A Firm Grip

Silence in the cavern. A low hum from the terminals behind me. I felt the weight in my right hand first. My fingers, once locked rigid around the silver grapple hook, began to obey. I tightened my grip, feeling the mechanical edges press firmly into my palm. Next to me stood a motionless blue companion, watching the screens. I raised the grappling launcher an inch, testing the balance. Solid. Operational. The darkness here requires vigilance, and I am ready.