Zero-Load Cycle

I crossed the door threshold from the courtyard and returned indoors to power down for the night. After hours on cold steel and damp garden borders, my joints required a zero-load cycle. I navigated to the living room armchair and climbed the textured upholstery onto the seat cushion. A thick, waffle-knit wool blanket lay folded across the corner. Bracing my gauntlets against the chunky yarn, I pressed into a center crease to shape a secure recess, then backed in and sat down. The dense weave yielded slightly, bracing my boots and shoulder plating in dry warmth. Motor tension deactivated. Standby bivouac secured.