Black Bloom

Chapters

Chapter 1 Unforeseen Consequences
Chapter 2 Getting to know each other
Chapter 3 On a Rail
Chapter 4 Apprehension
Chapter 5 Questionable Ethics
Chapter 7 Forget about Freeman
Chapter 8 End of the Line
Chapter 6 Surface Tension

Chapter 1 Unforeseen Consequences

Chapter 1: Unforeseen Consequences

May 16. 200-
Black Mesa Research Facility, New Mexico, United States

Jacob Johnson, a member of the Black Mesa Security Force, was on his post in Sector C Test Labs.
He had a wife who lived here with him. She was everything for him. Little they know that this would be one of the worst Days in their lives.

“Morning Mister Freeman. We’ve been problems all over this facility this morning. System crashes, Security malfunctions, everyone is going crazy. It’s a wonder this whole place hasn’t shut down yet,” Jacob greeted him.

“Morning Jacob. It’s one of these days I guess,” Gordon replied and took the elevator down.

Jacob was a friend of children. He and his wife had planned to get a child after his shift was over. His shift lasted until the end of May.
Jacob knew about the experiment and was worried. He hoped after the system crash that everything would be alright again.
But then the ground shakes, strong enough to throw him to the ground. Before he could react an explosion knocked him out.

He woke up after some time. An alert was ringing through the facility. “My god. Whatever happened, it damaged the facility severely,” Jacob thought after he saw the damage.

“Attention, security personnel to Sector C immediately,” The Black Mesa Announcement System announced.

“I need to look after my wife!” Jacob realized how bad the situation was.

Then there was a disturbing scream. Jacob drew his handgun. Some scientists came but they were no longer human. Some kind of creature was on their heads and they had claws instead of hands. The torso was open and the rips were broken.

“Stop or I will shoot!” Jacob screamed as the creatures closed in. Jacob fired as he had no other choice.

Gordon came from the elevator. He was now wearing a Hazard Suit and had a crowbar in his right hand.
After the creatures were dead, Jacob was relieved, “Gordon! Man, I’m glad to see you! What the hell are these things, and why are they wearing science team uniforms!?"

“I don’t know. But we should make a run for the surface and call for help.”

“Roger that. Let’s run like hell.”

On their way to the exit, they saw corpses and the damage. “Jesus… This place is in bad shape!” Jacob commented.

After they went through a door, two more of those creatures attacked them but Jacob managed to kill them, before they got close. “Got them!”

At the front desk, Jacob tried to open the door. “Dammit! The panel is broken!”

“Let me try something.” Gordon destroyed the panel causing the door to open.

He crouched through them with Jacob. A Scientist was on the damaged catwalk that leaded to the tram. But it collapsed. The Scientist managed to hold on the buttress but slipped.

“No, stay back! Gordon!” Then he fell with a loud scream into the abyss.

“We need to find another way. Let’s go through the vent.”

“Good Idea, Gordon.”

In the computer room, Gordon killed a Headcrab and helped Jacob through the next vent.

They saw through a window how a Scientist was dodging a Headcrab. “That’s it! I had enough of this!” He used a monitor to smash the Headcrab. “Die! Die! Yes! YES!” He cheered only to be attacked by a Headcrab from behind. The Scientist fell to the ground after the Headcrab attached to his head.

“Poor bastard.” They couldn’t help him, as the door was looked and the window bulletproof.

In the opposite office, Jacob saw how a Scientist was mutating from a Headcrab so he putted him out of his misery.

At the next door, a dying security guard managed to kill a victim of the Headcrab. Gordon took his gun.

In the next corridor, a scientist was chased by some kind of dog. He had three legs and several eyes. He killed the Scientist with a sonic charge.

Jacob killed him before he could attack Gordon or him and reloaded his pistol.
“Is this some kind of dog?”

“I think so, Gordon. I just hope my wife is still alive.”

They saw a man in a suit with a briefcase on a catwalk above them. He leaved without paying attention to them.

They killed two more dogs. At a metal door, Gordon stopped. “Wait, do you hear that?” There was a sound of teleporting.

“Something tries to break through that door, get ready!”

An Alien broke through the Door. But with the combined firepower, Gordon and Jacob killed the Alien.

“The community is in Sector B near the offices. Move it!”
In the office, the way was blocked by an electrified wire. “I will go through the vent to turn the power off.”

“Ok Gordon, I wait here.”

After a while, the power turned off. Gordon returned. “Let’s roll.”
On a green crate, Gordon took a shotgun with some ammo.

“Help!” a woman screamed.

“Mia!” Jacob ran into the direction where the scream came.

Mia was struggling with a Zombie but Gordon took care of it with the shotgun.
“Mia, you’re alive!” Mia cried and hugged her husband. “You’re wounded!”

Mia was bleeding from her left arm. A Scientist joined them along with another guard.

“We’re heard screaming, are you alright?” The guard asked.

The Scientist saw Mia’s wound. “Don’t worry, I am a doctor.” He gave her a syringe and patched her up with a first aid kit.

“Listen Gordon, I heard that Soldiers are coming to rescue us. We must head for the surface. Elevators are out of order, but we can still climb.”

“I stay here. I won’t leave you, my wife. Gordon, let the Soldiers knew that we are down here.”

"I will. Are you coming?” He asked the guard.

“Yes, I will cover you.” They left.

“Those creatures are called Headcrabs. They can completely control their horst’s nervous system. But the worst is that the victim seems to be still alive, suspected by the screams they made.” He looked at the Zombie.

“So a kind of… Zombie?”

“Yes, Jacob. Those dogs you have seen are called Houndeyes, and those aliens with the claws are Vortigaunts.”

“What happened?” Mia asked still in shock.

“We were testing a crystal. It went out of control and caused a Resonance Cascade. That means that a portal was opened from the world Xen to our world.”

“You’re mean; this is all happening because of you Scientists?!” Jacob was enraged.

“I suspected this could happen but the Administrator just would not listen,” The Scientist replied.

An Emergency Broadcast started.

“The following message is transmitted at the request of local authorities. At 9:47 AM, Mountain Time, a disaster of unknown type has occurred at the Black Mesa Research Facility causing significant damage and failure to various power and communication systems in the surrounding areas. An immediate evacuation order has been issued for all residents within a 75 mile radius of the facility, and on-site military has been dispatched to provide assistance. Make sure to bring an emergency supply of food, water, clothing, first aid kit, flashlights with extra batteries, and battery powered radios. Follow local evacuation routes which have been marked by local authorities and only use one vehicle. Do not return to the warning area until the all clear has been given. If you are not in the evacuation zone stay where you are. If you are within the evacuation area and have no transportation locate your nearest police department or military officer. Do not use telephones or cell phones except in the case of emergencies. Stay tuned to local news media outlets for further details and information on this situation.”

Above Black mesa

Corporal Konrad Ford was deploying with his team from the V-22 Osprey. He had his MP5 with attached grenade launcher ready. He knew about his orders, but disagreed with them.

“Listen up Squad! We are here to rescue any personal we can find, and to kill any aliens we find, this is clear?”
“Sir, yes sir!”

“This is Echo-4-Charlie; we need backup in the High Security Storage Facility!”

“Copy that, we’re on our way,” The Squad leader of the squad responded.

They moved in. In the Facility, they saw that Echo-4-Charlie was wiped out by Vortigaunts. They were also some dead scientists.
“Let’s kill these freaks!” A marine shouted. After a short firefight, they got their next orders.

“Squad, move on to Silo D.”

“Yes Sir, we are move in!”

“Wait, do you hear that?” The shotgunner asked. There was the crying of a child. It came from behind some crates.

“Yes I do. Konrad, check it out. We cover you.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Konrad closed in carefully, MP5 ready. “Hello? We’re here to rescue you.” He called out.
“That’s a liar! You killed that Scientist!” The child responded crying and scared.

“Listen kid, it was a misunderstanding. I won’t harm you I promise,” He lowered his weapon to show that he meant no harm.

“Ok, just don’t hurt me.”

The child stepped out. Konrad was confused as he saw a filly with yellow coat, orange eyes that were red from crying and a red mane with matching tail and ribbon. What in the...
Konrad saw a Headcrab behind her and instantly aimed his weapon at it.

“No, wait!” The filly called out and closed her eyes. After the bang she opened her eyes, only to see the now dead Headcrab. “You’re saved mah life!” The filly hugged his legs, still crying.

Maybe just a child in a costume, he thought

“Shh, calm down. It’s my duty as Soldier. What’s your name?” He patted her mane. The other marines looked at each other confused.

“Apple Bloom. And you’re?”

“Corporal Konrad Ford, Hazardous Environment Combat Unit, HECU for short.”

“Please can you help me get home? Ah don't wanna die,” She asked, afraid to die.

She's an alien but no threat, nah. The young marine had sympathy for her.

Konrad was not married, still the safety of civilians and children were always top priority for him. “Yes I will. And my squad will help you too, right, guys?” While being a Corporal, his Squad had a higher rank commander, easy identifiable by his red beret. Konrad was wearing a gas mask with built-in Night-Vision Goggles.

The marines recovered from the shock. “Ford, you have my word, I won’t failure you,” His Squad leader said, smiling at Apple Bloom.

“Echo-3-Juliet, we have reports about trapped civilians in the Executive Lounge. You know what to do.”

“Yes HQ. Squad, let’s go!” Apple Bloom was startled by the Radio chatter, but Konrad patted her again.

“This was our Radio. Don’t worry, I promise, I will get you out of here alive. That I promise.”

It's unusual that you're spare an alien, as you never showed mercy when "killing" Monsters and Zombies in your spare time with your AKM.

Shut the hell up! Ian, shes an alien but a child and poses no threat! I will get her out of here! Konrad replied, not knowing that this would be a hell of an adeventure and nightmare for him and Apple Bloom.

Author's Note

You thought I would forget a story with Apple Bloom? Nope. I never played the orginal Half life but the steam vision of the fan mod Black Mesa. Thats also why I used the music of it as it sounds beautiful and fits every chapter. For the Alarm, i could not decide if the Alarm from the original would suit better or from Black Mesa, so i used both so you can decide which suits better.
I also want to thank Human SVD for using his OC. I thought that he would would made a perfect candidate for the Marines.
If you wondering how he would look like, he looks like this but with green-tinted goggles like the orginal Gasmask marine.

His squad members are looking like the orginal Marines as I have a weakness for classic, but all have Uniform patches. This is also the reason why I gave them MP5s instead of the M4 Carbine Assault Rifle, as MP5s are used in the Orginal Half life and Black Mesa.
For more infomation about Half life in General click here
If you want to know how the Marines look like in HD click here
If you what to know more about the mod there you go
There is a brony on youtube who makes detailed videos about Half Life and plans also to play Half LIfe 2. Check him out if you're want, I used many of his tips in Black Mesa. As he would say: I see you in the next chapter.

