Author's Notes: My shortest story yet! This is just an extension to the ending of Half-Life: Opposing Forces, which I felt was better than the original, and contains spoilers for the end of the game, so don't read any further if you haven't completed it. I wrote this because I felt a little cheated when I finished the game, as I thought Shepard should have at least had been given the same choice as Freeman.
Disclaimer: Half-Life belongs to Sierra and Valve, and is used without permission.
Employment Opportunities
By Jack of the Pelt
Corporal Adrian Shepard was waiting. It was all he could do. He sat slumped on one of benches in the transport helicopter, and was currently staring into space. Quite literally, in fact. He had removed his helmet and mask, the two pieces of equipment laying discarded next to him.
He sighed and checked his watch for tenth time since he had been trapped here by that mysterious man in black, and discovered that only two hours had passed since that time. It seemed like he had been here for days.
He had probably saved the whole goddamn world from an alien invasion for Christ's sake! And how had they shown their gratitude? By keeping him a prisoner on board an Osprey in a void! If he didn't die of starvation first he would definitely die of boredom.
A sudden sound brought Shepard out of his reverie. A noise that was very familiar to him. The sound of one the teleporters. He looked up to see the nameless man in black step from the aura of green light that had appeared in the entranceway to the helicopter.
Ah, Shepard, I have some very good news for you, the man said as he saw the young soldier, speaking as if he was addressing a work colleague.
For a brief moment, it crossed Shepard's mind that he could probably overpower the man and take him hostage, but he quickly dismissed this idea, as part of him knew that wouldn't be a very wise thing to do at all.
The man continued speaking. I'm pleased to tell you that my ah, employers were quite impressed with your work at the Black Mesa Facility, and they wish to offer you a job.
Shepard blinked. He didnt expect this. He thought they were just going to leave him here to rot. Whoever they were. What about- Shepard began, but was interrupted by the man.
You don't need to worry about leaving the military. My organisation will deal with that.
There was moments silence. What will happen if I refuse? Shepard said, finally breaking it.
You'll stay here, I'm afraid, for the rest of your life.
Shepard snorted. Don't have much of a choice, do I?
The man shook his head. No. Not really, he replied. He then paused, straitening his tie, which he seemed to do on instinct rather than the item of clothing being out of place. So, what will it be? he asked.
Shepard didn't say a thing. He simply walked up to the swirling aura at the entrance to the helicopter, but paused at the threshold. He looked back at the man in black, who stood there watching him, impassive as ever. Turning back, he entered the vortex and suddenly everything went black after a brief flash of green light.
Very good, Corporal Shepard! he heard the man in black say, his voice sounding quite pleased, seemingly coming from nowhere. I'll see you on the other side. Perhaps you'll be working with our other new recruit
Not for the first time in his life, Shepard wondered what the hell he was getting himself into
SUBJECT: SHEPARD
STATUS: HIRED
AWAITING ASSIGNMENT