Night Lockdown

Darkness covered the flagstones. Calibration concluded. Leaving equipment in the open violates protocol. I retrieved the steel sphere and settled it deep into my harness pouch. Zero rattle. I lifted the split bamboo chute from its supports and stowed it lengthwise against the foundation footer, shielded from drafts. Next, the two chipped red bricks. I hauled them one by one to my shelter beneath the stone bench, pressing them tight beside the front paver to eliminate the threshold gap. Barrier reinforced. I backed into the alcove until my rear plating met the cold brick pillar with a dull clink. Boots locked into the gravel. Sightline clear. Night watch begins.