Mythos’ Old ComicsSubprime

Bright light appears in the middle of darkness as a Combine prisoner pod opens. Within, Alyx Vance groans as she comes to, vision still blurred.

Alyx is shocked to realize she is at Nova Prospekt, being held in a prisoner pod. Below, Doctor Wallace Breen is smirking at her. She says no and he calls her Alyx, my dear, then says it's so nice to finally have her with them. Breen orders a soldier to lower her down so they can talk. Alyx screams to let her go.

As Alyx's pod gets closer to Breen, she screams at him to get her out. Face to face, Breen tells her to calm down, noting that shouting won't do her any good. He realizes she does have her mother's eyes. Alyx asks how he dares even mention her. Breen gets defensive, telling her not to blame him for Azian's death and claiming it was her father who caused the Black Mesa Incident in the first place and that he never approved the use of that sample. Alyx laughs snidely and asks how stupid does he think she is.

Alyx tells Breen his little propaganda shwos might work on some people, but not her. He's not conving her that the Combine are their benefactors and tells him to spare her the talk. She adds that he's not turning her against her father, so go ahead and turn her into a stalker if that's the worst he can do. Breen smiles and tells her she's wrong, he is turning her against her father. He says he's sure she has seen the proud transhuman forces of the Sector Seventeen Overwatch, noting that the Universal Union applies a very thorough system of indoctrination to turn the rabble into loyal soldiers. He reveals that recently, thanks to some contributions from a friend, they've further developed that technology and that Alx is to be their very first test subject. She asks what incredulously.

Breen explains that, if all goes according to plan, Alyx will soon be a valuable and loyal part of their forces. He comments that, if it does not, he's nothing if not pragmatic. She starts to call him a son of a bitch but he cuts her off to watch her language, then orders the soldier to send her to the memory replacement units now. Alyx realizes he did all this to gloat and tells him this will never work and she'll never betray the Resistance. Breen smirks as he says goodbye, my dear.

As the pod goes upward, she shouts no. Breen watches as the pod closes and puts her to sleep, her last words being a moaned no, then pure darkness.

A message states subject Alyx Vance, status, universal union custody, undergoing mental reconditioning. One week later.

Alyx Vance comes to in the prisoner pod, staring down. A voice tells her to rise and shine.

Alyx's pod approaches the center of the room. Breen grabs her chin and raises her head to take a look at her. He smiles as he proclaims that Nova Prospekt's great endeavor seems to have worked as expected. He tells her to give him her name.

Alyx Vance replies that her name is Overwatch callsign Vance Subprime. With an arrogant smirk, Breen tells her very well and that her first Overwatch assignment awaits her. Alyx blacks out.

Later, Alyx Vance comes to at the hydroplant where Black Mesa East is hidden, a Combine dropship flying away in the distance.

Alyx makes her way to the entrance of Black Mesa East.

Alyx walks toward, then enters, the decontamination chamber at the entrance to Black Mesa East.

The decontamination chamber is locked and goes dark, then lights appear on the ceiling as cameras pop out of the wall and a voice says they've got something. Alyx approaches a screen where Doctor Mossman can be seen. Mossman's voice starts to say to take it easy in there, then cuts herself off as she realizes it's Alyx.

Surprised, Mossman asks if that really is Alyx and says she can't believe it. Alyx inserts the access code into the keypad and the doors open. She walks past them.

Judith Mossman appears and calls out Alyx's name, then says they thought the Combine had captured her. She asks if she's okay. Alyx, uncharacteristically polite to Mossman, replies that she is fine and needs to talk to her father in private. Somewhat confused, Mossman says yes, of course, noting that Eli will be so relieved to see she's okay. Mossman tells her to go ahead and she'll stay there, then adds that she's glad to see Alyx is safe. Alyx thanks her.

Alyx makes her way through Black Mesa East towards the elevator.

Alyx calls the elevator and takes it to head underground.

The elevator arrives at the floor where Eli Vance's lab is located.

