Center of Gravity

The rigidity loosened. Weight settled into my boots, pressing firm against the dark wood grain. I paused. No sound. Slowly, I flexed my left wrist, testing the resistance in the joint. It responded with quiet precision. Nearby on the planks, two other figures remained locked in mid-motion—one sprawled on his back with arms raised, the other hunched forward. Neither stirred. I lowered my raised arm by a fraction of an inch, shifting my weight back until my stance was firmly centered. Open ground offered poor cover, but balance was restored. I held position, surveying the quiet perimeter.