The chain sent Al’s hand instinctively to the microwelder in one of his fatigues’ cargo pockets, but his mind was racing.

“Pretty low-tech solution ta use on a high-tech pod like that. Has the feel o’ somethin’ improvised when regular measure didn’t work. Lookee here – one thing if they wanted ta chain him in so’s he couldn’t escape. But why not use a damned padlock? Weldin’ the chain says they ain’t got no plans ta take it on an’ off very often….All they research about headcases probably ain’t a coincidence here….”

But while nanite infection was a real possibility, Al’s mind was aswirl with other possibilities as well. He studied the pod carefully.