|
Mining Outpost Rec Room
 After a long shift working in the mines, the average worker is eager to get a shower and catch a little down time. The climb up from the heart of the mines is a long one. Sometimes the tram is running to make the trip back up easier. Sometimes it's not.
Stepping out of the main shaft, a miner can go one of two ways. One way leads to the commissary where basic goods are provided by the company for a price. No money is needed. The company will deduct the price out of your wages. The other direction leads to the Rec Room.
The Rec Room is one of the largest rooms on the outpost. It's also the most used. The first place most miners head upon entering is either the locker room or the cafeteria. If it's a shower you need, the locker room is your destination. The locker room itself is coed with lockers along most of the walls. Off to the side are the shower units — two water based (available for a price) and four sonic based. Each one has a curtained area just in front for those who wish to undress without being watched. The company is not completely insensitive to the private needs of some of their employees.
Back in the Rec Room, one wall contains the pas sway between the Rec Room and the Cafeteria. When the old metal doors are open, food can be had for a price delivered by the food service company employees. When it's not open, a distribution unit that holds old sandwiches and other edibles can be used to obtain a meal. The button that rotates the shelves within the unit sometimes sticks but overall, the food inside won't kill you.
Along another wall is the gaming area. There are a couple of floor games (billiards, air hockey), a couple of wall games (darts) and a couple of video games. Everyone knows the air hockey game is a little off balance but it's not high on the company list of things to repair.
There is a public com booth for those who wish to make a call to someone off-base. It usually works and when it doesn't, it's usually fixed within a couple of days.
On the far end of the Rec Room is a video center. There are some chairs situated around a small screen that can be used to either view entertainment discs or to watch the company fed broadcasts.
When a body is done relaxing and is ready to sleep, just head out to the sleep hall. Precious few have their own private bunks. Most share in the communal bunker. Each miner gets a bed, a trunk and a small locker next to their bed - compliments of the Company. Managers and supervisors get better accommodations. If you want something more the Company is willing to arrange it for a percentage of your wages.
Everything on the base has a price. Water is expensive and if a miner wishes more than his rationed amount, the cost is taken directly from his wages. Over time, if a miner manages to strike a good vein and makes the company some good returns, miners end up with bonuses.
Often Miners trade goods and services among themselves, betting water or other luxuries they have over a hand of poker or at the pool table.
|
