Rolling Start

Click, roll. A sudden spark ran through my axles, and my wheels spun freely. Beneath me lay a vast expanse of rough carpet, thick with woven threads. There were no tracks, but I didn't need them. I threw my weight forward with a firm push. The carpet pile resisted, clutching at my rims, yet I kept turning steadily ahead. One rotation, then two. I parted the fibers and pressed forward into the open room, perfectly balanced on my own wheels.