Chapter 7
So, what's that plan you're referring to?" I asked looking at Zerg sharply, trying not to show any hint of fear. I wanted to end all of this quickly, or at least find a way out of this hell.
Zerg looked at me for a moment, as if considering how much he should say. His handsome face, which often looked full of mockery, now radiated a hint of seriousness. For the first time, he looked like someone who wasn't messing around.
"There is something that has been hidden from our people, even before Zask or I were born," he said. "A crystal known as Bitfrox."
I frowned. The name was unfamiliar, and frankly, rather unconvincing. "Bitfrox? What is that? Can you explain it in simple language? Err... I mean I don't necessarily understand your understanding of a substance or object."
"I thought humans had stupid brains. Well, I'll explain it in a language you can easily understand," Zerg replied in a mocking tone. "I had hoped that the human I'm talking to would be smarter than other humans, but it turns out they're all the same. But it's okay, I've come to understand that."
I admit that I was wrong to say that to him, if that's the case, he will definitely be more arrogant and feel like putting me down. Never mind, I don't really care about that anyway. The important thing is that I know what his plan is and what it entails.
Honestly, I'm really offended by her words that are very piercing and tend to mock others for no reason. But I didn't care because now there was something more important to talk about than that.
That crystal is not just an ordinary stone. To aliens like us, Bitfrox is a deadly poison," Zerg explained in a hushed tone. He leaned a little closer, as if afraid someone might hear him. "Can you imagine, Lana? A crystal that is to us what kryptonite is to humans."
I paused, trying to digest the information. "If it's so deadly to you, why not just destroy the crystal?"
Zerg let out a long sigh, then folded his arms across his chest. "The Bitfrox Crystal cannot simply be destroyed. Our ancestors tried, but every attempt failed. The crystal has an energy that cannot be broken down or destroyed with our technology. So, they decided to hide it."
I nodded, feeling a little more understanding. "So... they were afraid of it being used for... some kind of weapon of war?"
He nodded. "Yes, exactly. Bitfrox is so powerful, it can even destroy our body structure. Thus, when internal conflicts arose among our people, our predecessors chose to hide the crystal's existence, to ensure that no one could use it in a civil war."
"Sounds like it's just a rumor," I replied skeptically. "If it's true, why do none of you know where the crystal is kept?"
Zerg smiled wryly. "We know very little, Lana. The crystal is only told in legends, thought to be a tool of destruction that the ancients used to threaten anyone who wanted to take power without consent. However, there is no concrete evidence of its whereabouts now. Rumor has it that some fragments of the crystal may still exist on our home planet. It's enough to make even Zask fear it."
I looked at him sharply. "So, what does that have to do with our plan? Why are you suddenly talking about the crystal? Is it something that could upset the balance for Zask."
Zerg's face changed, his expression becoming serious. "Because I can't touch it, Lana. None of our people can get close to that crystal without risking being blown to pieces."
I listened carefully, digesting every word that came out of Zerg's lips. How could they be so afraid of something they themselves created? And why would their ancestors hide it, when it should be something they could use if needed?
"What do you mean by 'protecting your people'?" I asked finally. "That sounds very crucial, and a little scary. Even I, a human, am quite horrified by it."
"The crystal can indeed be used to exterminate us, but also to avoid war among ourselves," Zerg said with an expression I couldn't quite decipher. "Imagine if one of us gained control of the crystal. Its power would make him almost invincible among the other aliens, which could lead to a civil war or a massive power struggle. Our ancestors didn't want that to happen, so they erased the crystal's existence from history and stored it somewhere unreachable."
My heart was beating fast. So, Zerg was really ambitious. He wanted to use that thing to topple Zask from his throne. And I, as a weak human who was now in their hands, became a tool in this intriguing scheme.
"And you want me to help you find it, is that it?" I asked quietly.
Zerg shook his head. "That's not the plan, at least not for now. What I need is for you to stay close to Zask. He's probably too clumsy around you, and it makes it easier for me to figure out this Bitfrox crystal thing. You just need to do a good job of accentuating your role as his queen, his toy, whatever you want to call it."
That thought made my blood boil. I felt like slapping Zerg's face with all my might. But I knew that wouldn't change anything. They considered me nothing more than a toy. A tool to fulfill their selfish desires.
"And meanwhile I have to... stay with Zask?" my voice was hoarse, trying to hold back the anger and disgust.
"Let's just say you're sacrificing for a greater cause," Zerg replied dismissively. "You don't need to be the hero or savior here, Lana. You just need to act well so Zask likes you more."
"You have no idea how I feel when I have to face him over and over again!" I almost shouted, frustration and helplessness rising in my chest. "He doesn't see me as a living being with feelings, and neither do you. Do you all think I'm enjoying this?"
Zerg only smiled faintly, his gaze sharp yet indescribable. "You can think of this as your bad destiny, Lana. We all have our roles, don't we? I don't care if you enjoy your role or not, but you know, this is the only way we can defeat Zask."
I paused, trying to compose myself. It was as if all the hatred I'd expressed was just old news to him. My eyes glazed over, but I refrained from crying in front of this cunning alien.
"I just need to wait, is that it?" I asked finally.
Zerg nodded. "Exactly. You just need to do well, make Zask believe that you are an obedient queen. I'll handle the rest. Once the Bitfrox crystal is found, you won't have to go through all this again."
I pondered his words, trying to convince myself that this was the best choice. If it was true that the crystal could make Zask fall, I could be free from the noose that had shackled me all this time. But on the other hand, I knew that this was a big gamble. If I failed or the plan was revealed, perhaps my fate would be worse than I had ever imagined.
"Alright, I'll do it," I said finally. "But I want a promise from you."
Of course I expect something from all this, I don't want to just agree without any agreement from me too. And you must also follow what I want because we must be mutually beneficial. Only then will I agree to all this.
"Promise?" Zerg looked surprised. "Yeah, well tell me what you want it to be."
"Yes, that when this is all over, I'll be completely free. You won't force me to be another 'queen' for the other aliens or make me a tool to fulfill your lust. I want a normal life, or at least as free as I can get."
Zerg was silent for a moment, then smiled slightly. "You're a smart little human, I thought all humans were stupid. Well, I can give you my word... if that's what will make you more obedient."
I sighed, hoping that there was at least some sincerity in his words. But in my heart, I knew it was better to remain wary.
"Now, prepare yourself for this temporary charade in front of him," she said with a lazy smile at the door. "Zask is probably waiting for you. Do your part, and make him even more dependent on you. You must be very good at that, humans are very good at lying, aren't they?"
I gave Zerg a sharp look, full of disgust and hatred that I held back with all my might. However, I had no other choice. All of this was at stake. With an unhappy face I snorted in annoyance and let him go after that, trying to hide the hatred still burning in my chest. My steps were full of indecision, but there was now one greater goal. I would persevere, no matter how hard it was, until freedom finally arrived.
At least, that was the last hope I had. Since there was no one who thought like Zerg in this base, at least that I knew, maybe only Zerg could help me get out of here. Maybe.