A short follow-up to my story. I tried to think of ways to make it longer. But I decided that the ending was good enough.

To the majority of you that haven't voted, The poll is still OPEN! Come on, It doesn't take long at all. I can tell you that I can't write a new story untill you guys choose which one I shoud make!

Oh and special thanks to the last three reviewers, especially Still Bullet. It's always nice to know that you're an inspiration to others.

The next thing Gordon knew he was back at Outpost Orion, in the exact same spot he had been in before he left. Gordon looked around the room in surprise, he hadn't expected to meet the G-Man's mysterious 'employers,' much less to be released from the strange 'job' he had been in ever since Black Mesa.

"Gordon, what's wrong?" Alyx asked as he started frantically looking around.

Gordon stopped when he heard her, he had honestly thought he'd never see her again. He looked up into her concerned eyes and smiled as he whispered, "Nothing, everything's fine now."

Alyx furrowed her brow as she wondered what he meant by 'now.' She looked at him and asked, "What was it you wanted to tell me?"

Gordon waited, mainly to ensure that he wouldn't be interrupted for a third time. After a few seconds he stared into Alyx's eyes and said, "Alyx?"

"Yes?" She responded with a voice that indicated she was extremely eager as to what he had to say.

Gordon smiled, "Alyx, I love you." Gordon spoke slowly as he moved closer, "You mean everything to me."

Alyx moved to close the short distance between the two. Their lips met as the two slowly kissed, savouring the moment. Unfortunately their encounter was cut short when a loud cough could be heard from the doorway.

Gordon pulled away from Alyx to see that Barney was standing in the doorway to the medical bay. He looked at the two and said, "It's about time. You know Gordon, I was going to see if you wanted to go and get that beer I owe you. But I can see you're busy."

Alyx blushed a little as she gave a nervous chuckle. Gordon, however, just lifted an eyebrow at Barney and let out an exasperated sigh. It didn't seem like he was ever going to get that beer.

Barney laughed at Gordon's reaction before turning on his heels and heading out of the med-centre.

A few days later, Barney stood on a hill overlooking Outpost Orion. Pine trees that had once dominated the forest landscape had fallen over from advancing Combine Striders and others synth life-forms. A large Lambda symbol had been sprayed onto a large piece of a Combine helicopter, making it a memorial to all those who had fallen.

"We are here today to honour the rebels who gave their lives in the fight against the Combine." Barney said, addressing the entire garrison of rebels from Orion. "Their courage and valour allowed them to stand and fight against seemingly impossible odds. These brave men and women stood their ground against a ruthless alien empire. The Combine, no doubt considered our efforts futile. But now they are the ones who are in retreat!"

Rebel fighters shouted their approval, their cheers echoing within the forest. Barney looked up at them as he continued, "Because of the determination and ferocity of our fellow soldiers, the Combine have been practically destroyed!" Barney slowly walked down the files of troops who were present as he continued, "They came to our planet twenty years ago, conquering our world. All that is left for us to do…" Barney paused as all eyes fell to him, "Is to take it back!"

The resistance members let out a cheer that seemed to shake the Earth's crust. The Combine had been dealt a severe blow. All that was left was to finish it.

Well its been a fun ride guys. Kudos to all my reviewers, you inspired me to keep writing.

Future sequel? Possibly. I've actually thought about making a sequel. Perhaps having a new leader in the Combine that will allow them to resist the rebel populace and possibly re-conquer them. And then maybe make the Combine attempt to free the G-Man from his prison. What do you think? Yes? Or is it a stupid idea?

You DECIDE! The poll is still open and the sequel is one of the recently added options to vote for. I can tell you that I'll be writing all of the stories listed in my poll at some point.