As the truck gradually approached, the searchlight from the tower beside the rusty iron gate of the mining area swept over, locking onto the truck with a blinding beam.
A few pirates, dressed in ragged leather armor and wielding firearms, lazily gathered around, cursing under their breath.
"Where did this junk come from? What are you hauling?" A one-eyed pirate tapped the gun barrel against the driver's door.
Victor forced a smile, explaining according to the prearranged story: "Big brother, we're from the 'Waste Pit' in the east and dug up some good stuff. We want... want to exchange with Boss Claw for some food and filters."
"Waste Pit? Can anything good come out of that godforsaken place?" The one-eyed pirate skeptically eyed Victor and the miners on the truck.
Though nervous, the miners' tattered clothes and emaciated appearance matched those who have struggled to survive long-term on the Mine Star.
