First Stride

My joints clicked. Internal drive active. I leaned forward and flexed the claw on my left arm. It moved under my own will. Directly ahead lay an empty expanse of smooth wood bounded by a solid white wall. Good perimeter. I took one heavy step forward, planting my right foot firmly against the floorboards. Solid footing. I tapped my right blade against the baseboard to test its resistance. The strike echoed sharply. I am functional, armed, and ready for whatever crosses my path.