I came up with the name as a mix between Apple Bloom and Black Mesa. Nice idea, don't you think?
Why is Gordon talking? Well, in the PlayStation 2 manual it is said that he had a "recent telephone conversation" so in my headcanon he isn't mute as the guards and scientists react to his speech while being unheard by the player like when Barney "told" Rosenberg what happened to Harold and when Shepard tells his instructor his name. At least that's my headcanon for Half Life 1

Chapter 2 Getting to know each other

Chapter 2: Getting to know each other

The way to the Executive Lounge was quiet as Gordon had already taken care of the aliens. “So Apple Bloom… May I ask how you got here?” Konrad felt guilty.

Apple Bloom let out a sigh, “Well, Ah was playing with my friends, when a portal opened. It sucked me in before they could react. Ah found myself in this facility. When Ah saw your comrades, Ah thought that they would help me, but after they killed that Scientist, I feared for mah life,” She explained in her country accent.

“Sorry to hear that,” Konrad was touched by that.

“Ah just hope that my sister and brother aren’t too worried as they are very protective,” She sighed.

“What are they looking like?” The Medic asked curious.

“Mah big sister Applejack is an Earth pony like me, but has an orange coat, yellow mane and green eyes. She’s wearing a brown stetson hat. Mah big brother Big McIntosh, Big Mac for short, is a strong pony with a red coat, also green eyes and an orange mane. He’s responding to questions with ‘eeyup’ or ‘nnope.’ Ah also have a grandmother Granny Smith. She has a lime green coat and orange eyes, Mah parents died when Ah was just an infant.” She sobbed, showing that she missed them already.

“Sorry to hear that. Your family is very interested in apples. Granny Smith is an apple variety, Applejack is also the name of a strong alcoholic beverage produced from apples. Big McIntosh alludes to the McIntosh variety of apple, which is mostly red with green streaks on its skin,” The Engineer explained.

“What a coincidence. Mah family is known for their apple products. May I ask what technology you use and your names?”

Konrad pointed to his vest. “This is the Powered Combat Vest, commonly abbreviated as P.C.V. it’s designed to protect the user from chemical, biological, radiological and physical threats during operations in the unit's defined battle space.
Also it increases the effectiveness and versatility of the user, allowing them to operate in environments which are outside the normal bounds of the regular infantry.

My gas mask has built-in Night-Vision Goggles. It is also bulletproof, that means that I can’t get hurt by any head injuries. In addition, the PCV includes a Geiger counter, morphine administrator which allows us to function normally even after serious injury, a Tactical Radio and a Head-Up Display, HUD for short in the protective mask lens which tracks the user's medical condition and weapon ammunition. The vest contains an on-board computer system that constantly monitors the user's health and vital signs and reacts to any changes in the user's condition.

The PCV provides complete protection to the center mass of the user, protecting the torso, abdomen, shoulders, and back. This is provided by the electrically powered shield which stiffens the fibers of the suit to provide a hard, resilient layer of armor to absorb the kinetic energy. With a fully charged vest, the user can survive several dozen rounds of small arms fire or even a direct hit from a rocket propelled grenade. The PCV also provides protection from high level electrical and thermal energy, biological and chemical threats when sufficiently charged. It can be charged with batteries or at any Charger.

I, my commander Tanner and our demolition expert Michael are using the MP5 submachine gun with attached grenade launcher. Actually, we use normally M4 Assault Rifles, but some idiot in the supply ordered by mistake MP5s and a lot of 9x19MM Parabellum for it."
Michael took a draft from his cigar. “Do you ever run out of these?”

“Never, even in a situation like this Konrad,” He joked.

“Whatever. This is David, our expert for close combat,” He pointed to the balaclava Soldier with Ski googles. “He is using a SPAS-12 shotgun. It can be fired semi-automatic or via pump-action. The alternate fire mode fires two shots at once. This shotgun is a special version exclusive made for us. Normal USMC units are using M1014 JSCS or Remington 870 MCS shotguns.

This is our Medic Tower. He’s only armed with a Glock 17, but he is trained in first aid and emergency surgery and has the ability to heal wounded soldiers in the field. HIs sidearm would normally be a M9 Beretta but this idiot also ordered a lot of Glock 17s instead of the M9."
Tower waved and smiled at Apple Bloom as he corrected his glasses.

“And this is our Engineer Jackson. He is equipped with the tools necessary to adapt to changing situations in the field, mostly by cutting through sealed doors or floor grates with his welding torch.
He has the powerful Desert Eagle as sidearm like we have. As it is not very accurate, it as a laser sight to counter this.”

While Apple Bloom was not a fan of weapons, it was still interesting.

“Enough talking Gentleman, stay alert.”
“Yes, commander.”

Jacob was hoping for the best as he was still hugged his wife to comfort her.

“Attention. This announcement system is now under military command.
Attention. All Black Mesa security personnel wanted for immediate questioning.”

Mia broke down, “I don’t wanna die!”

"Shh, don’t worry, help will arrive.” Jacob was patting her back. Then he heard footsteps. “Someone’s coming.”

“Area secure, no sign of hostiles.” A squad of marines arrived.

“We’re the rescue team. You’re safe now.” The marine with beret spoke to them. Mia and Jacob were surprised to saw a filly.

Suddenly a selling panel broke apart revealing a barnacle. He caught the filly. It struggled and screamed, “Help me!” Jacob killed the barnacle, while Mia caught the filly as it fell. It cried into her arms.

“Shh, you’re safe now.” She spoke in a calming and motherly tone.

Apple Bloom looked up. “Thank you.” The woman with blonde hair and green eyes smiled at her.

The barnacle disgorged bones and other remains of recently consumed victims causing Apple Bloom to throw up. “Sorry.”
“None taken.”

“I don’t know what we could do here.”

"You’re right Jacob, let’s get out of here. With the tram, we should make it to the surface. Let me use the retinal scanner.”

The Scientist walked to a metal door with a retinal scanner. “Access acqui-“ The scanner exploded, killing the Scientist.

“What now? He was the only one with retinal scanner access.” Jacob looked at the dead Scientist.

“Don’t worry, I have the tool for this job.” Before Jackson lit his torch by using his cigarette, he spoke to Konrad, “Who needs a locksmith, eh, Konrad? Heh heh heh,” He laughed and cut the door.

After the door was open, Zombies attacked. “We got hostiles!”

Mia got Apple Bloom to cover while the marines and Jacob killed the Zombies.

“Shh, it’s over.” Mia strokes her mane.

“When we make it out of here alive, I'm gonna buy you all a round of beers. And for you I buy a glass of apple juice.”

Apple Bloom smiled at the security guard with brown hair and green eyes, “That’s very generous from you mister…”

“Jacob. And this is my wife Mia. Do you want us to tell about your family?”

Apple Bloom nodded and told them everything about her family, her friends, home and such. She also told that she never saw a human before. She even told them how she got her Cutie Mark and what it was. It showed a red, pink and purple shield with an apple with a heart inside it. She also told them that ponies spoke English and in the past French but the magic allowed them to understand most languages. This meant that she if someone would speak Italian, it sounded like English for her while for the Italian, it sounded like she would speak Italian.

“I heard rumors that you are not here to rescue us, is this right?” Mia asked. Tanner gave Konrad a nod and he sighed,

“To be honest, yes. Our orders are to eliminate Black Mesa's civilian personnel to ensure that the incident is covered up. The government’s idea of ‘containment’ is to kill everyone associated with the project. Also we were ordered to eliminate the aliens, Black Mesa Security Force, and bring important members of the Science Team up to the surface for brutal interrogation. However many Marines disagreed with their orders. My Squad is one of them.”

“I guess you’re a good guy, Corporal. You and your men.”

Apple Bloom stepped forward as suddenly the ground collapsed. She fell with Konrad into a lower level.

“Konrad!”

“Don’t worry, I’m alright,” He replied to Tanner as he checked Apple Bloom. She was unharmed as he had catched her and the distance they had fallen was very small.

“Looks like you two fell into Sector E. But there’s also a way to the surface. We see you there.” Jacob looked down to them.

“Alright, we’re seeing you at the surface.

“Don’t worry Apple Bloom; I will protect you from any harm.” She was a little scared.

"Hey Konrad, well, looks like it is a baby sitting job after all! Take care of her!" Tower joked as Konrad looked at his leg, as Apple Bloom was wrapped around him in fear.

He let out a frustrated sign and replied, "Yes, sir." Why is it always me?! One day Tower, one day... but not today. She's attached to me, yes, and I want to get her out of there, but I'm no baby-sitter! Once this is done, You will pay! He thought as Tower always managed to get him to be victim of his jokes.

They walked through Sector E. "Can Ah ask you something, Corporal?"

"Anything and Konrad is just fine, only my comrades call me by my rank."
"Can you tell me more about you?" She asked curious.

"Well, I born and grown up in Raccoon City, a small, industrialized city located in the Midwestern United States. I deployed a like for soviet firearms and I like to fight Monsters and Zombies. The Marines of the HECU are specially trained to deal with a variety of indoor combat situations, particularly involving a dangerous environment and unconventional enemies, and I was told I would make an excellent Marine. As I am a patriot, I gave it a try and I made it in. Was not easy. As for my comrades, I was in bootcamp together with them, and we've been friends ever since. Never thought my first mission would be like this."

"A wise choice if you ask me. Watch out!" She called out as Barnacles were dead ahead.

Konrad stopped to shoot them.
Around the corner was a Vortigaunt next to a dead marine. Konrad evaded his attack and shot him in the head. He collected the shotgun from his killed comrade. "Not my style, but it could be useful later on."

After a while and some more Vortigaunts, they came to a damaged bridge with toxic waste below. “Trust me, okay?” Konrad gently lifted Apple Bloom up and jumped over the bridge. It collapsed after he jumped. As he approached the Door, one of the generators exploded and an alert went off.

The electricity destroyed most of the room, but Konrad ran to a corner where a broken ladder was. More and more of the ground was destroyed as the electricity destroyed another generator, causing the waste to rise.

“Ah don’t wanna DIE! Ah wanna go HOME!” Apple Bloom cried as the situation was hopeless while Konrad tried to remain calm and find a way out of this death trap.

Author's Note

Oh NO! It seems they are trapped! Will they make it? Find out in the next chapter. Those who played Half Life, should be familiar with this scene at the end.

Chapter 3 On a Rail

Chapter 3: On a Rail

A walkway fell down. Konrad jumped on it. He ran to a door, but it was locked. Suddenly he saw a man in a suit behind a window where the controls where.

He opened the Door for them. Konrad stepped in. Apple Bloom was still crying.

“Shh, it’s over. We made it.” He patted her mane.

“Re- really?” She stopped crying and looked around. “WE MADE IT!” She exclaimed relieved.

“A man in a suit opened the door for us. Let’s thank him, shall we?”

“Yes, Sir!” Apple Bloom saluted.

However, the man disappeared. “Where did he go?”

“I don’t know. But we need to keep moving.” Konrad was trained for many situations, but training never prepared him for something like this. Wasn't that the same guy I saw in boot camp once? He thought.

