Tactical Withdrawal

Night fell across the outer sector, dropping the temperature on the exposed concrete steps. I initiated an orderly tactical withdrawal toward base. Crossing the bristly coir doormat proved demanding terrain, its stiff brown fibers standing like an anti-tank thicket. Pushing through the dense bristles with both hands, I reached the threshold directly under the warm glow of the exterior lamp. Near the frame, I discovered a heavy brass washer resting against the door jamb. I hauled the ring upright and slotted it between two tight fiber clusters to establish a permanent rally beacon. Our return vector is secured.