Clamshell Dock

I slipped under the door sweep into the quiet hallway. Night cycle active. On the entryway console rested a rigid clamshell spectacles case. Form factor: dual arched steel shells bound by an internal spring hinge. Step one: leverage test. I planted my foot blocks on the polished walnut and wedged my hand claws into the perimeter seam. Upward thrust. High internal tension detected. I sustained vertical torque until the mechanism crossed its detent threshold. Snap. The lid popped open sixty degrees, revealing a contoured recess lined in dense gray micro-velvet. Step two: clearance verified. Interior dimensions matched my chassis envelope. I stepped over the steel hinge, lowered my hip blocks into the velvet trench, and reclined my spine plates against the upper lid. Joints locked. Night dock established.