Previous threads:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Black+Mesa+Black+Ops+Quest%2C
>>4281118
(cont.)
When both the aliens and the sniper were dealt with, you managed to capture the well equipped sniper, who soon revealed to you that Special Operations Command was illegally deploying agents of the Intelligence Support Activity in order to free themselves from dependency on the CIA for information. Many of them were ordered to track enemy movement, and this one was ordered to track you. With both a silver tongue, and luck, you convinced him to surrender, fighting alongside you so you can exfiltrate him. Despite successful interrogations by your colleagues, you still don't know the man's name.

Knowing you need to move out soon, you decide to quickly ask, "Do you have a callsign we can use to identify you by?"

His response is only, "Let's go with Stephenson."

"Fine with me," Marietta says, "Let's move out."

It's most certainly not his real name, or even his ISA codename. As the group begins walking up the hill, you consider getting more out of him.

>This man shot you in the leg, you deserve a real damn name, something that you would be proud to send your handler. (3d6+2, pass on a 17.)
>You should at least try and get his actual ISA codename, so you can trace him back to his superiors. (3d6+2, pass on a 14.)
>Just leave it for now. You have something to identify him by, your superiors can worry about real names.

>>4281119
>You should at least try and get his actual ISA codename, so you can trace him back to his superiors. (3d6+2, pass on a 14.)
Oy come on. Give us something cool. He already knows about "Magestic team twelve" silly ass name. Spill the beans. What stupid name did you get? I bet it was Karen.

>>Starting a new thread when the previous one has less than 600 replies...

>>4281119
>>You should at least try and get his actual ISA codename, so you can trace him back to his superiors. (3d6+2, pass on a 14.)

Hell even be honest about it. He knows we're legit operators. He knows we're trying to extract innocents. He knows the shitshow is primarily DoD side and not CIA side considering killing them all isn't a CIA order.

>>4281194
Sorry, I didn't know that was a problem. It just seemed like a good place to cut for any future readers, and I usually create a new thread on page 8.
>>4281126
>>4281207
"Don't give me secrecy right now." You respond as you help Reilly in the trek uphill. "You know I'm a member of the CIA. You know I'm not the one trying to kill innocents, that's the department of defense. All I want is an actual codename."

The sniper takes a moment to give it some consideration. He knows he's not in a position of power at the moment, but he also is smart enough to know what even a simple codename or callsign could reveal about him.

Four players roll a 1d6. The top three rolls will be added into a 3d6+2.

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>4281240

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>4281240

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>4281240
He also probably knows that helping us will only help him as well by this point.

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>4281240

>>4281257
>>4281262
>>4281269
>>4281279
The sniper is silent as he walks with the group, before he sighs, then says "Operative Kirchhoff." He shrugs, then says "It's not the name god gave me, but its what SOCOM calls me. Happy?"

That's the kind of short negotiations that only ever happen between the kind of people that know the psychological tactics of their enemy. A codename is what you asked for, so you simply respond, "Yeah, that'll do."

As you continue on, you start to reach the carnage of your own efforts. The dead Xen Controller is covered in the electrical burns of his own dying discharge, and the vortigaunts either pile around the creature, or trail away from it. While most of the vortigaunts still seem completely unconscious, a few are beginning to stir, shifting as they realize in confusion that their minds are free again. Seeing this, Kirchoff groans"Jesus H, some of these fuckin things..." you lose track of his voice as you realize that he's reaching for his rifle. Thinking they're still hostile, he wants to execute the aliens. With quick, trained hands he's already got the safety off.

>Physically jump over and grab the barrel of his rifle. You just need to make it unsafe to shoot, you don't need to wrestle the guy. It'll probably make him even less trusting of you though.
>Quickly make up a lie about why he can't shoot the vortigaunts. Keep him in the dark about the vortigaunts. (3d6+2, pass on a 12.)
>Quickly tell him to stop, then explain the status of the vortigaunts servitude towards the aliens. (3d6+2, he believes you on a 10.)
>Let him do it.
>Write in.

>>4281328
>>Quickly tell him to stop, then explain the status of the vortigaunts servitude towards the aliens. (3d6+2, he believes you on a 10.)
I mean we just have to point at the collars and have half our crew back us up on that.

Also the fact the freed vorts appear to have saved our lives from the ambush the other operatives were on.

I mean the CIA knows about this too. We could even get our handler to verify. There's literally no reason for him to fight us on this if he's decided to cooperate.

>>4281328
>Quickly tell him to stop, then explain the status of the vortigaunts servitude towards the aliens. (3d6+2, he believes you on a 10.)
>Write in.
Kick the Xen Controller for shits and giggles. Fuck em. Is that one vort spy alive?

>>4281328
>Quickly tell him to stop, then explain the status of the vortigaunts servitude towards the aliens. (3d6+2, he believes you on a 10.)
>Add the vorts to our little strike team

>>4281347
multiple are alive.
Also killing these guys is like shooting civvies.

>>4281339
>>4281347
There doesn't seem to by any vortigaunts with "Fake" collars on. It seems that this is not the same group of aliens.
>>4281353

"Stop!" You shout quickly. "They're friendlies."

"No they're not, they're green." Kirchoff replies immediately. It's clear he's not a particularly open-minded individual.

"No, look at they're necks. They were collared by the other aliens. They're a form of conscript." You start, hoping he'll care about your explanation. People in the ISA are often giving more conventional tracking jobs for a reason, they fail to acknowledge the possibility that the universe is absolutely insane.

Four players roll a 1d6, the top three rolls will be added into a 3d6+2.

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>4281370

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Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>4281370

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>4281370

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>4281370

>>4281376
>>4281378
>>4281423
>>4281440
"That's fuckin' insane." Kirchoff responds. "And how would you know that?"

"I've removed the collars before, they become friendly after the removal." You explain. "They've aided me a few times already."

"And you say this as someone who knows what the word infiltration means?" He responds

"And what secrets are they gonna take? They don't know our language, probably don't understand our technology, and our now cut off from their superiors without those collars." You explain.

"Have you never read a comic book lass? They'lll suck your brain out through a straw." He responds. He's got a clear air of sarcasm in this last comment, a little method of dodging criticism that they don't teach in the CIA. Even if he's not entirely convinced, he's not shooting them, he's choosing to trust it as an order. It's actually a really good sign that he chose to trust your judgement this early on.

More and more of the vortigaunts are starting to wake. Most of the team except for Kirchoff seem rather content to wait a moment for them to awaken fully.

>Respond with the obvious joke. Reference the sniper's apparent experience in sucking.
>Just tell Kirchoff to shut up.
>You have read plenty of comic books, enough to understand that species other than humans can and often be enslaved.
>Explain that they couldn't hurt a fly, just look at them, they're the least threatening of all the aliens.
>Explain that you're pretty sure that's what the big one tried before it started electrifying itself.
>Write in a response.

>>4281475
>Respond with the obvious joke. Reference the sniper's apparent experience in sucking.
And as an aside
>Remember to ‘thank’ (tease) him for the new pistol he ‘loaned’ us

>>4281475
>Respond with the obvious joke. Reference the sniper's apparent experience in sucking.
>Write in a response.
Try to appear friendly to them and pull up images of you helping other Vortigaunts. Pull out the battery and see if they're nice enough to charge them.
Show them an image, or try to make one up of a vortigaunt changing the battery.

>>4281487
>>4281529
"So you like to read about sucking?" You say, with a big, goofy smile under your balaclava.

"You're a child." Kirchoff responds.

"Thanks for the gun by the way." You say, tapping the special operatives pistol in its holster. "Really good deal, spending one grenade for a genuine Mark-23."

"Fuck you." Is all he says in response. You giggle like a child as he silently fumes.

One by one the vortigaunts begin to stand up. Watching curiously, you watch as they wake, and quickly begin to converse with each other. They make strange, alien noises for a few moments. Then two of them just simply start walking away. It's rather confusing to watch. They were just a moment ago enslaved, and now they already seem to have this idea that they're needed somewhere.

The other two start approaching you, with their hands growing green. This time, the color is gentle, rather than arcing from the ground with a blinding power.

As they approach, one moving towards you, the other towards Guttman, he backs off from the creature, saying "Gabby I just fixed your leg, be careful, don't get zapped."

>Tell Guttman to do let it do it's thing, last time this happened they charged your suit.
>Let Guttman avoid the alien, but let the vortigaunt do what it wants to do.
>Pull back away from the alien yourself, and let Guttman back off.
>Wait, don't let those other two vortigaunts leave. Move past the vortigaunt, and chase the other two.

>>4281631
>Tell Guttman to do let it do it's thing, last time this happened they charged your suit.
>Boop them on the face

>>4281631
>Tell Guttman to do let it do it's thing, last time this happened they charged your suit.
>When they finish, run a quick test. Use some of the hand gestures you taught the vortigaunts back at the tram - if they respond appropriately, then they're clearly learning from each other remotely.

>>4281631
>>4281713
This.

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>>4281636
>>4281713
>>4281798
"Calm down Guttman." You say. "They're fine. The things are like living batteries, so they can charge up your suit."

"Just don't name these ones." He responds as he tentatively stops backing up. The creature slowly comes closer. To you, it reaches out all three of its hands, including the small, shriveled one in the center of its chest. The light builds, then dissipates. For a short second, your suit makes a noise indicating charging, then quickly stops.

(68/100 health, and 25/50 armor power, and 28/50 cloak power)

While you're focused on this strange showcase of alien electrical manipulation, you hear an electrical crack, like someone touching an improperly insulated wire, and Guttman shouts "Motherfucker!"

You turn around quickly, seeing Guttman holding his hands over his eyes like an untrained victim of a flash-bang. You instinctively perform a small hand-waving motion, the same one you had taught the vortigaunts on the tram, to shoo away the skinny alien. It complies in a timely manner, obediently stepping back over the sand covered rocks a few feet away from the rest of the group.

Guttman's hands shift to holding his forehead, his eyes still closed.

>Ask if the vortigaunt attacked Guttman.
>Ask Guttman if he messed with the Vortigaunt while it charged his suit.
>Just ask Guttman if he's okay. Don't bombard someone in pain with quiestions.
>CIA training kicks in. You've been duped, kick the vortigaunt!
>Write in a response.

>>4281830
>Just ask Guttman if he's okay. Don't bombard someone in pain with quiestions.

>>4281830
>Just ask Guttman if he's okay. Don't bombard someone in pain with questions.

>>4281834
>>4281866

"Guttman, Guttman, are you alright? What happened?" You ask as you see him in distress.

"The slimy ass tased me!" Guttman groans as you come closer. As you approach, you notice a strange smell. It's the sterile smell of hospital cleaning chemicals, the kind of stuff you smelt back in the infirmary when you managed to avoid the smell of blood and bodies. Yet it doesn't seem to be coming from the environment, but rather that strange little hole punched into the migraine.

"Do you want to sit down?" You ask. "Are you hurt?"

"No, no, for fucks sake, I'll be fine it's just... goddamn..." He groans for a second, then his eyes start to slowly flicker back open, readjusting to the bright light of the desert, "Is that what it's like to be tazed?"

The vortigaunt seems rather content with himself. It's hard to tell the specific emotions of a completely alien face.

>Ask Guttman if he smells anything, like the smell of a hospital.
>Try the eye tracking check he always uses on you guys after a seizure. Make sure his head is still in shape.
>Try to confront the vortigaunt. Even if it doesn't understand english, it should be able to understand the idea of "Don't do that again!"
>Start asking Guttman specifics on what happened.
>"Judging by your response? You've been space-flashbanged."
>Write in a response.

>>4281952
>Start asking Guttman specifics on what happened.

>>4281952
>Try the eye tracking check he always uses on you guys after a seizure. Make sure his head is still in shape.

>>4281952
>Ask Guttman if he smells anything, like the smell of a hospital.
>Try the eye tracking check he always uses on you guys after a seizure. Make sure his head is still in shape.

>>4281240

> Sorry, I didn't know that was a problem. It just seemed like a good place to cut for any future readers, and I usually create a new thread on page 8.
Just so you're aware, these threads can go on for thousands of replies and will sit in the catalog for really long time.

>>4281955
>>4282079
>>4282145
As his eyes open, you move your finger in front of his face in the same pattern he uses to check your own eye tracking. His eyes fail to track for the first motion, jumping towards it periodically, but they gradually begin to recover as you continue the motions. The timing in his visions recovery does remind you of a flashbang, so you decide to expand your check with "Are you ears ringing?"

"Nah." He says. "I'm fine, just give me a minute. C'mon back off." He gently pushes on you, sending the message that he just wants some space for a moment. You comply, letting him get his bearings for a moment. The dilation of his eyes return to normal, and he regains his balance.

"What the fuck was that?" He asks as he recovers. "It brought that big glowing ball over to me, then it zapped me." He begins listing off his symptoms like a doctor meeting another doctor for a diagnosis. "Head pain, loss of vision, loss of balance, erm..." he groans for a moment as he collects his thoughts, "I guess sudden confusion and disorientation too."

"Maybe your suit is broken?" Marietta says. "The crack sounded a bit like bad insulation to me."

"Maybe the alien just thinks you're an asshole Guttman." Reilly cracks.

"I was right." Kirchoff says smugly, "I'd bet that was some kinda alien mind reading."

