The door swung open as Chell was feeling around in the darkness for a handle, causing her to go toppling to the floor. She looked back in the direction from which she fell and saw a rather confused woman looking back at her. Chell could have sworn that she'd seen this woman somewhere before.

"Oh my, are you alright?" She reached out her hand and helped Chell to her feet. "What on Earth were you doing in a cupboard, my dear?"

"I'm, uh, not too sure myself," Chell replied.

"I didn't see you come in, how long were you in there?"

"A few seconds, really."

The lady looked at Chell curiously.

"A few seconds? Well, it's a rather odd thing to come in here for. After all, the only thing I keep in that cupboard is…" She trailed off, her eyes widening. "Goodness, you're not from another time, are you?"

"I… Uh… How did you… I mean…"

The woman laughed, clapping her hands together. "So my invention did work!"

"Your invention?"

"My time machine! I haven't had chance to try it out yet, but it looks like it's working fine! How wonderful!"

The woman had a twinkle in her eye as she clasped Chell's hands, however upon noticing the latter's surprised expression, she paused.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I never introduced myself. My name is Caroline, I'm the CEO's very own assistant. You are?"

"Uh, Chell."

"Well it's lovely to meet you, Chell!"

"Y-you too."

So this was Caroline. Chell studied her face closely. Caroline's eyes looked as though they'd seen unspeakable things, however her entire face read 'sweet, middle-aged woman'. There was absolutely no sign of GLaDOS' malice.

Being forced into a computer against your will really does a lot to a woman, Chell supposed.

"So, Chell, I assume you'll be wanting to stay in our time for a little while, correct?"

Chell nodded.

"Excellent! In that case, you can stay with me when we're not at Aperture. I'd quite like to observe the effects of time travel, and if… Oh, I don't know… Your left leg decides to go back to your own time in the middle of the night, I can at least try to help you out."

"Is… Is that likely?" Chell exclaimed, her eyes widening.

Caroline laughed. "Oh no, dear. I was just being hypothetical. I hope." She spoke the last part under her breath somewhat. "Speaking of which, you never told me what time you come from."

"I'm from the future. Well, the future from here, anyway."

"Is Aperture Science still around?"

"Yes."

"Have you met me before? Future me, that is."

"Sort of, I guess."

"Sort of?"

Chell cursed internally.

"I… Uh… I saw a picture of you once. A portrait. Oh, and you were on some of those pre-recorded messages down there too."

"You found those? I thought we sealed that area off years ago."

"You did. It's… A long story."

"I won't press you for details then. Last thing we need is some kind of time paradox or something messing things up."

Chell nodded appreciatively.

"It'll be best if we don't tell any of the others that you're from the future, not even Mr. Johnson," she stated. "Though speaking of Mr. Johnson, why don't we go and get him to officially add you as an employee?"

"And he'll take me on? Just like that?"

"He will if I ask him to." Caroline winked. "They don't call me the backbone of Aperture for nothing, you know."

"Caroline! Welcome back! Has my order…" Cave looked up at his assistant. "She's not a health and safety inspector, is she?" He barked, narrowing his eyes at Chell.

"No no, not at all. She's… Uh… A family friend."

"Why didn't you say so!" He roared. "Any friend of Caroline's is a friend of mine! The name's Cave Johnson. I run the place."

"It's nice to meet you, sir. I'm Chell."

Cave shook her hand very firmly.

"So what brings you down here?"

"I… Uh... I was wondering if maybe... I could work here for a little while?"

"My suggestion, I think she'd be an excellent addition to the team," Caroline interjected.

Cave sighed. "Caroline, you know we're going through a rough time here. We can't even afford test subjects at the moment, let alone a new employee."

"But you said it yourself, employees are dropping like flies. Plus Chell's staying with me so she really only needs pocket money."

Cave looked at Chell, and then back at Caroline. He rolled his eyes with a sigh.

"Fine, but only because it's you asking. I'll put her with Stephens."

Caroline nodded. "Yes sir, Mr. Johnson."

Cave grinned. "Welcome to Aperture Science, Chell."

"Thank you, sir," Chell replied gratefully.

Cave turned to his assistant.

"Anyway, Caroline. About my order?"

"It should be here any time this week. But sir, are you sure it was a good idea?"

"Of course. I billed it to Black Mesa."

She sighed. "Not what I meant."

"Oh Caroline, don't worry so much. It'll be fine."

"If you say so, sir," she said apprehensively.

"Atta girl. Now, why don't you go and show Chell to Stephens?"

"Yes sir, Mr. Johnson."

Although Chell was used to the facility looking rather run down, it still surprised her to find it in such a state. The paint was chipping and the floor was considerably scuffed in places by what appeared to be years of constant use. GLaDOS had never told Chell exactly how far back in time she was going, however Chell vaguely recognised the metallic, silver-grey walls that surrounded them. It definitely wasn't the facility she knew, but she'd seen this place before.

"Pay no mind to the decor," Caroline said as they walked, "we're long overdue moving floors, but Mr. Johnson insists that updating his pre-recorded messages every month or so is just as good as redecorating."

Caroline led Chell through the labyrinth of hallways and catwalks, their footsteps echoing as they walked.

"So, what's this Mr. Stephens like?" Chell asked, breaking the silence.

"He can be a little… How should I say… Carefree, sometimes, but he's absolutely lovely, I promise."

Chell followed Caroline around one last sharp corner before coming to an office door.

"It's really not that far from my office here, so you're always welcome to come over if you need me."

Chell nodded appreciatively.

Caroline knocked sharply on the door three times before entering.

Sat at one of the desks was a man with short, brown hair who looked around the same age as Chell.

"Mornin' Miss Caroline! What can I do for ya?" He asked cheerily, peering at the two ladies though his glasses.

Chell's stomach sunk.

"This is Chell, she'll be working with you for a little while," Caroline explained.

He jumped to his feet and ran over to Chell, shaking her hand very enthusiastically.

"Nice to meet you, Chell! My name is Wheatley Stephens, I look forward to working with you!"

"Likewise," she replied, although the chill down her spine implied otherwise.