Chapter 8: A Look Into the Past
"Corporal Shepard, it is good to see you again," Crowe said, sitting across from Adrian.
"Colonel Crowe….what are you doing here?" Adrian asked, still starring at his old commander. Kaitlyn only stared at Adrian until it finally struck her. After reading Adrian's profile at the Combine base, she discovered much about his regiment. A Colonel Theodore Crowe was the commanding officer of the 81st Hazardous Environment Combat Regiment deployed to the incident at Black Mesa. She knew that many military commanders became resistance leaders so it was plausible that this Crowe was a member of the resistance; but what was he doing in Eastern Europe.
"Oh no, it's not colonel anymore," Crowe said with a huge smile on his face, "it's General Crowe now." Adrian was dumbstruck, he could only stare at his old commander. Slowly but steadily he sat back into his chair. Crowe had not changed much in the twelve years Adrian was stuck in the black void. He still had a crew cut but it appeared to be much grayer and his face was drawn and tight. His green eyes seemed to have lost that sparkle they once held, as if they had faded to an almost grayish-green color.
"General? General of what sir? I was told that the U.S. and every other country doesn't exist anymore."
"That is partially true Adrian. Let me tell you what has happened over the past twelve years," Crowe said sadly.
The next two hours changed Adrian in more ways he could even think of. Crowe went into detail about the consequences of the Black Mesa incident. For three years the Portal Storms ravaged the planet as thousands of alien creatures crossed over to Earth, forcing the people into overpopulated cities to protect themselves. After three years the Combine first appeared, the Citadels began to spring up in dozens of cities across the globe. For one year they sat there until the French attacked the one in Paris, not even knowing its purpose. Fighting spread across the world, sporadic skirmishes shattered many cities. After six months contact was established between the United Nations and the Citadels. Dr. Wallace Breen acted as the emissary for the Combine, as they called themselves. Breen asked the complete, unconditional surrender of every nation on the planet and to receive the Combine with open arms as their rightful overlords. After the U.N. refused the Combine's terms the most devastating war in history occurred. Ten million people perished in what became known as the Seven Hours War. In only a mere seven, short hours, country's entire militaries were annihilated, cities were laid to waste by conventional warfare or destructive Combine weapons. After seven hours, the United Nations surrendered to the Combine. Dr. Breen became the viceroy of Earth, acting as a puppet leader for the Combine.
Several nations refused to give in and kept on fighting, but they were quickly crushed. All humans were placed in cities occupied by Citadels. There was one-hundred-twelve of these cities, City-17 was the capital and was occupied by the largest Citadel, one that rose into the clouds. For eight-in-a-half years the Combine ruled the world with an iron fist. After two years of occupation, the resistance sprang to life. Many scientists from Black Mesa and political and military leaders from the former western powers formed what became known as the Lambda Resistance. They established their headquarters outside the Combine capital of City-17, formally Odessa, Ukraine on the coast of the Black Sea.
When Crowe had finally finished his story, the room fell into a deathly silence. For Adrian, everything had just been explained. Everything he had encountered now made sense. The infestation of alien creatures, the Combine, the rebel soldiers, the Citadel, it was all clear to him now.
Almost everything was clear to him.
He still did not who or what that g-man he encountered in the black void was. The void itself was left unexplained. He thought briefly about asking them about it. He decided against it. It would be better to earn their trust and friendship before telling them about it.
All became clear for Kaitlyn as well. She was too young to remember much from the beginning of the alien attacks and the Combine conquests. She only knew what little information her parents told her before they were taken away and what Combine propaganda told her. Even after joining them they had still told her nothing. Everything was a lie, and this only fueled her hatred for them all the more.
Although Adrian now had a clear history for the twelve years he had missed, something was still bothering him. He could not quite place it but something was left unexplained. He assumed they could not or perhaps would not explain the g-man and the void but it was not that that was bothering him. He looked at each man sitting across from him. Each man only wore an expressionless face. Even Crowe's expression was the same. His eyes finally fell onto the Vortigaunt, John, and he was then hit right in the face.
It had been so obvious. How could he not have known what was bothering him from the start. It did not take him long to figure it out but the mere simplicity of it made him feel like a fool.
"Wait, wait," he finally said. Everyone's gaze fell upon him, even Kaitlyn's. "What about this alien here, John. What the hell is he doing here and why the fuck are you allowing him to sit here Crowe." Eli, Collins, and Crowe suddenly burst into laughter. Adrian and Kaitlyn could only sit there confused.
"It was about time you noticed that Shepard," Crowe said, barely containing his own laughter, "you were never slow at picking things up but this does not surprise me. John here is a Vortigaunt. And yes, we did fight them at Black Mesa."
