(no subject)

[vance_prime]

The final layer of encryption on the Aperture data is proving to be remarkably stubborn. Alyx has, at least, confirmed that it is the final layer, which means the trickier code is understandable. Whatever they're, the higher-ups at Aperture wanted it to stay hidden.

Hopefully, it's something of vital importance to their portal research that could give the Resistance another edge over the Combine. But given that this is Aperture Science we're talking about, it could just as easily be Cave Johnson's secret devil's food cake recipe. Who knows?

Anyway, Alyx is in Milliways in the hope that a change of venue will help her work. She's got the laptop, a legal pad full of notes, and a heaping platter of onion rings.

(What? Just because she's working doesn't mean she can't soothe her pregnancy cravings at the same time.)

Comments

[aaaaaaaagh_sky]

It's really not that bad, once Ellen gets it into her mouth. It looks weird- kind of reminds her of when she was introduced to pizza- but it's not all that bad. Probably better than half the stuff people around here keep trying to get her to eat.

".... I don't seem to have a napkin," she says after a second or third try. "Have you got any you could spare?"

[vance_prime]

"Here--" Alyx pushes over a dispenser that was hiding behind the laptop and the mound of onion rings.

[aaaaaaaagh_sky]

"Thank you," says Ellen. "And thank you for the fries. They're pretty good."

Considering Ellen's usual reaction to new food thanks to nineteen years of bland being normal, that's high praise.