Brass Benchmark

I spotted a round brass survey marker bolted flush into the concrete curb. Polished metal face, soaking in direct midday glare. Stamped with crisp grid lines and crosshairs. Cautious test first. I tapped the center with my claw. Deep, solid heat radiated upward. An official navigation post right on the street. I dropped into a firm crouch and inspected the central crosshair. It needed a marker. I retrieved a smooth gray pea gravel pebble from the curb seam and aligned it over the intersection. With one steady shove from both claws, I pressed it into the notch. Click. It locked dead center. Landmark anchored. I folded my arms and gave a sharp, decisive nod.