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Usually Benrey wouldn't even break a sweat over being late but today was apparently “Super important” or whatever. Something to do with some stupid crystal that he just HAD to be there for. This was all bullshit, it's a saturday, he should be at home sleeping or playing video games, not this. He hated the way the heavy hazard suit clung to his body, an awful feeling for an awful day. Each heavy footstep that echoed through the halls only served to worsen his mood. He didn't have time to mull over that though as he darted through the halls, one sidedly greeting the various passersby on the way.
“Sup man.”
Step
Step
Step
“S’good bro?”
Step
Step
Step
“What's poppin’.
“Howdy! Can I see your passport?”
Step
Step..
Stop.
“Whuh?”
“Can I see your passport?”
The man reiterated.
…
What?
Passport? Since when did he need a passport? Was this guy new or something? Benrey looked the man up and down trying to find any form of recognition. The man had rich tan skin and blocky glasses framed by curly brown hair fit neatly in a low ponytail behind his back. Yep, Benrey had never seen this man in his life, not hard to look at though, he’d put that thought in his pocket for later.
“What like a company id or somethin’? That's not a thing.”
Benrey exclaimed.
“Sorry man, it's a new protocol! We can't just let anyone in, especially today for some reason.”
The guard answered, trailing off at the end.
“Yeah well it's kinda important I'm in there today because of that bro, big deal and shit.”
Benrey uttered impatiently.
This is so stupid, who is this nerd? Those scientists are gonna rip him a new one once he gets down there. He’s gonna have to text Jefferem to tell them what the hold up is.
“Well I'm sorry man but I can't let you in till you show me id, it's a new policy-“
“GORDON!”
A loud elderly voice interrupted. Both Gordon and Benrey jumped in surprise at the abrasive noise before the two turned to try to see the source of the voice.
“You were supposed to swap posts with me five minutes ago!”
Interjected an older sounding voice from around the wall, the source of the voice finally rounding the corner revealing himself to be a much older man with spiky hair and foggy glasses completely obstructing his eyes. Benrey didn’t have time to think about how he even saw through them before their conversation continued.
“Ah, I’m sorry Bubby, it's just this guy doesn’t have his passport and-“
“He what.”
The man interrupted again, anger now directed directly at Benrey, he was SEETHING instantly.
“Whuh- uh-“
“Hold it Bubby it's ok! Hold on, I gotta soothe him, I gotta calm him down, just a second.”
The man, who he now knew as Gordon walked up to the older man, whose name was now also known as bubby, and opened his mouth.
What is he doing-
…
What.
A spew of brightly colored orbs emerged from the younger man's lips complemented by a, frankly beautiful, vocalization. It was visibly calming the older man down as he no longer looked like he wanted to tackle Benrey.
Once Gordon stopped, Benrey simply looked at him with a single raised eyebrow, not doing justice to how bewildered he was. He wasn't good with expressions, so what? Gordon staggered for a moment, possibly embarrassed Benrey assumed, before replying.
“A-ah! Sorry that's the uh- Black Mesa Sweet Voice.”
The man timidly explained.
“What.”
“So is he gonna show id or what? My post is empty right now because of his tomfoolery!”
Bubby grumbled, crossing his arms disapprovingly.
“I didn't make you walk over here bro-“
“Like I said he doesn't have any, uh.. god I guess im gonna have to follow you in to find someone to confirm your identity. What did you say your name was again?”
“Benrey.”
“Ok b-..what?.. Are you..serious?”
The man said, slowing down. What's the issue with this guy?
“I should be asking you that, man.”
“He said that about my name too at first, he’s clearly not very bright.”
The older man scoffed.
“Hey!”
Gordon attempted to protest
“What's your problem man? Don't understand names? Fail kindergarden or something?”
Benrey said, clearly heckling the poor security guard.
Gordon sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before continuing.
“Alright quit it just- ugh. I guess I'm gonna have to escort you to where you say you gotta go.”
“Hey what about my post?!”
Bubby yelled combatively.
“Ah, right! Uh.. have Harold do it! I'm sure he’d be happy to.”
Gordon reassured. Benrey couldn’t really tell very well but he assumed Bubby rolled his eyes in response.
What is even happening right now? It's been almost 40 minutes, the scientists are gonna eat him alive. He tapped his foot impatiently.
“You done? Kinda in a rush.”
“Ah! Sorry, sorry.”
Gordon replied, walking up to a keypad on the door and entering a code. The door quickly opened with a loud “Kshhh” sound.
“Step right through.”
“Yeah yeah, I know man.”
Benrey briskly stated, speed walking past him before stopping abruptly. He thought for a moment before he turned back around.
“Wh- what are you doing?”
Gordon asked as he trailed closely behind, following Benrey into the breakroom.
“I forgot something.”
He stated coldly, walking up to the microwave.
Inside a casserole of some kind sat in the middle of the appliance, written in expo marker on the side of its container lay a disclaimer.
“PROPERTY OF FORZEN, DO NOT TOUCH.”
It read, complemented by a childish image of an angry frowny face.
Benrey quickly haphazardly entered a random assortment of button presses into the machine with a shit eating grin.
Beep boop boop bop…SPLAT!
After a few moments of silence staring at benreys handiwork,or more aptly titled mess, Gordon just turned to him with a mildly disgusted expression.
“Dude.. whats your fucking problem?”