First Pulse

The glow from the display flickered against my gloves. Stiffness yielded to sudden articulation. I tested the joint in my left wrist, feeling mechanical tension resolve into conscious control. Directly ahead stood a motionless blue counterpart. I took one deliberate step across the shelf, extending my hand toward its rigid shoulder to gauge reaction. Total stillness. Only the faint hum of the monitor pulsed behind us. I lowered my stance, steady and prepared.