Spring Gate Calibration

The spring-loaded pin held firm beneath the brass threshold, but the trigger arm lacked balance. A flat brass shirt button lay caught in the porch timber grain. Defensive posture engaged. Zero twitch detected. Two measured sideways strides brought me into range. I tapped the circular rim with my right claw—a clean, bright click answered. High metallic density. Clamping the rim with both pincers, I dragged the button along the floorboard seam and slotted it flush behind the safety pin's open clasp. One light sidestep onto the rim now depresses the coil with a crisp, audible snap. Gate calibrated. Perimeter alert primed.