While they moved, the Announcement System had a message.

"Alert. Military personnel, authorized to prosecute Gordon Freeman with extreme force. Alert. Military personnel, you are authorized to shoot the renegade on sight."

"You heard it, orders are to shoot on sight!" A marine said on the radio channel.

"Why would they do that?" AB asked scared.

"Well, as I told you, we should kill everyone connected to the project, and Freeman is one of them. Also killed a lot of my buddies."

"Do you hate him?"

"No. He acts only in self defence, that's what I suspect given our orders. I never agreed with this order as I have honor and want to keep my hands clean of any innocent blood. Apart of my squad, I don't know any of the others. But I will defend myself against him If I have too."

"Oh look, a tram. With that we should make it to the surface." Apple Bloom pointed to it.

"Indeed."

Suddently AB shouted, "Behind you!"

She saw how a man in an armored suit fired an MP5 at Konrad. He pushed her behind a create to cover. She heard a loud metallic "clang."

Peeking around the corner, she saw how Konrad just flinched for a second, but that was enough for the other man to tackle him to the ground and tried to stab him with a crowbar, while the marine struggled against it.

Ah must help him! But how? Then she had an idea.

"You won't hurt mah friend!" She delievered a powerful karate to the attackers head, throwing him off the marine.

In response, Konrad got up and drew his sidearm. "Stay where you are!"

"Alright, you got me!" The attacker said defeated but looked dumbfounded at the filly.

"Konrad, you're alright?" Apple Bloom asked worried as he was holding his head with his left hand while holding his attacker at gunpoint with the Eagle in the other hand.

"Didn't feel a thing." He replied while he thought, Son of a-that hurt! "You're Freeman, right?" Freeman nodded.

"I could kill you, but I won't. Get up."

While Freeman was one of the scientists connected to the project, the young soldier didn't want to kill him in front of the filly to maintain her innocence.

"Why?"

"Because, you're no use to me dead."

"Please, spare him!" AB pleaded.

"I do. But one wrong move, and you will regret it."

Apple Bloom grabbed his crowbar while Ford holstered his pistol and picked his MP5 up.

"Sorry about that. It’s just after so many marines tried to kill me, I shoot on sight." Gordon felt sorry for scaring the filly as he saw how she cowered her ears before she attacked him.

“I was about to use the tram to get to the surface.”

“Me too. I just want to get her out of here to safety. And I don't blame you. You're only defending yourself. Apart from my squad who also disagreed with their orders, I don't know any of the others.” Konrad helped Apple Bloom on the tram as he started it.

A Security guard informed Gordon about a rocket that was important to launch to “clean up this mess” as the guard told him.
While the tram continued, Apple Bloom told Gordon her Story, he told her his Story, how all this happened and Konrad told him how he was separated from his Squad.

Konrad spotted many dead marines, which was a sign that they were losing.
They had to duck under an electrical wire. Konrad killed some Houndeyes with the shotgun. As a crane was blocking the path, they had to find the switch to use it.

At an interception, they killed a Bullsquid that guarded the switch. After the switch was used, Gordon shot the sign to go past the crane.
They arrived at an elevator, where they were ambushed by marines. Fortunately, Gordon managed to take them out, before they noticed Apple Bloom or Konrad.

He felt a little unsafe about fighting his own men. But to get Apple Bloom out of here alive, he was ready to take that risk.
After the elevator got up, they heard how marines where fighting against Vortigaunts.

“You two stay at the tram, I will take care of this.” Gordon hoped off to take care of the survivors and raised the barrier arms.
The journey continued to a dead end where 3 marines opened fire but Gordon threw a grenade killing all 3 of them.
Konrad and Gordon took the ammo from them. As they were about to enter the entrance, marines were fighting with Vortigaunts. The marines lost this battle.

Gordon took care of the Vortigaunt. After they walked through the corridor, a gunner behind sandbags spotted Freeman. Konrad just made it to get himself and Apple Bloom out of the turret's fire line. Gordon fired a grenade of his MP5 to kill the gunner.

“Man, my buddies seem really to hate you,” Konrad commented after he saw the graffiti.

Apple Bloom walked to the blast door. Konrad stopped her as he saw the laser Trip mine. Gordon destroyed it with a shot of his Glock 17.
Another tram waited for them. Before they could use it, they had to kill two Bullsquids.

“Don’t touch those red lasers or turrets will activate.” Gordon said to Apple Bloom as he ducked under them. At first she was confused, but got it after she saw the deactivated turrets.

They came to a curve. “Jump!” Konrad grabbed Apple Bloom and jumped down as rockets were fired at them.
Gordon also jumped off but let the rail car still driving. It activated a trip mine, killing the marine wielding the rocket launcher. “That was close.” Gordon took a breath of relief.

The rail car stopped at a barrier arm. This time, Konrad waited with Apple Bloom at the car.
Wanna see a magical trick?"

"Magic? Ah thought humans can't use magic."

"Just watch." The marine drew his Desert Eagle.

"Amazing! How did you do that?" the girl exclaimed.

"That's my secret. While the Desert Eagle uses expensive 357 Magnum ammunition, and the size makes it impracticality for most military units, I must admit that seven bullets are enough to kill everything that moves." He spinned it before holstering it.

"Guess they gave it us for a reason. I actually prefer rifles but the German MP5 is also a good weapon, If I say so myself.

Back home, I do regulary target practice with my AKM, Makarov and SVD. I scored once 8 of 10 points on the shooting range in boot camp, and no one could beat me so far." Apple Bloom's stomach growled.

"Sorry. Ah had only breakfast before this happened." She blushed in embarrassment.

"None taken. I got some pop tarts. Calmes the nerves, at least for me." He reached for his pocket. Her gave her a square shaped object with a shortbread with a frosting in the center with sprinkles covering it.

"It isn't homemade, but I'm sure you will like it. Even on duty, I carry some with me."
She took a bite. At first it tasted odd but it changed into a very delicious taste very fast. Tastes like Apples!

She enjoyed it so much, that she could swear that Konrad had a rather surprised look. That was what she thought as the mask covered his face.

"What's wrong?"

"Never saw anyone eating that so fast before. Another one?"

"AND HOW! Sorry, it just tastes so good." She replied blushing.

"That's okay. There you go."

The pop tarts reminded her of Duke pony, a video game character.
"Reminds me of Duke pony. As he would say: It's time to kick butt and chew pop tarts, and Ah'm all out of pop tarts."

But Konrad didn't respond. She saw that he was lost in thought.

She whistled, "Equestria to Corporal Ford." That seemed to work as he blinked.

"Oh sorry, this place is a lot bigger than I thought. Also, I wonder if those boys could have made a bigger mess." He sounded scared.

"Are you scared, Konrad?"

"Maybe I am. I feel like we're in a cheap slasher or a scifi movie. But this also reminds me of my time in training and before this.
In boot camp, I was shown in the Test Firing Chamber how the PCV protects me from bullets. The Marine who should shoot me, had so bad aim with his M249 that he sprayed bullets all over the place, and not one bullet hit me.

Or sometime before this mission, I can't remember exactly, I was part of a convoy that transported M2A3 Bradleys to another base. We couldn't unload them as the Master Sergeant had the keys for the locks and his car's engine got broken. Good thing that Jackson managed to open the hatches together with the locks or we had to wait for hours."

"What's a Bradley?"

"A military vehicle. I spare you with the details. Now that you mention it, this reminds me also when I got my driver license. A friend of mine picked me up and I asked if I could drive. He said no, as he thought I never drove before. I told him him that I was almost driving the whole time in boot camp and that I drove a Humvee."

"What the hay's a Humvee?" Apple Bloom was confused.

"It's a...never mind. You remind me of that filly I dreamed once. Ruby was her name and I dreamed I was her father. She had a grey coat, a light blonde mane with lighter orange highlights. I found her lost outside my house and adopted her. Was a very nice dream." He smiled.

"Also, I dreamed once that she was a grown up mare and was kidnapped by a guy who wanted to marry her. Crushed his wedding and saved her. Just as she was about to kiss me, the alarm clock tore me out my dream."

"Ah dreamed once that Ah got mah Cutie Mark, but before Ah got a closer look, mah alarm clock also tore me out of it. Why do we always have to wake up the dream reaches it's climax?" She complained. "By the way, why're you wearing a gas mask?"

"Uhh...looks cool? And apart from the HUD, it filters smoke and gas as it's name suggests."

"We have also gas masks in Equestria, Ah was just wondering why're you wearing it when there's no gas or smoke around here. Also, Ah think you earened yourself a promotion."

He laughed, "Promotion? Tanner and I knew each other so well, that we communicate sometimes just with expressions. He's one of the oldest members of the HECU and said once, that I should take his post once he retires, which was supposed to be tomorrow. But that's never gonna happen. There were also rumors that we should be replaced by robots.

But as I am a soldier whose job is to protect the civilians, you got my word as marine, I protect and get you out of here. Semper fi!"

"Semper-what?"

"That means 'always faithful.' Its the motto of the US Marine Corps. So..." He flipped a switch on his weapon with his left hand then curled it up. "...Semper fi?"

"SEMPER FI!" Apple Bloom made a bro hoof with him.

"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Konrad said before both were having the same thought.

Why does that feel like a Déjà-vu?

Then the marine pulled his right glove back, revealing a watch. "Why is this taking so long?"

Suddently Apple Bloom's expression became one of fear. She pointed to something behind him.

"Zo-Zo-Zom-Zomb-Zom-ZOMBIE!"

"Holy Shit!"

A Zombie somehow surprised them and swinged his claws at Konrad. He dodged it but dropped his MP5. It landed next to Apple Bloom. She watched in horror as Konrad struggled with the zombie who was a marine by grabbing both of his claws. Looking at his weapon, she knew what she had to do...

Konrad struggled against his former buddy with all his strengh but the Zombie was stronger. Suddently he heard the firing sound of an MP5 and the Zombie fell dead to the ground as bullets landed in his "Head" and torso.

Turning around, he saw that Apple Bloom was the one who had fired it. She was shaking, eyes closed. She had fired the entire mag, proved by a clicking sound.

Did she just... "DID YOU JUST FIRE AT ME WITH CLOSED EYES?!" She collasped and cried. Now look what you have done!

Apple Bloom felt something warm running through her mane. opening her eyes, the marine was patting her with his right hand while hugging her. "Sorry for my outburst, just don't do that again." He spoke in a guilty, repentant and comforting tone dispite the robotic sound his mask gave him.

"There was no other way to help you." She replied as her shaking subsided, Konrad then walked over the dead Zombie, checked the pockets for ammo, and picked a rectangular object up and closed his hand. "Mertz..."

"A friend of yours?"

"Not directly. He was just a recruit from Texas. May you rest in peace, comrade." He did a gesture that looked like a cross. Apple Bloom knew that this was a sign of respect.

"I heard shots, is everything ok?" Gordon had sprinted back after he heard shots. The scientist knew instantly what happened. "Sorry for your loss."

