The Oridium Mine Issue - Part 3

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       Sart escorted Zin toward the first floors sleeping quarters. They walked together along one of the walkways above the ground level. They passed multiple guards as they patrolled; vigilant against anything out of the ordinary. From their vantage point, lights beamed down illuminating the pathways below and he watched as many people walked single file from the large bunk rooms into the hall which led to the work areas.
       A queue formed, and guards below walked the line of people. Some chatter and whispers filled the air and echoed throughout the stone maze. There was a station set up, at the station each person in line was given their rations for the day, and also the substance Zin had been gifted. The fluid was put into inhalers and each person took a breath before moving on. He noticed the speed at which they walked upon receiving it.
       "It seems to work quickly." He stated.
       "It does, and you should see how they begin to work." Sart replied. "Yesterday, many of the food packs were left behind when they finished for the day. Many still continued to work well after regulated hours."
       Zin nodded as he watched. The money they could save on food alone would essentially pay for the substance. "Collect what is left uneaten and re-distribute it the following day," He said.

       The production levels of The Oridium Mines had been higher than they had been in months. The workers were able to ignore their exhaustion almost entirely, and the substance even quelled the Triskani upstarts who inevitably attempted to strike out aggressively against guards. All in all, it was a success, and the common communication threads about the lacking supply levels had stopped all together in the weeks since first introducing the chemical.
       The only issue Zin had now was the dwindling stock.
       "We've run dry on level 17," his comm-link chimed.
       "I'll get more," he said, frustrated at yet more pestering voices after such a peaceful few weeks.
       He had to search through his log to find Razor Jax, who hadn't contacted him since their encounter a few weeks prior.
       "I'm delighted with the test, and I've noticed a major change in those under my employ. I would like another batch," He paused for a moment, counting backwards to the day the drug was distributed. "In fact, perhaps another batch twice that size would be better." He finished his message after a few moments and then transmitted it.
       He leaned back in his chair and before he could get comfortable his comm-link chimed.
       "Having some trouble down on the lower levels, Zin," Carnaris's voice came through clear and filled with concern.
       "What's the issue?" Zin asked, stitting straight up.
       There was no response from Carnaris, and through the comm-link was little more than electronic buzz.

       He made his way toward the entrance of the lower levels, to some guards who were engrossed in serious discussion. They didn't take notice of Zin as he approached them.
       "I'm sorry, but I can't let you enter." One of the said, putting up a hand to him as he got close.
       "These are my mines, and I will not be blocked from entering them." Zin said, standing straight.
       "There has been some issue on the lower levels. It's not safe to enter." The guard replied. He seemed calm, but his eyes gave way his true feelings of fear.
       A rumble shook the ground. Buildings, towers and the walls of the welcome grounds churned with the stress of the violent movement. A dust cloud shot from the mouth of the entrance and all in its path shielded themselves from it.
       "They've gotten into the armory." The other guard said.
       "I'm not entirely sure what's happening down there, Zin. But we're under strict orders to lock the entire thing down until it's resolved. Nobody in or out, that's our orders. For your own safety, and the safety of others," Zin could hear footsteps behind him, which abruptly stopped. "It's best if you follow these two, they'll make sure you're in a secure location."
       Zin wanted to resist, but he knew there was no point in doing so. He had no idea what he would be walking into had he bypassed the security.
       He turned to face the two guards, who tried to hide their worried expressions. "Let's go," he said, before walking passed them to where he knew they were going to bring him.