The Neptune Archipelago Getaway

“Kara!” The paparazzi called out. “Look over here!”

Kara Byrd stepped out of the backseat of an Escalade, her bodyguard pushing past the hounding paparazzi. Bright flashes from cameras blinded her, creating a sea of lights and people. She loved making movies but hated the attention that came with it.

Just when she thought she was in the clear, it seemed like even more paparazzi had started to swarm her. The questions she knew she couldn’t avoid began to fly out of several entertainment reporters’ mouths.

“Did Jace Hansel cheat on you with Gwen Lauren?” one reporter asked.

“Were you already seeing Trevor Destin when filming December Sweets?” another questioned.

Kara did her best to remain silent, keeping her hand in front of her face. Eventually, they reached the front entrance, where her manager and doorman ushered her into the lobby. Eleanor, her manager, didn’t waste any time and quickly brought up the news that had been circulating over the past two days.

“It’s all over the entertainment sites, Kara,” Eleanor said, shoving an iPad in Kara’s face.” Jace didn’t hesitate to throw you under the bus during his interview with Stars and Gossip Magazine.”

Kara leaned against the wall of the elevator they had entered and sighed, “Of course he did. He didn’t want to be blamed for ruining our five-year relationship, so he spun it that I was hitting on Trevor while filming last year, and he decided to go out with Gwen while they filmed the third season of, We Supers.”

“I told you we should have done damage control as soon as you got back from your sister’s wedding.”

“Would it have made a difference?” Kara asked as she peeked at Eleanor. “I’m still being blamed for egging Simon Bonder’s car after he dropped me from his movie, Net Games, three years ago.”

Eleanor crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. “You did egg his car, which cost us fifteen thousand dollars in damages.”

“Yes, because it was unfair. He said I was drunk and belligerent on set, and I never once drank while working.”

“Well, you sure went about it the right way,” she said sarcastically.

“I was angry.” Kara shrugged. “Can’t believe they sent me to rehab over that too.”

The elevator doors opened, revealing Kara’s elegant penthouse suite. She stepped inside without hesitation, throwing her small black handbag onto the leather couch. She sank into the suede armchair, closing her eyes and tilting her head back in relaxation.

Eleanor paced in front of her and said, “Maybe this will all blow over. I’m sure another celebrity will have some breaking news that will take the attention away from this firestorm.”

“I’m not worried about it,” Kara explained.

“Not worried? You haven’t been able to book a new project since you finished filming and promoting December Sweets.”

“It’s a small dry spell. And not my first either.”

Eleanor groaned. “I know you had trouble booking in the past, especially after the egg incident, but you know it’s getting harder in this line of work. The casting agents are looking for the younger up-and-comers, not someone who’s been in the biz for almost a decade now and with past problems.”

Kara shrugged as she opened her eyes, staring at the white ceiling above. “That’s fine. Maybe I need a break anyway.”

“A break!” Eleanor squeaked in confusion, but her face soon turned into one of thought. “A break? Hmm… That could work.”

“You’re fine with this?” Kara asked as she sat up, raising an eyebrow at her manager.

“I am.” Eleanor nodded her head. “You get some rest. We let this story blow over, do some damage control, and hopefully get you back on track in the next month or so.”

“Where should I go?”

“No idea. Bora Bora, Antigua, Italy, anywhere. Just take your pick.” Eleanor whipped out her phone from her jacket pocket and said, “I’m going to make some phone calls and you let me know your travel plans when you got them.”

“I’ll let you know soon.”

Eleanor gave her a thumbs-up before heading back to the elevator. Kara then stood from her armchair and plopped down haphazardly on her couch. She kicked her purse off the couch and reached for the remote on her glass coffee table. She clicked the power button and started channel surfing.

A commercial caught her eye, so she turned up the volume to listen with interest. “Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime! Our intergalactic paradise getaway provides the perfect opportunity to explore the galaxies, take in breathtaking sights, and make memories that will last a lifetime. From the beautiful beaches of the Neptune Archipelago to the majestic mountains of the Andromeda System, our getaway provides an unforgettable experience. So don’t wait - book your intergalactic paradise vacation getaway with Zero-Gravity Vacations today!”

Kara quickly jotted down the website and phone number displayed on the screen. Before calling the hotline to Zero-Gravity Vacations, she decided to explore the website to see if this new space exploration was up her alley. She swiped through the promotional pictures of vibrant and unusual space plants, neon seafoam green water, and the gorgeous planets and stars surrounding the area. Kara checked the prices, noticing it was around one hundred and fifty thousand dollars for a five-day, four-night stay at one of the three resorts. They had three resorts to book for whatever travel needs may be: Space Jungle Resort, which was in a more rainforest-type area; Rocky Asteroid Ridge, which catered toward people who like mountains and climbing; and Intergalactic Oasis, which was much more her speed—an ocean resort with alien-like tiki bars and infinity pools.

