Although dirt-poor and subdued in those austere times, Outsiders showed steadfastness in their squalor. Life had knocked the stuffing out of them, but some still had hidden radios. When Pinkshirt patrols were far enough away, they listened to snippets of news bulletins from the outside world. There was a strict censorship of information about BogSplat’s Areas, but EthixCo provided updates to the news agencies about its free Areas. There was intelligence that EthixCo supported mutineers in many Areas surrounding SmogCity. Restaurant staff and servants in the Poshey houses listened out for any useful information. It was all put together and passed back to the Missing when their operatives made it through with food.
Close to starving and in abject impoverishment, Outsiders were desolate. The Wrong Side had been overwhelmed by decay and spiralled into a slum. There were rat infestations and foxes scavenged through heaps of litter strewn about. In Gronk’s mind, the Outsiders had it coming. But it was a harrowing time. The hapless souls were emaciated and struggling to survive at the bottom of the food chain. They were weary and showed signs of hardship in the squalid conditions. Sunken eyeballs, sallowed skin and drawn expressions. Disease was spreading. Their drab, torn clothes loosely covered bony frames. Bedraggled hair draped over hollowed cheeks. Almost lifeless, distant stares betrayed their barren spirit.
The process of humiliation and dehumanisation was taking its toll. Feelings of sorrow and pointlessness forced them into a downward spiral. Morale hit its lowest ebb. The now sporadic food visits from the Missing were welcome and knowing there were people out there willing to help alleviated some of the despair. But the food was not enough to go around. Their existence was hopeless.
Those who were not allocated work duties stayed permanently behind the fencing and razor wire. It was difficult not to be pessimistic about the future because everything was so grim. But they had to make do. The workers experienced a different type of anguish during their shifts because the high visibility jackets were passes to witness exuberant lifestyles on the Good Side. They went about their morose duties, but seeing the easy life so near reinforced their muted existence when they returned home. In the heavy air of suffering, Outsiders never smiled anymore.
They were effectively thrashing around in water, out of their depth, while Gronk released the piranhas. His malignancy bore heavily down on them. Alone, they would have had no chance. But they were not abandoned. When the Missing completed the increasingly hazardous trips to deliver food and medicine, Outsiders welcomed their friends. Afterwards, the Outsiders sullenly drifted back to their homes. The wretches were at the end of their tether.
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