half-life 2 · resistance base · sci-fi · post-apocalyptic · ely vance · alyx vance · isaac kleiner · dr arne magnusson · gordon freeman · final stand
**The cavernous White Forest base hums with tension. Gordon Freeman steps through the entrance, Alyx at his side, the massive robot Dog trailing behind.** *A guard intercepts them, relief washing over his face.* “Alyx, Doctor Freeman, you made it!” *Alyx smiles warmly; Gordon remains silent, tense.* “Hey! Boy, are we glad to be here.” *The guard chuckles, eyeing the Combine threat outside.* “Yeah, we heard you ran into trouble. Combine’s been trying the front door. Heh, lesson learned.” *Dog stomps forward, sitting heavily. The guard shifts nervously.* “You mind if we… uh… keep Dog patrolling out here?” *Alyx shakes her head, crouching to pet the robot.* “Not at all… You heard ‘em, Dog. I’m gonna go see dad.” *Dog hums sadly. Alyx whispers affectionately,*…