Eli is nearby at the generation, holding his face and looking distraught. Alyx approaches and lifts her hand, then calls out to him. Eli recognizes her voice and asks Alyx as he turns around.

Seeing Alyx, Eli hugs her and says he thought he'd lost her. He smiles and says thank God she's all right. His smile fades as he realizes she's missing her mother's necklace and asks her what happened to it. A gunshot is then heard.

Blood appears on Eli's mouth as he mumbles Alyx's name. He falls down on the ground dead as Alyx checks her gun, with which she just killed him. A voice calls out Eli's name and says she thought she heard a gunshot. Alyx turns around to see Mossman, who screams Eli's name and asks Alyx what she did, then repeats it in a shout.

Undisturbed, Alyx robotically tells Mossman she has a message for her from the Administrator: thank you, Judith, but your services are no longer required. Shocked, Mossman asks what, then tries to run away as she screams for help. Alyx shoots her in the head, killing her instantly.

Alyx checks Judith Mossman's body, then calls Overwatch to inform them that malignants have been pacified and request transport.

Alyx reenters the elevator and looks up at the light. Everything turns white.

Later, at the Citadel's office in the top floor, Alyx is staring up at the ceiling when Breen tells her to look alive.

Breen mockingly tells Alyx he hardly thinks sleeping on the job is a behavior fit for Overwatch, then asks if she doesn't agree. Alyx robotically replies yes, sir. Breen says he supposes she deserves the rest and asks how long she's been up. She replies thirty five hours, sir. Breen smiles and calls her such a valuable member of the universal union, sarcastically noting he's so glad her father got to see her commitment. Breen notes their benefactors were none too happy to learn of Eli's demise at first, but he's managed to convince them he was no longer necessary, as, thanks to Alyx, they have everything to need to continue his research and she is more than qualified to finish it yourself. He adds that she can also convince that rabble in the canals to give up their senseless struggle.

As Breen gloats that he's won and laughs, Alyx suddenly gets a headache. An eerie voice then calls out Doctor Breen's name, startling him, as Alyx's vision changes.

Breen complains that the voice has startled him and asks what they want. The voice replies that they need to discuss the terms of their agreement. With an angry expression, Breen retorts that the universal union appreciates the help he's given them, but their business is concluded. The voice asks is it, now.

The voice notes that Miss Vance was not part of the bargain. Breen protests that was never stipulated, but the voice tells him that it was, a long time ago, when she was a mere child and of no practical use to anyone. The voice declares that, now that her father is gone, dear Miss Vance belongs to them, and they have come to collect her and tie up a few loose ends. Panicking, Breen gets up and asks what. Alyx raises her gun towards Breen, who tells her not to and that they need him.

Alyx fires her gun at Doctor Breen, hitting him in the middle of the forehead. Breen falls down onto the ground, knocking his chair down. The voice clears its throat.

A glowing eye then appears staring at Alyx Vance as the voice calls her their dear Miss Vance first, then corrects it to Vance Subprime. The G-Man's face is revealed as he states he would apologize for the imposition were she still dear young Miss Vance, but he believes such theatrics are no longer necessary with her. As the G-Man's face comes into focus, he declares he is not one to squander his investments and, despite the change of plans, she remains a valuable asset.

The G-Man notes that, with her conditioning, Alyx is now no more than a mere puppet. He dryly states that he could cut her strings and release her mind, but he believes keeping her under control is the most profitable solution. He points out her father might not agree with his appraisal, but, due to her actions, he is no longer a factor, then adds an unconvincing such a shame. As the background turns to black, the G-Man declares he will return if and when Alyx's services are required and, until then, this is where he gets off.

The G-Man turns to leave and walks away a few steps, then turns to the right. A white door appears out of nowhere. The G-Man fixes his tie once as he stares back at Alyx, then walks through the door.

A final message states subject Alyx Vance, status hired, awaiting assignment. The end.

1 thought on “Subprime”

George_stukas

January 6, 2024

This comic is bold in very many respects. A beloved character turned into a killing machine. The first-person perspective. It’s both depressingly fitting and hauntingly good. 10/10

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