Utopia Falls

They say time is the greatest thief,

because it's forever stealing the past.

First the details, then the memories,

till all we have left are the distant echoes of what was.

We've all heard the stories.

Of how ambition gave rise to technologies

that offered ease and comfort,

but at the price of dependence and conflict.

Of how the lights of civilization

were scattered across the world,

until the Great Flash sent everything dark.

And of the Surface Wars

that poisoned the earth's atmosphere,

forcing its survivors underground

for hundreds of years...

until they rose to rebuild and start anew...

here in New Babyl...

where we all work in harmony.

No one wants for food or work or sense of community.

Regardless of your ancestry, age or gender,

everyone has a purpose.

For state, for community,

for all.

For state, for community, for all.

Some citizens work the land,

cultivating and harvesting plant and insect life

for medicinal purposes,

as well as providing nourishment

for the entire colony.

While others work with those

who transgress against the state,

to help rehabilitate them back into society.

But the youth of New Babyl

have the most important duty of all.

We train our whole lives

so that we can honor our founders through performance

in the city's most prestigious competition:

the Exemplar.

Our society strives to create a better future

while being ever‐mindful of the mistakes of the past.

We may not remember, but we are all aware

of the dangers of technology when used for personal benefit

instead of the common good.

This was the legacy of our founder Gaia,

who led the last of humanity out of the darkness

and into the light.

And we all take comfort knowing that our leaders, the Tribunal,

watch over us.

While our protectors, the Authority,

keep us safe and secure.

The past is what we've been told,

but the present is what we know.

And someday, what you know

will help shape future generations to come.

Any questions?

‐ In the wise words of our great founder Gaia,

make it your mission to find passion in your profession.

Hi, Aliyah, good luck.

Thank you.

‐ Hey, Aliyah. ‐ Hi.

‐ Tonight, citizens,

the Exemplar kicks off

with the selection of the 24 candidates

who will compete in this year's tournament.

Be sure to come out to your public square,

and support your local candidates.

Good day, citizens.

Go forth and find...

‐ How you doing, José?

My man.

‐ Hey. Hey, Bohdi.

Dawson. Good luck today.

‐ Bohdi. Come.

I have something for you.

‐ No, really, Miss Lara?

‐ No, I can't. ‐ Ah.

It's on the house for the local celebrity.

‐ Honestly, just save it for a paying customer.

I don't feel right accepting anything.

‐ That looks delicious!

‐ Ah, another for my Mags.

‐ Really?

‐ I'm making the most of my window of opportunity here.

And so should you.

Do I have to point out that, every year,

the selection committee never picks more than one candidate

from Reform Sector?

That means your window's about to close.

‐ Or your window.

‐ Why so negative?

Extra sauce, please.

‐ Mm‐ hm. ‐ Thank you.

‐ Thank you, Miss Lara.

Boys.

‐ Good luck to you both.

‐ Oh, here we go.

Bohdi. Magnus.

‐ Authority Taggart. ‐ Authority Taggart.

‐ Big day for you two. I'm sure you must be excited.

‐ Oh, most definitely.

‐ For once I don't have to worry what you're up to.

‐ So it's a big day for you too.

‐

There are a lot of people around here excited for you.

You know what either one of you getting into the Exemplar

would mean to this community?

‐ We do. ‐ I hope so.

You've got an opportunity to do some real good here,

represent the best of Reform Sector,

show all of New Babyl everyone deserves a second chance.

‐ Yes, sir.

‐ All right. I'm pulling for you.

Both of you.

‐ Wait, wasn't one of those mine?

‐ See how fast that window closes?

‐ Be gentle with those, Pat.

‐ Sage, what are you doing?

I'm just harvesting the grubs.

‐ Revised quotas require a new harvesting system.

We agreed, left to right. Left to right.

‐ But Gran Chyra said that I should‐‐

‐ Gran Chyra just celebrated her 66th year.

She tends to get a little foggy.

I'll handle the harvest.

You should head out to witness the Exemplar announcements.

‐ Gran, we don't even know if I'll get chosen.

‐ Of course you will, child.

From the day we first saw you dance,

we knew you were destined.

‐ But what if I'm not?

What if my name isn't called?

‐ Then know that you'll continue to be loved

and flourish here in Nature Sector.

And if you're not chosen, it can only mean two things:

First, that your Gran Riel was wrong.

And second, that you're probably dreaming,

because your Gran Riel is never wrong.

Now go on. Have fun.

‐ No, Gran, it's okay.

I'd like to stay here and finish up.

‐ All right, you stay and finish.

But make sure I see a full harvest when I get back.

‐ Yes, ma'am.

Child, what are you doing?

‐ Harvesting.

Left to right. Gran Riel just said‐‐

‐ Gran Riel is two months short her 64th year.

Her mind isn't what it used to be.

We just agreed on a new system: top to bottom.

Remember that all are equal...

‐ Good luck, Aliyah. ‐ Thanks.

Injustice and equality have been vanquished

by our glorious state, where today,

the strong persevere and succeed as one.

Careful.

If my girlfriend catches us, we'll both be in big trouble.

Oh, you have a girlfriend now?

Congratulations, Tempo. Does she know?

Well, you'd think after a ten‐ year friendship

she'd get the hint, but she's a little slow.

Oh, you think you're funny?

Good day, citizens of New Babyl.

It is with immense pride that I address you as your chancellor

on the anniversary of our great city's founding

and the launch of the 73rd Exemplar.

Once every year,

this competition unites us in common purpose:

to crown a new cultural ambassador

who will represent the very best of who we are

and what we aspire to:

strength and prosperity,

through shared sacrifice and faith,

in the spirit of the great founder, Gaia.

Twenty‐four candidates from across all four sectors

have been chosen by agents of the selection committee,

to be granted admission to the Academy.

Only those celebrating their 16th year are considered.

And in the coming weeks, they will perform,

and then it will be up to you...

‐ Hey, if it is you instead of me,

I'm not going to be any less happy.

‐ Same goes if it's you instead of me.

But it won't be.

‐ Here are your candidates.

Lita 9 of Nature Sector.

Kris 12 of Industry Sector.

Davos 8 of Industry Sector.

Tempo 3 of Progress Sector.

Tempo!

‐ ‐

I'm so happy for you.

‐ Kef 9 of Nature Sector.

Apollo 4 of Industry Sector.

Magnus 2 of Reform Sector.

‐ What?

Hey, I'm...

‐ Hey, don't be.

Just go out there and win this thing.

‐ Bohdi 2 of Reform Sector.

‐ What? ‐ What?