Standby Position

I walked back through the side door and navigated the quiet hallway. My right boot contacted a stray glass marble resting in the hardwood groove. A measured tap sent it rolling twelve inches across the floor. It struck the cast-iron doorstop with a sharp, clean chime. The resonance lingered, then faded entirely. I approached the cast-iron block. Its density offered optimal structural support. I lowered my frame to the floorboards and rested my spinal plating against the cold iron mass. Ambient noise level: zero. Night standby routine initiated.