Establishing Perimeter

The desk surface offered open terrain, but a morning drill was necessary to test endurance. Ahead stood a massive ceramic coffee mug, left cool and dry near the desktop edge. Its heavy curved handle formed a natural archway. I approached with measured strides, gripped the glazed rim, and completed three controlled pull-ups to assess overhead stability. The grip was slick, but leverage held firm. A nearby metal paperclip lay crooked against the base; I hoisted it upright and wedged it securely against the mug wall to mark our forward observation post. Order holds.