Damon remained silent.
He looked at the man.
Then at the black core on the altar.
Finally, at the mark on his own arm.
"You're not talking about that body."
Shen Liang smiled.
"No."
Ester understood at the same instant.
She stepped in front of Damon.
"No."
Damon looked at her back.
"That was my line."
"It's mine now."
Shen Liang tilted his head.
"Interesting."
Ester raised the needles.
"There is nothing interesting about this."
"I disagree."
Xue Lian stared at Shen Liang.
"Vorn prepared Damon for you."
"Prepared is a generous word."
Damon narrowed his eyes.
"Explain before I decide to cut that thing in half."
Shen Liang looked at the body he occupied.
The skin was too pale. There was no visible breathing. No involuntary movement. Even the eyes seemed to function only when necessary.
"This body is an interface."
"A shell," Xue Lian said.
"Yes."
"Made when?"
"Shortly before my death."
Damon pointed at him.
