[TheKhanzumer]

Part Three:

Zero waited for the seven new visitors to get inside and then closed the door. The lively native who had guided them to the in was apparently good friends with the mudokon with the funny accent. They immediately began catching up over a couple of brews. Zero automatically began helping the mineworkers to take seats on the cushions around the fire. He noticed one of them had wandered off to the corner of the room.

The scrub walked over to the worker and inquired, “Don’t ya want to sit down?”

The mineworker turned to face him, it was amazing how well they could get around by hearing and touch, and said, “No thanks. I’ve been to near to the floor for to many years of my life. I sort of like the air standing up.”

The mineworker paused then said, “You don’t sound like the other natives. You must’ve been a slave too.”

Zero nodded then realized that he wouldn’t be able to sit it, “Yes, I was an employee at the RuptureFarms 1029 Scrab Kennels. Largest meat processing plant on oddworld.”

The blind mudokon suddenly spit on the ground and said, “Employee? Is that what they call ya? Those lousy sligs and glukkons think they can just push us around. Well wait ‘til my friend Abe gets to them. They’ll be sorry.”

“You were friends with Abe?” asked Zero.

“Not really. Only met him once, when he freed me. Suppose he freed you to. I don’t think any other mudokons would have the guts to do what he is doing.”

“But the Magog Cartel have been in charge for years. Isn’t what Abe is doing… wrong?”

It was amazing how much emotion could show through the minworkers mouth. Usually it was the eyes that conveyed a person’s feelings. But this mud did well without.

“You must’ve had it really good at the ‘Farms to not be appreciative of Abe. He is doing what’s right and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Not even yourself. By the way, my names Pik. Nice meeting you…”

“Zero. My name is Zero.”