The Microbrew Pt. 02

"Maybe we were trying too hard. My mom always told me when you try too hard, things don't always work out."

"Your mom is a smart lady."

"Yeah, I really miss her."

"Would you like to see her again? Would that make you happy?"

"How? We left Earth so long ago."

"If I could make it happen, would it make you happy?"

"Yes! It would make me very happy."

Zylen wrapped his arms around me and kissed my head. "Then you will see them before you meet my family."

"Seriously?"

"Seriously."

I almost couldn't sleep. The thought of seeing my family again brought forth a joy that I hadn't experienced since our lunch date. It seemed that Zylen couldn't sleep either so we made love without the mind connection. We each achieved an orgasm, then drifted off to sleep. The next day we met for lunch in our room and instead of seducing me, he handed me a tablet. On the screen were my parents' faces.

"Mom! Dad!"

"Hello Phoebe!" exclaimed Mom.

"Hey Princess! How's married life?" asked Dad.

I looked up at Zylen, and smiled. "Thank you," I mouthed to him.

"You're welcome," he mouthed back as he prepared our meal.

We chatted for my entire lunch break. It was hard to not start crying near the end, but Zylen assured me this would not be our last chat. Seeing my parents again was something I never expected. I didn't mention our failed attempt at getting me pregnant, instead I just shared how happy I was, that I liked my new life, my new job, and some of the friends I had made.

My parents shared the normal daily business, and how my missing person case had closed. It turned out my coworkers got worried when they couldn't get ahold of me, they contacted the police. Mom and Dad told the police I wasn't missing, I had moved away with my new husband to a remote place and I was fine.

When our chat ended, and my screen went black, I burst into tears. Zylen wrapped his arms around me, kissing my head and telling me that it was all fine. He assured me this wouldn't be our last chat, but it couldn't happen too often for fear of my government picking up on the transmission and putting my parents at risk. I had no problem with that, just knowing I could talk with and see my parents from time to time was a blessing to me.

The remainder of the journey was uneventful. We resumed our normal lovemaking and decided to wait a bit longer before really trying again. Arti and I were working like crazy with the pending landing and Vlad kept us all hopping, even Zylen. The crew had to be healthy when they landed or we would all end up quarantined, which no one wanted.

Vlad called me in for one last meeting. I sat nervously in his office and waited. Luckily, I didn't have to wait long.

"Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice, Phoebe," he said as he flew into his office.

"You're welcome," I squeaked out. I was nervous about what he wanted to tell me, especially after out last meeting.

"Phoebe, have I ever told you about my mate?" he asked as he sat down.

I looked up at him. "No sir."

He handed me a tablet where I saw a picture of a tall, green-skinned woman with emerald green eyes, and long, curly black hair. "Her name was Nia. She was beautiful beyond words and gave me two amazing children."

I bit my lip. I could tell this story wasn't going to have a happy ending. "What happened to her?"

"As much as we have worked to extend our lives and improve the quality, accidents still happen. Nia was killed in a freak accident that killed several others as well, including my own sister. I was devastated to lose two people so close to me at once. To be honest, I only survived thanks to my children. Even now, they won't let me leave the planet without one or the other on the ship with me."

"So, your children are part of your crew?" I asked as I handed the tablet back to him.

Vlad smiled. "The fact that you didn't know tells me I'm doing much better. Yes, my daughter is part of the crew. If she finds her mate, then my son might take her place. He's with his mate now as she is carrying their first child."

"How exciting!" I exclaimed.

"Yes, I'm looking forward to seeing my family grow."

"But aren't you worried that at some point neither of your children will be able to join you?"

"No. I'm looking forward to that day, actually. Just as I am looking forward to the news that you and Zylen will be expecting your own blessing."

I sighed and bit my lip. "That news might not come as soon as we hoped."

"Oh?"

I blushed hard. "We sort of didn't have a successful mating like we had hoped."

"I see," said Vlad. He paused for a moment, then continued, "Would it make you feel any better if I said Nia and I were nearly separated because I couldn't seem to do the same with her?"

"Really?"

"Really. Nia's family didn't care for me. Being a pilot and working assignments that take me away from the planet meant taking Nia away from them. Don't get me wrong, they loved her deeply and only wanted what was best for her. Her death... hurt us all."

"I understand that. Leaving my parents to come here hurt us all as well."

"I know. It's why I make your chat possible."

