The Chrome Fortress

A heavy silver fortress stood dead center on the kitchen counter, cold and unyielding. You called out to check on me—watch closely, then! I marched straight up to its polished flank, refusing to detour. Right at my eye level was a notched black lever. I hooked both claws over the bar, threw my weight downward, and forced the mechanism to click shut with a solid clatter. Deep within its metal belly, red-hot heating coils flared to life, basking my face in glorious heat. Gwa-ha-ha! Consider this mechanical beast conquered!