This is my first fan fiction, and it starts shortly after Episode 2 ends. I introduce some new characters along the way, and even though this chapter is short, the others get longer. This is just an introductory chapter, so to say. I would appreciate any feedback and reviews, as this is my first Fan Fiction! Enjoy!

1.

"Gordon.. Gordon... NO.. no..."

"Alyx..."

Alyx had come to before Gordon had.. She was sitting beside her father with Dog close by.

"Alyx.. I'm so.. sorry... I know what it feels like.. I know I can't be you, but I have been through what you have before.. I tried what I could.. There was nothing I could do. Alyx.. I.." Gordon said as he knelled beside her. Dog bowed its head as it howled a long rhythm of sounds, and Gordon got up to look outside.

The rocket had launched successfully and the portal was terminated shortly before Eli's death. It was his last act, so to say, as a Resistance leader.

Alyx got up slowly and looked outside. "What do we do now? It's all been destroyed! Resistance has been infiltrated, and we haven't a clue where to start..."

"The Borealis is where we start Alyx. It's the only hope.. But what do we do with it? What technology is so powerful that it draws our friends and our foes both?"

"But dad.. he wanted it destroyed. It was his last wish. Something is on that boat. But there's only one person now that has any clue what it might be."

"Judith.." they both said.

Judith Mossman was the only one who had any idea as to what was on that boat. She was the one who had sent the transmission of files showing Borealis's blueprints and descriptions, as well as its supposed location. However their last known contact with her ended abruptly when Mossman's base was attacked by the combine. Gordon and Alyx still believed her to be alive, and now need to get in contact with her.

Others from the base started filing into the room to see the path of destruction left behind by the advisors. Some had to turn away, but still others came forth in defiance. "No.. there's no way.." they said.

They all stood together in silence. This was the moment that defined the resistance. This moment meant more to them than they knew. The deafening silence was something they weren't used to at all. After so many years of conflict and trouble, this unwelcome sound should have been heralded. Instead, it was dreadful and strong.

As quickly as silence had come, however, it was broken by the sound of some car tearing through the front gate of the lab. Gordon turned around, headed for a nearby hole in the wall. He peered over the torn and shattered bricks to make out the form of a man stepping out of a vehicle.

"Barney!?"