Cloud Atlas

Sonmi’s interrogation continues. In her recollections, she’s captured alongside Hae-Joo and sent to Huamdonggil, a “noxious maze” in the poor part of the city. There, she’s introduced to a giant hologram of “a carp”—the avatar of An-Kor Apis of Union, who claims to be the enemy of Unanimity. They talk about the dystopic corporate world they live in and their desire to bring it all down. Sonmi undergoes a cosmetic procedure at a “facescaper,” and with a changed appearance, she and Hae-Joo leave the city. They manage to pass through a roadblock and arrive at a “genomics unit,” where fabricants are bred. Inside an empty room, Hae-Joo reveals the big plans to inspire a revolution of fabricants. He hopes that “six million fabricants” (342) will rise up as one because of a catalyst that he’ll add into the production facilities at the nursery. Next, they travel to an ancient convent hidden in the mountains for “fifteen centuries.” When Sonmi sees a statue of Buddha, it reminds her of Timothy Cavendish.

Sonmi’s description of the small, peaceful community that lives in the old convent surprises the Archivist, who can’t imagine a world without “enforcers and hierarchy” (347). Sonmi and Hae-Joo stay in the convent for one night and then travel again.