seen from China
seen from China
seen from Malaysia
seen from China
seen from Malaysia
seen from Thailand
seen from Canada
seen from China
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from United Kingdom
seen from United States
seen from Spain
seen from Australia
seen from India
seen from Singapore
seen from China
seen from Australia
seen from Australia
seen from United Kingdom
say, how much do the vorts know about adrian anyways? other than that they were trapped in stasis for 20 years and a bit
[Runner looks neutral]
"We know that the Shepherd assisted the Free Man in our liberation, and we know of his importance in the events to come."
Please let me know if this query upsets you, Runner, but how did you get your name (and/or the scars)?
[Runner has his eyes closed.]
"Your query does no harm. Our name was given based on our... occupation, of 'running' messages- both from other Vortigaunts and from members of the Rebellion outside of City 17- to those in City 17. Of course, being this close to City 17 is dangerous, and our presence has not gone unnoticed by Combine agents stationed here."
Runner you are very friend shaped. Care you.
[Runner looks neutral]
“Actually, I am Vortigaunt Shaped, last we checked.”
[Runner looks happy]
“But, we believe this was a compliment, so we shall take it as one, and give you our gratitude!”
[Adrian looks uncertain.]
“I don’t know, they said you might be able to provide some guidance? Which, I’m in pretty dire need of.” He sighs. “It’s just, that guy in the suit didn’t seem like he was in any rush to let me out, and then suddenly, without word or warning, I was out in the middle of nowhere! It just- seems like one big mistake.”
[Runner looks neutral.]
“I assure you, the Shepherd’s release was no mistake. It was a victory hard won by our kind.”
[Adrian looks shocked.]
“You- you released me? Why? Why am I here, when I haven’t done anything useful this whole time!?”
[Runner looks neutral.]
“Not all must have a grand purpose- freeing one of their prison is reward enough for our kind.” Runner pauses. “That being said, your knowledge and abilities will be invaluable in the future.”
[Adrian looks angry.]
Adrian laughs incredulously. “My knowledge? I don’t even know what’s going on at any point in time anymore! I was an idiot in the best of times, and missing out on 20 years of alien apocalypse definitely hasn’t fucking helped!”
[Runner looks unamused.]
“It would do the Shepherd well to calm himself.”
[Adrian sighs.]
“Yeah… right. Sorry.” He takes a deep breath. “I just… don’t understand. What do you want me to be doing? You have to have brought me out of... that to do something.”
[Runner closes his eyes.]
“Your place in the events to come will become clear as they unfold. However, it is never our responsibility nor desire to guide your actions.”
[Portrait of Barney Calhoun, done in black and white. He has a neutral expression.]
“Adrian, let me introduce you to the Vortigaunts. This is Runner. Runner, this is Adrian.”
[Portrait of Runner, a scarred Vortigaunt, done in black and white. His eyes are closed.]
“We are very aware of the Shepherd, and are glad to see them well.”
[Adrian has a nervous smile.]
“‘Well’ is… generous.” Adrian laughs, as both Sink and Barney guide him over to the couch.
[Runner looks neutral.]
“So it would seem. Regardless, the Calhoun said you had matters you wished to discuss?”
[Barney and Runner are now open for questions.]
[Portrait of Barney Calhoun, done in black and white. He has a neutral expression.]
“Hey, kid! I managed to bring one a the Vorts over, do you- god, where are they?”
[Portrait of a scarred Vortigaunt, done in black and white. He has a neutral expression.]
“The Calhoun would do well to watch his step.”
[Barney looks confused.]
“What are you talking-“
[Barney looks startled.]
“FUCK!” Barney exclaims, almost tripping over the trapdoor to the lower section of the apartment.
There’s a rush of fear, before Sink chitters at him. Considering she’s unharmed, as is the rest of the apartment, his panic fades a little.
[Barney looks confused.]
“Hey, Adrian, you down there?”
There’s a shuffling, and a soft groan, before Adrian’s face shows up at the bottom of the ladder.
[Portrait of Adrian Shephard, done in black and white. He has a nervous smile.]
“Heeey, Barney.”
[Barney looks unimpressed.]
“You shouldn’t go pokin’ around here while you’re still injured. Let me help you up.”
