Chapter 46

I stared at the piece of paper in my hand, the small paper that Zerg had secretly slipped into the bag he gave me some time ago. It had a specific location and time written on it, a place where I had to meet Zerg to discuss something important. Instantly, fear and doubt hit me. Was this really safe? Would I be spotted by Zask or anyone else who might be watching my movements?

However, my mind was churning, fuelled by deep curiosity. The message was too important to ignore. I had to know more about the Bitfrox crystal, the extent of its development, and when exactly it would reach earth. If I wanted to make the right decision, I had to get this information directly from the Zerg.

Strengthening my resolve, I rose slowly from the bed and made sure no one was watching me. The room was quiet as usual, and I peeked out the door to make sure that there was no sign of Zask's presence. Once I felt safe enough, I slipped the paper back into my pocket and stepped out carefully.

I followed the instructions on the paper, walking down the long, deserted hallways of the base. This place was indeed full of aliens and guards, but at certain hours of the day, some parts of the base were eerily quiet. When I finally arrived at the room mentioned, I paused for a moment, took a deep breath, then pushed open the slightly ajar door.

Zerg was already waiting for me inside. He was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed in front of his chest, and his trademark grin immediately greeted me. "You really came," he said, his voice almost a whisper.

"I had no choice," I replied flatly. "I need to know about the Bitfrox crystal. How far along is it? Did your team actually find it?"

Zerg looked at me for a moment, then signalled for me to come closer. I looked at him suspiciously, but eventually followed his lead. He led me to a darker corner of the room and away from the door, making sure we were completely hidden.

"Lana," he said in a more serious tone, "you need to be very careful when talking about this. If any other aliens overhear our conversation, then both you and I could be in big trouble."

I gave a small nod, understanding the risks we faced. But I couldn't let fear get the better of me now. This information was too important.

"So," I urged softly, "how far has it progressed? Has the crystal been found yet?"

Zerg sighed, then spoke in a lower tone. "My team is very close. In another two or three days, the crystal will be found and directly processed for shipment to Earth. But you should know, bringing something like that to Earth is no easy matter. There are many risks along the way."

His words made me even more anxious. Two or three days. A very short time, but enough to make me feel trapped between two big decisions. I looked at him, trying to understand what he really had in mind.

"If the crystal gets here," I asked in a slightly shaky voice, "what will happen? How will you ensure that I won't be discovered by Zask?"

Of course I was anxious and worried, this was something very risky, considering that the earth was also being watched by Zask, that meant that everything that went in and out of the earth's atmosphere would be watched and observed by Zask. Bringing in an object from outer space would be a highlight for Zask and would likely be discovered if one wasn't careful to sneak around to avoid the alien's surveillance.

Zerg looked at me with a look that I could hardly read. "That's why I told you earlier. You need to be ready, Lana. When the crystal arrives, things will move very quickly. I need you to stay focused and not let your guard down. Don't let Zask or anyone else suspect your movements."

I understood how Zerg felt when he told me something like that, of course I wouldn't endanger myself by acting carelessly. I had also calculated what I should do, all the theatrics of not looking suspicious and staying calm until Zerg actually managed to bring the Bitfrox crystal here.

I nodded, even though fear was gripping me even more. I knew that what I was doing was very risky. If Zask found out that I was working together with Zerg, I might never get out of this place alive. But on the other hand, this might be the only way to get out of this slump.

"I can't fail," I whispered to myself. "I won't put myself in a predicament again. I won't fall for it again."

"No, you can't," Zerg replied, as if reading my mind. He leaned in closer, looking at me with a piercing look in his eyes. "And you must remember, Lana, I will not tolerate failure either. We have a lot at stake here."

I gulped, realising how serious this situation was. There was no room for error, no room for doubt.

"There's no need to doubt me, I already know a lot of things, the one person who needs to be reminded is you, because you seem reckless and also like to do whatever you want. I won't do anything to endanger myself," I retorted, not wanting to be blamed.

There was silence for a moment, and then I continued.

"I just want to know one more thing," I said finally. "How long will it take for the crystal to reach Earth after it is found?"

My question made Zerg pause for a moment, as if he was considering the right answer. I waited anxiously, knowing that this answer would determine my next step.

Would it be a long moment of waiting? How long? I don't want to wait here for too long, I'm not as long-lived as these aliens, and I need to know when I can get out of here. At least in the meantime I can strategise on my own outside of my planned co-operation with the Zerg.