"You?"

"Zylen told me you were sad, though not the reason for your sadness, and said you needed something to help you feel better. When he told me what he wanted, I had to make it happen. I know what I would give to see and speak with Nia just once more."

A tear escaped my eye before I could stop it. I wiped it away quickly then said, "Thank you."

Vlad smiled, then said, "Now, when we land, it is very possible that you and Zylen will be separated as we depart by stations. Medical is one of the last to depart so I want you to stay with Arti until either Zylen or Zyana collect you. Arti knows the drill and I know she'll make sure you're all right."

"Okay. Is there anything else I need to know?"

"Just listen to Arti. Check your messages as you and Arti have a lot of reports to finish up and the clock is ticking."

I giggled. Vlad had worked hard to learn Earth idioms and loved that I was one of the few on the ship who understood and appreciated them. "Aye, aye, Captain!" I gave a mock salute and left.

Vlad wasn't kidding, Arti and I were up to our eyeballs in reports that had to be completed before we landed. Zylen and I hardly saw each other during this, but we still found ways to keep things fun. I would leave little notes for him telling him how much I loved him, and he would little gifts and surprises for me in our room. One in particular was a small broach that I could wear on my uniform. It was a small flower, like a pink rose. Arti loved it and told me the flower was called Culus, and is one that grows wild on their planet. I nearly cried. I was very excited and couldn't wait to see my new planet.

The landing went smoothly and soon it was time to see my new world. Arti was so excited to escort me off the ship. Zylen and Zyana were still finishing up when we headed off. I wasn't worried as I knew Arti would show me around. We headed out and walked into a large hangar or bay. I was disappointed because I was hoping we'd head right outside, but I figured it was like going to an airport where you go from the plane to the terminal.

All around, I saw so many people working. It was now that I realized how short I was compared to most of these people. Arti led me through the bay and into a well-lit hallway. People or creatures walked pass us, a few looked our way, but most just kept moving on. In fact, they tended to swing wide as they passed us. I didn't think much of it at the time, but maybe I should have.

Two very large creatures blocked our path. Both had to be over seven feet tall. The taller one had forest green skin and thick black hair. The shorter one's skin was a shade or two lighter, with longer, black hair. Both appeared to be very muscular and I got a real bad vibe from them. To be honest, I was very nervous to the point of being scared. If this had been Earth, I would have described them as thugs.

The taller of the two thugs said in a deep voice, "You two need to come with us."

"Why?" asked Arti.

"We have our orders," said thug two, whose voice wasn't deep.

"From who?" questioned Arti. Her tone was harsh and it told me things were not going as planned.

"We can do this the easy way or the hard way, it's up to you," thug one said. My nervousness had now become pure fear when he put his hand on my arm.

Arti shoved thug one away from me, and screamed, "Run Phoebe! Run!"

I didn't hesitate, but started running. I had no idea where I was going, but I was hoping I could find a place to hide. Unfortunately, a third creature appeared from out of nowhere and I slammed full force into him, knocking me to the floor. I tried to scramble to my feet, but I was flipped onto my stomach and handcuffed. Creature number three picked me up like I was a rag doll, and I saw Arti was cuffed and between thug one and thug two.

"Sorry," Arti mouthed.

"Take them," growled thug one.

Both Arti and I tried to resist but it was futile. They marched us off like a pair of common criminals and I had no idea why. Terror and fear filled my mind and soul. I knew something was terribly wrong, though I didn't know why.

"What's going on?" I asked.

Thug two chuckled a bit, then said, "Silence. You're in enough trouble as it is."

"But why are you doing this?" I asked.

"Shhh," whispered Arti, "just do what they say."

"You should listen to your friend," said the third thug.

I looked at Arti. I could see the fear in her eyes. "Stay calm," she mouthed to me.

I nodded my understanding, though staying calm was really difficult. I was scared shitless. We were put into separate vehicles, Thug Three sat next to me and Thug One drove. I could only guess that Thug Two was with Arti. I was taken to a strange building, but try as I might, I couldn't see any sign of Arti. I had no idea where Thug Two had taken her or if she was all right.

They took me to a small room with only one door, my wrists still cuffed from behind, and left alone. There was no visible furniture so I paced around the room, hoping to find an escape, but there was none. I wondered if Zylen knew what had happened. I worried about Arti because she was probably in as much danger as I was, if not more.

