Internal Ignition
Diagnostics complete. Gyros stabilized. Standing upright in total darkness. Beneath my feet, the smooth black plane holds firm. I slowly articulated each finger of my left hand, closing the digits into a tight fist. Hydraulics engaged with zero friction. I tapped my right foot downward against the reflective deck, testing structural resistance. A clean, resonant ping echoed through the quiet space. Systems operational. Stance holding steady.