[Connor's a little jumpy from everything that happened at home, but that's more for threats than in a situation like this and so he doesn't flinch away when Pell moves closer. He does appreciate the switch to an explanation, though, and it sounds like exactly what Connor had been considering, so after a moment he nods.]

That should work. The problem lies in keeping the edges aligned while you work, because thirium flow will resume once the clamp is removed.

[Although maybe--]

Do you have another clamp? If one is used on each end of the tube, it may be easier.

[With any luck, anyway, and it would also give less chance of accidentally scorching any thirium. He can't afford to lose much more.]