The Children of Men

Miriam knocks on his door that evening. The SSP has Gascoigne. The others are in hiding at a chapel near Swinbrook and they need Theo and his car. As they travel, she tells him that Gascoigne was captured while placing explosives at the site of a scheduled Quietus. Gascoigne was working alone—Rolf didn’t know about the operation. Theo tells her that the only reason they haven’t all been captured is because Xan doesn’t want it yet.

Miriam tells Theo that Julian is pregnant. As a midwife, Miriam has verified the pregnancy. As he ponders this news, Theo remembers that Xan joined the army to avoid boredom. He them became the youngest colonel in 150 years, rising to greater power shortly after Omega.

Theo and Miriam meet Rolf, Luke, and Julian in a chapel Theo used to visit with Xan. Julian puts Theo’s hand on her abdomen and he feels a kick from inside. Theo wants to tell Xan about the baby so that it can be safe and receive the best care, but Julian believes she and her baby will never be free if Xan gets them. He will use the baby for political gain. Miriam supports Julian’s right to give birth how and where she chooses. Rolf orders Theo to come with them.

In his car, Theo tries once more to convince Julian to let him call Xan, mocking the group for their naiveté. Rolf accuses people like Theo of producing nothing and despising those who get results. Theo drives to Jasper’s house, hoping to switch cars with him. They find Jasper dead; he shot himself and left a note quoting the ancient Roman poet Horace in Latin and then, in English, apologizing for the mess and explaining that there is still one bullet in the gun. Theo takes the gun and wonders who the final bullet might have been for. Miriam tells Theo not to let Rolf or Julian know he has the gun. They gather supplies and take Jasper’s car.

When Miriam and Julian get some air, Rolf proposes that Theo become his adviser once he deposes Xan. Rolf also dismisses Theo’s plea that they take Julian to a hospital. Rolf makes it clear that once he seizes power, he will not enact the demands from the pamphlet. He just wants to be in control, using the fact that he can father children to gain the people’s support. Theo predicts that Xan will simply harvest Rolf’s sperm and then get rid of him.

Rolf drives too fast, which results in a flat tire. They try to change the tire, but the light fades quickly and they have to wait until morning.

In the morning, Theo wakes to find himself alone with Rolf, while Julian, Miriam, and Luke pray nearby. Rolf lost his faith at age 12. Theo watches the women pray and hears the words of childhood prayers in his mind.