City 08

[a_mere_child]

There was no time to program in coordinates, no time to engage any kind of safety protocol. Once they got to the control room for the portal generator, all they had time to do was hit the big red button and pray

Comments

[acts_of_gord]

"Looks like it," Gordon murmurs. "Any idea where we made it to?"

[ice_broken]

A thin thread of sound from the overhead speakers:

"are you still there?"

[subject_lj_here]

Chell's voice is shaky when she answers: "Yes."

[a_mere_child]

"We're fine, PIaDOS," says Alyx in the most reassuring tone we can manage. "Everyone's A-OK."

At least, no less okay than they were sixty seconds ago. Speaking of which-- "Hey, can somebody go check on Shepherd?"

[subject_lj_here]

Chell looks up, swallows the lump trying to linger in her throat, and nods. She doesn't like being at the mercy of this Aperture monster, but she doesn't exactly have a choice right now.

"I will, Alyx."

[acts_of_gord]

"Thank you," Gordon murmurs, and leans back against the nearest available wall. As he lets out a sigh it occurs to him that it'd be just his luck for a headcrab to be lurking in the ship's vents somewhere.

Dammit, he hates his brain sometimes.

"PIaDOS," he calls without opening his eyes. "Where is 'here'?"

[ice_broken]

"ERROR: Navigation system offline. ERROR: Global positioning system offline. Please consult a technician at your earliest convenience."

[a_mere_child]

"Oh, freaking great," mutters the Asian man from Mossman's team. "So we have no idea where we are?"

"We're not surrounded by Combine or docked next to an exploding building complex," points out Alyx. "That's the important thing right now. It means we have time to bring those systems back online, and hopefully get a radio signal out to White Forest so they know we're okay."

[acts_of_gord]

"It'll have to do," Gordon murmurs, straightening up. "All right. We should get a damage assessment and send somebody topside, see if we're anywhere recognizable."

[smelltheashes]

The mousy woman cocks her head to one side. "Is it just me, or is the floor rocking?"

"No, I feel it too," says Dr. Mossman. "We're definitely on open water... you and Chen head above decks and scout. Alyx and I will stay here and see what we can make of the navigation system."

[acts_of_gord]

Gordon casts an inquisitive glance to Alyx; he's not sure where he ought to be going, and she's supposed to be in charge just at the moment. Best to let her decide, so as not to undermine her authority once these people find out about Eli.

[a_mere_child]

Alyx only hesitates for a moment. "Gordon, you're with the scouting party. If there are any Combine around, you're the best-armed person on board."

[acts_of_gord]

It's kind of hard to argue with that. There were Navy vessels in the pre-Combine days that didn't have as many guns per square inch of surface as Gordon does. He nods and turns to Chen and the woman, crowbar in hand (you never know when you're going to need a melee weapon). The corridor and stairs to the deck are sort of in that direction, right?

[ice_broken]

PIaDOS helpfully opens a door for them.

Mother, mother ocean, I have heard you call
Wanted to sail upon your waters since I was three feet tall
You've seen it all, you've seen it all...

"That is so creepy," the mousy woman murmurs as she brings up the rear.

[acts_of_gord]

"No kidding," Gordon murmurs. He's not so much interested in leading the way up as he is in sticking very close to the leader. These people, after all, have been on the ship before- and if anything happens to them, he has to rely solely on the mad computer to find his way back.

[smelltheashes]

The trip up is mercifully short, requiring only one minor detour due to a hopelessly jammed door. After less than five minutes, Chen makes his way onto the deck, squinting into the glare of the sunset. "Well, we're not too far off shore, I see mountains over that way..."