It was the core component of the Screamer device, but now it resided within Jason's body, making him a living extension of the alien technology that had corrupted him completely.
"You see?" Jason said with pride, running his fingers over the alien stone embedded in his chest. "I'm not being controlled by the Screamer. I am the Screamer now. I've become something far greater than the weak, rejected person I was before."
The transformation was complete in ways that went beyond the visible alien technology protruding from his chest. Jason's entire demeanor radiated confidence and power that had never been present during our time together at Lexington Charter or in our early survival days. But it was confidence built on corruption, power gained through surrender to forces that cared nothing for human wellbeing or dignity.
