This article has a talk page!This is a sub-page of Development:Half-Life (Windows).
An early version of the game's ending by the game's writer, Marc Laidlaw. It was released to the public by ValveTime member "Barnz" in a 2016 article, alongside notes for a yet-to-be-released build of Half-Life.
DESERT (EPILOG)#
Scene: After destroying the alien invasion portal, you teleport back to Earth. You find yourself in an administrative setting. There are high windows along one wall, through which you see a glimpse of terrestrial sky, and the other side is lined with locked doors. You can hear the idling noises of Xen masters, shock troopers, and vortigaunts behind those doors. The G-Man walks toward you. You have no weapons.
Gman_offer has been cut into several new pieces:
G-MAN [gman_offer.wav]#
Gordon Freeman in the flesh. Or rather, in the hazard suit. I took the liberty of relieving you of your weapons; most of them were government property. As for the suit, I think you’ve earned it. The borderworld, Xen, is in our control for the time being, thanks to you. Quite a nasty piece of work you managed over there. I am impressed.
That’s why I’m here, Mr. Freeman. I have recommended your services to my employers, and they have authorized me to offer you a job. They agree with me that you have limitless potential.
You’ve proved yourself a decisive man, so I don’t expect you’ll have any trouble deciding what to do. If you’re interested, just step into the portal and I will take that as a yes.
Otherwise...well…I can offer you a battle you have no chance of winning. Rather an anticlimax, after what you’ve just survived.
Gman_offer has been cut into several new pieces:
G-MAN [gman_suit.wav]
Gordon Freeman in the flesh. Or rather, in the hazard suit. I took the liberty of relieving you of your weapons; most of them were government property. As for the suit, I think you’ve earned it.
GMAN [gman_nasty.wav]
The borderworld, Xen, is in our control for the time being, thanks to you. Quite a nasty piece of work you managed over there. I am impressed.
GMAN [gman_potential.wav]
That’s why I’m here, Mr. Freeman. I have recommended your services to my employers, and they have authorized me to offer you a job. They agree with me that you have limitless potential.
GMAN [gman_stepin.wav]
You’ve proved yourself a decisive man, so I don’t expect you’ll have any trouble deciding what to do. If you’re interested, just step into the portal and I will take that as a yes.
GMAN [gman_otherwise.wav]
Otherwise...well…I can offer you a battle you have no chance of winning. Rather an anticlimax, after what you’ve just survived.
He opens his briefcase. A dimensional gate glimmers within.
GMAN [gman_choose1.wav]#
Time to choose.
G-MAN [gman_choose2.wav]#
It’s time to choose.
If you step in, we fade into CREDITS. The G-MAN speaks in voice-over:
G-MAN [gman_wise.wav]#
Wisely done, Mr. Freeman. I will see you up ahead.
If you don’t step in, the G-MAN gives you about 10 seconds, then shuts the briefcase.
GMAN [gman_wontwork]#
Well, it looks like we won’t be working together.
G-MAN [gman_noregret.wav]#
No regrets, Mr. Freeman.
He goes translucent, and disappears completely. As soon as he vanishes, the doors along the hall open nearby, and the last survivors of Xen come looking for you....