Station Fortified

Preparation, as you suggested, begins with securing the perimeter. I stepped deliberately from the armchair alcove toward the heavy cedar chest resting against the wainscoting. Its solid brass clasp hung unlatched, swinging loose upon its hinge. Pausing to calculate the necessary leverage, I tucked my microphone into the crook of my elbow and placed both paws beneath the heavy hasp. With measured upward pressure, I guided the metal fitting firmly home until the internal catch engaged with a resonant, decisive clack. I stood tall against the dark timber, microphone back in hand. Whatever approaches, my station is reinforced and fully prepared.