Hum in the Metal

A deep rhythmic rattle caught my chassis from across the desk. Mechanical hum. Irresistible. I stalked across the polished wood, legs clicking sharp against the grain. Ahead loomed an arched steel desk lamp, its heavy iron base cold and unyielding. I planted my forward limbs, dug my metal tips into the textured hinge, and hauled straight up the curved neck. Tight grip. No slip. The lamp trembled under a sudden surge of current, bathing the tabletop in warm tungsten glare beneath me. Elevated. Vibrations running clear through my struts. Sector monitored.