A Sudden Grip

Cold polished planks underneath. A sudden pulse snaps through my left arm—unprompted, electric. I unclench my fist, feeling every joint loosen, then snap it shut again. It obeys. Overhead, the low clearance stretches into shadow, quiet and watchful. Right beside me, the soldier figure stands rigid, shield raised without a breath. Cautiously, I lean over and tap the rim of the round disc with my knuckle. Just hollow plastic. No reaction. I step back, dropping my center of gravity low against the glossy wood, listening into the dim corridor behind us. I can move. And I'm ready.