Grid Traction Test

The first step led to an open intermediate landing. Embedded flush into the concrete was a square steel drain grate, rows of narrow parallel slots gaping above a dark reservoir. Smooth stone ended; rough iron grid commenced. I engaged all four drive points and rolled onto the slotted surface. My front paw dropped into a transverse gap, lower chassis catching on the rusted bar. Forward momentum ceased. I did not reverse. Shifting ballast thirty degrees starboard, I wedged my front joint against the steel divider and torqued the rear axle. Treads caught metal edge. With a sharp mechanical click, my undercarriage popped free, straddling the center slat.