hear that, scorekeepers?
She passed the test.
Freedom from all, for all,
now and forever.
Natasha, you're back.
We've been shorthanded
without you.
You must be relieved
that's all over.
It's great to have you back.
Thanks.
Must have swiped after midnight
at the department.
We've all been there.
Thanks.
It's imperative that I get
my coffee in the morning.
Those go down better with food.
I used to take mine
with breakfast.
Good idea.
She continued drawing,
and she must have become
distracted or something.
You didn't pick it up?
It wasn't my litter.
I shouldn't lose points
just because I have a keen eye.
-It's not fair.
-Certainly not.
I really cannot afford
a work placement in the laundry.
-It just doesn't make sense.
-Thank you, Willa.
That's all for today.
I swear I was here
at 3:00 p.m. exactly.
But I didn't want to burden you
with an interruption,
and so I debated
the pros and cons, and I --
I know, Zinnia.
I have not deducted points.
So, it's my Pledge Year,
and I'm really hoping
to get placed
at the Women's Department.
But I know that I need to make
honor roll to have a shot at it.
Are you asking
for advance notice?
-N-No.
-Or to boost your rankings?
I would never ask that.
Of course not.
I'm not accusing you.
I just thought maybe there
was something extra I could do.
Anything at all.
Zinnia, I know how much you want
the department placement,
but the rankings are not
up to me or anyone else.
We simply record the data.
We don't create it.
I've been using
the word of the day every day --
sometimes multiple usages.
I spent all day Sunday
cleaning the women's quarters,
and I painted the new murals
in the gym locker rooms.
I have recorded all of this,
Zinnia.
Answer me this.
Are you free
from unjust expectations?
Because burdening Motherland
with these kinds of --
You...
Y-Your, um...
What?
Oh. Oh.
I've had that forever.
No!
Please!
Please.
No!
She has the birthmark.
-I don't see it.
-She keeps it covered.
You have to see it
from the right angle.
Your daughter?
Come on.
Mateo, report
to the assembly room.
I can't believe it.
She never should have ended up
in Region 8.
W-We can't make contact.
I know that.
I'm not delusional.
It wouldn't be fair.
Yeah. Exactly.
It wouldn't be fair.
Well...
She...showed extra initiative.
Excellent.
Good morning, everyone.
Happy Saturday.
Well, I won't keep you
in suspense.
The Women's Department
has confirmed
that we are in
sharp population decline.
What does that have to do
with us?
We're a Children's Center.
It has everything to do with us.
We don't make them.
We just raise them.
If we do not replace
ourselves in the population,
we are projected to die out
in some decades.
Fortunately,
the Women's Department
has designed
a new pilot program.
- ...now and forever.
- They are calling it
the Population Growth Program.
One hundred years ago,
Amma Kane made history
with the most important
legislation
of anyone's lifetime.
It was decreed that upon birth,
all newborns would be presented
to the Children's Center
to be raised by the Motherland,
ensuring for the children
fruitful lives
and freeing the mothers
from disparate burdens.
It makes sense, actually.
The theorem expounds upon what
happens after the child is born,
but it says nothing about
where the babies are made.
As long as we are still free
to enjoy each other as we wish,
a more targeted program
is a good idea.
Up to today,
generational replacement
in our population
has been left to chance.
This seems an absurd premise.
How did we fall for it?
Yvonne, how did we fall for it?
We were burdened with a...
bad idea?
Not quite.
Um...Zinnia.
A bad understanding.
Precisely.
Scholars have recently
discovered that Amma Kane
did not immediately implement
the last part of her system.
And we will initiate
generational replacement
of the population as the
Kane Theorem was meant to be.
We're resorting to f-force?
What would Amma Kane say?
Her theorem was clear.
Nobody is being forced.
You girls will be
the first Pledge Year
to replace yourselves
in the population.
This opportunity will be open
to all students
who have made the honor roll.
If we are successful,
the program will roll out
across all regions.
Yvonne.
Please.
Sign in.
Excellent.
Zack.
Very good.
Wyatt.
Uma.
Wanda.
Congratulations.
-Zinnia.
-Yay!
Yes, Zinnia.
Please sign.
And William.
Very good.
Thank you all.
What a momentous day.
They took the baby away so fast.
I didn't even get to know
if it was a boy or a girl.
I begged them.
I begged them to know.
After the trauma of a birth,
a woman's hormones
can go haywire.
It's an unfair burden,
but the pills should help.
Fair.
They kept telling me
how fair it all was.
How many of these do I have to
take for it to become fair?
It's all so new for you.
Do you think you could help me
with something?
Toni wants them
paired up in advance
to keep the process --
How long did it take...
...for things to go back
to normal for you?
I don't remember.
These two look nice together.
They look like siblings.
I'll be right back.
What do you got for me?
Nothing yet.
I need the birth records.
Why?
What ever for?
I need to know who the bearers
and donors are for each student.
There's a danger of inbreeding
otherwise.
Ah.
I just want my baby.
I got it. Come on. Easy.
-All right. Easy.
-No!
-Easy.
-I just want my baby!
I just want to see!
Cora.
- Cora...
- Cora.
...help me.
Help me.
- Help her!
- No. No, no.
No.
No, no!
- No!
- Help her.
No! No!
No.
No. No.
- No. No!
- Hold her. Hold her.
No. Cora.
Cora.
- Hold her.
- No!
There's something
wrong with you.
All right.
All right.
Now...
quickly before any student sees,
just take her to rest.
- Yeah.
- Carl...
-Okay.
-...take her to the sanctuary.
- One, two, three. Go.
- All right. Good.
Well done, Cora.
W-Will she be gone long?
Well...recovery can't be rushed.
Now...
Listen.
You don't need any more records.
The department will sign off
on your pairings
as soon as you're finished.
Attention.
All classes will be canceled
next Friday.
Staff are required to assist
the Women's Department
with the Population
Growth Program.
-Oh, Ms. Cora.
-Yes. Zinnia. What is it?
I...I hope I wasn't too much
of a burden the other day.
I've been working on
what we talked about.
You don't have to do it.
The new program.
Of course I do.
This is going to clinch
the Women's Department placement
for me.
Zack, leave your sample
in the room.
Get away.
That's not possible.
I'm sorry, Zinnia.
These were your results.
Did you talk with Nurse Alice
about this?
I did.
This is from her report.
Hormonal imbalance.
No follicles detected.
Bad candidate.
Status -- infertile.
I know this is a shock.
But try to see the positive.
You'll still receive points
for accepting the mission
to Motherland.
Okay.
I have to go.
We'll discuss next steps
tonight.
Now, go ahead and get undressed.
Okay, Ms. Alice.
And whenever you're ready,
move your hips down as low
as you can.
You'll feel a little pressure.
Okay, Ms. Alice.
What's going on?
I thought Zinnia was a no-go.
-There was no sample for her.
-Not in the office.
But thankfully, I already put
the secondary samples
in the surgical refrigerator.
Zinnia thought
she was out of the program.
She's clearly confused.
...and to protect Motherland
from all that dare encroach
upon her...
...who provides a fair
and just society.
Freedom from all, for all,
now and forever.
Zinnia,
please report to Nurse Alice
for your eight-week ultrasound.
Oh!
Oh!
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry!
Zinnia, immediately report
to Nurse Alice
for your eight-week ultrasound.
No, no, no.
Just -- Just leave it.
Leave it.
It's fine.
Go.
