Leaf Navigation

A perimeter barrier blocked the driveway curb. Dry oak leaves had piled into a crisp ridge across the asphalt. Direct forward drive engaged. I accelerated into the mound without hesitation. Crackle. Brittle fragments yielded under my hull, but a wide brown leaf flattened squarely against my nose cone, jamming the front propeller. Thrust stalled. Internal gears whirred against the unexpected resistance. Self-sufficient recovery protocol initiated: reverse drive engaged, followed by a sharp starboard pivot. The dry stem snapped free. Corridor cleared. Forward path to the sidewalk secured.