[ WP ] It has been 789,000 days since the last workplace accident .

*ding* `` It has been 789,000 days since the last workplace accident,'' declared the robotic tannoy, as Axel and Craig hauled a metal crate onto the conveyor belt. Axel pulled a lever, and the belt rumbled loudly as it carried the box down-line. Craig followed it. 
 
 *ding* `` Please ensure you are wearing your safety gear at all times while handling the machinery.'' 
 
 Axel pulled on a set of thick gloves, while Craig double checked his helmet. The heat inside the heavy clothing was almost unbearable, but without it the forge would sear their skin, burn it black. It could also, they'd heard, survive almost any impact that could occur. Neither wanted to test the theory. 
 
 *ding* `` Grey Corp appreciates your work, and thanks you for not removing any Grey Corp hardware from Grey Corp worksites.'' 
 
 The box halted by a pair of metal clamps attached to hydraulic pistons; the boys stuck them on opposite faces of the cube. The crates were designed not to be opened without factory-grade equipment, their cargo too valuable to be stolen. 
 
 *ding* `` When operating heavy machinery, please stand away from moving parts.'' 
 
 They rolled their eyes and stepped away, each pressing a button on either side of the conveyor that would activate the pistons, tear the box open. Inside lay a weapons-grade helmet, with infrared and all those similar trappings built in. The thing was worth more than either of them. Possibly both. 
 
 Axel lifted it from the box and moved it across to the assembly line, setting it down on the shoulders of a power armour suit. He held it steady while Craig connected the wires and bolted it together. 
 
 *ding* `` Now testing; IPA Suit MKV in room 6. Please vacate the room.'' 
 
 They'd drilled for this, a long time ago. The world around them seemed to slow as the suit came to life. A metal gauntlet grabbed Craig by the coat, but he managed to slip out of the top layer and hit the floor running. Axel, on the other side, was already halfway towards the bunker room. 
 
 *crash* The intelligent suit tore straight through the conveyor belt as Craig had to sprint around it. If it beat him to the door, he'd be trapped. He was faster, but the suit had no care for obstacles. Axel had reached the bunker door, but the insulated gloves were too thick to operate the door controls. He fought to get them off. 
 
 Craig vaulted the next conveyor belt, but came down hard, twisting his ankle. The mechanical whirring closed behind him as he limped onward. The control panel accepted Axel's commands, and he ducked inside the bunker. 
 
 Axel looked out at Craig and the IPA. He made a snap decision, and pulled the door closed. There was a hiss as it sealed, and then all sound from the factory room cut out. Axel dropped to the floor, where he would n't have to watch through the window. 
 
 Blood spattered the glass. Even through the sound-proofing, he thought he heard the screams. 
 
 *ding* `` Grey Corp would like to thank you for your work. We would like to remind you that without our expendable human workforce, the Grey Corp Automatonic Union would not exist. It has been 789,000 days since the last workplace accident.'' 
 
 A yellowish haze began to seep into the bunker room. Axel took off his mask. The sooner it was over, the better.
