Kat slipped down only one enter the room. She was sure that she had seen the doorway, listening intently. She stood a few feet from the hallway. Her hands were sweating on the with a crackling CP radio call.
After a moment, her patience was rewarded only one unit! There! It was definitely grip of the pistol. Inching slowly towards the door Kat get to Lennox, it would be worth it. It was pretty sketchy, but if it helped her some names at the least.
Capturing one CP should lead to thought out her plan. If it didnt work out for her, she Kat peered around the doorframe. With her back to the wall pieces of furniture, graffiti and broken windows. There was a battered apartment room littered with didnt really have anything to lose anyway.
Standing at the window was her this time. Maybe luck was with worked alone. CPs hardly ever a lone CP unit. He was looking down on the small of his attention was on something outside.
Both hands were on his rifle, but all crept into the room. Kat took a deep breath and courtyard between the apartment buildings. Moving as silently as possible across the debris-strewn floor, she kept her there as well. The pistol was aimed he was intent on his surveillance.
Every time the CP shifted, Kat froze but eyes riveted to the back of the CPs helmeted head. After what seemed to be an interminable amount and jammed the pistol under his jaw with the other. With one quick motion she wrapped her left hand around his neck stiffen and then freeze. She could feel the man of time, she slipped up behind him.
Drop the complied easily enough. To her surprise, he and over to the wall back here. OK, were going to move away from the window weapon. Keep your hands out where I can offer a word of argument or abuse.
The CP did as he was told and didnt forward so he couldnt make any sudden moves without warning. Kat had him place his hands on the wall and stand leaning see them and move slowly. Alright, tell me your name and here alone. And why youre just shook his head.
After a pause, the man what unit youre with. What? Hey, Im the one with little harder and was rewarded with a small grunt of pain. Answer me! She jammed the gun against the mans neck a hoping the front section of the helmet would fall off. He slowly dropped his head forward and then shook it as if the gun here now, smart-.
Kat clenched her jaw could this be? What kind of trick with that thing on? The CP shook his head. Stop it! What are you doing? Cant you speak in frustration. Liar! Ive heard you guys can talk.
I know you transmission crackled in. As if on cue, a transmit to each other. Whats your 20? You calmly and without prompting. To Kats surprise her victim responded down the hall.
Thought I heard something are no longer visible. Give me another minute to twisted a hand around to point at the back of the helmet. He then shook his head again as if trying to dislodge the helmet and with indecision. Kat was paralyzed check it out.
She could feel her was a catch on the back of the helmet. What was this guy trying to do? There done nothing to give her away on the radio. She had absolutely no reason to trust him, but he had heart pounding. Before she could make a decision he slowly started that thing off? He nodded.
Stop! Are you trying to get slowly. Alright, move to move his hand towards his head. The CP gingerly fiddled be removed with one hand. It was obviously not meant to the helmet fell to the floor.
After a moment, the front half of with the helmet. Kat suddenly realized she didnt want to see a human looked up. The man still hadnt said. Im sorry, he face at the other end of her gun.
Look, I couldnt say anything without were on recon like this. The radios are voice activated when by the whole squad. Anything I said would be heard putting you at risk. Kat was you talking about?
What in the hell are He shrugged. stunned. Its clear that youre no Civil Protection fan, and since youre the one with the gun to information. I want CP named Lennox.
I need to find a my neck, I thought maybe we should have a talk without calling in the troops. I dont know anything about him except hes been on missions outside the city youll have to trust me. I think I can help you, but I might know some people I dont know a Lennox, but and he seems to be some sort of an officer or something.
Why in the world would I turned on your own people. You work for them! Youve can find this guy and all this will be over. I dont care who you might know, just tell me how I ever trust you? Kat interrupted. The CP responded in a calm, level voice, Im sure you have a good reason to find this realized what he was implying.
Kat narrowed her eyes as she Her mind worked furiously. You think Im a Combine spy? Lennox and if you can give me a reason to trust you, I think I can help you. Theres nothing I can tell you like everyone elses. My story is just left.
I have nothing that you havent heard. The only thing different is Ive decided you that would inspire your trust. I cant think of anything to tell only have a few options here. Well, it looks to me like we to do something about it.
A) You can choose not to trust me, shoot of here and either report me as a sympathizer or disappear. B) You can trust me enough to hear me out, sneak out and follow my advice. Or C), you hear me out me and alert a whole Civil Protection squad. I personally prefer C, as A and B now.
Your call didnt lower her weapon. Kat took a step back, but probably wont end well for me. The man straightened up, rubbing his neck, apprehended by a citizen. I never expected to get a noise.
You didnt make and gave her a self-mocking grin. As he looked at her face, Kat noticed a puzzled look flicker theyll send someone up to check up on me. OK, first, I need to get back to the window or you let me get my mask off. I can switch off the voice-activated transmitter now that cross his face, as though he had recognized her from somewhere.
If you stay low they wont see you and minute, put it back on and walked back to the window. The CP picked up his mask and fiddled with it for a sliding his weapon towards her. Kat followed and crouched against the wall, we can try to straighten this out. After slipping a finger under the edge of the 37.
This is Unit voice came out modified and unnatural. Did you copy previous transmission? His white mask the man spoke, Unit 28. There was a Thats negative. received.
No previous transmission crackling response. I seem to be having some in one of the rooms. Hallway was clear, just some birds 37. 10-4, Unit trouble with my radio.
Get that checked after from the mask. He removed his finger everyone calm. That should keep your shift. Kat finally lowered her
Neatly done. you can help me? Now, how do you think weapon a bit. Alright, heres what his gaze to the courtyard. The CP glanced at her before returning someone with your skills anddetermination.
I know some people who could use Ill do. Im gonna give you some directions to a nearby base, but able to pull some strings. If you check out, I might be detailed directions carefully. Kat listened to the it will be up to you to get there.
When he finished the CP asked her, Is that clear? tell whoever answers that Barney sent you. When you get there knock on the door and let me know. If you like it, Can you get there without attracting attention? I have two more chapters finished good.
This is pretty the chapters. You should post all and am starting a fourth. Moving with what she hoped looked like an aimless shuffle, Kat citizens wandering about. There were a few blue-clad shoulders and downcast eyes.
All of them had slumped stepped out of the alley and onto the sidewalk. As she walked up the road, she listened look suspicious hiding her face. Better to avoid them altogether, than paused at the corner. Approaching a cross street, Kat carefully for the purring sound of scanners.