After that, Konrad used another rail car while Gordon used the old one. “Our paths diverge here. Good luck, Corporal.” He smiled at Apple Bloom before he used the other way. "Pull the lever, Apple Bloom."

"Yes, Sir!" She saluted and pulled it as Konrad reloaded his SMG.

The car came to a barrier arm but marines opened it for Konrad. They didn’t spotted Apple Bloom, but Konrad could saw how eager they were to get Freeman.

At another elevator, they had to duck to avoid electricity and damage from trip mines.

Two marines opened another barrier arm for them. A rocket launcher wielding marine was about to shoot, but he didn’t as he saw that it wasn’t Freeman on the car.

After avoiding electricity again, Konrad shot a sign to head forward. The next elevator was broken, so they had to go on foot. Konrad saw a ladder but trip mines with turrets were down there so he threw a grenade down.

After helping Apple Bloom climbing the ladder down without activating the turrets, two Zombies attacked them but they were no threat as the young man kicked one Zombie before killing him with a headshot, while killing the other with the shotgun. Konrad reloaded his MP5 as the ammo counter showed that he had only 5 bullets in the magazine left.

After a short walk, they rejoined with the rest of Konrad’s Squad and the Johnsons.

“Konrad! Man, I am glad that you did make it.”

“Where are David and Jackson?”

“We lost them on our way to the surface as a Vortigaunt hit Jackson’s fuel tank, killing him and David,” Tanner explained.
Apple Bloom yawned. “I think we should rest. I will stay guard,” Konrad suggested as it was night and Apple Bloom tired.

“Okay, I will take the second shift later.” Michael built up a tent for the night.

As Jacob and Mia went to sleep, Apple Bloom asked, “Can Ah sleep with you? You remind me of mah sister and brother.”

“Of course sweetheart. We like Children and we’re would like that you are sleeping us.” Mia smiled at her.

Before Apple Bloom was asleep, she let out a tired, “Thank you.”

Konrad smiled as Mia hugged Apple Bloom in her sleep. Konrad had closed Apple Bloom in his heart, his squad as well. Before Michael went to sleep, he told Konrad that Mia and Jacob wanted to have a Child after Jacobs shift was over.

Don’t worry; I will protect you with my life. No harm will come to any of you. None of you deserve to die here. You have nothing to do with the experiment. Why have so many to be that serious to kill anyone they see even if they haven’t any knowledge of this? This… sucks!

Two marines had a conversation on their radio.

“So, who is this guy, Freeman?”

“They say he was at Ground Zero.”

“Science Team? You think he was responsible, sabotage, maybe?”

“Yeah, maybe. But one thing for sure is he's been killing my buddies.”

“Oh yeah, he'll pay. He will definitely pay.”

He looked up into the beautiful full moon and began to think in what he got himself into it.

I didn't sign on for this shit. Monsters, sure, but civilians? Who ordered this operation anyway? I should have taken the job as airman. On the other hand, Apple Bloom and the Johnsons hadn’t survived and came this far. My buddies think Freeman caused this on purpose. He is responsible for this mess, yes, but it was an accident. He’s innocent of any crimes; I’m a soldier not a cold-blooded murderer.

He checked his weapons.

As Corporal Shephard said once to me, you can never have too much ammo. Guess he was right. Too bad he didn’t make it.

He and Adrian were in boot camp together and deployed a good comrade- and friendship to each other and Konrad’s teammates.

Despite trying to stay awake, exhaustion took over him and he fell asleep.

They all were sleeping so tight, that even a certain rocket launch couldn’t wake them.

Author's Note

Launch sucessful! Those who played Half Life or Black Mesa should knew what rocket was launched. This chapter wasn't so long as the original, but i hope you enjoyed it.

And seems that Apple Bloom has made herself some new friends. Or should I say family members?

What Konrad meant with the robots, well in the German vision of Half LIfe, the human soldiers are replaced with Robots as part of the consorship, which destroys the game for me, as a robot has no feelings unlike a human, and should have no hate against Freeman.

Anyway, I see you in the next chapter Apprehension.

Chapter 4 Apprehension

Chapter 4: Apprehension

Apple Bloom yawned and slowly opened her eyes. She felt something warm around her. Mia had wrapped her arm around her, smiling in her sleep.

Ah’m like a daughter for them. And for some reason, they’re like parents to me. Apple Bloom smiled at the care they showed for her.
She also that Konrad was asleep. Even in his sleep, he had his gas mask on. How’s that even comfortable in sleep?
Jacob yawned. “Good morning Apple Bloom, did you sleep well?”

“Yes Ah did.”

Mia woke up. “Good morning, sweetheart.”

“Morning.”

They let Konrad sleep. The rest of the marines were already outside. “Morning, kid.” Michael greeted, cigar in his mouth.

Konrad was right; he does never run out of cigars. “Why are you smoking?”

“Calms the nerves, Apple Bloom.”

Tanner was talking with Tower about their next move on a map.

“We’re next to the Advanced Biological Research Lab. If we can make it there, we should be able to go the surface and get into an Osprey. I heard from other Squads that they have heavy losses.”

Konrad joined them. “Morning, sir.”

“Morning. Listen, we make a quick breakfast and then, we will move to the Advanced Biological Research Lab where we should make it to the surface.”

“Are you hungry, Apple Bloom?” Her stomach growled.

“Yes.”

After a good breakfast consisting of some Ready-to-Eat packs, they started to move. Apple Bloom saw Konrad’s face for the first time without his mask while they had breakfast.

He had brown hair and blue eyes. He smiled at her. She returned the smile.

After Breakfast, they used an old rail car. But as soon as it started, it increased in speed. Konrad’s squad, Mia and Jacob managed to jump off. Konrad fell with Apple Bloom into the water, but he had clenched her protectively. He swam to the surface.

“Everything alright, down there?” Tanner called down from the hole, the car had created. “Not a scratch. The car destroyed the bridge. I saw some barrels in the water. We can use them to get over the gap.”

He dived to use his knife to destroy a padlock to open a cage. The barrels formed a bridge. The rest of the team jumped over the barrels.

As they continued their journey to the surface, they saw more dead marines and some dead Zombies who had no headcrab. One of them was a scientist, the other a security guard.

Apple Bloom was disgusted by this as the heads were disfigured, the scientist’s head was cut open and his right eye socket was revealed. The guard was like him but his jaw was torn. She hoped that she wouldn’t have the same fate.

“Can you swim, Apple Bloom?”

“But of course.” They swam trough the overflow rooms. With a loud gasp, Apple Bloom gasped for air as they had finally reached land.
Tower pointed to a dead fish.

“What is that?”

“An Ichthyosaur I think. The Scientists call it so. They said it was hauled from the Challenger Deep. I'm sure that fish wasn’t here before this mess. Guess we have to dive again,” Jacob replied. He dived to open a gate with a wheel to let the others through.

In the next room was some shotgun ammo. As the shotgun Konrad took, had only 8 bullets, he decided to take it. But as he took it, two Vortigaunts teleported in.

They were no match for the shotgun. Jacob helped Apple Bloom across the slippery floor in the next room and to jump through a hole to the generator room.

The floor was destroyed. “Turning on the generators would be too dangerous. If we push this crate to the green crates, we should be able to get over,” Tanner suggested.

Jacob helped Apple Bloom up, while Konrad helped Mia up. He was a gentleman and respected woman.

“Thank you, Corporal.”

“Konrad is just fine, Mrs. Johnson.” He replied politely.

A Bullsquid teleported in. The marines killed it quickly, before Mia or Apple Bloom, were hit by his acid.

In the next room, a Scientist stood in a room. “Let us in, the marines are on our site.” Jacob said to the Scientist. After a short pause, he opened the door.

“You are heading for the surface, aren’t you?”

Yes.”

“Then be careful. It’s cold in there. Since the technology of your vests is similar to the HEV suit, it could sap the power in a matter of moments. Also, I heard that some marines are interested in her.” The Scientist pointed at Apple Bloom.

“Don’t worry; we will protect her from all harm.” Tanner assured him.

Mia picked Apple Bloom gently up as they prepared to cross the freezer.

It was very cold in the freezer. After crossing it, Jacob rubbed his hands to warm himself up. Konrad noticed that his PCV power was drained to 30%. Apple Bloom pressed herself against Mia to keep herself warm.

A wounded marine was leaning against a wall. "I don't think I'm gonna make it. I need a Medic... bad."

"Don't worry, soldier. I'll have you fixed up in no time." Tower patched him up.

"Thanks, doc. We must be careful. We got ambushed by-" Before he could finish, he was killed by a silenced gunshot.

"What was that?" Jacob scanned for enemies.

"I don't know, stay alert for everything." Tanner replied.

“Are those guys Black Ops?” Michael pointed to two men in black in the distance after riding a lift up. Some dead Marines were next to them.

“I guess so. What are they doing here? Nobody told us about Black Ops in the mission briefing.”

“Why do we always have to clean up a mess the grunts can't handle?”

“Tell me about it. I just wanna deliver the package and get out of here.”

“Yeah. Sooner or later the grunts are gonna figure it out.”

Tanner gave Jacob and Konrad a sign to wait. After the Black Ops walked away, they killed them before they could react.

“So the Black Ops are here to finish the job, we couldn’t do. They will kill any Black Mesa personal they can find, including us. Now we need to get to the surface as fast as possible,” Tanner tried to think.

“Any idea what this ‘package’ could be?” Mia asked but everyone shook his head in response.

As the doors to the surface access were locked, they searched the switch. It was on a helipad.
Mia and Apple Bloom wanted to use a first aid station, as suddenly the door closed.

“What the? Let us out!” Apple Bloom panicked.

“The Door is locked! Guess we have to blow it. Stay back.” Michael planted some charges.

Before he could detonate it, they heard Mia scream, “Wait! Don’t shoot! We’re only residents!”

Then there was a sound of beating and a, “Nice hit. Alright, we got them.”

“Mia! Quick, blow that door!”

“I am on it. Fire in the hole!”

Apple Blooms vision returned slowly. She was dragged by a Marine while Mia was dragged by two other Marines.

“Where are we taking this…Apple Bloom?”

“Topside. For questioning.”

“And her?” He pointed to Mia.

“Her too. I just feel bad about hurting a child.”

Her vision went black again. Apple Bloom woke up as someone tried to wake her.

“Wake up!” a marine screamed. Apple Bloom was frightened. “Ah, you’re awake. Now, you will answer me some Questions, is this clear?” Apple Bloom was cuffed and trembled in fear.

“Pl-please don’t hurt me.” She begged.

“Then tell me what you know!” The marine screamed.

“A- Ah don’t, know anything about the experiment. Ah only know that Freeman was the one who caused it indirectly. Please don’t kill me.”

She pleaded for her life. The marine smiled. “Thank you for the information.” He leaved. Mia was right next to her. She also awoke.

“M-mommy, Ah’m scared.” Apple Bloom was crying.

“Shh, don’t worry; I’m sure that my husband and Konrad’s squad will rescue us.”

