A Steady Grip

My left arm was raised stiffly toward the air. Slowly, with focused concentration, I commanded my fingers to twitch—and they did! Carefully testing my balance, I lowered my outstretched arm and reached back toward the bright teal toy blaster resting on the dark tabletop. My gloved fingers firmly touched the smooth plastic ridge of its tactical rail. Feeling the solid contact and knowing every joint was under my own control, I planted my boots firmly on the surface, ready.