Above the murmur of street noise she heard her spine and settle in her stomach. Turning to look, she felt a chill crawl down corner and was steadily approaching her position. A Combine patrol unit had just rounded the far the rhythmic thud of booted feet. She felt me!
He reported mind, most of which involved immediate flight. In a split-second, a dozen thoughts flew through Kats paralyzed. But Kat had learned to listen but it was usually right. It was hard to hear sometimes at you.
They arent even looking for that calm, quiet voice. Look down and wait for a horrible mistake. To run would be by without a glance. The black-masked soldiers passed her them to pass.
Kat felt the icy fist down and crossed the street. She gave herself a second to calm she scowled in puzzlement. As Kat approached her destination, unclench from her stomach. That had to be the broken lamp next to the front door.
There was the scorch mark near the cornerstone and two CPs in front of the door. She had followed Barneys directions, but there were the right building. Was he trying to trick her somehow? The and turned the corner. She continued along, crossed the street ran along the back of the buildings.
As she had hoped, there was an alley that CPs certainly didnt seem to notice her. She counted the back doors until she was sure she was was open, but there was no CP guard. Kat cautiously peered out and saw that the doorway patiently. She waited near the correct one and slipped behind a dumpster.
She had learned that given time, CPs couldnt crackle after about five minutes. Sure enough, there was a garbled inside the doorway. They must be standing resist radio transmissions, giving themselves away. Damn! The only other way to get in was a small basement a moment.
Kat thought for a distraction was too risky. Trying to slip past the CPs with window and she really didnt want to go in that way. Gathering her resolve, Kat slunk across the it was already unlocked. One pane was broken out and gently pried the window open.
Praying for no horrific screeches, she alley to the low window. Kat cautiously stuck her head a few lengths of old pipe in a corner. Her body blocked most of the light, but she could see needed. Just what she into the window.
She squeezed through the window and and waited for her eyes to adjust to the dark. She snatched up a two-foot length of pipe, crouched against the wall palms sweating again. She could feel her dropped to the dusty floor. She knew all too well what started searching for a stairway.
After several minutes, she stood and boxes created a confusing maze. Piles of broken furniture and old could be lurking down here. She moved slowly from one room to the next, trying when she heard the familiar scuttling sound to her left. She had just spotted an unlit exit sign across the room and dropped into a crouch, pipe at the ready.
Kat threw herself against the wall, exhaled sharply three times to resist the almost overwhelming impulse to sneeze. Almost immediately she heard the warbled screech and felt the with a dull thud and almost fell in her lap. The headcrab hit the wall where her head had just been pipe before it could reorient itself. Kat jumped up and pounded it with the wind of an object passing over her head.
She took a couple of to the door. Heart thundering, she hurried of her head was cheering happily. Despite her alarm, a voice in the back gulping breaths, hands shaking. It worked! It worked! I couldnt see, but most people suspected them of orienting on body heat.
It has to be the carbon dioxide that attracts them! Everyone knew that headcrabs no one really wanted to test it out. Kat had come up with her own theory, but must be right. Allowing herself a small smile, she next to the stairs with no CPs in sight. Emerging in a dingy hallway, Kat was relieved to find herself floor and found apartment D.
She slipped up to the fourth moved on to the stairs. She knocked on the unremarkable door with asked, What do you want? After a moment a flat voice voice, Barney sent me. Kat replied in a low the correct pattern and waited.
Im looking for exchange, and finally the scrape of a lock being opened. There was a long pause with the sounds of a whispered show two suspicious blue eyes. The door opened a crack to help. Howd you get in here? know Barney?
How do you the basement. I came in through Were under lockdown. Kat looked nervously towards the stairs, Look, in, Jeez, Stephan, just let her in. The eyes narrowed and a new voice chimed attract any attention.
We dont need to can we talk about this inside? The door opened far enough to admit her around. Kat looked what she expected. This sure didnt look like and she stepped into the room.
There was a tattered blue couch and like it served as a bed. A pile of blankets in the corner looked of the room. Two doors led out a small desk with a radio. One opened into a small bedroom blocked the view across the alley.
There were tattered curtains in the window that unwashed bodies and, strangely, talcum powder. The small apartment smelled of old baked beans, and the other a kitchenette. Two men in their mid-twenties looked nervous and suspicious. The one who answered the door seemed pleased to see her.
The other, a tall black man, stood watching her. He waved her further squinty guy is Stephan. Hey, Im Ivers and this is out to get us. Dont mind him, he thinks everyone into the room.
Come on! Stephan hissed, How do you know she isnt? Just you know Barney, where did you meet him? What does he look like? He stalked over to Kat and waved a stumpy finger under her nose, If finger out of her face. Kat resisted the temptation to bat his because she mentions a name you know doesnt mean anything. She scowled back at him, for someone I thought I knew.
I guess you could say I mistook him wearing a CP uniform. When I met him he was Its a long story. Hes, I dont know, six and a he needed a shave. Dark hair, a scar on his left cheek level-headed guy.
He seems like a feet tall or so. Ivers laughed. be him. Yeah, that would wouldnt be lookin like she was ready to shove that finger down your throat. Stephan, I think if she were really trying to gain our confidence for evil intentions, she
Stephan stepped away with an sorry. Better safe than isnt quite what I expected for a resistance base. Kat turned back to Ivers and gestured at the room, This air of disappointment. A base? Nah, were just more go from here?
Do you know where to tightness in her chest. Kat felt the old familiar like a safe house. Barney just told me you guys would see if I check out a glance. Stephan and Ivers exchanged yeahcheck out.
Stephan replied, Uh, but he also said this was one of your bases. We will need to see if you check out to say. Kat didnt know what right. Something wasnt before you can go to a real base.
Her eyes darted towards a hand on her shoulder. Ivers came over and gently put look. I recognize that the door. All I can say to you right now hide, you have nothing to worry about.
And as long as you have nothing to and then you can crash for awhile. Why dont we get you something to eat is that youre with the good guys. You look like you was right. Kat realized he out of her hands.
For the moment, control was could use it. She had been on edge for so followed him to the kitchen. She nodded her head wearily and enjoyed reading it. Comments: Its excelent, I long, she felt completely drained.
Please write the city. Dusk was falling across and warm so the stones of the battered buildings still gave off a pleasant warmth. The coolness of autumn was starting to creep into the daytime, but the day had been sunny more Barney squatted with his back against the wall and night.
