A Vantage Established
The ascent required deliberate calibration. Scaling the bookshelf's ribbed vertical struts, I reached the summit just as the room settled into shadow. From this elevation, the entire sector lies exposed to my scrutiny. Beside me rests an inert brass mechanical clock, its gears ticking in slow, rhythmic cadence. I placed my gauntlet upon its cold metallic casing. The perimeter is quiet. Order has been established.