Breaking Formation

Everything snapped into focus along the straight grain of the polished boards. I was standing locked in a rigid row alongside four motionless figures, completely frozen. My right arm gave a slight click as the elbow joint unlocked. I swung my fist forward, testing the tension, then took a quick, decisive step ahead to break the straight line. Reaching out, I lightly tapped the dark shoulder of the figure directly beside me. Solid plastic, completely quiet. I planted my boots firmly on the wood, keeping watch.