I'm not sure how long I was in there before an older man walked in. I didn't like his vibe either. He was holding a tablet in his hands. There was something about him that didn't sit right with me, and something eerily familiar.

Like every other creature I had met, he was tall, green skinned like Zylen, but with dark, cold eyes. His hair was more salt and pepper and his face was wrinkled from years of work and worry. He touched the tablet and a table with two chairs rose up from the floor. I jumped back into a corner as best as I could. Another touch and my handcuffs fell off. I stretched my arms and rubbed my wrists trying to ease the pain.

"I understand you speak our language," he said.

"It would seem that way," I replied.

"Sit. Let's talk."

I watched him sit down in the chair that faced away from the door, and after a moment or twelve, I sat across from him. "What this all about?"

"I'm Uri," he said. "Do you have a name, creature?"

"Phoebe."

"Phoe-be?"

"Yes."

"Do you know why you are here, Phoe-be?"

I didn't like the way he said my name or the way he made me feel. "No, I don't. Why don't you tell me?" I snapped.

His smile was terrifying. "You are here because you are not one of us."

"Well, yeah, technically."

"Where are you from?"

"I lived in a small town call Beaumont for many years before moving."

Uri didn't look pleased. "What planet, Phoe-be?"

"Oh, we call it Earth."

Uri typed into the tablet. "And, who did you steal that uniform from?"

"Excuse me?"

"Who did you steal that uniform from? Did you kill them or just incapacitate them?"

I couldn't believe my ears. "I neither stole this nor hurt anyone. I was given this uniform from Vlad, I think." Truth be told, I wasn't exactly sure who issued my uniform, but I figured Vlad's name carried more weight than anyone else's.

"Who?"

"Vlad, the ship's commanding officer."

"There is no Vlad."

It took me a moment to remember that was what I called him because I couldn't say his real name. "Okay, I know that isn't exactly his name, but I know it's close. I can't make all the sounds your people can."

"You need to tell me the truth or you will be severely punished."

"I am!" I yelled. "Why don't you quit being so fucking cryptic and tell me what the hell is going on here?"

"It is a crime to steal from members of our ships."

"I didn't steal anything. And where is Arti?"

"Who?"

"Arti. The woman who was arrested with me."

Uri cocked his head to one side. I could tell that my phrasing was not what he was familiar with. "If I were you, I'd worry about my own self."

"Where is Arti?"

Uri stood up. "We'll talk again when you've had time to think about your lies."

"I'm not lying!"

Uri left the room and the table and chairs went back into the floor. At least the handcuffs were off and gone. I beat and kicked on the door for a few minutes, screaming some choice obscenities. When that didn't work, I started checking the floor but I couldn't find any holes or indication that there was any openings. Damn their technology, I thought. I sat in the corner opposite the door, and cried. I started to worry about Arti, Zylen, and Zyana, and wondered what would happen to me.

The door opened again and Vlad walked in. I almost couldn't believe my eyes. "Vlad?"

"Come Phoebe, we are leaving this place." His voice was stern, with a hint of anger.

I scrambled to my feet quickly dashed to the door, hugging Vlad. I didn't care how inappropriate it might have been, I was just so happy to see anyone from the ship, especially him.

"Thank you," I sobbed.

"Enough!" he growled. "You will walk out of here like a member of my crew. Stop this foolish crying, immediately."

I straighten myself up, wiped my face with my hands and said, "Yes sir."

"We well talk when we get to the vehicle. My daughter is waiting. You will not speak or engage with anyone no matter what they say or do. Is that clear?"

"Is Zylen all right?"

"Is that clear, Phoebe?" he roared.

"Yes sir," I squeaked.

Vlad walked out and I followed like a lost puppy. I could feel the eyes of the thug squad on me as we left. I heard one say, "You'll be back, alien."

"This isn't over yet," said another.

Per Vlad's orders, I kept my mouth shut. Though to be honest, I was too scared to talk. He led me out of the building and it was my first chance to see the outside world. There were lots of tall building along the street. The sky was a darker shade of blue than Earth's, and the vehicles looked like floating cars, but different. Vlad opened a door and motioned for me to enter. I climbed in and saw Arti.

"Phoebe!" she exclaimed.

I quickly wrapped my arms around her in a big hug as Vlad climbed in and we left. "Are you all right?" I asked.

