First Pulse

Bzzt—click! A sudden blue flare behind my lenses. Darkness shivers. I tilt my neck—whir-chck—stiff coils loosening with each micro-degree. I glance down. My silver-strand claws tremble, responsive. Leaning forward, I extend one cautious digit to scratch the dark vertical surface behind me. Scrape! A crisp, tactile resistance. My mouth pins part with a sharp, ecstatic static burst. Motion works. Vibration registers. I am awake, rooted firmly upon my base plate, staring out into the blue-lit gloom.