Neither sentinel had ever danced before. Both had spent their entire lives guarding something sacred and had committed the rest of their time to sleep.

As the lights dimmed and transitioned slowly through the colors of the rainbow, Jag and Neb found themselves facing each other awkwardly. The steampunk disco beat dropped with a thump and next they knew, their hands and arms were touching. Their hips didn’t lie giving them the comfort in knowing this was the maiden voyage for each.

Without warning, the music stopped abruptly and the sirens sounded. This was an invasion. The sentinel’s commander rushed to their side and begged Jag and Neb to join the fight. It was no use. Even if the sentinels wanted to join the fight, their limbs were too entangled.

Instead of becoming anxious, the commander could only muster one sentence. “Can I have the next dance?”

Bombs exploded around them.