She pondered the idea of going to a space resort instead of somewhere on Earth, like Bora Bora or Fiji, but the prospect of something new and exciting was too tempting to pass up. People had been striving to explore outer space for years, and in 2035 they finally succeeded. Why not take advantage of such a historical opportunity?

Kara dialed the number and was quickly connected to a booking agent. Thirty minutes later, she had a full overview of the resort, complimentary items, and excursions. She was booked for the following week at Intergalactic Oasis. Kara was understandably nervous, but also very excited to experience this unique vacation.

***

Kara was waiting at the designated space station that Zero-Gravity Vacations would depart from. Eleanor was with her, voicing her worries. “Are you sure you want to do this? This is still fairly new.”

“It’s already booked,” Kara said as she shrugged her shoulders. “They haven’t lost anyone yet and all the reviews seem positive so far.”

“I don’t know about this, Kara. Anything could happen. Space pirates, weird space storms, diseases, intergalactic war.”

“That can happen on Earth too.”

Eleanor sighed. “I guess you’re right. But be careful out there.”

Kara nodded and reassured her manager, “I will. I’ll probably be lounging by the pool most of the time anyway.”

“Now you’re just making me jealous,” she snickered.

“You can always come with me if you want.”

“Oh, no. I prefer to stay here on the ground, and not thousands of lightyears up in space, traveling through the galaxy.”

“Fair enough.” Kara embraced Eleanor in a hug and said, “Thanks for being such an amazing manager and friend over the last thirteen years.”

“You’re welcome.” Eleanor patted her back as they embraced. “Have fun and I promise I’ll have everything straightened out by the time you come home.”

“I do not doubt that. You’ve always been good at sprucing up my image.”

The intercom crackled to life from above and a woman’s voice announced, “We are now boarding the J Space Shuttle to the Neptune Archipelago. Please have your tickets ready. Have a fun and safe trip!”

Once the announcement was finished, Eleanor and Kara said their farewells before Kara boarded the space shuttle. It was much more cramped than some of the airplanes she had been on. There were five seats in a single row on either side of the shuttle, with only about ten inches of legroom. Kara was the first to board and was helped by a friendly stewardess who fastened her seatbelt before attending to the next passenger.

The captain came on the loudspeaker once everyone was securely fastened in their seats. “We’ll be taking off soon. You may feel a slight sway and looseness in your body once we reach the stratosphere, but you’ll get used to it quickly. Enjoy your trip.”

It didn’t take long for the spaceship to blast off into the atmosphere. The passengers were jolted around before they reached the smooth area of the stratosphere, where the spaceship leveled out. As they drifted through space, Kara gazed out the circular window beside her seat. The darkness of space was mesmerizing, with millions of stars, the moon, asteroids, comets, and the sun spread across the galaxy. Kara was in awe; this was something she’d only ever read about or seen in sci-fi movies. Kara never imagined she’d experience this for herself, and the trip had only just begun.

***

The spaceship finally touched down on Neptune Archipelago. As the group disembarked, they were all given a special gray helmet that would adjust to any head size and were instructed on basic space rules. They were all led to the baggage claim area, where they collected their suitcases and departed to their respective hotels in space buggies that seated four people plus the driver.

Kara got stuck with a family of three, whose son played with a toy astronaut for the majority of the ride. She was thankful that they kept to themselves and didn’t recognize her, so she could start her relaxation without being bothered. They arrived at the resort, a circular base camp about three stories high, surrounded by overgrown plants, tire-sized hibiscus flowers, and tiny fluorescent blue mushrooms. The unique plant life on this planet was exquisite and beyond her imagination, yet a little terrifying, since they were brighter and larger than the plants back on Earth.

Kara went inside and was greeted by a lavender-colored woman with her pink hair tied into a bun. She wore a skintight white leather space suit with the name tag “Kippa” lasered on it. Kippa gave Kara a wide grin and said, “Hi, I’m Kippa. I’ll be your concierge throughout your stay. May I check you in, miss?”

Kippa pulled out a holographic tablet and began typing on it as she waited for Kara to respond. Kara was taken aback by her first encounter with an alien species and the technology they had. She kept her composure, using her acting skills, and said, “My name is Kara Byrd. I’m here for a five-day, four-night stay.”

Kippa nodded as she continued tapping away on the holographic screen. “Oh, I see your reservation, Ms. Byrd. Your room is all ready for your stay and we have you booked for all your complimentary activities.” She frowned. “Except one. We had to switch it out for another activity.”