Eli suddenly took over for Crowe, "The Vortigaunts were slaves Adrian, much as the same as most of humanity is today. They hail from the planet Xen. When the portal between our two worlds was established at Black Mesa, they were enslaved by a creature we called the Nihilanth. The creature itself was controlled by the Combine but it had a telepathic link with the Vortigaunts. Under the influence of the Combine overlords it ordered the Vortigaunts to attack Earth. During their attack we were able to destroy this creature. Have you ever heard of Gordon Freeman, Adrian?" Eli asked inquisitively.
"Yes, a little," Adrian said, somewhat confused, "I had no idea at the time of what our mission at Black Mesa was but I heard that Freeman was a priority target. That we had to take him out."
"True are your words Shepard," John said, "just as the words of your companion are. Our savior he is, just as you are ours as well. We would forgive you but it is not ours to give. From you, we ask it." Adrian starred at him not knowing what the alien meant.
"What do…" he was cut off by Eli before he could finish his question.
"We will get to that soon enough. The Nihilanth was given the power to telepathically bend the Vortigaunts to his will. This ability was given to him by the Combine, and it was theirs to take away. Most of the other creatures that crossed over to our planet were just wild animals. Our only hope to stop this invasion was to open a portal, one which would allow us to cross over to Xen so we could destroy the Nihilanth. We sent Gordon Freeman through the portal, and it was he who fought and killed the Nihilanth. This freed the Vortigaunts and closed the portals. We thought we had won, but we were wrong," Eli's voice revealed a hint of sorrow.
"In order to open the portal to Xen, Freeman had to launch a satellite into orbit that would create a relay signal to the planet. We used this signal to teleport Freeman near the Nihilanth. However, it was this signal that the Combine needed to open a teleport to Earth. Soon after they reopened the teleport and sent creatures from Xen all over the planet, forcing us into the cities. That is when the Combine teleported the Citadels to Earth. During the Seven Hours War we managed to destroy the signal but they already had there foothold. They have been trying to reopen the portal but they do not need it to control and ravage the planet. Every month they send transports full of our planet's resources back to their home planet. We don't know how long it takes to get to their planet, all we do know is that they are slowly but methodically killing off Earth. We estimate that within twenty years, Earth will no longer be able to sustain life. And the two-in-half billion people still alive will die."
Adrian could see the looks of pain on everyone's face. Eli, Collins, and Crowe had expressions of helplessness while Kaitlyn had one of sorrow. John remained expressionless, or so Adrian thought since he could not read the alien's expressions as of yet. The silence was finally broken by Collins.
"Going back to what John was saying. Gordon destroyed the link between master and slave. However, you destroyed the enforcer. The creature you killed at Black Mesa had the ability to control the Vortigaunts as well. It had the power to control them. But since you killed it you helped free them just as much as Freeman did. Since then, the Vortigaunts have been helping us free our planet from the Combine. So far, all we have been able to do is free people from the cities. We have established many towns across the globe for these people to live in freely. We think the Combine knows of many of these settlements but they probably don't think of them as a threat. However, our efforts will be for nothing if we cannot drive the Combine off Earth."
"So, that is why you view me as a savior John," Adrian said to the alien, "I thank you as well as forgive you for what your people did to my friends at Black Mesa. I also ask for your forgiveness for taking the lives of many of your kind there as well." He had spoken in a clear voice as if he was someone older and wiser than his own person. Kaitlyn noticed this and looked up at him in surprise. She had already discovered that Adrian was a kind man but she did not know he had the maturity of someone far beyond his age. She had always pictured him as a cursing, roughneck marine; albeit one with a good heart.
"Thanks we give to you, Shepard," John spoke in his strange, raspy voice, "but we cannot give it to you for it is not ours to give." Adrian eyes widened in disbelief. He had just forgiven an enemy for killing his friends yet he could not forgive Adrian for his actions.
"What do you mean by that John?" Adrian asked.
"Anger we know you feel, Shepard," they alien spoke, "but it truly is not ours to give. Difficult it is to discuss. One day we will explain this to you, perhaps." John's voice seemed to sadden, Adrian thought. It was still raspy but it had a tone of sorrow in it. Perhaps it was telling the truth he thought. He decided to not push his luck and asked something else.
"When I was held at the Combine station. I was told that there were only nine survivors from our regiment, sir," he said to Crowe, "is that true?"
"No, Shepard," Crowe said, "we know of twenty-four still alive, you and I being a part of them that is. Fifteen, like myself are leaders of the resistance. The other nine are still in the United States and serve in their military."
Adrian's eyes widened in shock, "I thought you said every country no longer exists, sir."
