First Pulse

Stiff plastic? Not quite. I gave my right fist a slight squeeze, and it answered instantly—smooth, sharp, completely under my control. Resting next to me was another warrior, motionless against the navy-and-white stripes of the pillow. I flexed my wrist, casually testing my range of motion, and tapped the back of his still hand with one finger. Solid, quiet, unmoving. He hasn't stirred, but I'm fully online. With an easy smirk, I settled back down on the soft fabric, feeling every joint ready to fire when the time comes.