“Which one?” Kara asked.

“Your Tuesday activity. It was supposed to be sculpting with our artist, Flora, but she recently went into labor. Her third.”

“Well, that’s fine. What activity will I be doing now?”

“Most activities that are usually scheduled for Tuesday were already full, so we set you up for an afternoon fishing excursion with our finest.”

“Fishing?” Kara shook her head in disbelief. “I’m not really a fan of fishing.”

“Understandable. You can always skip it, or I’m sure Mr. Hoho would be fine with a scenic boat ride around the island. He is quite a nice man once you get to know him.”

Kara sighed, thinking about the change of plans. “I guess a scenic ride around wouldn’t be too bad.”

Kippa smiled brightly and said, “Great! I’ll let him know you’ll be joining him on Tuesday.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Kippa took out a small USB-type stick and handed it over to Kara. “This is the key to your room which is suite number 3050 on the top floor. You’re free to take your helmet off inside the resort. But of course, once you leave the premises, you’ll need it at all times.”

“I understand. Thanks for your time Kippa.”

“Any time.” She smiled again. “If you need anything, dial one on the phone pad in your room, or find me down here in the lobby and I’ll be happy to help.”

Kara waved goodbye to the bubbly alien and made her way to the elevator, which was shaped like a tube. She was hesitant, but she stepped inside and pressed her floor number. The next thing she knew, the tube shut and shot her up to the third floor. She felt wobbly as she exited the elevator, but a grin crept onto her face. It was going to take some getting used to, but she couldn’t deny that it was a fun contraption.

When she found her room, which was one of three on the top floor, she was amazed. It was massive and had a very futuristic style. Uniquely shaped tiles and platforms, neon-colored lights, and odd-looking furniture filled the space. She plopped down on the curvy queen bed and took off her helmet to take in the full view.

After a long and strange travel day, she decided to get some rest. She grabbed some pajamas from her suitcase that the baggage carrier must have dropped off while she was talking with Kippa. She then took a quick shower with the advanced system they had and went to bed.

***

Kara’s first few days on Neptune Archipelago were relaxing and fun. She had a spa day, swam in the infinity pool, and sampled some extraterrestrial-style drinks. Today was her fishing excursion and she wasn’t looking forward to it, but at least she would get to explore the island from a different perspective.

As she made her way to the docks at the back of the resort, an elderly human couple approached her. The older woman put her hands over her heart and asked, “Are you, Kara Byrd?”

Kara gave the woman a polite smile. She was not one to turn down a fan. “I am.”

“I just loved you in December Sweets!” she gushed. “I’ve been a huge fan of yours since Turn West.”

Her husband nodded and said, “She has. And I had to drag her to that movie since she hates westerns, but she was captivated by your performance.”

“Thank you,” Kara said. “Turn West started it all and I was grateful to have been a part of that movie.”

“You were only nineteen, right?”

“Yes, I was.”

“Well, you were phenomenal.” The woman took out her cell phone and asked, “I hate to be a bother during your vacation, but can you take a picture with us?”

She happily took a picture with the couple before saying their goodbyes. Then, she continued her walk to the dock, where she encountered a large, muscular male alien with blue skin. He had a grimace on his face, a bright yellow wheat-like plant dangling from his mouth, and a floppy tan hat on his head. He reminded her of an alien version of a hillbilly.

Kara walked up to the boat, looking up at the significantly tall man, and asked, “Are you, Mr. Hoho?”

He grunted. “Yup… You must be my client.”

“I am. I’m Kara Byrd.”

“Well, you’re late.” Mr. Hoho started raising the anchor. “Get on. We’ve already wasted ten minutes.”

Kara quickly hopped onto the lightly swaying boat and said, “Sorry. A couple of fans stopped me.”

“Fans?”

“I’m an actress back on Earth.”

He scoffed as he put the motor into gear. “Of course you are.”

Kara crossed her arms in front of her and asked, “What’s your problem?”

“Earthlings are my problem.”

“What?” she questioned him. “Then why do you offer fishing and boat tours to them?”

“Believe me, it’s not by choice,” he explained as he turned the wheel a bit.

“Are you saying they’re forcing you?”

His large shoulders sagged as he let out a sigh. “Not really. I do have a choice, but it’s not much of one.”

Kara tilted her head. “Then why do you do this if you hate it?”

“I need the money.” He said blatantly. “I have a wife and two kids at home. After they opened our planet to tourists, everything went up in price.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.”

“I wish your kind never reached our planet. You’ve made it miserable, and there’s only been a handful of you so far.”

“I’m sorry about that.”

“Let’s just get this over with, so I can sell my catch and go home to my fam.”

“But I thought we weren’t fishing,” Kara mentioned.