Lift up your shirt.
This may be a bit cold.
Is everything okay?
Perfectly normal.
I'm sorry.
I swear I wasn't --
You wouldn't be able to
understand it if you saw anyway.
-We're specially trained for it.
-Of course. That makes sense.
I understand perfectly.
Though it's been said
an informed society...
...is a good society.
Yeah. Thomas says that
in class all the time.
Thomas has been saying that
for a long time.
It wouldn't be fair
to have an experience
that the others did not.
Plus one more for Motherland.
Did I pass?
Perfectly.
Some rest
while others work late.
Have you heard from Natasha?
No.
Have you?
No.
Look.
She's fine.
She's in the sanctuary.
Probably just languishing
in her lack of responsibility.
Would have been better
if she had just miscarried.
Right?
Good news, Motherland.
To celebrate
the centennial anniversary,
expect your ration packets
to increase
from a sensible two meals
to a sensible three meals a day
for the rest of the month.
I'm Genevieve,
and this has been
your Motherland Nightly News
for Region 8.
Did you get another
chocolate folic bar?
Yeah.
Do you want it?
I'll trade you
my strawberry for it.
At this point,
you should just start each day
by switching rations.
We're trading for them.
We're being fair.
I've had too many chocolate ones
anyway.
It's a good deal.
- Baby names.
- What's that?
I found it on the floor there.
Look.
The name Rose is circled.
You're not supposed to
name them.
Okay. How would you know?
You're not even in the program.
Besides, don't we get
top three choices,
like with work placements?
And why would they do that?
Motherland picks
each child's name
-after careful consideration.
-Yeah.
You don't need to worry
about it anyway, right?
Mm.
Thanks.
Now, it is important
that we guide the students
through this new stage
in Amma Kane's system.
To this end,
I have written up four lectures.
You each will take one topic.
Everything you need to know
is there.
We will do these
one every three months,
starting with Alice
in prenatal care,
Thomas with re-examining
Amma Kane,
Myrtle on the mechanism
of birthing,
and lastly, on the importance
of population numbers
and resources, Cora.
But I'm not a teacher.
Well, with Natasha laid up
in the sanctuary,
I need you to step up.
Zinnia,
center doors are closing.
-Sorry, Ms. Cora.
-You're not late yet. Hurry up.
Line up!
Line up.
Let today's trivia begin.
Line up. New water bottles
for the winners.
How many departments make up
Motherland's central system?
-Nine.
-Correct.
To your reward.
When Amma Kane first proposed
her theorem,
it was to solve
what specific problems?
The problems of childcare
and motherhood.
Correct.
In what year
did Amma Kane pass away?
Hint --
Our current Head of Center
was only 10 years old
at the time.
Year 36 AK.
Year 35 AK.
Very close.
Yes.
That's what I said.
Right?
To the back of the line.
It's fine.
How much
did female happiness improve
with the implementation
of the Women's Department?
By 71%.
Correct.
What are three other burdens
that Motherland frees us from?
Freedom from harm,
freedom from poverty,
freedom from each other.
Correct.
Stay hydrated.
Thanks.
How's it going?
All I want to do
is eat salty food.
- Really?
- Oh!
Uh...
Um, is this okay?
Is this okay?
Is this oka--
Did you see that?
Is it o-- Um...
Is this --
Is she...
Is she, uh -- Is --
Is -- Is she gonna be okay?
What were you thinking, Cora?
I mean, are you trying to
get disowned?
-What are you doing?
-No. No. Of course not.
I told you -- I told you...
I told you not to get involved.
I was trying to protect
my daughter.
How?
How are you protecting her?
In what reality, Cora?
You put her in danger, okay?
You put two girls in danger.
And she made a choice,
and you tried to take that away
from her.
I had no other option.
I don't know what to do now.
Nothing. You do --
You do absolutely nothing.
That is so easy for you to say.
You're just down here.
You're disconnected.
I am out there with her.
I cannot watch her
go through that.
I can't let it happen.
I...
It's okay.
Y-You know, you're not
the only one struggling here.
It's almost time to announce
this year's work placements,
Motherland.
Scorekeepers are tabulating
the data.
Students in their final year
will soon learn
if they've earned enough points
to land their dream jobs.
I'm Genevieve,
and this has been
your Motherland Nightly News
for Region 8.
I bet you'll still be
in the top percentile.
So I'm sure you'll get whatever
work placement you want.
I don't care about that.
Right.
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry, Yvonne.
I guess I just...
I don't know what to say or do.
No one does.
I-I miss her.
I miss Rose.
Careful,
'cause it's about to fall apart.
It's on its last leg.
Thomas is gonna be pissed.
Not if he doesn't find out.
Come on.
Let's try this thing out.
Over here.
Oh, man.
Go get it.
Come on.
We're gonna get in trouble.
I'm not going.
You can't leave it there.
I'm not gonna get in trouble
for this. You kicked it.
I'm not going
into the danger zone.
- We'll get caught.
- Yes, you will.
It exists.
Congratulations to all.
We have passed the halfway mark.
In four short months, we'll have
absolutely beautiful births,
and we will pledge
the incoming class.
Myrtle is next
in our lecture series,
and I believe that is all.
Thank you.
What are you two up to tonight?
Need any company?
What do you think?
Okay.
What about you, Cora?
I have to prepare
my resources lecture.
Prepare what?
All the info is on the sheet.
Uh, not all of us
are natural public speakers.
Or teachers.
Please. Let me out.
I never thought to try before.
I'm sorry for what happened
to you, Yvonne.
Everybody's sorry.
You're sorry.
I'm sorry.
How can I help?
W-What do you need, Yvonne?
I wouldn't want to be a burden.
I already know there's something
wrong with me, Ms. Cora.
Keep up.
What is this place?
It's a remnant.
Before the Revolution.
Someone took great care
to preserve it all.
It's been forgotten about.
I don't think anyone knows
about this place.
Things were very different.
What's that?
It's called nursing.
It's how babies were fed.
It's unnatural.
-It...
-You won't have to do it.
W-Would you like to sit down?
"May 13th, year 4 AK.
Rumors are flying
now that the legislation
has gone into full effect.
There are tales of the Beyond,
and John thinks we should go now
before I begin showing.
I can't express how relieved
I was to hear him say it."
Everyone's afraid
of the Beyond.
There's always been talk
of the disowned being sent there
and never coming back.
But...people chose to go there.
Has anyone ever come back?
There's an overlook I like to
go to when I want to be alone.
I discovered it
when I was your age...
...with my best friend, Helena.
I've never known why,
but one day she was ordered
to leave.
Exiled.
I remember watching
from that overlook
as an enforcer marched her
across a field.
She was only allowed to bring
with her what she could carry,
and she clutched her bag
to her chest,
and it...l-looked like a baby.
I remember thinking, "Oh.
That's what it looks like
to hold a baby."
And then she was at the edge
of the field...and gone.
I went back to the overlook
every day,
watching the edge, thinking,
"Maybe today she'll come back."
Maybe she made it out there.
If it's real,
maybe that's a good thing.
You should never
have been a scorekeeper.
Huh? You're way better
at basket weaving.
Well, we all have our talents.
You make walking around with
a stick up your ass look easy.
Oh.
Thanks.
It isn't.
So, w-what do you think
would've happened
if Carl followed you here
instead of me?
He would have turned me in,
got me disowned.
Oh, yeah.
Maybe. If you're lucky.
