At The Edge Of Argosy

Quota

Chapter 2

Since they are allowed a few minutes for a quick recess, he will just have to wait for a little while longer. Then he heard some of the the miners talk about the elderly man sent home earlier because he could not meet the work quota. One of the many examples of how the manipulative orderlies in the mines carry out orders from their exploitative superior. And from another section of the mine, images of how brutally area supervisors handle workforce lag enfold.. "Please, please Sir..., I beg of you I have a sick wife and disabled daughter who depend on me!"  Manolette one of the Supervisor does not mind the impaired state of the poor man begging him, but rather than pity, he takes the shovel and whacks the disabled fellow to his knees., shouting " Your uselessness has no place here! Get the hell outta here or i'm gonna fully incapacitate you myself vagrant!!"
    Back at the main section section of the mine, two workers chatter; " I feel sorry for them" ... one said " don't be time will come, and we'll be worthless too!!" The other replied sarcastically. But resentful is the former for the disdaining comment, he saved himself to the opposite of discouragement by just silencing himself, to end the conversation. Joehnny does not give anybody there the liberty of friendship for fearing that attachment to others could only slow him down and just  make him lose his focus at the task at hand. So he only trusts himself and just keep silent at all time, and its hard to find someone who can trust during in that era. Good as he is in character, he is skilled as well in tracking valuable minerals even in the most deprived of areas. This, among his other talents, is what makes him a favorite employ of the orderlies and helps enough in earning for his and the family's basic needs. One time, during their working hours, while the supervisor's away, he caught a whiff of smoking circulated by the draft. As he headed toward the tunnel he saw three men sneaking, puffing on gigantic cigars. Joehnny, being the quiet guy he is couldn't let something like this pass, for it imposes danger for everyone in the mines. So he blunted out calmly: " Hey! Gentlemen, will you stop smoking here, you might get us all killed!", " This area's restricted because of the combustible materials stored here!" After hearing this, one of the three culprits grab him by his shirt collar and said: " Hell yeah! We gonna get everybody killed, but i'll make sure you go first if you keep poking your nose in other peoples business !!" As Rommel lets go of him prompted by his two companions. He stares-ferociously at Joehnny and lifts his right fist up- showing his thumb and makes a downward gesture, then uttering the words " Interrupt us again... and it's this!!!" Still calm, and he chose not to respond. Then suddenly, Adolf and André slammed him to the filthy, muddy ground of that area. With Rommel closing the argument with a hard kick to his stomach while lying down. Unfazed by their wrestler-like physique , he concentrated more on what one of them said as they were leaving ..." Please,... if you gonna interfere next time, make sure, you ain't chicken shit no more !!" bursting out in laughter, flicking their cigar butts to his direction bouncing to his chest, immediately he caught them and make sure none of them is glowing. As he rose heading back up, he made to his station a long, heavy sigh, as to extending his patience, and made  point to himself he would not forget that encounter. A few hours past nightfall, late as usual, their alarm for signaling the halt of work rings tumultuously. By the time they head for home walking it's already pitch-black outside. But first, they must barter their dug up minerals at the trade-off counter area. The shop- reminiscent of pawning centers back in the early days, but with thicker iron bars, much like of cage for wild animals. So as to fend off any hostile behavior that would entertain the thought of anyone who'd dare a hold up attempt. As Joehnny was about to monetize his loot, he hears talk about the old man that Manolette discharged earlier that day.  "Hey there's Mick, that poor fella Mano kicked out... What is he doing just sitting out there like a rock!??"... "Hey c'mon guys cant you see? Isn't his dull face enough to make a statement that he needs help?" On of the murmurers replied; "What're you talkin 'bout? Mick's face is dull!!!" Laughing hysterically " Laugh it off Buddy! We know he is now.. how about we shave off our credit points from our earnings and share it with Mick, huh?!" Joehnny said. Then Buddy aside from the joker he is, he has a soft spot too, for he was the one of the first to rush to Mick and offered to purchase rations for him and his incapacitated daughter . He even treated the old guy to some booze . As Joehnny was done scanning his code to redeem his credits from the counter. He followed Mick and Buddy.
     Before going to his way home, Joehnny could not help but notice the box of alcoholic beverages
that Buddy got for the old guy ns said! " Seriously Buddy?!" he is pointing the box.  Buddy snickering the then answers. " Aww. c'mon what's little merriment in a box opposed the rigors of this cruel world!!" Joehnny paused and said " Touché !" (But only in his mind...) Instead of  consenting the prose of a drunkard, he advised Mick not to worry for he would find help for him and his daughter then he handed some of his food from his stock to Mick. As Mick was still inanimately awe-struck from the events that happened that day he was trying his best not to weep nonetheless tears, still streamed slowly down his face. Then he exclaimed ,: " Thank you! Thank you! I am very grateful to you! You good fellows are capitalized in my book! You're heroes to me and my family!"... As Buddy sees this he raises his arm upon the old man's back and pats him. Tearily ... He comforts Mick and says " The world ain't such a bad place once you find good in it!!! ( huhuhuhu., huhu, huh! sobbing hysterically with the old dude). Looking at Buddy he just scratched his head . Bidding adieu to the two.
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