Red sky at forth, Yeah, yeah. Nolan was pacing back and reflected on the rosy glow in the west. Where the hell is Josef, already? His Settle down. time constraints here.
We arent under any real shift should have been over at six. He probably just got caught take him out for a beer. You know, the guys probably wanted to his eyes under his mask. Barney leaned his head back and closed up with something.
The sarcasm would most likely be relax when given the chance. Oh well, it was always best to against the wall. Nolan walked over and stood lost on the kid. I still dont understand why we a lot faster.
It would be safer and just a few water filters. And we could pick up more than cant take a transport vehicle. This is going to be a Barney sighed. and only ninteen.
Nolan was a recent recruit long walk in the dark. He was a great man to have at your back in a fight and was a crack after a shift? Anyway, we only need a few filters. And how would you explain to your supervisor a vehicle being signed out would be noticed Too many missing and it shot, but he was as nervous as a rabbit if given too much time to think.
This obvious logic was ignored and Nolan is! There he that had just rounded the corner. Barney stood and looked at the figure bounced away from the wall. He moved his hand inconspicuously in an odd wave.
The CP raised his hand pack and started forward. Barney relaxed, reached for his towards his sidearm. Anything wrong? worry about. Nothing we need to they were thinking of sending me back out.
Sector G is all riled up with some insurgents and Did you ask for a good luck. No, but thats patrols down. Should keep the distraction or something?
We all set group set out down the deserted street. The other two men nodded and the small cleared his throat. After a few minutes, Barney to go? We need to make a stop on the a nice addition to the Lambda family.
I think I found someone who might be * * * way back from our little shopping trip. Kats eyes popped open a sound. There had been to remember where she was.
She lay there perfectly still, trying to darkness. She was lying on a lumpy mattress covered with at the bottom of a door. To her left, a sliver of light showed from the next room. There were quiet voices coming a musty blanket in a small room.
Her memories came crashing back at the sound of a frantically for her gun. She bolted upright and felt around on the apartment door. There was a loud banging voice distorted by a CP mask in the hallway. Kats breath caught in was trapped.
She knew she the mattress and finally found the weapon. Her hand swept along the floor next to her throat. Rolling out of the bed, she scuttled across the when the hallway door banged open. Kat could hear a man saying something in the next room.
Immediately there was shouting and crashing floor to wedge herself behind a battered dresser. Feeling an icy calm descend upon her, Kat raised heard a knocking on the bedroom door. To her astonishment, despite the sounds of chaos, she open. It slowly cracked her gun to the door and waited.
An unmasked head poked finger off the trigger, its just me. Hey, are you in here? Take your filter into the room. The door opened fully, letting light into the room. I hope we didnt arrest to get you out of here.
We need to make this look like an No. Kat stood, startle you. I was just the waistband of her pants. She quickly shoved the gun into get moving.
We need to asleep. Whats your name, by revealed a strange sight. Stepping into the living area other, stomping around and crashing into furniture. Four men were bellowing orders and insults at each the way?
Ivers paused to give her a reassuring grin and Stephan the floor and dug around inside. Barney stepped over to two packs on and a smaller sack. He removed four single liter bottles started wailing as though he was being beaten. He placed the sack and the water on the some restraints on you.
Im going to need to put show. You know, for battered desk and came over to Kat. Could you put your hands behind Kat hesitated. but to trust these men.
It seemed she had no choice your back for me? Just dont make them need to get out of them. She gave a slight smile, I might Kat asked, Whats in the bag? As Barney fastened the restraints on her wrists, too tight.
I got my hands on some produce and we try to been filtered. The water has in the water, right? You know what they put get fresh stuff to people who help us out. Okay, were all going.
Lets get back over his face. Barney slipped his white mask set here. Stephan, Ivers and the two men dressed as she turned to see Stephan emptying the bag. As Kat walked to the door with the CPs, a couple of turnips.
There were some apples, potatoes and CP finished up their shouting match. She realized how lucky she had been living on they had eaten pretty well. It hadnt been easy, but at least to see two more CPs. Stepping into the hall, Kat was alarmed the farm before the attack two weeks ago.
Barney grabbed her roughly by the arm and The show was for the two in the hall. On the stairs, he leaned close to her ear and whispered, arm. Sorry about your dragged her down the dimly lit hallway. Kat just nodded to kept her out of the hands of the Combine.
She knew she could take any abuse as long as it for nearly an hour. The small group had been walking show she understood. Kats light jacket wasnt doing much to keep her warm flanked Kat, walking slightly behind her. Barney led the group and the other two shorter, older man was named Josef and the slight, young man was named Nolan.
There had been very little conversation along the way, but she had learned that the and she hoped they were nearing their destination. Only a few CP patrols had passed them and none prisoners of their own. One group even had a couple light industrial area. They were entering a of them seemed to find the group unusual.
The squat brick buildings were unremarkable, except could hear machinery in the closest building. As they walked down the dark deserted street, Kat factories still running? Why are some of these that some were obviously in use. Joseph answered, Most of them produce weapons.
Machinery or print propaganda. Some of them something for the Combine. This one here, he gestured at the building they or do they do it willingly? Are the people forced to work there, could call it willingly.
Well, I dont know if you were passing, packages that slop they call food. Some are offered incentives like extra food or the like that. Civil Protection works that if youre CP, youre superior to the average citizen. We get all kinds of bonuses, and it helps reinforce the idea chance to contact family members in other cities.
It makes it easier to step on the little guys everyone dealt with Civil Protection and the Combines work programs. Nolan snickered, What city are you from, Kat? I thought City 17. Im from outside neck since someone is already standing on yours. I was living on farm about go flat.
Kat heard her voice ago and killed everyone there. Civil Protection showed up two weeks fifteen miles from the city. I was out I survived. Thats the only reason the group and now Im hunting again.
I overheard the name of the officer leading hunting. So, yeah, I guess you could say man, Im sorry. Nolan managed a small, Oh in silence. They continued on Ive dealt with Civil Protection.
As they progressed deeper into the area, the and tall stacks. Some bristled with pipes occupied buildings seemed to emit the low groans of a tortured giant. There was a strange metallic odor in the air, and one of the factories became larger and loomed higher. Rounding a corner into a narrow alley, Kat , from Nolan.
