Negative battery cable is disconnected:

The multimeter shows perfect continuity from the large alternator stud to the positive battery post.

With the ignition on, there is 3.8 ohms of resistance from the small post to the positive battery terminal (from the charge indicator bulb).

I'm going to go start the vehicle to see what the behavior this morning is with a fully cold alternator. I'll leave the DMM connected to the large stud to observe the charging (or total lack thereof) as the engine warms.

__________________
RenaissanceMan Labs: where the future is being made today.

Garage:

2017 Chevy Colorado Diesel (nanny state emissions)
2005 Volvo S40 T5 AWD, 77k
1987 Mercedes-Benz 300D turbodiesel, 4 sp auto, 156k - 28.7 mpg
1996 Tracker 4x4, 2 door, 16v, 3 sp auto. 113k - 28.6 mpg

WARNING: this post may contain dangerous free thinking.