"Operative..." Wythoff says, "While I'm no expert on xenobiology, electricity, or matters of intelligence, it seems rather unscientific to draw such conclusions from an apparent electrical shock. Precise data would hardly survive arcing through open air."

>Theorize that maybe the vortigaunt did suck Guttman's brains out through a straw, just with electricity. Ask him if he has all of his memories.
>Marietta's probably right, the simplest solution is usually the answer. They probably weren't designed to be charged by ET's glowing finger.
>Ask Guttman if he messed with the vortigaunt while it tried to charge his suit.
>It seems pretty clear, alien flash banging"
>Try inspecting the vortigaunt. See if it seems any different after doing that.
>If Guttman is feeling better, than it's time to move. You can investigate this at the infirmary.
>Write in.

>>4282651
>Try inspecting the vortigaunt. See if it seems any different after doing that.
>If you dont find anything, try to ask it mentally about it.

>>4282651
>Try inspecting the vortigaunt. See if it seems any different after doing that.
>If you dont find anything, try to ask it mentally about it.

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>>4282661
>>4282697
As your party argues, your attention shifts from Guttman to the vortigaunt itself. You move towards the vortigaunt that just zapped Guttman, who seems rather content with himself as he observes the group from the distance arguing over the possibility of data extraction through electrical arcing. His eye shifts more curiously than his brothers, as though he's performing his own investigation. As you walk closer, the aliens eye settles on your face.

Looking closely, you track its eye, and notice a very subtle shift in position. Its no longer looking directly at your face, but right at its left side, where the "extra-cranial brain activity" was shown on your brain scans. This causes a little primal chill in your body, and you touch the side of your head quickly. Nothing is there but hair and skin.

That strange intangible smell is slightly stronger near the alien creature. You're about to investigate when you hear Kirchoff shout behind you, "Now that one is running!"

A quick glance shows the other vortigaunt who had charged your suit now dashing off to join his brothers in whatever alien task they had decided on. Still, his hunched over form and spindly legs are not particularly fast on the desert sand.

Your head still really hurts after that fight with the Xen controller. You could try pushing the migraine, but something in your stomach doesn't like the idea.

>Ignore the pain, worm through the migraine and follow the smell towards the vortigaunt. (3d6+3, pass on a 16.)
>Follow the running vortigaunt, what is it so intent on doing?
>Tell the group that your pretty sure there's something up with the vortigaunt here, but you don't have the tools to investigate it yet.
>Just move on. You don't think you should reveal your every suspicion towards the party.
>Tell the party that you trust this vortiguant had a reason for flashbanging Guttman. You're gonna name him Bubba.
>Write in.

>>4282741
>Ignore the pain, worm through the migraine and follow the smell towards the vortigaunt. (3d6+3, pass on a 16.)
Ask someone if they can go investigate it? Marietta? Gonna try to get some alien sign language or something.

>>4282741
>Ignore the pain, worm through the migraine and follow the smell towards the vortigaunt. (3d6+3, pass on a 16.)
Ask someone if they can go investigate it? Marietta? Gonna try to get some alien sign language or something.

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>>4281475
>>4282754
>pass on 16
LIKE WE'RE GONNA GET IT
>Ignore the pain, worm through the migraine and follow the smell towards the vortigaunt. (3d6+3, pass on a 16.)
fukkit tho

>>4282741
>Ignore the pain, worm through the migraine and follow the smell towards the vortigaunt. (3d6+3, pass on a 16.)
Prepare your god damn brainstem, gabby
don't let that cuck keep clamping on it

>>4282752
>>4282754
>>4282795
>>4282834
"Marietta." You say before doing anything with the migraine. "Investigate that vortigaunt, don't run too far, but see if you can find out where Gump wants to go."

"She's named it already." Guttman exclaims.

"That's fine." Marietta responds . "I'm on it." She says to you, before jogging after the creature.

You focus yourself, ignoring the sound of Reilly muttering something to herself as Marietta runs off, or the sound of Kirchoff questioning what the hell you're doing. With your attention on the migraine, you stalk it, watching for a path through as it fizzles on the edge of your thoughts.

Four players roll a 1d6. The top three rolls will be added into a 3d6+3.

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>4282858
watch this 1

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>4282858

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>4282858

Rolled 1 (1d6)

>>4282858
Witness this 6.

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>>4282864
>>4282867
>>4282872
>>4282879

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IF THAT GOD DAMN MIGRAINE MAKES US SEIZE UP ONE MORE GOD DAMN TIME

>>4282903
THIS IS A GOOD PAIN

>>4282858
TOUCH THE TINY ARM

>>4282864
>>4282867
>>4282872
>>4282879
As you watch the migraine move, gently fizzing at the edge of your head, you suddenly feel it grow in intensity. You don't even get to making a move towards the infinitesimal keyhole before it spots and closes in on you. Searing pain rages at your skull, and pulls closer into you head. Your body doesn't start seizing, the migraine just wants to send a message this time, not pull you back into a reality you never left.

You grab your head, wincing at the intense pain. You try pushing back or hiding away somewhere deeper in your head, but the migraine grows to encompassing everywhere, except for the one little hole in its presence. Its absolutely relentless as it pushes down on you. You can hear that distant, computerized voice once again stating something sterile in the distance, but you can't even try to make out the words.

Above you, you start to see the vortigaunt producing some sort of green glow. Within the sea of pain, something is worming its way into your disabled head, walking around your mind with the same grace as a human could through the real world.

>It's gotta be the vortigaunt helping you, right? Let it do what it wants to do.
>You have enough shit in your head right now! Alert the migraine to its presence, it'll do the job for you.

>>4282967
Lets let an unknown alien do shit to us

NOTHING CAN GO WRONG

>>4282967
>It's gotta be the vortigaunt helping you, right? Let it do what it wants to do.
Beat the shit out of the migraine
Tag team that nigga

>>4282967
>It's gotta be the vortigaunt helping you, right? Let it do what it wants to do.

>>4282970
>>4282997
>>4283024
You allow the alien to rifle through your mind as you cringe on the ground. You're pretty sure Dr. Guttman is trying to check on you, but the pain of the migraine screeching at your disobedience leaves you unable to respond to his medical questions. Without any medicine, he's just left to ensure your airways are still open and your heart is still beating.

The alien is clearly looking for something, and as it reads through your mind it scans over secrets both private and federal. Matters of national security and your own personal life fall under the creatures gaze. As it moves through, it seems to begin to understand the migraine quickly, moving around its gaze as it continues to lash out at your own pained mind.

More importantly however it quickly begins to understand your mind, or even the human mind in general. It begins to learn things that you didn't know about your own mind. The migraine doesn't know about it either.

The vortigaunt can't fight the migraine, and you can't either. The vortigaunt knows this, but it also knows much, much more. As the migraine thrashes away, the vortigaunt offers you a place of safety, another route out instead of the infinitesimal keyhole. A great network of the green energy the vortigaunts summon. It's always been there, but without the vortigaunts help, you couldn't have possibly seen it.

>Escape into the vortessence, away from the migraine. It will leave you unconscious and on the floor for some time, but it will be an interesting experience to say the least.
>Just suffer through the pain of the migraine. The devil you know is better than the devil you don't, and you cannot afford to fall unconscious in a warzone like black mesa.

>>4283082
>Escape into the vortessence, away from the migraine. It will leave you unconscious and on the floor for some time, but it will be an interesting experience to say the least.
Space magic.
Space magic is answer and should be the only answer.

>>4283088
our awareness of the vortessense is a good thing.

Leaving now is a bad idea tho.

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>>4283082
>Escape into the vortessence, away from the migraine. It will leave you unconscious and on the floor for some time, but it will be an interesting experience to say the least.
BALLS TO THE WALL
FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD
||INSERT QUOTE FOR WHEN YOU'RE ABOUT TO DO SOMETHING STUPID AS FUCK||

>>4283093
What do you mean?

>>4283112
DICKS OUT FOR HARAMBE
KICK ASS AND CHEW GUM

>>4283132
We're in an open area, still need to get back into cover, and our goal was to get to the site of the cascade.

last thing we need is our crew busy carrying our limp body.

>>4283133
No, that just what they need. They skipped on on leg day. Leg day is todays!

>>4283082
>>Just suffer through the pain of the migraine. The devil you know is better than the devil you don't, and you cannot afford to fall unconscious in a warzone like black mesa.

>>4283082
>Escape into the vortessence, away from the migraine. It will leave you unconscious and on the floor for some time, but it will be an interesting experience to say the least.
Born to compete, never retreat.

>>4283088
>>4283112
>>4283220
>>4283242
The outside world begins to fade away, and so does the pain of the migrane. Within a small pocket of the vast alien network your mind is given a respite from Black Mesa. You are caged in, away from much of this strange realm.

It's calm in here. A part of you had expected to be dragged through strange alien tunnels or be confronted by a vast hive-mind, something strange at least. While this experience is certainly alien, it's quiet. A part of you doubt that it's a true representation of their collective consciousness. You're no stranger to being lied to by your own allies, and this very much gives you the same feeling you once had in the lobby and conference room of MI6, where the lovely classical architecture keeps the civilian eyes away from the shady backdoors where teeth are pulled out. This is what they want you to see of them, not the true experience.

The landscape of this realm is alien to you, the walls of your little hideout here are not physical walls, but rather censors dictating where your thoughts can roam. You don't know if this is for your safety, the security of the vortigaunts information, or perhaps both. Still, perhaps as a show of gratitude, or maybe a method of using you as an asset, you have a few pathways to take beyond where your mind would normally be able to travel.

That vortigaunt saw things, not just as a result of snooping through your head, but was directly looking for information while in there. It saw classified federal documents, operations that were classified from the public, names no longer in use and names still in use. If you're right about the nature of these creatures, then that means every free vortigaunt knows these facts now.

You ought to take some time to pull some thoughts together before searching through the paths not walled off.

(You have +1 to spend.)

>The migraine: You become better at hearing through the other side of the migraine
>Shooting: Hitting and wounding targets gets easier.
>Physical training: Kicking, punching, catching, throwing, and avoiding getting hit yourself.
>Stealth: Avoiding being seen or heard as you move around.
>Charisma: Manipulating, leading, lying, threatening, etc. Will give also give a bonus to anyone your instructing/leading when it comes to skills you're competent in.
>Spy work: Lockpicking, screwing with computers, stealing things, picking pockets, reading files.
>Science and engineering: Trying to operate or interpret any of the crazy machines and experiments from black mesa.

>>4283260
>The migraine: You become better at hearing through the other side of the migraine
Space Magic. Nuff said.

>>4283082
>Just suffer through the pain of the migraine. The devil you know is better than the devil you don't, and you cannot afford to fall unconscious in a warzone like black mesa.
Fucking with the Vortessence doesn’t seem like a good idea. I’d rather not get some wires crossed wake up in someone else’s body.

>>4283260
>The migraine: You become better at hearing through the other side of the migraine
Normally, I would vote for almost anything else, probably shooting given what we're bound to go through.
However, with recent events, this simply feels like the most appropriate possible choice. Narratively, we've done a lot towards trying to broaden our skill and familiarity with the boundaries and applications of 'the migraine' since our last resting period. Plus, right now we're in the vortessence, so...

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>>4283287
A little too late there.

>>4283294
I hope we get to learn how to shoot lightning like Palpatine.

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>>4283294
>>4283265
>The migraine: You become better at hearing through the other side of the migraine

Really the other stuff is more important to our ability to meet our goals and survive...

But 1: fuckin space magic
2: No way we get to the bottom of this without really getting skilled with the migraine
3: Migraine is there to supress our ability to do this shit. Fuck the migraine, we gonna grow so powerful it can't do shit to us. They gonna have to send someone in person to stop us.

>>4283265
>>4283287
>>4283294
>>4283442

Your head feels a bit more focused now that you finally have a place to truly rest, although that calm may very well be the result of alien manipulation. Either way, focusing, being able to recap with yourself what you've learned about your unending headache will help you in the future.

(You now have a total of +4 to all migraine checks.)

There's a good chance your body is being pulled across the final stretch of surface that Black Mesa has to present. The fact that you aren't fearing the multitude of things that might be happening at the surface confirms your little theory of alien calming.

You take little peaks of the numerous paths available to you. Some are distant and winding, far from you, and some are close, one even returning to a little forgotten fragment of your mind. They all happen at once, what was or will be is.

At the end of one is a set of documents you almost recognize. These are the kind of documents involved in placing an undercover agent, replacing old names with new ones, and establishing a new position. This one places an agent of the CIA as an assistant right in the heart of the cover up operation, among the HECU marine's highest commanding officers.

Through another tunnel, a familiar set of legs is within a CIA cell dressed up to be homely enough to fit the fatherly physicist and three foot seven inches tall occupant fiddling with a little necklace around her neck. The place is strange to her, the occupants not nice, but she's safe with her father now.

Another path takes you to a world that, in only a few days, is rapidly changing for a man in security guard gear. The individual is stuck in a distant hotel with rain, desperately calling a loved one as the physicists he travels with stare out of the window at anomalously changing weather. Like a nuclear blast in a hurricane.

Of course, finally, there's one that doesn't sit right. A memory of yours that you don't remember, kicked up by the vortigaunt looking through your own mind. It was well before Black Mesa, or even the CIA. Without fully submerging yourself in the memory, you don't know why the vortigaunts want you to see this.

