Testing the Ground

Wait—what is this? My fingers, they unclenched! It actually moved! My knuckles loosened on their own! There is no time to waste, none at all, but... wait, where is this? The ground beneath my boots is completely solid, totally blank white. I shifted my weight forward and stamped one boot against the slick white surface beneath me. Tap. A real, sharp vibration pushed straight up my leg. My balance is responsive. Zero drift, steady friction. The surroundings look frozen in place, but I am actually moving under my own power. I braced my knees and held my stance on the flat floor, staying ready.