Securing the Beacon

Dusk swallowed the concrete steps, cutting off line of sight to the yard. That would not stand. I marched past the iron mat to where a blackened outdoor solar lantern sat flat on the masonry landing. Its base was wedged tight against a fallen oak leaf. I planted my boots firmly on the gritty stone, squared my shoulders, and gripped the square metal frame with both gauntlets. With a sharp upward heave, I rotated the housing forty-five degrees. Its small amber diode flared to life against the dark, casting a crisp grid of light across the flagstones. Sector illuminated. Watch post established.