The small orientation room was dark, but Gordon could make out the faces of about one hundred men. They had been gathered in this room to receive a briefing on the approaching enemy forces. Barney Calhoun stood atop a box, so that every soldier in the room could see him. Behind Barney was a small board for writing on. Gordon was in the back of the room, behind the crowd of rebels.
"Alright," Barney began, speaking loud so everybody could hear. "The Combine are on their way to Green Base." The room started buzzing with conversation between the rebels. Barney raised his hands, shushing the audience.
"We estimate their force to be two thousand strong with armor support."
The room became silent with shock.
Barney then turned to the board behind him and drew small pictures of two mountains and a box.
"They are moving up the mountains towards our position, thru Perrith Passage. We are going to hold a line here . . ." He pointed at the box next to the mountains. "Ken Town." His voice grew low.
"We are sending three hundred and fifty of you and your soldiers down into that town. The rest will stay here at Green Base, just in case." He then drew an squiggly line moving from the town to between the mountains. "If the Ken line fails, we will have to rely on our last defense."
Gordon listened intently to Barney's orders, but was distracted by Alyx, moving into the room. She scuttled next to Gordon, holding a bowl of stew in her hands. He was about to protest, but realized that he would lose the argument.
"What do you have there?" Gordon whispered, glancing at the bowl of soup. She slurped up a spoonful before answering.
"Carl's world famous stew."
Gordon's face scrunched up in disgust.
"Hey," Alyx said, "It was all the kitchen had."
"No wonder you're so fat," Gordon joked, wanting to receive a reaction, in which he did. Alyx smacked him in the arm.
"As I recall, it was you who made me this fat." She smiled.
Gordon whispered his apology and kissed her fore head. But Alyx's attention was directed towards Barney, who changed the subject to Striders.
"We have Magnusson devises placed all over town. When those Striders get within range of the town, I want your explosive experts to start pounding those nightmares. The Hunter's will be dealt with your weapon's specialists within your squads. Any questions?" A moment of silence passed.
"Okay, we leave in three hours."
Everyone in the room rose from their seats and headed out the door, barking orders to each other. Gordon turned to Alyx, whose face was flushed with worry. He caressed her face.
"It's going to be fine."
Alyx cocked her head to the side in annoyance. She had heard that line many times. Sometimes, it was true. Other times . . .people died. Gordon noticed that she was still worried. He brought her closer to him, embracing her in his arms. She rested her head on his shoulder.
"I'm coming home," he said softly. "I would never abandon you two." Alyx smiled. Now she believed him. She pulled herself closer in his embrace. He then hissed. Alyx pulled back to ask what was wrong. He was rubbing his back when he whispered, "Your soup." Alyx laughed, realizing that she forgot about the bowl of stew in her hand. She had spilled a bit of the hot soup on his back when they were hugging.
"Sorry, Gordon." She leaned over and kissed him gently.
---
The keypad created a few sounds, indicating that Gordon had punched in the right code. The bulkhead door slid to the side, allowing him to enter the small room. The room was round and the only furnishing was a small bench at the center of the room. At the far side was a glass cocoon, holding Gordon's old Hazard Suit. He grinned. It had been months since he had seen the thing. He walked up to the glass and called out, "Open." The computer registered his voice and obeyed, sliding the glass out of the way.
He pulled the orange armor from it's home and played it down on the bench. He then began to strip his outer clothes. The HEV pants went on first, slipping comfortably onto Gordon's legs. He then pulled the top half of the suit onto his body. It still fit perfectly. He zipped and snapped the two main pieces together, creating a full body suit. The gloves and boots came next, both connecting perfectly with the other components. As the pieces came together, the suits computer came to life, and, in a female's voice, started naming off the operational components of the HEV's capabilities. He stretched his arms, loosening the rubber grip beneath. He was happy to be back within his old armor.
Before he could test each capability of the suit, Alyx whistled. Gordon turned to find his wife leaning against the door frame.
"Still fits I see." Alyx grinned.
Gordon looked down at the suit, making sure that everything was buckled. Alyx walked up, grabbing the top half of Gordon's armor and shook it, adjusting the alignment of the pieces. She looked up at his eyes with concern.
"Come back safely."
Gordon nodded. He then grabbed her hands and leaned his forehead onto hers. They stood there in silence, gazing into each other's eyes. The intercom in the room buzzed.
"Gordon Freeman to Garage B."
Gordon gave out a sigh. Alyx slightly smiled and deeply kissed her husband. After this show of affection, Gordon knelt down and kissed Alyx's stomach. He then rose from the floor and walked out, glancing one last time over his shoulder at his love before leaving. Alyx watched as her husband disappeared behind the heavy bulkhead door. She gave out a long sigh.