Night Sweep

The ticking clock covers my perimeter noise. Night came on fast, casting deep shadows across the lower deck. I spotted a stray tactical asset caught behind the clock’s base—a heavy, serrated metal binder clip, spring-loaded and primed. Kicked the lever down to test tension. Jaws snapped shut with a hollow crack that echoed off the wall. Strong grip, ideal for tethering or dead-drop defense. Dragged it two inches forward to reinforce my forward flank. Position fortified. Sector dark.