"What is going on down on the lower levels? Is the situation under control? Where is Carnaris?" Zin couldn't contain himself after entering the building.
The two guards were stunned by the onslaught of questions, and seemed as though they barely knew where to begin. Or, perhaps they were unsure of what exactly they could divulge, Zin wondered as he stared at them.
"It's something to do with the drug they've been given." One of the guards finally spoke. "Today, there weren't enough doses for everyone. The ones who got their blasts went to work as usual, however, those who didn't receive theirs were displaying severe withdrawal sickness."
"Some collapsed, as if their hunger and exhaustion caught up to them. There was a call for all of us to get down to the depths and take them back to the care facility. In the commotion, word spread among the workforce that those that fell died instantly, and within about 30 minutes fire fights broke out." The other guard said, unable to maintain eye contact as he spoke. After a few moments his eyes shot up to Zin. "I was escorting a loader, packed with bodies, living and dead when I got word of what was going on from Garend, a friend of mine unlucky enough to still be down there."
"The care facility was overflowing within a few moments, many who arrived were still living, but many were dead." The other guard said. "It was too much for the medics."
"What is the death toll?" Zin asked.
"A safe estimation would be to say that half of the work force is dead, and the other half are either killing each other down there right now, or they're being put down by us."
"Almost everyone," Zin said, "The last head count read that there were six thousand two hundred and thirty four people working these mines." He looked at the ground, trying not to think of how many could potentially be lost by the end of today. "How am I going to replace all of them."
He began to pace. The mines would be shut down. All production would be at a halt. They'd need to be trained in. He knew he wouldn't be able to explain what happened to them all. There could be an investigation. Lying and saying that there was some sort of viral outbreak would raise more suspicions. The bodies. How could he get rid of all of the bodies and cover up the damage down below? He stopped pacing. They could collapse the mines, and say that there was some sort of accident. He knew he couldn't outright say that to Carnaris's men, who would object, due to the amount of their people in the mines.
"We can't let them break from the depths if your men have become overwhelmed." Zin said. "If they brake out, we would all be killed." He continued to pace, raising a hand to his mouth.
"I'm sure they'll have it under control in no time." One of the guards responded.
"I think you would be better served at the entrance to the depths." Zin said.
"We were told to stay with you," one of the guards said.
"I'm safe, but I won't be if they break out of there in their droves. I want every as a last line of defense."
The guards looked at each other in agreement and left abruptly, leaving Zin alone with his thoughts.