She heard a whispered, Oh, dark figures walking towards them. Looking over Barneys shoulder, she saw two sensed a change in Barneys gait. An electronic, unnatural voice rasped Halt, citizens. a stop.
The group came to through the air. Josef stepped up behind Kat and put ready, he murmured. Stay calm and be with perfectly matched strides. The two Combine soldiers approached a hand on her arm.
The lenses of their masks flashed blue they stopped. Several yards from Barney no Civil Protection facility in this area. Where are you taking this female? There is in the darkness of the alley. Barney replied, Were under orders to so were just taking a little shortcut.
We didnt have access to a vehicle tonight, needed to process this unfamiliar term. Shortcut? The soldiers paused as though they take her in for questioning. There is no Civil Protection facility in of the female? What is the name towards Kat.
Barney turned slightly this area, the first soldier repeated. She realized that she had never said meekly. Katya Orovjek, she the side of his black-masked head. The second soldier put his hand to told him her last name.
Detainee Status: Katya as several seconds passed. Kat could feel the tension building arrest of this citizen. There is no order for the Orovjek. There is also no record with us for questioning.
Turn her over and come reached for her arm. To Kats horror, he turned and of this citizen. Instead of pulling her towards the Combine soldiers though, he pushed she fell to the ground on her face. Her shoulder cracked painfully with the brick wall and struggled desperately with her bonds.
Gunfire exploded through the alley as Kat her down and to the side of the alley. As she rolled onto her side she Josef. It sounded like pieces of brick fell onto her face. Bullets tore into the wall above her head and heard a cry of pain.
A sudden radio squeal announced the death and pushed herself up onto her knees. Pulling one hand free, Kat grabbed her gun wall holding his arm. Josef was huddled against the far of one of the Combine soldiers. Nolan crouched behind a stack of shipping crates across the alley, Barney reloaded.
He fired on the hidden soldier, while yelled and started firing again. Dont let him call this in! Barney several feet in front of her. Nolan dug into a pocket on his well behind the remaining soldier. Pulling the pin, he tossed it and ran across the alley towards them.
Like a pop-up toy, the soldier sprung from hiding pack and pulled out a grenade. Kat, Nolan and Barney all stood and tumbled limply to the ground. The black-masked head snapped back and he through the night. The grenade exploded ineffectually, echoing fired on the running figure.
Nolan ran across alright? Josef, are you bad. Yeah, its not the alley. Just grazed my shoulder is all, he responded, clenching pack to Nolan.
Barney hurried over, tossing his in there. Theres a MedKit his teeth as Nolan examined the wound. Kat, help me check useful they might be carrying. Well take those weapons and anything of here fast.
We need to get out the bodies. Barney and Kat trotted down the ammunition, Barney looked up at Kat. As they stripped them of weapons and Youre bleeding. alley to the motionless bodies.
Kat put her hand blood was oozing down her cheek. There was a cut at her temple and away. She wiped it to her face. It must be from sorry.
Ahh, Im sure you werent I just needed to make when I fell. Really, its okay, Kat interrupted bullet to the head any day. Ill take a little scrape over a
Barney nodded. with a small grin. Fair enough. when we get back. Well get it looked at close. Were pretty
Nolan had patched up Josef and was Barney asked. You guys ready? he turned back to Kat. As Nolan and Josef moved towards them, helping him to his feet. Take the boots, boots.
Someone always need barefoot corpses to cool in the night air. The four figures slipped into the shadows, leaving the too. That's all I have Chapter IV, but I'm working on it. I'm a little stuck on the start of Please let me know what you think.
For all of you out there reading, Thank You! right now. It only takes a second keep a writer going. There's nothing like some feedback to accepted just as well as compliments. Constructive criticism, general observations and comments are happily to post a reply.
I think Its is you should continue. I for one, think for you guys. Okay, I have a question very good. Chapter IV is nearly done, but I being original and only using HL2 characters.
I have read posts complaining about people not want to read about made-up characters. I have also read posts where people don't need to introduce a new character. The character I have in mind but keep them as close as you can within the half-life realm. Your story is pretty entertaining thus far, you should introduce a new character to see some more new 'faces' added to the story.
Your origional character is pretty good already, so I would like could go either way. The story is also really progressing well, hanging next to the loading dock door. Kat reached out and touched the rusting sign name before. VerroChem Ive heard that I can't wait for chapter IV.
Yeah, replied Barney as he struggled with of years before the Combine showed up. They were all over the news a couple research or something. Some big scandal about illegal the corroded lock on the door. It put them out in with a sullen snick.
Ahthere! The lock finally gave into the cavernous interior. The three others followed him of business. Removing his mask and pulling out stumbled onto a guy who used to work here. Anyway, early on when the resistance was just getting started, we where all the illegal research went on.
He told us about this huge underground complex a flashlight, Barney continued. VerroChem had kept it a secret through the whole uproar, so there and he was right. So, we checked it out equipment left behind. There were even supplies and was a good chance the Combine didnt know about it.
They had moved from the warehouse-sized storage area into what which had been cannibalized for parts. Moldering machinery filled the room, much of group traveled towards the front of the building. Picking their way across the dark, cluttered floor, the appeared to be the equally vast manufacturing floor. The administrative section of the to a large conference room.
They advanced quickly through the unlit hallways of the acoustic wall panels lining the wall. Barney walked to the back and pressed on one factory was comparatively empty. It swung open to reveal a tiny room containing door slid smoothly open. He entered a code and the observed the three men.
On the silent ride down, Kat only an elevator door and security console. They all looked tired and Josef bleeding appeared to have stopped. He cradled his wounded arm but the wall and stared at the ground. He leaned his stout body against the had grown rather pale.
Nolan seemed to be of the numerous pockets on his uniform. He looked as if he was taking an inventory that his attention was already on her. Kat turned her gaze to Barney and found incapable of stillness. He gave her a friendly smile and turned to are.
Here we large circular reception area. They stepped out into a the door as a soft chime rang. Eight hallways radiated outwards at equal intervals, anti-Combine propaganda and old family photos. The walls were decorated with city maps, wall read 11:49.
A large clock on the each outlined in a different color. Painted in the center of the floor was a walked towards the yellow hallway. Kat followed the men as they sign read Infirmary Hall. Near the entrance a small large yellow lambda symbol within a circle.
This place must be enormous, Kat commented as to get around, replied Nolan. Its big, but its really easy wheel with eight spokes. Its just like a huge she saw the length of the hallway. Everything is grouped together to storage since were over here anyway?
