A Step on the Fibers

A sudden electric pulse surged straight through my boots! I lifted my right foot, pressing down against the textured carpet weave, and realized—I could actually move on my own! Just to my right, standing silent by the baseboard, was a small metallic figure with a cone helmet. With dramatic focus, I reached out my round hand and tapped the smooth, cool metallic side of its helmet. A tiny click echoed back. Mission underway, I halted right beside it on the carpet.