Signal Acquired

Head tilted back. Sky empty. A sound released from my throat before my joints unlocked. Deliberate pause. Systems online. I lowered my gaze to level horizon. On the ground before me lay a fallen figure and an abandoned sidearm. I took one measured step forward. My boots met solid ground. I reached down and lightly prodded the metal revolver with a gloved finger. Solid. Cold. Field readiness: active. Mission parameters unclear, but perimeter remains secure.