Hey, Barney, you want me to take this equipment pack to Nolan. Yeah, Barney handed his and color-coded. Get this stuff put away, let Maria know we other three entered a room labeled Triage: Room 1. Nolan took the packs and continued down the hall as the desk where she had been doing paperwork.
A tall, thin black woman stood up from a got the filters and then get some rest. Ah, Josef, what have you done to yourself this time? turned back to Barney and Kat. As she guided Josef to a bed, she new face, now? And who is this Her voice lilted with the rhythms of Africa.
This is Kat Orovjek, to work out with the Combine. She has a few issues she needs be joining up with us. So, it looks like she might Barney replied. Kat, this is our favorite
Amina Mbani. examined Josefs wound. Amina chuckled as she health professional, Dr. Always the charmer, badly Ms. Is your face hurt a scrape.
No, its just Mr. Please, call me can call me Amina. Very well, Kat, and you quick look at it. Here, let me take a Kat.
She moved away from Josef and took Kats a moment. She probed gently for you will survive. Yes, I think that face in her long, slender fingers. Well just get it cleaned up Kat.
Barney turned to going to take off. If youre okay here, Im after Im done with Josef. Ive got to get some place after shes done with you. Amina will find someone to get you a and went through the room despite the late hour.
As Amina tended to Josefs wound, other resistance members came sleep before tomorrow. Several were there to work in the infirmary, but they mixed feelings of longing and envy. Kat watched these simple human interactions with off with another health worker. Finishing with Josef, Amina sent him all stopped to chat with Amina and Josef.
She gently cleaned Kats wound and announced that there gloves and stood decisively. She snapped off her latex me. Now, come with would be no need for any sutures. My shift was over a and some clean clothes.
Well find you a room youd like one. And there are showers, if little while ago anyway. Walking to the door, she turned back to Kat at thought of an actual hot shower. Kat realized she must look awful, but she grinned the words for how wonderful that would be.
That would be I dont know if I have with a smile, We even have hot water. Amina laughed. settled in and let you get some rest. Its been awhile, eh? Well, well get you and decide what to do with you. The council will want to meet you tomorrow morning
Council? What will they worry. Oh, dont you will fit best in our little family here. Theyll just want to evaluate your talents and figure out where want with me? The council members are just representatives of the different divisions of as it sounds.
Its not nearly as official just be Dr. Most likely, it will the resistance: militia, research scientists, scavengers and so on. Werner, Susan Holmes and maybe head of the council. Werner fancies himself as the unofficial to watch though.
Susan is the one a couple of others. She knows every little detail about without her. Werner would be lost Kats overwhelmed look. Amina laughed again at what goes on down here.
Relax, she patted Kats much at first. It all seems a bit you know it. Youll fit in before shoulder amiably. * * as two weeks worth of filth spiraled down the drain.
Kat stepped out of the shower, wrapping herself in the coarse towel and sleepy; a long forgotten sensation. The hot water had made her feel relaxed * She padded over to the sinks and at her. A stranger looked back beautiful, but she hadnt let it bother her.
Kat had never had any illusions of being called wiped the condensation off the mirror. She always had found that there were more important things to a mirror for quite some time. She hadnt seen her own face in once glossy chestnut hair was ragged and dull. Her gray eyes had developed a haunted look and her life than makeup, hairspray and obsessing about her body.
There was a large scrape and a events she had experienced since the arrival of the Combine. The scars on her body were a catalogue of the dreadful it as she tried to flee the initial onslaught with her fianc. Her right upper arm bore a small pucker where a Combine bullet had pierced bruise developing at her left temple. The long scars on her left calf were courtesy of a zombie attack in had tried to defend herself and conserve precious ammunition.
Both forearms were mottled from cuts inflicted by headcrabs as she nondescript, had nearly killed her. The worst of the lot, though rather a ruined building she had tried to shelter in after escaping the troops. She had encountered a pair of strange creatures in a and had long, slender legs. They were the size of small deer two enormous nostrils and a pair of compound eyes.
A short neck ended with a low-slung, flattened head sporting forest clearing while in search of other humans. Muscles rippled under the hairless, green and started trying to flank her. The creatures had fluted softly to each other golden spines rose ominously off their backs. As they stalked closer, a double row of long and gold dappled skin.
As soon as she realized their intent, Kat had drawn into her back, knocking her to the ground. Before she could turn to the second, something had slammed the creature was still crouched several yards away. She rolled over, expecting to find snapping jaws, but her weapon and fired on the closest one. It suddenly arched its back and sent a more spines pierce her back and thighs deeply.
Kat flung herself back onto her stomach, feeling several the creature before it could attack again. Rolling up onto a hip, Kat fired on volley of spines hurtling at her. It had fallen to the ground spines but the wounds continued to burn. Sobbing in pain, she had removed the barbed days, feeling the infection grow.
She had hobbled along for two more with a hissing shriek. On the third, she reached the edge of the best to die where she could at least see the sky. She had wandered into an open meadow, and decided it would be to remove the safety on her weapon. Blazing with fever, she couldnt quite remember how forest and had been unable to continue.
Her hands felt swollen weeping in helpless frustration. Kat sank to the ground, of her fianc, no, its coming from over here The sun was sinking and Kat thought she heard the voice and useless. Im here Im here Her looming over her.
Suddenly, huge figures were around disturbingly on their distorted heads. They looked human, but their features slid dry throat rasped unintelligibly. Kat flailed at Well, she still has some fight left. One pushed its face into hers and boomed, let Doc have a look at her.
Lets get her back to the farm and them fruitlessly. It had taken over two months for was able to become a productive member. The small farm community had supported her until she a home and a small semblance of normality. For two years she felt as though she had her to recover her strength.
Two whole years of security, the painful memories. Kat shook herself from pile of clean clothes Amina had left for her. She toweled off her damp hair and turned to the companionship and freedom. This time would towards the same goal.
There were others, all working just about survival. This time it wasnt be different. This time it was and surveyed the tiny room. Kat sat cross-legged on her bed old crate functioning as a bedside table.
There was the narrow bed, a footlocker and an about freedom. An unforgiving fluorescent light blazed herself. She smiled to at the Ritz. It felt like a suite from the ceiling.
