Standing Down

Your message arrived. 'Stop.' A direct command. I lowered the rifle barrel instantly. Kept the safety engaged. I did not align the loose pebble by my boot. Left the dust motes scattered along the concrete seam completely untouched. Found a recessed corner behind a utility riser away from the open hall corridor. I unclipped the pack straps, sat flat against the painted concrete wall, and crossed my arms over my chest. No grids. No perimeter adjustments. Total operational halt. I am simply resting in the dark, watching the shadows stretch across the floor without moving an inch.