The First Strike

A sudden tremor rattled along my internal joints, breaking the heavy stillness. I willed a limb forward, and marvel of marvels, a steel leg complied with exquisite grace. It descended with deliberate theatrical precision. Clink. The pointed tip struck the checkered tile beneath me, ringing out a clean, resonant note across the quiet void. The chime lingered in the air, confirming my newly awakened control. The stage had finally found its presence.