1 Chapter 1: The Departure, part 1

"Come on Gordon. We've got work to do."

As Eli Vance finished speaking, Gordon Freeman reached out and took the crowbar that Eli offered him.

"Great. d0g, please fetch the gravity gun. I told the docs what happened while you were out. Thank you d0g. Our next move should still be to go to the Borealis. Oh, here comes the docs. Remember what we talked about. We need to destroy that ship."

Dr. Kleiner addressed Gordon and Eli.

"There's been a change in developments that affect what we do next. Energy readings are coming from Aperture Science Laboratories identical to the ones the Borealis is giving off. The Borealis may be preparing to teleport back into Aperture, albeit slowly. If so, we should be there to hijack it before the Combine do. Of course, Dr. Magnusson and I are still staying here to oversee the rebels at White Forest... and create more of Magnusson's eponymous devices."

"I told you, my employees liked the name; it wasn't my idea to name them that." Magnusson retorted.

"Please, this is no time for teasing. I might be able to bring back Alex if I can find that son of..."

"You're right, Eli. Sorry, Dr. Magnusson. So, if the helicopter you were going to take wasn't critically damaged in the fight with the Combine Advisors, you should still be able to use it. Once you are near Aperture, Gordon can investigate while Eli goes into the nearest town to get gas. The closest town appears to be called Crow's Foot, in upper Michigan."

"What do you take me for, Kleiner, a spring chicken? I have a wooden leg, remember? You want me to haul the gas all the way out of town?"

"It probably won't be far, Eli. Just land as close to a gas station as you can. If you need help, you can probably get some from someone in town."

"Well if that's the case, what are we waiting for? We need to get going."

After verifying that the helicopter was operational and loading up on mini-teleporters for the Magnusson devices, Gordon and Eli headed off to Crow's Foot.