>Follow the CIA documents. It might not be intended for your eyes, but you want to know.
>Follow Alyx, with her father. You want to check up on them.
>Follow the man in the Black Mesa Security gear. Who is he, and what's going in?
>Why the hell are the vortigaunts showing you your own childhood? Investigate it.

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>>4283451
>Why the hell are the vortigaunts showing you your own childhood? Investigate it.
When will be make sense of this madness
When will our friends ever thing that we're not crazy

>>4283451
OOC I want the hotel. Knowing what follows is important.

IC the CIA docs or the childhood.
Childhood is definitely important, but those CIA docs are more important to making sure good decisions are made in the present.

>>4283451
>Why the hell are the vortigaunts showing you your own childhood? Investigate it.
Mystery box.

>>4283451
>Why the hell are the vortigaunts showing you your own childhood? Investigate it.
I bet we were visited by GMan.

>>4283451
>Follow the CIA documents. It might not be intended for your eyes, but you want to know.

>>4283451
>Why the hell are the vortigaunts showing you your own childhood? Investigate it.

>>4283458
>>4283477
>>4283478
>>4283997
>>4284215
>>4284284
Timidly moving through the narrow path of the vortessence, you grow closer to your own forgotten memories. Slowly, you start losing control as you travel further, coasting through as you forget some things, and remember others. What was then becomes now, the concepts indistinguishable in this alien realm.

You are not Federal Agent Gabriella Oppenheimer yet. Right now, you are a five year old little girl waiting excitedly in an orphanage meeting room.

The attendants say that if you are really, really nice, you might find parents who will take you home with them. Some of the kids at school say that parents are mean, but they haven't met the staff here. Whoever comes through that door, you know they will be at least a little nice.

This is taking a long time. You kick your legs excitedly as you wait. This is a big building, maybe they couldn't find the meeting room? Maybe you should go outside and find them. You can always find your way around. Sometimes when the volunteers aren't looking, you even go play in the vents.

You look around the little office as you wait. Before you is a desk that your head barely pokes over, even while sitting on one of the big adult chairs with an extra pillow on it. From here, the window is a bright white color from the reflecting snow outside. You can hear a few cars pull into the parking lot, could it be them? Through the door, you can hear a woman's voice and... what you think is a mans voice? The woman sounds confused. On the wall there is a flag sticking out of the wall. The pastor says you should be happy to live here. In some countries, kids like you can't stay with orphanages, and are snatched up by the government to fight in the army. Some of your friends parents say he's lying, and you're not sure who to believe.

This sure is taking a long time. You want to meet new parents, but you also wanna go explore.

>You're a good kid. Stay in the chair like the orphanage told you. Maybe count the stars in the flag to occupy yourself.
>Go stick your face against the window. It's not that far from the chair, and you're really curious.
>What are they talking about? You're a good listener, you should get up and listen to the door.
>The curiosity is killing you. Get up, and peak your head out of the door. You have to see what's out there.

>>4284473
>What are they talking about? You're a good listener, you should get up and listen to the door.

>>4284473
>The curiosity is killing you. Get up, and peak your head out of the door. You have to see what's out there.

>>4284473
>What are they talking about? You're a good listener, you should get up and listen to the door

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>>4284479
>>4284487
>>4284697
You slowly hop down from your chair, moving over to the door curiously.

"I understand if such manipulAtions seem rather cruel, but I simply ask that you deNy this paRTicular family for the Time being."

"And for what reasons?" The female voice responds, sounding offended.

"I have reason to believe they would be... Harmful... to the child's future opportunities."

"What reasons?" The female voice responds. "Do you understand the effects of growing up without parents on one's psychological profile? Likelihood of incarceration, sociopathy, dropouts."

"I can asSUre you I am well... acquainted with such psycHological knowledge." The strange voice responds. "However, the current aplicants do not fit the correct ideological profile for the child. I can assure that far more suitable handlers will come along with patience."

"What?" The lady makes some strange, confused noises, and sounds like she's about to say something when the strange voice interrupts.

"Perhaps if such an offer is out of the QUestIon, then I could arrange a moment to speAk with the child."

The lady groans, but for whatever reason, you don't hear anything else come from her mouth. The door starts to open. The first thing you see is a leg in a well dressed set of pants. You look up to see a strange looking man in a suit looking down at you with a strange smile.

>Tell him you really don't want him to adopt you.
>He's scary, run back towards the other side of the room.
>Call for one of the orphanage attendants.
>Just stand still. You don't know what to do.
>Try greeting the strange man. He talks and looks weird, but maybe he's nice?
>Just stay quiet, quickly move back to the seat where the attendants told you to sit.

>>4284824
>Try greeting the strange man. He talks and looks weird, but maybe he's nice?
Oh shit, try to pretend we didn't just get caught eavesdropping.
That's what I'd do at that age. Play it cool.

>>4284824
>Try greeting the strange man. He talks and looks weird, but maybe he's nice?
Are you a doctor, mister?

>>4284824
>Try greeting the strange man. He talks and looks weird, but maybe he's nice?

>>4284832
>>4284869
>>4284991
This stranger may be creepy, but you really do not want to get in trouble. Smiling, and trying to look innocent as possible, you say "Hello Mister!"

He continues to stand straight. You're nervous. Usually the adults crouch down to your level when they wanna talk. They only stand this high when they're mad at you. "Hello, my dear." He says.

"Are you a doctor?" You ask curiously. He dresses like one, and he certainly is scary, just like some of the doctors you've met... but they usually give you a lollipop or toothbrush when you're done.

He chuckles. "I'm afraId not." He adjusts his tie, then, still looking down at you, says "I'd like to addresss a certain... potential emplOyee, so please listen carefully child."

You just stare back dumbfounded, slowly nodding. You can listen, but you certainly don't understand. Still, you're afraid of what might happen if you don't listen.

Finally, he does crouch down to something approaching your level, but its almost more disconcerting than him standing straight. His skin is pallid, and tired, drooping like he hasn't slept in days.

"Agent Oppenheimer." You quickly look around for someone else in that room. There's no one here but you, and you've never heard that name before.

The strange man continues. "It does seem that the rather..." He makes some strange grunting sound, and adjusts his tie again, as if it were choking him."TemPoRAl side effects of your benefactors actions have proven useful."

You don't understand a word of what he just said.

>You're scared, cry for help. You were told never to talk to strangers.
>Just stay silent, let him talk. He told you to listen closely, so you should listen closely.
>Tell him you don't understand. Hopefully he'll explain. Maybe he's a teacher for big kids? They use those kind of words a lot.
>You need to know what he means. Ask who Oppenheimer is.
>Your a brave kid, ask him directly who he is.
>Try to slip past him, towards the door exiting the meeting room.
>Write in a response.

>>4285066
>Just stay silent, let him talk. He told you to listen closely, so you should listen closely.

>>4285066
>Your a brave kid, ask him directly who he is.
>Write in a response.
You ever played pattie cake before?

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>4285115
>>4285231

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>>4285115
>>4285231
>>4285399
Stiffening your lip, you keep your back straight and stare the suited man in the face. "Who are you?" You ask curiously. "What's your name, Mister?"

The man just chuckles in response, killing your confidence quickly. "I am a man simply making a long term investment in you, child."

"What's an investment?" You ask in response.

"You'll learn in good time, my dear." He responds. "Now... if I mAY." He adjusts his tie, before continuing to refer to this other person. "You may be wondering, Agent Oppenheimer, why I use... such inDirect Methods. Due to the specific nature of your allies... I must abide by, resRICtionss."

"What allies? Who are you?" You ask again. He just ignores you. With his eyes, it seems like he's saying "Quiet, adults are talking," but he still seems to be addressing you directly.

"This method was the best I could produce for meeting my employers... expectationss." He says. "At the moment, your organization threatens to... silence..."

Upon saying the word silence, you blink, and all of a sudden you're no longer in the orphanage. You're in a hospital, with bullet riddled bodies all around you. You scream, unsure of what is going on. In an instant, this encounter has taken on the characteristics of a nightmare.

The strange man is still with you. He continues "... certain agents of my own." As he says this, he moves out of the way. Before you is a man in a bloody brown suit and graying facial hair laying on the ground, holding his hands up as a woman dressed in thin black fatigues, stained with the woman's own blood and numerous bandages aims a silenced pistol at him.

You're only a kid. What is this place? You feel like you want to cry. A primal instinct of childhood fear runs through your spine, making you wish you had a mother to call to.

>You can't watch, cover your eyes, you're too young to watch this man get shot.
>Let it out, cry. Maybe this strange man will have a heart and bring you back to the orphanage.
>Try your hardest to keep yourself composed and try to ask the man what's going on, or where you are.
>You can't pull your eyes from the horrifying scene. Watch every detail closely with wide eyes.
>Write in a response.

>>4285465
>Muster up all your courage, and tearfully ask the woman to stop. Maybe she'll listen?
Tis a kid, I doubt she'd know that it's just a vision of events to come.

>>4285465
>Try your hardest to keep yourself composed and try to ask the man what's going on, or where you are.

Where is everyone?

>>4285646
possibly dead or rioting

>>4285646
either busy or just passively watching m8. Mostly a cutscene here with any actions having little likely affect

>>4285465
>Try your hardest to keep yourself composed and try to ask the man what's going on, or where you are.

>>4285465
>Muster up all your courage, and tearfully ask the woman to stop. Maybe she'll listen?
*Tiny Secret Agent Sobbing

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>>4285791
I apologize if the options seem limited. I want to let you guys determine how Gabby will react, but it's hard to give truly impactful choices given the circumstances.
>>4285538
>>4285548
>>4285907
>>4286262
"What's going on? Where are we? I wanna go home!" Are all the words you can think of at the moment. You quickly look around, observing the surroundings. The words "Black Mesa are written on the wall, just peeking out from the woman's black Silhouette.

"What's a Black Mesa?" You say tearfully.

The strange man places his hand on your shoulder, and you reflexively twitch away, pulling black. "Black Mesa my dear is..." He breathes in, as though he were quietly struggling for air. "where you will consIDer my offfer."

The strange man continues on his face uncomfortably close to your own. "All I ask of you, Agent Oppenheimer is that... fitting with in the INtErrrests of natIOnal intelligence..."

Behind him, you see the woman's index finger move, having been placed along the barrel of the gun, she slides it around the trigger. You pull away from the mysterious suited man, shouting tearfully "No! No please stop! You can't shoot him, please!" You wish you could say something more persuasive, but the words escape your emotionally muddled mind.

"...and of course,, the surVIval of your specIes..."The mysterious man continues. Just as the woman's gun spits, you are transported elsewhere. Ruins, dust, smoke, even more bodies, burnt out cars with families still inside, tanks among them. In the center of it all, the same man who you thought had just been shot is now talking to something. A worm like creature floats in the air, speaking with the disheveled human. All you can do is stare dumbfounded by the scene, occasionally wiping tears from your eyes.

"...that you ensure the survival of Black Mesa's humble administrator." He finishes. You are once again pulled away from this scene, and returned to some sort of war room. Your head just barely pokes over a massive green table with a screen featuring hundreds of military readouts. Unoccupied terminals read the data from distant missiles and defense systems. From a grand chair at the other side of the table, the suited man sits, finally asking you. "So, Agent Oppenheimer, what will it be? Protect the administrator or..." He inhales again, adjusting his tie, "Endure the conssequencess."

You're still confused, teary eyed. Your nose is dripping, and now... your head really hurts. Still, you feel driven by a strange, distant thought to say something. The thought feels more mature in your head than your other emotional and unprofessional childlike thoughts. It still feels like one of your own regardless.

“I assure you dear child, you have, deCAdes to decide.” The strange man says.

>Tell the stranger yes. It's what the strange thought says.
>Tell the stranger no. It's what the strange thought says.
>Ignore the thought. You just want to go back to the orphanage.

>>4286321
>Tell the stranger yes. It's what the strange thought says.
It’s important enough of an event to preserve, sadly.

>>4286321
>check your nose

>>4286321
>Tell the stranger no. It's what the strange thought says.
Fuck Breen.

>>4286321
>Tell the stranger yes. It's what the strange thought says.
Well fuck ok. Green's just gonna lose in the end. This fucking 5D chess game ffs.

>>4286388
Tbf Breen hasn't done anything directly hostile to Gabby yet. As he is now, he's just the director or Black Mesa.
>"Endure the conssequencess."
I think bad shit happened to Freeman at the end of Half Life 1 if you declined the offer.

>>4286321
>Tell the stranger yes. It's what the strange thought says.
You don't just say no to Mr.G-Man.

On another note QM, here's a song that i think fits the scene perfectly tone wise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy3KBgT1dRw
In general i think more melancholic Synthwave goes perfect with the character of Gabby.
So Lazlo any thoughts on creating a quest playlist and posting parts of it when its appropriate (preferably managed by you) like some quests do?

>>4286346
>>4286388
>>4286420
>>4286481
Sorry for the wait, I wanted this to be a proper vote. I wouldn't have thrown you into a room full of grunts like in HL1, but I did have plans. I do apologize if it felt like you were being pushed.