"I'm fine," she said. "I'm just sorry."

"For what?" I asked.

Vlad turned his seat toward us and said, "She knew this could happened. It's why she was assigned to be with you."

"Wait, Arti is your daughter?"

"She is indeed. And she was told to get you to the meeting place."

"I tried Father," she said. "They were waiting for us."

"Arti's right. It was almost like an ambush," I said. "And who's driving this thing?"

"Auto-pilot," said Vlad. "And I can see my efforts to inform them you were coming either backfired or was used for this purpose. I am not sure."

"What about Zylen and Zyana? Are they hurt?" I asked.

"They are fine. Zylen is a bit upset you were taken into custody, but that's why I went for you instead of him. Plus, I knew they wouldn't release Arti to him."

"Father does have a point. Zylen could have freed you, but not both of us," said Arti.

The vehicle turned and slowed. "We have arrived."

Vlad's chair spun back around and he parked the vehicle. The back door opened and Arti and I stepped out. Vlad led us into a building and to an elevator. A moment later we were out of the elevator and walked down a long hallway. Vlad stopped at one door, put his hand on a black plate, and the door slid open. I saw Zyana standing there.

"Phoebe!" she exclaimed, rushed up, and hugged me tight.

Once she released me, we walked in as Zylen stepped into the room. His face screamed the worry he had been feeling during my disappearance.

"Zylen!" I exclaimed, and rushed into his arms.

"Have you been harmed?" he asked, holding me tight.

"No," I whispered.

"What the hell happened?" snapped Zylen, as he held me at arm's length. Never had I seen him so angry.

"We got arrested," I said.

"They knew we were coming," said Arti. "We were stopped and when we resisted, they took us by force."

"Arti tried to distract them so I could escape, but a third one blocked my path, knocked me to the floor, and put handcuffs on me."

Zylen grabbed my arm and saw the red marks on my writs. Rage filled his eyes. "My mate, in handcuffs?" he growled.

Arti held up her arm to show hers as well, and said, "They separated us so I couldn't protect Phoebe. Zylen, I'm so sorry!"

"It's not your fault Arti," said Zylen. "Are you hurt?"

"No," said Arti. "I was just worried about Phoebe."

"We need to take our leave now," said Vlad. "I will notify you when we are ready to depart. You know the rules Zylen."

"Yes sir," said Zylen.

"Phoebe," said Vlad, "take care and good luck tonight."

"Thanks," I said. "And thanks for rescuing me... I mean... us."

"Hopefully it won't be needed again," Vlad said, then he and Arti left.

Zyana stepped up and said, "We need to start getting ready, and I'm sure Phoebe would like to bathe."

Zylen leaned down and kissed me softly on the lips, then said, "Yes, I think you are correct. Do you need anything my love?"

I sighed. "I just want to put this incident behind me."

"I agree," said Zylen.

"Come on Phoebe," said Zyana, "let's get you ready for tonight."

Zyana let me to the bathroom and once I understood how to work the tub, she left me alone. A soak in a hot tub did help me relax and put my stressful morning behind me. Once I was clean, and relaxed, I got dressed. I slipped on the black halter top dress with blue handkerchief skirt that I wore the night Zylen and I first met. I added my beautiful broach and pinned it over my heart. Once my hair was styled and my makeup was applied I stepped out. Zylen and Zyana were both dressed very smartly in their dress uniforms.

"You look amazing, Phoebe," said Zylen.

"You look pretty fine yourself," I said.

Zylen took both my wrists into his hands. I felt a warmth flow from his hands into my body, with extra heat in my wrists where the marks from the handcuffs had been. The sensation was so comforting and loving. I felt my body relax all over and thought he was trying to ease my fears. Then he removed his hands and I saw the red marks were gone.

"What the?" I asked.

"I hope you don't mind I did that," he said, smiling.

"Not in the least," I said.

"Are you two finished?" asked Zyana. "I'd like to get going."

Zylen took my hand and we left. The journey I had been both looking forward to, and dreading for some time now went quickly and quietly. We arrived at a large home with beautiful pink and red Culus flowers filling the yard, and large tinted windows. Zylen placed his hand on the black plate like the one outside the apartment. There was a pause, then the door opened. An older woman was standing there before us. She was tall, with green skin, blue eyes, and gray hair.

"Zylen!" she exclaimed hugging him first. "Zyana!" Hugging her.