The Netfield union

[eatbugs]

By Eatbugs [email protected]

This story is set just as Gordon Freeman is entering City 17. The Netfield union is an organization linked to the Combine forces and is based on an island off the coast of Europe. The workers on the island are mostly in the armaments department but some are working as spies to collect inside information as to who opposes them for their alien overlords in exchange for freedom. Guven Gowker is a top class spy for the union and has found an organization that is trying to topple the Netfield union and the combine forces and is on his way back to the main base on the island to inform his superiors when Truman shows up.

CHAPTER 1


The rain poured down onto the ‘cat’, as Guven Gowker strolled along the deck of the ship in his raincoat. Guven liked the rain; it made him think of home and the old farm. As Guven walked through the rain he stopped at the railing and stared out over the ocean toward his destination as he looked he thought he could see the seaside village and the port through the fog as the cat cruised past the local oilrig.

As the cat creaked nearer the shore Guven went under the patio and sat on one of the dry seats towards the front of the vessel. Stretching his legs and arms and letting out a yawn he caught the attention of an old man who was also in a raincoat and seated at a table. The old man stroked his white grisly beard and continued reading the paper. There was something strange about this man that caused Guven to look closer but what was it? The man simply sat there legs crossed puffing his pipe.

Then he looked up “Som’thn caught your eye lad?” said the man relaxed. “Uh no, Its just that I have a feeling I’ve seen you before, sir” said Gowker. “Aye” said the man in a Scottish accent. “I’m here on personal business”. “Really, I thought you once worked for the union?” “Ahh so you do remember,” said the man whose gaze was now fixed on the seaport village that was drawing near. “Not so long ago I was one of the most powerful men in the union until General Brutus and his cronies voted me out of the board of big wigs and banned me from the union all together” said the man blowing a puff of smoke into the rain. “I had theories about how the union should be run that they didn’t like. Mind you things are about to change soon mark my words,” said the man who had gone back to reading his paper. “Sir, I never caught your name,” said Gowker curiously. “My name? My name is Truman, if I were you I’d remember that name in the future, and you young sir what is your name?” My name is Guven Gowker” “Guven Gowker ehhh?” said Truman. “Well, end of the road” said Truman as he picked up his suitcase folded his paper and wandered off. Guven looked round and could barely see the port, which was at least 100 metres away because of a thick pea soup fog that had sprung up out of nowhere.

“Attention, all passengers we are now arriving at our destination. Please make your way to the port side of the bow to collect your luggage and exit the ship. Thankyou”
Sounded the speakers across the ship.

Guven put on the hood of his raincoat and walked briskly through the rain around to the area where his gear was being held. Lifting his gear off the rack Guven preceded down the exiting ramp and onto the wet slippery old wharf, which stretched out of the port, walking down the ramp Guven noted that the rain had subdued to a light drizzle. As Guven was walking down the wharf he noticed just how thick the fog was, he could barely see 10 metres in front of him. He had read about pea soup fog and how treacherous it can be. Ships can be grounded against rocks and people out on walks may never come back. Gowker being extra careful took one step at a time and tried not to rush along this slippery wharf. “Clang” Gowker looked down as a rusty old bucket rolled by “Pheww” Guven said. “Watch out” came a voice from the fog. “This fog can be quite dangerous if you don’t know what your doing” laughed the voice. Looking around Guven could see no trace of anyone or anything in his blurred vision. “Get me out of here” Guven muttered as he quickened his stride across the wharf not concerned about the danger of slipping.

When he reached the end of the wharf he decided to stop off at the local pub, which was just up the road and perched precariously above the sea on a rocky outcrop. Guven walked up to the door of the pub and turned the door handle as he did he was greeted with a burst of heat, light and music. Guven hurried into the pub to get away from the bitter cold night. Gowker stumbled in and sat down at one of the stools in front of the bar tender. His hands were so cold and he was completely saturated. “Hey buddy, you look like you could use some warming up,” said the bar tender. “Yeh sure” said Guven optimistically. “Why don’t you take off your coat, get a drink and go and sit over at the fire with the story tellers” said the bar tender with a smile. “Storytellers?” said Guven. “Yeh every Friday night people gather to tell tales of misery, excitement, horror and anything else you can think of, anyone’s welcome too” said the tender. “Hmmm story tellers eh? I’ll bet there are some good stories to be told around this place,” said Guven. “Aye this island has a lot of history,” said the tender. “Anyway what’ll it be?” “Ahh I’ll have Scotch whisky thanks” said Guven. Guven paid his money, collected his drink and went and sat over at the table near the fire.

 

[eatbugs]

Next chapter next week

 

[eatbugs]

Chapter 2

When Guven sat at the table a man in a red robe probably the leader of the storyteller group was addressing a large group of listeners about rumours that were circulating.

