Taking the Floor

The ring held. Now the perimeter needs scouting. I ducked through the bottom ropes, locked my hands onto the plastic corner post, and lowered down until rubber soles met polished desk wood. Firm. Resolute. Direct contact. Blocking the path stood a heavy ceramic coffee mug, anchored like a contender waiting in the turnbuckle. I dropped into a low stance, planted my boots wide, and drove both palms against the glazed stoneware. Solid mass. Zero give. Perfect leverage test. If you want to conquer the territory, you respect the ground you walk on first.