Some ancient, corroded reflex kicked over in the rat’s head. With a squeal it launched itself across the cage at Lindsay’s hand, clawing and biting in convulsive fury. Vera gasped and leaped forward, shocked at his action, appalled by the rat’s response. Lindsay gestured her back and lifted his hand, watching in pity as the rat attacked him. Beneath his torn right glove, hard prosthetic fingers gleamed with black and copper gridwork.