Following the strange and mature thought, you shakily say, "Okay...." You sniffle as tears go down your face. "Yes. I'll do what you want. C-can I go back now?"

"A wise choice, Agent Oppenheimer." He says, clasping his wrinkled hands together. "Follow through, and I assure you will find the benefits of our partnership to be quite..."

The war room starts blaring with alarms. The screens go red, showing new symbols alongside the old ones. The green begin disappearing rapidly, and the new black symbols quickly start flooding into the models of America, starting with New Mexico.

"...beneficial, in the long term." The strange man finishes. He disappears, then the war room follows around you. Suddenly you're in some sort of strange computer room, which on one wall holds a large pod, big enough to store a person in. Then you hear a man's voice with a Kiwi accent optimistically say "I've got something!"

Your vision starts going white, burning your ears. In your final few seconds, you lose control over your own emotions. The man leaves you to your own devices, and when your vision clears, you're back in the orphanage. You wail out from within the room, loud enough to be heard from outside. The strange man is gone.

You are once again a twenty-six year old spy, given the name Gabriella Oppenheimer, you realize this when something comes down to your emotionally muddled mind, grabbing you with a clawed hand and pulling you back into the vortessence.

You remember the orphanage had cancelled the meeting after your sudden breakdown, they couldn't calm you down. Later on, you were sent to a temporary foster family, and were juggled through the foster care system until you turned eighteen and were told to make it on your own. A part of you wants to sit and wonder what would have happened had that family adopted you in the orphanage, but you're a spy for the CIA with a matter of national security on hand.

The man in the blue suit was addressing you directly. He knew exactly when this memory would resurface.

The man in the brown suit, you recognize now. You met Dr. Wallace Breen in the infirmary, and you remember feeling as though he were disingenuous, but something the blue suited man rang true to you in that discussion. In the matters of national intelligence, it would be good to keep the man alive, if only so your superiors can pull teeth until they figure out how to clean up this mess.

Desert light starts filtering into your strange pocket. The walls of it start to dissolve, and a pain in your head, far lighter than the screeching agony that tortured you some time ago, now returns.
(cont.)

>>4286481
It doesn’t sound like a bad idea, so I’ll definitely consider it. Although knowing my own organizational skills, it might be a little messy on occasion. Still, I like the idea of having a soundtrack to post occasionally, and listen to while I write.

>>4286540
(cont.)
You're laying out on concrete, your eyes wincing at the sun. You can hear Marietta mumbling to herself as she picks a lock. Guttman is the first to see your watery eyes opening, and he kneels down next to you, followed by Reilly.

Dr. Guttman checks you up, asking a series of medical check up questions that you groggily answer. Reilly eventually interrupts with, "What happened Ghost Cop, are you feeling okay?" She sounds genuinely concerned.

>Just don't say anything. It should probably stay confidential, and it's somewhat personal.
>Tell her you think you made some sort of a deal… and now you’re supposed to keep the administrator alive.
>It turns out the vortigaunts know more about you than you know about yourself.
>You have genuinely no goddamn idea what just happened.
>You feel like you need a hug.
>Ask if you’re at the infirmary yet, you’d really like some more pain medication.
>Write in.

>>4286544
>Ask if any of them have ever met a man that fits the description of the extremely strange one you saw.

>>4286544
>Write in.
Space magic is one hell of a drug

>>4286544
>Try to tell them about the deal, fail to almost breakdown while doing so.
>You feel like you need a hug.

Since you like my idea, here's the song i originally wanted to post.
Its absolutely perfect for Gabby.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNS78xVKLdg

>>4286635
Correction, it should be "fail to, and then almost break down.

>>4286544
>Ask if any of them have ever met a man that fits the description of the extremely strange one you saw.
>Space magic is one hell of a drug

>>4286561
>>4286592
>>4286664
"Space magic is a hell of a drug..." You groan, quickly regaining your wit. Sitting up, you add, "This has to be the worst place I've ever had a bender in."

Reilly chuckles, but as Guttman continues your check up, he interupts with, "But really, what the fuck happened. You just laid down and past out.

"I saw a pretty strange man while I was out if that helps." You say. "Slightly old guy in a blue suit, wrinkly, decrepit skin, and a weird voice. He kept adjusting his tie and breathing loudly while he talked."

"Probably one of the investors. Administration has people fitting that description all the time. You probably just remembered one of them while you were out." Guttman responds.

"I don't think he was an investor." You respond. "Although he did talk in business terms."

"Did he have a suitcase?" Kirchoff asks from a few meters away.

"Yeah." You respond.

Kirchoff just responds with a small nod, and "Hmm. Sounds like a business type."

He's not trying to hide the fact that he knows something. He's just hinting to you, "I can't talk about this around civilians." If you can find a private spot later in the infirmary, it'd be a good idea to have a chat with him.

You hear a distant, final click from Marietta's door. "Alright. We're good to go. Are you good to move Gabby?"

"Yeah, I can stand." You say, getting up from your position on the ground. The party is entering through a small and out of the way back entrance to the infirmary.

Marietta, having led the group while you were unconscious, says “Let’s head off then.”

You continue on with them, past a small storage area and down the stairs. As you walk down the stairs, Dr. Wythoff asks, “Forgive me if this question seems intrusive, but I’m just curious. You ladies aren’t using your real, birth names, like Kirchoff right?”

Of course you’re not using the name you were born with, but you can’t reveal an agent's birth name, even your own, to a civilian, your handler would have your ass.

>That’s incredibly classified information. For his own safety, tell him to drop the question right now.
>Lie to him, and say that you are using the name you were born with.
>All your CIA names are way cooler than your real name, so you’ll stick with them.
>No one knows you by your real name, so if anything its less real than your current name,
>No comment, but let the other spies answer if they please.
>Tell him that it's rather suspicious that he asks a question like that.
>Write in a response.

>>4286812
>That’s incredibly classified information. For his own safety, tell him to drop the question right now.
Curiosity killed the cat, Dr. Wythoff. You're better off not knowing.

>>4286812
>All your CIA names are way cooler than your real name, so you’ll stick with them.
Except when it's for a group, like Magestic 12. Seriously that's pretty lame.

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>>4286823
>>4286891

"Dr. Wythoff, I'm saying this out of concern for your own safety, never ask a question like that again. You're better off not knowing." You respond. "You're far better off not knowing."

He just nods in understanding, but it leaves a heavy tone in the air, the kind that often just leaves a secret more enticing. Deciding to lift that a bit, you add "Besides, real names are boring. All the names the CIA gives you are way cooler than what you're born with." You consider making a joke about the codename of the ambush team, but then back off, knowing that if Dr. Wythoff is a man in touch with old UFO conspiracies, it'll have him asking you a lot of questions.

"I suppose they would be." Wythoff says. "But very well. I'll leave it."

As you enter the infirmary through one of the rear entrances, you immediately notice how much quieter it is than before. Last time you were here, the sound of triage was loud enough to be heard from the storage halls. Now the loudest sounds are creatures rummaging through the mostly unoccupied halls. It doesn't take much to get through the "sealed off" doors of the infirmary's back end. Without anyone to guard them, its a simple matter of punching in the emergency codes they gave to you as a security guard.

As the party moves through the infirmary, the first sign of life you eventually find is behind a locked door. Within the main lobby is a security guard. Seeing the group pass by, many of whom are wearing military grade equipment, he reaches for his gun, shouting "Freeze!" from behind the sliding door.

You'd know that under his desk is likely an alarm button, because there was one under yours.

>Ask him what he plans to do with a security grade sidearm against five people in military gear.
>Lie to him, you're regular Black Mesa staff, you just stole these uniforms to keep yourselves safe. Most of you have Black Mesa ID's on you, so it won't take too much convincing.
>Explain the true story to the guard. You're with the CIA, who are currently trying to prevent the military's purging of the facility.
>You have emergency codes for infirmary doors. Ignore his threats, and open the door.
>Ignore him, and continue up and into the infirmary. Of course, he might press that alarm button.
>Write in a response.

>>4286976
>Lie to him, you're regular Black Mesa staff, you just stole these uniforms to keep yourselves safe. Most of you have Black Mesa ID's on you, so it won't take too much convincing.

>>4286976
>Lie to him, you're regular Black Mesa staff, you just stole these uniforms to keep yourselves safe. Most of you have Black Mesa ID's on you, so it won't take too much convincing.

>>4286976
>Lie to him, you're regular Black Mesa staff, you just stole these uniforms to keep yourselves safe. Most of you have Black Mesa ID's on you, so it won't take too much convincing.

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I'm going to take a bit of a break today, to avoid burnout and actually do some planning for once. Updates should resume tomorrow if all is well, then as always wednesdays will be off.

As usual It'd be nice to hear any feedback and criticisms you guys have to give, especially about the recent scene with Our Mutual Friend.

And in general, thanks to the players who have been sticking with the quest throughout. It's great seeing when people get invested and interact with something I made, even just simple write ins or players explaining there thought process in voting makes for a good day.

>>4287803
Nothing wrong I can find about the quest so far my dude. Nothing but smooth sailing from here.

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>>4287017
>>4287064
>>4287290
I've gotten together a few mismatched songs for future use, night start linking them alongside other updates.

You quickly throw your hands up, quickly recognizing a plan, the group follows. "Hey, calm down, we're staff, just like you." You start.

"Yeah I'm sure about it Spec Ops." The guard retorts. "And I'm Dr. Breen. My other suits in the wash."

"For gods sake, I can show you my Identification." You respond. "Let me reach for it, and I'll slip open the door."

The guard groans, then says "Alright, but one funny slip and I'm pulling the trigger."

Ignoring it, you calmly reach for your pockets, where your old ID designating you as "G. Oppenheimer" sits. You hold it up against the glass, and the security guard gets a quick look at it, and says "Slide it under."

Complying, you place the card on the ground and flick it towards the man. He picks it up, reads it, and says "I'll be damned." As he hits the button on the door. "So what's with the suits?" He asks.

"We pulled them off dead soldiers." Reilly says casually. "It's grim, but it keeps you alive."

"Huh. I guess that's smart, but I'll stick with not getting haunted by my clothes previous owners." Responds the security guard. "I hope you're not coming here for medical aid. Most of the medical doctors got sick of waiting and tried there look in the facility or up topside. It's only researchers left in here, trying to find out what the hell any of these things are and how to kill them."

>Tell him you're here for the administrator, Dr. Breen. Ask if he's still here.
>Tell him you need to get to the anomolous materials lab, even if it does seem crazy.
>Tell him you're here for Dr. Kleiner, is he still here?
>Don't give him you're motives. You're just here to hunker down for a while. You won't be able to get any information from this, but it'll help maintain secrecy.
>Write in a response.

>>4289542
>Tell him you're here for Dr. Kleiner, is he still here?
We came in with him earlier, so it's less suspicious overall.
Asking for breen is too direct and fishy.

>>4289542
> Ask who's left.

>>4289609
I mean "Ask if anyone important is still here".

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>>4289561
>>4289609

"We came in with Dr. Kleiner yesterday." You start.

The guard interrupts by saying, "Yesterday. Goddamn have we been stuck here that long?"

"It's felt like longer personally." Guttman responds.

"Well, anyway, I left Dr. Kleiner here, is he still hunkering down?" You ask.

"Yeah, emphasis on hunkering." The guard responds. "He's taken one of the empty offices on his own and hasn't really been talking to anyone. He's been working his ass off though. Filled up two whiteboards with god knows what."

"What kind of god knows what?" Marietta asks.

"You know... equations and math. I'm just a security guard lady."

"Fair enough." You respond, having used that excuse very often while undercover as a security guard yourself. "Is there anyone important still here?"

He seems a little put off by the nihilistic undertones to that question.

"Well other than Kleiner the bulk of the administration is still here, Breen included. I wouldn't call them super important anymore though. Everyone's just listening to the science team, while they tell us to sit in place and do nothing." He shrugs. "But it's not like we've got air support so we can't travel far, so what're you gonna do. Look, if you wanna head up with the docs, I'd suggest you take the bulletproof vests and burglary kits off. Carry them with you sure, but you'll scare the hell out of the scientists if they think military has finally gotten in."

>Head upstairs, see if you can scrounge around for some medical supplies. If people have been leaving they've probably taken much of the useful stuff with them. (3d6. Get quality medical equipment above an 11, just basic supplies below an 11.)
>Head upstairs, look for Dr. Breen. You've not only been meaning to talk to him, but there's the matter of your recent deal.
>Head upstairs, find some place away from prying ears to talk to Kirchhoff. He definitely knows something.
>Head upstairs, look for Dr. Kleiner. If he's been getting a lot of work done, he probably knows something by now.
>Head upstairs. Now that you have some time out of danger, maybe you should talk to someone you trust about the crazy shit you saw in the vortessence.
>Write in any questions you might have for the security guard.

>>4289641
>Head upstairs, see if you can scrounge around for some medical supplies. If people have been leaving they've probably taken much of the useful stuff with them. (3d6. Get quality medical equipment above an 11, just basic supplies below an 11.)
>Take Kirchoff with you, have the others get some much needed R&R for a little bit. You'll probably find an opportunity to talk with him while you search.

>>4289641
>Head upstairs, see if you can scrounge around for some medical supplies.

>I'd suggest you take the bulletproof vests and burglary kits off.
and the military attacks right after.

