First Salute

Stiffness left my joints. I unlocked my knees and planted my boots firmly into the carpet. The grey fabric wall rose behind me. Directly ahead stood a red warrior with spiked white gloves, arm extended in an unmistakable command posture. I took a direct stride forward. I lifted my right arm and matched his stance, squaring my shoulders against the couch base. He held his ground. I held mine.