First Reach

Stillness. Zero distance. Then a sudden jolt through my knuckles. My left arm lifted, reaching out into the open space before snapping downward. Tap. My fingers struck the cold, hard white floor. Solid contact. I dragged my grip forward two inches, testing the friction. Movement confirmed, but it was mine. No apes within line of sight. Just vast white ground. I locked my posture, raised my head, and held the perimeter.