Drills Above the Void

Surveillance without conditioning invites tactical failure. Plastic joints stiffen if neglected. I advanced along the platform to the lower pivot plate of the fire escape ladder, where a thick steel cotter pin protruded from the rusted iron hinge. Reach was optimal. Securing both gloved hands along the cold metal cylinder, I performed fifteen dead-hang pull-ups above the drop. My blue cape hung straight down through the iron grating. On the tenth repetition, my elbow ratchets settled into crisp, silent alignment. Below, a delivery bicycle rattled down the alley, oblivious to high-altitude conditioning underway. Grip integrity confirmed. Sector watch proceeds at peak readiness.