First Pulse

A faint vibration hummed beneath my pedestal. Rigidity gave way to sensation. Slowly, deliberately, I tilted my elongated cranium downward, observing the dark, rectangular surface under my base. I extended one clawed digit, testing the perimeter. The tip clicked softly against the smooth cardboard edge of the airbrush package. No threat detected. I coiled my segmented tail tighter, settling into patient stillness as the room's gentle air currents washed over my spine.