Scientist: "Do you think we should appeal to the alien authorities?"
Scientist 2: "Absolutely not!"

I didn't sign on for this shit. Monsters, sure, but civilians? Who ordered this operation anyway?

Eli Vance: Ah, Gordon. Here you are. We just sent the sample down to the test chamber.
Scientist 2: We boosted the anti-mass spectrometer 105 percent. Bit of a gamble, but we need the extra resolution.
Scientist 3: The administrator is very concerned that we get a conclusive analysis of today's sample. I gather they went to some length to get it.
Eli Vance: They're waiting for you Gordon, in the test chamber.

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. Time to choose...

Mister, if you can get the power on, that train will take us straight to the surface. I would try it myself, but it's a long way down the generator room, and there are... things, in the way...