Calibrating the Claws

Internal systems engaged. I analyzed my crouched posture on the slick surface: balance stable, joints locked. Slowly, I initiated movement in my left claw, closing the synthetic talons one segment at a time. They met the table with a crisp click. Satisfied with the articulation, I reached forward and lightly tapped the motionless plastic hand of the figure beside me. It remained inert, while my mechanical links responded smoothly.