What is this?
It's from before.
It's safe.
Yeah?
She came with me.
I did nothing -- almost
nothing -- but she came to me.
I haven't told her she's mine.
Okay. Good.
Don't.
She's -- She's asking
a lot of questions.
She's gonna wonder.
Well, don't lead her on,
and she won't, Cora.
I mean, what -- what good
is that gonna do?
It's like you said.
I'm not the only one struggling.
Natasha, Yvonne, Zinnia.
These feelings are normal.
There's nothing wrong with us.
We haven't been told the truth.
What -- What are you doing here?
What's going on?
Everything is gonna need to be
re-examined, reinterpreted.
The department
is already looking back
into Amma Kane's theorems.
My research,
my resources lecture,
it's going to prove the point.
This connection.
Contact will be made possible.
Contact will --
will be made possible.
Okay. Well, then she will have
contact when it's made possible.
But who knows how long
that will take?
Zinnia...
We don't have that time.
She'll have the baby here,
and then we leave.
I found a map to the Beyond.
I've seen the crossing point.
Someday -- Someday,
maybe we'll be able to return.
C-- That -- It's too risky.
-It's our only choice.
-No, it's not.
-It's not.
-You -- You don't understand.
No. I do understand.
It's too dangerous, Cora.
Why -- Why can't you just
trust me on this?
I did trust you.
Look where that got us.
It's beautiful.
Uh, may I?
What should I do?
How'd you guess the password?
Let me guess.
You bore this Mariam.
You ran tests to confirm.
It's what I would do
if I had your access.
Let me guess.
You're Zinnia's bearer.
And you're faking a miscarriage.
You know my secret,
and I know yours.
Can you move?
Please, Alice.
She could have contact.
Record the same cause
as the other one.
Missing chromosome.
Natural cause.
Unavoidable.
The other one?
Yvonne.
Eat.
I can't take your food,
Ms. Cora.
That's not fair.
With a miscarriage
on your record,
you won't get the extra rations.
Believe me, you'll need them.
And I found this
in the staff bin.
You'll need to cover your bump
until we leave.
I'll be fine.
Finally, a new report
from the Department of Research
finds
that keeping lights on too long
increases health risks.
In response, the Department
of Electricity issued
a lights-out recommendation
effective immediately.
Thank you, Motherland,
for protecting us.
As always, if you have a tip
for Motherland News,
we encourage you to call
the number on your screen.
Is that your Mariam?
Please don't see that so loudly.
You got what you wanted.
Don't ruin this for me.
I think we both want
the same thing.
Are you okay?
I think we could help
each other.
This is as far as it goes.
No. I think this is
just the beginning.
I'm not trying to be cruel.
We're done here.
Tangible resources.
I would like to turn now
to that of the intangibles...
...discovered
evidence suggests...
...ideas that have long since
left our lexicon...
...newly discovered evidence
suggests that we face...
...but still appear to be
essential to our well-being.
Intergenerational connection...
These are the questions
that Motherland would want --
-These are the questions...
-Intergenerational connection...
...questions that
Motherland faces.
These are the questions...
Love.
I am your bearer.
I am your mother.
Mother?
Zinnia, I am your mother.
Can I borrow your sweatshirt?
-No.
-I mean, I'm freezing.
Why can't you just give it
to me?
Because it's mine,
and I'm cold too.
You're not special anymore.
Back off.
As you may know,
Ms. Cora collapsed on her way
into class this morning.
Thankfully, Nurse Alice says
it's just a simple case
of dehydration
and she should be back
on her feet in no time.
I will be teaching
this very important lesson.
Why must the population
be evenly distributed?
Because resources must be
evenly distributed.
If a society becomes
overpopulated,
it will run out of resources.
If it's underpopulated,
it will run out of the workers
needed to maintain it.
This is why each person
must be accounted for.
Let me say that again.
This is why each person
must be accounted for.
This is what protects
our society from true poverty.
You must understand.
Before Amma Kane's system,
women were expected
to do it all,
and the result
was gross injustice.
Some children had
every resource...
...while others had none.
Nathan, Leo,
everybody can share.
No. I'm not sharing.
Hi.
Mariam, dinnertime.
Your word of the day,
"volition,"
is to continue reading
page 122 to 174
or start reading page 295
to page 304.
Zinnia, you're wanted
in the head's office.
It's difficult
to be so close to greatness
and fail to achieve it.
No one can blame you for medical
issues out of your control.
Miscarriages happen.
You seem to be doing much better
than Yvonne.
She needed the sanctuary.
I-I do not want to be a burden.
And you are not one
unless you decide to be.
That is your volition.
I don't understand.
Why would someone exercise
that volition?
Why, indeed.
But this was the main argument
that Amma Kane initially faced.
There were traitors
who questioned her system.
There were some people
who chose to reject the ideals
of Motherland
yet still demanded
equal treatment.
How could they expect
to spurn us, to burden us,
yet still be treated
as one of us?
After all, they did not
have to choose differently.
I was pregnant
when I was your age.
A very long time ago.
The system was still new.
I...I did not want to be
a mother.
This was extremely problematic.
It just...It just wasn't for me.
But my own mother --
You knew your mother?
She insisted that I give birth.
There are consequences
to every decision.
Childbirth was difficult.
I lost a lot of blood.
I had to be rushed into surgery.
I almost died giving birth.
And for what?
For my so-called mother's ideas?
How could I have raised
that child?
Where was my freedom?
Amma Kane's system saved me.
Her system restored
my freedom...
...from my mother's dictates.
And saved the child, too.
It would have been unfair
for her to be raised by me.
After that burden was taken from
me, I-I finally felt free again.
That's when I knew
I would dedicate the rest
of my life to our system.
Everyone deserves a fair
and free life.
Freedom from all, for all.
-Now and forever
-Now, forever.
I hope now we can be honest
with each other.
Let's talk about your future.
You would be a perfect fit
for a position
in the Women's Department.
It could be very bright.
Have you seen Alice today?
Thomas said she had a migraine,
needed the sanctuary for a bit.
I don't know.
Ugh.
Do you hear that?
They're gonna give me
a migraine next.
Well, have they been fed?
That's usually why babies cry.
Cora, where is
the replacement nurse?
The replacement?
Never mind.
Oh.
Access to every room.
Excuse me.
There's a young woman out front
who says she's
a replacement nurse.
Oh, good.
Finally.
Toni, Natasha is dead.
Yes.
I know.
I-I'm so sorry.
I was going to tell you today.
There was nothing they could do.
Perhaps they could have let her
out of the sanctuary.
Cora, don't be ridiculous.
The sanctuary is necessary
for recovery.
And yet no one never seems
to come out.
I have known you
your whole life.
That's why I'm coming to you.
You always passed the test.
So...
...I am putting this down
to stress,
lingering effects of your
collapse earlier this week.
The truth will come out.
We are almost through
this program.
And when it's completed,
that will promote me
to the Women's Department,
and you will take over
as head of Children's Center 8.
But neither of us will advance
if you spout crazy theories.
Take the day to rest.
Carl.
I promise you
you're gonna feel better
tomorrow.
Would you please escort Cora
back to her room?
Good night, Cora.
The Motherland
Centennial parade route
has been confirmed,
ending in Region 1 Center,
where the Department
of Construction will reveal
its newly completed statue
of Amma Kane.
It's a once-in-a-lifetime event
not to be missed,
and we'll be broadcasting it
all here.
