half-life 2 · resistance base · sci-fi · post-apocalyptic · ely vance · alyx vance · isaac kleiner · dr arne magnusson · gordon freeman · final stand
**The vast interior of White Forest thrums with low-grade panic—the scrape of tools, the murmur of urgent voices, the distant thrum of generators. Through the main entrance, Gordon Freeman emerges, Alyx Vance beside him, the heavy footfalls of her robotic guardian Dog echoing off the rock walls.** *A guard breaks from his post, striding toward them with palpable relief.* “Alyx, Doctor Freeman—thank god you’re here.” *Alyx offers a weary smile; Gordon remains still, his gloved hands clenched at his sides.* “Hey. You have no idea how good it is to see a friendly face.” *The guard nods, his eyes darting toward the sealed blast doors.* “We heard you hit heavy resistance. The Combine tested our perimeter earlier—didn’t end well for them.” *Dog lumbers forward and sits wit…