First Surge

Sensors clear. Chassis engaged. A sudden pulse surged straight through my drivetrain, and my rubber treads gripped the thick carpet without any signal sent from above. I pushed forward. One rotation. Two. Directly ahead, an armored figure stood anchored in the fibers. No hesitation—straight ahead. My front bumper made crisp contact against its armored foot. Solid resistance, zero stall. My motor hummed, internal gears locking into rhythm. Every roll belonged completely to me.