As always, if you have a tip
for Motherland News,
we encourage you to call
the number on your screen.
I'm Genevieve.
This has been your Motherland
Nightly News for Region 8.
- Hello?
- Is this Genevieve?
No. But can I help you?
What do you have for us?
There's a conspiracy
at Children's Center 8.
Women are disappearing.
They're being eliminated.
Do you have evidence of this?
Yes.
I'll messenger it to you.
All students and staff,
please return to your rooms
immediately.
Security sweep in progress.
All must be accounted for.
It's time.
We'll go the back way
to the greenhouse,
and then we'll disappear.
All staff and students,
please remain in place.
Zinnia, they're coming.
We have to go.
I'm not going.
What?
I came here because I wanted you
to hear it from me.
I wanted you to know
it was me who told them.
What did you do?
I know you were
just trying to help me,
and so I wanted to give you
a head start.
No. No.
We have a plan.
Motherland provides
for all our needs.
And you...you have been...
c-confusing me.
No. Zinnia, Motherland
is eliminating us.
We have to leave.
We'll go,
and you can be with your baby,
out in the open, free,
free from --
-I never wanted that burden.
-Oh, but you will.
E-Everyone else has done it
just fine.
Even Toni.
Freedom from all, for all.
What is wrong with you?
There's nothing wrong with me.
I had a baby.
No.
I had a baby.
And I was never the same
after they took her from me.
I thought I was for a long time.
I thought I was okay.
But then you came to my office.
And I saw.
And everything changed.
Zinnia, I am your mother.
-We have to go.
-No.
Aah!
Okay.
We have to go.
They're outside.
They're coming.
-Zinnia --
-No. Go. Please go. Go.
-Go. Please.
-I will come back for you.
We've got her. Run! Go!
No. No.
Cora!
Cora!
W-Wait!
Where are you going?
Cora, come on.
Stop.
Where are you going?
Cora! Cora,
this struggle is pointless!
I trust you.
Where would you even go?
To the Beyond!
Oh, pure fiction.
Please. I need to know
if she's all right.
Oh, Cora.
She's being taken care of.
Mateo, Carl, please,
could you just give us a moment?
Please.
Thank you.
Please.
It's okay.
Your child is out there
somewhere.
It is not too late.
Do not put that on me.
I have always lived free.
Maybe you thought so.
But she is out there.
- No!
- Squeeze my arm. Squeeze my arm.
Deep breath in.
-One more. One more.
-I can't!
Just one last push.
She is out there.
For all you know,
it could be me.
Cora, please try to remember.
Amma Kane freed us.
And -- And Zinnia proves it!
She passed the test.
Push!
I can see the head.
I can see the head.
And push!
Push.
Can you please --
Uh, blanket. Blanket.
She's so tiny.
Uh, Myrtle, get it together.
A baby girl.
Wait. Please.
Let me see!
-Seven pounds.
-Okay.
-Twenty inches.
-Got it.
"V."
"V" for Victoria.
Wait. Wait! Wait!
-Please let me -- Wait.
-It's all right now.
Can I see her?
Ms. Myrtle,
I need to s-see my baby.
Ms. Myrtle, please.
You're free of your burden.
She isn't free.
And neither are you.
A-And you're free?
Tell me.
Tell me, Cora.
What are you free from?
The burden of Motherland.
And what does that get you?
My daughter.
I want the burden.
I want it.
Really, i-it's okay.
Please.
Just look at me.
Take some deep breaths.
-You...
-You'll start to feel better.
Y-You can't have my baby.
Ms. Myrtle, she needs me.
Please.
We'll get to have your life
again...
-No.
-...work placement.
I don't care about that!
We'll get you your pills
in one moment.
No. No.
No.
Please. Please.
We must remember what's at stake
for the children.
Motherland allows children
to be raised free from us
-so that --
-Just one time. Just one time.
I want to hold her.
Just one -- Just one time.
I know.
But to allow one child
that experience
would be grossly unfair.
We must not be selfish.
Your daughter belongs
to Motherland, and so do you.
No one belongs to Motherland.
Now and forever.
Cora!
God.
Hey.
Zinnia.
Zinnia.
Hey.
Come on, baby.
Conspiracy
at Children's Center 8.
A young woman named Zinnia
who was poised to take
her final pledge
and enter into Motherland
society was found murdered.
The perpetrator --
a trusted counselor.
Sources tell us
the woman's name is Cora.
We are also told that she was
the last person to be seen
with two other women
who were reported missing
just days before this murder,
one of whom
was the center's nurse.
Their bodies have yet
to be recovered.
With us now is the woman
who knew Cora best,
head of Children's Center 8
and newly promoted director
of population growth
at Motherland's
Women's Department.
Welcome, Toni.
Thank you, Genevieve.
Uh, as you have
so diligently reported,
Motherland has been tracking
a series of disappearances
just in the past
several months.
I think it is safe to say
that we...
we have found the culprit.
And even more nefarious
is the so-called evidence
she actually mailed in
to us here.
Now, we've had experts examine
the records,
and they report back to us
that they are forged.
That she intended on
framing you,
one of our esteemed leaders,
as the actual culprit --
What kind of person
would do this?
I believe she was a dissident
at the deepest level,
intending to...
indoctrinate the children
of Motherland,
which is -- which is
just absolutely terrifying.
The evidence indicates
that Cora was manipulating
this girl for months,
poisoning her mind
with crazy theories.
We found notes that indicated
she had some
very dangerous ideas,
ideas which it appeared
she intended to bring
right into the classroom.
Well, she certainly intended
on convincing this girl Zinnia
and perhaps others
to burden themselves and others
by refusing to present
the babies to Motherland.
I...
What do you make of this,
Toni?
Her intent
was the complete destruction
of our ideals --
and in the centennial year
of the Revolution, no less.
I-I really think now,
Genevieve, more than ever,
it is important
that we preserve the vision
of Amma Kane.
Freedom from all, for all.
Now and forever.
Now and forever.
Zack!
Boys aren't allowed here!
You know that!
Wyatt, go! Now!
- Come on! Now!
- Come on. Let's go.
Girls-only section!
You know better!
Attention, students and staff.
Please return to your rooms.
Center doors will be closing
imminently.
Good news
for the coming winter.
The Department of Food
and Drink has confirmed
that this year's crops
have come in
and all quotas per capita
have been exceeded.
All over the country,
transportation has begun.
The sustenance workers are
headed back into the cities,
and distribution will be
on schedule this year.
And now for the results
of yesterday's poll question.
Has your overall satisfaction
increased
or remained the same
over the past month?
You voted, and we listened.
The results show a 13% increase
in satisfaction.
Congratulations, Motherland.
If you have a tip
for Motherland News,
we encourage you to call
the number on your screen.
Work placements, promotions,
and changes will take place
at the end
of the summer months.
Motherland is pleased
to report
that She has
greatly streamlined
the operating systems
of every major industry.
I'm Genevieve,
and this has been
your Motherland Nightly News
for Region 8.
As the center nurse,
it is imperative --
imperative --
that I have access
to all of the children's
dorm rooms.
Alice, if --
if it were imperative,
then Toni would have given you
access, okay?
Come on.
Come on.
We -- We all have access
to the rooms
where we're supposed to do
our jobs properly, okay?
And how do you expect me
to do my job prop--
Then -- Then take it up
with Toni.
Oh.
Ms. Cora, can I speak with you?
It's imperative.
