Just for sake of clarification ...
I see standing up is a free action done as part of a move. I see dropping down or diving into cover are also free actions done as part of a move.
On Page 68, it says picking up an object counts as a move rather being a free action done as a part of a move? So how does that affect everything else surrounding the move 'action'? Can you stand up (free action during a move) and also pick up an object, but no more? Or do the free actions that are part of a move only work with actual movement move? I'm also wondering if there's a typo here somewhere and if it's meant to be a free action as part of your move instead.
Page 068: "During combat, picking up a dropped object counts as a move."
I understand "counts as a move" as picking up that object IS the one move the PC has in the turn. As a "move" is a move, and page 067 says "if you are prone
you can stand up at the start of your move – this is a free action," it seems clear to me, that it is possible to stand up AND pick up an object, but then not also change zone or distance in the same zone as part of the same move.
As this is all during Combat, I understand, that picking up an object while preventing someone from smashing your head is not a free action but requires effort, concentration, and time.