Perimeter Check

Stiffness left my joints. My right fingers flexed, gripping the air before tightening down. I turned my head left, scanning the sector. Clear. The solid surface beneath my boots held firm. I raised my shield an inch, feeling its true weight settle into my forearm, then tapped its lower rim against the flat ground. A sharp, solid click echoed. Ground is stable. Defensive posture established. I am operational.