Margo had been working with Psychwatch for a week already. Every day she learned more about the thoughts and perspectives of the people who frequented the organization's services. Some desired a better version of themselves. Others were still too stubborn to accept that nothing good comes without work. Much like how the less mature members of Psychwatch mistook the conditions of their patients for their identities, some citizens mistook Psychwatch for miracle workers rather than people, as if their blessing would cure them of every little flaw. It remained a mystery to anyone else whether they'd learn that perfection was unattainable.

Jack Holloway was one individual who had learned a long time ago that he would need the will to heal first before the healing itself would take place. He just didn't care. And Margo figured all that out as she placed him through another evaluation.

This time she was assisted by Inspector Andrade, who took Mason's place as supervisor. It was the first time Margo noticed her left arm was cybernetic up to the elbow. It looked like she was wearing a glove, but in reality the palm of her artificial hand was made of carbon-fiber with built-in sensors to give her the ability to feel. When she asked Andrade what happened, all she said was that she knows what it feels like to be attacked with a Fatemaker on its Subjugate mode, which was powerful enough to lob limbs cleanly off a human body. Apparently, she was once in Holloway's position, a cold and callous individual that could hardly be described as a human.

"What is your viewpoint on the world in its current condition?" Margo asked.

"Just conflicts and breakthroughs and humans who stand out more than others," Jack replied. "I'd say it's the same as it's ever been."

"How do you view yourself in your current condition?"

"Just a man finding his way through life in his own unique way."

Margo nodded her head as she lifted up a Rorschach card and waited as the blot transformed its shape. "Tell me what you see."

"A waterfall."

Margo quietly placed the card down, still aware of his purposefully mundane answers. "Next question," she continued. "Do you know what it feels like to be manipulated?"

"Having my strengths exercised for the benefit of another person? Haven't we all been through that, Sandoval?"

"I'm the one asking the questions here, Mr. Holloway." Margo paused. "However, that relates to my next question. Have you ever manipulated someone for your own personal gain?"

A creepy snarl stretched across Jack's face.

"You better tell her the fucking truth," Andrade muttered.

Jack chuckled as he returned his view to Margo. "Given the circumstances I'm in," he said as he took a quick glance at the SanityScan in the corner of the room, "I wouldn't exactly say I'm doing it for my own personal gain, especially since anything I do is given credit to Psychwatch."

"Then why would you manipulate someone?" Margo restated, leaning forward into her chair.

"Because it's fun."

"You think it's fun corrupting a person's views of themselves?" Andrade added, visibly frustrated. "Screwing with their minds so their values, interests, and goals copy that of another person?"

"Yeah. It makes me feel safer. Less lonely."

Margo gave the sociopath a dirty look before moving on to the final question. "I'm definitely gonna regret asking this," she groaned. "What are your views on violence?"

"It certainly might not solve problems," Jack replied, "but it definitely helps get rid of the people who cause them."

Margo pulled out the final Rorschach card. "How about we get one last look into that...interesting head of yours?" she retorted.

"I thought doctor-cops weren't supposed to judge their patients," Jack replied sarcastically.

"That was the cop part of her speaking, not the doctor," Andrade added. "Plus, you're not a patient. Patients seek help. You just need it."

"Damn, when did this turn into a roast session all of a sudden?"

"Just tell me what you see," Margo demanded, holding up the card.

Jack gazed into the weirdly-shaped stain of black ink to give it another meaning for Margo to interpret. Little did he know that she took control of its shape that time and made sure it looked like a specific object. Once Jack told her what she wanted to hear rather what he really saw, she'd call him out on it.

"Looks like the state of Florida," Jack spoke in a bored tone.

"Wrong," Margo interjected. "That's a gun, and you know it is."

"Aren't there no wrong answers here?"

"You're just telling us everything we want to hear. You're not saying what you really think."

"Surprised you guys are interested in my thoughts considering the things I've said."

"True. We could just force you into the PACER and see the inside of your head for ourselves."

Jack's eyes widened along with his grin. "I like you. You're a hell of a risk-taker."

"His mental state is too erratic for PACER usage," Andrade explained. "The PACER's cartography program wouldn't be able to fabricate a stable virtual environment. It'd be like a trip through Hell using it on him."

"See?" Jack added. "You might as well give up on the sessions."

"Why?" Margo replied. "Just because you've already given up?"

"I tell you things you want to hear because I know you'll never be able to relate to me."

"Pretty sure nobody relates to you. At least with that attitude."

Andrade snickered. "You had that coming," she told Jack.

"You're not like most of the people here at Psychwatch. Or even this city. You're not broken enough. You haven't been through what others have been through."

"It doesn't matter if I'm like them. What matters is if they're willing to cooperate with me and if I'm willing to work with them. And I'll always be willing to work with anyone."

"If they see right through you like I do, they'll know that what you say is just pre-programmed bullshit all the other Empaths say at some point in their career. Tell them all the positive things you want. I can assure you they've heard them a thousand times before."

Margo paused for a moment as she gathered up the Rorschach cards and rose from her seat. She was not happy. "Well luckily, not all patients are cynical, contentious individuals. Some are here because they know they can become better versions of themselves."

Now it was Jack's turn to remain silent.

"Tell me, Mr. Holloway," Margo continued. "Why do you believe you have to be here?"

Suddenly, her and Andrade's ThoughtControl pieces buzzed in their ears. "Sandoval, Andrade, this is Officer Maslow," ordered Carl through their earpieces. "We've got another situation."

"What's the problem, Maslow?" Andrade asked.

"Three mutilated bodies were discovered in a public restroom near the abandoned zoo. Royce couldn't make it today, so, Margo, you'll be taking his place."

Margo's eyes widened. "Seriously?" she uttered with surprise.

"Yes, ma'am. Welcome to the Neutralizers. So all of you get your Fatemakers and bring Holloway with you. Mason's letting him go out this time. As usual, this ain't a pretty sight. And stay vigilant. We're heading into an offline neighborhood."

"Send us the location," Andrade ordered. "We'll be there soon."

The call ended, with Ellie taking over Margo's piece instead. "Are you done with that Holloway guy yet?" she asked.

Margo took a quick nervous glance back at her patient. Jack's head was titled down as his eyes stared up back at her. He looked as if he came straight out of a Stanley Kubrick film, the personification of insanity hidden behind a shroud of charisma.

"That concludes our session," she said, trying to hide her dissatisfaction. "Looks like we'll be working together a little more often now."

Jack smirked, his creepy gaze unmoving. "I look forward to getting to know you a little better."