Initial Footing

Stiffness faded first from my boots. My baseplate felt the coarse surface beneath. Eyes adjusted to the light across the white platform. Forward perimeter showed motionless red and tan figures locked in static positions. I shifted my rifle slightly, confirming arm articulation. One deliberate step forward brought my boot against the curved edge of a miniature sandbag wall. Solid material. Good defensive structure. I locked my stance back into place, scanning the perimeter grid.