Chapter 1 - Black Mesa Inbound
Gordon Freeman stood in the middle of the empty tram as it departed the station, the automated chime tuned in "Good morning and welcome to the Black Mesa Transit System." It was just another morning for Gordon; he woke up, freshened up, had an apple and quickly brushed his teeth. He checked his watch, eight forty seven am, he was late. Despite purposefully choosing to reside onsite he had still managed to be late for his first day, well first day in the Anomalous Materials sector at least. He was working topside previously, that's where he met his pal Barney Calhoun, and reunited with his mentor Isacc Kleiner. Kleiner was the one who had nominated Gordon to work in AM, that's what people called Anomalous Materials, AM. 'For god's sake Freeman, Kleiner sticks his neck out for you and You're late on day one.' Gordon chastised himself. He paced up and down the small and empty carriage as if his impatience would make it go faster.
The tram rounded a corner Gordon saw a familiar face, it was Barney. Barney didn't notice Gordon as he passed though; he was too busy banging on the security door. 'Locked yourself out, did you Calhoun?' Freeman thought to himself, he chuckled. As if on cue Barney had eased his nerves, it was a shame he didn't get reassigned to AM with Gordon. The automated voice continued its prerecorded message as the tram passed through a narrow tunnel, the voice read out the current topside temperature and forecast, as if that was of any relevance to Gordon, who was currently headed to one of the deepest areas of the Black Mesa facility... that he knew of. As the tram exited the tunnel, Gordon observed as people busily carried out their duties. Forklift drivers moving around crates, fellow scientists working away in their offices, security guards loitering around drinking coffee and chatting to each other, well everyone was busy except the guards. Just another day in Black Mesa.
The tram continued its journey, rounding corner after corner. Past the large rocket that stood as if on display, that was Gordon's favourite part of the trip, he had always been infatuated with rockets there was something about them that appealed to the twenty seven year old. Once the rocket was out of sight Gordon slumped into a seat, the rest of the ride was pretty boring. He had already rode this tram to AM a couple times, so that he could go through an induction. He had met a few new people in that time, the one he liked the most was Eli Vance, there was something about him, a kind soul. He was the closest to Gordon in age, still nearly ten years older than him though. He was a family man, Gordon could recall he had a younger daughter. Couldn't remember her name but she was somewhere here on-site in Black Mesa. Gordon couldn't believe it when Eli told him, Black Mesa had proper facilities for children, they were practically raising future employees here. This place truly was crazy.
Gordon's tram passed another that was stationary. He noticed that onboard the other tram was a man, he was dressed differently to everyone else; blue suit, a briefcase and very pale skin. The strangest part was that this man was staring directly at Gordon. He only saw him for a split second and yet he felt a chill go up his spine. Freeman suddenly felt very uncomfortable for no real reason. 'Why was he staring at me?' he thought to himself. The tram continued on as it descended further and further towards his final destination. After what had felt like hours the automated voice chimed in once more "Now arriving at Sector C test labs, and control facilities, before exiting the train be sure to check for personal belongings, thank you, and have a very safe and productive day". Gordon stood at the door and waited for the security guard to slowly walk towards the tram. "Come on, come on" Gordon murmured to himself. The guard finally approached the door and pressed a button "Morning Mr Freeman, looks like you're running late" Gordon nodded in reply as the security door quietly slid open. Gordon stepped out from the team, they were now both standing on a metal platform, hanging over a deep black void. The only thing holding up the platform were a few measly cables, at the end of the platform was the large security door, the guard walked towards the control panel to its left and punched in a code. With a whirr the security door unlocked itself and then slid upwards, revealing on the other side a small airlock with another door. Gordon entered, the door closing behind him. To his right was a window where a guard sat, "Aww man you cut the ponytail," he said through the microphone. Gordon looked at him and smiled, completely forgetting that he had one not two days ago. The guard pressed a button which unlocked the final door, it slid upwards, Gordon took two big steps ready for his first day in Anomalous Materials...