Episode 6 of *Invasion* Season 3 takes us on a journey back in time—two years prior—to uncover the origin story of Marilyn, also known as Infinitas. Working in an office, Marilyn finds her routine shattered by rolling blackouts that wreak havoc across Chicago. When a deafening sonic boom rips through the city, leaving devastation in its wake, Marilyn springs into action. She takes charge of the chaotic traffic outside, her voice cutting through the panic as she urges everyone to make their way to the nearest evacuation site.
Amidst the turmoil, Marilyn, Angie, and Langston (Joel's father) desperately seek an escape route. But with state-controlled buses as the only viable option, their path to safety is fraught with peril. Tragedy strikes when HKs launch a vicious assault on the bus depot, transforming the scene into a bloodbath. The trio scrambles aboard a bus, only for Angie (Joel’s mother) to meet a gruesome end, felled by an HK right before their eyes.
Narrowly escaping the carnage, Marilyn and Langston find themselves stranded when their bus runs out of gas on the outskirts of Chicago, near the quaint town of Rivington. The strain on Marilyn’s relationship with Joel becomes palpable as he grapples with the devastating loss of his mother. Yet, for the moment, they press on, seeking refuge in a nearby church.
Their arrival is met with a less-than-warm reception from Carolann, who bristles at the thought of sharing their dwindling supplies with more mouths to feed. However, Pastor Allen (oh, it’s Cole from *Twelve Monkeys*!), exuding a compassionate aura, welcomes them in. This sanctuary proves to be exactly what Marilyn needs—a beacon of guidance and purpose amidst the chaos.
She throws herself into working alongside the Pastor and other leaders, meticulously organizing the distribution of food and ensuring the community's survival. Carolann remains wary, her trust in Marilyn yet to be earned, but Langston begins to open up, offering glimmers of connection amidst the gloom.
The group learns of the alien invasion, and it doesn't take long for chaos to ensue. Pastor Allen loses all hope and tragically takes his own life, while a defiant faction seizes all the food supplies and flees under the cover of night. Those left behind are left grasping for answers, but Marilyn seems to find hers when she catches sight of a shimmering alien entity in the sky—the very same being Mitsuki had communicated with in previous episodes—addressing her through the voice of Angie.
Fortunately, fate intervenes as a food truck breaks down right at the outskirts of town, loaded with ample provisions. Thanks to Violet, the driver and a recent arrival in town who also witnessed the alien in the sky, they are well-stocked and prepared for the immediate future.
All these events help imbue the town with a renewed sense of purpose. Four months later, the group embarks on a mission of research and outreach, striving to disseminate the truth and prepare for what lies beyond this mortal coil. The efforts of Infinitas seem to be bearing fruit, and when the alien mothership eventually crashes, Marilyn's resolve only strengthens. She fully commits herself to her cause alongside her group, eagerly awaiting a sign that they are "worthy."
This brings us up to the present, at the airfield, where Marilyn—now going by the name of Verna—believes that the aliens are their salvation.
