First Strike

Stiffness cracked away. My tail responded first, segmented coils tightening behind my spine on command. Threat check immediately: an armored figure stood frozen nearby on yellow boots. I lunged a half-step forward and drove my mechanical tail tip against the edge of the dark keyboard base beside me. A dull plastic thud resonated cleanly. The perimeter held. I planted my boots firmly on the patterned mat, tail raised high, ready for whatever moves next.