“Black Cloud”

Once again, headquarters, more commonly referred to among the resourcers as “command,” had sent new equipment. It had only taken them a week to create a cement that would not freeze immediately and crack in cold temperatures. However, the crew needed to adjust their drilling parameters slightly because the original drilling hole was compromised. 

As Tuck went to start up the rig something terrible happened. There was a flash of orange and then Jacques couldn’t see. As he opened his eyes he realized he couldn’t hear. He kept trying to see what was happening but couldn’t hear anything and was extremely disoriented. It was one big black dust cloud. Eventually, he saw the specks that were men coming from the corners of the drilling site start running towards him. They must have felt the impact of the explosion. 

“They’re sending in a helicopter boss,” Darren said, reaching out to asses Jacques.

Jacques just blinked. He saw Darren’s lips moving but he could not hear him. He was extremely fearful that he would never hear again. 

On the helicopter, amidst the silence, only one thing could be heard. 

“It’s all my fault, it’s all my fault, it’s all my fault, it’s all my fault,” Jacques said over and over again.

Tuck had died. The only other individual closest to the explosion was Jacques and he hadn’t opened his eyes for three days. The doctors had reported consistently good vitals, however, they explained that it was likely a shock-induced coma and that they hoped that he would wake up very soon. 

Command’s men walked into the room.

“Likely, he will never hear again,” the doctors explained to the command’s men. “An explosion like that can cause irreparable damage.” 

Command shook hands with the doctors as they left the room. “It’s a shame about what happens to resourcers after they’re no longer useful to command,” said one of the command men to the other. 

“It’s just a fact of life, Judge,” the other one offered.

 “Did you hear that command set him up? Something about being afraid he knew too much.” Judge whispered.

“You don’t have to whisper dude, the guy’s deaf,” He replied. “His watch reported charting a route different from the coordinates command sent out”

Judge nodded. “Are you ready?” he asked, tilting his head towards the door.

The other guy nodded and they turned to leave. 

Turns out, Jacques still had one good ear, and he had woken up 10 minutes ago.