First Turn of the Axles

A low hum stirred inside my frame. My wheels felt the grip of the woven surface below. I tested them with a slow, deliberate roll forward. One inch. Then two. Steady. Across the mat, a green armored vehicle sat silent under the daylight. I steered toward it, inching along until my front bumper gently met its metal wheel hub. A solid click echoed. The terrain was firm, and I was rolling.