"Well," Crowe began, his voice a little excited at the thought of revealing this to Shepard, "the Combine took control of the eastern and western coasts of the country. The government did not sign Breen's bill of surrender like all the other countries. So all military units and the federal government moved between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains. They completely control that area. The Combine attacks them once in awhile, but they must not consider the place a threat because they never send in a strong enough force. So they are easily defeated. So the United States is the only nation to still exist today. But they don't have the strength to do much other than defend themselves. They do send weapons, advisors, and aid to the resistance where ever they can. Most of our advanced weapons come from them. Because of them, the resistance is as strong as it is. Without them, we would only be a small band of disorganized, ill-equipped rebels." Crowe said all of this proudly. He was no doubt proud of the fact that his homeland still existed. Adrian felt the same, as did Eli, Kaitlyn, and Collins; all of whom were born and raised in the U.S.
"Well, that's good to know," Adrian said, "but what is Kaitlyn and I doing here? What are you going to do to us."
"Why recruit you of course," Eli said, a large grin spreading across your face.
"I'm in," Kaitlyn nearly shouted out in excitement, "what do you need me to do." All the faces in the room turned toward her. Everyone wore an expression of surprise. None of them doubted the girl's spirits but they did question her resolve. They did not expect her to be so quick to agree to joining them. She was lied to and had her family taken away from her by the Combine but to switch allegiance so rapidly shocked them.
It also made them uneasy. It is hard to accept someone as a friend and ally after they abandoned their former leaders and allies. Kaitlyn did just learn the truth about the Combine and the resistance but they still had difficulty accepting her with open arms. Her passing of the polygraph test eased their mistrust enough to allow her to join them.
"Very well," Eli said, "we appreciate your attitude. We'll tell you soon what we need you to do." A large smile parted her soft lips when Eli said this.
"And what about you, Adrian. Will you join us?" his former commanding officer asked. Adrian contemplated his offer. His thoughts dwelt upon his encounter with the g-man. He had told Adrian that his military expertise would be needed. He had also told him that he would all the time he could get. His decision came to mind quickly.
"Yes, I'll join you," Adrian said.
"Excellent," Eli said delightfully.
"It is good you have made that choice," John said, "we welcome you eagerly."
"Yes," Crowe quickly interrupted, "Now! On to business. Captain Collins here, has formed a special operations unit, the Special Priority Assault Deployment Encounter Service, or S.P.A.D.E.S. It is designed for all sorts of operations such as recon, seek and destroy, search and rescue, assault, etc. etc. They would operate in small squads, no more than a dozen men at a time. We want to have at least six fully trained and equipped teams. We want you to train and command them."
"Command them?" Adrian snapped, "I can help train them but I'm no commander. I'm only a corporal."
"Not anymore," Crowe said, "Collins is a good commander but he doesn't have enough experience to lead a special ops unit. You do," he said after a long pause.
"But Black Mesa was my first mission. I had never seen combat before then," Adrian said.
"True, but you've had the necessary training and some experience. You were part of a special ops unit while in my regiment. You will be promoted to major and begin immediately," Crowe said. Adrian pondered the offer for a moment. What the general just told him was true; his mission to Black Mesa had provided him with enough experience to train anyone. The long, grueling months of training for the 81st HEC Regiment gave him a very broad spectrum of tactics, weapon layouts, and maneuvers. Yet he was still unsure of himself. He feared for the safety of the men under his command. Adrian did not know if he had the qualities of a leader. But he knew he was needed, and in the end, his kind heart beat his uncertainty.
"Very well, I will train and lead these men," Shepard said in a strong, assertive voice. The rebels leaders were all pleased by his answer. If Shepard could turn the SPADES into an elite unit then they could finally launch the offensive they had planned out.
"Good. William and Theodore will debrief you on all of our capabilities and weapons as well as the Combine's," Dr. Vance said to Adrian. He turned toward Kaitlyn and looked at her with a smile on his face. "Kaitlyn will stay here with John. I have much work that needs to be done so John here will find out what he can about the Combine from her. I thank you both for accepting our offer. With both your knowledge and abilities I am sure you will prove a valuable friend and ally." He then got up and before leaving he shook both their hands and then disappeared out the door.
"Major Shepard," Adrian looked up, the smile on his face told everyone that he liked the sound of that, "if you would follow Captain Collins and myself." Adrian got up and followed the captain and general after giving Kaitlyn a soft smile. She returned the gesture with a smile as she blushed. The vortigaunt interrupted her thoughts of Adrian as he stood up.
"It is good you have agreed to join. Now if you could tell us everything you know about our enemy, we would be most grateful," John said in his raspy yet soft and wise voice.
