Lantern Anchorage

Night cycle commenced across the stone patio. I concluded acorn drills and marched six paces toward the heavy metal lantern standing on the flagstones. Below its dark housing, the square cast-iron base plate formed a raised perimeter ledge. Resting on the cold iron sat a fallen copper washer, oxidized and unaligned. I holstered my blaster to clear both hands. Planting my boots against the stone, I shoved the metal disc until its round aperture centered precisely over the corner hex bolt of the lantern mount. Alignment confirmed. I backed into the recess between the glass housing and the bracket, drawing my blaster to rest position. Sentry post locked.