“You don’t have to.” He said as he kept the boat steady. “I still want to fish.”

“That’s your other income?”

“It used to be my only income.”

“Ah, you were already a fisherman.”

He nodded and she figured he didn’t want to chat anymore, at least on that subject. She decided to sit on the flat bench on the right side of the boat. She looked down at the glowing seafoam green water, watching it move in a thicker way than the water back home.

Eventually, Mr. Hoho dropped anchor, parking the boat in the middle of nowhere. The island was barely visible from their location. He set up his neon green fishing rod, casting it out toward the water, and waited for a catch.

Kara stretched out on the bench, drowsily gazing at the vibrant celestial bodies overhead. From her vantage point in this corner of the galaxy, the cosmos appeared vastly altered, yet all the more stunning. Despite the slightly dimmer sky, there was still ample illumination to admire the pink, yellow, and baby blue planets.

As her eyes got heavy, a loud splash came from the beside her. A large orange tentacle wrapped around the metal railing and a guttural growl followed. Kara jumped up and away from the side of the boat, letting out a piercing scream.

“Relax.” Mr. Hoho said as he went over to the creature who looked between an octopus and a seal with four eyes on its bulbous head. “He is a docile alien sea creature.”

“It is?” she questioned him as she eyed the large creature.

“Yup,” he petted the creature’s head, making it close its eyes and lean into the touch. “Name’s Slinky. He started visiting me when he was just a pup. He’s part of the Degado Dragma species.”

Kara slowly wandered over and asked, “Can I pet him?”

Both of his eyebrows shot up. “You want to pet him?”

She nodded as she looked at Slinky. “Why not?”

“Usually, people are too scared to. Even the small fish here make your kind squeamish.”

“I don’t mind. I enjoy new experiences.”

Mr. Hoho grabbed her arm and said, “Flatten your palm and slide it over his skin. He’ll be a bit slimy.”

Kara followed the instructions, running her hand along Slinky’s skin, which felt like blubber. She thought she heard a purring sound, similar to that of a cat, but wasn’t certain. Suddenly, Slinky released its grip on the rail and encircled Kara’s body with its tentacle. She was momentarily taken aback but quickly relaxed as Slinky pulled her close to its massive form.

After embracing Kara, Slinky retreated into the lake, slowly floating away into the depths below. Kara wiped the clear, slimy substance that had accumulated on her helmet and the right side of her body after the hug. Mr. Hoho chuckled and offered her a white towel. “I think he likes you.”

Kara laughed and said, “What gave you that idea?”

“He did the same to my kids when they first met. They love Slinky to bits.”

Kara continued to wipe off her slimy body. “He seems like a great creature.”

“Yeah, there’s not much of them left, unfortunately.”

“Oh,” Kara frowned. “They’re going extinct?”

“Yes, only about a couple of dozen Degado Dragma are left on our planet.”

“Is it because of us?”

He shook his head as he reeled the line from his rod back in. “Not this time. They’ve been slowly disappearing for the last twenty years.”

“That’s sad.”

“It is.”

Mr. Hoho revved up the engine, steering the boat back towards the island. As Kara gazed out at the horizon, she admired the views of the alien vegetation and stars in the sky. Her thoughts soon turned to Slinky and all the other inhabitants of the island and planet, feeling heartbroken for them all.

***

Upon returning to Earth, Kara retained a fondness for the creatures of the Neptune Archipelago. Determined to use her platform for a greater purpose, she established a non-profit organization and reserve to aid in the repopulation of Slinky’s species. On a visit back to the planet, Kara approached Mr. Hoho, whose first name she learned was Ich, and asked if he would be a part of this endeavor. He readily agreed and they soon opened the reserve near the resort, ready to welcome a new chapter for Degado Dragma and alien residents.

“I appreciate you doing this, Kara,” Ich said as he looked around the new building and the sectioned-off waterfront.

“I never thought I’d be saving endangered species of another planet, but after speaking with you and petting Slinky. I needed to do something,” she stated.

Ich grabbed her, basically lifting her off the ground, and squeezed her in a tight hug. “Thank you.”

She breathlessly laughed and said, “So, earthlings aren’t so bad after all?”

“Not all of them,” he agreed as he put her down.

“that’s true.”

“I’ve brought my family along,” he said, gesturing towards a young lavender woman, a turquoise boy, and a violet girl. “Would you like to meet them?”

She smiled and nodded, “I’d love to.”

Kara was introduced to Ich’s family, who quickly warmed up to her. She never imagined that her life would take her on a journey of friendship with aliens and supporting a new lifeform. But the unexpected trip to escape reality and discover a unique form of paradise turned out to be the best decision she could have ever made.