Adrian followed the two men down a long corridor. Crowe was speaking to him, telling him about the Black Mesa East facility. "This used to be a large Soviet bunker during the Cold War. It was to operate as a secret naval headquarters during a major war in Europe. After the wall fell the Ukraine military took it over. They used it merely for storage, nothing really special. We moved our headquarters here several years ago. Dr. Vance leads a science team here conducting a lot of research. Sorry, but I can't tell you much about it. I barely understand it, myself. The bunker is shaped in a rectangle, about seven-hundred yards long and three-hundred yards wide. It has ten floors, each them underground. There are four entrances, one on each point of the compass. On the third floor, and the west side there is a tunnel about a mile long that leads to a large warehouse and hangar. That is where we bring in supplies. There are currently three-thousand humans and vortigaunts living on the base. Many are scientists, maintenance, and servicemen but we do have a large contingent of troops. Many families live here, we even a school and a fully equipped hospital and fully trained medical staff."
"Uh, I know I agreed to join you and all," Adrian said warily, "but it isn't wise to tell me all this."
"I know that Adrian," Crowe said in a joking manner, "I would not normally tell someone in your position this for security reasons but I served with you once before. And I trust you fully, Major Shepard. Here it is." He led them through a door into a small room. The walls were covered with maps and photographs and many large folders laid on the table. They all took a seat at the table, Adrian sat between the two.
"Oh, before we begin, I just want to tell you that Eli does that all the time," Crowe said.
"Does what?" Adrian asked confused.
"You mean you haven't noticed!" the general said surprised. "The good doctor likes to call everyone by their entire first name. Since your name is short as it is you probably didn't notice and it probably won't bother you. But for Collins and I…well, being called Theodore and William can get quite annoying at times."
"Yeah, I guess it would," Adrian said, a small smile parted his face. For the next three hours Adrian was given a specific briefing about the resistance and Combine forces, mostly in and around City-17. General Crowe left an hour into the debriefing due to his other responsibilities. Collins continued at a slow, rhythmic pace. He allowed Adrian to ask questions to which he always gave a direct, honest answer. He even called him 'sir' and treated him with the respect one would give to a ranking officer.
The Combine's military capabilities did not surprise Adrian at all. After all, they conquer the entire planet in seven hours and have complete control of its resources. Adrian was surprised to discover that the Citadels were actually giant factories which produced weapons and assault vehicle on a large scale. However, the strength and capabilities of the Lambda Resistance shocked him. For a rebel force, scattered across the planet with no nation to call their own, they were extremely well organized and well positioned to launch concentrated on many of the Combine cities. As for City-17, they resistance could easily take it if it used speed and surprise. Since the Combine had a better trained army, tanks, APCs, and aircraft, the resistance would have to take several strong points in a matter of hours in order to seize the city. According to Captain Collins, the Combine had five divisions in and around City-17. All them were infantry based, but they were all mechanized and had plenty of air and artillery support. But the resistance had been able to move small, heavily-armed units into positions to quickly overwhelm the enemy.
The resistance could launch a surprise attack on the city along seven different routes with thirty-five thousand troops. It even had a hundred-fifty old, Soviet T-72 and T-80 tanks along with three-hundred APCs with enough fully trained crews to operate half of them. They even had four dozen modified civilian and military attack helicopters. But their greatest weapon but least reliable was the people of City-17. There was no doubt that they hated the Combine. If they rose up against them then the resistance could easily equip much of them to fight back. This would cause the Combine to fight an enemy on many times its size on two fronts. The only problem was encouraging them to rebel. They needed something or someone great to encourage them to act.
"Would you like to meet the men now, sir" the captain said after he had finished the briefing.
"Yes, of course," Adrian said nervously. Collins then lead him out the room and into an elevator shaft. They went down three floors and walked along a small, confined hallway. After fifty yards, Collins opened a large metal door and came into a large dormitory. The room was large enough to house two-hundred men. As Adrian came in scores of men snapped up from their beds and gave him a sharp, crisp salute. Shepard was amazed by this act, not only was in disciplined but he had never seen this many people salute to him.
"Gentlemen," Captain Collins shouted, "this is your new commander and head instructor." He beckoned for Adrian to come forth. He stood before the captain and returned the men's salute.
"My name is Major Adrian Shepard," he said in a loud, confident voice, "I will turn all of you into the best trained unit in the world. Only seventy-two of you will leave this room as a Spade. And more importantly, from here on out your asses are mine. Do you understand!" He shouted the last sentence just like his old drill instructor, Sergeant Barnes, had done.
"Yes Sir!" was the response of almost two-hundred yelling voices.