Whether it's by design or not (it's definitely by design), Jack begins to stir in the middle of his surgery. There is a buzz of sound and chaos, but he won't feel any pain. He'll simply be awake while Johann takes care to remove the neural implant. He works alone and without any assistance, humming (is that Yesterday by the Beatles?) to himself all the while. On occasion there's a cheerful voice that says "Cassius, a log of the vitals please" or "my, my, isn't that interesting? Cassius, get a picture." Of course, there's a catch to this: Jack won't be able to see this. Any bright light in the room will be out, offering him only his other senses.

After a series of sounds and a stilling in movement, Johann draws a rolling chair over and sits in front of Jack, who's lying face down on the surgical bed. He reaches out, patting Jack's cheek in a condescending manner.

"Messed up a bit there, hm hm hm? Well, you don't need to see to hear me. … You do hear me, don't you? Just a nod will do."