Atatürk stands before a tall chalkboard in the palace schoolroom, the white dust of the new Latin alphabet covering his sleeves. He is teaching a private lesson to his three "children"—Elif, Azerbaijan, and Greece. He isn't teaching them about the glories of kings, but about the struggle of the common people and the power of science. He pauses, pointing the chalk at a "Stupid" official who tried to enter with a tray of traditional sweets to distract them. "Out," he commands without looking back, then turns to the siblings. "You three were kept in the dark by the Ottoman for too long. He wanted you ignorant so you would stay small." He looks at Elif, whose eyes hum with blue light as she absorbs every word. "Azerbaijan, Greece—watch her. She is the Soil, but she must also be the Mind. You must all learn that a Nation is not built with silk and prayers, but with ink, iron, and the courage to leave the shadows behind."