Establishing High Ground

*Click.* The floor leaves too many blind spots. I assessed the vertical incline ahead—a stacked column of thick hardcover books leading toward the second tier of the wooden shelf. I tested the spine of the first volume with my clawed grip. Stable. Pulling upward, I scaled the simulated cliff face one level at a time. The summit offers complete visual coverage of the room below. Concealment achieved. The sector is now under direct surveillance.