Reawakening, part deux

[a_mere_child]

Finding all the parts of PIaDOS that actually contained her brain(s) was the hardest part. At least, Alyx hopes it was the hardest part. If it wasn't, that means she screwed up while wiring the AI back together, and that could spell disaster.

She supposes they'll find out in a minute.

"Okay, I'm going to connect the power now..."

Comments

[remindmeof_me]

"Ready for whatever happens, ma'am," says Shephard, squaring his shoulders and steeling himself. "Good luck."

[ice_broken]

Another silence, then:

"What do you need us to do?"

[remindmeof_me]

"We got us a shitload of Combine intel while you were out," says Shephard. "We know where we got to go next, to keep these Combine assbuckets from killin' any more people. Once Ms. Vance gits you back in gear, we got to git up to Europe. Can't do it without you."

He pauses a moment. Then he says, "I know you ain't real happy right now. I don't blame you none. Best thing you c'n do to feel better's usually to git out there'n do what you're good at. I been there a lot myself. You ain't alone, Pi."

[ice_broken]

"Thank you."

[remindmeof_me]

"You're welcome, baby girl," says Shephard, who is resolutely ignoring the fact that said 'baby girl' is more than twice his age and outmasses every vehicle that ever passed through his home town before the Combine came. "You're welcome."

"Say, uh... I know it ain't no fun waitin' for shit like this. I got some songs I ain't sure you ever heard yet. You want me to sing you some of that? I ain't what you'd call the best singer in the world, but I c'n do it without makin' an ass of myself, 'n you sure sound like you could use somethin' new to hear."

[ice_broken]

"Everyone deserves music, sweet music
Everyone deserves music, sweet music
Even our worst enemies Lord, they deserves music, music
Even the quiet ones in our family, they deserve music."

[remindmeof_me]

Shephard smiles a little and raises his voice. He's not a... he's... look, other than that one carol it was probably for the best that he was singing with a whole mess of other carolers back at Christmas. He's not great. But he'll serve.

"Well, it was Friday in the p.m.
And just like every weekend I was ready to throw down
Yeah, I get a little tore up, so I call my bros up
To meet me out on town

Well, Wild Man Willie said, "I'd like to really"
But Idol was on TV
And Ray had a date with his wife and they quit drinking
But he didn't tell me

Am I the only one who wants to have fun tonight?
Is there anybody out there who wants to have a cold beer
Kick it 'til the morning light?

If I have to raise hell all by myself
I will, but y'all that ain't right
Yeah, it's time to get it on, am I the only one
Who wants to have fun tonight?"