HL3
By: John Anthony
Chapter 2: "In your safe keeping"
They all looked up, a stunned silence covering their faces. A pin drop could be heard. A few of the scientists slowly approached, shocked. Were the stories actually true? "Dr. Freemen," the oldest of the scientists began, "I am Dr. Mave. This way, please." Gordon followed as the others still stood in silence.
Dr. Mave led Gordon into a private office. It was then Gordon noticed that the scientist held a slight resemblance to Dr. Kleiner, but that was all. "Dr. Freemen," he began, having a seat behind his bare desk, "I couldn't care less how you showed up at my doorstep. The fact remains though that you are here. I never believed what Alyx said about you coming back. Yet to honor the memory of her father, we have prepared for your return none the less."
"Your timing is wonderful, doctor. Today, years of work are coming to fruition. From what Alyx has told me of you, I can only guess you're here to help. Follow me, for our time together needs to be short." The scientist arose from his chair and led Gordon further into the labyrinth. Gordon could only wonder how this place had been turned into a laboratory under the eyes of the combine. Though he had seen no scanners, Gordon couldn't believe that this wasn't an elaborate trap.
"Here we are," Dr. Mave finally said after a few minutes of walking. After finding the right key, he opened a door labeled Maintenance. "Everything you'll need, for now at least." A light was switched on, revealing a small cache of weapons along with a white Combine military uniform. "I'm sorry we don't have your usual attire. This uniform has been retrofitted to run off power outlets and heath stations. Suit up and arm yourself with whatever you seem necessary. Meet me down the hall when you're done."
Dr. Mave stepped out of the room as Gordon surveyed what he had to work with. After putting on the combine uniform, Gordon equipped himself with a pistol, submachine gun, a few grenades, and as must ammo as he could carry. Finally, Gordon pulled on the helmet. It was dark for a moment before a computer display came to life, eventually showing a perfect field of vision.
Gordon stepped back into the hall and walked to the last door on the right, another office. Dr. Mave was patiently waiting, a CDRW in his hand. "Here, Dr. Freeman," Dr. Mave began, placing the disk in a pocket behind Gordon's chest armor, "I'm putting this disk in your safe keeping. Needless to say, if the Combine knew what we were doing down here, this city and the few others like it would cease to exist overnight. Here's what you must do. I will show you an entrance to the sewer system. Follow it to its end. Now, the regional Combine Overseer is here today for the monthly status report. Blend in with his security detail and board the train with them as he leaves. Do what you must to take over the train once it is in motion." Dr. Mave pulled a second disk from his pocket.
"Now, once you've done that, insert this second disk into the train's mainframe. After that, just wait. Understood?" Gordon nodded. "Good man. One final thing before you go." Dr. Mave pulled black crowbar from beneath the desk. "A gift from Mr. Calhoun." Gordon happily took the crowbar, feeling its weight.
"This is where we must part, Mr. Freeman. Take care of that bundle for us. Now, you must depart." Dr. Mave walked up to a file cabinet and tapped it three times on the side. The cabinet slid to the side, revealing a small passage. "Go, now." Gordon ran into the dark passage, imagining what he wouldencounter in the city's sewers.
Author's note: I know this chapter is rather short, but don't worry. Chapter 3: The Underground, will be much longer. The action will start as well. Thank you for your comments.