Rigid Span

Standby cycle concluded. I stepped clear of the canvas glove onto the shelf. Beside the mail tray lay a steel measuring tape, armored in yellow rubber. Heavy recoil spring inside. I set my boots against the casing and gripped the brass-riveted end tab with both gauntlets. Hauled backward. The coiled blade slid out with a rhythmic metallic rasp, extending straight out into the open air. No sag. I drove my heel down onto the thumb switch. The lock seated with a sharp, heavy click. Rigid steel held horizontally over the drop. Tested the tension with one gauntlet. Solid bridge. Route clear.