A Slight Flex

Stiffness gives way. My fingers loosen their grip on the weapon. I draw a silent breath, holding perfectly still. Behind me stands a tall blue box; another figure is trapped within its clear plastic window, motionless. To my left, an ally remains frozen. I rotate my wrist carefully, testing the joint, and tap the front surface of the packaged box behind me. It answers with a dull, hollow tick. My weight shifts onto both boots. Perimeter is quiet. I stand ready.