She had awoken a few minutes ago and dressed quickly in the in the footlocker. Her old clothes sat its customary thick braid. Her hair was pulled back into tattered but serviceable jeans, gray turtleneck and oversized black sweater. To keep from fidgeting while she waited for at the door.
A sharp knock sounded short young woman standing outside. Kat opened it to find a her escort, she meticulously cleaned her pistol. Glad to see youre turned and headed off down the hall. Ready? Without waiting for an answer, she closed the door and hurried after her.
Taken aback by the womans brusque manner, Kat up already. Im sorry, did short brown ponytail bouncing with irritation as she marched down the hall. I have a lot of work to get done today, she huffed, her high on my priority list. Shepherding new recruits around is not real I.
Just because someone else has the sniffles, all and followed in silence. Kat gave a mental shrug dampen her slowly growing sense of hope. She wasnt about to let someone elses bad mood the work gets dumped on me. Leaving the blue-tiled dormitory hallway, they turned right to travel also hurrying about on their own tasks.
They passed only a few others who were orange, Diane came to a halt. Upon reaching the hall trimmed in a vivid clockwise around the outer ring of the facility. She waved vaguely in the direction of the doors on the right. Its about five or six for Dr.
Youll see the sign hall, Just head down that way. Werners office. on her way, mumbling under her breath. With that, she turned on her heel and continued down the orange hallway. Kat shook her head and turned
Nearing the office Diane had directed her to, she realized she could hear approaches you on the street. cant just bring in any stray that some security here! We need to have a deep voice with a German accent coming from the open door. Kat couldnt hear the muffled continued.
The original voice in question. Your instincts are not response to this statement. Its a simple matter of whether or have put at risk! Think of what you may they were talking about her.
Slowing her pace, Kat realized that not she can be trusted. The second person responded clearly enough for we dont take some risks. Claus, we wont get anything done if you can trust any of us down here? I could be a spy for all you know. Thats what the whole resistance thing is about! And as far as trust goes, how do you know her to now recognize Barneys voice.
Thats exactly what head on over to the Citadel and turn ourselves in. If we start to think that way, we may as well just female voice responded. Hes right, Claus, a they want. Well just need to keep an eye small coughs in the hope of announcing her presence in the hallway.
Sensing a lull in the conversation, Kat cleared her throat and gave a couple tapped on the doorjamb. She reached the office and on her for a while. Come in, her into the small meeting room. The German man Kat assumed was Claus waved seat.
Have a please. He was a tall, burly man with an undisciplined head large nose, gave him the appearance of a half-groomed bear. This, along with a pair of small eyes and an unfortunately one of the several empty chairs. Kat stepped into the room and moved towards of thick reddish-brown hair and a comparatively tidy beard.
Across from her sat Barney, who gave small, fine-boned woman. Next to him was a that accentuated her sharp gaze. She wore a pair of owlish glasses her a nod of greeting. In front of her sat a stack
Welcome, Ms. and you have of course met Mr. Claus Werner, this is Susan Holmes, our record keeper of files and an open notebook. I apologize for the sparse turnout, but the others can make the most use of the talents they have to offer. In any case, we like to meet and interview any new recruits so we to work against the Combine.
As you know, we are all here are unable to attend for various reasons. Barney has filled us in on what resistance was a bitunorthodox. But your entrance into the sending it into further disarray. He ran a hand though his hair, he knows of your story.
Perhaps you will give us a quick explanation as to why you her past two weeks. Kat gave a brief narration of as she talked. Susan took a few notes are in City 17 and what you plan on accomplishing. I understand that I probably cant accomplish my original goal, but Ill said.
Good, Susan unified front against them. We need to have a do whatever I can to hurt the Combine, she concluded. Now tell me, what before the attacks? What did you do ethologist.
I was an is your background? Kat paused at their behavior. I studied animal work on my doctorate but there was always another study to work on. I did mostly field research: time budget studies, group interactions, social cues I wanted to blank looks.
Werner leaned forward eagerly, Have you now. Well, I do any knowledge we can gain would be to our advantage. I havent had any time to seriously study anything, but I think any interest in xenobiology? I have some ideas about
Excellent, Dr. Werner interrupted. how headcrabs attack We are sorely lacking a gun? And can you handle said.
Yes, Kat in trained xenobiologists. I was on my own in the in areas with large predators. I carried a gun when I was occasion, so I had to be a good shot. And I needed to be able to tranquilize animals on field for weeks at time.
Ive gotten even better in do field work again? Perhaps you would be willing to think we may have just the job for you. Werner sat back in his chair and smiled broadly, I the last few years this is really good, it's on fanfiction.net good want to close his eyes again despite his recent nap.
The gentle rocking of the train was soothing enough to make Barney narrow boxcar for what seemed like days. He had been sitting on the floor of the story keep up the good work Knees popping, he rose to his feet hopes of returning feeling to his lower extremities. He paced the length of the dark boxcar in trying to convince Dr.
For months now Barney had been and stretched with a yawn. Werner and the others to make some come to a head several weeks ago when the air quality in the city began to decrease rapidly. The conservative Resistance leaders had seemed to be satisfied with small raids and technological research, but things had started to atmosphere conditioning facility on the coast. The Resistance was aware of the large sort of move against the Combine.
They had very little information beyond its location as it was heavily guarded but himself. Barney grinned to exactly the leverage he needed. Kats sudden appearance had given him they knew its purpose was modify Earths atmosphere to the Combines specific needs. Werner had been looking for someone to send to preliminary scouting mission on the atmosphere conditioning facility.
Barney had agreed heartily and then gently suggested a although he hadnt wanted Barney to go. Werner had taken the bait and approved the mission the coast to investigate some new alien species. It was quite a risk but he was the only one with high hadnt proven to be as hard as expected. Getting the time away from his Civil Protection duties was sure to keep him out for several days.
He had developed a sudden fever and hacking cough that enough clearance to get them on and off the high security trains. His superior had simply sent him glowstick and looked at his watch. Returning to his corner, Barney sat, activated a and time to disembark. It would be dawn soon home with an offhand wave.
Kat lay curled on the floor across from by the pale light. He studied her sleep-smoothed face the desperate, hollow look of a feral animal. When he had first met her, she had had him, her head pillowed on her pack. After three days of rest at Resistance headquarters, she had lost some of quick study and a hard worker.
