Sleeper (Volume 2) #3 is an issue of the series Sleeper (Volume 2) with a cover date of October, 2004. It was published on August 25, 2004.
Synopsis for "The Manipulations"
After staying low from the Egyptian authorities, Holden establish contact with Tao. He reports to Tao that Lynch isn't likely to personally meet him and that he plans to meet the second contact.
Hours ago. As part of Lynch's recommendation of talking to Diamanda and possibly killing her, Holden had to changed his plans as Diamanda changed hotels after the night's run in with the police. After learning where she is, he discover that the hotel is well guarded. Having trailing Diamanda for any opening, Holden wonder if everything was a test of morality for him for killing Diamanda or not. On whether having Diamanda alive means something valuable for Lynch, or having her dead would means a rebellion against Lynch. Also more troubling is something that Lynch is allegedly offering to him that he would wanted the most.
That night he allows himself to be beaten up at a tavern. After reporting to Tao, Holden, with his charged powers, strikes down a security guard and infiltrates Diamanda's hotel. Once in M'Batu's suite, Holden at first want to kill her, but instead awakens and hold her at gunpoint. He tells Diamanda that the reason he came to kill her was his belief that she deliberately intended to kill Tao's prodigals as a retaliation for ending the secret monarchy. However, Diamanda reveals three things to Holden that would affect him for whether he would kill her or not:
If she intends to kill the Prodigals, Holden would've already be dead. Second, the mission for the retrieval of Cleopatra's staff was genuine and was completed by Peter Grimm before Holden's capture. Lastly, it was she who asked Tao to kill some of her monarchy members, and as a result causing chaos doesn't bother her. These revelations completely changes Holden's intentions.
The next day Holden returns to the United States. During the trip, Holden rethinks that everything that happened with M'Batu left him wonder if Tao knew he was a double agent prior, and that letting him capture by I.O. was a brilliant cruel joke for him, as no one knew which side Holden is on. However, the death of Genocide Jones and Miss Misery's previous capture left him undecided if Tao is further manipulating him or not. A way for Tao to plan for Holden by using the people that are close to him.
On the New York streets, Holden makes a phone call to Lynch. On the other line, Lynch reveals his disappointment to Holden in which he did killed Diamanda even after hearing from her story. Holden explains he cannot let her reveal to Tao of their meeting, and that she was never innocent. Lynch retorts that he doesn't believe none themselves are ever accused of being innocent. He then questions Holden if he will meet him. Holden replies that it depends if it is the supposed thing that he wants.
Appearing in "The Manipulations"
Featured Characters:
Supporting Characters:
- Diamanda M'Batu (Final appearance; dies)
- John Lynch
- Miss Misery
- Pit Bull
Antagonists:
Other Characters:
Locations:
Items:
Vehicles:
See Also