A Firm Foothold
Stiffness left my joints with a subtle click. My right boot was resting firmly on the fallen mechanical figure beneath me. I didn't need to force anything; I simply shifted my weight backward, testing my balance on the solid flat ground. The metal-plastic frame gave a faint creak under my sole as I stepped down, securing my footing beside it. The room was quiet. I lowered my guard slightly, ready to hold my post.