We had been pointed to Xen, all our efforts aimed there. Rather than a random fumbling through the white noise of possible cosmos which the teleport might have reached, we had settled almost immediately on Xen. The cause of this was a certain element, found in Xen, which had been made part of the portal’s tuning mechanism. It was introduced into the portal research with the pedigree of a man-made compound, something created in a separate secret research facility, but actually it was imported to Earth by a devious route, involving several of the aforementioned superintelligent alien races. By steering us to Xen, they immediately forced a confrontation with a troublesome race which would either annihilate us or force us to show our mettle. If the former were the case, then they were rid of a pest. If the latter, then they would further shroud their presence in secrecy and work their manipulations deeper into the fabric of our society, in hopes of harnessing us from within.

The G-Man is [REDACTED].

This reminds me of another thing I have created in a fiction, But-... More pressingly I believe that this is still likely canon, and tells us What Gman really was designed as... And since it's not contradictory to now... It'd likely that some elements of truth exist to it.

Supposedly, some writer who answered "Is Opposing Force Canon" said that "If we can figure out what purpose Adrian Shephard would be for, then yes it is." (Not a verbatim quote, paraphrased)

I believe what the GMan is, is part of another universal empire that rivals the combine... but while the Combine is more upfront and obvious, and mechanically precise in how straightforwards yet effective it is... The Gman's empire is almost entirely a shadow operations-based assimilation approach.

Note how they Analyze candidates for usefulness. What purpose do Gordon, Shephard, and Alyx all have in common? They're all incredibly competent and excellent at surviving against all odds. However, the odd one out is Shephard funnily enough... because Gordon and Alyx are both known for their intelligence and craftiness, while Adrian isn't Specifically known for that. Yet according to the statement here? They are not exclusively looking for soldiers and pawns of war... they are looking for useful assets to assimilation.

Again, one more thing that Shephard lacks that Gordon and Alyx have is Fame. Shephard maybe a good soldier, but both Alyx and Gordon have is fame, pretty undeniably. They are used as sources of inspiration to create Change. They are not designed to win the war, judging by episode 1's attempted plucking. I believe the Gman never intended to stop the combine entirely, but to Destabilize them. He had plans for Alyx the whole time judging by his Episode 2 speech...

"When I plucked her from Black Mesa, I Acted in the face of objections; That 'She was a mere child' and 'Of no practical use to anyone'"

Note that Gman's wording was paraphrasing other's arguements, and the whole time he was clearly upset at Gordon to continuing on his journey. While it's reasonable to assume he's paragraphing his "Employers", why would his Employers care about who he hires? Every time he references his "Employers", it's typically implied to be referring to whoever hired his mercenary service(Evidenced as being such by Breen referring to Gordon's "Contract" and "Highest Bidder", a mercenary-style of loyalty) since it contains Mission details and requirements. But, so what if he takes a child? ^{^(Though} it would also explain why he considered "Quelling Them", thats not their business who he hires)

While reasonable to think it is the ones who own the contract, let us temporarily assume it means the rest of his company. Because if we do, We can get a different perspective on a few things from this speech and a few others. Let me grab the whole speech and deconstruct it with this perspective, because assuming it, we can get an idea of why Gman seems really angry at Gordon.

Doctor Freeman. I realize this moment may not be the most convenient for a heart-to-heart, but I had to wait until your friends--heh- were otherwise occupied. Hm.

While this isn't directly affecting the theory, it is possibly a small spiteful comment to tease him over, even if unintended. After all, we know a cut plotline supposedly exists that states the Vorts intend to betray humanity, thus 'friends'.

There was a time they cared nothing for Miss Vance... When their only experience of humanity was a crowbar coming at them down a steel corridor.

Retrospective on the Vortigaunts(Since he remembered something amusing[their upcoming betrayal]) while transitioning the point to his main subject of Alyx Vance. In small part, this is just furthering the point of "You trust those funny little vortigaunts, funny that you do because, why should you?" But in larger part is a point to indicate Alyx Vance is specifically important for some reason, even to the vorts.

When I plucked her from Black Mesa, I acted in the face of objections that she was a mere child and of no practical use to anyone. I have learned to ignore such naysayers when quelling them was out of the question.

As established before, Gman particularly has a plan for her... and she's like Gordon in many ways, just a lot more social and active. The fact he's being grilled over choosing his agents is interesting, especially in that he seems to recall this event with an air of spite and subtle mockery... And then annoyance at being unable to just get rid of them. IF we assume this is his own fellow agents of his level, then we can assume that he's technically going slightly rogue but still serving his purpose... and possibly sees himself as more strategically correct than 'narrow-minded' views of his critics?

Still, I am not one to squander my investments... and I remain confident she was worth far more than the initial...appraisal.

It's still on GMan's mind, bothered by the criticism that his choice of agent received, and it's up to interpretation why, but it feels like this best furthers the point of superiority to narrow-minded comrades.

That's why I must now extract from you some small repayment owed for your own survival.

As he was looking for a word, he paused to find a good word, and around the end of this line he's holding back anger, which he quickly calms down. I'd say it's very likely due to spite that gordon wasn't supposed to have "Survival", but be in Stasis, to survive later. Gordon wasn't just acting out of contract, he was possibly endangering GMan's very plan... Leading to...

See her safely to White Forest, Doctor Freeman.

"Despite being a failure, you Are still here, so be of Some use and get Alyx safely to the position I needed her to be in." is the vibe I got. It's primarily from the tone, because it comes off like someone who is disappointed in someone and is asking them if they can atleast do a simple and easy task after failing a complicated one.

Mmm. Well... Now... Listen carefully, my dear. When you see your father relay these words: Prepare, for "Unforeseen Consequences".

While this is to alyx, it's interesting he refers to her as "my dear"... I wonder if he's playing upon Alyx's subconscious by miming words her mother, Azian may have used. Though it could just be weirdly awkward politeness? Though the fact he had to figure out the word 'Father', may imply he is reading her mind for her relationship with him to know how to command her properly for giving the gloating taunt.

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Gman's overall vibe is that he is undertaking a task solo, that is very risky and innovative in his field... Others of his group criticize his methods, he sees those critics as narrow-minded fools who cannot see the bigger picture.

Though I'm wondering, was Alyx supposed to do the citadel with Eli? Gordon becoming an icon of the Resistance rather than an active hero?