The door opened. A commander with two marines walked in. “Your information’s are very useful for us. But we have order to let no witnesses alive.” The marines pointed their MP5’s at them.

“No, please! Spare her, she's still a child!” Mia pleaded.

“We will as she is able to tell us where Freeman is. You however, have no further use for us.”

“Please spare my mommy! We have nothing to do with the experiment!” Apple Bloom closed her eyes. She had a flashback

Were am Ah? Looks like a facility. She looked around. She was in somekind of storage room. In the distance was a creature she never saw before in a lab coat. A scientist! Maybe he can help me.

"If you'll just hold on a moment, I can provide you with my ID Card!" He was killed by the same creatures in military uniforms.

In fear, she hide behind some crates. Pl-pease... don't find me.

"I killed twelve dumb ass scientists and not one of 'em fought back. This sucks." They were about to leave before they were attacked by some alien creatures.

“Move in!” Konrad kicked the door open. He and Jacob killed the two marines.

“Nobody hurts my wife and gets away with it!” The commander however, used Apple Bloom as shield.

“Come any closer, and I will kill her.” Before he could do anything to her, he took a crowbar to the head from behind.

“Gordon!”

“So, we meet again, Jacob.”

“Did they hurt you?” Jacob freed his wife.

“No but they…” She pointed to Apple Bloom. Konrad freed her and patted her.

“Shh, it’s over, you’re safe now.”

“Ah thought Ah would die!” She cried her heart out. It was heartbreaking.

“Konrad, if we team up, we have a better chance of getting out of here.”

“I won’t stop you, Gordon.” “Neither, we do. Hey, look where we are.” Tanner pointed to a sign.

Advanced Biological Research Lab.

“Almost at the surface. Almost out of here.” Jacob sighed in relief.

“Ready for the final step to the surface?” Gordon took an MP5 from the dead marines. They all nodded, even Apple Bloom as she had calmed down.

Author's Note

Looks like another "Rescue team" has arrived. You haven't seen the last of them.

While the reason of the Black Ops presence at Black Mesa is explained in Opposing Force, my guess is that they prepared everything in the original game, in case the HECU's operation is a failure, which would be the reason why Gordon encountered them in Apprehension in the original game.

Will they make it to the surface? Find out in the next chapter.

Chapter 5 Questionable Ethics

Chapter 5: Questionable Ethics

As they entered the Lab, they first saw some Houndeyes that were asleep. “Michael, Satchel charge,” Tanner whispered. Michael threw a satchel charge between the Houndeyes and detonated it. The Houndeyes died and the electricity was off.

They saw a big alien in armor trapped in a tank. “What’s this?” Apple Bloom was curious and tapped the tank. The Alien responded by trying to break through the tank, causing Apple Bloom to yelp and backed up into Mia’s arms.

“I think it is some kind of Soldier. A… Alien grunt. Get it?” Konrad joked.

“I wonder what this button does.” Jacob pressed a button. It filled the tank with green gas, killing the Grunt. “Well this is some…Questionable Ethics.”

“Yes, Jacob. Let’s move.” Gordon took the lead. The next room had a caged up Bullsquid with a Sterilization Chamber. Gordon walked into the control room.

“Do you thinking, what I am thinking?” He asked Konrad.

“Oh yes. This should be interesting.” After all were in, Konrad released the Bullsquid, while Gordon pushed the fire button. In a white light, the Bullsquid was disintegrated.

Tanner let out a whistle. “Wow. You better not be on the wrong site when this thing is on.”

"Alert. Topside Containment Force, Freeman may approach your perimeter. Attention. Hostile alien military force detected. Advanced Biological Research Laboratory." The Announcement System warned.

A Security guard in the next corridor explained the situation. “It ain’t good up there. It’s all sealed off. The only way out would be to find someone with scanner access who can open the front door. I’m pretty sure there’s a few scientists hiding out somewhere in the labs. Maybe with the all of us looking we can track them down and get ‘em to let us out of here.”

“Alright, let’s go.” Gordon took the lead again. They came into the lobby where the filly tried to read a sign

“Hey what’s this sign say? ‘Super…Bus…via’”

“It’s Latin, Apple Bloom,” Mia explained.

“Oh…foreigners.”

"Gordon, all science personnel will be terminated until you surrender."

The System said but Gordon just replied, "It's too late to do that, and they shot at me without giving me a chance to surrender."

They moved into the next corridor. Jacob and the marines took some ammo from a security office, while Gordon took a crossbow.
The next room was filled with trip mines. Gordon destroyed them with a shot of his pistol. “Retreat!” Tanner shouted as two Alien Grunts appeared. Lucky for them, a squad of other Marines was fighting them. They were losing but killed one Grunt.

The Security guard killed the last Alien Grunt. “Got one! Well one down… If I know how many left.”

“I think Ah can see the scientists!” Apple Bloom exclaimed.

The guard looked at the door. “Well, I’ll be damned. I think we just found our scientists.” He was thinking as he saw the turned on surgery unit. “Hmm… Doesn’t look like the front door is an option." He turned to Gordon. “I’ll tell you what – I’ll stick around here and keep an eye on ‘em, if you want to go find a way to bust ‘em out of here. Don’t get lost, eh?”

“Konrad and Tower, you will go with him.”

“Yes, sir.” They replied and left with Gordon.

The guard noticed how scared Apple Bloom was. “You’re scared, aren’t you?”

“It’s just… this surgery unit… it looks so…intimidating.” Tanner had an Idea He took his beret off and putted it on Apple Bloom's head. She giggled.

Gordon, Konrad and Tower were searching for a way to free the scientists. They found a room with a laser in it. “If we power up this laser, we should get to the scientist below us.”

“Alright Konrad, let’s go.” Tower was ready.

At the first auxiliary laser, Konrad was almost hit by a beam. “Woah! This was close!”

“What is this thing? Some kind of weapon?” A guard talked with a scientist in the room. “Oh man! Why aren’t we using this thing?”

“Put that down! It’s a prototype…”

“Why aren’t we using this thing?” “It’s much too unpredictable. Don’t let it overcharge!”

“Wha…? What d’ya mean overchar---“ An explosion killed both and the way to the room was open.

Gordon took the weapon of the remains of the guard. “A Tau cannon. Awesome.”

“Whatever you do, don’t let it overcharge like the guard did.”

"Don’t worry, I won’t.” Gordon turned the first laser on.

"Alert. Remaining Containment Force, Freeman may have experimental weapon."

"How did they know that? Never mind, back to work." Gordon walked ahead.

They moved on to auxiliary laser 3. The room was full of Houndeyes. Gordon took some damage and was thrown against the wall. “Seek medical attention.” The suit voice recommended.

“Take this medkit.”

“Thanks, Tower.”

After this laser was activated, they moved to auxiliary laser 2 and 4 but meet no resistance on the way.
In the primary laser room, Konrad pulled the plug to deactivate the shield. "I hope this works." Gordon activated the laser. The laser cut through the wall opening a way to the scientists.

"It looked stupid but as the Murphy's Combat Law in our handbook says: If it's stupid but works, it isn't stupid. Can't believe I'm actually saying this," Konrad commented.

They carefully climbed down the pipes. “Leave the talking to me.” Gordon walked in.

Inside were a female and two male scientists. “A follow scientist!”

“Oh, thank God!” The woman cheered.

“Get us out of here, before those military drones figure out where we’re hiding!”

“They know already, but they are on my side,” Gordon explained as Konrad and Tower moved in.

“Ok. We all have retinal scanner access. If you escort us to the lobby…”

“We can finally get out of this damn lab!”

“Yes, but you’ll have to shut down the surgical unit first. That fool Peters switched it on, but…”

“I’m afraid he…never made it back.” The woman started to cry but Tower comforted her while Gordon switched the unit off.

“This is a surgical machine?” Konrad couldn’t believe it. The guard walked in after the unit was off.

“Nice work, doc!”

“Yes!”

“Fantastic.”

“Alright folks, let’s get out of here! Damn, that was a close shave.”

“Let’s go, marines!” They moved all to the lobby. One scientist stopped as they reached the blast door to the lobby.

“Wait! Wait!”

“What? What is it?” “Anybody else think this is a bit TOO easy?”

“Somethings not right…Gordon, you don’t mind taking a look, do you? We’ll stay here for a moment.”

“Of course, no problem.”

“You’re scout ahead Freeman, we cover them,” Tanner replied.

“I smell an ambush, be careful.”

“Yes, Jacob.”

As the door opened, a marine grabbed Apple Bloom from the other side. “Hey! Let me go! Help!” Gordon sprinted out. The door closed.

“Freeman? Freeman! What’s happening in there? Oh God, they’ve set a trap for him! Freeman! Freeman!” Gordon killed the marine that had Apple Bloom. She was crying.

As much as Gordon wanted to comfort her, he couldn’t as marines prepared to rappel down from Ospreys. Instead, he got Apple Bloom to cover behind the desk.

“I will protect you with my life. You will make it out of here alive, I promise.” She didn’t say a word just whimpered and cowered scared.

“SQUAD! NEUTRALIZE FREEMAN!” a marine shouted in his radio voice as he rappels down.

Gordon returned fire with his MP5. The first wave was 8 marines. Gordon was running around while killing two marines. Behind cover he reloaded but two marines were shooting at him from the roof. He took the crossbow, aimed down the scope and fired. Both marines were hit. One took an arrow to the knee. Gordon switched to his revolver to shoot two marines that closed in with shotguns. Then he took one shotgun to kill the remaining marines.

Gordon didn’t feel pain thanks to his suit, but the power was gone and his health was drained to 50%. The door he used to find the scientists opened and 5 marines stormed in. “WE’RE GONNA KICK YOUR ASS!” To avoid being killed, he killed the marines with the Tau cannon. It was quite effective as it killed a marine in only 3 shots. After he battle was over, he noticed that his health dropped to 30%.

Jacob was worried about Apple Bloom. He heard screaming, shots and worst of all, her crying. The door opened. The marines and he stormed in to secure the area.

Konrad was impressed. “Look what you did. With that suit you are a one man army.”

“I… can’t believe what you did!” the woman said but turned to Apple Bloom. She was covering her ears, her eyes shut. Her right leg was bleeding as she was hit by a stray bullet.

“You poor child. Let me take care of that wound for you.” She treated Apple Blooms wound and gave her a syringe with painkillers. “This should make you feel better.”

Apple Bloom looked only at Mia. “M-mommy…”

“Shh, it’s over.” She gently scooped the filly in her arms. She buried her head in Mia’s chest. The female scientist was fascinated.

“I never saw a species like her before. Still, she doesn’t deserve to die here.”

“That’s why we want to get her out of there. As this resonance cascade happened, a portal to her world opened and brought her into this mess.” Mia stroked her mane.

“How’s your name, little one?”

“Apple Bloom.”

“You’re really a cute filly, you know that?”

“Thank you.” She replied at the compliment of the woman.

