Corruption

Part 19 - Left or Right

The two stared at the fork in the path. Which way led to Wheatley's "lair"? Chell rubbed her head. There was a dull ache almost directly below the weird scar thing. It was probably nothing, right?

GLaDOS scanned the walls for any indication of where to go. She'd tried to use her GPS ( GLaDOS Positioning System) to find out where they were but it wasn't working. She noticed a weirdly painted arrow and the half bleached words 'This Way' scrawled on the wall. "Chell, this way! I think I know where to go."

The clanking of boots told GLaDOS her not-so-crazy partner had heard, despite being in her own world. She could faintly feel something trying to get her attention but she ignored it.

The corridor was long, shrouded in darkness and the stained walls were coated in a questionable mould. As GLaDOS shone her torch around, several somethings scuttered away to avoid the harsh beam of light. "Well this is disgusting." She commented, stepping over a pile of rubble.

After what felt like hours of walking, the pair found a hole in the wall releasing light. "Finally, some form of escape. You still with me? We're going to take that moron down." GLaDOS looked behind her to confirm her mute companion was still there. She was.

They stepped through the hole, entering some sort of room. A quiet whirring alerted Chell as to where they were. She raced round the terminals looming above her to a computer screen relaying lines of... A conversation. GLaDOS wandered over, gasped and sat down at the computer. She watched over her shoulder as GLaDOS's fingers flew across the keyboard typing a reply.

'Oh. Hello. Wheatley, hold on. Not-Wheatley, be very afraid.' She hit the enter key and the message registered on screen. There was a panicked reply. 'What? Hang on? How-' 'Shut up Blue. How are you doing that GLaDOS dear, you can tell me.'

Chell tugged at the grey female sitting in front of her, shaking slightly. Eventually she bolted up, startling her, and ran over to the other side of the room where a doorway led to somewhere else.

Sighing, she ran after GLaDOS, a strange tugging sensation ripping at her stomach. It took her a while but she realised she hadn't eaten in what felt like days.

Huffing slightly, she joined GLaDOS who was looking at the glowing room at the other end of the corridor. "The incinerator room. I didn't realise this was here. From here we can get back to the testing track. I know a back entrance which will let us in undetected. Follow me."

Chell sighed again, wishing she could communicate with her partner in science. They ran, GLaDOS practically gliding over the thin beams that stopped them from being literal toast.

As they picked their way across the debris, a weak, hoarse whisper came over the speakers. "Chell, luv. Run, both of you. Pl-" A sharp burst of static cut him off. GLaDOS bowed her head slightly, face going dull momentarily before continuing with her task.

Chell, on the other hand, balled her fist, her steel grey eyes glaring in silent determination. Hunger didn't matter. They, all three of them, were getting the fuck out of there. No matter what.

She placed one foot in front of the other, the heat searing, even through her boots. In no time, she'd made it across placing the necessary portals go get out.

The pair walked in a stubborn silence, each reflecting on what Wheatley had said. At one point, Chell led GLaDOS up some stairs to a hidden Rattman Den
There, she found a small box someone had left.

Curious, she opened it. It was empty. Dissapointed, she closed it and went back the way they'd come, walking around the metal blockage. Her stomach growled, begging for food. GLaDOS, taken aback by this display of basic humanity, snickered.In response, her stomach growled again. They both started laughing, one more silently than the other.

In a much better mood, the pair stopped at a familiar port. Chell recognised it from when Wheatley- she didn't finish the thought. The wall cracked open once more. From here, Chell led the way, speeding up as they passed the turrets mournfully crying out.

They wandered some more until GLaDOS grabbed Chell's arm and pulled her into a side room which obviously hadn't been touched in decades. As they walked, the hum of the facility was the only noise.

They had both been startled by Wheatley's message. He'd referred to Chell by name but GLaDOS was worried by the static that came after it. He was obviously being held against his will and GLaDOS had a pretty good idea who was behind it.