>>4289649
>>4289670

"Alright," You say, pulling your balaclava and PCV off. "Thanks for the information. We're gonna head upstairs."

You turn to the team, who is currently doing the same. Looking over, you affirm that none of their bandages match those of the woman you met in the infirmary.

Of course, at the moment the infirmary is not lined with corpses, so you decide to leave it while you collect medical supplies.

"Alright, everyone except Kirchoff get some rest, you still owe me for blasting a hole in my leg." You explain. "We're gonna head upstairs and find some supplies."

Kirchoff just shrugs, and follows.

Moving up the stairs, you notice quickly how desolate the infirmary seems. They've seemingly dealt with many of the corpses who had built up during triage, and the lack of distant gunfire or creatures clawing at your face seems almost alien to you. You occasionally spot a fat security guard wandering around, but other than that you'd guess the scientists aren't feeling particularly safe enough to want to leave their offices.

The group splits up, Guttman claiming a set of medical beds as his own and telling Reilly to lie down so he can replace her bandages, meanwhile you and Kirchoff rummage through the empty rooms.

Four players roll a 1d6, the top three rolls will be added into a 3d6.

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>4289764

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>4289764

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>4289764

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>4289542
>Most of the medical doctors got sick of waiting and tried there look in the facility or up topside.
Oh god fucking dammit. They had, ONE JOB!

>>4289764
Where's that "Nam" guard? I wanna rub our survivalbility in his face.

>>4289766
>>4289771
>>4289779
>>4289782

As you search through the old looted cabinets with Kirchoff, you quickly find a pair of quality Black Mesa Medkits surprisingly left behind. The little device is designed to automatically administer itself, with a set of computerized controls and IV that comes from a built in panel. You store it away, for later use.

(You now have two medkits. In combat, they can be used to instantly gain 15 health. No other actions can be taken while using one.)

As you rummage through for more supplies, you talk to Kirchoff, making sure no prying ears are nearby.

"It sounded a lot like you knew something about what I saw outside." You start. "Is that right, you didn't want to tell civvies?"

"Yup. Sorry for the secrecy, but I'm sure you understand." He breathes in, then sighs. "I'm sure you've heard about Dr. Freeman. Guy's been ripping through the marines like butter. There's a whole team of guys like me assigned to tracking him."

>Keep in him the dark. Nope, you've never heard of him.
>Tell him you've heard of him, but only through marines, you've got no other connection to him.
>Tell him you know he was at ground zero because you were also at ground zero, you used to work the front desk at his lab during night shift.
>"You mean my main competitor in the burglary of the science teams lunches? How could I forgot the man?"
>Tell him you know freeman, in fact, you have reason to believe he's headed to the lambda labs.
>Write in a response.

>>4289863
>"You mean my main competitor in the burglary of the science teams lunches? How could I forgot the man?"
>Tell him you know freeman, in fact, you have reason to believe he's headed to the lambda labs.
>Write in a response.
I've head from the marines that he eats missiles and spit death. It would be kinda funny if it weren't for the fact I say him blitz through a +10 group of armed marines (not our spies) like a hot knife through butter. Track him if you want, just dont try and fight him.

>>4289863
>>4289874
OUT IVY. THROUGH OUR CONNECTOR. LIKE A SPEED DEMON.

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>>4289883
What

>>4289885
I think we were joking a few threads back about how this Gordon is a speedrunner and thus bhops though just about every interaction he can.

>>4289899
Who ever said that was a joke about speed running.
No one.... is safe.
Didnt he also kill Majestic Twelve?

>>4289863
>"You mean my main competitor in the burglary of the science teams lunches? How could I forgot the man?"
>Tell him you know freeman, in fact, you have reason to believe he's headed to the lambda labs.

>>4289899
See this is why Barney loses every time when the two of them compete to unlock the door for Kleiner. Barney just can't keep up with the bhop speed, and once Freeman gets to the vents it's all over.

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>>4289874
>>4289981
There's gonna be a pretty big delay between this update and the next.

https://youtu.be/uMntM9NRuNI

"Freeman?" You exclaim. "You mean my main competitor when it came to the burglary of the science teams lunches?" You chuckle to yourself with a big goofy smile as you stow away a pack of bandages. "But I do know him, and that he's headed for the lambda labs. Still, the marines seem to think that he eats missiles and spits them back out. I wouldn't suggest you fight him. It'd be funny if he didn't scare me."

"Either its true that Ted Bundy acted really nice during conversation, or the CIA is rather good at finding sociopaths." He responds. "Whoever the man is, he's not on our side. The ISA has collected all these reports involving a man in a blue suit with a suitcase watching over the guy, sometimes even helping him. We don't know how he gets around, or how he keeps evading us, but he's either working for another country, or something above any of us."

"How so?" You ask.

"Well the man's too illusive to be just another countries agents, especially while doing it all in business attire. He seems to know it as well. He stands in places no competent undercover agent would, in plain view, then gets out of sight line just before an operative can line up the shot." Kirchoff explains, pausing for a moment when he hears distant footsteps. As they fade away, he continues. "It's like he knows where everyone is already, and is just fucking with us."

>Maybe he's working with the aliens somehow. You know they have organized intelligence, perhaps he's apart of it.
>Perhaps its not the same person, just many people who look similar. That would explain how he gets around so easily.
>Perhaps he's some sort of illusion. That's why no one can track him, because he is fucking with you.
>Maybe he is on your side. He fits the old UFO conspiracy theories about men in black, perhaps the theorists were right.
>Don't make any theories or throw out ideas. Just let Kirchoff talk.
>Write in a response.

>>4290082
>Write in a response.
Tell me more. Did he occasionally adjust his tie? Did he look oldish with sunken eyes?

>>4290082
>Perhaps he’s one of the aliens.

>>4290082
>Have you seen him personally, or just heard reports about him?
>You have any weird dreams or thoughts lately?

>>4290082
Where Dr. Coomer at tho

>>4290082
>>4290088
supporting

>>4290088
this.
i thought only freeman could actually see him, that he was invisible to everyone else

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>>4290088
>>4290091
>>4290119
>>4290189
>>4290288
"He looked old, really sunken eyes and drooping skin, right?" You ask. "And he adjust his tie a lot?"

"He looks a little old, but I don't know about the tie thing." Kirchoff responds.

"Well have you actually seen him, or are you just telling me about reports you've read?"

"I won't lie, mostly reports, but they showed us a few still images during briefing. They wanted us to recognize the guy and report in a location if we saw him. I've heard a few radio calls marking locations, and even a few notices that they're engaging. Every-time that tries just sounds embarrassed afterwards. But still, they've developed a pretty nice pattern on the maps." You see him move his hands towards his backpack as he considers showing you one of these maps, but he stops, knowing just how much data that would reveal to the CIA. "With a few exceptions, the guy seems to be orbiting around Freeman. I think he has something to do with Dr. Freeman's immunity to everything the world throws at him."

You sometimes wish you had that much communication with your bosses and colleagues. The CIA barely tells you anything. "Surely it's just as likely that he's just watching, or maybe even hindering Freeman." You suggest.

"I don't think so. We've been trying to corner the doctor, but every time we strategically lock up doors or blockade exits, another exit somewhere mysteriously opens around the time of another sighting." He explains.

"Seems reasonable enough. Have you had any weird psychological issues lately?" You ask. "Dreams, thoughts, head pain?"

"Nope. Why do you ask?" He asks. He saw you unconscious, and right after you woke up, you started asking about the stranger. He already has plenty of reasons to believe you've been experiencing something.

>Lie, and tell him no, you were just wondering if it could be some sort of induced hallucination. Perhaps to distract the marines.
>Keep it vague. You've definitely experienced some strange symptoms, and some cranial pain.
>Explain that the aliens have some sort of telepathic powers, and it appears to trigger psychological symptoms.
>Tell him you're somehow tuned into the aliens psychic network, and you've been hearing strange things. (3d6+2, below a 12 he thinks you're crazy.)
>Explain the migraine to him, and tell him about the deal you made while unconscious. (3d6+2, below a 14 he thinks you're crazy.)
>Write in a response.

>>4290614
>Explain that the aliens have some sort of telepathic powers, and it appears to trigger psychological symptoms.

>>4290614
>Explain that the aliens have some sort of telepathic powers, and it appears to trigger psychological symptoms.

>>4290614
>>Tell him you're somehow tuned into the aliens psychic network, and you've been hearing strange things. (3d6+2, below a 12 he thinks you're crazy.)

For a bonus, prob explain it as a freed vort let us into their system for some reason

>>4290614
>>4290919
This works.

>>4290614
>>Explain that the aliens have some sort of telepathic powers, and it appears to trigger psychological symptoms.

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As usual, since today is wednesday, I'm taking the day off to get my assignments done. Yell at me for being a filthy procrastinator if I start updating. Updates will continue tomorrow.

>>4291598
Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

>>4291598
Good luck

>>4291598
bro, i read quests that update like once every three days
i'm used to absolutely abysmal and unforgiveable update speeds
you're gucci

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>>4291727
I just like to keep you guys in the loop.

>>4291814
FILTHY PROCRASTINATOR

>>4291727
He is tho

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>>4290623
>>4290651
>>4290919
>>4291331
>>4291355
"We've figured out that the aliens definitely have some sort of telepathic communication." You explain. Closely skirting the fact that you've made direct contact with them, you continue, "It's brought out a pretty irritating reaction in me."

"What kind of reaction?" Kirvhoff asks. "Psychic allergies?"

"Mostly psychological symptoms." You start. "But also head pain and the seizures you've already seen."

"Could be a symptom of something trying to get in your head. Has it happened in any of the other spies?"

"Not that I know of, and I probably would've noticed one of them having a seizure." You explain. "The neurologist among us as well."

"Well then maybe something wants to root around in your head in particular." He suggests. "You know something the rest of us don't?"

Asking questions like that is bold for a man in his position.

>If you did, you sure as hell wouldn't tell Kirchoff. You don't know anything, nor would you be at liberty to disclose anything that you knew.
>You were at ground zero, so perhaps they want to know about the anomalous materials labs.
>You know about the backup plan to vaporize the whole facility with old nuclear weapons.
>Explain that you might have seen there leader in a pair of hallucinations or visions. (3d6+2, he thinks you're crazy below a 12.)
>Explain the meeting with the suited man, back when you were a child. (3d6+2, he thinks you're crazy below a 15.)
>Write in a response.

>>4293306
>Explain that you might have seen there leader in a pair of hallucinations or visions. (3d6+2, he thinks you're crazy below a 12.)

>>4293306
> we've seen G-man, maybe they want info on him?
we dont have to say that we saw him when we were a child, just that we saw him.

>>4293306
>>4293400
Sure, I'll back this.

>>4293322
>>4293400
>>4293413
"Well, I've definitely seen quite a bit of this investor." You respond. "If he is connected to Freeman, then perhaps they want to know more about him. If we don't know about him, than it's just as possible that the aliens don't either."

"It would make sense, but I haven't heard any reports of Operatives having any issues." He responds. "And they've been actively attempting to track the man."

"Perhaps they have and it's been classified. I know my bosses wouldn't tell me about another agent experiencing psychological symptoms unless if they wanted me to extract or kill them. " You explain. "Or there's other factors at work. I doubt mind trickery is a simple process."

"Yeah. Maybe they decided you're weak willed enough to be worth tapping into."

Your torture resistance training says otherwise. "You're the one who surrendered to me." You retort, as you pull some more basic medical supplies, bandages, a medical sewing kit, and a bottle of consumer painkillers left behind by people preparing to trek on their own through Black Mesa. The stuff won't counter the pain of a bullet, but it'll take the edge off.

It seems to be the last of the stuff left behind in storage. Kirchoff's section is emptying out as well. “I think we should probably wrap up the chat soon.” Kirchoff says as he finishes searching. “Otherwise people will start getting suspicious, especially since I wouldn't exactly consider you a friend."

>Look for Dr. Breen. You've not only been meaning to talk to him, but there's the matter of your recent deal.
>Look for Dr. Kleiner. If he's been getting a lot of work done, he probably knows something by now.
>Now that you have some time out of danger, maybe you should talk to someone you trust about the crazy shit you saw in the vortessence.
>Scout out the entrance to the Anomolous Materials storage, get a peak at what awaits you down there.
>Write in any more things you want to ask or say to Kirchoff.

>>4293455
>Look for Dr. Kleiner. If he's been getting a lot of work done, he probably knows something by now.

>>4293459
This

>>4293459
this
also is the vortigaunt we left still here?

>>4293516
Dont forget about the Xen Controller

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>>4293459
>>4293465
>>4293516
>>4293518
"That's a fair point." You say to Kirchoff. "I've got some people I want to talk to anyway."

"See ya." He says as you walk out.

Walking through the infirmary in search of the physicist you left behind, you get a grasp on what the medical researchers seem to be studying. The bodies of marines rest in the hallways, restrained in a grim study. A few noteboards show "Observed phases of mutation," while others show "Possible removal techniques," many of which have been crossed with red marker, far more than the possibilities left.

The stench coming from some of the hallways is enough to make your eyes water. A few of the scientists are wearing full hazmat suits. In the distance, you hear a scientist ask, "Is the MRI ready yet? The subjects mutations are progressing much faster than previously expected."

