Jiang Zhi's eyes were filled both guilt anticipation.
If Zhi during mission, he would become about having relationship him. needed about me obey me.
Ruan had someone deliver soup she made. Now she was pregnant woman left in base, protection. This meant people around me.
My was indeed good. half month rest, had recovered. couldn't show it every day pretended be bedridden.
Half month later, Zhi obtained access privileges. Hand in hand, evaded arrived white building under The place looked different from previous visits weeds had been cleared, staff were busy inside. It seemed previous earthquake accidental.
As pondered how enter, Zhi me into corner. Passersby discussed work matters: 'It's been month news from Major Shen.' from such distance isn't If they encounter horde, complete annihilation is possible.' 'Why would higher-ups restart machine?' heard they detected energy fluctuations months ago.'
Six months ago was exactly when Ruan traveled through time.
After they left, Zhi still release me. Our bodies pressed man's forehead glistening sweat. He kissed me turned 'Not here, someone might He withdrew, breathing heavily. sensed he was different from Zhi, less bound rules. If got might not be able handle
13
I finally saw machine. Towering solemn, like an ancient beast. Before felt ant-like. Touching its surface, seemed feel clamor original world. Whether illusion reality, place might connect original world.
Jiang Zhi impossible, believing machine was just spiritual placebo. tell came from another spacetime. prayed Zhi would return
Back quarters, climbed over wall, searchlights illuminated us. I'd security officers were too for absence go unnoticed long. So used Zhi. tenderly, made everyone think I'd taken lover out loneliness. As gene match, Zhi's fate unknown, base union. mild reprimands, matter was closed.
Ruan often appeared in sight, her belly now swollen. Everyone pampered her like wealthy matriarch from TV dramas, even having aides feed her water. Sometimes eyes met through glass former confidants now silence.
Another month passed news Zhi's team. The base declared them preparing team. My arrangement Zhi was scheduled.
Staring mirror reflection human treated like livestock plotted delay this. elder stormed in entourage. Zhi saluted, ignored. The elder grabbed hair: 'You aborted that child
They'd analyzed embryo in labs, finding drug traces. meant deny but his words triggered defiance: 'No reason refuse.' 'So you'd abort again?' 'If world still treats me stock, yes.'
His slap made spin. 'You owe he Zhi stood stunned in his crisp uniform. Ruan stepped forward, then retreated.
They me through streets Men lining roads cursed me for 'exploiting resources' motherhood,' demanding be imprisoned below tower repayment. body's kept me in tower's top lab darkening windows plunging me into blackness.
Following Xiao became an experiment. They drew for research. unlike her hunger strike, ate every corn kernel provided.