Motherland's word of the day.
I have an opening today at 3:00.
Don't be late
or that word is pointless.
Thank you, Ms. Cora.
This is Toni, head
of Children's Center Region 8,
returning your call
regarding numbers.
Uh, I'm always, uh, always eager
to assist the Women's Department
in whatever way I can, sir.
I'm actually very grateful
to have the opportunity.
So I await, uh, details
at your convenience.
Thank you so much.
What have you got for me?
This year's honor roll.
I was expecting --
hoping for one more
on our honor roll this year.
Let's see.
N-- I...
What about this one?
Zinnia. One point shy,
even with today's word.
Really?
Ah -- Oh, yes.
Left pencil shavings
in the grass.
Perhaps you could find
one more point somewhere.
The score is the score.
You passed the test -- again.
Congratulations
on our centennial anniversary,
Motherland.
We are celebrating
a successful 100 years
of Amma Kane's
comprehensive theorem,
which provides for
all her children's needs,
from food to clothing
to shelter.
Our beloved system eliminated
pre-Revolution disparities
caused by marriage
and parenthood.
To mark
this momentous occasion,
there will be special events
at the Children's Center,
where Amma Kane's plan
for each of us begins.
From birth,
the Children's Center raises
and educates each child
until they take the official
pledge of citizenship
in their 20th year.
Our students learn
Amma Kane freed us
from being burdens to others
and bearing burdens
from others,
especially liberating
our young women.
I like being a woman, and I was
always looking forward to it.
Hear that, scorekeepers?
She passed the test.
Freedom from all, for all,
now and forever.
Natasha, you're back.
We've been shorthanded
without you.
You must be relieved
that's all over.
It's great to have you back.
Thanks.
Must have swiped after midnight
at the department.
We've all been there.
Thanks.
It's imperative that I get
my coffee in the morning.
Those go down better with food.
I used to take mine
with breakfast.
Good idea.
She continued drawing,
and she must have become
distracted or something.
You didn't pick it up?
It wasn't my litter.
I shouldn't lose points
just because I have a keen eye.
-It's not fair.
-Certainly not.
I really cannot afford
a work placement in the laundry.
-It just doesn't make sense.
-Thank you, Willa.
That's all for today.
I swear I was here
at 3:00 p.m. exactly.
But I didn't want to burden you
with an interruption,
and so I debated
the pros and cons, and I --
I know, Zinnia.
I have not deducted points.
So, it's my Pledge Year,
and I'm really hoping
to get placed
at the Women's Department.
But I know that I need to make
honor roll to have a shot at it.
Are you asking
for advance notice?
-N-No.
-Or to boost your rankings?
I would never ask that.
Of course not.
I'm not accusing you.
I just thought maybe there
was something extra I could do.
Anything at all.
Zinnia, I know how much you want
the department placement,
but the rankings are not
up to me or anyone else.
We simply record the data.
We don't create it.
I've been using
the word of the day every day --
sometimes multiple usages.
I spent all day Sunday
cleaning the women's quarters,
and I painted the new murals
in the gym locker rooms.
I have recorded all of this,
Zinnia.
Answer me this.
Are you free
from unjust expectations?
Because burdening Motherland
with these kinds of --
You...
Y-Your, um...
What?
Oh. Oh.
I've had that forever.
No!
Please!
Please.
No!
She has the birthmark.
-I don't see it.
-She keeps it covered.
You have to see it
from the right angle.
Your daughter?
Come on.
Mateo, report
to the assembly room.
I can't believe it.
She never should have ended up
in Region 8.
W-We can't make contact.
I know that.
I'm not delusional.
It wouldn't be fair.
Yeah. Exactly.
It wouldn't be fair.
Well...
She...showed extra initiative.
Excellent.
Good morning, everyone.
Happy Saturday.
Well, I won't keep you
in suspense.
The Women's Department
has confirmed
that we are in
sharp population decline.
What does that have to do
with us?
We're a Children's Center.
It has everything to do with us.
We don't make them.
We just raise them.
If we do not replace
ourselves in the population,
we are projected to die out
in some decades.
Fortunately,
the Women's Department
has designed
a new pilot program.
- ...now and forever.
- They are calling it
the Population Growth Program.
One hundred years ago,
Amma Kane made history
with the most important
legislation
of anyone's lifetime.
It was decreed that upon birth,
all newborns would be presented
to the Children's Center
to be raised by the Motherland,
ensuring for the children
fruitful lives
and freeing the mothers
from disparate burdens.
It makes sense, actually.
The theorem expounds upon what
happens after the child is born,
but it says nothing about
where the babies are made.
As long as we are still free
to enjoy each other as we wish,
a more targeted program
is a good idea.
Up to today,
generational replacement
in our population
has been left to chance.
This seems an absurd premise.
How did we fall for it?
Yvonne, how did we fall for it?
We were burdened with a...
bad idea?
Not quite.
Um...Zinnia.
A bad understanding.
Precisely.
Scholars have recently
discovered that Amma Kane
did not immediately implement
the last part of her system.
And we will initiate
generational replacement
of the population as the
Kane Theorem was meant to be.
We're resorting to f-force?
What would Amma Kane say?
Her theorem was clear.
Nobody is being forced.
You girls will be
the first Pledge Year
to replace yourselves
in the population.
This opportunity will be open
to all students
who have made the honor roll.
If we are successful,
the program will roll out
across all regions.
Yvonne.
Please.
Sign in.
Excellent.
Zack.
Very good.
Wyatt.
Uma.
Wanda.
Congratulations.
-Zinnia.
-Yay!
Yes, Zinnia.
Please sign.
And William.
Very good.
Thank you all.
What a momentous day.
They took the baby away so fast.
I didn't even get to know
if it was a boy or a girl.
I begged them.
I begged them to know.
After the trauma of a birth,
a woman's hormones
can go haywire.
It's an unfair burden,
but the pills should help.
Fair.
They kept telling me
how fair it all was.
How many of these do I have to
take for it to become fair?
It's all so new for you.
Do you think you could help me
with something?
Toni wants them
paired up in advance
to keep the process --
How long did it take...
...for things to go back
to normal for you?
I don't remember.
These two look nice together.
They look like siblings.
I'll be right back.
What do you got for me?
Nothing yet.
I need the birth records.
Why?
What ever for?
I need to know who the bearers
and donors are for each student.
There's a danger of inbreeding
otherwise.
Ah.
I just want my baby.
I got it. Come on. Easy.
-All right. Easy.
-No!
-Easy.
-I just want my baby!
I just want to see!
Cora.
- Cora...
- Cora.
...help me.
Help me.
- Help her!
- No. No, no.
No.
No, no!
- No!
- Help her.
No! No!
No.
No. No.
- No. No!
- Hold her. Hold her.
No. Cora.
Cora.
- Hold her.
- No!
There's something
wrong with you.
All right.
All right.
Now...
quickly before any student sees,
just take her to rest.
- Yeah.
- Carl...
-Okay.
-...take her to the sanctuary.
- One, two, three. Go.
- All right. Good.
Well done, Cora.
W-Will she be gone long?
Well...recovery can't be rushed.
Now...
Listen.
You don't need any more records.
The department will sign off
on your pairings
as soon as you're finished.
Attention.
All classes will be canceled
next Friday.
Staff are required to assist
the Women's Department
with the Population
Growth Program.
-Oh, Ms. Cora.
-Yes. Zinnia. What is it?