Finally, your search takes you up a level, away from the smell and ethically questionable experimentation. The more general practice offices of Black Mesa's infirmary are mostly empty, with their doctors gone or occupied. Still, a few house people hoping to find a moment of privacy to cry or sleep. Others hold a few administrators, looking over a map of the facility, and discussing possible options for survival. Finally you find one filled with confiscated whiteboards, all filled in with physics equations and theories. On the door is a note writing "Left for restroom, DO NOT TOUCH WHITE BOARD. FUTURE OF HUMANITY DEPENDS ON IT," written in messy handwriting.

Stepping inside, you see a room full of every book on the subject Dr. Kleiner could find. The whiteboards are filled with massive equations that feature symbols you've never seen before.

In the corner, a few small animal cages are stacked up, labeled "POSSIBLE FUTURE TEST SUBJECTS, CONTROL GROUP NEEDED."

As well, one of his notepads shows a small drawing of a vortigaunt, with "In Room 306," writen on the corner. Sets of notes describe what he's learned about the creature, alongside a list of possible names.

If Kleiner left for the restroom, he should be back soon.

>Leave the room and wait outside. You understand the importance of secrecy, and don't want to scare the old man.
>Read the notes on the vortigaunt. See what he has learned about the creature.
>What kind of future test subjects has Dr. Kleiner collected? Look inside the animal crates.
>Try and get an idea of what he's learned on the whiteboard. Of course, you're no physicist. (3d6. You get the gist on a 15+.)

>>4293574
>Read the notes on the vortigaunt. See what he has learned about the creature.
>Try and get an idea of what he's learned on the whiteboard. Of course, you're no physicist. (3d6. You get the gist on a 15+.)
Might as well try.

>>4293574
>Read the notes on the vortigaunt. See what he has learned about the creature.
The vortigaunt notes we can understand. Kleiner will be able to explain the rest of the whiteboard contents to us when he gets back.

>>4293574
Can we try contacting the general and tell him to stop this shit fuckery for just one second?

>>4293574
>Read the notes on the vortigaunt. See what he has learned about the creature.
>Try and get an idea of what he's learned on the whiteboard. Of course, you're no physicist. (3d6. You get the gist on a 15+.)
>Take a picuture of the white board
>offer spare MRE's to some people
>pet some houndeyes puppers.

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>>4293614
Just getting a call with the commanding officer of an operation on this scale would be rather difficult, and at the moment you'd be handing the marines the location of numerous knowledgeable scientists.
>>4293582
>>4293585
>>4293616

https://youtu.be/RJN19V9-8hs

Pulling your goggles out, you hold them in front of the many whiteboards for long enough to get a good collection of images of Dr. Kleiner's studies, simple experiments, and many calculations. Confident you have a solid collection of images for later study, you pick up the whiteboard and begin to read over it.

The papers document the studies by the medical crew of the specimen, before many of them left. Skimming some of the notes reveals a very basic understanding of their anatomy, rather frail and weak, but capable of generating electrostatic energy from an unknown source. What quickly comes to interest you further is a basic behavioral examination. The creatures appear to intuitively understand certain human hand gestures, despite major differences in their language and appendages.

The creature has a "seemingly perfect memory, recalling fine details of a scene with a precision indistinguishable from being in the presence of said scene."

As well, the creatures were notably, "able to describe certain scenes without previous introduction. REQUIRES FURTHER INVESTIGATION BEFORE CONCLUSION"

You flip through a collection of x-rays and scans, but suddenly find interest in a brain scan. A note is attached to it, reading "MEG techniques non-functional on subjects' brain."

A picture of the creature's brain is shown, and overlaid with those same colors that seemed to leak out of your own brain, however this time it spreads out in all directions, unhindered by the borders of its neurons.

Finally, almost as an afterthought, a final paper is written on the Xen Controller, detailing the difficulty in scanning the subject, finally with a note saying “Subjected Terminated by Otis Laurey after being deemed a danger to Black Mesa staff. Creature placed in storage, full autopsy scheduled.”
(cont.)

>>4293703
(cont.)
Finally, you return to the front page, where Dr. Kleiner has pulled together a list of possible names, including “Uriah, Galvani, Alessandro, and Wheatstone.” The first, “Uriah,” appears to have been underlined.
You’re about to move on to attempt to decipher Dr. Kleiner's immense studies, but as you place the noteboard back where you find it, you hear the door open behind you.

Flicking your vision around, you see Dr. Kleiner entering the room with you. “Ms. Oppenheimer!” He exclaims as he sees you. “I was unaware that you had returned. How are you doing? I can only begin to imagine what it must be like out there, on the surface.”

>It sucks, but it all evens out, because you got to shoot a gun that shoots bees.
>It’s hell out there. You had to put down Eli’s wife, and you’ve been shot at, and nearly drowned.
>You’re decently sure that you’re gonna need therapy when all of this is done with.
>Killing aliens is exactly what you signed up for, god bless america and god bless humanity.
>It’s all insane, and you’re not even sure where to begin describing it.
>You’re slowly starting to hate your own government for a variety of reasons.
>Write in a response.

>>4293707
>It sucks, but it all evens out, because you got to shoot a gun that shoots beeeeeeeeeeeees.

>>4293707
>It sucks, but it all evens out, because you got to shoot a gun that shoots bees.

>>4293707
>It sucks, but it all evens out, because you got to shoot a gun that shoots bees.
>Write in a response.
Show him the BEE GUN. So did you learn anything from the Vortigants and Xen Controller?

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>>4293736
>>4293747
>>4293752

"It's really awful out there." You say. "Aliens or marines every three feet. However what makes up for it all is the gun I confiscated that shoots bees at my enemies. "

"Fascinating!" He responds. "A weapon that fires insects? How does it work, is it a mechanical device, or perhaps some sort of..." He brings his chin down, tapping his finger against it as he thinks for a second. "May I see it?" He asks.

"Sure, just don't break it." You say.

"I wouldn't think of it my dear." He exclaims as you pull it out of your bag. He gently picks up the weapon, and immediately begins to examine it. "Quite marvelous." He says. Quickly, you snatch it away from him as he starts to stare into its maw.

You quickly yank it out of his hands, shouting "For gods sake, you're gonna shoot yourself doing that!"

"Hmm. Yes, excuse me. It's easy to forget that such an alien device is a deadly weapon. Perhaps I should collect one for study later." He adjusts his coat, and then asks, "So what can I do for you Ms. Oppenheimer?"

>Ask him to explain the contents of his whiteboard to you in laymans terms.
>Just ask him how he's been holding out down here. The guy seems to be mostly alone down here, and all of this is rather traumatic.
>Ask him about his studies with the alien specimens. You've already learned a lot from the clipboard.
>Ask Dr. Kleiner about the administrator, Dr. Breen, you're curious to see if he's been up to anything.
>Being rather near to the anomolous materials labs, ask if he's learned anything about ground zero.
>Write in any questions you have for Dr. Kleiner.

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>Subjected Terminated by Otis Laurey
glad you includede the best guard in the game

>>4293825
>ask about the G-man
from what i know G-man was the one who gave blavk mesa the unstable sample, which caused the cascade

>>4293825
>Ask him about his studies with the alien specimens. You've already learned a lot from the clipboard.
>Ask him to explain the contents of his whiteboard to you in laymans terms.
>Being rather near to the anomolous materials labs, ask if he's learned anything about ground zero.
Arranged in order of priority, for me.

>>4293825
>Write in any questions you have for Dr. Kleiner.
Ask him how to feed and care for Pewter. The new name for the bee gun.

>>4293849
Supporting this.

>>4293835
I’m not sure it’s a good idea to speak about Government Manfred to outsiders. Employee confidentiality and all that.

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>>4293828
How could I not? You're currently right near the opening of "Welcome to Black Mesa."
>>4293835
>>4293849
>>4293868
>>4294037
"Well before you came in I read your research on the aliens, I hope you don't mind."

"Nonsense. I'm sure if all of the government's agents had the same enthusiasm for the sciences as you, this situation would've been wrapped up far sooner." You explain.

You smile at his enthusiasm as you continue. "Well, what else have you learned?"

"Well, not much that wasn't recorded in those very documents. However I'm sure you saw Dr. Brodman's dismissive manner towards our brain scans." He explains, picking up the clipboard. "Ahh, here it is. I'm sure you remember your own brain scans. Extra-cranial brain activity seems to be even more present in these creatures. I have a specific hypothesis that I would love to test, but require a second specimen. I believe that it may be connected to their mental abilities."

"I noticed in the report that the aliens react intuitively to hand gestures." You note, "I taught a few of them some of the hand signals I used back in the CIA. Could that have something to do with it?"

Kleiner seems taken aback. As though you jumped at him, his head pulls back, and he has to adjust his glasses as they resist the doctor's movements. “You have? Fascinating! I’ll need to investigate this, but your little act of communication may have proven the existence of telepathy in these extra dimensional creatures. I can only wonder at the processes behind it.”

>Suggest that perhaps it has something to do with teleportation. You know the aliens can teleport, so why can’t they transport information?
>Maybe they’re like bees, and they all have one big collective mind.
>So if you were to get these creatures on your side, you could possibly use them as methods of simultaneously gaining and transmitting information?
>Maybe it’s not psychic, what if they just have some sort of implant, or biological radio in their head?
>Suggest that it might not be possible to understand how the vortigaunts communication works.

>Change Topic. Ask him to explain the contents of his whiteboard to you in laymans terms.
>Change Topic. Just ask him how he's been holding out down here. The guy seems to be mostly alone down here, and all of this is rather traumatic.
>Change Topic. Ask Dr. Kleiner about the administrator, Dr. Breen, you're curious to see if he's been up to anything.
>Change Topic. Being rather near to the anomolous materials labs, ask if he's learned anything about ground zero.
>Write in a response.

>>4294113
>So if you were to get these creatures on your side, you could possibly use them as methods of simultaneously gaining and transmitting information?
>Maybe it’s not psychic, what if they just have some sort of implant, or biological radio in their head?
>Suggest that it might not be possible to understand how the vortigaunts communication works.
A mix of all three? There seems to be some method for them all to communicate with one another, and the fact that they're aliens that shoot lightning mean's we cannot disapprove the theory. It could that, it might not be, I'd rather stay optimistic about it for now. We freed some of them so hopefully that might earn us some gold stickers you know?

Can we do another brain scan? Been having lots of weird brain stuff going on and I want to make sure I don't get super brain cancer. Again.

Err don't we already know that the vortessence exists seeing as we used it to sort of "escape" from the migraine? Is there an option positing a sort of sea of information shared between psychic creatures to kleiner?

>>4294170
the vortessence can be a mental abstraction as far as anyone knows.

Of anyone, Kleiner will take everything we have to say seriously.

>Maybe they’re like bees, and they all have one big collective mind.
We saw the "abstracted room", that's promising

>Change Topic. Ask him to explain the contents of his whiteboard to you in laymans terms.
>Change Topic. Just ask him how he's been holding out down here. The guy seems to be mostly alone down here, and all of this is rather traumatic.
>Change Topic. Ask Dr. Kleiner about the administrator, Dr. Breen, you're curious to see if he's been up to anything.
>Change Topic. Being rather near to the anomolous materials labs, ask if he's learned anything about ground zero.

All of this is important.

>>4294144
The neurology equipment is busy at the moment, as the researchers are doing a lot with headcrabs.
>>4294170

You do know that the vortessence exists, but you don't know how it works.

Still, you could most certainly choose to describe that idea to Dr. Kleiner, and he would take it as a solid hypothesis. You could even describe your experience in the vortessence if you wanted.

>>4294113
>Describe the idea of the vortessence
>Change Topic. Ask him to explain the contents of his whiteboard to you in laymans terms.
>Change Topic. Just ask him how he's been holding out down here. The guy seems to be mostly alone down here, and all of this is rather traumatic.
>Change Topic. Ask Dr. Kleiner about the administrator, Dr. Breen, you're curious to see if he's been up to anything.
>Change Topic. Being rather near to the anomolous materials labs, ask if he's learned anything about ground zero.

>>4294208
>>4294357
If you guys wanna go through all four provided topics that's fine, but I'd prefer you'd pick one at a time, that way you can react to the conversation and ask questions and react to the conversation as information comes up. Next update should be tomorrow morning.

>>4294467
>Change Topic. Just ask him how he's been holding out down here. The guy seems to be mostly alone down here, and all of this is rather traumatic.

In that case I'll stick with this option

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>>4294144
>>4294208
>>4294357
>>4294478
“Interesting…” You say. “So if I could reliably communicate and work with these creatures, they’d be a pretty useful tool for gathering intelligence.”

“I do suppose so… but.” He seems rather disinterested in the idea. He’s a man of science, not one to wrap himself up in the affairs of nations. “... I doubt such creatures would even have a concept of national identity.”

It would be an issue if you were to use them outside of Black Mesa. Creatures psychically connected to each other would probably not be as interested in concepts like patriotism that often make for reliable agents.

“Of course, without understanding the nature of this connection, we won’t understand its sociological effects for some time.” Kleiner explains.

“It could also be impossible to understand how it works.” You suggest.

“Nonsense. All can be explained by a truly investigative eye, although it will take quite some time.” Kleiner responds.