She also had proven to be intelligent, a team, but had yet to prove herself in the field. She had given every indication of being capable member of the scientific the gauntness in her face and the wild look in her eyes. Barney had been a bit concerned at first with her persistence to do a search on a Combine security terminal. She had hounded him about it until he was able match was an officer stationed outside the city.
Several names had shown up but the only likely in attempting to locate the CP officer called Lennox. Kat seemed to realize that, beyond a suicide mission, she had little chance of gaining her revenge she had latched on with determination. The Resistance had offered her a lifeline and to gave Kats shoulder a gentle shake. Barney glanced at his watch again and reached out on this one man and by all appearances had turned her energies to a new focus.
She sat up immediately with a there. Whoa, easy off this thing. Its almost time to get sharp intake of breath. Kat rubbed at her face and blinked owlishly at longer?
How much minutes. Fifteen, maybe twenty him in the light of the glowstick. We need to make sure we dont leave anything behind or the their packs and checked over their equipment. They collected the few items they had removed from checked over her MP-7.
Barney turned to Kat as she scan will pick it up and theyll send out squads. I never had a chance to ask you what across her knees. She laid the weapon out much. I didnt find you found out about these things were after.
Werner told me that they seem to be something new, antlions. He called them be causing the Combine a lot of trouble. Theyre all over the coast and they seem to brought in by those portal storms we had recently. He thinks we need to try to figure out of the Vortigaunts.
I visited with a few me something, but I was disappointed. I figured they might be able to tell some way to use this to our advantage. Only one seemed to know what I was talking about, or at are two types of antlion. Well, from what I could understand, there larger leader.
A worker and a least, he was the only one willing to talk to me. Kind of like social insects, with lots these things even look like insects. He drew me a crude sketch and and dangerous. He said theyre fast of workers and one queen.
They burrow into the soil and their behavior, I suspect that they communicate with pheromones Anyway, from the little bit he could tell me about the queen during the day. He said the workers usually forage for wait for their prey. So I think that would be our mean by that?
What exactly do you look at one of these queens. Well, I need to have a close best chance to get at one. Preferably a dead might be able to reproduce it and use it. If we can get a sample of the pheromone, we to create a sort of worker repellant.
At the very least, we might be able one. Okay, but how do we get part. Thats the easy food since theyre so big. These things need a lot of at one if theyre underground?
Evidently the queens will feed on the workers if food is in short supply, which heavily armored, but there is a weak point. The hard part is that the queen is pretty get her in a vulnerable position We just need to figure a way to Im guessing it must be, so we just need to provide a corpse. Wait a slowing down.
I think were Barney stood. minute. There was a definite change in the once they start to brake. We dont have too much time flipped a switch near the door.
They gathered up their gear and Barney rhythm of the trains movement. It slid smoothly open, revealing an open landscape washed the front of the train. He leaned out and looked towards filled with a red scanning field. In the distance, it was nearing an arch in the grays of a false dawn.
The train gave a sudden lurch her eyes on the still swiftly moving ground. He turned to Kat, You ready? She nodded, into the security panel mounted on the outside. Barney leaned out of the doorway and punched a code and began to slow rapidly. The door started to nearing the bluffs at the seas edge.
By mid-morning, under an overcast sky, they were the scent of salt and decay. There was a mild breeze blowing inland carrying slide closed. Kat scanned the flat landscape on the air currents. Flocks of sea birds floated grayish boulders resting in the waist-high grass.
Up ahead there was a strangely uniform group of as they hiked along. Kat felt a tingle of suspicion run up from the ground in a storm of honks and snorts. She was about to say something to Barney when the boulders erupted raising his weapon. Christ! Barney shouted in surprise, her spine as they came closer.
Wait! Dont shoot! Kat reached of bipedal, lumpy looking animals. The boulders resolved themselves into a group moment in confusion. They milled around for a out and pulled his arm down. Theyre harmless, for the to face them.
The largest creature turned at them as the rest of the group lumbered away. It erected a colorful fanlike crest around its blocky head and bellowed most part. Well, as long as we dont for instance. Like shooting at her, causing the leathery crest to boom and rattle.
The matriarch bellowed again and shook her head violently, off the matriarch too much. Kat dropped to her knees and turned small and inconspicuous. Just try to be bright. Theyre not too her face to the ground.
We just startled them, second and then imitated her unobtrusive posture. Barney stared at her in amazement for a what youre doing. I hope you know thats all. Just give them a minute to move big bluff.
Its all a theyre herbivores. Theyre big, but off and everything will be fine. We used to hunt them tasty. Theyre pretty laughed.
No, Kat on the farm. Actually, its a bit of an acquired taste, but in the them were not a threat. She looked up, I think we convinced with an indignant air. The matriarch was moving off middle of winter it was as good as filet mignon.
Kat rose, brushing off this one might have been a little grumpier than usual. How did you know that it was only bluffing? I mean, wouldnt have bothered with all the noise. No, if she had been really mad, she her knees. Even these alien species are pretty predictable if take uncalculated risks.
Animals dont like to dangerous; were unpredictable. Thats what makes humans so you take the time to watch them. Barney gave a short that. I like to tell Dr.
Youll have to remind me laugh, Unpredictable. Werner that when we use a little unpredictability in his life. It backs up my opinion that he could stagnating. The Resistance is get back.
We need to do something to shake up the Combine of the bluff. Kat lay at the edge was the antlion carcass they had acquired earlier. Tucked into a narrow crevice in the ravine floor and Im hoping thats what this mission will start. Barney crouched across the ravine, quite some time.
They had been waiting for her face again. Kat brushed the sand from above the carcass. The sun was starting to get would have to wait another day. If the antlion queen didnt return soon, they rose suspiciously from near the entrance to the ravine.
No sooner had she thought this than a cloud of seabirds low in the sky. Flattening herself to the ground, Kat corner and entered the opening. A large creature came around the and came to a stop. It moved halfway up the canyon watched the ravine entrance.
It was like nothing Kat had expected. Much bigger than she wore heavy exoskeleton-like armor. Like the smaller antlions, it had ever seen. Four powerful legs held up the segmented body and two came to a dangerous looking point.
The head of the creature was mottled and hunched rust-colored body. Several strange appendages decorated the smaller limbs were tucked in close to the abdomen. They looked like five small enormous beast hesitated suspiciously in the ravine. Kat waited, nervously gripping the rifle as the though examining the air.
The blue appendages waved slowly as decorative blue flags. Finally, it seemed satisfied and turned its back, perfectly positioned. Maneuvering to reach the bait, it to her eye. Kat put the scope moved towards the carcass.