I...I hope I wasn't too much
of a burden the other day.
I've been working on
what we talked about.
You don't have to do it.
The new program.
Of course I do.
This is going to clinch
the Women's Department placement
for me.
Zack, leave your sample
in the room.
Get away.
That's not possible.
I'm sorry, Zinnia.
These were your results.
Did you talk with Nurse Alice
about this?
I did.
This is from her report.
Hormonal imbalance.
No follicles detected.
Bad candidate.
Status -- infertile.
I know this is a shock.
But try to see the positive.
You'll still receive points
for accepting the mission
to Motherland.
Okay.
I have to go.
We'll discuss next steps
tonight.
Now, go ahead and get undressed.
Okay, Ms. Alice.
And whenever you're ready,
move your hips down as low
as you can.
You'll feel a little pressure.
Okay, Ms. Alice.
What's going on?
I thought Zinnia was a no-go.
-There was no sample for her.
-Not in the office.
But thankfully, I already put
the secondary samples
in the surgical refrigerator.
Zinnia thought
she was out of the program.
She's clearly confused.
...and to protect Motherland
from all that dare encroach
upon her...
...who provides a fair
and just society.
Freedom from all, for all,
now and forever.
Zinnia,
please report to Nurse Alice
for your eight-week ultrasound.
Oh!
Oh!
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry!
Zinnia, immediately report
to Nurse Alice
for your eight-week ultrasound.
No, no, no.
Just -- Just leave it.
Leave it.
It's fine.
Go.
Lift up your shirt.
This may be a bit cold.
Is everything okay?
Perfectly normal.
I'm sorry.
I swear I wasn't --
You wouldn't be able to
understand it if you saw anyway.
-We're specially trained for it.
-Of course. That makes sense.
I understand perfectly.
Though it's been said
an informed society...
...is a good society.
Yeah. Thomas says that
in class all the time.
Thomas has been saying that
for a long time.
It wouldn't be fair
to have an experience
that the others did not.
Plus one more for Motherland.
Did I pass?
Perfectly.
Some rest
while others work late.
Have you heard from Natasha?
No.
Have you?
No.
Look.
She's fine.
She's in the sanctuary.
Probably just languishing
in her lack of responsibility.
Would have been better
if she had just miscarried.
Right?
Good news, Motherland.
To celebrate
the centennial anniversary,
expect your ration packets
to increase
from a sensible two meals
to a sensible three meals a day
for the rest of the month.
I'm Genevieve,
and this has been
your Motherland Nightly News
for Region 8.
Did you get another
chocolate folic bar?
Yeah.
Do you want it?
I'll trade you
my strawberry for it.
At this point,
you should just start each day
by switching rations.
We're trading for them.
We're being fair.
I've had too many chocolate ones
anyway.
It's a good deal.
- Baby names.
- What's that?
I found it on the floor there.
Look.
The name Rose is circled.
You're not supposed to
name them.
Okay. How would you know?
You're not even in the program.
Besides, don't we get
top three choices,
like with work placements?
And why would they do that?
Motherland picks
each child's name
-after careful consideration.
-Yeah.
You don't need to worry
about it anyway, right?
Mm.
Thanks.
Now, it is important
that we guide the students
through this new stage
in Amma Kane's system.
To this end,
I have written up four lectures.
You each will take one topic.
Everything you need to know
is there.
We will do these
one every three months,
starting with Alice
in prenatal care,
Thomas with re-examining
Amma Kane,
Myrtle on the mechanism
of birthing,
and lastly, on the importance
of population numbers
and resources, Cora.
But I'm not a teacher.
Well, with Natasha laid up
in the sanctuary,
I need you to step up.
Zinnia,
center doors are closing.
-Sorry, Ms. Cora.
-You're not late yet. Hurry up.
Line up!
Line up.
Let today's trivia begin.
Line up. New water bottles
for the winners.
How many departments make up
Motherland's central system?
-Nine.
-Correct.
To your reward.
When Amma Kane first proposed
her theorem,
it was to solve
what specific problems?
The problems of childcare
and motherhood.
Correct.
In what year
did Amma Kane pass away?
Hint --
Our current Head of Center
was only 10 years old
at the time.
Year 36 AK.
Year 35 AK.
Very close.
Yes.
That's what I said.
Right?
To the back of the line.
It's fine.
How much
did female happiness improve
with the implementation
of the Women's Department?
By 71%.
Correct.
What are three other burdens
that Motherland frees us from?
Freedom from harm,
freedom from poverty,
freedom from each other.
Correct.
Stay hydrated.
Thanks.
How's it going?
All I want to do
is eat salty food.
- Really?
- Oh!
Uh...
Um, is this okay?
Is this okay?
Is this oka--
Did you see that?
Is it o-- Um...
Is this --
Is she...
Is she, uh -- Is --
Is -- Is she gonna be okay?
What were you thinking, Cora?
I mean, are you trying to
get disowned?
-What are you doing?
-No. No. Of course not.
I told you -- I told you...
I told you not to get involved.
I was trying to protect
my daughter.
How?
How are you protecting her?
In what reality, Cora?
You put her in danger, okay?
You put two girls in danger.
And she made a choice,
and you tried to take that away
from her.
I had no other option.
I don't know what to do now.
Nothing. You do --
You do absolutely nothing.
That is so easy for you to say.
You're just down here.
You're disconnected.
I am out there with her.
I cannot watch her
go through that.
I can't let it happen.
I...
It's okay.
Y-You know, you're not
the only one struggling here.
It's almost time to announce
this year's work placements,
Motherland.
Scorekeepers are tabulating
the data.
Students in their final year
will soon learn
if they've earned enough points
to land their dream jobs.
I'm Genevieve,
and this has been
your Motherland Nightly News
for Region 8.
I bet you'll still be
in the top percentile.
So I'm sure you'll get whatever
work placement you want.
I don't care about that.
Right.
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry, Yvonne.
I guess I just...
I don't know what to say or do.
No one does.
I-I miss her.
I miss Rose.
Careful,
'cause it's about to fall apart.
It's on its last leg.
Thomas is gonna be pissed.
Not if he doesn't find out.
Come on.
Let's try this thing out.
Over here.
Oh, man.
Go get it.
Come on.
We're gonna get in trouble.
I'm not going.
You can't leave it there.
I'm not gonna get in trouble
for this. You kicked it.
I'm not going
into the danger zone.
- We'll get caught.
- Yes, you will.
It exists.
Congratulations to all.
We have passed the halfway mark.
In four short months, we'll have
absolutely beautiful births,
and we will pledge
the incoming class.
Myrtle is next
in our lecture series,
and I believe that is all.
Thank you.
What are you two up to tonight?
Need any company?
What do you think?
Okay.
What about you, Cora?
I have to prepare
my resources lecture.
Prepare what?
All the info is on the sheet.
Uh, not all of us
are natural public speakers.
Or teachers.
Please. Let me out.
I never thought to try before.
I'm sorry for what happened
to you, Yvonne.
Everybody's sorry.
You're sorry.
I'm sorry.
How can I help?
W-What do you need, Yvonne?
I wouldn't want to be a burden.
I already know there's something
wrong with me, Ms. Cora.
Keep up.
What is this place?
It's a remnant.
Before the Revolution.
Someone took great care
to preserve it all.
It's been forgotten about.
I don't think anyone knows
about this place.
Things were very different.
What's that?
It's called nursing.
It's how babies were fed.
