Quoted By:
You give the officer a wave, and head off on your way. The barn is crowded, yes, but stepping out into the harsh sunlight, it’s just as busy outside. Like worker bees, the inspection crew mumble to themselves and to each other, each busy in some clandestine task. The sound of thumping footsteps and routine chatter fill the air, alongside the occasional moo from one of the cows. Some stop to stare at you as you make your way through the crowd, and you flash them your pass. That usually is enough to get them back to whatever they were doing.
This routine inspection sure is strange. Usually, Dedan is stationed at his post, coming down like a god from the heavens to make sure everything is running correctly. You know Dedan. Dedan is normal. The inspection team is not normal. Or at least… you think? Since you work in Alma, your connection to the rest of zone 1 is a little faulty. It’s hard to focus on the politics of the area when most of your time is spent making sure the meat fountain is working properly. A diminutive drop of sweat runs down the back of your neck thinking about it.
Making your way to the entrance of the mine, you stand in front of the rather unimpressive ladder leading down into expansive darkness. You scratch your chin. You’ve never been good with tight spaces, and these mines have always seemed unpleasant to you, anyway.
Interrupting your thoughts is a cough and a misty plume of smoke. To your left, you realize someone has been watching you.
“‘Sup. You Boromir?”
It’s a lean mutt, cradling a cancer stick in her paws. Her attire is definitely out of place, and she eyes you from behind a leather cap that covers her face in shadow. You stare at the odd sight, but realizing it’s a little rude, you steady yourself. The mutt is awaiting a response.
>Ignore her and continue down the ladder.
>Answer truthfully.
>Dodge the question.