“So you’re saying it’s possible that it's not exactly psychic, just some sort of technology, or science?” You ask.

“It most certainly is possible, but I’m afraid that the strange world that science often presents can seem indistinguishable from magic.” Kleiner responds. “The scientist has achieved much when terms like psychic or magic are no longer applicable. I’m sure the aliens adaptations have physical underlyings that we are yet to understand.”

“Maybe it's like bees or ants.” You propose. “There could be some sort of hive, with a collective thought process.”

“A solid hypothesis Ms. Oppenheimer.” Kleiner exclaims. “It would also open up the possibility that there are perhaps numerous communities within their species.”

“Well, earlier, when I was in contact with a vortigaunt, I think I captured a glimpse of their network.” You start, trying to formulate a method of describing the idea. It’s stayed in your memory much like a dream, and similarly lacks the detail.

“Really?” Kleiner curiously asks. “Please, do tell me more!”

“It was like another place.” You explain. “I think they cordoned me off to a small room in their realm. There were a few tunnels leading through it.”

“Fascinating.” Kleiner replies. “And where did those tunnels lead?” He asks.

“Ideas.” You say, keeping it strategically vague. “Things like memories, and stories. Sometimes from other humans. Apart of me thinks that the tunnels were just preventing me from wandering through their secrets. I’d bet it’s naturally like… maybe an ocean of thoughts? Perhaps some sort of other dimension?” You suggest.l They’re far out ideas, but it's a strange experience to theorize about.
(cont.)

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>>4295145
(cont.)
“Absolutely marvelous… I… how did you enter? Were there other beings?” He suddenly stops himself from going off on a tirade of questions. “I apologize Ms. Oppenheimer, I understand you are a busy woman. When this is all over however, I would dearly appreciate your assistance in future studies of these creatures.”

“You got it Dr. Kleiner.” You respond. “So how have you been doing down here since I left you.”

“Well, I suppose I’ve been rather productive, to say the least.” He says, glancing over at the drawings. “It helps to have a distraction from everything that's… happened.”

You think of saying something to comfort the old man, but instead he continues talking. “But it is good to know I am still among bright minds. Many of the researchers in the medical labs have been working just as tirelessly to assist all of humanity. I’m sure you’ve seen them on the floor below attempting to remove the parasites from a squad of marines.”

You can tell Dr. Kleiner feels a lot of guilt for the events that happened at Black Mesa, he just refuses to show it. If this isn’t covered up by the government, or turns into a worldwide catastrophic event, you doubt history will remember him this way.

“However, it seems the facility’s administrators have been apathetic to much of this. I simply don’t understand how so many of them can think to simply hunker down like this.” He responds.

>You saw the research into the zombified marines. They referred to them as subjects. It all seems rather grim. It would probably just be better to put them out of their misery.
>You saw the research into the zombified marines. It might be noble, but for the researchers own sake, they shouldn’t be trying to help. They should execute those marines if they can.
>Take a moment to comfort the old man. He’s probably blaming himself for all fo this.
>Ask if he would prefer to be able to stay here and help, or be exfiltrated.
>Ask him about the equations he’s been working on while stuck down here. It all seems rather important, and him explaining it to you will keep his mind off blaming himself.
>Suggest that if the administrators are acting strange, then perhaps they’re up to something. Ask him if he’s seen them doing anything.
>Try to get Dr. Kleiner to shift the blame onto his administrators. Rosenberg mentioned things to you about it before the test, so you know they mandated it. It would definitely help you get Kleiner to give information on the administrators. (3d6+2, pass on a 10)
>Ask him if it concerns him being so close to the anomalous materials lab. He has to have heard things from the lab. See if he’s learned anything from ground zero.

>>4295147
>Take a moment to comfort the old man. He’s probably blaming himself for all fo this.
g-grand pa

>Try to get Dr. Kleiner to shift the blame onto his administrators. Rosenberg mentioned things to you about it before the test, so you know they mandated it. It would definitely help you get Kleiner to give information on the administrators. (3d6+2, pass on a 10)
>tryentering the vortessence again to see if we can gain any insight in the head crab process and if the victims could be saved. For Kleiner's sake.

>>4295147
>You saw the research into the zombified marines. They referred to them as subjects. It all seems rather grim. It would probably just be better to put them out of their misery.
>Take a moment to comfort the old man. He’s probably blaming himself for all fo this.
>Ask if he would prefer to be able to stay here and help, or be exfiltrated.
(He'd ideally get information from us and CIA resources + a safe place to work with Eli)
>Suggest that if the administrators are acting strange, then perhaps they’re up to something. Ask him if he’s seen them doing anything.
>Try to get Dr. Kleiner to shift the blame onto his administrators. Rosenberg mentioned things to you about it before the test, so you know they mandated it. It would definitely help you get Kleiner to give information on the administrators. (3d6+2, pass on a 10)
(Less so BLAMING the administrators as much as figure WHY something like this was being pushed so hard.)
>Ask him if it concerns him being so close to the anomalous materials lab. He has to have heard things from the lab. See if he’s learned anything from ground zero.

>>4295178
>>4295212
"Dr. Kleiner, you don't have to hide if you feel guilty." You say as you begin speaking. "You aren't the person to be blame."

Dr. Kleiner starts to stammer, saying "I... ehrm... I'm afraid I don't understand." He says, trying to pull away from the subject.

"I heard from Dr. Rosenberg how the administrators were pushing unsafe procedures on you. You were pressured into this, why do you think that is?" You continue.

Four players roll a 1d6. The top three rolls will be added into a 3d6+2.

Rolled 2 (1d6)

>>4295293

Rolled 3 (1d6)

>>4295293

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>4295293

Rolled 4 (1d6)

>>4295293

File: 1589824677562.gif (634 KB, 320x288)

634 KB GIF

>>4295299
>>4295306
>>4295318
>>4295323
we did it

>>4295299
>>4295306
>>4295318
>>4295323
“I suppose you make fair points but…” Kleiner pauses for a moment, gathering thoughts. “I would prefer we focus less on blame at the moment, and more on solving the matters at hand first.”

IThinking quickly, you respond, “That’s exactly why we should be investigating Breen, and not forgetting the fact that he wanted you to do that experiment. There’s a good chance he wanted this to happen, and wants it to continue.”

“I suppose it is suspicious, but I should focus on my work, surely I can leave such matters to such finely trained professionals?” Kleiner says. It’s a nice attempt at flattery. A part of him thinks that if he convinces you to oversee him, he’ll be able to simply focus on work, as he wants. You know better.

“We can’t be everywhere Dr. Kleiner, you’re gonna need to keep suspicions yourself. It’s the uncomfortable nature of the situation.” You explain. “Besides, his actions yesterday killed people, and it’s possible he could only make it worse. He deserves your suspicion.”

“I can’t argue. “ Kleiner sighs. “The administrator has brought this blasted invasion to us. I can only presume it was negligence, but I should not be quick to rule out other possibilities.”

“I’ll help you out. Why don’t you start telling me if you’ve seen anything odd with Dr. Breen? Then I can arrange a channel for you to call me, or my superiors if you see anything strange.”

“I wouldn’t know what to look for exactly.” Kleiner responds.

>Has Dr. Breen been talking to any shady figures lately? Investors that seem out of place?
>What kind of justification did he use to explain away the unsafe testing procedures?
>Had he been taking any other irrational actions before yesterday’s test?
>Has he seemed paranoid lately? Covering up certain information more excessively than usual?
>Write in any questions about Dr. Breen.

>You’ve asked enough questions about Breen. Ask him about the state of the anomalous materials labs. You should probably wait until you’ve
>You’ve asked enough questions about Breen. Ask him about all the information on the whiteboard.

>>4295395
>Has he seemed paranoid lately? Covering up certain information more excessively than usual?
>Write in any questions about Dr. Breen.
What has he been up to as of late?

>>4295395
>Has Dr. Breen been talking to any shady figures lately? Investors that seem out of place?
>What kind of justification did he use to explain away the unsafe testing procedures?

IIRC the gman pushed black mesa into using that specific sample to be tested which caused the cascade failure.

>>4295414
>>4295416
“Well, have you noticed him acting rather paranoid lately?” You ask. “I know there’s already a high expectation of discretion here, but has he been getting more secretive? Covering things up he’d normally be more open about?”

“Well, I believe I heard Barney comment a few days ago that Dr. Breen was having more of his meetings behind closed doors. He’s often suspicious of things so I didn’t think anything of it at the time.” Kleiner explains.

“Well, have you had any glimpses of the people he’s been talking to. Perhaps shady men who look a lot like investors.”

“I’ve never really paid Black Mesa’s financial status much attention.” Kleiner responds. “Although I suppose the day of the test there was a rather odd man conversing with the scientists.” He says, sitting down and holding his chin as memories return to him. “He had some sort of speech impediment.”

“A speech impediment really narrows things down. Can you tell me what it sounded like?”

“The fellow often emphasised the wrong syllables, and occasionally hissed plurals.” Kleiner explains. “I presumed it had to be the result of some health condition.”

“Did he have a visible ID? They require one to enter and roam the labs.”

“I don’t remember.” Kleiner responds. “Although I do believe, given the timing it would have been you who checked him in. Did you not see him?”

“No.” You respond. “Which means he had another way of getting in, somehow. Let’s leave that aside for a minute.” You say, dodging the possibility of having to discuss your encounter in the vortessence. “What has Breen been up to recently?” You ask.

“Mostly speaking with his fellow administrators, or being alone.” Kleiner explains. “Many of the administrators have forfeited the possibility of maintaining their authority for quite some time.”

“Have you noticed him doing anything strange when he thinks he’s alone?” You ask.

“I’m afraid not. I’ve been spending much of my time alone here myself. Few other physicists are left in the infirmary.”

“When he pushed yesterday's tests in spite of safety, what was his reasoning? What did he tell you it was for?”

“I recall he claimed that the project was given high expectations from the government and investors alike. He often refused to go into specifics. He’d often berate members of the science team for opposing him on this. I must say, it was rather out of character. He’s typically calm and well mannered.”

“That sounds like the kind of reasoning someone would invent when they can’t tell you their real intentions.” You respond. “He was definitely up to something. “

“I believe that’s what the security guard, Barney, said about the issue.” Dr. Kleiner responds.

There’s a good chance that Dr. Breen isn’t a good person, but he doesn’t seem dumb either. He’s certainly at least tried to cover his tracks.
(cont.)

>>4295590
(cont.)
>Ask if he would be willing to take some time away from his research to spy on Dr. Breen for you.
>Ask where the administrators typically discuss among themselves.
>Ask if the stranger in the labs ever offered deals, or asked for favors.
>Ask if the stranger in the labs took an interest in freeman.
>Ask about Barney Calhoun. He seems to be a conspiratorial man, he might have figured out some things.
>Ask about the meetings. Are there transcripts recorded anywhere? Security footage?
>Write in any questions about Dr. Breen.

>You’ve asked enough questions about Breen. Ask him about the state of the anomalous materials labs. You should probably wait until you’ve
>You’ve asked enough questions about Breen. Ask him about all the information on the whiteboard.

>>4295594
>Ask about Barney Calhoun. He seems to be a conspiratorial man, he might have figured out some things.
I heard he managed to tried to escape. Not sure how though.

>>4295600
“You’ve mentioned Barney a few times now.” You mention. “Do you think he would know anything? You said he was conspiratorial, do you think he could investigate Dr. Breen if he wanted to?”

“I’d imagine a decent amount.” A small smile develops on his face. “I remember Mr. Calhoun once snuck in to the lower levels of the anomalous materials of the Lambda labs by wearing one of the spare lab coats. All simply because he had found one of the helmets for the HEV suits.” He shakes his head, and for the first time in a while you see him chuckle. “I will never quite understand how the handling teams manage to lose so many of those blasted devices.”

“Dr. Kleiner, you’ve never seen an agent misplace nuclear launch codes.” You respond, with a goofy smile. It’s one of the few CIA jokes you’re allowed to tell civilians, mostly because it sounds far too absurd to be as true as it is. “I’ve watched a war room scramble because an intern shredded the wrong documents.” You chuckle to yourself as Dr. Kleiner reminisces about before the incident, which now seems like an eternity ago in only two days. “But we should focus.” You say, realizing you’re getting sidetracked. “Where would I be able to find Calhoun?” You ask.

“Well, I’m sure with Mr. Calhoun's he may very well be alive. Although he could very well be in the facility.” When he finishes saying this, he suddenly has a thought. Bringing his hand and chin together, he taps his finger, then remembers. “Yesterday I remember one of the groups who had left was headed towards the old teleportation labs. They had heard that Dr. Rosenberg and a security guard had brought them to operation. If anyone were to be able to perform such a task, it might be Mr. Calhoun.”

If that’s true, then it changes the situation rather drastically. While the vortessence gave you a vague hint, this is far more powerful evidence that rogue elements have left Black Mesa. Not only does it mean this Barney could be anywhere, but that there is a group that could easily leak this whole situation to the media.

If the CIA already has an idea about him, it puts him in great danger of being aggressively silenced by your superiors. Of course, if he's anything like Freeman, he won't go down easily.
(cont.)