“Then when City 17 fell four men namely Shroff, Cameron, Truman and Brutus who were all important figures at Black Mesa were selected in production of armaments and running of the intelligence system known as the ‘clandestine operation’ by Dr Breen and his cronies” said the man standing up in front of the group telling his story. This is of course the company we work for but when this spy and armaments branch from Dr Breen’s organization was formed here on the island Dr Breen sent only loyal human workers to operate the Netfield union. The reason for this is that he himself detests the combine forces and is preparing an uprising within the human ranks”. The storyteller sat down and another man leap up.

“My name is Ambrose Groiner and you can’t honestly believe a word of this nonsense can you? Dr Breen is commander of the combine forces he is a ruthless leader so why the hell would he want to help us? He has ordered the deaths of thousands of men and women. I say “It is impossible for an Englishman to open his mouth without making some other Englishman hate or despise him.” That quote by George Bernard Shaw, applies to you my friend,” said the man rebutting the accusation.

Another man leapt to his feet. “My name is Herbert and “This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” That is a quote by Sir Winston Churchill. I believe that an uprising is in the process. For I was talking to some of the workers in the armaments sector who say that Mr Truman will lead our forces here on the island against the Combine forces any day now.”

“Mr Truman ehhh so that’s why he’s back.” Muttered Guven.

“Excuse me,” said another man who had just arrived from out of the rain when Guven had. “My name is ‘Traveller’ and Mr Truman has no power anymore there’s no way he could turn a branch of the Combine forces against itself in an effort to save mankind” said the man sitting down on a stool next to the fire. “I mean all very well and good if he could but he doesn’t have any support”.

Herbert stood up again “With all the leaders away in a conference this week with Breen, only Brutus and his puppet Mc Ewan remain on the base it would be a perfect opportunity to take over the union as long as he has the support to do so” said Herbert assuring. Herbert then sat down and took up his coffee.

Then Guven stood up. “This story of Herbert’s is interesting because only an hour ago I was on the ship the Cat and I was actually talking to Truman himself. He was very relaxed and was talking about change,” said Guven.

“Yes, yes it all makes sense,” said Groiner now convinced. “Mr Truman had been banned from any activities relating to the Netfield union and this island. His return must signal that he obviously does have the support of a large portion of the Netfield storm troopers and if this is the case I will gladly join this uprising for the good of mankind,” stated Groiner leaping to his feet.

Then a chorus rang out from the group sitting at the storytellers’ table. “We will join”.

At that same moment a man stood up from the back of the room that had been carefully listening to what had been said. “If I were you I wouldn’t go against the might of the Combine forces. Even if you did capture this island taking on the power of Dr Breen would be the worst choice of your lives. Said the man revealing his badge, which was the symbol of the secret police. “Every one of you is under arrest for treason against our lords”

“Treason is that what your calling it now you meat puppet” said Herbert.

“Please, don’t be stupid sit back down” whispered the red robed storyteller. “It’s over”.

“It’s not over, a great quote of a philosopher was “Tis foolish to fear what you cannot avoid” and this is the case with the Combine forces and their allies,” said Herbert stepping forward.

The undercover policeman sighed. A quote for you my friend is “Stupid is forever but ignorance can be fixed” said the man as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his silenced handgun. Raising it he squeezed the trigger.

Herbert dropped to the polished wooden floor with a bloody chest. The room of people backed away with fear and hatred as they watched helplessly as Herbert gasped for air.

“Hmm” sneered the police officer. “Don’t worry about him anymore worry about yourselves, you dared to betray the gods…”

“Thump”

“Hooray” yelled out the crowd as the police officer fell to the ground. The fat bar tender appeared from behind him with a blood stained wine bottle held out in front of him. “Pheww, I, I think I killed him,” said the tender sweating.

“Who cares about him, we have to get Herbert to a doctor NOW!” yelled Groiner as Herbert squeezed his hand tighter and tighter. “I don’t thi.. I can’..” gagged Herbert as he struggled for breath. “Save your strength Herbert the doctor is on his way.” Said Groiner encouragingly.

6 hours later.
The doctor opened the door of the pubs guest room where Herbert was lying. Walking out into the bar, people who had stayed to find out how Herbert was, started to wake up. When everyone was up the doctor spoke. “Herbert is asleep now but… he will live, I.. “Hooray” yelled the crowd as the doctor’s voice was drowned out with celebration. “Quiet” yelled the doctor. “You’ll wake him up”.

As Guven whispered quietly to the people around him from the comfort of his sleeping bag. He could not help but feel that there was more trouble on the horizon if this uprising was to take place. Yawning, Guven lay down and went to sleep. Tomorrow all this would make more sense.