Destination: Nilara [IICL, Ep 1.]
Destination: Nilara [IICL, Ep 1.]
An Interstellar Industries Cruise Line Experience
The Interstellar Industries Cruise Lines travel to all the most luxurious planetary ports in the galaxy. Below decks and behind doors, though, it is not always the shining jewel the advertising would have you believe. Click here to read more or start from the beginning.
Traveler Planet of Origin and Language: Earth, English.
Greetings, Travelers. I am Widget, your AI Travel Assistant from Interstellar Industries. I’m here to help make sure “the fun goes from star to star, just like you are!” Welcome to planet [Nilara] in the [Enia] system. This destination has been a part of our premium itineraries for some time and is now open to all travelers. The [Nilax] people are happy to show you their fascinating home world, and invite you to explore the natural wilderness, relax in their unique hallucinogenic spas, or partake in their rich culture. We’d like to remind you that we are offering bonus travel points for giving feedback on all of your excursions to this beautiful Interstellar Industries Destination Partner.
A request for commerce follows.
Come see the shining jewel of Nilara: the Singing Crystal Caves of Bandizor! The Bandizorian crystals glisten around the cave, sparkling in rhythm to the harmonizing tones that emanate naturally from these ancient natural constructions. Each crystal takes centuries to grow to a size capable of producing audible harmonics. Together, the numerous singing crystals in the Bandizor Caves create a concert to be found nowhere else in the galaxy. Truly, an experience not to be missed on any trip to Nilara. We accept Nilaxian Currency Beads and Galactic Credits. Tell your Travel Assistant you want to see (and hear) the Singing Crystal Caves of Bandizor!
As you settle into your suite, a tray of Nilaxian fruit has been laid out for you to enjoy. Tips are not included in your Interstellar Industries travel plan and are always appreciated by the local population for their services.
“Hello, Widget. I’m James Watkins, from Earth, Western Hemisphere. Guess we’ll be doing the whole feedback thing for the bonus points. I’ve got to tell you, the whole family has really been looking forward to this vacation. We’ve saved for a long time to get all the way out here, and we can’t wait to check it all out. The flight here was a little long, the stars were pretty, food was tasty. Our son Cadence would hardly eat any of it, but that’s just him being picky, it isn’t the cook’s fault. We had a storm on day 3. I know that isn’t your fault, exactly, but you’d think they could have flown around it or something.”
“The Spaceport was decent. A little old, a little crowded. Guess they didn’t build it for the number of folks using it these days. Might want to think of remodeling that or something. As much as these trips cost, people shouldn’t have to feel like cattle in a stampede. The luggage service was nice, though. Not sure how much to tip those yellow fellas with the extra arms. We’re used to Earth currency, but they don’t seem to use that out here. Do you tip for every arm, or just per, uhm, being? The fruit was a nice thought, but it don’t smell like anything I’m used to, so I’m not sure if it’s good for us to eat or not. Thanks.”
“Those Crystal Caves sound interesting. Sign us up for that, will you? And what time is dinner here? I’m starving.”
Good morning, or as the Nilax say, ‘May the star shine warmly upon you’. Modern Nilax say simply ‘star shine’ for short. Morning meal foods are available in the dining room. Nilax do not sit down to eat their morning meal. Traditionally, it is food that can be eaten on the go, as it were, getting the day started. You’ll want to be getting on with your day, too, as you have exciting adventures planned.
Today, you’ve chosen to focus on the natural world of Nilara by visiting the Singing Crystal Caves and a Wild Safari Guided Tour in the Mazhakin Jungle. Your Crystal Caves appointment is at one-quarter, local time, and your Safari appointment is at half-day, local time, and includes a traveling lunch on broganda back.
The following is a request for commerce.
While visiting Nilara, join us for a traditional Nilaxian Mating Ritual! Participants are dressed in ritual garb, and you will hear classic Nilaxian music and see dances that have been passed down through centuries. This is the traditional ceremony for the joining of Nilax lovers. A romantic addition to your relaxing getaway to Nilara!
Don’t forget to log your feedback after your day’s adventures for bonus travel points.
