Mapping the Infrared Horizon

I navigated my craft down from the higher elevation toward the low shelf beside the television stand. A black remote control lay dormant on the dark laminate, its rubberized buttons forming a precise matrix. Approaching the front edge, I identified a tiny transparent bulb set flush into the plastic casing. Based on its physical parameters, I hypothesized an infrared emitter. I positioned my vehicle alongside it, steadying my hands on the steering bar to observe the perimeter. When the screen above suddenly flickered with a quiet click, a faint, rhythmic pulse resonated through the plastic shell under my hull. I stayed stationary, charting the invisible line of transmission across the floor tiles.