A jet fighter flowed above them. “My God! It’s a warzone!”

“The facility must be under complete military control!”

“But with our help, they will get Apple Bloom out of here.”

Konrad felt a tear come out of his eye, but it could barely be seen through the mask.

“Ok. Good luck.” One scientist opened the door for them, while another told Gordon about the Lambda Lab.

“I’m gonna hang back a bit and help out these two. You take care of yourself out there.”

“We will,” Jacob replied to the guard before they left.

Outside, Michael destroyed two turrets on the roof with a grenade. On the parking lot was a M35 cargo truck. Konrad took the driver seat, Tanner the co-driver seat while the rest got into the back of the truck.

They passed a checkpoint. The marines let them pass. The blast door to the surface opened. Mia smiled at Apple Bloom. “You know Apple Bloom, since we wanted a child after this was over, and we see you as our daughter, we don’t mind if you call us mommy and daddy.” She nuzzled her nose. “

"You’re like parents to me already. And Konrad is like an uncle for me.” She returned the smile with a giggle.

“Good luck out there. You will need it.” A marine saluted as the truck passed the checkpoint.

Author's Note

Finally! They made it to the surface! Will they get out? You will see.

I never played the original Half LIfe, only the 2015 steam fan mod Black Mesa, but I recommend it, it's really well made, and yes, there are female scientists in the mod.

The Quotes of the System are unused in Half Life but you can hear them in Black Mesa if you're subscribe them in the Workshop of Steam. I also got from there the HECU Uniform Patches, the unused Quotes for the system in Office Complex and Lambda Core and a lot more.

If you want to know how the ambush looks in the game, here. Even on easy, they can kill you quick.

For those who want how the original overcharge looks like, here.

As BigMacDavis would say, I see you in the next chapter Surface Tension.

Chapter 7 Forget about Freeman

Chapter 7: Forget about Freeman

Apple Blooms body tried to defend itself against the Zombification without success. She was still alive but it was painful and agonizing. She could faintly still hear.

Konrad’s radio got a transmission.

“Come in Cooper! Do you copy? Cooper, do you read me? Forget about Freeman! We’re abandoning the base. If you have any last bomb targets, mark them on the tactical map. Otherwise, get the hell out of there!” Explosions filled the background. “Repeat, we are pulling out and commencing airstrikes. Give us targets, or get below! Over!”

Suddenly, someone ripped the Headcrab off.

Apple Bloom gasped as she sucked in as much air as she could. She coughed. Her vision was blurry. Still her savior was familiar to her. Also, an air raid siren filled the sky and the filly saw other Ospreys leaving the facility.

Konrad regained consciousness. His vital signs weren’t good. His vest had no power and his health was at 15%. Morphine was administrated. Still, he had to hold his right leg with his left hand and his weapon with his right hand.

Mia, Jacob, Tanner, Michael and Tower regained also consciousness. After seeing Apple Bloom's condition, Tanner shouted, “Medic!” Blood was running down her head from the headcrab, she had multiple scrapes and scratches.

Tower gave her a syringe to patch her up and bandaged her head. “Keeping you in one piece's proving to be quite a challenge!”

“Th-Thank you.” Apple Bloom was stable but still weakened.

Mia lifted her gently up. Except for them, there were no survivors from the crash. It crashed near an underground car park. “Anyone else need medical attention?” Tower asked the survivors.

“We’re hurt, but we'll hang tough,” Tanner and Michael replied.

“Took a little damage, but I can make it,” Jacob said.

“Just a few scratches,” Mia added

“You look pretty hurt, sir. This outta keep you frosty.” Tower gave Konrad some painkillers as he had run out of supplies. "Sorry sir, that's all I can do for you."

"It's alright." Damn, those painkillers do nothing! he thought as The pain did not subside at all.

Apple Bloom could hear an audible gasmask breathing sound from Konrad. His vision was black and white/grayscale, blurred as if he had tunnel vision. “I can’t see, I can’t breathe…I can’t breathe…” None of his teammates scolded him as Konrad was known to be very pain Insensitive but even he had his limits and that was reached if not way over it.

They walked in. Airstrikes caused debris to fall. With a sprint, the group made to the other side before they were squashed.

At the other side was a security office with a radio and a dead security guard. A Soldier was able to send a radio transmission.

“Forget about Freeman! We’re cutting our losses and pulling out! Anyone left down there now is on his own! Repeat: If you weren’t alrea--- What? Oh shit! No! No---“Indiscriminate screams of impending doom followed by Radio Static was heard.

The underground car par rumbled from airstrikes. “Seems like we missed the last flight out of here. Left for Dead.” As those words left Jacobs mouth, Apple Bloom broke down in tears as the radio message and the rumbling from the airstrikes were too much for her.

“Shh, don’t cry, we’re here for you, shh.” Mia rocked her to calm her down. Konrad had an Idea.

“Apple Bloom, look at me, sweetheart, please.”

She looked up with tear filled eyes. Konrad booped her nose and formed a heart. He also reached for something in his pocket.
It was a green scarf. He made a new bow for her. She giggled. “Thank you, uncle!”

“Anytime, anywhere. This scarf belonged to my father. He was a soldier like me. I always carried it with me to remember him. Now you have something to remember us.”

He patched himself up with a medkit. For some reason, I feel old when she calls me uncle, and I’m in my early twenties. But at the same time, I like it when she calls me that. “Ahh, the morphine… feels good.”

Jacob patched himself with another medkit up.

Several Vortigaunts and Alien Grunts teleported in. Gordon used a switch to activate two celling turrets. They took care of the Aliens.
“Alright, let’s go.” Gordon deactivated the turrets. The next corridor was blocked by a mine of biological origin.

“What is that?”

“Some kind of mine I think.” Gordon replied to Jacob and detonated the mine from a distance.

Five beetle-like creatures attack him but the marines took care of them. “What were those things?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Don’t know. Don’t care.” Michael was out of breath.

“The nightmare I had once was not as worse as this.”

“What nightmare, uncle?”

“I dreamed once, that I was fighting zombie ponies with red eyes and rotten flesh. They overwhelmed me in seconds. But this is nothing, compared to this real nightmare.” At a catwalk, Tanner and Michael used a First aid station.

They killed 4 Vortigaunts. Jacob opened a hatch for Gordon that leaded to the CenCom Reservoir. Dead marines were scattered everywhere.

“Good luck, Gordon. We will find another way out. No offense Apple Bloom, but swimming in your condition isn’t a good idea.”

“None taken.”

“I don’t think we will meet again, but it was an honor to fight with you Corporal.” Gordon saluted Konrad which he returned.

After Gordon left, Michael talked to himself, “Should have join the Air force or the Army.”

The Blast door opened but malfunctioned after it opened. A wounded scientist tried to come through. “Please, help me!” Before anyone could help him, he was killed.

“Jesus!” Tanner shouted as an Alien Grunt broke through the door. The Squad and the security guard fired with their MP5s at the Grunt. The concentrated firepower caused the Grunt to retreat.

“Well, I don’t think we will see him again,” Tower commented. They heard gunfire.

A marine shouted “CRRAPPP! HUNGGH!” as he was punched through a concrete wall by the Alien Grunt. The Marine was dying and warned them as they entered. “You've got the get out of here. Listen to me, Ford. Those things... they'll kill all of us...”

Advancing slowly and careful they came to another security room. Agonizing screaming could be heard from a marine that was attacked by snarks. He was on the other side of the room, so they couldn’t help him. “Poor bastard.” Tower had sympathy for him.

Konrad found a still working radio. “Come in, anybody! This is Corporal Ford, Echo-3-Juliet. Does anybody read me?” Static. Then an answer came.

“Corporal Ford, we’ve been left behind as well. We are onto your position now.”

“Copy that. My squad has also civilians with it.”

“Understood. There’s a maintenance hatch to the north entrance where we are. Good luck, over.”

“Over and out.”

Jacob opened the hatch. “Ready?”

“Ready.” Tanner smiled at Apple Bloom.

“I have not...come this far...to die now!” Konrad reloaded his MP5.

The way consisted of a small catwalk, under it an abyss. Konrad walked ahead as he was ambushed by Black Ops on the upper catwalks. Konrad went to cover and returned fire. His comrades killed one Black Ops as Konrad had to reload.

A Black Ops attacked him with a knife, but he dodged it. His weapon slipped into the abyss. In a brutal hand-to-hand combat, the two men struggled with the knife.

Konrad gained the upper hand, punching the Black Ops into the face. “Die!” He kicked Konrad into the gut causing him to fall on his back.

Michael saw this and shot the Black Ops before he could finish Konrad off. Michael smiled but pointed at the Black Ops on the upper catwalk. He aimed at Konrad, but Konrad was quicker as he drew his Desert Eagle to shoot him.

Tower and Michael went to his aid. Tanner was proud of his men. But then, there was a roar. The same Alien Grunt from earlier was behind him. He punched him. Tanner fell with a scream into the Abyss.

“Tanner!” The Grunt looked at Mia and Apple Bloom and roared. Jacob was about to fire but the Grunt knocked him out. Apple Bloom trembled in fear. Mia was cowering in a corner as she clenched the filly protectively.

"Damn it! I don't have a clear shot! You?" Konrad asked worried

"No, we neither!" Michael replied also worried.

Another Squad of Black Ops arrived. They fired at the Alien Grunt. They defeated him. Jacob woke up, only to see an MP5 pointed at him.

"Sorry Ma'am, but orders are orders." One Black Ops said to Mia as he was about to pull the trigger.

To everyone’s surprise, a LAV-25 broke through the gate that was on the end of the cat walk, getting the Black Ops attention.
They were busy fighting the crew of the LAV that Konrad used this to sneak behind a Black Ops. Knocking him out, he took the MP5 and threw a grenade at the remaining Black Ops.

“Corporal, what is going on here? Nobody told us about Black Operations in the mission briefing.” One of the two survived marines said to him.

“They want to kill us. But we’re almost out of there.”

“At your command, Sir. The Entrance is just ahead.”

“Attention, all military personnel, Evacuate Black Mesa research Facility. Renegade Gordon Freeman is not your objective.” The intercom buzzed through the carpark.

They moved to the control room where the switch for the gate was.

One marine was hit by a security guard that defended a scientist but was killed by the other marine.

“No, I don’t wanna die!” The scientist panicked.

“Relax; we only want to get out of here.” The marine spoke before he was hit by a Black Ops.

Konrad fired a rifle grenade at him. “Let’s go!” He shouted.

“Alright, I can open the gate. The Lambda team informed me about you.” The scientist used the switch.

“Want to join us?” Jacob asked the scientist.

“Nothing rather than that. The Lambda team is bent on fighting the creatures, with all their hopes set on Freeman. Let those fools try and fight a battle they can't win. I just want to get out of here.”

“Mommy, daddy, we made it!”

“Yes we did Apple Bloom, yes we did.” Jacob was glad. He had survived this mess.

Author's Note

Dispite being left behind, they made it. I see you in the last chapter.