It's unnatural.
-It...
-You won't have to do it.
W-Would you like to sit down?
"May 13th, year 4 AK.
Rumors are flying
now that the legislation
has gone into full effect.
There are tales of the Beyond,
and John thinks we should go now
before I begin showing.
I can't express how relieved
I was to hear him say it."
Everyone's afraid
of the Beyond.
There's always been talk
of the disowned being sent there
and never coming back.
But...people chose to go there.
Has anyone ever come back?
There's an overlook I like to
go to when I want to be alone.
I discovered it
when I was your age...
...with my best friend, Helena.
I've never known why,
but one day she was ordered
to leave.
Exiled.
I remember watching
from that overlook
as an enforcer marched her
across a field.
She was only allowed to bring
with her what she could carry,
and she clutched her bag
to her chest,
and it...l-looked like a baby.
I remember thinking, "Oh.
That's what it looks like
to hold a baby."
And then she was at the edge
of the field...and gone.
I went back to the overlook
every day,
watching the edge, thinking,
"Maybe today she'll come back."
Maybe she made it out there.
If it's real,
maybe that's a good thing.
You should never
have been a scorekeeper.
Huh? You're way better
at basket weaving.
Well, we all have our talents.
You make walking around with
a stick up your ass look easy.
Oh.
Thanks.
It isn't.
So, w-what do you think
would've happened
if Carl followed you here
instead of me?
He would have turned me in,
got me disowned.
Oh, yeah.
Maybe. If you're lucky.
What is this?
It's from before.
It's safe.
Yeah?
She came with me.
I did nothing -- almost
nothing -- but she came to me.
I haven't told her she's mine.
Okay. Good.
Don't.
She's -- She's asking
a lot of questions.
She's gonna wonder.
Well, don't lead her on,
and she won't, Cora.
I mean, what -- what good
is that gonna do?
It's like you said.
I'm not the only one struggling.
Natasha, Yvonne, Zinnia.
These feelings are normal.
There's nothing wrong with us.
We haven't been told the truth.
What -- What are you doing here?
What's going on?
Everything is gonna need to be
re-examined, reinterpreted.
The department
is already looking back
into Amma Kane's theorems.
My research,
my resources lecture,
it's going to prove the point.
This connection.
Contact will be made possible.
Contact will --
will be made possible.
Okay. Well, then she will have
contact when it's made possible.
But who knows how long
that will take?
Zinnia...
We don't have that time.
She'll have the baby here,
and then we leave.
I found a map to the Beyond.
I've seen the crossing point.
Someday -- Someday,
maybe we'll be able to return.
C-- That -- It's too risky.
-It's our only choice.
-No, it's not.
-It's not.
-You -- You don't understand.
No. I do understand.
It's too dangerous, Cora.
Why -- Why can't you just
trust me on this?
I did trust you.
Look where that got us.
It's beautiful.
Uh, may I?
What should I do?
How'd you guess the password?
Let me guess.
You bore this Mariam.
You ran tests to confirm.
It's what I would do
if I had your access.
Let me guess.
You're Zinnia's bearer.
And you're faking a miscarriage.
You know my secret,
and I know yours.
Can you move?
Please, Alice.
She could have contact.
Record the same cause
as the other one.
Missing chromosome.
Natural cause.
Unavoidable.
The other one?
Yvonne.
Eat.
I can't take your food,
Ms. Cora.
That's not fair.
With a miscarriage
on your record,
you won't get the extra rations.
Believe me, you'll need them.
And I found this
in the staff bin.
You'll need to cover your bump
until we leave.
I'll be fine.
Finally, a new report
from the Department of Research
finds
that keeping lights on too long
increases health risks.
In response, the Department
of Electricity issued
a lights-out recommendation
effective immediately.
Thank you, Motherland,
for protecting us.
As always, if you have a tip
for Motherland News,
we encourage you to call
the number on your screen.
Is that your Mariam?
Please don't see that so loudly.
You got what you wanted.
Don't ruin this for me.
I think we both want
the same thing.
Are you okay?
I think we could help
each other.
This is as far as it goes.
No. I think this is
just the beginning.
I'm not trying to be cruel.
We're done here.
Tangible resources.
I would like to turn now
to that of the intangibles...
...discovered
evidence suggests...
...ideas that have long since
left our lexicon...
...newly discovered evidence
suggests that we face...
...but still appear to be
essential to our well-being.
Intergenerational connection...
These are the questions
that Motherland would want --
-These are the questions...
-Intergenerational connection...
...questions that
Motherland faces.
These are the questions...
Love.
I am your bearer.
I am your mother.
Mother?
Zinnia, I am your mother.
Can I borrow your sweatshirt?
-No.
-I mean, I'm freezing.
Why can't you just give it
to me?
Because it's mine,
and I'm cold too.
You're not special anymore.
Back off.
As you may know,
Ms. Cora collapsed on her way
into class this morning.
Thankfully, Nurse Alice says
it's just a simple case
of dehydration
and she should be back
on her feet in no time.
I will be teaching
this very important lesson.
Why must the population
be evenly distributed?
Because resources must be
evenly distributed.
If a society becomes
overpopulated,
it will run out of resources.
If it's underpopulated,
it will run out of the workers
needed to maintain it.
This is why each person
must be accounted for.
Let me say that again.
This is why each person
must be accounted for.
This is what protects
our society from true poverty.
You must understand.
Before Amma Kane's system,
women were expected
to do it all,
and the result
was gross injustice.
Some children had
every resource...
...while others had none.
Nathan, Leo,
everybody can share.
No. I'm not sharing.
Hi.
Mariam, dinnertime.
Your word of the day,
"volition,"
is to continue reading
page 122 to 174
or start reading page 295
to page 304.
Zinnia, you're wanted
in the head's office.
It's difficult
to be so close to greatness
and fail to achieve it.
No one can blame you for medical
issues out of your control.
Miscarriages happen.
You seem to be doing much better
than Yvonne.
She needed the sanctuary.
I-I do not want to be a burden.
And you are not one
unless you decide to be.
That is your volition.
I don't understand.
Why would someone exercise
that volition?
Why, indeed.
But this was the main argument
that Amma Kane initially faced.
There were traitors
who questioned her system.
There were some people
who chose to reject the ideals
of Motherland
yet still demanded
equal treatment.
How could they expect
to spurn us, to burden us,
yet still be treated
as one of us?
After all, they did not
have to choose differently.
I was pregnant
when I was your age.
A very long time ago.
The system was still new.
I...I did not want to be
a mother.
This was extremely problematic.
It just...It just wasn't for me.
But my own mother --
You knew your mother?
She insisted that I give birth.
There are consequences
to every decision.
Childbirth was difficult.
I lost a lot of blood.
I had to be rushed into surgery.
I almost died giving birth.
And for what?
For my so-called mother's ideas?
How could I have raised
that child?
Where was my freedom?
Amma Kane's system saved me.
Her system restored
my freedom...
...from my mother's dictates.
And saved the child, too.
It would have been unfair
for her to be raised by me.
After that burden was taken from
me, I-I finally felt free again.
That's when I knew
I would dedicate the rest
of my life to our system.
Everyone deserves a fair
and free life.
Freedom from all, for all.
-Now and forever
-Now, forever.
I hope now we can be honest
with each other.
Let's talk about your future.
You would be a perfect fit
for a position
in the Women's Department.
It could be very bright.
Have you seen Alice today?