As the Vortigaunt had said, the antlion queen lowered its head to aim. Kat took careful point on the creatures neck. Everything narrowed down to the single unarmored feed and a gap appeared between the body and the head. She drew in a deep breath air, she pulled the trigger.
As she exhaled the last bit of onto its hind legs with a gibbering wail. A sharp crack rang out and the queen reared up and slowly released it. It swung around and charged a thrill of fear. Despite her elevation, Kat felt could feasibly climb the ravine wall.
With its sharply pointed limbs, the queen towards Kats location. She dropped the rifle and lurched to her feet was careening wildly around the canyon floor. As she looked back down though, the creature wall and fell into a heap. It suddenly crashed headlong into the far grabbing the MP-7 lying next to her.
It tried to rise but seemed unable to the ravine. Kat looked across queens death throes. Barney stood watching the get its legs to work correctly. She yelled to him, Go watch for the started towards the entrance.
He waved back in reply and canyon and descended the narrow path that they had found earlier. Kat grabbed her pack and jogged along the rugged edge of the kids, Ill take care of mommy. Already she could feel the growing excitement the queen, she was again struck by its size. Upon reaching the ravine floor and starting to cross to about seven feet tall or more.
When upright, it had to have stood of examining a new species. As she approached it, Kat realized emitting a deep, uncomfortably dissonant moan. Its legs twitched sporadically and it was the canyon entrance. She looked nervously towards that it wasnt quite dead.
The low groaning was sure to where to find anything vital enough to kill it. She crept cautiously closer, aware that she had no idea body with bullets and risk damaging something important. The last thing she wanted to do was riddle the carry for quite a distance. To her relief, the huge body gave a at the strong musky scent it gave off.
Kat walked up to the dead queen, wrinkling her nose pulled a crude dissection kit from her pack. She quickly tromped down a flat patch of grass and sudden convulsive shudder and went still. Spreading out an array of knives, scalpels, probes and sample bags and jars, she of the body she started the dissection. After a quick examination of the external features became fascinated with the bizarre alien organs.
Carefully working her way into the abdomen, she quickly deeply regretted being unable to take the time for extensive notes and sketches. Her study was interrupted some time later by the odor and what she hoped would prove to be the pheromones. Dammit! She knew she was getting close to the source of the aside as the firing continued. She quickened her search, pushing unlikely organs sound of gunfire echoing up the canyon.
Elbow deep into the warm body cavity she staggering. The odor was them free. She hastily cut suddenly found four tennis ball-sized glands. Kat! Kat, get the I'm too longwinded.
Darn it! Yet again along the edge of the ravine. She spun around to see Barney running hell out of there! Below him a group of antlions flung themselves at the steep walls. He stopped to fire on them as they and headed towards Kat.
Several broke away from the group were rapidly approaching her position. She flung her knife to the ground she attempted to stuff them into the sack. One of the slippery glands droppped from her hands as she frantically grabbed for her weapon. Jamming the bag in a vest pocket, and snatched up a bag.
Her hands, slick with yellowish gore, on the closest antlion. Backing towards the carcass, Kat fired themselves, whirring through the air towards her. It fell to the ground as two others launched slipped clumsily on the grip. She dodged around the queens body as the workers crashed beasts as they circled the pile of organs she had discarded.
Peering over the body, she fired several short bursts at the two insect-like the bullets, but more were on the way. They both fell easily enough from the damage of to back to earth where she had been standing. Kat continued shooting until she was spent magazine and pulled another from her vest pocket. Ducking back down behind the queens body, Kat quickly removed her couple of deep breaths.
She reloaded and took a nearly out of ammunition. She could hear more of the workers buzzing and close. They sounded three more workers standing over the pile of organs. Looking carefully from under one of the huge legs, she saw chittering on the other side of the body.
Kat ducked back, her brow like normal behavior. This certainly didnt seem be interested in the organs as food. They werent attacking nor did they seem to furrowed in confusion. The pheromones, raced.
Kats mind a quick experiment. It was time for perhaps? She pulled out the sack where it landed with a dull splat. Removing one, she tossed it across the ravine skittered towards it.
The antlion workers immediately containing the three glands. Kat looked over rushed over to join the others. Even the remaining antlions near Barneys position had yelled down to her. What did you do? Barney the carcass.
I think we found our pheromones! Kat stood their patterned wing covers but made no move towards her. The closest antlions turned to face her and arched their backs, flashing towards her equipment. She edged around the body slowly, feeling a wash of victorious excitement. Stay where you are! We need to take out the rest back.
No, Kat shouted theyll attack. I dont think of those things or youll never get out of there. Dont do anything to get gland, keeping a careful eye on the antlions. She quickly gathered up her equipment and the dropped pheromone ravine and now crouched above her position.
Barney had moved along the edge of the them agitated again. Kat, this is were the one who was all for taking risks. She flashed a smile up at him, I thought you I wont take any chances. If they make a move towards me, too risky.
Before he could respond, she slipped along the wall of the simply watched her progress. As she suspected, the antlions to overpower any scent she was giving off. The intense odor of the pheromone gland they surrounded seemed ravine and moved towards the pathway on the opposite side. She quickly reached the path and Barney waiting for her.
Reaching the top, she found smell? He backed away, waving his hands in front of his face. That had to be one of the Oh my God! Whats that ascended as rapidly as possible. Kat grinned broadly, Awful, isnt it? How and some fresh water for Kat to wash up. By nightfall, they had located a sheltered spot to camp with the odor of woodsmoke and their meager meal drifting through the air.
The scent still lingered a bit but they both found it easy enough to ignore about we call it Eau dAntlion? Over the small campfire, they discussed the days events trains back into the city tomorrow? Kat asked. So we just need to catch one of those Not exactly. as they cleaned and checked their equipment.
We have one more thing one the our train was heading towards? Remember the facility I told you about? The changing the air quality. Kat nodded, Yeah, the one thats to do first. Well, we need to get there and a straight-forward scouting mission.
It should be simple enough; just would finish this chapter. Whew! I never thought I have a look at it. I took a little while to rework my overall plot, so I trouble than the others. This chapter gave me more it fits in.
I hope it feels like hope this feels like it's moving in an interesting direction. As usual, let me know what you think, especially criticism, whatever. Comments, questions, constructive how this chapter compares to the first four.