The morning sun gleamed off of a hunched figure's chitonous back. A voice called a greeting from the horizon, and he looked up. "Eh? Murphy? Yer late. Again." The man in question bowed his shiny head. "I know. I apologize. I had a runin with one of those blasted Space Dragons, you see, and--" The first bug-person cut him off with a threatening swing of his pickaxe. "Overseer does not care for excuses. Thank the stars he is occupied and did not see you come in. Grab a pick and get to work." The other bug-person nodded sorrowfully and raised his pick. Slowly, tediously, boredly, they picked away in tandem at the ore pile before them.
Meanwhile, in the watch tower of Mining Camp Delta, the Overseer of the camp was deep in a discussion with his supervisor.
"Sir, I mean no disrespect, but everything is under control here. I assure you." The robed chozo warrior pointed one clawed finger at a pair of intrepid bug-people hard at work. "The Zebesian Bug-People will not be a problem. Security is plenty tight, and I've issued Commando Battle Suits to our most elite guards."
The supervisor, donning a massive Chozo Power Suit, nodded. "Yes, I understand your contentment with the current state of events. But I must confess, I do not share this sentiment. You're overworking them. If they revolted--"
"They will not revolt. Everything is fine, my lord."
"I suppose I'm just overly worried. I have not seen any security holes. I will allow you to continue operations as-is... But any problems, and you assume full responsibility."
"Naturally, my lord. Thank you for your kindness and generosity."
Murphy shifted his pointed feet in the sand. "This is such bull."
Auroc turned to face him and shrugged. "What's wrong, Murph?"
"Well, all this work we're doing. And what for? Those goddamned birds are treating us like slaves!"
"Hate to break it to you, kid, but we ARE slaves."
"That's just wrong. We were a free people before they arrived. The Zebesian Bug-People, a proud and powerful race. Now we're just slaves to a bunch of birdbrains!"
"Murph, keep it down. Talk like that could--"
A plasma shot flew past Auroc's head. "Back to work, men!"
Murphy turned to the source of the blast. "Wha--Lt. Harkal. I apologize."
Covered from head-to-toe in glistening black armor, with a massive cannon replacing one arm, the Bug-Person known as Harkal was enlisted to Overseer Ki'tchek's elite guard unit. A massive being, his imposing presence struck fear even in his superior's, who feared that he might go out of control one day and rebel.
"You damned well better apologize, Smurfy! I don't want any more flak about Overseer. Or this camp in general. You know the rules! Survival of the fittest! Since the Chozo conquered our race, that means they are more fit, and thus superior to us! Hail the Chozo Empire!"
"Yes..sir..." Murphy lowered his head and raised his pick. Auroc did the same. Soon enough, the monotonous picking recommenced. Hours passed with nothing happening at all; nothing breaking the tedium. Until Harkal discovered that the miner Jetnal was slacking as well.