Chapter 42

I sat at the end of the bed, staring blankly at the cold, rigid metal walls around me. The silence in this room made my mind fill with more and more questions-about my freedom being out of reach, about Zask, and even about myself. Everything felt so confusing.

Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching. I turned my head, and just outside the bars that protected this room, I saw Zerg standing with that infectious smile that always adorned his face. He looked at me with a sharp look in his eyes, then without speaking, threw something through the bars. A small bundle fell to the floor of my room, rolling to a stop right by my feet.

I grabbed the package carefully, and once I opened it, I found a few pills neatly tucked inside. I stared at the object doubtfully for a moment, then looked at Zerg who was still standing there, waiting for my reaction with an enigmatic expression.

"What are these mecidines for?" I asked, unable to hide the sceptical tone in my voice. "Are you trying to administer hypnosis through this drug? Don't think I'm stupid, I've had it with everything in this base."

Zerg laughed out loud, he then stopped and wiped his tears from laughing too much. "Good joke, Lana. But unfortunately I'm not learning to hypnotise anyone, whether you want to take it or not is up to you. I'm just being kind."

Zerg smiled slightly. "It's medicine to nourish your foetus and increase your appetite. I hope you use it well."

I frowned, feeling a little confused. Although I still felt a sense of distrust towards Zerg, there was something in his manner of speaking that made me moved to accept the package, even though I hadn't planned to consume it right away.

"Is that all you came for?" I asked, trying to grasp the other meaning of his visit.

She chuckled, her eyes shining with a playful gleam. "Actually, I also came to make sure that you were still conscious after... Zask's last visit."

My cheeks felt hot at her words, and I almost let my annoyance show in front of Zerg. But I took a deep breath, restraining my feelings so as not to appear affected by his words.

Seeing my reaction, Zerg leaned a little closer towards the bars, then lowered his voice. "Actually, I have some new news for you."

I looked at him doubtfully, but secretly curiosity began to creep into my mind. Although I didn't say anything, Zerg seemed to know that I wanted to hear what he had to say. He watched my reaction with a meaningful smile.

"All you need to do is consume the medicine," he continued, his tone lower and enigmatic.

The more he spoke it was like various hints were popping up, was he being enigmatic? I was quite curious. No, not just curious enough, but very curious.

I frowned, trying to interpret the meaning behind her words. There was something hidden behind his explanation. The message he wanted to convey couldn't be conveyed directly, for whatever reason. I stared at the medicine packet with a puzzled look, wondering if there might be a hidden message inside or a certain intention that he couldn't say here.

Zerg realised my confusion and stifled a laugh. As he turned to leave, he glanced at me for a moment, but this time the look in his eyes was different as it was more tense and beckoning. That gaze pierced through me, making me realise something. Perhaps she couldn't speak openly because she was being watched by others, perhaps the other aliens residing in this base.

Before he actually left, I gripped the bundle in my hand tighter, trying to ease my anxiety and suspicion. I didn't know what exactly was behind this cryptic message, but I knew one thing that whatever it meant, it might be an important clue for me.

I held the packet in my hands, feeling that there was something more than just medicine inside. My suspicions deepened, and although I tried not to show any expression, questions began to swirl in my mind. There was another meaning behind this visit that Zerg wasn't someone who came just to give out medicine for no hidden reason. But what?

I glanced at Zerg, who seemed to be looking at me with a thin, secretive smile. I was about to ask again, but he opened his mouth first.

"Oh, and for optimal effect, the schedule for taking the medicine is... approximately four hours from now," she said in a tone that was barely audible, but clear enough for me.

I frowned, trying to interpret her words. Four hours? Why did it have to be that precise? This kind of medicine could usually be taken at any time without the need for such strict timing. I looked at him deeply, searching for the meaning behind his words, and instantly a strange premonition struck my mind. Was he signalling? Was this a hint for me to check this packet later, after four hours?

I held my breath, trying to calm myself down, but in my heart curiosity was flaring up. If there really was a hidden message, why couldn't she give it to me directly? Was she being watched? Was someone else watching her every move? My mind began to wander, thinking of possibilities.

Zerg was watching my reaction intently, and I knew he realised that I was starting to understand the signals he was giving. However, he didn't say anything more, just letting me drown in my own conjecture.

I looked down, gripping the bundle tighter. My mind was whirling, wondering what she could possibly be hiding in here. If this was really a clue or a secret message, could I trust it? Am I ready to get further involved in the Zerg's mysterious plan?

Four hours to go. My mind was in turmoil, and although my suspicions were still there, my desire to know what was behind this was getting stronger.

This time I tried to be co-operative, even though I didn't fully trust him, but the coercion I was subjected to by Zask made me more afraid of being shackled by Zask's power and lust than living something I didn't know from Zerg. It's like gambling, but I have to be brave, because whatever decision I make will affect my fate after this.