Page 41 of Maar's Girl

"Well?" I ask, impatience getting the better of me.

Dr. Zhen looks up, a small smile playing on her lips. "Congratulations, Alyssa. You're pregnant."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I blink, sure I've misheard. "I'm... what?"

"Pregnant," she repeats, turning the scanner so I can see the results. "About six weeks along, by the looks of it."

My mind reels. Pregnant? How is that even possible? Maar and I have been careful... haven't we?

"But... but..." I stammer, trying to process this bombshell. "We used protection. And Maar's Vakutan. I didn't think we were compatible..."

Dr. Zhen shrugs. "Inter-species pregnancies are common. Especially with Vakutans. Their genetic structure is remarkably adaptable."

I slump back on the table, my head spinning. A baby. Maar's baby. Our baby.

"Oh, fuck," I whisper, the reality of our situation crashing down on me. We're fugitives, living under false identities on a planet where danger lurks around every corner. How the hell are we supposed to raise a child?

Dr. Zhen misinterprets my reaction. "I know it's a shock, but you have options. We can discuss-"

"No," I cut her off, surprising myself with the vehemence in my voice. "No, I... I want this baby."

“You’ll need the max dose of prenatals to counteract any toxins…” she begins.

“I’ll do whatever to save the baby,” I say.

The words feel right as soon as they leave my mouth. Despite everything, despite the danger and uncertainty, I want this child. Our child.

I just don't know how I'll protect it.

CHAPTER 27

MAAR

Ishould tell Alyssa about the IHC. That we're in danger.

That's all I can think of as I sit at dinner with Alyssa.

"Would you like some wine?" I ask.

"No thank you," she says a little too quickly.

I watch Alyssa push her food around the plate, barely taking a bite. The tension radiates off her in waves, making the air between us thick and heavy.

"The Kiphian scallops here are excellent," I say, trying to break the silence. "Want to try one?"

Alyssa shakes her head, her eyes fixed on her untouched meal. "I'm not very hungry."

I lean back, studying her face. There's something off, something she's not telling me. "Everything alright?"

She nods, a little too quickly. "Fine. Just tired."

I don't buy it for a second, but I know better than to push. Instead, I try a different tack. "Did you hear about the new act they're bringing in next week? Supposed to be some kind of mind-reading duo from Centauri Prime."

"Mmm," Alyssa mumbles, clearly not listening.

I sigh, setting down my fork. "Alyssa, what's going on? You've barely said two words all night."

She looks up, her eyes meeting mine for the first time this evening. There's a flash of... something. Fear? Guilt? Before I can place it, she winces, her hand going to her stomach.

---