Chapter 47

I looked at Zerg anxiously, waiting for his answer. His words earlier about the Bitfrox crystal had my mind filled with questions. If the crystal was really found, then how long would it take to get to Earth? And what should I do in such a short time?

"I know you want to know how long it will take," Zerg said in a calm tone, his eyes watching my reaction. "If everything goes according to plan, the crystal will reach earth no later than two weeks from now."

Two weeks. The words rang through my mind like an echo that wouldn't stop. A fortnight sounded like a long time, but at the same time it felt very short considering what I had to do. I looked down, trying to digest the information while thinking.

I had to take Zerg's words to heart. Although there was no concrete proof of what he said, but at least I had to make some plans and there were already some images that had emerged in my mind.

Not only did I prepare a plan for Zerg, but I also prepared a plan for myself. And that's why I didn't tell this to Zerg because this was a plan related to how I could escape from this place and never meet the aliens in this place.

"Why do you look so doubtful?" asked Zerg suddenly, his eyes narrowed as if he was trying to read my mind.

I was surprised to hear his question. "It's not doubt," I replied quickly, though I knew my tone sounded overly defensive. "I was just thinking... what to do during those two weeks."

Zerg smiled slightly, almost as if he had already guessed my answer. "You'll have to be patient, Lana. Two weeks is not a long time, but it is not a short time either. You must use every second wisely. Don't let Zask or anyone else suspect our plan."

I gave a small nod, though a sense of unease still haunted my mind. Two weeks felt like an eternity when I was here, restrained by cold metal walls and invisible chains. How could I be patient when every day felt like torture?

"But there's something else we need to talk about," Zerg continued, interrupting my reverie. "About that foetus."

I fell silent, feeling my body stiffen instantly. This topic always made me uncomfortable, but I knew sooner or later Zerg would bring it up again. Even though I had predicted this, I still felt uncomfortable and worried. This foetus was a hindrance to Zerg, of course, and what this alien was going to say really disturbed my mind because I already knew it.

"What is your decision?" he asked, his tone more serious this time. "You know that retaining the foetus will only complicate our mission, right?"

I frowned, trying to mask the feeling of indecision that suddenly overtook me. "Why are you so sure that I should let go of this foetus?" I asked, even though I knew the answer was obvious.

"Because," Zerg replied without hesitation, "as long as you keep the foetus, you will continue to have an attachment to Zask. You will continue to be under his control, both physically and emotionally. And you know that, Lana."

I averted my eyes, trying to avoid his piercing gaze. His words were true, but I didn't want to admit it. How could I break something this big?

"This isn't about your relationship with Zask," Zerg continued. "It's about the survival of our mission. If you keep that foetus, you are choosing Zask, not your freedom."

Her words stabbed like painful thorns. I knew what she was saying was probably true, but I couldn't just accept that. This foetus was a part of me now, and even though I knew this baby was the result of a relationship I never wanted, I felt there was a bond I couldn't ignore.

"But it's not an easy decision," I replied softly, almost like a whisper.

Zerg looked at me with an expression that was hard to guess. "You have to decide, Lana. That foetus may be a part of you, but it's also a part of Zask. And the longer you hold onto it, the harder it will be for you to escape its shadow."

I swallowed, feeling my chest grow tight. Zerg had never spoken in this tone before, and it made me even more depressed. I wanted to retaliate, wanted to say that he had no right to decide what I should do with my body. But at the same time, I knew that his words held a truth that was hard for me to ignore.

"I... I need time to think," I replied finally, trying to avoid the pressure he was putting on me.

Zerg snorted softly, but he didn't push me. "All right," he said. "But not too long. We don't have much time, Lana. And you must remember, every decision you make will affect this entire mission."

I nodded slowly, even though inside I was feeling increasingly indecisive. His words kept ringing in my mind, making it harder for me to think clearly.

"I want to go back to my room," I said finally, my voice sounding weak.

Zerg looked at me for a moment, then nodded. "Alright," he said shortly. "But remember what I told you. You can't keep living between two worlds, Lana. Sooner or later, you'll have to choose."

I walked out of the room with heavy steps, feeling like I was carrying a burden that was getting harder and harder to bear. In my heart, I knew that this decision was something that only I could make for myself, but that didn't make it any easier.

When I finally arrived in my room, I slumped onto the bed, burying my face in my hands. Tears started to well up in my eyes, but I held them back, trying to stay strong. I couldn't show weakness, even to myself.

But even though I tried to reassure myself, the question still haunted me: What should I do?