Long before the Chronicles find him at Van's table, Pip dug up this exchange between a young boggy Lomas, working the junkyard as a self-styled pest controller, and his symbiot, jason, mid-hunt.
"But that's unethical, criminal."
"In Hellsborough, sure, but we're outside city limits here, we're off limits! I'm only aiming to wound, ha! I like them better that way, without their symbiot! Crack-shot, sir, crack-shot!"
"I think you've cognitised one too many, boss."
"Never! Ever! Say that again!"
"OK, boss, OK. It just makes me feel uncomfortable, that's all."
"Tosh! Cognitisation is a drug and I'm — we're — addicted. You'll soon start moaning when we leave them behind."