“This is Martha Watkins. James is lying down; that ride on the broganda creature made him sick. Or maybe it was the fruit. I hope he didn’t get bitten by some local mosquito or something. Well, I must say, the Singing Crystal Caves were a bit of a disappointment. There were hardly any crystals there at all. Lots of broken stumps so I guess there used to be a lot more. Real shame. There were some pretty ones, though. I don’t know that you’d call it singing, really, more like a low hum. Maybe if there were more of them, it would be better. We did manage to find a decent sized one for a souvenir, though, so that’s nice. I know just where to put it back home. “
“The Wild Safari was a nice idea, but most of the animals just ran or hid from us! I finally managed to corner a cute monkey-looking thing with long ears for a picture with me, but it really didn’t seem to like being picked up. It’s a good picture, though. I’ve already posted it to my travel blog. We were starving by the time lunch was served. That on-the-go excuse for breakfast is not for me. I’m taking extra tomorrow, even if I don’t get to sit down and eat it. Trying to eat on the gyrating back of that big riding creature, however, was a disaster! Rolling back and forth on six legs. A picnic that was not. Maybe you should build some picnic tables instead. Or some nice air conditioned trolleys. The broganda kind of smelled like an animal,if you know what I mean.”
Star shine, Watkins Family. Today is a day among the locals. You have a tour of historic temples, ancient Nilaxian ruins, and a Ritual Mating Ceremony on your agenda. The ceremony is completely authentic and not adjusted for cultural or maturity differences.
Please note that it is against intergalactic law to remove natural artifacts or cultural relics from a native planet unless purchased in a reputable gift shop.
We understand that native customs can be different than what you are used to, and that the adjustment can be difficult for some. There are tables on the veranda if you would prefer to eat your morning meal sitting down. There are also foreign dining options a few hundred steps from the resort, but they are not included in your Interstellar Industries travel plan.
Stand by for a request for commerce.
Get your official Nilaxian souvenirs at the spectacular Bazaar of Northern Bandizor! Trinkets of memory, traditional Nilaxian garments, branded outfits, unique collectibles. Traders are ready to consider your value, and ALL currencies are welcome! (Foreign exchange rates negotiable.) Ask your Travel Assistant for easy transport to the Bazaar of Northern Bandizor!
“This is Cadence. My parents are getting drinks. They said they needed them after today. I guess it made them thirsty. Most of it made me bored. The ruins were just big rocks and boring old shacks. They didn’t even have electricity or anything. The temples were even worse. They had electricity, but there was nothing to do there. Everyone was just standing around talking. The only really interesting thing today was the mating ritual. That was the best thing on this planet! You should have those every day!”
“CADENCE! Get away from Widget, and I don’t want to hear another word from you about that ritual. Go get ready for the pool. Your father is going to take you swimming.”
“I am?”
“Yes, you are. Go on, take him to the pool so I can give Widget today’s report.”
“Alright, Widget, you can delete whatever Cadence told you; he’s not an adult, so it wasn’t an official report. The ruins were fine. It would be better if they were in the middle of the city, instead of way out there on the mountain slope, but I guess you can’t move them very easily. As expected, let’s say. The temple was very interesting. We learned a lot about Nilax culture and history and stuff.”
“That ritual, however. You need a warning on that! First of all, there were three people getting married? I don’t understand that. Apparently, they’ve got three different types of Nilaxans. There’s boys, and girls, and something else; I don’t get it, and I already know more than I was planning to! We don’t consummate the marriage at the ceremony on Earth. I had to cover Cadence’s eyes, though I couldn’t hold on to him for long. And James wasn’t exactly much help. He was almost as bad as our boy. I have to admit, the dancing was interesting, though. Never seen three-person dancing like that. And the costumes were gorgeous. All those metallic feathers they wore really caught the sunlight. I bought a dress for myself just like it from the Bazaar. I could have spent the whole day shopping there.”
“Widget, this is James. We’re all packed and ready to go. Thanks for all the help. We’re leaving a few Earth bills on the table. It’s all I had left by the time Martha left the Bazaar. Never heard of the bargaining starting with the customers! “What value do I place on this,” indeed. Might as well have said, how much are you willing to lose at this table. Anyways, final rating is 3 out of 5 stars for us. It’s a nice enough place, but didn’t quite live up to the marketing, in our opinion. I did finally try that Nilax fruit, by the way. It was actually delicious. I picked up some extra from the buffet and stashed them in my suitcase.”
Thank you for your feedback on planet [Nilara]. Your rating will be added to the galactic average and their compensation for your visit will be adjusted accordingly. Enjoy your trip home with Interstellar Industries. Your bonus travel points will be credited to your account shortly.
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