#signed forzen

Sounds like quitters’ talk.

We should definitely inhale the neurotoxin.

I don’t think we can inhale all of it.

Actually? I’m a motherf*ckin’ genius. That potato - it can generate just enough power to keep an AI running. 

It can?!

Our designs were incredibly energy efficient. 

Now give me a minute, I’m going to do some science.

I... I think Dr. Coomer saved us. I remember us falling, and I closed my eyes and then we were on the ground. 

[From neaby, Coomer speaks up. He is sitting on the ground, leaning against the wall, looking tired. Most notably, however, his arms are visibly metal, and lay like giant limp noodles on the floor.]

Dr. Bubnick, I already told you I did not do any such thing. 

You said you had a plan when you shoved us down that hole, we ended up safely on the ground, and you’re the only one who looks beat up. Who else would it be? 

Kid...cores...? All of the cores are fine. A little banged up, but they’re made to last.

[Forzen nods grimly.]

We’re, uh... gonna see what’s on the other side of the door, but we’re going to rest and regroup first. Plus, gotta reconfigure who’s carrying who, now that--

[He hesitates, glancing over at Gordon and the kids. Joshua is still asleep, but Chell looks back at him. Seems she woke up and is trying to avoid disturbing the other two. Bubnick steps in.]

Now that Gordon can’t carry two cores. Besides, I need to figure out how to make... GLaDOS... more portable. 

[Gordon screams, a sound of both pain and loss as he stares at the closed panel. The rest of the team rushes to his side.]

GOING DOWN.

[Coomer slams his fist into the panel. Again. And again, until he can reach his hands in between the halves of the trapdoor. He stretches, pushing the panels back apart until the hole is opened again.]

I’ve g-got Dr. Freeman!

[Tommy grabs Gordon’s good arm, helpful him to his feet. Gordon cradles his mangled wrist to his chest, staring down into the pit with tears in his eyes.]

Go, go, go! Dr. Coomer has a plan!

He does?!

[Bubnick jumps down the hole.]

< hey wait hold on come back >

[Tommy follows him in, dragging a shocked Gordon behind him.]

< bros wait i don’t want to be alone up here >

[Forzen hesitates, but jumps down as well.]

< i didn’t mean it i promise >

Security core Boper, I hope you go to hell.

Are they okay?

[Bubnick seems fixated on the last message.]

There’s what?

What?!

Oh, sh*t--

Hurry, we need to go. Grab- Grab the cores. Kids, stay here.

[Each person, baring the children, grabs a core in each hand and starts jogging towards the AI chamber.]