The Loop platform was nearly empty, and that was perfect. All the fussing around Bates had left Pitcher in a bad spot – still clad in JDC garb. He wasn’t going to Center Station in that. The tram would soon arrive and Pitcher sized up the handful of males awaiting it. At the far end stood a con-laborer of some kind, he walked over.

“Excuse me, is this the line that goes to Center Station?”

“This is a loop you moron, all trams go to each-.” The insult could not be completed as Pitcher chopped through his trachea with a bare handed strike. It was quick, nearly silent and left that unique look on his victim’s face.

The sound of the oncoming tram echoed down the tube. Pitcher worked quickly. He put his arm around his new friend and held him up as he finally asphyxiated and passed on. The tram arrived and he and his new wardrobe moved toward the last car. No one joined them and Pitcher swapped clothes and shoes, a decent fit.

When the train reached the next station Pitcher was now employed at Atomworks.