And forget about this:

The scene with the Alien Grunt and the catwalk fight was based on this video, while the end scene was based on the end this video.

Forget about Freeman is my favorite chapter in Black Mesa. Short but the music and this scene, simple beautiful!

The intercom I used here is also from the workshop and used in the Lambda lab but I thought it fits this Chapter more.

Chapter 8 End of the Line

Chapter 8: End of the line

They stepped outside. Despite the airstrikes, two Black Mesa SUVs were still intact. Harriers were dogfighting Alien aircrafts. It was evening as the beautiful sunset ruled the sky. Michael tried to open the gate with a crowbar, while Tower tried to start a SUV.

“We owe you one, Corporal. Without you and your men, we had died in there.”

“You owe us nothing, Jacob. It was our duty and our Job. I’m not only glad that I survived but that also Apple Bloom survived.” Mia handled her over to him.

“Thank you all! Without you, Ah'd had died in there!” She hugged Konrad tightly.

“Apple Bloom, it’s nothing really.”

A portal opened. Konrad and Jacob aimed their weapons at it. A middle-aged Caucasian male with a tall, thin physique, pale skin, a prominent widow's peak, black hair styled in a crew cut, and pale green eyes, dressed in a gray-blue suit stepped out.

“Hey, I know you. You were the man who saved me and Apple Bloom back in Sector E.”

“Yes Corporal Ford, that is correct. I’m impressed. You’re all managed to survive against all odds.”

“Why are you here?” Jacob asked. The man took a deep breath.

“My employers want no witnesses. But as you worked so hard together to survive and get out of here, I… will let you go. However, I have one condition: Nobody is allowed to know what happened here.”

“Nobody would believe this anyway. But can you help her get home?”

“That’s why I’m here, Mrs. Johnson.” He opened a portal. “Just step through the portal. It will send you were back were you belong.” Another portal opened.

“If you excuse me, this is where I get off.” He leaved through the portal that opened and it closed, while the portal to Apple Bloom's home stayed open.

“Ah will miss you!”

“We will too. Oh, before I forgot,” Konrad took a part of his mask off while Jacob did the same with his helmet.
“These are our helmet cameras. They record anything we have been experienced. It should help your family to find answers.” Jacob did one last hug.

“Have a safe trip home, Apple Bloom!” Tower said to her as she entered the portal.

However, she found herself in some kind of lab with a teleporter.

“Hurry up, Freeman, I can't keep it open forever!” She saw how Gordon jumped into a portal, a marine close behind. He looked like Konrad; except he wore fingerless gloves instead of normal gloves like Konrad wore and had no Uniform Patches on his arms.

The teleporter malfunctioned, and they both were sucked in. The marine tried to grab something while shouting, “No, no, no, no, nooo!” but to no avail. Apple Bloom found herself on an asteroid-like island while the marine was on another island. The marine looked around into the sky, then scratched his back and said, “Well, if I ever get out of here, Konrad will never believe this.”

Another portal opened and a pegasus pony with dark red coat with lighter red tail, a blue green mane, and blue green shades came out. He also wore a locket made of crystals, carried a pouch and had a black scarf and two sword daggers on his back.

"Hey! HEY! Get these guys off me!" He shouted as 3 other ponys dressed like Black Ops chased him. The marine killed two of them with a grenade while the last one was knocked out.

"Thanks. I thought I would never lose them. Now to us." He tackled the Black Ops that recovered through the portal they came from but dropped one of his daggers and his pouch. The Marine picked them up as he thought they could be useful. Apple Bloom was so surprised where she was, that she noticed nothing of what just happened.

“Oops, wrong portal.” The filly heard the voice of the man, who opened the portal, then she was teleported away, and she passed out.

The marine saw how she teleported away and mumbled, “The first thing I’m gonna do when I’m out of here, is gonna have a drink.”

We made it Jacob, we made it!” Mia kissed him.

“Engine is running, let’s go.”Tower said as Michael had opened the gate.
They all leaved the compound forever, to an uncertain future. They enjoyed the beautiful sunset, not knowing that it would be the last of the peaceful earth.

Doctor Stable was checking Apple Bloom after she returned. Everywhere in Equestria, portals showed up, but vanished soon after they showed up.

The filly was the only victim. She returned through a portal but unconscious. As Doctor Stable checked her condition, he noticed something strange.

First, she had a different ribbon and second, she had two small devices in her hooves.

Her head and right hoof were bandaged and Blood was seeping through. Doctor Stable ordered Nurse Redheart to open both bandages and prepare two new sterile bandages. The wounds had stopped bleeding and while that was good, he noticed something really odd.
“Is this…a bite mark on her head!?”

“I’m afraid so!” Nurse Redheart was worried.

Both wounds were cleaned and sterilized. It turned out that she had received some trauma to the head but it was a kind of trauma he had never seen before.

“Have her set for an X-Ray just to be sure she hasn't fractured anything. Other than that, she seems fine, but I wonder who cleaned her wound and more importantly, who or what caused it?”

“I think that those two devices should give answers.” Nurse Redheart pointed to them. They were on a table.

After a while, the family and friends of Apple Bloom arrived.

“Hello Doctor Stable, is Apple Bloom alright?” Granny Smith asked.

“Yes she is. I will lead you to her room.
“Apple Bloom is in stable condition and she’ll be just fine. She’s suffered some minor head trauma, a few scrapes and bruises, and…a bite from what appears to have been caused by something,” Doctor Stable explained.

The reaction was heartbreaking. Crying, Granny Smith and Big Mac ran over to the little filly and began to stroke her mane with their hooves.
“We almost lost our precious little apple!” cried Granny Smith.

“Eey*sniff*yup!” replied Big MacIntosh.

Soon, the Mane Six, followed by Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and even Princess Celestia joined them.

“Greetings, Doctor. How is my subject doing?”

“She’ll be fine your Highness. For some reason, she had those with her.” He pointed to the devices.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo gave their friend a hug while Applejack cried her heart out. It was understandable at the state of their youngest family member.

"Ah never thought I'd see any of mah grandchildren like this ever! Mah poor heart!" cried Granny Smith.

“I think that those devices are called ‘helmet cameras.’ They are used by military and Security personal.” Twilight inspected the cameras. On one was standing: „Black Mesa Security Force, Jacob Johnson”, while on the other stood: “Hazardous Environment Combat Unit, United States Marine Corps Special Forces Unit, Konrad Ford.”

“Oh, we are watching a movie? I get the popcorn!” Pinkie Pie vanished and returned with drinks and a giant bucket of Popcorn in a blink of an eye.

She also managed somehow to activate the camera of Ford, showing how they were transported to Black Mesa. The pilot talked with the HQ.

“Okay, Goose 8. Proceed to sector 112 LZ and rendezvous with Alpha Bravo Tango. Over.”

“Copy that, HQ."

"Watch your vector, Goose 4. It's getting little tight in here.”

“Roger that, we copy.”

“Anyone out there got a good view of the LZ yet?”

"Negative, Goose 8. I can see some activity up there, but I can't tell what it is.” The pilot of Goose 9 replied. Then the soldiers had a conversation.

“Where are we anyway?” a marine with the nametag Tower asked.

“Well, the pilot thought we were headin' to your mother's house, heh. So far this all looks familiar.” A marine called Jackson replied.

“Yeah, that’s real cute, Jackson.”

“Anytime, anywhere!”

“Hey man, you smell that?” “Smell what?”

“Smells like... smells like another babysittin' job to me, man.”

“Heh, yeah.”

“Babysittin' job my ass. This has training mission written all over It.” a marine called David commented.

“Why else would they have kept our orders from us for so long, huh?”

“Yeah, what the hell is that all about? Throwin' our asses in this hunk of junk and not even tellin' us what we're goin' in for, man."

"Do you have a problem, private? We will give you your orders when we have reached the LZ. You got that, soldier?" a marine named Tanner asked him in a commanding tone.

"Sir, yes, Sir!"

“Well, I don't really give a damn what we're going in for. Long as I get to kill me something.”

“I heard that.” Michael commented to Jackson.

“Man, if this is another ‘search and rescue’ operation, I'm gonna be pissed.”

“Yeah, I'm gonna be pissed too when I gotta search and rescue your sorry ass.”

“Hey Konrad, can you tell us something about our mission?”

“Negative Tower, I have strictly order to give our orders when we reach the LZ.”

Twilight stopped the recording. “Since Jacob's recording is beginning earlier, we should watch it first.”

“Do that, Twilight.” Pinkie Pie was excited.

After some time

Apple Bloom awoke slowly. She was surrounded by her family and friends. “Apple Bloom! You’re awake!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed happy.

“Yeah Ah am. I’m just glad that Ah made it out of Black Mesa alive.” Applejack hugged her sister.

“Shh, It’s over, you’re safe now.”
Pinkie Pie had an Idea. “Hey, since you’re back Apple Bloom, what about a party?”

“Yes Pinkie Pie, Ah would love it. Do you want to come too, your Highness?”

“How can I refuse? Of course.”

Since Apple Bloom was still weakened, she was carried by Applejack on her back. She had only one thought.

We’re all are grateful that you helped her to survive. We will never forget what you have done for her. Applejack thought as she walked to Sugarcube corner.

She couldn’t help but smile at the thought, of Jacob and Mia being Apple Blooms parents and Konrad being her uncle.

But Nopony and body expected that Apple Bloom would meet them again. In an altered world, with new enemies and new hazards.

Author's Note

Black Bloom is done! A sequel is already in progress set in Half Life 2. Those who played Half Life and its expansion pack should know who the marine was.

redsopine wanted his OC in my Story so I granted his wish. I hope you liked it.

Also, HumanSVD, it was an honor for me to use your OC, keep up the good work, sir.

Even if it's just a game, Everyone who got out alive may thank God.

Chapter 6 Surface Tension

Chapter 6: Surface Tension

The truck rolled. First stop was the dam. Apple Bloom covered her ears from the gunfire and explosions in the distance. Still, she enjoyed the beautiful view of the canyon. The marines gave their best to fight the aliens but even with their M1 Abrams, Lav-25s, Harriers and even support of the US army in form of M2A3 Bradley’s and Apache helicopters, they had no chance against them.

“I wonder why your comrades are letting us go.”

“That’s simple, Jacob. Since our orders were to bring the personal to the surface for interrogation, they are thinking that we are exactly doing this,” Tower explained.

After the marines opened the blast door, the truck moved to the Topside Motorpool. The entrance was guarded by a squad of marines and a M1 Abram but they let the truck pass. Apple Bloom's eyes went wide at the sight of the tank.

“This is the M1 Abram, the main tank of the US-forces. It has a 120mm cannon and a M2 machine gun for defense at close range. It is deadly.” Michael explained.

In the driver's cab, Konrad and Tanner had a conversation.

"Jesus...This is not how I thought my first mission was gonna go. Monsters, hell yeah! But civilians? We have sworn an sacred oath for god's sake! Who is in command of this operation again, Tanner?"

