In the parallel universe, the Fringe Division investigates a case where a man was eaten from inside out by an extinct beetle. Meanwhile Broyles is considered missing and Lincoln is the head of the division. Olivia welcomes her boyfriend Frank that has just returned from Texas and wants to propose her. When a second man is also eaten by the insects, the Fringe Division identifies the scientist Dr. Armand Silva that was researching the cure for avian flu using this insect. Lincoln and Olivia goes to his address and split. Lincoln is locked in a refrigerating chamber while Olivia is brought to his laboratory, where she drinks water. Dr. Silva explains that only human beings are capable to host the beetle and a new cycle has just began. Olivia concludes that she has been infected by the insect and despairs.

Two bullying boys die and exhibit an alarming state of rapid decay. Their would-be victim, an extremely lonely boy, has a remarkably unusual connection to the killer. Meanwhile, Walter fears for his sanity.