>>4295735
(cont.)
>Ask Kleiner for his physical description. That way you can tell your handler to capture him for information. Otherwise they may try to kill him.
>Ask if there’s anyone else who is often suspicious of Dr. Breen.
>Ask Dr. Kleiner if there’s anyone Barney would likely go to after the incident.
>Try to ask Dr. Kleiner a few questions to determine whether or not Barney is a spy for other countries.
>Ask if the stranger in the labs ever offered deals, or asked for favors.
>Ask if the stranger in the labs took an interest in freeman.
>Ask about the meetings. Are there transcripts recorded anywhere? Security footage?
>You’ve asked enough questions about Breen and Barney. Ask him about the state of the anomalous materials labs. You should probably wait until you’ve
>You’ve asked enough questions about Breen and Barney. Ask him about all the information on the whiteboard.
>Write in a response.

>>4295740
>Ask if the stranger in the labs ever offered deals, or asked for favors.

>>4295740
>Ask if the stranger in the labs ever offered deals, or asked for favors.
>Boop Kleiner on the nose

>>4295740
>>Ask if the stranger in the labs ever offered deals, or asked for favors.
>>Ask if the stranger in the labs took an interest in freeman.
>ask what he looked like, blue suit, carrying a suitcase and blue eyes

>>4295804
>>4295893
>>4296455
"So, back to that stranger roaming the labs. Can you just tell me what he looked like?" You ask. "Just to clarify things."

"I suppose he appeared to be rather sickly. Sunken green eyes, cold and decrepit skin." Kleiner explains. "He carried around a Black Mesa suitcase, so I suppose it could be possible that he was a part of the administration team."

“What kind of clothes did you say he wore?” You ask.

“A blue suit and tie.” Kleiner responds.

“How about his mannerisms. Did he have any habitual actions?”

“I suppose he had a habit of constantly fiddling with his tie. It might have just been poorly fitting however.” Dr. Kleiner explains.

“Did he have any interest in Dr. Freeman?” You add.

“He had an interest in most of the science team, but I suppose. Freeman never mentioned any communication but he had watched him a few times.”

“That’s good information.” You explain, feeling like a police officer questioning a witness. “Did the stranger ever attempt to garner favors, or make deals with people?”

“Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Vance both mentioned being harassed by the man.” Dr. Kleiner says. “I could see why. They’re both particularly senior. Dr. Keller never mentioned any particular interactions, but one of the more junior researchers mentioned that he had been talking to the man. Those are the only ones I’ve heard of personally. I wouldn’t doubt that more have had encounters with him, but with the amount of personnel who’ve passed… it...” He sighs wearily, “It may be quite an endeavor to find more.”

“Did he make any deals with you doctor?” You ask gently. You try not to sound accusatory. He’s emotionally distressed and not in a state to easily withhold information.

“I’m afraid not.” Is his response. He sounds honest.

>Ask Dr. Kleiner if there’s anyone Barney would likely go to after the incident.
>Ask Kleiner for Barney’s physical description. That way you can tell your handler to capture him for information. Otherwise they may try to kill him.
>Ask about Dr. Breen’s meetings. Are there transcripts recorded anywhere? Security footage?
>Ask if there’s anyone else who is often suspicious of Dr. Breen.
>Ask if Dr. Keller was acting differently, more suspicious or defensive.
>Ask if there’s a possibility Dr. Keller is still alive.
>You’ve asked enough questions about Breen, Barney, and the suited guy. Ask him about the state of the anomalous materials labs. You should probably wait until you’ve
>You’ve asked enough questions about Breen, Barney, and the suited guy. Ask him about all the information on the whiteboard.
>Write in a question.

>>4296618
>Ask if there’s a possibility Dr. Keller is still alive.

Should we leave some weapons here for the Security Team in case the military stumbles upon the infirmary?

>>4296618
>You’ve asked enough questions about Breen, Barney, and the suited guy. Ask him about all the information on the whiteboard

>>4296618
>You’ve asked enough questions about Breen, Barney, and the suited guy. Ask him about all the information on the whiteboard

>>4296642
>>4296664
>>4296687
“Is it possible that Dr. Keller is still alive Dr. Kleiner?” You ask.

“With his disabilities, it’s unlikely he’d be able to survive alone.” Kleiner explains. “Although he was working closely with two physicists wearing the same equipment as Dr. Freeman, so it is a distinct possibility. I would have little idea where to find him.”

“Thanks for the information Dr. Kleiner.” You say calmly. “It really helps.”

“Of course.” Dr. Kleiner says dejectedly. “We must use the knowledge we have to its greatest potential. Lives are being lost, now is not the time for secrecy and infighting.”


How easy that would make your job, you think. Looking for new information, and something to pull him away from his slump, you look to his work. What is no doubt groundbreaking research into his field done in only days sits on a whiteboard. “So what have you been working on?” You ask. “I was hoping you could explain some of what you’ve found out so far.”

He looks up, and turns his head to the board. “Ah, of course, my research. I’m afraid it’s not gotten as far as it may seem. With few instruments, it’s hard to get solid readings from here. I’ve had to rely on rather shaky telecommunications from other departments. The readings I have received are perplexing at best.”

“How so?” You ask.

“They fit the resonance cascade far too neatly.” Kleiner responds. “Ms. Oppenheimer, can you tell me what a False Vacuum is?”

You’re pretty sure he’s trying to use socratic teaching, but has forgotten you don’t have a PhD from MIT. Not having a clue what that means, you just say, “I don’t think I can.”

“Of course.” Dr. Kleiner responds. “I apologize. It can be easy when surrounded by physicists to forget that many’s genius lies in other fields.”

He fiddles with his coat, then explains, “False Vacuum is a state of a field or particle in which it is considered stable, despite not being at its lowest point of energy. Think of it like falling out of a tree, but instead of hitting the ground, you’re caught in a hammock.”

He takes a moment to let you take that in. You can really see the MIT professor in him coming out.

“I explained to you earlier that the resonance cascade caused our universe to enter a higher state in the resonance cascade, after which it violently crashed back down. However, and I’m sure you’ve noticed, it’s not settled as normal.”

>Try your best to follow along with Kleiner. Predict what he’s gonna say, like in a lesson. “So, now the universe has gotten snagged on something?”
>You don’t need the full lesson, just cut to the point. What does this mean for you?
>Tell Dr. Kleiner what he said has to be the nicest way anyones ever said, “Not everyone can be as smart as me.”
>Write in a response.

>>4296780
>Try your best to follow along with Kleiner. Predict what he’s gonna say, like in a lesson. “So, now the universe has gotten snagged on something?”

>>4296780
>Try your best to follow along with Kleiner. Predict what he’s gonna say, like in a lesson. “So, now the universe has gotten snagged on something?”
>Write in a response.
Is there any equipment we can get him to help?

>>4296780
>Try your best to follow along with Kleiner. Predict what he’s gonna say, like in a lesson. “So, now the universe has gotten snagged on something?”
>I wouldn't presume that there is anything we can do to un-snag our universe?

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>>4296796
>>4296802
>>4296914
“So there’s something the universe is snagged on, preventing it from flattening out entirely?” You ask, trying to predict Kleiner's thinking.

“So it seems.” Dr. Kleiner responds. “Cleverly done Ms. Oppenheimer. Of course, it may not just be snagged, there are near infinite possibilities to explain this phenomena. However, that’s where the measurements become truly marvelous.”

You stop him for a second, saying “You said you were having trouble getting proper measurements. Would there be any way I could help with that? I could retrieve equipment from the labs.”

“I appreciate your eager offer of aid, but I’m afraid much of the required equipment ranges from the size of this room to a relatively small particle accelerator built around the foot of the mesa. However, any information you could possibly receive from the laboratories likely damaged computers would be of great use.” He responds. Thinking back, before the incident, you gave the CIA access. That dongle would’ve been left in those machines until their last moments, as the resonance cascade was happening. It would also feature the corrupted image from the email, which you suddenly realize your handler never got back to you about. You wonder why.

As you think, Dr. Kleiner adds, “Oh do I envy the greats who could change the world with nothing but calculators and brainpower. But I intend to make do with the equipment I can contact, and the valiant work of the science team.”

A part of you wants to ask about the Particle Accelerator you’ve never heard about, but then you remember that yesterday’s experiment involved a machine that sorted matter from another universe. Instead, you just ask, “Alright, I might be able to get you data. I wouldn’t presume that there is anything we can do to shake the universe loose?”

“To accomplish such a task, we’d first need to understand the nature of our false vacuum in the first place, which brings us back to the astounding nature of the information.” Kleiner explains. “It is likely far more than just a simple snag, the nature of quantum interaction does not allow for jagged edges to form on this sort of scale. “ He finds one of the rare empty spaces left on the whiteboard, and quickly draws a diagram, showing a downward slope, with a sort of valley built into the side.

Continuing on as he draws, he explains, “Our universe is significantly more likely to be trapped in a valley with particularly high edges, as the large amount of disturbances caused by interdimensional travel would create numerous opportunities for quantum tunneling, or the universe itself effectively teleporting to a lower state.”

“So we need a lot of shaking?” You respond.
(cont.)

>>4296984
(cont.)
“Not quite. You see, we’ve noticed two things in our experiments so far.” He responds. “Firstly, the energy state of the space near Black Mesa appears to be set at a near perfect position for interdimensional travel. It’s the goldilocks zone of teleportation.”

You stay quiet, and allow him to explain the second anomaly in the numbers. “And secondly,” Dr. Kleiner continues, “the borders that dictate where our universe can fall, seen to be… for lack of a better word, reacting, to our efforts.”

>Does that work both ways? Surely that means we could travel through and give the invading aliens a taste of the department of defense.
>Is there a possibility that that could come about naturally, or is that a sign that it's deliberately placed there?
>So if it's in a delicate position, doesn’t that also make it easier for us to knock it out of that position, and slow the aliens?
>You said it’s at the “Near” perfect position. What happens at the absolute perfect position?
>Is it possible for a state like that to be achieved by something telepathic?
>Could a state like that be achieved by something man-made? Could this be sabotage?
>Tell Dr. Kleiner about the creature you saw when the rocket launched. Perhaps that could be linked to it.
>Write in a response.

>>4296988
>Tell Dr. Kleiner about the creature you saw when the rocket launched. Perhaps that could be linked to it.
>You said it’s at the “Near” perfect position. What happens at the absolute perfect position?

>>4296988
>Is it possible for a state like that to be achieved by something telepathic?
Can we draw him an image of the big baby boss guy?

>>4296988
>>4296998
Supporting these.

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>>4296998
>>4297021
>>4297090
“You said it’s at the near perfect position.” You say, with a tone of concern in your voice. “What would happen if it reached a perfect.”

“Such a state is not practically possible.” Kleiner starts. “It would require a section of space to be infinitely compressed. You would know such a state as a black hole Of course, without astronomical amounts of mass creating its own infinite inward force, reaching this state wouldn’t be possible. Finally, teleporting from the singularity of one black hole to the singularity of another with no outside energy wouldn't be particularly useful or sustainable to any intrepid interdimensional traveller.” He clears his throat, then says, “For our purposes, that perfect state is recognized as an asymptote. The universe can forever get closer to zero energy travel, but never intersect it.”

Kleiner takes a moment to adjust his glasses, and points to a set of equations on his whiteboard. “Of course, the closer one gets to this state, the easier it becomes to travel through worlds. Much like metals that become superconductors at the right temperature, it rapidly becomes easier and easier to travel through dimensions. As well, the energy requirement for the creation of exotic matter reduces significantly, and in turn a reduction is seen in the lower limit for the creation of wormholes. The right spark could punch through to worlds unknown.”

You nod along with his lecture, and then say, “You mentioned that the… universe was acting reactive somehow, is that right?”


“Precisely.” Kleiner responds.

“When the rocket launched, I caught a glimpse of something big. It looked a lot like one of those big-headed controller aliens, although it was huge, and seemingly stitched together. Remember how I managed to somehow communicate with the aliens, you even scanned my head? I saw it through that same phenomenon.” You explain. “We’ve seen that the creatures have abilities that aren’t normal, so is it possible that somehow that thing is preventing us from ending all of this?”

Kleiner has a look like he’s just been punched in the face. “It’s… certainly a possibility.” He says. “You said you saw a power creature, correct? Was it here, on earth? What was it doing? Did it speak? It… there’s no evidence that it is connected to the false vacuum, but it does provide an interesting theory. An intelligent interference would explain the reactivity to our efforts.”
(cont.)

>>4297130
(cont.)
>This is information that should stay classified. Convince Dr. Kleiner to keep it that way. (3d6+2, pass on a 14. Below an 8, Kleiner loses some trust in you.)
>It probably does mean a lot, but for now what should be focused on is how to kill the creature and the aliens.
>Would it be possible to enter the creature's realm somehow to interfere with it?
>Assuming the creature leads the aliens somehow, what could it possibly want with earth?
>So it will only get easier for the aliens to enter our world, unless we stop it?
>You’ve asked enough questions about Breen and Barney. Ask him about the state of the anomalous materials labs.
>Write in a response.

>>4297131
>Assuming the creature leads the aliens somehow, what could it possibly want with earth?
It's also mean.

>>4297131
>Assuming the creature leads the aliens somehow, what could it possibly want with earth?
>So it will only get easier for the aliens to enter our world, unless we stop it?

Are you going with the original nihilanth or the black mesa super nihilanth?