Combine Pod



First Seen: Episode One, Chapter One - Undue Alarm
 * Health total: N/A
 * Weapon damage: N/A
 * Entity: Cycler (spawn malfunctioning in Half-Life 2)

Bearing a very large resemblance to the other flying synths, Combine pods, also known as Advisor pods, appear to be used by the Combine as escape vessels and transportation. They have a large, white hull bearing the Combine emblem, and each pod seems to include something resembling a registration number written on it. The synth is mostly hollow, allowing it to house an Advisor in what resembles a glass casing. Although the Advisor inside the pod is visible when Alyx and Gordon first encounter one being launched, the pod is able to close the lower lip using its legs to provide complete protection, and it uses this state when in flight. Several Combine pods are seen leaving the Citadel moments before its destruction.

During the game's commentary mode, Ted Backman mentions that Combine pods will play an important role during Half-Life 2: Episode Two, and that their initial appearance in Episode One allowed them to introduce the pods' "mind blast" ability that they are capable of emitting. This attack causes headaches and hallucinations in the victim, although it is not yet clear if it came from the pod itself or from the Advisor within it. It is also possible that the "mind blast" is simply a side effect of the engine.