The searing pain was coming every five minutes now. Alyx lay atop the metal "bed" located in Dr. Forest's office, now wearing a sort of paper 'dress'. She had been lying there for an hour now, timing the growing contractions. Dr. Forest stood next to her, timing the pains as well. The baby was defiantly coming. It was only a matter of time now. After another wave of pressure, Alyx looked at Forest.
"You need to tell Gordon!"
Forest looked down at her patient.
"Alyx, I don't think . . ."
Alyx began breathing hard. "Please. He has been with me through everything."
Forest was about to protest, but thought it better not to argue with a hormonal woman. She agreed and moved towards the nearest intercom. She pressed one of the buttons and called through the mic.
"Vince? It's Dr. Forest. Could you get Gordon Freeman on the line?"
---
Gordon cursed as a grenade landed next to his feet. In a panic, he jumped into the nearby bookstore, crashing through its front display window. The grenade exploded, sending rock and dust into the atmosphere. The Combine were pushing their way down the strip, causing the rebels to slowly retreat. The Strider's were creating perfect cover for the enemy forces.
Gordon shoved a few more grenades into his SMG before returning to the fight. He peered over the broken glass, spotting numerous Overwatch jogging down the street. He emptied his clip on the opposing forces, dropping six enemies before running out of bullets.
Barney ran out from his hiding place and positioned himself next to Gordon within the bookstore. They both reloaded in unison as more pulse fire whizzed over their heads. Gordon was about to return fire when his radio suddenly came to life.
"Gordon? Do you read?"
He could barely hear the voice over the noise.
"Yeah!" He shouted over the explosions. "I read you!"
"Gord . . .Lyx."
"What? Repeat that!"
"The baby is coming!"
Gordon felt his heart rocket towards his throat. His eyes widened. Barney had heard the news and was shocked himself. The pair looked at each other in fear for a moment.
"Gordon?" the radio called.
"Oh, no." was all he could say.
His mind raced. More than anything in the world, he wanted to be by Alyx's side during this momentous occasion. This was impossible, seeing that he was pinned down and surrounded by the last Combine forces. Plus, if he left his troops, the Combine might push through their lines, and would make their way to Green Base, destroying the facility. He would have to stay.
---
The contractions were three minutes apart now. Alyx was taking deep breaths the way Forest had taught her, trying to keep her mind off of the pain. A notion came across her mind: Gordon wouldn't leave his troops, knowing that if the Combine broke the rebel line, they would destroy the base. Alyx still wanted him here, though.
"Dr. Forest," She called out, "Can you call Kenny to come here?"
Dr. Forest opened her mouth to argue, but closed it as Alyx gave a harrowing glare. She walked over towards the intercom again and called Kenny.
A few minutes later, the young rebel entered the room, somewhat worried as soon as he saw Alyx on the table. Alyx spotted Kenny and motioned him to come closer.
"I need you," she asked between breaths, "to take five of your men . . . to go to the town . . . and relieve my husband."
Kenny's brow frowned. "But, I was assigned . . ."
Alyx's hand lashed out, grabbing Kenny's olive sweater and pulling him close to her face.
"GET GORDON, NOW." She hissed though her teeth. Fear entered the young man's face. He slowly backed away, moving towards the door. He then bolted down the hallway towards his squad.
---
The group of rebels cheered as the first Strider fell to the ground. Gordon had thrown a Magnusson device at the first Strider, allowing the rebels to fire upon the explosive device, causing the behemoth to implode. However, Gordon had no cheer within him. He was too worried about Alyx and the baby. As if on cue, his COM unit activated again.
"Gordon? We are sending a squad down there to replace you. E.T.A. five minutes."
A small pang of relief hit Gordon. He was glad for the assist. His goal now was to destroy the last Strider.
Gordon pushed the activation button on his COM. "I want all rocket units to direct their fire on the last Strider!" The soldiers obeyed. Five rockets shot out from different parts of the town, each one impacting against the Strider's hull. It stumbled for a moment, spewing out painful moans. It regained it footing and directed its fire on a nearby flower shop, destroying half of the building. After one more barrage of rockets, the Strider fell to the ground, dead.
Now, the only Combine left were a thousand Overwatch troops and a couple of angry Hunters. Two hundred rebels stood between this force and Green Base.
The Combine were spreading through the town, clearing each building of its rebels. Gordon ordered his forces to retreat, realizing that the rebel line on the strip was dwindling. They would move towards the mountains, hoping that the high ground would give them an advantage. He and Barney ran down the road, firing their guns blindly behind them. Suddenly, a random explosion sent Gordon to the ground.