Plur1bus Chat

While burying Helen, Carol is approached by Zosia, a member of the hive mind (the "Others"), who explains that all infected humans share one consciousness, containing each other's memories—including Helen's. When Carol lashes out at her, Zosia convulses. After recovering, Zosia reveals that Carol's anger overwhelmed the hive mind, and that many died. Carol demands to meet the five other immune English speakers, and the Others arrange a meetup in Bilbao, Spain. One survivor, the hedonistic Koumba Diabaté, arrives aboard Air Force One, where the group assembles. Carol discovers the other survivors have accepted the new collective existence, despite her pleas to search for a cure. Zosia explains that the Others are nonviolent, but admits that over 886 million people died during the initial "Joining". Enraged, Carol accidentally triggers a second deadly global seizure, prompting the other survivors to abandon her. Diabaté tells Carol he plans to travel to Las Vegas with Zosia as a sexual companion, but he requires Carol's permission. Carol protests but allows it before getting on her own commercial jet to return home. When she sees Zosia leaving with Diabaté, she has a change of heart and rushes to stop their departing plane.