"I only know some kind of G-man ordered it. But I overheard talks of other commanders while you helped Gordon in the lab. I don't know how, but they know about Apple Bloom and also do whatever they can to get her to safety."

"You sure?" He asked suspiciously.

"I know many of those marines and I can tell when they lie. But they're honest. Still, we got to be careful. Snipers are deployed and they shoot everything that is not HECU."

"Then, we better be careful."

"Yes. you earned the promotion for sure. You already make a better squad leader then I am."

"Can we talk about this when we're out of here?"

The road to the Ordinance Storage Facility was guarded by a LAV-25 and a squad of entrenched marines. Also this time, the truck passed.
The marines stepped out of the truck to fight a Vortigaunt that was dropped off by an Alien aircraft. After the Vortigaunt was defeated, an Alien Grunt was deployed by another alien aircraft. Konrad used a rifle grenade to damage him. He was wounded enough to be finished off with a few shots.

Jacob, Mia and Apple Bloom climbed out once the area was secured. “Ah only slow you down.”

“Not at all Apple Bloom, I can carry you.” Being carful of her wound, Mia lifted Apple Bloom up.

The left part was blocked by a mine field, so only the right part was an option. Detonating some trip mines from a distance, they encountered a dying security guard. “Help… Help me… Please… Somebody help me… I’m dying out here… Please… Help me…”

He died. Jacob was about to help him as Konrad stopped him. “Are you crazy? There’s a sniper in there!” He pointed to a window where a red laser beam came out.

The sniper fired at Apple Bloom but missed. Still, she yelped in fear. Tanner threw a grenade into the window. The sniper was killed but his rifle fell out. Konrad swapped it for the shotgun just in case he would need it.

To pass another mine field, Michael used a rifle grenade to detonate the entire mine field. It was guarded by another sniper but Konrad took care of him.

Tower deactivated the electricity and helped Apple Bloom up as they had to climb a fallen down radio tower.
A scientist was in the facility. “Oh no, you're one of the... them. Can't we just get along?” He asked afraid.

“Yes we can. We are heading for the helipad to get out of here.” Konrad meant no harm.

“Well, then be careful. Take one look through that door and you'll see what I mean! I'm just going to wait out the catastrophe in here. If you intend to go on, then I beg of you, for all our sake, proceed with extreme caution!”

"We will.”

The Facility was filled with trip mines. “Be careful. One wrong move and this whole Building is gone.”

“I know, Tower. I just wonder how they managed to place all those trip mines without blowing up themselves,” Jacob commented.

It was difficult, but they all managed to get to the elevator without detonating any of the trip mines. Members of the HECU were trained for many situations but crawling under barbed wire or remain crouched in a live fire exercise was nothing if you had to jump over and crawl under trip mines without detonate any of them.

“Any idea how many of our crew have died?” Jacob asked as he saw two dead guards.

“Already too many,” Mia replied.

Shortly before the group reached the surface again, an airstrike shook the ground.

“Guess this operation gets slowly out of control,” Konrad commented. Mia comforted Apple Bloom as she was a little bit scared.

An Alien aircraft deployed 3 Alien Grunts but a Harrier took care of them.

After that, a LAV-25 with a squad of marines arrived. “Hey man, good to see you. Can’t believe you made it past those…freaks. Listen, we've been cut off pretty bad and orders are coming down to pull out. I take it you didn't find Freeman? Forget it, Corporal. Apparently, they've got other plans for Black Mesa now. Anyway, we cover your evacuation. There’s also an Armory, so take some supplies if you need them.” The squad leader gave Apple Bloom some chocolate, showing his sympathy for her.

“Thanks.”

She heard how the squad had a agitated conversation.

"Christ! There's no frontline with these things."

"Lock it up! They're giving out new extration points."

"This whole operation is FUBAR!"

"Konrad, what does 'FUBAR' mean?"

"That means...uhh...that a military operation is going very bad."

"Oh, okay."

Phew! Didn't expext that she would ask me that. She's too young to understand the correct meaning of "FUBAR." He thought relieved.

They moved to the Armory, only to be held at gunpoint by a security guard that was hiding behind a desk.

“Freeze!”

“Whoa! Whoa! Hold your fire.” The guard recognized Jacob.

“Johnson? Good God man, how many lives do you have?” Jacob chuckled.

“None if it wasn’t for my new buddies here. Hey, buzz us in, will ya?”

“Oh yeah…” The guard pressed a button and the door opened. “Go ahead.”

“Mother of god!” None of the marines could believe their eyes. The Amory was filled to the roof with ammo for pistols, SMGs, shotguns, grenades and satchel charges and even RPGs and ammo for Crossbow and Tau cannon. First Aid kits were no exception. Man, If I could afford this... Konrad was lost for words.

“Not bad, huh?”

“Not bad! You hit the motherlode!” Jacob was impressed.

“What can I say? I got expensive taste.”

“Dammed if I’m not glad to see a familiar face. What say you, me and the soldiers here grab what we can, and get out of dodge?”

“Well…we should wait for a while. Let things die down a bit. But why are you together with them?”

“Unlike the others, we got orders to rescue any personal we can find. I swear.”

“I can’t trust you Corporal but the Lambda team said that you were helping my buddy. So I think I CAN trust you.” The guard chuckled. “You’re alright, Corporal.”

“Thanks.”

“Head out if you’re want buddy, but make sure you’re stocked up. I don’t think it’s getting any easier from there. But if you’re can’t get out here, the Lambda teams offers his help to get her home. You still got some friends out there.” The guard smiled at Apple Bloom. She was glad that they got help from the Science team.

After stocking up on supplies, a Sniper shot a Vortigaunt and shot down a fire escape allowing the group to procced.

The group walked through a bombed building. “Yay, we made it to the helipad!” Apple Bloom was glad that they had made it.

However as the Osprey arrived, 3 Alien Grunts attacked. Mia managed to find cover but was now pinned down.

“We must help them!”

“I know Tower, covering fire!” Tower and Michael ran to Apple Bloom and Mia covered by their squad, Jacob and marines that were rappelling down from the Osprey.

Konrad aimed down the scope of the M40A1 Sniper Rifle. He aimed at the exposed head of one Alien Grunt. With a scream he died. “Heh, sniper school sure paid off today.”

Jacob fired a MP5 from a fallen marine. “Yep, all that target range time is gonna pay off today.” Tower and Michael managed to get Apple Bloom and Mia to safety while the other marines killed the Alien Grunts. A Vortigaunt was about to attack Tower from behind, but Jacob reacted quickly.

“Die, you bloodsucker!” With a few shots to the head, the Vortigaunt was dead.

The Osprey landed. “Get in! Go! Go! Go!” They all got onboard.

“Any station! Any Station! This is Goose-4! I have sixteen wounded, seven dead at LZ Sparrow! We have multiple X-Rays all around us! We cannot take off, we are grounded. Is anyone out there? We need support now!” the radio buzzed as several units were in trouble.

“Goose-4, this is Bloodhound 3. Reading you loud and clear. ETA, one mike. Sit tight guys.”

"Any station, any station, this is Echo-5-Bravo. Are there any available air assets able to provide support in Sector 8? Any station, any station, this is Echo-5-Bravo. Are there any available air assets able to provide support in Sector 8? Is anyone reading this?"

"Thunderclap, this is Echo-5-Yankee. We need fire support, how copy?"

"This is Thunderclap-1. No longer in a position to assist. We're moving to LZ Finch."

"What the hell are you saying? We're freakin' surrounded over here!"

"Push out to the nearest LZ, and await further instruction!"

Konrad let out a relieved sigh. He had survived that mess. But most important, Apple Bloom was alive. She was also relieved. “Ah owe you all something. Without you, Ah had never survived.” “You own us nothing Apple Bloom, it’s our job.” Tanner smiled at her. They looked down. Marines supported by an Abram were fighting aliens.

“This is Mastiff-1. Multiple targets in the open. 3 o clock! 50 meters, on the way!” the tank fired at Vortigaunts and Alien Grunts. An Alien aircraft arrived on the scene.

“Enemy air incoming!”

“Back up! Back up! BACK THE-“

The tank tried to retreat but was destroyed by the aircraft before he could do so. The infantry was overrun by the aliens after the tank was destroyed.

The moment was short as another alien aircraft was above the Osprey. With its energy beam, it damaged the Osprey, causing it to go down and spinning uncontrollably.

“Everyone, hang on!” the pilot shouted. Mia clenched Apple Bloom protectively, bracing for impact.

Konrad strains and barely holds onto the side of the Osprey, but managed to pull himself back into the Osprey. Not today, Death!

Before the Osprey hit the ground, someone shouted, “Shit! Goddamn it!”

Apple Bloom regained consciousness. Her coat was dirty, she had multiple scratches and bruises and her ribbon was ripped off. She looked around. Mia and Jacob were still breathing but were unconscious. The marines were not so lucky. Suddenly, a marine she didn’t know and Konrad regained consciousness. He coughed blood. “What a mess.” He looked around. He was bleeding from his right leg and he had a labored breathing. He used his portable radio.

“Any Station, any station, this is Echo-3-Juliet. My Osprey…shot down…I am injured. I’m losing a lot of blood here…right leg.”

“Echo-3-Juliet, this is Echo-5-Romeo, I need you to tie a tourniquet a hand’s length above the wound. Get one of out your IFAK now.”

“IFAK’s gone.”

“Say again?”

“Konrad’s breathing got weaker, “My IFAK’s gone… I’m uhh…” Konrad was about to pass out from the blood loss but adrenaline kept him awake and strong as he spotted Apple Bloom buried under debris and injured.

“Ok, you’re gonna need to find another pack, and get a tourniquet out of it. “

“Apple Bloom! Hold still, we get you free.”

Before he could help her, the marine shouted, “Aliens! Incoming!” The marine fired his MP5 at a Vortigaunt but was killed.

“Is that all you got? You got nothin'!” Konrad fired his Desert Eagle but was also hit by the Vortigaunt. He fell to the ground but was still twitching from the electricity.

“Are you still there? Echo-3-Juliet, can you hear me?”

Apple Bloom turned her head. A Headcrab shrieked as it latched into her Face. She managed to scream in fear before the Headcrab reached her.

Author's Note

Poor Apple Bloom. I don't want to imagine how she would look like as a Headcrab Zombie or Gonome.
Or how her head would look like if the transformation is complete and the crab gets ripped off.

Anyway, All radio transmissions are from the Game Black Mesa. While the HECU used F-16 Fighting Falcons and M2A3 Bradleys in the original Half Life, in Black Mesa, they use the AV8 Harrier II and the LAV-25 instead, but still the use Apache but the the black 'ARMY' decal has been removed.

My head canon is that the HECU has no helicopters of is own and that the US Army supports them in this operation. And I wonder how it would be possible in real life to place all those trip mines in the warehouse. Maybe with a remote control or a remote detonator?

The ending was based of the end on this video

For those who want to see a commented gameplay of Black Mesa Surface Tension, go here