Thomas said she had a migraine,
needed the sanctuary for a bit.
I don't know.
Ugh.
Do you hear that?
They're gonna give me
a migraine next.
Well, have they been fed?
That's usually why babies cry.
Cora, where is
the replacement nurse?
The replacement?
Never mind.
Oh.
Access to every room.
Excuse me.
There's a young woman out front
who says she's
a replacement nurse.
Oh, good.
Finally.
Toni, Natasha is dead.
Yes.
I know.
I-I'm so sorry.
I was going to tell you today.
There was nothing they could do.
Perhaps they could have let her
out of the sanctuary.
Cora, don't be ridiculous.
The sanctuary is necessary
for recovery.
And yet no one never seems
to come out.
I have known you
your whole life.
That's why I'm coming to you.
You always passed the test.
So...
...I am putting this down
to stress,
lingering effects of your
collapse earlier this week.
The truth will come out.
We are almost through
this program.
And when it's completed,
that will promote me
to the Women's Department,
and you will take over
as head of Children's Center 8.
But neither of us will advance
if you spout crazy theories.
Take the day to rest.
Carl.
I promise you
you're gonna feel better
tomorrow.
Would you please escort Cora
back to her room?
Good night, Cora.
The Motherland
Centennial parade route
has been confirmed,
ending in Region 1 Center,
where the Department
of Construction will reveal
its newly completed statue
of Amma Kane.
It's a once-in-a-lifetime event
not to be missed,
and we'll be broadcasting it
all here.
As always, if you have a tip
for Motherland News,
we encourage you to call
the number on your screen.
I'm Genevieve.
This has been your Motherland
Nightly News for Region 8.
- Hello?
- Is this Genevieve?
No. But can I help you?
What do you have for us?
There's a conspiracy
at Children's Center 8.
Women are disappearing.
They're being eliminated.
Do you have evidence of this?
Yes.
I'll messenger it to you.
All students and staff,
please return to your rooms
immediately.
Security sweep in progress.
All must be accounted for.
It's time.
We'll go the back way
to the greenhouse,
and then we'll disappear.
All staff and students,
please remain in place.
Zinnia, they're coming.
We have to go.
I'm not going.
What?
I came here because I wanted you
to hear it from me.
I wanted you to know
it was me who told them.
What did you do?
I know you were
just trying to help me,
and so I wanted to give you
a head start.
No. No.
We have a plan.
Motherland provides
for all our needs.
And you...you have been...
c-confusing me.
No. Zinnia, Motherland
is eliminating us.
We have to leave.
We'll go,
and you can be with your baby,
out in the open, free,
free from --
-I never wanted that burden.
-Oh, but you will.
E-Everyone else has done it
just fine.
Even Toni.
Freedom from all, for all.
What is wrong with you?
There's nothing wrong with me.
I had a baby.
No.
I had a baby.
And I was never the same
after they took her from me.
I thought I was for a long time.
I thought I was okay.
But then you came to my office.
And I saw.
And everything changed.
Zinnia, I am your mother.
-We have to go.
-No.
Aah!
Okay.
We have to go.
They're outside.
They're coming.
-Zinnia --
-No. Go. Please go. Go.
-Go. Please.
-I will come back for you.
We've got her. Run! Go!
No. No.
Cora!
Cora!
W-Wait!
Where are you going?
Cora, come on.
Stop.
Where are you going?
Cora! Cora,
this struggle is pointless!
I trust you.
Where would you even go?
To the Beyond!
Oh, pure fiction.
Please. I need to know
if she's all right.
Oh, Cora.
She's being taken care of.
Mateo, Carl, please,
could you just give us a moment?
Please.
Thank you.
Please.
It's okay.
Your child is out there
somewhere.
It is not too late.
Do not put that on me.
I have always lived free.
Maybe you thought so.
But she is out there.
- No!
- Squeeze my arm. Squeeze my arm.
Deep breath in.
-One more. One more.
-I can't!
Just one last push.
She is out there.
For all you know,
it could be me.
Cora, please try to remember.
Amma Kane freed us.
And -- And Zinnia proves it!
She passed the test.
Push!
I can see the head.
I can see the head.
And push!
Push.
Can you please --
Uh, blanket. Blanket.
She's so tiny.
Uh, Myrtle, get it together.
A baby girl.
Wait. Please.
Let me see!
-Seven pounds.
-Okay.
-Twenty inches.
-Got it.
"V."
"V" for Victoria.
Wait. Wait! Wait!
-Please let me -- Wait.
-It's all right now.
Can I see her?
Ms. Myrtle,
I need to s-see my baby.
Ms. Myrtle, please.
You're free of your burden.
She isn't free.
And neither are you.
A-And you're free?
Tell me.
Tell me, Cora.
What are you free from?
The burden of Motherland.
And what does that get you?
My daughter.
I want the burden.
I want it.
Really, i-it's okay.
Please.
Just look at me.
Take some deep breaths.
-You...
-You'll start to feel better.
Y-You can't have my baby.
Ms. Myrtle, she needs me.
Please.
We'll get to have your life
again...
-No.
-...work placement.
I don't care about that!
We'll get you your pills
in one moment.
No. No.
No.
Please. Please.
We must remember what's at stake
for the children.
Motherland allows children
to be raised free from us
-so that --
-Just one time. Just one time.
I want to hold her.
Just one -- Just one time.
I know.
But to allow one child
that experience
would be grossly unfair.
We must not be selfish.
Your daughter belongs
to Motherland, and so do you.
No one belongs to Motherland.
Now and forever.
Cora!
God.
Hey.
Zinnia.
Zinnia.
Hey.
Come on, baby.
Conspiracy
at Children's Center 8.
A young woman named Zinnia
who was poised to take
her final pledge
and enter into Motherland
society was found murdered.
The perpetrator --
a trusted counselor.
Sources tell us
the woman's name is Cora.
We are also told that she was
the last person to be seen
with two other women
who were reported missing
just days before this murder,
one of whom
was the center's nurse.
Their bodies have yet
to be recovered.
With us now is the woman
who knew Cora best,
head of Children's Center 8
and newly promoted director
of population growth
at Motherland's
Women's Department.
Welcome, Toni.
Thank you, Genevieve.
Uh, as you have
so diligently reported,
Motherland has been tracking
a series of disappearances
just in the past
several months.
I think it is safe to say
that we...
we have found the culprit.
And even more nefarious
is the so-called evidence
she actually mailed in
to us here.
Now, we've had experts examine
the records,
and they report back to us
that they are forged.
That she intended on
framing you,
one of our esteemed leaders,
as the actual culprit --
What kind of person
would do this?
I believe she was a dissident
at the deepest level,
intending to...
indoctrinate the children
of Motherland,
which is -- which is
just absolutely terrifying.
The evidence indicates
that Cora was manipulating
this girl for months,
poisoning her mind
with crazy theories.
We found notes that indicated
she had some
very dangerous ideas,
ideas which it appeared
she intended to bring
right into the classroom.
Well, she certainly intended
on convincing this girl Zinnia
and perhaps others
to burden themselves and others
by refusing to present
the babies to Motherland.
I...
What do you make of this,
Toni?
Her intent
was the complete destruction
of our ideals --
and in the centennial year
of the Revolution, no less.
I-I really think now,
Genevieve, more than ever,
it is important
that we preserve the vision
of Amma Kane.
Freedom from all, for all.
Now and forever.
Now and forever.