The prey had wounded it. Luckily, the weapon had missed most of the vital organs, which were situated in its cranium. He had been distracted by the white-suited puppet of the Oppressors, but attracted from his hiding place by a familiar smell. Yes, the smell of the Free Man had been on his prey, a sort of shared life-force that it could detect. It smelt other things on her, too. Vortigaunt treachery had aided her in the past. Slowly, painfully, it dragged itself to its feet. The Highest must take them, its mission must be completed. They would have their revenge upon Him and his kin.
"This is Snowy Owl. Update on the Borealis situation. During the night there was something going on below decks. I heard banging, and at one point I thought I saw fire."
Gordon, Barney, Dr Kleiner and Dr Magnusson were gathered in the communications centre, listening to the latest reports from the team of scouts that were monitoring the stricken icebreaker.
"Sorry to tell you this, Command, but before everything kicked off down there we were pretty sure we could hear a...woman. Screaming. Nothing but silence from the ship since about midnight, and there have been no new developments today. We'll keep you posted, Snowy Owl out."
A deathly hush fell across the room. Those assembled glanced at Gordon, fearing another outburst. Over the last few days, Gordon had grown depressed, frightened for Alyx and angry at his own impotence.
When he spoke, his voice was a sharp whisper. "No more waiting. We will go now."