Chapter One: The Human Passing Machine

*When the center lowers his head, I come from the right,* thought the slot corner. *He's only a practice arm. He won't see it,* thought the safety. The original protection would leave the right side open. Kai slapped his helmet twice. “Kill! Kill! Blue nineteen!” It was Marcus's private audible. Someone cursed on the sideline. Mountain hesitated for a quarter beat, then reset the protection. The slot corner launched and met Mountain's shoulder. Kai took three steps and delivered into the vacated space. Eli caught it and crossed the goal line without looking toward the boundary. The offense cheered a moment late. Grant studied his card with the displeasure of a man whose plan had been disturbed.